Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Classic Treks Nepal

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most celebrated long-distance trekking routes, renowned for its dramatic variety of landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and high Himalayan scenery. Circling the Annapurna Massif in central Nepal, the trek offers an ever-changing journey from subtropical valleys to arid high-altitude deserts and snow-covered mountain passes.

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Overview

• Region: Annapurna Conservation Area, Central Nepal

• Classic duration: ~15–21 days (shorter or longer versions possible)

• Maximum elevation: Thorong La Pass – 5,416 m (17,769 ft)

• Trek style: Teahouse trek (lodges and meals available along the route)

• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

• Best seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)

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Route Description

1. Lowlands and River Valleys

The trek traditionally begins in the lower Marsyangdi River valley. Early days pass through subtropical forests, terraced fields, waterfalls, and villages inhabited mainly by Gurung and Magar communities. The climate here is warm and green, with banana trees and rice paddies.

2. Mid-Hills and Buddhist Influence

As the trail ascends, the landscape gradually shifts to pine forests and alpine terrain. Villages such as Chame and Pisang mark the transition into areas with strong Tibetan Buddhist culture. Prayer wheels, mani walls, and monasteries become prominent, with spectacular views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Pisang Peak.

3. Manang Valley (Acclimatization Zone)

The trek reaches Manang (≈3,540 m), a key acclimatization stop. The environment becomes drier and more barren, lying in the rain shadow of the Annapurna range. Trekkers often take rest days here, exploring nearby viewpoints and lakes while adapting to altitude.

4. Thorong La Pass

The highlight of the trek is crossing Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The ascent begins before dawn from Thorong Phedi or High Camp. Reaching the pass rewards trekkers with sweeping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The descent leads into the Mustang region.

5. Mustang and Kali Gandaki Gorge

On the western side, the trail drops into the Kali Gandaki Valley, the deepest gorge on Earth, flanked by Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri. Villages such as Muktinath, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, and Jomsom showcase a stark, windswept, high-desert landscape.

6. Hot Springs and Lower Valleys

Further south, trekkers pass through Tatopani, famous for natural hot springs, and then climb again to viewpoints like Poon Hill (optional extension) for panoramic sunrise views before finishing the trek.

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Culture and People

The Annapurna Circuit passes through ethnically diverse regions:

• Gurung and Magar communities in lower areas

• Manangi and Thakali people in higher valleys

• Strong Tibetan Buddhist traditions in the rain-shadow regions

Monasteries, festivals, traditional houses, and local cuisine are integral parts of the experience.

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Flora and Fauna

The trek spans multiple climate zones:

• Subtropical forests: rhododendron, bamboo, oak

• Alpine regions: juniper, scrub, grasses

• Wildlife: langurs, blue sheep, musk deer, Himalayan birds (snow leopard presence is rare but possible)

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Accommodation and Facilities

• Teahouse trekking: simple lodges with rooms, meals, and communal dining areas

• Facilities become more basic at higher altitudes

• Electricity and hot showers may cost extra in remote areas

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Permits

Trekkers must obtain:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

• TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
  (Exact requirements can change, so checking locally before trekking is advised.)

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Why Trek the Annapurna Circuit?

• Extraordinary landscape diversity in a single trek

• A classic high mountain pass crossing

• Deep cultural immersion across multiple ethnic regions

• Well-established infrastructure with flexible itinerary options

Annapurna Circuit Trip Facts:

SERVICE	Annapurna Circuit Trek
DURATION	15 Nights / 16 Days.
VISIT PLACES:	Kathmandu, Manang, Thorung La Pass, Muktinath, Tatopani, Ghorepani, Pokhara.
MODE OF TOURS:	KTM – Khudi – PKR – KTM Drive + 16 Days Classic Annapurna Trek
GROUP SIZE:	2 to 20 persons.
COMMUNICATION:	For Viber and Whatsapp: +9779851036473 For Direct Mail: sales@nepaltour.info