Annapurna Circuit Trek – A Brief Overview

The Annapurna circuit is known to be one of the finest treks in the planet though road structure is jeopardizing its repute as a classic trek. Nevertheless, the scenery you found here is awe-inspiring: 17-21 days long, this hike takes trekkers through unique regional panorama of rivers, flora & fauna and above all mountains.

There’re 4 provinces that you will pass through during your Annapurna circuit trek: Manang, Lamjung, Myagdi, and Mustang. Myagdi and Lamjung of the lower altitude are both mainly Hindu and with lush-green subtropical gorges with villages & terraced farming.

Mustang and Manang are of the higher altitudes and are mainly Tibetan Buddhist. The Manang folks are Gurung and are extremely proud regarding their distinctive cultural legacy and amalgamation of low land Gurung & Tibetan cultural influences. Residents of Mustang recognize themselves a lot closer with Tibet. During an Upper Mustang trek you will came to see the age-old Bonpo religion in action.

The Annapurna circuit trek happens counter-clockwise from Besisahar-Nepal and reaches its peak in Thorung La at the elevation of 5416 meters. The trail goes through mountains like Langtang, Himal, Manaslu, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV and obviously Annapurna I & Dhaulagiri – passing via the globe’s deepest valley in between those two 8,000-plus meter peaks.

The trek also takes you through Buddhist villages & Hindu sacred sites, most importantly the village of Muktinath, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, and Braga – the oldest monastery in this province.

The eastern part of the hike pursues the Marsyangdi River upstream, to its source close to the Manang village. To get there many days of uphill trekking are needed. Then the route goes over the pass, a grueling day of hiking, and back down the other side, where it meets up with the Kali Gandaki River. At the end of the trek, many options are accessible: following the river further to the road proper to Beni and catching a bus to Pokhara, or adding on a trek to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC Trek), aka the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.

Annapurna circuit is known as a “teahouse trek”, meaning there’re villages alongside lodges & restaurants to eat and stay throughout the trail. You’re expected to take breakfast & dinner in the same teahouse where you spent the night.

Trekking in Nepal is always fun and you always have the liberty to add different trekking route to your itinerary. The Annapurna Circuit trek is without any doubt deserves a mention whenever you planning a trekking adventure in Nepal.