Annapurna Circuit Trekking Overview
Annapurna circuit trekking offers the most delightful Himalayan adventure experience in the world. It is one of the most popular trekking in Nepal, in the northwest of Nepal. The trek crosses 5416 meters altitude Himalayan high pass, which connects the Annapurna region with the Mustang region. Round Annapurna trekking trail has abundant attractions of nature and culture and the trail goes through the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). It is bound up by the Marshyangdi River valley and the Kali Gandaki River valley beyond Annapurna Himalayas. The two weeks journey in the Annapurna Himalayas offers a lifetime experience with an exploration of the exclusive Himalayas, alpine terrain, and scattered Himalayan communities.
Trekking Duration and Options
Although Shiva Excursion has got 16 days Round Annapurna Trek, the itinerary can be customized according to your schedule. It is also possible with the extension of the motor road, where you can take a 4WD jeep drive. It can be begun from Besisahar, following the traditional route enjoying the waterfalls and jungle views. The charming landscape gradually turns into barren land, once you hike through the alpine region of Manang. Every day, you walk about 6-7 hours after having breakfast. The lunchtime will be around 12 pm, take a short break around 2.30 on the way and end the trek around 4 pm. The dinner time will be around 6.30 to 7 pm.
Crossing the high Pass- Thorong La (5416 meters)
Thorong La Pass (5416 meters) is the most challenging section of the Annapurna Circuit Trekking. To cross this high pass, you need acclimatization and Manang is the most suitable place. High altitude sickness can be a great challenge on this route with HAPE and HACE cases. Thus, acclimatization makes your breathing in the alpine altitude easy, and your physical fitness increases. Heading from Manang, you walk through the alpine cattle grazing meadows and take a rest at Yak Kharka or extend your hike to Thorong La Phedi. An early morning excursion leads you to the top of Thorong La after about 5 hours according to the Annapurna Circuit trekking map. The entire Annapurna Himalayas can be explored and you descend to Muktinath, which is another 4 hours' journey.
Round Annapurna trekking lets you have an opportunity to explore the culturally blessed Muktinath Temple. It is globally renowned and one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage destinations. From Muktinath, the trail escorts you down to Kagbeni and follows the Kali Gandaki River valley throughout Jomsom, Marpha, Lete, and Tatopani.
Please contact Shiva Excursion for further details and to operate your most waited Annapurna Circuit Trekking led by highly experienced guides and porters, proper food and accommodation along with safety and security. If you would like to customize the trekking itinerary, please let us know.
Exclusive Round Annapurna Trekking-Why to Choose?
Stunning landscape, waterfalls, and rice fields
As soon as you begin the trek, you cross through the spectacular rice fields. With ups and down routes, you will frequently encounter cascading waterfalls on the way. It is also because the Annapurna region is the highest rainfall zone in Nepal. The dense woods and enticing River valleys allure the trekkers on the Round Annapurna Trekking route.
Tibetan Buddhist Communities
The lower part of the Annapurna Circuit Trekking is populated by mixed communities, including Brahmins, Chhetri, and ethnic groups. But the upper part of the region is populated by Tibetan-origin Buddhist devotees like Manange and Loba are dominant. Chame, Bhraga, Manang are some of the typical and ancient settlements that still follow Tibetan Buddhist culture and lifestyles. They are spiritually motivated people. On the other side beyond the Annapurna Himalayas, there are further Thakali and Tibetan Buddhist communities in the places like Muktinath, Kagbeni, Jomsom, Marpha, and Lete.
Enjoy Apple Orchards' Views
Annapurna Circuit Route is dominated by the apple orchards, which can be an amazing attraction for the trekkers. You will be exploring the apple farms in Manang, Marpha, Tukuche, and Kobang. These farms produce a huge amount of apples that are renowned in the local market and exported to different parts of Nepal. If you stop at Marpha, you can visit the Marpha Brandi distillery, where a local brand of alcohol is produced and is famous around Nepal.
Flora and Fauna
During the Annapurna Circuit Trekking, you will be walking through the rich area of flora and fauna of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), which was established in 1986 and covers 7629 sq. km. ACAP is rich in biodiversity and is a treasure house for 1,226 species of flowering plants, 105 mammals like Ghoral, Himalayan Thar, etc, 518 birds, 40 reptiles, and 23 amphibians. A large area of this conservation area is covered by the rhododendron woods, oak trees, and other species. The alpine section is dotted with meadows and rocky terrain.