Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights
- The scenic drive to Beshishahar and thrilling OFF-ROADING to Dharapani.
- Witness rich cultural diversity.
- Travel through 5 diverse constituencies of Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Kaski.
- Walk the ancient historic trails that pass through time-honored settlements with exceptional scenic beauty.
- Cross the challenging Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/17,769 feet).
- Visit the most sacred place of Muktinath Temple.
- Walking through KALI GANDAKI GORGE, the world's deepest gorge.
- Enjoying the natural hot spring at Tatopani (1190 m/3,904 feet).
- Walk to Ghorepani and the sunrise view from Poon Hill.
- Walking into the deep valley through the forested trail towards Annapurna Base Camp.
- Enjoy the 360-degree mountain view from Annapurna Base Camp.
- Explore the lake city of Pokhara and the Phewa Lake with the Annapurna massif in the backdrop.
- 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 are 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 its worth, making it one of the most stunning 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, and dramatic elevation changes. Furthermore, it offers varied ecosystems, iconic mountain views, and a genuine trekking experience.
Why you should do the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Combination Trek?
Other treks like Everest Base Camp, Langtang Trek, Manaslu Trek, or Kanchenjunga Treks have their own merits, but still, they fall out of fascination when compared with the 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 1950 French Annapurna Expedition is indeed very historic. This ascent of Annapurna I (8091 m) was indeed the first-ever victorious human 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.
Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp Combination Trek first takes you through the ancient salt trading route of natural beauty. Secondly, it takes you deep into the sacred valley of the indigenous people to the sacred place of beauty and spirituality. It is an entire circuit that covers a massive section of Annapurna that has so much to offer to travelers.
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 a diverse landscape setting, a genuine cultural experience and stunning mountain views. Furthermore, the legends state that the route once served as a fundamental salt trading route during the SALT TRADE ERA between Nepal and Tibet.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is approximately 248 km/154 miles in total length. No other trek in Nepal can give you the diversity variation like the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It goes through five different constituencies of Nepal - Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Kaski.
This remarkable trek delivers you an extraordinary range of landscapes and ecosystems. The everyday shifting transformation in the vegetation and landscape is magical. It starts from the lush subtropical forests of lower Lamjung to the alpine meadows of Pisang and Manang. Eventually, it will lead you to high-altitude terrain and glaciers of Thorong La Pass.
Furthermore, after the Thorong La Pass, the trek takes you to a different valley of Mustang, which is a desert of Nepal.
The cultural diversity is equally impressive. Throughout the trek, you encounter diverse ethnic communities, including the Gurung, Manangi, Mustangi, Thakalis, and Magars. They all have their own language and unique heritage and traditions.
Each district you pass while doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek has its own unique architecture, cuisine, customs, and way of life. You will be amazed by the ancient setting of the villages and their architecture. In a similar way, you will also experience different climate variations as you go from Lamjung to Manang to Mustang.
The mountain view you witness in this trek cannot be compared. This combination of ecological, cultural, climatic, and geographic diversity makes the Annapurna Circuit one of the best treks in Nepal.
The Highlights of Anapurna Circuit Trek:
- Trek around the enormous and extended Annapurna Massif.
- Grandiose view of peaks like Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Chulu Peak, Pisang Peak, Annapurna II, Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri, Thoran Peak, Mustang Peak, and many more.
- Witness diverse altitude variation, vegetation, culture, and topography.
- Meet with the ethnic communities of Gurungs, Thakalis, Manangis, Mustangis, and Magars.
- Stay in a traditional Himalayan settlement and visit ancient monasteries.
- Enjoy the rustic ambiance and the warm hospitality of the local people.
- Crossing the stunning high mountain pass of Thorong La Pass, 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), the highest navigable trekking pass in the world.
- Visit MUKTINATH, the most sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists.
- Soak in the Natural hot springs at Tatopani, which provide a soothing experience for your tired muscles.
- Hike to Poon Hill for the most magical sunrise view and mountain view.
The next Section is Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC):
The second part of this combination trek is yet another admiring Annapurna Base Camp Trek. ABC is an enchanting trek that leads you to the fascinating base of Annapurna I, 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 or Annapurna Base Camp is not just a mere trek, it is indeed a spiritual pilgrimage. This spiritual pilgrimage takes you to the most sacred valley of the Gurung community. The Gurung Community has a strong belief in the spirits that reside in the valley and worships them deeply. They even have a spiritual ritual, which is organized every year to honor the spirits.
As the name suggests (Annapurna Sanctuary), it is a sanctuary that the local community of Gurung has been protecting for ages. This is the reason why, past the village of Sinuwa, it is forbidden to take any live meat into the valley.
The trek takes you through the traditional GURUNG villages and dramatic forest trails, offering you a beautiful trekking experience. Gurungs are the dominant ethnic tribe in the region, who have a great history of serving in the British Army.
Gurung have their own language and are a mixture of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Animism. Besides, they have their own private cult, which differs by region and sub-casts.
The Highlights of ABC Trek:
- Experience varied terrains, from lush valleys and dramatic forests to rugged alpine meadows.
- Stay in traditional teahouses and interact with Gurung, Magar, and Thakali people.
- Listen to the folklore and legends that locals have about the Annapurna Base Camp Valley and its holy mountains.
- Enjoy the most stunning view of Annapurna, Holy Machapuchare, Annapurna Fang, Annapurna South, and many more.
- Stand at the base of the 10th-highest mountain in the world and enjoy the magical sunset and sunrise views.
- Witness the rich biodiversity with diverse flora and fauna.
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.