Highlights
- Highest point of the trek is Thorang La pass (5416m)
- Cross two river valleys of Kaligandaki and Marsyangdi
- Visit Kali Gandaki Gorge, Tilicho Lake
- Close views of Annapurna, Dhualagiri, Manaslu, Fishtail, Tilicho peaks
- Visit Muktinath, the town of Jomsom and forbidden kingdom of Upper Mustang
Annapurna Circuit Trek is an adventurous 180 kilometers hike around the majestic Annapurna range that includes Annapurna I (8091m)- the tenth highest mountain on earth.
Trekking in the Annapurna region is a dream for many trekkers. Annapurna Circuit Trek is an adventurous 180 kilometers hike around the majestic Annapurna range that includes Annapurna I (8091m)- the tenth highest mountain on earth.
The Annapurna circuit trek follows Marsyangdi River up to Manang valley then climbs down to the melodramatic valley of Kali Gandaki into lower Mustang. The most challenging part of this trek is crossing Thorung La pass at 5416m, which offers close quarter views of Annapurna ranges, Dhaulagiri (8167m), Manaslu (8163m), Tilicho (7134m), Fishtail (6993m), Chulu East (6584m), Pisang (6091m) etc. The Mustang valley is home to world's deepest Kali Gandaki gorge as well as the shrine of Chumi Gyatsa or Muktinath which features a mud statue of Avalokitesvara and an eternal flame. You will also visit culture town of Jomsom (originally Dzong Sak) on the bank of Kali Gandaki river, the home of Thakali people and their unique culture and cuisine.
Numerous variations for trekking routes exist within Annapurna Circuit Trek: You can visit Tilicho Lake (5119 m), the highest altitude lake in Nepal or follow the trail to the forbidden kingdom of Upper Mustang.
The entire Annapurna trekking trail falls under the Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest conservation area in Nepal. The geography and vegetation here range from tropical to alpine highlighting rhododendron and Juniper forests, Himalayan peaks, high altitude pastures, trans-Himalayan valleys, forests, lakes, and glaciers. The area preserves such endangered species as Snow Leopards, Tibetan Argali, Musk Deer, Tibetan Wolf and six species of Himalayan pheasants.