Annapurna Circuit

Do you know that the Annapurna Circuit Trek is also known as the Annapurna Round Trek? Yes, this trekking trip takes trekkers to two magnificent river valleys of Manang and Mustang region of Nepal. The journey encircles Annapurna massifs and reaches the edge of the Tibetan Plateaus. Moreover, the trail of Annapurna Circuit is one of the most diverse and beautiful trekking route of Nepal. Relish the chance to immerse into the Himalayan lifestyle and culture embracing the splendid scenery of snowy mountains.

In this blog, let’s explore about frequently asked questions related to Annapurna Circuit Trek journey in Nepal.

Nepal’s oldest trekking route is Annapurna Circuit Trek Route

The trekking route of Annapurna Round Trek was opened back in 1977 A.D. Therefore, it is the oldest trekking route of Nepal. Moreover, the trail is an identity of the Nepalese Trekking industry. The presence of mountains, diverse landscapes, and multi-ethnic culture make this trekking route one of the most popular trail for trekkers across the globe. Therefore, the trekking trip is classed under the classical trekking route of Nepal.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Distance

The distance of Annapurna Circuit Trek depends upon the itinerary. After the construction of road in the trekking route, the distance has shortened. However, this oldest classical trekking route of Nepal was originally 230 km long. Even today also we can follow the classical trekking itinerary that encompasses 230 km long trekking trail. Interestingly, most of the modern trekkers prefer to do the updated itinerary. Therefore, the current distance of Annapurna Circuit Trek is about 160 kilometers.

You can do this trek and complete the whole 230 kilometers by adding both driving and trekking in one single trip. For example, drive up to Chamje and start the trek. Once you have reached Muktinath, drive to Tatopani. Enjoy the natural hot water springs in Tatopani and trek uphill to Ghorepani. Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Ulleri. Finally, drive to Pokhara. By doing this, you will be able to complete full 230 kilometers of the classical Annapurna Circuit Trek trail.

How Long does it take to hike the Annapurna Circuit?

It is possible to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek in 10 days as well. Yes, it is the shortest way to complete the round trek. However, the classical Annapurna Round Trek requires at least 18 days’ itinerary. Plan out with the travel planners and ask them to add surrounding areas too.

Which is the most popular trekking destination besides Thorong La Pass in Annapurna?

Tilicho Lake is the most popular trekking destination besides Thorong La Pass in Annapurna. The lake is the highest situated glacial lake. Moreover, the lake is located at the place surrounded by snowy mountains. You will have to add at least 4 days in your regular Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary to accommodate Tilicho Lake Trek activity. If you want to get an outstanding memories of trekking in Nepal, don’t forget to add Tilicho Lake in your Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary.

Is Annapurna Circuit Trek possible for first time trekkers?

Any types of trekkers can successfully do the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The trail is easy except while crossing the Thorong La Pass. Overnight in Thorong High Camp and crossing the Thorong La Pass (5416 m) are the toughest but on other days trekking in this trail is relatively easy. Trekkers don’t have to do vertical uphill walking for most of the time. All age group of people can successfully do the trek. In addition, the trekking trail is one of the most gorgeous family trekking route of Nepal. Except for two nights near Thorong La Pass, an entire trip is marvelous and suitable for all kinds of trekkers. So, if you are a first time trekker then don’t worry. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on this beautiful trekking journey to Nepal.

Side Trekking route from Annapurna Circuit Trek route

There are many side trekking routes possible from Annapurna Circuit Trek route. The most popular is trek to Tilicho Lake. Therefore, most of the trekkers doing the round trek prefer to add the Tilicho Lake in their itinerary. Apart from Tilicho Lake, Nar Phu Valley Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, and customized home stay trekking routes are possible to do from Annapurna Circuit Trek route. Doing a side trek is not fancied activity to do while holidaying but it is necessary if you wish to add value to your trekking trips.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek vs Annapurna Circuit Trek

People often refer Annapurna Trek as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Therefore, don’t get confused about Annapurna Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek. The only alternative name of Annapurna Circuit Trek is the Annapurna Round Trek. If you see itinerary of Annapurna Trek then it is the itinerary of Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes trekkers to the base camp of Mt. Annapurna. The highest altitude on this trekking is 4130 m from sea level. However, the maximum altitude during the Annapurna Circuit Trek is 5416 m. In terms of physical terrain, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is harder than the Annapurna Round Trek. There are countless stairs in ABC Trek but the trail of the Annapurna Round Trek is comparatively easier to walk. The risk of altitude sickness is high during Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Overall, Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek each has their own unique features. These are the jewels of the Annapurna region and are the pillars of Nepal Trekking industry.

What are the mountains seen during Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The journey of Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal is probably the most scenic out of all the trekking routes of Nepal. Encircling around the Annapurna Massifs endow countless opportunities to get vista of numerous mountains of the Annapurna Himalayan range. The major mountains seen during Annapurna Circuit Trek are Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Pisang, Himchuli, Neelgiri, etc. These mountains are special in legends book. Moreover, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu, Tsum, Kanchenjunga, and Nar Phu are major restricted trekking regions of Nepal.

Can I see Mt. Everest from Annapurna region?

Many people ask this question. Please be clear that Annapurna region of Nepal is completely different from Everest region. People who know very little about mountains always get confused about the location of Mt. Everest and Mt. Annapurna. The scenery of mountains seen in the Annapurna region and the scenery of mountains in the Everest region are completely different.

No, you can’t see Mt. Everest from Annapurna region. However, you can clearly see both these mountains once you land in Kathmandu. From the vantage point around the Kathmandu Valley you can see both Annapurna and Everest. Everest is located in Solukhumbu district of Nepal and Annapurna is in Gandaki province. These two iconic regions of Nepal Trekking are completely different.

 Vegetation and Wildlife

Vegetation style in this trekking route is diverse. Trekkers traverse through deciduous  vegetation to tundra vegetation in one single trip. Beyond Manang, trekkers experience alpine vegetation. In the places before Manang in low altitude, trekkers can observe the temperate deciduous forests. Majority of the trek route has sub – alpine to alpine vegetation but in places like Thorong High Camp and Thorong La Pass periphery, trekkers can observe Tundra vegetation. As for wildlife, the diversity in vegetation means diversity in wildlife. You can find endangered species of snow leopard to thar (Himalayan goat). Inside the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) you can do study of diverse kinds of flora and fauna.

Best Season to do Annapurna Round Trek

Major trekking seasons in Nepal are spring and autumn. Yes, these two seasons are best best seasons to do Annapurna Round Trek. During this time of the year, the weather is warm and clear. You can get the splendid mountain vistas. There is not fear of landslide and flood in these two seasons. Moreover, spring and autumn season have their own unique attractions. In spring season, you can get the best natural scenery as this is the time of the year when the flowers blooms! However, autumn season is the time of the year in Nepal when Nepalese people celebrate their biggest festival called Dashain and Tihar. The choice is yours to choose when to do Annapurna Round Trek. Make sure that your priority is to immerse into the diverse culture of people of the Annapurna region and relish the mountain vistas.

Diverse Ethnic Community

The Annapurna Circuit Trek route is a detour! It is about 230 kilometers long trekking trail. Therefore, the route encompasses diverse ethnic community. The major ethnic communities of Nepal on this trekking route are Gurung, Magar, Thakali, and Tibetans! Yes, In Manang Valley you can find lots of Gurung villages. These people have their own culture and traditions. In the last phase of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, trekkers enter the village of Magar people. Once the Annapurna Circuit Trek trekkers enter the Lower Mustang region, they encounter Thakali people. Therefore, it is fair to say that the Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most diverse classical trekking route of Nepal.