Annapurna Circuit Trek: An unforgettable experience to cherish forever!
Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT) used to be one of the longest and best treks in the world that led you to mountain ranges of central Nepal through rocky hill terrains, subtropical forest areas, tranquil villages, gigantic cliffs, etc. Covering a length of around 170-230 km. (depending on the endpoint of the trek), as per our itinerary, the total length of the trek is 148 km. encompasses some of the iconic tourist attractions like Chame, Manang, Thorang La Pass (5,416 m/17,769 ft.), Muktinath temple, Kagbeni, Tatopani, etc.
Highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Breathtaking views of stunning snow-filled mountains like Annapurna I-IV, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Lake, etc
- An ideal way to explore the geographically diverse and culturally rich Annapurna region is to cross the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit (5,416 m/17,765 ft) at Thorang La Pass (5,416 m/17,765 ft).
- An opportunity to discover the tranquil villages and isolated communities and get a first-hand, authentic experience of the ancestral traditions of local people
- Sigh-inducing countryside views that give you peace of mind and soothe your soul
- Experience diverse climatic zones, geography, vegetation, flora and fauna, and lifestyles of people
- Witness the cultural diversity from Hindu villages dominated by Gurung, Magar, Thakali, and Brahmin in the lower elevations to Tibetan cultural villages in northern Manang Valley and lower Mustang
- Escape the daily grind and get a new perspective on life in the Himalayas, i.e. the way of life of Nepalese mountain communities and be appreciative of the varied cultures and multilayered history of mankind
Annapurna Circuit Trek Information
Annapurna Circuit walking encircles the incredible Annapurna Massif and offers you majestic views of towering, snow-capped mountains. Touted as Nepal's adventure playground, the trek within the Annapurna mountain ranges is nirvana for naturalists and adventure buffs.
The route crosses Manang Valley and Kaligandaki Valley and reaches the highest point at Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/17,764 ft.). If you are seeking long holidays in the high Himalayas of Nepal and are willing to test your adrenaline, this trek is for you. Nowadays, trekkers are willing to combine with the Manaslu circuit trek.
Important Facts about the Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Starting and Ending Points: Kathmandu
- Trekking Area: Annapurna Circuit (North-west of Kathmandu)
- Area Cover: 170–230 km/273–142 miles (depending on the starting and ending point of the trek)
- Duration of the Trek: 12 days
- Highest Point of the Trek: Throng-la, 5,416 m/17,769 ft.
- Trek Level: Moderate to Difficult
Annapurna Circuit Hiking is the legendary tourism product of the country that takes travelers inside Nepal's largest conservation area, known as Annapurna Conservation Area. Established in 1985, this protected area spans 5 districts, including Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, Lamjung, and Kaski, and ranges in elevation from 790 m. to the summit of Annapurna I at 8,091 m. Besides hosting some of the highest peaks on Earth, the area is also home to the world's deepest gorge, 'Kali Gandaki Gorge'.
What should I expect on the Annapurna Circuit journey?
The region for trekking is bestowed with such a diverse ecosystem and cultural influences that almost every step you take on this trip brings a difference in geography, way of life of Himalayan people, and landscape. There is a variety of climatic regions within a span of 120 km (74 miles), from the tropics at 600 m above sea level to the Arctic at 5,416 m at the Thorang La Pass. With every 1,000 m. rise in elevation, the temperature drops by nearly 6 °C. The Tilicho Lake is another attraction of the Annapurna circuit trek, which lies north of Manang village. 
Owing to the geo-diversity and complexity, this trek will push you to the limit, but the sense of accomplishment and the lifetime experience of astounding mountain wilderness, a different aspect of the Himalayas, dispersed wildlife, and the authentic local experience you will get make the trek worth the effort.
Flora and fauna found In Annapurna Region
The difference in altitude and climate results in a wide diversity of flora and fauna found in the Annapurna Conservation Area. The common plants you will notice during your trek to Annapurna Circuit include rhododendron, oak, pine, bamboo, fir, maple, etc., and the vegetation available includes barley, potato, wheat, paddy, rice, etc. Likewise, the region is also home to rare and valuable wildlife like snow leopards, lynxes, red pandas, gaurs (wild ox), musk deer, etc.
Annapurna Circuit Local Culture
At the lower foothills, you will pass through many traditional communities of Gurung, Magar, and Thakali. As you go north to the villages of Manang Valley and lower Mustang, Tibetan culture becomes apparent. Immerse yourself in the authentic culture of the region's ethnic groups. Kagbeni is another important religious site and a gateway to Upper Mustang.
Is the trek to Annapurna Circuit difficult?
Annapurna Circuit is one of the most challenging routes in Nepal in light of its duration, altitude, and complexity of trails, from the steep climbs in the hills and cliffs to walks in the subtropical forests, etc. Annapurna Circuit is a 2-3 week journey and involves multi-day walking through varied landscapes.
The most common difficulty faced by trekkers is related to altitude sickness. As you start your journey from low elevation to the highest point above 5,000 m, there is a high chance of becoming prone to altitude sickness. The disorders resulting from exposure to high altitudes can affect people of any age, gender, or physical condition. The diagnosis is based on symptoms developed like fatigue, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, insomnia, loss of appetite, etc.
If you develop any of these symptoms, don't ignore them, and climb no further until the symptoms subside. The negligence in symptoms of acute mountain sickness can lead to the development of more severe illnesses like high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), in which fluid builds up in the lungs, and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), in which brain tissues swell from fluid leakage.
Drinking plenty of water, proper acclimatization, and descent are the most effective treatments for high altitudes.
The majority of trekkers prefer to undertake a trek to Annapurna Circuit in an anti-clockwise direction to allow sufficient time for acclimatization to the altitude. It is the easiest and safest way to gain daily altitude and cross the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit journey.
Booking the Annapurna Circuit Trekking package through Global Adventure Trekking will help you get the ultimate experience in the Himalayas of Nepal without hassles. We will brief you about altitude sickness and offer the perfect itinerary that takes into account the need for your body to acclimatize to a higher altitude. Our itinerary includes an acclimatization day to allow adaptation to the effects of low oxygen saturation in the air and minimize the risk of altitude sickness. Besides, our guides are locally based and have first-hand experience in dealing with the rigors of the journey. They will guide you and take care of your safety.
Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Treks
While it's possible to undertake trekking to most parts of the Annapurna Circuit all year round due to their location within a rain shadow, the most favorable time for the ACT is October-December as it marks the end of monsoon season and offers relatively stable weather with clear sky views, tantalizing mountain views, pleasant walking temperatures, and vibrant surroundings.
Besides October–December, March–June is also a favorable time for trekking on the Annapurna Circuit, as the hills are a riot of colors with several species of flowers in bloom and the weather is comfortable with dry and clear blue skies. January and February are too cold with heavy snowfalls and June-August is monsoon and too rainy with poor visibility. The Monsoon is the best time for those who love flowers. Here is the packing list for the Annapurna trek.
Annapurna Circuit Package With Global Adventure Trekking
Global Adventure Trekking Company is a government-authorized travel and trekking agency that was established in 1998 to promote tourism in Nepal by ensuring our guests get the most satisfying and lifetime experience to cherish forever. Customer safety and satisfaction are our priority, and we take pride in offering trekking packages in those areas of which we are well aware. We have a long experience operating the Annapurna Circuit trek, and our client's testimonials are evidence of our expertise. We have a team of certified and experienced guides and porters who put clients' needs before theirs and make their journey easier.
Likewise, we advance sustainable goals by contributing to the local economy of rural areas. Furthermore, we don't have any intermediaries and work directly with local suppliers, so the money you pay for this trip directly helps to uplift the standard of living of local people in remote regions. We offer good value for money and ensure that the price for the Annapurna Circuit Trek package is worth the experience you will get with Global Adventure Trekking.