The Annapurna Circuit Trek within the mountain ranges of central Nepal, is the 2nd most famous treks in Nepal after the Mount Everest base camp trek. It has grown in popularity in the past few years. The total length of the trekking route varies between 160–230 km, depending on where motor transportation is used and where the trek ends and it can take anywhere between 12-22 days to complete the trek. This trek crosses two different river valleys and encircles the Annapurna Massif. Out of the numerous treks on the circuit, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the least expensive because of its average duration and less difficulty with prices varying between the US$700 and US$1000 or EURO 600 and EURO 900. The popularity of the Annapurna Circuit Trek has grown in last few years.
It is important for trekking enthusiasts to obtain 2 “papers” before they can start the trek. One is a trekking permit – ACAP or Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, and the other is TIMS card or Trekkers’ Information Management System card. Both ACAP and TIMS can be obtained by visiting Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara. However, it is best to complete the trek with assistance of an experienced trekking guide. Annapurna is a trekking paradise, with its numerous trekking options from the Annapurna Circuit to the Annapurna Sanctuary or to Annapurna Base Camp with its spectacular views of the highest mountains in the Himalayan mountains in Nepal.
Those who can keep themselves away from the world of social media connectivity to commit to long-distance trek will enjoy a rewarding experience with remarkable routes packed with teahouses, Tibetan temples, subtropical lowlands and big, spiky mountain highs. The legendary Annapurna Circuit is the best known route in the area, The long-distance trekking route that circles the Annapurna massif is often considered one of the 10 best treks on the planet. The elevation gain along the 190km Annapurna circuit is huge. It starts in a little town called Besisahar at 760m to Thorong La Pass at 5,416m. As altitude is going to have an effect while hiking, it is best to acclimatize. That huge array of views and climates which brings tropic warmths one day and snow the next can leave anyone in trouble if not used to sudden changes.
The Annapurna Massif is named after Annapurna, the goddess of food and nourishment. It was said that Annapurna was the daughter of Himavat, king of the mountains. Hence name to the mountain. The Annapurna Massif has one peak over 8,000m – the 8,091m, inventively-named Annapurna I, the tenth highest mountain in the world and also the first mountain ever summited over 8000m on record, thanks to French mountaineer Maurice Herzog and his team in 1950. It also boasts of 13 peaks over 7,000m and 16 more over 6,000m. The massif is 55km long and met by the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, on the west, that separates Annapurna from Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest mountain in the world. The Marshyangdi River then meets the Annapurna Massif on the north and east, with the Pokhara Valley to the south.
The Annapurna Circuit is the most popular way to trek Annapurna. The shorter Jomson route (which is also part of the Annapurna Circuit) is also very popular. The Annapurna Sanctuary route, which leads to a high glacial basin and acts as Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) for those heading to the massif’s peaks is a great option too. The ABC is offered as a side-trek for those taking on the main circuit and looking to maximise trekking time in the mountains. As said earlier [popularity of the Annapurna Circuit trek has increased over the years, with two-thirds of those who come to Nepal visit Annapurna massif. The Annapurna Circuit trek includes stunning views of each of Annapurna mountains namely Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III and Annapurna IV. Trekkers can view the 8,167m Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and many other peaks over 6000m also.
While trekking on the Annapurna Sanctuary Route explore remote Himalayan valleys and follow mountain trails and wild rivers lowland villages, subtropical forests and paddy fields. Halting at night trekkers can sleep in local tea houses and meet other trekkers also. The food often served is Dal Bhat. The Annapurna Circuit is almost always hiked anticlockwise. making the altitude gain lot slower and safer. In general the Annapurna Circuit is a 19-day route :-
- Kathmandu to Besisahar (drive).
- Besisahar to Bulbule.
- Bulbule to Jagat.
- Jagat to Dharapani.
- Dharapani to Chame.
- Chame to Pisang.
- Pisang to Manang.
- Acclimatisation and Exploration at Manang.
- Manang to Yak Kharka.
- Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi Base Camp.
- Throng Phedi Base Camp to Muktinath via Throng-la Pass (5416m).
- Muktinath to Kagbeni.
- Kagbeni to Marpha.
- Marpha to Larjung.
- Larjung to Ghasa.
- Ghasa to Tatopani.
- Tatopani to Ghorepani.
- Ghorepani to Tikhedhunga.
- Tikhedhunga to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara.
Trekkers can grab a bus, taxi, helicopter of plane ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara. While flying through air is costly, taking tourist bus costs only 700 Nepalese Rupees. The difficulty of the Annapurna Circuit depends on fitness, mentality, route taken and experience. Trekking usually starts early morning with late afternoon finishes allowing ample time in evening to relax. Many hire a porter to carry their luggage for them, too, which reduces bit of burden. While trekking in the mountains in Nepal, temperatures can dip to minus easily at night, so it is important to have good kit including extra warm cloths, woollens, and proper sleeping bags.
The Annapurna area was opened to trekkers only in 1977, and work on the roads began only in 1980. There was originally 23 days on the trek, and of those, only five days on the Annapurna Circuit are now completely road-free. Many times, roads can be completely avoided by using alternative trails. The red and white paint stripe to look like a Poland flag, and a nearby arrow, means you’re being directed to a trail that avoids motor road. These are often followed by a secondary marker in blue and white that are part of the New Annapurna Trekking Trail (NATT) system. NATT was created by hikers Andrées de Ruiter and Prem Rai in collaboration with the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) to show trekkers the best ways to follow the trail without too many roads. The best times to hike the Annapurna Circuit are October-November or April-May. June-September is the rainy season and typically the least crowded time on the circuit.
If trekkers are looking to get out into the Nepalese wilderness and get truly away from the crowds of the Annapurna Circuit, then trek to the ice lake at the foot of the Annapurna IV Glacier. The five-day hike can get you truly spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Lamjunh Himal and Fish Tail enroute. You can also try Mardi Himal base camp trek. The Mardi Himal trail was only opened to hikers in 2011 one can get views of not just the 5,587m Mardi Himal, but also 6993m Machhapuchhre (fish tail mountain), Annapurna I and Hiunchuli. The hike is located east of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. It’s a great option for anyone looking to test themselves on a longer hike route at altitude or get maximum views from a shorter time in Nepal.
Another such option is trekking inside the forests of the Annapurna Conservation Area. While trekking from Ghandruk to Chomrung you are surrounded by rhododendron, fern and bamboo. Once you cross Sinuwa to enter the Annapurna sanctuary, the forest becomes dense. Tall oak trees become prominent here. Moving towards Deurali, the thick forests give way to tall grass. Closer to Machapuchare base camp, the terrain turns alpine. There are also grass and flowering plants lining the trail at this section. It is also possible to continue from Ghorepani to Tadapani, Ghandruk, Landruk, and then to Phedi, which follows the old Annapurna Circuit from the time when the road was not yet extended to Beni. It is recommended that trekkers take the high trail from Pisang via Ghyaru and Ngawal to Manang, as the views are spectacular and the two villages enroute are some of the best-preserved samples of Tibetan style villages still in their original state. Another side trip gaining popularity these days is the visit to Tilicho Tal lake. Overall trekking on the ABC circuit is a once in a lifetime chance never to be missed.
