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.

A Brief Introduction to Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest province is definitely one of the most popular traveler destinations in Nepal, which is world-famous for its incredible mountain summits and the splendor of the hills. A majority of destinations to Everest Base Camp pass through trails and ridges, but you will have adequate space to take rest and enjoy meal during your journey. The people here in this region are pretty friendly and keen to support even strangers. The people who reside here are mainly shepherds who understand a bit English.

Travelers have the luxury to come to visit any time of the year as people enjoy Everest Base camp trek almost all round the year. However, the most ideal period to come to this province is amid March to middle of May and between September to middle of November. Several tourists don’t like to come here during winters as the climate tends to very cool and the snow everywhere may make your hiking experience tough. In such condition, it wouldn’t be feasible to move to higher elevation. At higher altitude, you may even have a tough time in discovering a place to rest & spend the night. Not to say, the nights will get extremely cold and you should carry some additional outfits to keep yourself warm.

During the rain, the climate tends to wet and summits are lost in the clouds. Thus, April & May might prove to be an ideal time to consider a trek here. You can relish trees & shrubs booming during this season, with Rhododendrons in specific. This integrates an incredible beauty and color to surrounding. Nonetheless the views will be much better if you’re planning a post monsoon hike compared to a pre monsoon hike since the wind and rain clears the dirt which blows away from the province.

A majority of the restaurants and lodges in the Khumbu province only receive the Nepalese currency. As the region is considerably affordable compared to India in respect of currency worth, you can anticipate a budget of Rs 1000 to 1500 per individual per day lodging & meals. The cost would amplify for these facilities as you ascend higher.

The preparation prior to hiking this region must be sufficient. Apart from some of the mandatory stuff such as warm clothes, hiking boots, UV sun protection, there’re many other things that you have to carry along with you. Light weight sleeping bags are must for journey.

Annapurna circuit trek and Annapurna circuit trek could be combined with your Everest base camp trek for the ultimate adventure. Make sure you have hired a reliable trekking agency that possesses a reasonable number of years of experience in this industry.

Difference Between Everest Base camp & Annapurna Base Camp

Wondering whether to go for Everest Base Camp trek (EBC) or Annapurna base camp trek (ABC)? Let me guide you through as I have concurred Everest Base Camp before and recently returned from Annapurna Base Camp. Therefore, I believe I’ve acquired a firm grip on the advantages & disadvantages, similarities and dissimilarities between both treks.

If you’re in Nepal for just 2 weeks and planning about doing either Everest Base camp trek or Annapurna base camp trek, I’d suggest due to the variety in landscape. The EBC trek starts and concludes at such a lofty elevation that the landscape remains considerably consistent all through the hike. The ABC trek starts outside of Pokhra where it’s hot and dry. The route pursues a river and at the starting my mate and I were able to swim around in cascades & swimming holes due to the scorching sun. We strolled through lots of trees & Rhododendron forests enclosed the route. But this scenic and warm landscape immediately transformed as soon as we got near to base camp. The day before we arrived at the base-camp we got trapped in a snowstorm. The next morning we strolled to Annapurna Base Camp from Machhapuchhare Base Camp during sunrise where we had to hike through the snow. Though in some ways the Everest was more classic due to the cruel conditions & the exhilaration of being able to witness the highest mountain in the globe, Annapurna displayed the diversity & spectacle of the Grand Himalayas.

Another huge difference amid the 2 treks was during Everest Base Camp I had a porter and guide, and for Annapurna Base Camp trek I went with a mate and we carried our own luggage and had no tour guide. However, for the Everest base camp trek, I’d certainly suggest having a guide and porter. Due to the height, I felt eased out to have somebody carrying my baggage. It made the entire experience much more enviable.

Another big difference amid the 2 treks is that Annapurna circuit trek is less crowded compared to Everest Base Camp. I personally didn’t experience this because I went to Everest Base Camp at the starting of the hiking season and it wasn’t that swarmed, but I heard that during the middle of the trekking season, it can be really wild in terms of tourist influx. If you are planning for EBC trekking, I’d suggest going at the starting of the trek season to avoid yourself from the heavy crowd. However, the Annapurna Circuit remains less crowded compared to the EBC.

Overall, I’d say that both of the treks are unbelievable, but they’re certainly different experience and it relies on what you’re looking for. Wish you a happier and safer trekking experience!

Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Trek Give Complete Enjoyment to Tourists

Mount Annapurna is the tenth highest mountain peak worldwide with a height equal to 8091 meters. Here, the journey to its base camp also called as Annapurna base camp trek acts as one among the popular treks across the world.

Similar to any other trail journey to the region, the trek also starts at Pokhara, known popularly as Lake City and moves through many beautiful villages, cascading waterfalls, terraced farmlands, rhododendron forests comprises of green and lush areas, along with amazing vistas of mountains, before people reach at the base of the popular yet mighty Annapurna Mountain.

What to Expect from the Complete Trek

Annapurna base camp trek serves as one of the classical and legendary treks across the world. It offers breathtaking views of high mountains and at the same time, give opportunities to experience typical villages found in Nepal region, many people longing to the local area and their unique ways to live in Himalayan region of Nepal.

Route to this base camp passes from tranquil and spectacular landscapes, charming villages of Magar and Gurung, green as well as lush rhododendron areas, alpine and bamboo forests and at the last to the base camp of the Mountain Annapurna by reaching at the height equal to 4130 meters.

Hot Springs Available in the Area

Travelers will be able to come across a natural type of hot spring nearby Jhinu Danda, where they could cleanse spiritual way within natural forms of hot springs found in bath areas in laps of the famous Annapurna and its surrounding mountains. Specialty of this spring as per local people is that waters possess sound healing quality to cure pains and aches of people largely.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Other than base camp trekking, individuals will also get opportunity to go for Annapurna Circuit trek within the Annapurna region. This trek will start at about 5416 meter on famous Thorung La pass that touches its edge at the plateau of Tibet. The trail journey will cross two different valleys of the river and encircles massif of Annapurna region by crossing Thorung La, recognized as highest mountain peak of the trek.

Trek to Dolpo Region

If you travel across the Tibet region, you will also be able to go for Dolpo trek and add further enjoyment and excitements to your tour and trek journey in the country of Nepal or across the famous Himalayan region. Therefore, for what else you are waiting, just go for experiencing trails and treks in Nepal today.