Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights

• The scenic drive from Kathmandu Hotel to Beshishahar and 6/7 hours and another few hours of OFFROAD drive to Dharapani is an interesting experience.
• Provides you with abundant opportunities to witness the rich cultural diversity and to experience the legendary trails that pass through time-honored settlements with exceptional scenic beauty.
• Getting to Chame, Pisang, and Manang and the sight of enormous soaring snow-clad mountains around and the transformation in vegetation is miraculous.
• Going over the daring Thorong La (5416 m/17,769 ft), the highest point in the Annapurna circuit trek is a great accomplishment of a lifetime.
• The Muktinath Temple to the other side of the pass which is a very sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists is another highlight of the trip.
• Walking through KALI GANDAKI GORGE, the world's deepest gorge is certainly very enchanting. 
• Enjoying the natural hot spring at Tatopani (1190 m/3,904 ft) is very soothing for your fatigued muscles.
• Walk to Ghorepani and the sunrise view from Poon Hill is exceptional.
• Walking into the deep valley through the forested trail of maple, oak, rhododendron, birch and ample floras towards Annapurna Base Camp is remarkable and very thrilling.
• Despite the risk of avalanches on the way to Annapurna base camp, the surroundings are incredibly spectacular with a panoramic 360-degree angle mountain view.
• Being in Pokhara (820 m), the second biggest city and also very popularly known as the second home of tourists is the land of extravagant beauty that triggers excitement and fun.
• Exploring the classy Phewa Lake with the magnificence of the Himalayas mounting at the backdrop creates an atmosphere of peace and delight.
• Eventually, Sensational Flight back to the city of Kathmandu.

Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview

This extended 25-day Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Trek is by far the most admired and beautiful trekking destination of all. If you have ample time and seeking an extended version of the Annapurna trek then the combination of these two most famous treks is undoubtedly very appropriate.

Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a beautiful combination of two very treasured destinations under the Annapurna category. It truly covers a huge portion of the extremely enormous Annapurna region. Anyone can experience the change that ranges from sub-tropical to alpine to desert which is remarkably very touching. Significantly, its exceptional diversity demonstrates it's worth making it one of the most awe-inspiring destinations of all.

The trekking, the cultural, and spiritual experience that you will witness with this extended version of the Annapurna trek is profound. There are no other treks in Nepal that would compete with this remarkable combination trek. It has the potential to deliver diverse landscapes, typical cultural experiences, dramatic elevation changes, varied ecosystems, iconic mountain views, and the genuine trekking experience.

Other treks like Everest Base Camp, Langtang Trek, Manaslu Trek, or Kanchenjunga Treks have their own merits but still, it falls out of fascination when compared with ACT and ABC combination trek.

Annapurna I is the 10th highest and most technical mountain among the 14 highest peaks in the world. The prominence of Annapurna was gained after the French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal scaled Annapurna I in 1950. The ascent of Annapurna I (8091 m) was indeed the first-ever victorious ascent of 8,000 m peaks in the history of mountaineering.

Trekking the same ancient trail taken by the legendary Maurice Herzog is a remarkable adventure. The Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Trek allow you to follow in the footsteps of these mountaineering pioneers. It allows you to experience the breathtaking landscapes that have captivated travelers for generations.

The First Section - Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT):

During departed years the legendary Annapurna Circuit Trek was the world's no. 1 trekking destination. It delivers so much diversity offering anyone with diverse landscape settings, genuine cultural experience, and stunning mountain views. Furthermore, the legends state that the route once served as a fundamental salt trading route between Nepal and Tibet.

Annapurna circuit which is approximately 248 km/154 miles in total length comprises five different constituencies of Nepal. They are - Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Kaski. Consequently, there is an everyday shifting transformation in the vegetation and landscape which is mesmerizing.

The Annapurna Circuit offers a remarkable range of landscapes and breathtaking views. It offers a unique combination of stunning mountain scenery, challenging terrain, and rich cultural experiences. You will pass through lush green valleys, terraced fields, charming traditional villages, and dense rhododendron forests. As you ascend higher, the scenery transforms into alpine meadows, barren landscapes, and dramatic mountain vistas.

The Highlights of ACT:

• Annapurna Massif: The trek takes you around the enormous and extended Annapurna Massif. You will have the opportunity to witness several awe-inspiring peaks, including Annapurna I (8,091 meters/26,545 feet), the 10th-highest mountain in the world. Besides you will also see other notable peaks like Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Chulu Peak, Pisang Peak, Annapurna II, Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri, Thoran Peak, Mustang Peak, and many more.
• Thorong La Pass: One of the major highlights of the Annapurna Circuit is crossing the Thorong La Pass, which stands at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet). It is one of the highest navigable trekking passes in the world and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Crossing the pass requires proper acclimatization and is a challenging but rewarding experience.
• Cultural Experience: The trek takes you through diverse ethnic communities, including Gurungs, Thakalis, and Manangis. They have their unique cultures, traditions, languages, and lifestyles. You can interact with the friendly locals, visit ancient monasteries, and experience the rich cultural heritage of the region. There are numerous tea houses and lodges run by these communities that provide accommodation and meals for trekkers. These teahouses offer a cozy and rustic ambiance, allowing you to experience the warm hospitality of the local people.
• Natural Hot Springs: The Nepali word Tatopani Literally means Hot Water – where Tato is Hot and Paani is always Water. It’s really fun to relax your tired muscles in the natural hot spring. Natural hot springs at Tatopani These hot springs are believed to have therapeutic properties and provide a soothing experience for tired muscles.
• Side Trips: The Annapurna Circuit trek offers various side trips and extensions, allowing you to explore additional attractions like Tilicho Lake, the world's highest lake, and the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath.

The next Section is Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC):

The second part expedition is to yet another admiring Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It is an enchanting trek to the base of the 10th-highest mountain in the world. The trek is indeed a trip of a lifetime which is extremely overwhelming. This epic trip to Annapurna Sanctuary or base camp is another rewarding trek that lures thousands of trekkers every year.

Trek to Annapurna Sanctuary is not just a mere trekking, it is a spiritual pilgrimage that will take you to the most sacred valley of the Gurung community. As the name suggests (Annapurna Sanctuary), it is a sanctuary that the local community of Gurung has been protecting for ages. The trek offers you villages within the natural amphitheater, panoramic mountain views, and dramatic forested trails with exceptional magnificence.

The dominant ethnic tribe is the Gurungs who are very honest by nature and have diverse customs and beliefs. They have their own language and are a mixture of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Animism. Besides, they have their own private cult which differs with region and sub casts.

Moreover, the British Gurkhas give you an abundant history of their loyalty and sincerity. Annapurna base camp is by far the most sanctified place for the Gurungs who are the aborigines of this region. They have various legends and superstitious beliefs about these majestic valleys which still survive amid all modernization.

The Highlights of ABC Trek:

• Cultural Experience: Unlike the Annapurna Circuit trek, the Annapurna Base Camp delivers quite a different cultural experience. Trekkers have the opportunity to encounter and interact with the diverse ethnic communities of Nepal, such as the Gurung, Magar, and Thakali people. You can experience the differences in their house architecture, their unique cultures, traditions, and language.
• Annapurna Sanctuary: The Annapurna Base Camp is often referred to as the Annapurna Sanctuary due to the beliefs of the local communities. It has an exceptional location within a natural amphitheater surrounded by towering mountains. As you stand at the base of the 10th highest mountain in the world you will feel this essence of spirituality.
• Rich Biodiversity: The ABC lies within the protected area of Annapurna Conservation Area. Annapurna is very well known for its rich biodiversity. The area is home to diverse flora and fauna, and various species of birds and mammals.
• Hot Springs: After a beautiful trek to Annapurna Base Camp, you will have the opportunity to relax in the natural hot springs located in Jhinu Danda. Though Hot Spring at Jhinu isn't as attractive as at Tatopani, people have a lot of belief in its healing power. Locals from around the country including foreigners visit Jhinu Hot Spring every year.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is known for its exceptional trekking experience making it a popular choice for trekkers seeking a memorable adventure in the Himalayas.