Annapurna Circuit Trek
- A classic trek on ancient trade routes
- The complete Himalayan trek experience
- Varied and challenging trekking around the Annapurna range
- Trekking across the Thorung La
- One of Nepals top five trekking holidays
The Annapurna Circuit trek is one of Nepal's finest mountain walks, with all of the elements that go to make up a classic Himalayan adventure holiday. Providing a combination of spectacular high mountain scenery, picturesque lowland farms and villages, a wealth of cultural interest and a challenging pass crossing, the Annapurna Circuit trek is quite simply superb. After a sightseeing day in colourful Kathmandu, we make a highly scenic drive to the road-head in the Marsyangdi Valley where we begin the trek to reach the north side of the Annapurna Massif. In terms of its sheer scale, the valley of the Marsyangdi is surpassed only by the valley of the Kali Gandaki which we trek through on the second part of this exceptional trip. Throughout our walk, we enjoy regular contact with friendly villagers, as well as ever-changing panoramas of some of the world's greatest peaks, including Manaslu and the Annapurnas. Even from Pokhara, the views are tremendous, with Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I and Manaslu dominating the northern skyline. Beyond the village of Manang on the north side of the Annapurnas, the high point of the trip is reached after a stamina-sapping ascent to the Thorung La (5416m). We then descend to the deep valley of the Kali Gadaki, where a wealth of new experiences awaits us - the first of which is the bizarre collection of temples at Muktinath, at the base of the pass. Trekking through the Kali Gandaki Valley for 4 quite leisurely days, we then climb to cross the ridge at Ghorepani and make the traditional excursion to Poon Hill for spectacular dawn views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas. Throughout this circuit, we take advantage of newly discovered valley-side trails wherever these are worthwhile. Finally, arriving at Nepal's second city of Pokhara, there is time to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Lakeside with its magical views of the Annapurnas, reflected in the waters of Phewa Tal. This is a classic Nepal trekking holiday in every sense of the word.
Is this holiday for you?
The classic Annapurna Circuit trek is sustained but offers relatively easy trekking conditions throughout, following excellent walking trails which are well-served with tea-houses and lodges. The trek has been given the DEMANDING trekking grade on account of the overall length of the trip and the fact that there are a number of quite long days. The crossing of the Thorung La will present a significant challenge to the regular hill-walker. A pass of this height (some 600 metres higher than Mont Blanc) should never be underestimated, and we take care to acclimatise carefully prior to making the crossing. This is very straightforward trekking holiday and should be within the capabilities of fit and active hill-walkers.
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