Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular classic and spectacular trekking trails of the world. Starting at about 800 meters from subtropical mid-hills and green valleys, it gives us a chance to explore the Himalayas from many different angles and perspectives. The Annapurna massif is perhaps the most astonishing and extraordinary mountain range in the Himalayas and walking around this mountain range is simply spectacular. It is well known among the trekking enthusiasts that the Annapurna Circuit trekking is amongst the most highly regarded walking holidays in the world circumnavigating worlds tenth highest mountain, the Annapurna I (8091 m) and several other major peaks of Annapurna massif that offers most splendid Himalayan vistas. From a mere height of 800 meters to the high altitude of 5416 meters, you will pass through a diverse geographical and cultural variation with an amazing range of flora and fauna that prosper within the range.

The 10 to 21 days trek of Annapurna Circuit can be started from Besisahar, Bhulbhule or Chyamje after about 6 to 10 hours of drive from Kathmandu. Then we follow the Marsyangdi River towards north through pretty Nepali villages, beautiful valleys, farmlands and lush forests. As we climb higher we not only perceive the vegetation changes but also notice the change in lifestyle, tradition, culture and costume of the local people. The initial days of the trek involves walking through friendly villages, rice farms, forests  and in the lower realms of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trek continues passing through dozens of lowlands and high mountain villages and some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world. Just imagine the thrills of crossing the famous high pass, the Thorong La (5416 m/17764 ft) on the way from Manang to Muktinath with Annapurna I, world’s tenth highest mountain rising to 8091 m to the east and Dhaulagiri, world’s 7th highest mountain towering 8167 m to the west accompanied by several neighboring peaks.

Further down from the pass, on the windy Kali Gandaki valley we come along Holy pilgrimage site of Muktinath in a quiet poplar grove. Muktinath is a complex of four main temples scared to both Hindus and Buddhists.  At the courtyard of the temple are 108 waterspouts, pilgrims believed to wash away all their sins and gain spiritual merit upon bathing in each of them. The mysterious natural gas fires beneath the altar of Jwala Mai temple amazes the visitors. Trekking ahead from Muktinath passing through the windy Kali Gandaki valley to Jomsom and the apple orchards of Marpha, enter the deepest gorge in the world, and before ending our trek in the foothills, we stop en route in the hot spring of Tatopani to take a dip in and soothe our weary feet and then to Ghorepani to watch sunrise over the mountains from the view tower of Poon Hill (3210 m/10529 ft). Circling back to Pokhara, we further explore more spectacular natural sceneries and culturally rich ethnic villages.

Trip Highlights

• Sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu valley
• Exciting and scenic drive to Besisahar
• Trekking through beautiful hill villages of different ethnicity and visiting interesting temples and age old Monasteries
• Epic trekking experience through diverse landscape and over a high pass at 5416m/17765ft
• Breath-taking views of high Himalayan peaks
• The early morning hike up to the famous view tower of Poon Hill for breathtaking sunrise and superb views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Range