Annapurna Region

The mountain scenery, seen at close quarters, includes the Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda. The circuit trek begins classically with a drive from Kathmandu to Khudi, from where the trek begins. You will hike to Siurung (2,220m) on your first trekking day and walk further down to Jagat at 1,300m the next day. The villages are small and quaint with a unique diversity of ethnic communities living together. From Jagat, the trail goes up to Dharapani (1,860m) and then to the small village of Chame (2,710m).

The trail advances to Pisang at 3,300m. At 3,540m, Manang is a dry place. You will have a good chance to see a herd of yaks passing through the trail. Manang reflects the spread of Buddhism through its many stupas (a wall made of stones inscribed with a Lamaist prayer), Chortens (a Buddhist shrine, typically a saint's tomb or a monument to the Buddha), and prayer flags decorating the trails. Afterward, you will hike to Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi (4,600m), which leads to the Thorong La Pass from where you will have a stunning and magnificent view. The Annapurna Circuit trek was voted as the best long-distance trek in the world for a reason. Thorong Phedi provides a path to the pilgrimage of Muktinath. Taking a bath in the 108 stone taps of the holy site is said to cleanse people's wrongdoings and sins. From Muktinath, the trail heads down to Marpha (2,670m), Kalopani (2,530m), and further down to Tatopani (1,200m), where the treasure of the hot springs lies. From Tatopani, the trek ends at Beni. Finally, you will head back to Kathmandu via Pokhara.

Trekkers will require the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card for this trek. The Annapurna Circuit trek is accessible the whole year. However, monsoon (July until mid-September) and winter seasons (December to February) are not suitable for trekking. The monsoon season is wet and slippery, as well as lacks visibility, whereas the harsh conditions during freezing winter months will make it hard to hike. The alternate routes for the trek consist of 10 days. The compact version of the Annapurna Circuit trek covers almost the same stops but is shortened in time. This provides an ample opportunity for people who are in a time crunch to experience the adventures of the

Annapurna Circuit trek.