Annapurna Circuit Trek

Highlights 

• Up Close view of Himalayan peaks - Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Macchapuchhre, Nilgiri and more 
• Chance to observe the lifestyle and culture of Gurung and Magar communities 
• Diverse experience in-terms of landscapes - sub-tropical, alpine and snowy barren pass
• Walking through world-deepest gorge - Kali Gandaki Gorge 
• Crossing of Dramatic HImalayan Pass - Thorong La Pass at 5,416m 

The Annapurna Circuit Trek - rightly known as classic Himalayan trek - offers the most diverse sceneries than any other equivalent length trek, encompassing virtually every type of landscape that Nepal has to offer. This lush majesty of nature is glorified by a diversity of culture, the region being common home to Gurng and Magar communities. 

On this 16 day classic Himalayan journey, you can enjoy the dramatic view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri and amazing variety of landscapes ranging from sub-tropical through subtropical to alpine and snowy barren landscapes resembling Tibet. The stunning trekking routes of Annapurna circuit is blessed with gigantic waterfalls, torrent -rivers, lush forests and high mountains and lakes. 

Annapurna was the first ever 8,000m+ peak first ever 8,000m+ peak climbed, by a french expedition and at 8,091, it is the 10th tallest peak in the world. The gigantic missive of Annapurna includes 13 peaks over 7,000m and 16 peaks over 6,000m along with countless glaciers, alpine hills, deep gorges, lakes and rivers. 

From Kathmandu, “the Venice of culture”, where the civilization of Nepal started, you will drive to Besisahar and then to Khudi to start the trek. The trek follows the anti-clockwise route and makes gradual gain in altitude which supports in acclimatization. As you gain altitude, the lowland Hindu communities gives way to Tibtean group and vegetation changes accordingly. The upper-pisang to Brage trail offers the great architecture and mesmerizing view of Gangapurna and Annapurna III. Two nights are spent at Manang for acclimatization before endeavoring Thorong La Pass at 5,416m - a great highlight of the trek. Then you will drop down to Muktinath valley which in local dialects translates to the place of liberation. After paying homage to Temple and gompas, you will walk through deepest gorge Kali Gandaki to prosperous town of Jomsom to conclude the trek. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek difficulty 

Firstly, it is important to note that Annapurna circuit trek requires no climbing expertise and technical skills. 

With some determination and fitness, you should be able to tackle the route. There are many examples of old and overweight people completing the trek - with a smile on their faces. 

Well being said that, there are some factors that should be considered prior to the trek - like altitude, length and training. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek difficulty in terms of distance 

Distance always plays a major role when it comes to calculating the challenge of any sort of hikes. The Annapurna Circuit Trek covers approx. 160 - 230 km depending on the starting and concluding point of the trek. You have to walk for at least 7 - 8 hours a day coverning 15 - 20 km. Sometimes you may even have to walk for 8 - 9 hours and gain more than 2,000m. 

Tips: Train yourself for a few months before the trek to overcome the challenge of the distance. Cardio-vascular exercise, leg squats and weight training are good training to build strength and stamina. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty in terms of Altitude 

The most difficult aspect of round Annapurna trek is it's daunting altitude. Starting from a comfortable altitude 1,000m, you will cross the high Thorong La Pass 5,416m within a week of the trek. No matter how fit you are, once you rise above 2,500m - you will start feeling the deficiency of oxygen. It is said that Thorong La Pass offers about half of the amount of oxygen than at sea level. If the symptoms of AMS are ignored, the result can be fatal. 

TIPS: Make sure to acclimate your body before rising up the significant altitude. The key to altitude sickness is to walk slowly and stay hydrated. If the symptoms like difficulty in breathing, sleeping, headache, nausea and vomiting trigger you, make sure to drop down to low-altitude as quickly as possible.