Annapurna Circuit Trek- An unforgettable experience to cherish forever!
Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT) is one of the longest and best treks in the world that leads you to mountain ranges of central Nepal through rocky hill terrains, subtropical forest areas, tranquil villages, gigantic cliffs, etc. Covering a length of around 170-230km (depending on the endpoint of the trek), this trek encompasses some of the iconic tourist attractions like Muktinath temple, Manang, Tilicho Lake, Thorang La Pass, Tatopani, etc.
Annapurna Circuit Trek description
Annapurna Circuit Trek 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 Thorung La pass (5416m). If you are seeking long holidays in the high Himalayas of Nepal and are willing to test your adrenaline, this trek is for you.
Highlights of the ACT
- 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, culturally rich Annapurna region and cross the highest point on Annapurna Circuit-the 5416m high Thorang La Pass
- 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, faunas, and lifestyle 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 living of Nepalese mountain communities and be appreciative of the varied cultures and multilayered history of the mankind
Important facts
Annapurna Circuit Trek 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 790m to the summit of Annapurna I at 8,091m. Besides hosting some of the highest peaks on Earth, the area is also home to the world's deepest gorge 'Kali Gandaki Gorge'.
What to 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 120km; from the tropics at 600m above sea level to the artic at 5416m at the Thorang La Pass. With every 1000m rise in elevation, the temperature drops by nearly 6 °C.
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
The difference in altitude and climate results in a wide diversity of floras and faunas 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 semi 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 5000m, 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 the daily altitude and cross the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit.
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.
The most favorable time for ACT
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-November 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-November, April-May 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.
Why Global Adventure Trekking for the ACT package?
We are a government-authorized travel agency that has been established with the aim of promoting 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 resort 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.
We advance sustainable goals by contributing to the local economy of rural areas. We don't have any intermediary and work directly with local suppliers so the money you pay for this trip directly helps to uplift the standard 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.
