Annapurna Circuit Trek – 16 Days

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal, boasting some of the best natural scenery in all of Nepal along with a wealth of culture. This route offers one of the ‘easier’ long treks in Nepal: but does include a demanding high altitude pass calling for pre-fitness, walking experience and careful acclimatization.

The trek begins from measly altitudes of less than 1000m but gradually rises upto 5416m, encompassing a variety of terrain and biodiversity in the process. The trail sports close up views of the various mountain vistas including the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda.

After a day exploring Kathmandu, drive west through forest and farmland to Tal for the start of the trek. The trail and recently built dirt roads follow an anti-clockwise route behind the 50km Annapurna Himal. The reason for the anticlockwise route is the gradual altitude gain, which helps with acclimatization and makes crossing the Thorong La easier and safer. Lowland Hindu communities gradually give way to Tibetan groups and the architecture changes as the trail rises. The high peaks to the south capture rainfall leaving a rain shadow behind the range which gets gradually drier as you trek westwards.