Annapurna Circuit Trekking

For nearly forty years Annapurna Circuit trek has been considered one of the finest trekking routes in the entire world. Following along the outskirts of Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), the total length is an estimated 200km depending on the chosen start end point.

The full route incorporates a wide array of climate zones including everything from tropics at 600m, through the small culturally diverse villages, to arctic at Thorong La pass, 5416m. It lays claim to the most captivating of mystic mountain scenery. Seen at close quarters will be Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Mansalu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak and numerous peaks above 6000m in elevation reaching high to the heavens from Annapurna range.

Though at one time this trail was scarcely populated, in recent years some segments have had road work and construction which has created less of an isolated feeling, so in response our guides have come up with other routes that cut around all of these areas, but dont follow along the classic trail route, which by many is not considered so classic anymore. Spreading beyond either side of Annapurna range we will walk along the borderlands of Mustang, a restricted area with its own monarchy and crowned king, Manang, Myagdi, Kaski and the inner lands of Lamjung.

Moderate to fairly challenging terrain with many river crossings over wooden and steel suspension bridges, great waterfalls and river gorges with staggering cliff drops, revitalizing hot springs thought to heal the body of disease while at the same time bringing relaxation after the intensity of a days hiking, rich and diverse culture and interaction with the locals, an abundance of plant and wildlife with rarities often spotted such as stunning snow leopard; lost in the wild but still as safe as the back yard Id say this circuit remains one of my favourite after 40years of guiding and for me it will never lose its charm.

Interesting facts to be shared about this region include Yetis, yes giant hairy mountain creatures with footsteps larger than a full size Nepali, multi husband culture, no not polygamy...polyandry, a small minority of Bon tradition practitioners in lower Mukinath which is similar to Buddhism but completely different, countless fossils all through the valley for it was once the bottom of a great ocean, oh yeah and the pleasant tradition of sucking live yaks blood which is believed to contain high level of nutriments due to the yaks feeding on high alpine medicinal vegetation!