10 Reasons To Choose Annapurna Circuit Trek
Filled with unique travel destination with peaceful Himalayan views, temples, fascinating hills, villages, and wildlife, Nepal is considered as a heavenly paradise for every trekker. Since the diversity in trekking as found in Nepal cannot be found anywhere around the world, the country is one of the world’s premier destinations for the first-timers as well as experienced trekkers. This country of Himalayas offers a wide range of beautiful destinations for trekking suitable for everyone.
Among numerous extraordinary trekking voyages in Nepal, the Annapurna Circuit trek is considered to be the best of the treks because of its scenery and cultural diversity. This features an adventurous trek that offers a lifetime experience and a complete scenic journey beneath the world’s 10th and 7th highest mountains Annapurna (8091 m) and Dhaulagiri(8167 m).
The circuit following the Marsyangdi valley to the north crosses a 5416 m pass descending into the theatrical desert-like scenery of the upper Kali Gandaki valley. The trail passes through scenic villages of varieties of an ethnic group such as Gurung, Managis and Thakalis offering a spectacular Himalayan backdrop of the Annapurna Massif. Known to be one of the optimum trekking routes in Nepal, the circuit covers everything a trekker would want from a trekking expedition in the Himalayas.
Given below are a few facts that highlight the reasons for choosing Annapurna Circuit Trek.
- Annapurna Circuit itself.
- Exceptional view of the Annapurna Massif
- Beautiful trail that takes you through changing landscapes and climate
- Flora and Fauna along with the place being home to rare and endangered species
- Tibetan influenced lifestyle.
- The warm hospitality of the locals
- Witnessing the view of the Kaligandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge
- Visit the holy Hindu temple, Muktinath
- Rejuvenate yourself in the hot springs of Tatopani
The development of roads and trails in this route has changed the nature of trekking here since the trail is a little less pleasant to walk. This trek is considered as a moderate and one of the longest routes for this reason but it is no doubt the most exciting and adventurous trekking journey for any trekker.
The route by which the trek can be completed also adds up to why you should choose this trek. Commencing the trek from Pokhara, the following itinerary could be followed for a convenient experience and a lifelong memory.
Itinerary of the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu-Besisahar and trek to Bhulbhule(840 m) (7 hours’ drive and 1-2 hours trek)
The first day of the circuit features 6-7 hours drive from the capital city to Besisahar. From Besisahar our trek kicks off along the trail of the village and descends along the Pam Khola. Passing through paddy fields and subtropical forests by the side of Marsyangdi river we approach the Gurung village of Bhulbhule.
Day 02: Bhulbhule to Ghermu (1310 m) (5-6 hours trek)
Today we walk along the Marsyangdi river to Ngadi village. After crossing a couple of suspension bridges then descending along the trail, we reach Ghermu for our overnight stay.
Day 03: Ghermu to Tal (1700 m) (6-7 hours trek)
The trail moves downhill to the Syange village and gradually escalates to Jagat village. After walking for a couple of hours will bring us to a suspension bridge over the rushing Marshyangdi river. On the other side of the bridge precedes a steep uphill climb. A couple of hours of the effortful climb would bring us to Tal village where we can explore the village before staying overnight.
Day 04: Tal to Bagarchhap (2160 m) (5-6 hours trek)
Today we walk alongside the bank of Marshyangdi river to reach Bagarchhap village. Crossing a few suspension bridges and walking alongside the sandy trails brings us to Dharapani village. After an hour-long trek from Dharapani, we reach Bagarchap village for our overnight stay.
Day 05: Bagarchhap to Chame (2670 m) (6-7 hours trek)
As we move upwards, the air gets cooler, the landscapes and the vegetation around us begin to change. We start our trek by a walk to Danaque and the trail mounts quickly along the steep uphill of Timang village.
The Timang village offers a magnificent view embracing the Manaslu range and closer view of Lamjung and Annapurna II. We bid goodbye to Timang village, and start our pleasant walk to Chame. We ascend and descend occasionally as we cross pass buckwheat fields and Apple farms to reach Chame.
Day 06: Chame to Pisang (5-6 hours walk)
The trail moves through the pine forest with few ups and down to arrive in Bhartang Village. The trek continues along the leveled route and then climbs steeply high through the pine forest.
On the way to Pisang, we will have a wonderful view of the Pisang peak and Mt. Chulu. In the evening, we visit upper Pisang famous for Tibetan style houses, monastery along with a panoramic view of the Annapurna range and valley.
Day 07: Pisang to Manang (3540 m) (5-6 hours trek)
Today we move gently up from the Pisang village. After half an hour of trekking, we reach the top of the ridge wherefrom we can see the beautiful Manag valley. From here is a linear walk to the Humde village. Further trekking for about 2 hours, we arrive at the beautiful village of Manang.
Day 08: Acclimatization at Manang (3540m )
After walking for almost a week, it seems necessary to take a rest for a day. Also for the acclimatization purpose, the rest is recommended.
Day 09: Manang -Yak Kharka (4050 m)
An hour-long climb for Manang we reach Gunsang village. Gunsang offers a wide panoramic view of Annapurna starting from Annapurna II to Tilicho. The trail goes slowly up to reach the Yak Kharka for the overnight stay.
Day 10: Yak Kharka - Thorang Phedi (4450 m) (4-5 hours walk)
Since we are above 4000 m, we start with a slow climb to reach Ledtar Village. The landscape and mountain view is amazing throughout the day. An hour-long descending trek will bring us Jorsanf Khola and then to Thorang Phedi.
Day 11: Trek from Thorang Phedi to Muktinath (3760 m )(8-9 hours walk) via Thorang La Pass (5416 m)
The trek to Muktinath is going to be the toughest trek of the Annapurna circuit. The trail moves steeply up to High Camp for about 4 hours to reach Thorang Pass, the highest point of the trek. From here we move down to Muktinath.
Day 12: Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2670 m) (6-7 hours trek)
After an early morning visit to Muktinath, we move towards an easy downhill trek to Eklebhatti. From here, the trek follows a downhill windy path on the bank of the Kali Gandaki river to reach Marpha village via Jomsom.
Day 13: Marpha to Ghasa (2010m) (6-7 hours walk)
We start our day with a slow descend to Tukuche village. An hour further descend will bring us to Kalopani village. Kalopani is a beautiful village that offers the majestic view of Mt. Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. A couple of hours of the easy downhill hike will bring us to the village of Ghasa.
Day 14: Ghasa to Tatopani (1190m)
Today’s day features an easy walk through fields to reach Dana Valley. After Dana valley, the trail is almost flat till we reach Tatopani village for our overnight stay.
Day 15: Tatopani to Ghorepani(2860 m) (7-8 hours walk)
The trail descends slowly crossing a couple of suspension bridges to reach Ghara Khola. After that, the trail goes steeply up till a couple of hours through the Rhododendron forest until we reach Ghorepani.
Day 16: Hike to the Poon Hill(3210 m) and trek to Tadapani(2630 m) (4-5 hours)
Poonhill offers a wide range of Himalayan outlook of Manaslu, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri. After an early morning hike to Poonhill, we continue our trek to Tadapani for the overnight stay.
Day 17: Tadapani to Ghandruk (1940 m ) to Nayapul (1070 m ) (4-5 hours)
Leaving the beautiful scenery of Tadapani, we move towards Ghandruk. The walk towards Ghandruk is easy and pleasant through the forested path. About three hours of walking with a sporadic view of Annapurna brings us to Ghandruk.
We continue our trek by walking down for a couple more hours to Nayapul from where we take a scenic ride to Pokhara where we will stay overnight.
Day 18: Drive from Pokhara - Kathmandu(6-7 hours)
Road travel in Nepal is a thrilling experience. We will drive on a winding road from Pokhara to Kathmandu via Naubise.
Known as one of the classic treks in Nepal, the Annapurna circuit trek is the most popular among the tourists. The trek offers a lifetime opportunity to discover an incredible variety of hills and mountain scenery, as well as the warm hospitality of friendly local people with their divine culture. During the trek, the landscape changes dramatically from green cultivated land to the barren rocky landscape of Mustang.
The major plus point is that since it is a circuit, every day in this amazing trek experience has something new to offer and you don’t have to retrace your steps at any point.