Annapurna circuit is most popular trek within the mountain range of western Nepal. It holds the best trekking route among the backpackers and explorers. This incredibly beautiful trek entertains thousands of trekkers on every trekking season in Nepal. The lush vegetation of Annapurna Conservation Area Project, flora and fauna biodiversity and wildlife is the main attraction for the trekkers. The mesmerizing view of Marsyangdi Valley, rural lifestyle of people, monasteries and monastic culture are the authentic taste of the region. Most importantly the Himalayan panorama throughout the trek is great highlight of Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Main Features of Annapurna Circuit are:
- One of the world’s most well-known circuit treks
- Transverse the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters
- Discover the customs and friendliness of the inhabitants
- Views of the Annapurna Massif, Thorong Peak, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchre are breathtaking
- Amazing waterfalls along with magnificent lakes, glaciers, and deep canyons
- Exploration of Muktinath temple – both Buddhists and Hindus
- You can bathe in Tatopani’s natural hot springs
- A breathtaking view of the Himalayas from Poon Hill Viewpoint (3,210 m)
How to trek Annapurna Circuit
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular hiking destination in the world. The trip passes through farms, canyons created by the Marsyangdi River. And forested areas before frequently emerging in villages with a diverse cultural heritage. Gains altitude while hiking, and the environment around it drastically alters. Trekkers encounter entirely different landscapes and cultures. The forest progressively transforms into low alpine tropical, and above 4,000 meters trees are not seen. A difficult adventure of this trek is the ascent from Manang to Thorong La Pass (5,416m), which is the highest summit of the Annapurna Circuit.
The walk descends to the revered Muktinath after the pass.
Places to visit in Annapurna Circuit Trek
Manang Village
Manang is a village in the corner of Annapurna circuit trek route located at 3,519 m along the Marshyangdi river bank. The village is culturally rich and it has few Buddhist temples, offer stunning view of Himalayas, glacial lakes, Yak farms and celebrate various Buddhist and Hindu festival. Manang is a gateway of Thorong La pass, Tilicho Lake, Chulu peak climb and hub of local business for Manang people and trekkers. Most of Annapurna explorers stop extra night in here to get acclimatize for high altitude and for a side/day trips around mountain side.
Thorong La Pass
Thorong-La pass 5,416 m is highest summit of Annapurna Trek and every tourists dream and local traders regularly use this pass to complete the whole circle of AC. The pass is located on a trail that connects the Manang village to the east with the Muktinath temple in the Mustang district to the west. However, a night spend in Thorong Phedi is recommended before attempting to hike Thorong-La pass. Due to bad weather some time Thorong La pass trek is a risk of avalanches, frostbite, and storm.
Muktinath Temple
Great Vishnu Temple in Muktinath is revered by both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Probably most visit for attraction in Annapurna circuit route. Located in Mustang District at an altitude of 3,810 m. The most suitable time to visit Muktinath is from March to May and September to November as the weather conditions are not safe in other months. It is one of the best view point to see the upper and lower section of Mustang and Mt.Dhaulagiri range.
Hot Spring – Tatopani
The natural hot spring is located at the bank of Kaligandaki River in Tatopani village. It is one of the most popular stop in the route of Annapurna circuit trek. Hot spring is popular for bathing and relaxing. Tatopani is also famous for organic orange and fresh juice and rural tourism.
Poon Hill – Sunrise View
Poon Hill is 3,210 m height hill station overlooking Annapurna Range and Dhaulagiri Massif in route of around Annapurna trekking. It is Nepal’s top and best short trek destination. Wanderers simply join 3 to 5 days trek from Pokhara. The hill provides an opportunity to witness the scenic mountain sunrise views over Mt. Annapurna and Mt.Dhaulagiri . Trekkers hike along stone stairs through the rhododendron forest for 1 hour to reach poon hill to enjoy the beautiful sunrise views. The area is quite crowded with the trekkers taking photographs during the peak season. And witnessing the views from the view tower, and taking coffee in the coffee shop. To go Poonhill Hike tourist need to pay 50 Rupees as entrance fee.
Best time for Annapurna Circuit
September-December and February-May are the best times for Annapurna Circuit trekking. However, Nepal Footprint Holiday hosts this trek all year round. We guarantee all the logistic and check up on your safety, necessary equipment guides, weather information, hiking tips and suggest a total of detours by Annapurna Circuit Trek experts.
Permits for Annapurna Circuit Trekking
TIMS
Trekkers Information Management System, is a need for any trekker who intends to travel in Nepal. This permit is accepted by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) to ensure the safety and security of any trekker wishing to trek in Nepal.
ANCAP
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ANCAP) referred to as an entry permit, is required for any hiker who wishes to access the Annapurna Conservation Area.
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