Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek overview:

One of the oldest trekking routes, Besides Everest Base Camp, ACT is among the most popular hiking destination in Gandaki province of Nepal attracting tourists and travelers from all around the world. Scenic Mountain vistas of Dhawalagiri (8167m), Annapurna (8091m), Manaslu (8163 m), Gangapurna(7445m) , Nilgiri (7061m), Machapuchhre (6993 m), and many other high snow peaks bejewel the entirety of the trip.

The trail goes through Marsyangdi river gorge, exploring the green lush forests and diverse geographical regions of Lamjung district. Crossing the green hills, the adventure trip continues to the alpine settlements of Pisang, Ghyaru and Manang, enriched with Tibetan Himalayan Buddhism cultures. Offbeat path hikes to glacial lakes and Gangapurna base camp are also possible for acclimatization.

Crossing the high mountain pass of Thorang La (5416m), the most difficult part of the trekking trip requires a strong willpower as well as physical stamina. However, offering spectators with jaw dropping views of Annapurna Himalayas. Besides, the trail takes you to high altitude alpine regions with yak pastures with tranquil environment.

The cold deserted region of Mustang, gateway to the restricted Upper Mustang Region, is a major highlight of the Around Annapurna Trek. Jomsom, the windiest place in Nepal is equipped with a small airport connecting flights to Pokhara.

Following the Kaligandaki River valley, the trekking trail has been overtaken by motor able toads shortening the duration of the trip. However, Tatopani (Hot spring) can be an ideal spot for relaxation of strained muscles where travelers and tourists can take a warm bath. Trek to Annapurna Base Camp, Khopra Ridge, Ghorepani and other off the beaten paths can be combined with the ACT.

Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP):

The largest protected area of Nepal established in 1992, ACAP covers an area of 7629 sq. kilometers of Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi and Kaski districts. With altitude variation ranging from 1000 to 8091 meters, the Annapurna region comprises of diverse topography of green lush forests with Rhododendron and rain shadow area of alpine meadows including various species of vegetation including oak, Fir, Junipers, pine, and many other.

The diverse geography and its biodiversity allows for various species of wildlife to flourish, including some rare and endangered species of Snow and Clouded leopard. Himalayan Thar, Ghoral, Jharal, Pheasants, Himalayan Bears, foxes, coyotes and other species of wildlife are major inhabitants.

Annapurna Conservation Area encompasses diverse ethnic groups of people, including Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Jhong, and Sherpa people with their own distinct culture. Traditional styled houses, foods, languages and the remote villages are interesting for travelers and tourists. Besides Hindus and Buddhists, several other spiritual practices such as Bon, Jhong, Nature worship and Ancestral worship makes the region more vivid.

Major Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek:

Tilicho Lake, elevated at 4919 is a glacial lake is an important highlight before crossing the Thorang La pass. Formerly renowned as the highest freshwater lake it was surpassed by Kajin Sara at an elevation of 5200 m in Manang district. Formed by melting of snow from Tilicho peak, this lake has a significant spiritual value in Hinduism as it is mentioned in the Epic Ramayana as Kag Bhusundi Lake. Besides, the trail to the lake and views of mountains like Tilicho, Nilgiri, Khangsar and Muktinath peaks alluring thousands of tourists.

Muktinath Temple, Muktinath temple, a major attraction offers a cultural insight, as the shrine is visited by devotees seeking liberation from sins. “Mukti” translates to liberation whereas “Nath” to lord, meaning the lord of liberation. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is among eight most important shrines with Srirangam, Srimushnam, Tirupati, Naimisharanya, Thotadri, Pushkar and Badrinath of India.

Devotees from all around the world including India and Nepal visit the site and take bath on icy cold 108 taps. It is also the place where sage Padmasambhava meditated before going to Tibet, in order to spread the teachings of Gautam Buddha. Thus, the shrine is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, and is revered by both communities.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Route:

After a long drive from Kathmandu to Chame, Annapurna Circuit Trek begins with an excursion through the ethnic villages and through the bank of the Marsyangdi River. This trekking holiday package offers a view of breathtaking waterfalls as you pass through green lush forests. Sometimes, we walk through the canyon and again ascend to the forest.

Villages like Pisang and Manang are beautiful Tibetan culture-influenced settlements. A side trip to the Gangapurna Lake helps to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. The treeless region begins as we walk to Yak Kharka, Thorang Phedi, and Thorang High Camp. It is a glacial zone. Reaching the top of Thorong La, you can explore the scenic views of the panoramic Annapurna Himalayan range, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Lamjung range.

The Upper Mustang region is another part that lies in the Himalayan rain shadow area connected with the Tibetan plateau.  Muktinath temple is a renowned pilgrimage destination for people of various religious orientations. Annapurna Circuit trek then heads down to the windy Jomsom valley via Kagbeni a magnificent ancient settlement. After Jomsom the trek goes along the Kali Gandaki River Bank, however, we will take a flight back to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu.

Vertex Holiday has custom-tailored Annapurna Circuit Trekking Itinerary best suitable for an amazing trekking vacation at an affordable cost in Nepal. If you are planning a hiking trip holiday in Nepal, then ACT is one of the best trails to choose. Get in touch with us for more detailed information about this trekking trip and other similar adventure holiday trips.

Annapurna Circuit Trek challenges:

Encircling the Trans Himalayan climatic region around Annapurna Massif, this trek’s elevation ranges from 1000 to 5416 masl, excursing through diverse topographical areas making it a moderate grade journey. The lower regions of the trek don’t pose great challenge for trekkers, except for some steep stone stepped trails.

Hike to Tilicho Lake and crossing the Thorang La pass are the most challenging part of the trek, due to their high altitude. This part’s weather is unpredictable, with strong winds during the late afternoon.  Snowstorm and blizzards are probable and can be fatal at times, however can be avoided by starting the journey as earliest in the morning.

Acute Mountain Sickness or Altitude Sickness can be a challenge for inexperienced trekkers with poor health conditions. In such cases, it is wise to follow the instructions of tour leader and descend to lower altitudes ASAP. In severe cases, one might need supplemental oxygen or emergency evacuation with the fastest means of transport like Helicopter to the nearest health center.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Preparation:

While taking this wonderful hiking trip, preparations are to be done considering various factors like weather, health condition, and season. Warm clothes, sun shades, rain gears, snow gears, sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, medications, toiletries, and water bottles are essential. However, luggage should be packed considering the weight limit of 14 kg per person, as a porter is assigned to two clients. Daypack should be as light as possible so that it won’t drain your energy.

A healthy mind and body will help accomplish the trekking trip comfortably, so we recommend you to start physical exercises like swimming, jogging, cardio, or cycling as early as couple of weeks before the trip departure date. Besides, breathing exercises of Yoga and Meditation classes with proper guidance are also beneficial.

Food and Accommodation during Annapurna Circuit Trek:

Accommodations are mostly based on tea houses and lodges ranging from basic to luxury categories. High alpine regions provide basic lodging facilities with sharing bathrooms but are with hygienic comfortable bedrooms and warm dining halls. During the high tourist seasons, availability of rooms can be difficult and advanced bookings must be made. However, in the lower regions of Jomsom, Marpha, and Tatopani, well-facilitated Hotels are abundant with attached bathrooms and showers.

 Food menus include Dal Bhat and other local ethnic dishes, with options of Indian, Continental, Chinese, Korean, Mexican dishes. In the higher regions choosing from diverse menus may not be possible; therefore local foods are a lifesaver including a hot bowl of soup. Food is hygienic and healthy, mostly including local produce.

Permits for Annapurna Circuit Trek:

Permits are necessary for trekking in the Annapurna region for foreigners and can be obtained from Kathmandu or Pokhara cities. ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) issues permit for entering the region. Besides, the Trekkers Information Management System issued by Trekking Agencies Association Nepal (TAAN) is also mandatory.

The fees collected for the entry permits are used by respective organizations are utilized for the maintenance and preservation of the trails. Besides, the salaries for the staff depend on these funds. The costs for permits are included in the trip package and Vertex Holiday will be responsible for obtaining them.

 Vertex Holiday has custom-tailored Annapurna Circuit Trekking Itinerary best suitable for an amazing trekking vacation at an affordable cost in Nepal. If you are planning a hiking trip holiday in Nepal, then ACT is one of the best trails to choose. Get in touch with us for more detailed information about this trekking trip and other similar adventure holiday trips in Nepal.