About

• Features

  The Annapurna Circuit is a 160 – 230 km trail that circles the mighty Annapurna mountain range, which stretches about 50 km from east to west across central Nepal. There are several courses to choose from, but all take around 13 to 17 days to complete. The trail starts at BesiSahar, 760 m above sea level, and reaches its highest altitude of 5,416 m at Thorong Pass. There is a total of 4,500 m of altitude changes along the way. Most hikers take the anti-clockwise route from BesiSahar because it is easier to adapt to the environmental conditions.

• History

  The Annapurna Circuit was originally a trade route linking the mountain villages to the outside world. Opened to international visitors in 1977, it has since become one of the most popular and well-known hiking trails in the world. As well as favorable weather and fascinating ecosystems, the trail offers a myriad of cultural insights, particularly in relation to the Hindu, Buddhist and pre-Buddhist religions. Mukthinath, located at the half-way point, is considered a holy place for both Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus, and the temples are generally busy with pilgrims.

• Nature

  The Annapurna Circuit is bursting with a fascinating variety of flora and fauna—not to mention the varying climate—and you are sure to find something new to discover almost every day. The trail begins in a lush subtropical zone with villages surrounded by terraced paddy fields. It then ascends through a patch of deciduous forest before emerging into an area of desolate rocky mountains and climbing further up to permanently snow-covered peaks. Along the way you can spot animals such as yaks, horses, sheep and mountain goats. In early spring the mountains burst into color with rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal.

• The principal peak in the Annapurna mountain range is Annapurna I, which in 1950, shortly after Nepal opened itself up to the world, became the first ever 8,000-m peak to be conquered by human climbers. The Annapurna Circuit circles the entire mountain range, for a total length of 160 – 230 km. It is widely considered to be one of the world’s best trekking experiences. Hundreds of years ago, this route was used by merchants and local villagers as their only means of maintaining contact with the outside world. Today, we make our own journeys along the very same route. The Annapurna Circuit guarantees hikers a fascinating journey through nature, with new discoveries at every turn. As it winds through subtropical rainforest, dense pine forest and up and down deep ravines, you will come across a huge diversity of wildlife, including native yaks and hundreds of species of birds. This is a natural consequence of the many changes in altitude along the route—over 4,500 m in total. However, just like the wonderful diversity of wildlife, the weather can also be highly variable. For example, at the highest point on the trail, the 5,416 m Tholong Pass, the average overnight temperature drops to around 10°C, even in the middle of summer. You will also need to be prepared for sudden torrential downpours and strong winds. Hikers have had to be rescued in the past, so due caution should be exercised. There are several routes to choose from. The main one starts at BesiSahar (760 m) and proceeds counter-clockwise. This is recommended as it has minimal daily altitude increases as well as the safest and easiest descent from the highest point at Tholong Pass. There is a plethora of things to see along the trail route other than the famed mountain peaks, not least the many fine Buddhist temples and stupa (burial mounds). A few well-chosen side trips here and there will make for an even more memorable experience. Some popular choices are Tilicho Lake to the north of Annapurna I, which requires a two-day round trip from the village of Manang, and the Dhaulagiri Icefall on the southern flank of the Annapurna mountain range. Tilicho Lake is one of the highest in the world, and from May to September, the entire surface is covered with a thick layer of ice, turning it a beautiful shade of turquoise blue. The effect is further enhanced by a sprinkling of small icebergs that have broken off the glaciers. The route is well signposted along its entire length, and villages and tea houses are always close by so there is no need to pack tents or sleeping bags, or to carry multiple days worth of food at a time. English is spoken at most villages along the route. You will need to obtain a permit before you depart; these are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Note: Check local websites for the latest updates.