Annapurna circuit trek, the legendary trekking region, and the greatest trek in central Nepal which is full of diversity and beauty. It is the classic and most famous trek. The highest altitude of this circuit trek is 5416 m which is at Thorung La pass, the highest pass of Nepal.
Due to the road construction, the nature of the trek has slightly changed, but still, it remains a beautiful and popular trek that can be done in various ways. You can trek from a short itinerary of a week to a long itinerary of a month.
Best season to trek:
This trek can be done every season but, the best and the busiest season are spring and fall. Monsoon season is also good for the trek but in winter it might be difficult as Thorung La pass might be closed due to snowfall i.e. snow.
Length of Annapurna circuit trek:
The trek route length may vary from 160-230 km as it depends upon where you take help of transportation and where you end the trek.
Permit:
To trek on the Annapurna region, Annapurna circuit you will need to purchase A TIMS card and the Annapurna conservation area permit which is also called ACAP from Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu, or at the ACAP counter on Lamjung.
Itinerary of trek:
You have many ways of trekking in the Annapurna region. You can start the trek from Manang which can be completed in a week. Also, you can do the full Annapurna trek which starts from Tatopani which takes a month to be completed.You can also start a trek from Besisahar to Khundi and then to Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang to Manang then Tilicho base camp, and then to Yak Kharkha, Muktinath then Jomsom to Pokhara, and finally to Kathmandu. This takes about three weeks.
Each day you will be gaining the altitude which will make your trek difficult there is high chance of altitude sickness, However, the views that the route offers will make you to forget all the tiring days. The blooming Rhododendron, varied wildlife and plant species, beautiful local villages and the warm welcome of people, stunning view of snow-capped peaks etc. will make this trek worth remembering for the lifetime. A brief itinerary is given below:
Day 1: Arrival at Tribhuwan international airport Nepal
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu and prepare for the trek
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar and then trek to Khudi
Day 4: Trek from Khudi to Bahundanda (1852 m)
Day 5: Trek from Bahundada to Jagat
Day 6: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1960 m)
Day 7: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2710 m)
Day 8: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3310 m)
Day 9: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3540 m)
Day 10: Acclimatization day (rest) at Manang
Day 11: Trek from Manang to Khangsar village (3750 m)
Day 12: Trek from Khangsar village to Tilicho base camp (4850 m)
Day 13: Visit and explore Tilicho lake (5000 m) and return to Tilicho base camp
Day 14: Trek from Tilicho base camp to Yak Kharkha (4018 m)
Day 15: Trek from Yak Kharka to ThorungPhedi (5416 m)
Day 16: Trek from ThorungPhedi to Muktinath (3710 m)
Day 17: Explore Muktinath and Acclimatization
Day 18: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2743 m)
Dar 19: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (822 m) and explore Pokhara
Day 20: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 21: Departure
It’s not only about a trek it’s more than a trek where you can see diversity of wildlife like blue sheep, snow leopard, langur, deers, and many more. Not only wildlife you can explore temples like Muktinath temple and other monasteries too. You can watch the scenery of different mountains and explore the beauty of nature. You can explore lots of villages and culture of people residing in those villages.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most beautiful experiences and a diverse trek.
-Article Written by: Kusum Kharel for Land Nepal
