Classic Annapurna Circuit

Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek: a Journey through the World’s Most Diverse Trek

Trekking in Nepal is always enticing and spectacular. It is not only the walking in the trail but it is a cultural immersion and natural wonders’ spectacles too. Therefore, the number of trekkers coming to this beautiful Himalayan nation for trekking is huge. Among several trekking routes, the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek: a journey through the world’s most diverse trek is definitely at the top. Yes, today’s trekking blog is about Nepal’s oldest trekking trail that connects Manang Valley and Mustang Valley of Nepal.

Travel investment is never cheap. In fact, it involves expendable income. Therefore, the trip must be momentous and worthwhile. However, traveling in Nepal can guarantee the worth of every penny that you spend. Additionally, you need to prepare well for the trip to make it successful and memorable. Our blogs are one of the sources to find out authentic tips for holidaying in Nepal. In today’s blog, we are trying to highlight the fact that the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek: a journey through the world’s most diverse trek.

What makes Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek: a journey through the world’s most diverse trek?

Diversity is the biggest factor that makes Nepal an ideal place for holiday activities. Despite the size of this country being one of the smallest countries of the world, it possesses wonders of Mother Nature and grandeur of multi – ethnic culture. Nepal has more than 125 ethnic communities who speak their own language and practice their own unique traditions. Besides cultural diversity, the natural diversity also makes the country a nice place to visit. From the towering mountains to deepest gorges, the nation prides in its diverse natural heritages.

As for the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek: a journey through the world’s most diverse trek, let’s know the reasons of its diversity. We will focus on three things that make the Annapurna Circuit Trek unique and diverse than others. They are multi – ethnic people, diverse landscape, and diverse vegetation. Most of the trekking routes of Nepal are diverse but it is not as diverse as the Annapurna Circuit Trek. For example, the Everest Base Camp Trek route traverses through Sherpa Villages and offers diverse landscapes. It doesn’t give you chance to immerse into the culture and traditions of multi – ethnic people.

Now, let’s find out in brief about the factors that make the Annapurna Circuit Trek diverse.

Multi – Ethnic People

The major factor behind the diversity of the Annapurna Circuit Trek route is the presence of multi – ethnic people. During the trekking in this trail, trekkers can meet people from Brahmins, Chhetris, Newar, and Dalits in the lower section of the trail especially around Besisahar and on the way to Jagat. Majority of people living in the middle section of the trekking trail are Gurung and Magar. Please note that the community of Gurung is larger than the Magar Community. Additionally, after crossing the Thorong La Pass trekkers can meet people of Tibetan origin. These people follow traditional Tibetan culture and speak their own language. Before heading to Ghorepani area which is mainly habituated by Magar community, trekkers can immerse into the Thakali people’s culture in Mustang area.

Therefore, the single trip of the Annapurna Circuit Trek offers great chance to immerse into the culture and traditions of more than 6 to 7 ethnic communities of Nepal. Temples, monasteries, chortens, stupas, and natural religious spots make this trail spiritual and culturally diverse.

Diverse Landscapes

The landscape diversity is on the full circle while on the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek route. The journey starts from the hilly town surrounded by terraced farmlands and streams. As the trek route ascends, the landscape slowly changes and enters the river valleys surrounded by gigantic hills. This diversity in landscapes means that you get to witness amazing waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and gorges. From the terraced farmlands, the trail reaches its peak at the high – altitude mountain pass that offers spectacular 360 degree view of mountains.

Therefore, the terraced farmlands, river valleys, gorges, plateaus, high – altitude passes, and towering mountains make the Annapurna Circuit Trek diverse in terms of landscapes.

Diverse Vegetation

Well, the journey of the Annapurna Circuit Trek traverses through several vegetation zones. Basically, the lower altitude sections consist of the temperate deciduous forests. The type of the wildlife is dependent on the type of the vegetation. Therefore, expect diversity in the wildlife too. The trail has majority of the sub – alpine, alpine, and meadows vegetation before entering the tundra vegetation zone. The Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek routes are the only commercial trekking trails where you can experience Tundra vegetation. For your information, Tundra vegetation is found around the places above 4800 m altitude.

Itinerary of Classical Annapurna Circuit Trek

Do you know that the itinerary of the classical Annapurna Circuit Trek includes Thorong La Pass crossing and the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek? Yes, it is the longest trekking route in the commercial trekking category. However, the trekking distance has been curtailed due to the construction of roads in this region. Even if the roads are built, it is possible to cover the entire classic itinerary. Interestingly, you have to travel by bus or jeep in between the trek.

Trekking in Manang Valley

The first phase of the itinerary includes the crossing of the Thorong La Pass (5416 m). While on this phase, trekkers explore the Manang Valley of Nepal. The trek starts from multiple trailheads. These trail heads depend upon the type of the itinerary that you have chosen. For example, you can start the trek either from Chame or Jagat. Some people even start the trek from Dharapani or Pisang. However, starting the trek from Pisang or Manang can be risky in terms of altitude sickness. Major places that trekkers explore in the first phase are Pisang, Ngawal, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, and Thorong Pass.

Crossing Thorong La Pass

The iconic moment and also the most difficult section is while crossing the Thorong La Pass (5416 m). You have to start the trek either from Thorong Phedi or from Thorong High Camp. It depends upon your decision and the difference is about 1.5 hours to 2 hours. The trek starts early in the morning before dawn at around 3:30 am or 4 am. The trail is rugged and snowy which can be challenging to navigate.

Upon crossing the Thorong La Pass, trekkers enter the Mustang Valley and reach the famous Muktinath Temple. The sights of mountains from the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan range look splendid while crossing the Thorong La Pass. Remember that the day of crossing the Thorong La Pass (5416 m) is the longest on this journey.

Traveling in Mustang Valley including Muktinath Temple

Explore the famous and sacred Muktinath Temple before traveling in the Mustang Valley. The temple is the pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists. Lord Vishnu’s temple is known as the temple of salvation. It is believed that those who worship in this temple and take bath in 108 taps of the temple can get salvation. All our sins will be washed once we dip in the pond located in the premise of the temple.

After visiting the temple and nunnery, trekkers switch into tourists as they take a short break from trekking and start the road trip to Tatopani. However, some people prefer to walk but it is not highly recommended to walk on the well tarred road. The jeep or bus journey is about 3 to 4 hours via places like Jomsom, Marpha, Tukuche, and Rupse Waterfall. A warm dip in the natural hot springs before starting the Ghorepani Poon Hill section is always refreshing.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Section

The final section of the class Annapurna Circuit Trek: a journey through the world’s most diverse trek is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek section. Gear up for the strenuous uphill trekking from Tatopani to Ghorepani. The route to Ghorepani is through green lush forests and you can enjoy the solitude inside the jungle. The tranquil uphill trek offers great insights. Once at the Ghorepani, trekkers take the famous hike to the top of the Poon Hill (3210 m). Please note that the Poon Hill is the most popular vantage point of the Annapurna region. Finally, you can end the trek in Nayapul or Tikhedhunga after the sunrise hike to Poon Hill. The trip of the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek: a journey through the world’s most diverse trek offers great memories of diverse nature and culture along the way.

How much does it cost to do classical Annapurna Circuit Trekking in Nepal?

The average cost to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek depends upon the preferences of trekkers and number of days. The classical itinerary has 15 to 17 days which is comparatively expensive than the shorter itinerary. Moreover, the preference of trekkers to use the Jomsom flight to reach Pokhara can also increase the cost of the trek. However, the cost of the classical Annapurna Circuit Trekking in Nepal starts from 950 $ per person for standard trekking package. It basically includes guide, porter, permit, lodging, meals, and transportation during the trek.

Adding Tilicho Lake Trek in Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

The famous side trip possible from the Annapurna Circuit Trek route is the Tilicho Lake. The lake situated at an altitude of 4919 m is considered as one of the highest situated lakes of the world. If you add about 2 to 3 days in the Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary, then you can cover the Tilicho Lake Trek as well. Beware that the addition of the side trip increases the number of days and also increase the exhaustion. However, the chance to explore magnificent Tilicho Lake can be tempting and worthwhile. The choice is always yours and make sure that you consult with the travel experts before adding Tilicho Lake in the Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary.

How to Prepare for Annapurna Circuit Thorong La Pass Trek?

Travel success must be the biggest priority of any travelers. After investing dollars on the trip, the success must be in the form of momentous travel tale. Prepare well before the trek. You need to know about right season and correct way of trekking. Moreover, you must also know about the physical preparation idea, packing list, and tips to get best rate.

Choosing Best Season For Trek

The best seasons for the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal are spring season and autumn season. Months like March, April, May, September, October, and November are ideal for amazing trekking experiences. It is better to avoid monsoon season and winter season for safety reasons.

Buying Trekking Package from Reliable Travel Company

This blogger highly suggests you to buy the trekking package instead of solo or independent trekking in this classical Annapurna Circuit Trek route. Leave all the hassles of logistic management of the trip to the travel company. If you are searching for the reliable travel company, then the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. is definitely recommended. The agency has experienced trekking guides and expert travel planners who can definitely knit a beautiful and budget friendly trekking itinerary for you.

Physical and Mental Preparation

Get travel insurance before the trip. Make sure that your insurance plan covers incidents above 5000 m altitude. It is mandatory for trekkers before the trek. Prepare physically by doing lots of cardio – vascular exercises like running, walking, cycling, and swimming at least one month prior to the trek.

Essential Packing Gear and Equipment

Pack only the things that you need. Warm set of clothes (sweat t-shirts & trousers), down jacket, sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, raincoat, windshield jacket, toiletries, water bottle, torch lights, power bank, etc. You can consult with the travel planners before finalizing the list of the packing equipment and gear.

Embark on the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek: a journey through the world’s most diverse trek.