Annapurna Circuit is a world-renowned trek that encircles the massive Annapurna, offering cascading rivers, diverse landscapes, and an exhilarating Throng-la pass to the arid river valley lower Mustang.
Discovering the unparalleled beauty of Annapurna Circuit Trek is sure that you never have such an experience in your lifetime. Annapurna Trekking is one of the longest and best treks in the world that leads you to mountain ranges of central Nepal through rocky hill terrains, subtropical forests, tranquil villages, and mammals’ paradise. Covering a length of around 170-230km (depending on the start and end point of the trek), this trek encompasses some of the iconic tourist attractions like Muktinath temple, Manang, Tilicho Lake, Thorang La Pass, Tatopani, etc.Beginner should take longer time due to safety mesurement.
Annapurna Circuit Trek encircles the incredible Annapurna Massif and offers you majestic views of sky-t towering, snow-capped mountains. The route crosses Manang Valley and Kaligandaki Valley and reaches the highest point at Thorung La Pass (5,416m). If you are seeking long holidays then you can combine withManaslu Circuit and Upper Mustang in the high Himalayas of Nepal.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights
- Breathtaking views of stunning snow-filled mountains like Annapurna I (8,091m),-IV, Dhaulagiri (8,164), Manaslu (8,156m), Gangapurna, Tilicho Lake, etc
- An opportunity to discover the tranquil villages and isolated communities and get a first-hand authentic experience of the ancestral traditions of local people
- Experience sanctuary old monastery, caves, Muktinath Temples
- Experience diverse climatic zones, geography, vegetation, faunas, and lifestyle of people
- Dive into the Manang and Kaligandaki valleys seamlessly connected by Throng-la top.
What to Expect on the Annapurna Circuit Journey?
The region for trekking is bestowed with such a diverse ecosystem and cultural influences that almost every step you take on this trip brings a difference in geography, way of life of Himalayan people, and landscape. There is a variety of climatic regions within a span of 120 km; from the tropics at 600m above sea level to the Arctic at 5416m at the Thorang La Pass. With every 1000m rise in elevation, the temperature drops by nearly 6 °C.
Owing to the geo-diversity and complexity, this trek will push you to the limit but the sense of accomplishment and the lifetime experience of astounding mountain wilderness, a different aspect of the Himalayas, dispersed wildlife, and the authentic local experience you will get make the trek worth the effort.
Culture, Flora and Founa Along the Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit trek, with its variable altitude and climate, offers an incredible diversity of both flora and fauna, which creates a lifetime experience. Along the ACT trail, you'll encounter vibrant rhododendrons, towering oaks, pines, and fir trees, while the farming terrace is filled with potatoes, barley, and wheat. Annapurna Conservation area is also home to rare wildlife such as the lynx, red panda, elusive snow leopard, wild goat, and Musk Deer. While in the lower foothills, you’ll pass through ancient communities of the Gurung, Magar, and Thakali people, their vibrant cultures provide a rich backdrop to the trek. Heading northward, the influence of Tibetan culture becomes evident, particularly in the Manang Valley and Lower Mustang Valley, where you can immerse yourself in the authentic traditions of the region's diverse ethnic groups. The Annapurna Circuit provides an unforgettable combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Do you know, how difficult is Annapurna Trek?
Annapurna Circuit is a moderate to challenging trek that involves 5/6 hours (12 km to 15 km) of daily walking from lush green forest to high altitude desert and steep mountain climbs. It is a 2 to 3 week journey through diverse landscapes. If you are beginners for Trekking in mountain then plan for little more than 2 week. Nontheless, Annapurna Circuit Trek can be done in 9 days for seasoned trekkers.
Annapurna Round trek reached up 5,416m Throng-la Pass, which can be physically challenging and needs proper acclimatization days to avoid high altitude sickness. The symptoms of High Altitude Sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. The Annapurna Round Walking includes varied terrain and traverses lush subtropical forests, alpine meadows, and scree slopes. Throng-la Pass is a difficult section due to the high elevation, especially in winter-January, and February when snow covers the path and makes it slippery.
Places to visit while at Manang
A scenic and serene village on the Annapurna Circuit trek, Manang is an ideal place to acclimatize before going to a higher altitude. It’s the last permanent village that offers an active life, comfortable accommodation, and fresh and hygienic food. One can visit the ACAP Information Center and mani wall. While in Manang, the following are the top side-trips recommendations:
Ice Lake Day Hike:
Situated at an altitude of 4600m in the heart of Annapurna Circuit Trails in Nepal. The Ice Lake trek offers outstanding views of Annapurna I, Tilicho Peak, Annapurna III, and IV. This lake is often frozen except from May to October.
Milarepa Cave:
Milarepa is a Tibetan Mahasiddha of the 11th century who grew up with a great sense of resentment and anger. Seeking redemption, he became a disciple of the great Buddhist master Marpa, to later achieve a profound spiritual realization. Cave Milarepa, where he practiced intense meditation and retreat is one of the most spiritual sites in the Annapurna region. It is about 5 km from Manang toward the Annapurna III. Situated at an approximate height of 4100m/13,450 feet in the tranquil atmosphere of Annapurna III. The path to Milarepa cave offers cultural immersion with the century-old monastery.
Visit Gangapurna Lake and Tashi Lakhang Monastery:
Lying just above (about 500 m) the Manang village, Tashi Lakhang Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the area. Follow the scree slope of the yak and goat track to reach the monastery. The Monastery is built in a cave and offers an excellent view of Annapurna and its breathtaking landscape. Gangapurna Lake, just opposite Manang village across the Marshyangdi River, takes about 45 minutes to walk. Following the scree slope beside the glacier takes you to the upper part of the viewpoint that offers better views.
Tilicho Lake:
Marked as the highest lake in the world (at an altitude of 4919 m) in the Annapurna region of Nepal, it is a glacier-feed turquoise lake popular for the side trip of Annapurna Circuit offering stunning views of Annapurna and Gangapunra views. Tilicho Lake hiking is a challenging but rewarding one.
With a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, unique cultures, and wildlife along with highlights such as Manang, Milarepa Cave, and Tilicho Lake, Annapurna Circuit Trek levels up the experience of an unforgettable trek. It's a journey that truly offers something special at every turn.
Guide and Porter for Annapurna Trek
Annapurna Trek has good development, with lodge and Guesthouse along the route providing good food and accommodation, making it more accessible compared to Nar Phu Valley Trek. In higher elevation, you may do more basic and dormitory accommodation. A professional, Knowledgeable guide can make your trip different! Our guide is not only a trekking and mountain guide. He is a storyteller, proactive, and laughter, and knows altitude sickness. He holds the wilderness training, Trek guide training, First Aid training, Skil Training. Our porter is strong, supportive, honest and they have first hand knowladgeable of the destination they are going. Having a guide and porter makes your journey easier and safer.
Best Time for Annapurna Circuit
The best times for the Annapurna treks are September to December and March to June, offering stable weather, clear skies, and vibrant landscapes. Global Eco Trails ensures a seamless experience during these optimal trekking periods. July to September is the monsoon season when floods and landslides may disturb in lower part but the views are still beautiful. While Winter season- January and February are too cold and the high pass (Throng la) can be closed because of low temperatures but if the cold is not a matter with you I strongly recommend it for this winter season. However, Mountain is always cold and the propper trekking gear is essentials for your safety and comfortable trek. Visit here for the trek check list.
Annapurna Circuit Cost and Itinerary?
The cost of the Annapurna Circuit trek can vary depending on a few factors, group size, length of trek, time of the year, currency conversion rate, and level of service. However, you can expect to pay between 650 USD to 1400 USD for a typical 14-day to 18-day trek in full package. Please see below details of the package includes and excludes. The 21-day Annapurna Circuit trek shrinks down to 15 days due to the road development. Our meticulously crafted 15-day itinerary ensures an acclimatization day at Manang to avoid altitude sickness. The given itinerary is outlined and it depends on the supplier and customer. We are happy to customize the Annapurna Round Trek itinerary as per your time frame and interest.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a bucket list adventure for every mountain lover. Embark on our 15-day unforgettable adventure with a Government-license company ensuring safety and satisfaction at affordable cost. Our leaders have deep knowledge about the destination and good connections with locals guaranteeing the best value and unforgettable trek.
