The Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal is one of the most famous treks in the world. Even Though some of the trails are rough, it allures thousands of trekking lovers every year. This circuit trek to Annapurna is the third most famous trek in Nepal which is famous for the dramatic deep gorges, desolated high mountain passes, stunning viewpoint(Poon Hill),hot springs, amazing views of many mountains, and so on.
The Annapurna circuit trek encompasses the entire Annapurna region and includes crossing the Thorung La Pass (5,416 m), walking along the world's deepest gorge (Kaligandaki gorge), enjoying the view of the Himalayan sunrise from Poon Hill, visiting the Muktinath Temple (a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists), and refreshing in the hot springs. One will travel at an altitude of 800 meters to 5,416 meters and will take us across many climatic zones from paddy fields, subtropical forests, rural farms, and glaciers.
Throughout this Annapurna circuit trek, you will be able to observe the panoramic view of high peaks and ranges like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna I, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Annapurna II, Mt. Annapurna III, Mt. Annapurna IV, Mt. Annapurna south, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Machhapuchhare, Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Lamjung Himal, Tukuche peak, and Tilicho peak. Similarly, this trek offers you the opportunity to learn about the Tibetan lifestyle in the Mustang Valle, snow leopards, and blue sheep, which are likely to be seen in Yak Khark. We will also stop at the hot springs, where you can dive into the famous hot springs.
Major attractions of the Annapurna circuit trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek encircles the most beautiful spots of Nepalese beauty beyond the mountains and some cultural and religious aspects. Some of the major attractions or the reasons to choose the Annapurna Circuit trek are listed below:
- Fantastic day at the tourist hub in Pokhara
- Visit beautiful places like Jomsom, Poon Hill viewpoint, Manang, Muktinath, and so on.
- Cross through yak pastureland and Thorong La Pass
- Explore the largest monastery in Manang, Barge Monastery
- Revive yourself in a natural hot spring in Tatopani
- Amazing lakes, glaciers, deep gorges, rivers, and waterfalls
- Panoramic view of many mountains like Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, Thorung peak, and many more
- Explore more than ten different ethnic groups in
- Nepal
- Enroute you will encounter suspension bridges and wooden bridges
- Village settlements, teahouses, and lodges
- Old centuries of monasteries and shrines
Annapurna Region centers the hundreds of alluring natural, cultural and artistic attractions. All these lures can be inhaled during this circuit trek to Annapurna. One will be mesmerized by the upper level of satisfaction and gratification after coming in contact with them.
Mountains viewed during the Annapurna circuit trek
Annapurna Massif encompasses large peaks in the Annapurna circuit. It has a peak at 8000 meters, 13 peaks at 7000 meters, and 16 peaks at 6000 meters. You can see the following peaks while walking the Annapurna circuit.
- Mt. Annapurna I (8,041 m)
- Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m)
- Mt. Annapurna III (7,555 m)
- Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525 m)
- Mt. Gangapurna (7,455 m)
- Mt. Annapurna South (7,219 m)
- Mt. Annapurna Fang (7,647 m)
- Mt. Khangsar Kang (7,485 m)
- Mt. Tarke Kang (7,202 m)
- Lachenal Peak (7,140 m)
- Tilicho Peak (7,135 m)
- Nilgiri Himal North (7,061 m)
- Nilgiri Himal Central (6,940 m)
- Nilgiri Himal South (6,839 m)
- Mt. Machhapuchchhre or Fish Tail Mountain (6,993 m)
- Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m)
- Mt. Gandharba Chuli (6,248 m)
Best time for Annapurna circuit trek
Annapurna Circuit trek is regarded as the best trekking experience by travelers who visit Nepal from all around the world. Surrounded by many mountain ranges and natural beauty, the circuit trek to Annapurna encompasses every natural and artistic aspect of the Annapurna region. While one can trek to the Annapurna circuit at any time of the year, the best time is considered to be autumn. In this season, you will have a perfect climate and weather to look at the surrounding mountain ranges like Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri. With no unobstructed weather, you can view the great sunrise and sunset scenario during the whole trekking journey. The main festival of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar also fall in autumn which is a great chance to look at the local tradition and culture of the people as well. Forests are filled rhododendron flowers and with greenery all around the trek.
Annapurna circuit trek route
Annapurna circuit trek officially starts from Bhulbhule after a delightful drive from Kathmandu. the trekking route follows the Masryandaghi river valley through Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang. You will spend a night in all these places. On our sixth day, you hike towards Manang, where you stay for the acclimatization, preparing for the Thorong La Pass. After acclimatizing at Manang, you will continue the trek to Yak Kharka, and the next day you spend the night after reaching Thorang Phedi. Then, leave Thorong Phedi on our ninth day and head towards Muktinath, and on this day you will cross Thorong La Pass. The Thorang La Pass conjoins Manang village in the east with Muktinath temple and Ranipowwa village in the west.
After crossing the Thorang La Pass, you will trek toward Muktinath, the holy shrine of Hindus and Buddhists. From Muktinath, you will drive to Tatopani which is famous for its hot springs. It is believed that hot springs can water-cure skin diseases. If you want, you can take a dip in this hot water. You will spend the night in Tatopani. The next day, you will trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani through the lush green forest of rhododendron, birch, and magnolia. You will spend the night in Ghorepani. The next day early in the morning you will trek for about an hour to reach again Poon Hill. Poon Hill is a viewpoint famous for its spectacular views of mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna (I, II, III, South), Himchuli, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhe, Tukuche peak, Dhampus peak, and Gurja Himal.
After spending some quality time on Poon Hill, you hike towards Birethanti and then drive to Pokhara, where you will spend the last night in the trekking area. The next morning, you will return to Kathmandu by private vehicle.
