Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Must Stunning and diverse landscapes from lower altitude to High Himalayas 

• Views of Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West and East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV are spectacular.

• Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the picturesque villages in the Manang and Mustang districts: On the Annapurna Circuit trek, the stunning and unique local villages village is a perfect place to pause and take a break. The gompas and monasteries are located in most of the villages located around the lower to higher Himalayan regions.

• You get a close-up look at the way of life and discover many cultural landmarks in and around this lovely community. People in this area relate to traditional Tibetan culture, and industrialization and commerce have not touched the area in any way.

• Beautiful lakes like Tilicho and Ice lakes: The world's highest lake, Tilicho Lake, has a length of four kilometers and a width of 1.2 kilometers. It is situated at an altitude of 4,919 meters. One of the most well-liked side treks of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is to the brilliant blue lake, popularly known as "The Great Ice Lake." Along with Tilicho Lake, this walk also passes by the 4660-meter Khayar Lake and the 4700-meter Ice Lake.

• Visit Muktinath, a Hindu and Buddhist holy site noted for its 108 stone faucets and everlasting light: The Muktinath temple in Mustang, one of Nepal's holiest sites, is located at the height of 3,710 meters. Muktinath is known as "a destination for liberation, according to Hinduism. Hindu worshippers have a ritualistic practice of taking a cold water bath from one of the 108 bull faces. The temple serves people of all religions. Buddhists similarly honor the temple.

• Cross the 5,416-meter-high Thorong La Pass: Thorung-La Pass crossing is a fantastic accomplishment that will live in your memory for the rest of your life. At the height of 5416 meters, where Thorung-La Pass is located, the weather can be very unpredictable. It is the highest point of the trek and provides an exhilarating experience that gives you immeasurable accomplishment. Visit the biggest monastery in the Manang district, Barge Monastery.

The proper planning of any journey is aided by having accurate information on the walk's duration, distance, permits, climate, and trekking altitude. Determining all necessary preparation, including physical and equipment preparation, is also helpful.

Physical Preparation: Preparation for the Annapurna Circuit Trek should include aerobic fitness, altitude training, and strength endurance training if you are a beginner. The high altitude of the Annapurna Circuit Trek cannot be replicated, but aerobic training will teach your body to function correctly with less oxygen.

Height exercise will also strengthen your muscles to endure the elevation rise better. The most excellent way to prepare for your journey is trekking. Enjoy taking lengthy hikes. Analyze your body's limitations to see how far you can push it. Start simple, build up your endurance, and progressively improve the difficulty.

Eventually, you should be able to walk nonstop for five or six hours. Hike or take a long stroll as part of your two-week training schedule. Up to 5–6 hours while taking brief breaks. When possible, pick a steep, uneven terrain. Carry your daypack while progressively adding weight until it reaches 25 pounds.

GYM exercise: 30-45 minutes on the treadmill set to the hill setting or at a leisurely speed. 10 minutes of machine-assisted stair climbing at 30 to 45 steps per minute. Take a breather after five minutes of steady, incline-free walking. The length of each period should be increased. To assist build your leg muscles, incorporate three rounds of 20 lunges and 20 squats into your strength-training program.

Mental Preparation: Depending on how comfortable you are outside in isolated alpine places, you will need to prepare psychologically. You will carry a backpack and stroll upwards for 5 to 8 hours each day at a high altitude. Be psychologically and emotionally ready for them because if you have too high of expectations for your living and sleeping places, you risk being disappointed.

Prepare a checklist for all necessary accessories for the trek: Once you determine all other facts, such as duration, weather, etc., you must make a checklist of packing materials you may require. It helps you to stay more organized.

The trek is a part of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Besisahar is the typical starting point for treks up the Annapurna Mountains. You need ACAP permission and a TIMS card for trekking in the Annapurna area. The agency can make this happen for you, bold Himalayas. Knowing this option is beneficial if you are a novice traveler and wish to have all the paperwork handled without making the arrangements yourself.

You should get travel insurance, even if it is not necessary, to pay for any possible expenses incurred during your trek. It's for your security. Your travel insurance plan must cover all medical and travel challenges due to the likelihood of unforeseen disasters on the hiking trail. In this circumstance, you might use a service like an air ambulance, a helicopter rescue, clinical attention, etc.
You can undoubtedly travel anywhere without travel insurance. But you must understand that even if you get sick, lose something, or cancel your vacation; you are still responsible for making your payments.

Traveling without anxiety or dread is made possible by purchasing travel insurance in advance. Before buying travel insurance for trekking in Nepal, don't forget to verify your policy and ensure you are covered for risky activities like trekking over a particular height.

Trek Anti-Clockwise

It is advised to travelers to trek anti-clockwise. Since the anti-clockwise trip starts from Besisahar, at an altitude of 760/2494 feet, and gradually climbs to Thorong-La Pass, you will naturally acclimate to the altitude (5,416 meters, 17,769 feet).

Before crossing the Thorong-La Pass, you will have walked for several days, giving you plenty of opportunity to acclimatize. If you decide to trek counterclockwise, you will need to spend more time acclimatizing because you will soon be approaching Thorong-La-Pass.

Start Trek from a lower elevation

You should always start the trek from a lower elevation. You will acclimate faster if you spend time at higher altitudes but sleep at a lower level. Take advantage of your downtime by climbing and descending a few hundred vertical feet on a trip to a higher height.

Go through Upper Pisang and Brakha

Pisang is one of those locations exhibiting Nepal's finest: its landscape, mountains, culture, and generous character. And of course, plenty of tea. You will not fully appreciate this area's charm and worth if you move rapidly through it. The upper village and the lower half of Pisang are separated. Sit in the monastery's courtyard first thing in the morning to observe how the sun's rays illuminate the mountain peaks.

Emerald lakes and breathtaking vistas may be reached on several-day treks. You may take the long route to Manang from Pisang or rent a bike to get there and back in one day. There are several settlements between Pisang and Manang, including Ghyaru, Ngawal, and Braga. Each location offers even more breathtaking views, walls covered with prayer wheels, and more hospitable cups of tea.

Spend time getting to know the inhabitants and trails of the Manang District and the towns "in between," whether you're attempting the entire Annapurna Circuit or just want to see a genuine side of Nepal. On a somewhat elevated piece of ground, one can view the town of Bhraka or Braga (at the base of flutings).

This is typical for various towns in Manang given the region's turbulent past; settlements are typically placed where they can be well-protected. In Bhrakha, there is a historical gompa that is considered important to the region. However, Tahrep gompa in Khangsar takes the prize for being the most established gompa in this region. By the way, the gompa is quite stunning and well worth a visit. It is one of the Annapurna Circuit's most pleasant gompas, in all honesty.

Proper Acclimatization and hike to ice lake

The best approach to properly acclimatize for the challenging trek up Thorong La is to ascend gradually and include acclimatization days. One of the best side trips for acclimatization is to The Ice Lake, which may also be the highlight of any journey along the Annapurna Circuit. Nepal's Manang valley has a high alpine lake known as the Ice Lake or Kicho Tal.

The lake is located at 4620m (15157ft) and is frequently frozen because of its high elevation. Trekking is required to reach the Ice Lake from the settlements of Manang or Braga. Usually, the walk lasts 7 to 10 hours. Braga, a little village at 3400 meters, is located underneath the busier town of Manang. This settlement, which is much more serene than Manang, is the ideal starting point for the indicated trek to Ice Lake. The easiest way to hike to Ice Lake from Manang is to descend to Braga and start your trip there.

Add Tilicho lake to Your Trek Plan

The Annapurna Circuit Trek including Tilicho Lake is one of Nepal's most spectacular excursions. Given the scenic vistas, Rocky Mountains, and lush forest, it is an exceedingly popular trekking destination in Nepal and across the world. The journey in Manang is fairly challenging and takes you through some untamed terrain.

Visitors will explore the stunning highlands with tranquil lakes and vivid valleys on the journey. Trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit will enjoy the breathtaking vista of the Himalayan mountains and lovely valleys. The blue lake's dazzling clarity will make visitors to Tilicho Lake extremely happier.

The Annapurna Circuit is well regarded for its breathtaking scenery as well as its varied culture, customs, and standards. In the hamlet of Annapurna, you may discover people of many castes, faiths, and creeds, although the majority are Gurung, Tamang, Thakuri, and Magars.

We'll be climbing up multiple rocky, boulder-filled, steep paths. It also involves ascending steep slopes, traversing several suspension bridges, and passing across mountain passes. Before continuing toward the circuit, we will stop at Tilicho Lake and conduct some exploring as part of the adventure. The walk becomes a little more challenging as it rises continuously from Manang to the highest point on the circuit.

The trek is primarily uphill, reaching its highest point at a crest of 5,416 meters. Once we've reached the top, we'll get a clear view of the Annapurna massif, Gangapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri. We'll also see the bright valleys, rugged slopes, and glacial moraines.

Start an early morning trek for Thorong Pass

Despite being the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit hike, it may be the lowest method to connect the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges, which include the 10th and 7th tallest mountains in the world, respectively. And it is, in fact, the world's highest pass at 5,416 meters. The Annapurna Massif's valleys, peaks, and rocky slopes are spread out like a beautiful blanket from the summit. Some expeditions will finish here because of snow or altitude sickness, which makes it necessary to go back down the Marsyangdi Valley.

The Thorong high camp or Thorong Phedi are normally left around daybreak at 6 am to allow you more than enough time to take things slowly and to escape the worst of the strong winds that might kick up later in the day.

Because this is the longest day of the journey, you should anticipate an early start. Although the majority of treks will be planned to coincide with the ideal weather for trekking in the Annapurna, mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable, and snow on the Thorong La pass is a possibility, especially in winter.

Trekking is feasible during the winter months when the air is very clean, visibility is excellent, and there is frequently no one else to be seen on the pass. Above 5,000 meters, few people will feel completely at ease; headaches, slight dyspnea, and mild nausea are frequent at this altitude.

Although you will have been hiking for around 8 to 15 days and steadily increasing altitude, the Annapurna Circuit gives plenty of time for acclimatization before you reach the pass itself, so most people only have moderate symptoms.

Given the up-and-down nature of the track, as it travels down the Marsyangdi Valley on the way to Thorong La, you'll primarily be sticking to the high-altitude trekking guideline of "hike high and sleep low."

Follow local rules and regulations

During the trek While on the trip, you must abide by the established rules and restrictions. It's crucial to refrain from throwing rubbish everywhere you go. Please be mindful of the local wildlife and refrain from doing any actions that can endanger them. Given the diversity of racial and ethnic groupings, it is essential to be sensitive to others' sentiments. Respecting their traditions and way of life would be a suitable course of action.

The weight limit for porter

While the Nepalese government sets the standard weight allowance for porters at 35 kgs (77 lbs), it is not an enforced restriction; most of Nepal's more reputable trekking companies limit client trek loads to around 10 kgs per trekker (around 22 lbs), although the more dubious trekking agents expect porters to carry much more.

Extra days for the trip

It is important to understand how challenging hiking in the Himalayas is. Flights may be canceled if the weather is subject to change. Or sometimes additional time is needed for acclimation in higher altitudes. You could also wish to spend more time exploring a certain area. Therefore, adding additional days to your trip plan is a good idea to allow for these conditions.

Food: Local and international dishes, breakfast, lunch & dinner are served in the lodges and guest houses. Commonly consumed basics include Thukpa, Chowmein, Daal Bhat, and quick noodles. Various items such as Toasted bread, Eggs items, Bread and pancakes, Pizza, Noodles, Pasta, Sandwich served with chips, Momo (dumplings), Spaghetti, Vegetable and salad, Rice meals, and Potatoes are available in most regions.

Accommodation: The region has different types of lodges and tea houses. Tea houses or simple hotels offer lodging options in each village along the walking trail. The majority of the lodges and guesthouses in the region provide lodging for tourists with basic amenities like a western toilet. Because of the low population density, expensive transportation, and isolation, lodging in Manang is relatively expensive.
Electricity and Internet: All hotels and lodges have electricity and Wi-Fi in the lower regions. However, the internet services are slower than in Kathmandu. Hot shower,

Laundry and Drinking Water: Hot showers and laundry are provided in many hotels in the lower region, but you might have to pay extra for it. For drinking water, it is advised to carry water purification tablets as carrying plastic bottles is not sustainable.

ATMs and Banking: ATMs are available at the start of the trek. The Annapurna Circuit route does not have any ATMs, therefore converting money there may result in overcharging. You still need to carry additional cash with you even if you made your reservations through a trekking service. The best practice is to take out all cash in the capital to avoid any problems, as the ATMs might be put off service along the trekking route.

The Annapurna Circuit can be extended with multiple other destinations to add more glory to your journey.

Nar Phu Valley: The Nar and Phu valley journey features high peaks and mountains, glaciers, isolated settlements, tight gorges, magnificent woods, incredible rock formations, yaks, gompas, and distinct ethnically Tibetan cultures. Few foreigners have visited these mostly uninhabited towns or scaled the several 7000-meter hills that surround them since they were off-limits to trekkers until late 2002.

The Annapurna Circuit's traditional starting point is Besisahar, from where the trip immediately deviates into the secluded Nar & Phu valleys and away from more heavily traveled paths.

You may hang out with locals in Phu as they go about their everyday lives and spend the night in the Nar Phedi monastery while traveling past vibrant Tibetan chortens and prayer stones into deep valleys and gorges. These are the best methods to discover what it's like to live in Nepal's high mountains. The magnificent Nar Phedi Monastery is visible from the trail as it meanders along the ridge.

Upper Mustang: Jomsom (2,720m/ 8,915ft), the administrative hub of the Mustang District, offers breathtaking views of Mt. Annapurna (8,091), Thorung Peak, Nilgiri (7,061m), Chulu West, Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV. Upper Mustang has preserved a substantial chunk of its Tibetan culture and heritage as a result of its long history and remote location.

Throughout your journey, you may come across several Buddhist temples, chortens, and monasteries that showcase the area's unmodified Tibetan-Buddhist beliefs. Upper Mustang has been inhabited since the 13th century and is home to a number of ancient monasteries and cave paintings despite its isolated location.

Recently, at least twelve Buddhist-themed caverns in Upper Mustang were discovered situated on rocks more than 14,000 feet high. Tibetan characters, gold, silver, and items of pre-Christian pottery may all be seen in the 13th-century paintings. The breathtaking mountain vistas make the Upper Mustang journey worthwhile.

You won't be far from the tallest mountains on your path if you begin your journey in Jomsom or Kagbeni, which offers breathtaking views of the Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna ranges. Inhabitants of Upper Mustang include the elusive snow leopard, many musk deer, and unusual flora and animals. The Himalayan alpine landscape in this region is particularly well-known. It is home to many species of medicinal plants that are frequently used for various purposes, including medicine and incense.

Ghorepani Trek: One of the most well-known short treks in Nepal leads to Poon Hill from where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Annapurna ranges, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri mountains. The journey begins in the traditional tiny village of Ghorepani and passes through lush woods and traditional settlements.

With the scenic Machapuchare (Fish Tail Peak) dominating the horizon, you may travel through stunning mountain landscapes, charming Gurung villages, lush rhododendron woods, and subtropical valleys on this hike. All of these sights are located in the Annapurna area.

Poon Hill, which rises above Ghorepani Village at 3,210 meters (10,531 feet), provides breathtaking sunrise views of the Annapurna massif, as well as Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre.

Besisahar: Besisahar lies in the district of Lamjung. It is also the entry point for treks in the Himalayan regions such as Annapurna, Nar Phu, and many more. The meaning of Besisahar is "The city at the foot of a slope." The majority of the population is a part of the Brahmin, Magar, Chhetri, Tamang, Newar, and countless other ethnic networks.

The area has a breathtakingly beautiful view of mountain ranges, lush slopes, canals and streams, cascades, and historic homes. similar to the excellence of culture, tradition, religion, and multiethnic people. From this place, you can go to Taal a beautiful village gifted with waterfalls.

Pisang: Pisang is one of those locations that exhibit the finest of Nepal: its landscape, mountains, culture, and generous character. And of course, plenty of tea. You will not fully appreciate this area's charm and worth if you move rapidly through it.

The upper village and the lower half of Pisang are separated. Emerald lakes and breathtaking vistas may be reached on several day treks. You may take the long route to Manang from Pisang or rent a bike to get there and back in one day.

Manang: Manang, a picturesque town at 3518 meters above sea level, is found in the Annapurna Range's northern section. Manang's dry surroundings have a desert-like feel to them. On the other hand, the native Manangi people have a vibrant and active culture and way of life.

Manang is referred to as the "crown jewel" of the well-known Annapurna Circuit Trek. From Manang, you can see the stunning panoramas of the snow-capped mountains, including Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), and others. Additionally stunning is the view of the unusual Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), commonly known as the "fishtail peak.

One of the most isolated settlements in Nepal is the lovely village of Manang. At this serene location, trekkers making the Annapurna circuit typically acclimate. You may also go on several side trips in and around Manang Village. You can hike to Braga or explore the pristine Gangapurna Lake and Glacier.

Tilicho Lake and Ice Lake: The world's highest lake, Tilicho Lake, has a length of four kilometers and a width of 1.2 kilometers. It is situated at an altitude of 4,919 meters. One of the most well-liked side treks of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is to the brilliant blue lake, popularly known as "The Great Ice Lake." Along with Tilicho Lake, this walk also passes by the 4660-meter Khayar Lake and the 4700-meter Ice Lake.

Muktinath: Muktinath, a Hindu and Buddhist holy site noted for its 108 stone faucets and everlasting light: The Muktinath temple in Mustang, one of Nepal's holiest sites, is located at the height of 3,710 meters. Muktinath is known as "a destination for liberation, according to Hinduism. Hindu worshippers have a ritualistic practice of taking a cold water bath from one of the 108 bull faces.

The temple serves people of all religions. Buddhists similarly honor the temple.

Kaagbeni: You will be greeted with the Kagbeni village's brazen beauty. Officially, Kagbeni is a town that connects the Lower and Upper Mustang. It is situated by the Kali Gandaki River at the base of the Muktinath Valley. But spiritually, Kagbeni is much like a Tibetan community that is caught in a time warp. The windswept deserts of the upper Himalayas have a certain allure.

Jomsom: Jomsom, sometimes referred to as the Gateway to the Himalayas, is a town in Midwestern Nepal that is situated in the Kaligandaki Valley at the foot of Mounts Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. The Jomsom Muktinath Jeep Tour has gained a lot of popularity as a result of the expansion and upgrade of the motorway. Additionally, Jomsom serves as the entrance to Upper Mustang, from which hundreds of tourists depart on excursions.

Thorong La Pass: Thorung-La Pass crossing is a fantastic accomplishment that will live in your memory for the rest of your life. At the height of 5416 meters, where Thorung-La Pass is located, the weather can be very erratic. It is the highest point of the trek and provides an exhilarating experience that gives you immeasurable accomplishment.

• Manang is home to a distinctive cultural environment. People of the Tamang, Gurung, Thakali, and Manangba ethnic groups live in the hamlet and the communities that surround it. Each group has its dialect, culture, and traditions. The endogamous Manang ethnic group is referred to as the Nyesyang collectively.

• Trekkers frequently discover the secret caves of Manang, which are tucked away between the mountains and have long-drawn Buddhist yogis. There are several historic gompas in Manang, and Milarepa, a famous poet, and ascetic are thought to have meditated in one of the village's caves.

• Explore and enjoy the beautiful waterfalls along the trail. The Chamche waterfall on the way to Manang is one of the major highlights.

• Explore the breathtaking lakes: The world's highest lake, Tilicho Lake, has a length of four kilometers and a width of 1.2 kilometers. It is situated at an altitude of 4,919 meters.

• One of the most well-liked side treks of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is to the brilliant blue lake, popularly known as "The Great Ice Lake." Along with Tilicho Lake, this walk also passes by the 4660-meter Khayar Lake and the 4700-meter Ice Lake.

• Take a Hot Spring Bath in Chame & Tatopani: The body may benefit greatly from taking a hot spring bath. Hot springs are natural healing springs. It can be extremely relaxing on the Annapurna Circuit to unwind after a long day.

• Walking more slowly than usual might be hard on the legs for some people, but it is an essential part of trekking success. During the journey, stay hydrated. If you feel exhausted, stop, hydrate, study your map, and then resume your trek gently.

• Dal Bhat is the greatest cuisine to eat while hiking, which can be found in all tea houses and typically takes 30 to 40 minutes to make. Additionally, you won't get hungry because it's possible to discover tea places while walking at regular intervals.

• Bring Power Banks & Solar Lights: Due to the frigid environment, whatever electronic equipment you bring on the walk will be 90% dead. And if you want to charge at a tea shop, a full charge will run you about NPR 150. Turning your phone off the majority of the time is another way to conserve battery life. However, you will use your phone and camera 90% of the time.