Top 25 Great Reasons to Choose Annapurna Circuit Trek
Create the best trekking experience from Annapurna Circuit Trek with our top 25 reasons!
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a complete trekking adventure with a surreal view of Mt. Annapurna. Nepal’s trekking trails are acclaimed worldwide for their dramatic landscape and wilderness. Annapurna Circuit Trek offers a unique geological landscape, high-mountain meadows, sweeping hills, snow-capped mountains of Annapurna massif, and pristine glaciers that attract visitors worldwide. The deep-rooted local customs and traditions of different ethnic groups living in the region enchant the trekkers with curiosity.
The famous Annapurna Circuit Trek lies in central Nepal and has a trek length of 100-145 miles. Lush foothills through the Tibetan Buddhist settlements in the far west and into the herd of beautiful mountain peaks like Dhaulagiri and mountains of Annapurna massif entices the trekkers.
The trek takes you through winding trekking trails passing through some of the world’s tallest mountains and diverse climatic zones. So, it’s time Annapurna Circuit Trek is that tempting, lace up your trekking shoes and head off into the wilderness. The trek that starts from the beautiful foothills of Lamjung crosses Thorong-La Pass at a height of 5,614 m. Walking down the valleys of Kali Gandaki, the world’s deepest gorge, is all you have ever longed for from this trek. Oh! Now why Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Read along the top 25 reasons for doing Annapurna Circuit Trek!
1. Walk along the lace-like majestic mountains of Annapurna massif
Annapurna Circuit trek is an opportunity for trekkers to embrace an adventurous journey through the magnificent lace-like mountains of Annapurna massif. A massif in the Himalayas of North-central Nepal, the Annapurna Circuit trek takes you along the world’s 10th highest mountain in the world 9091 m, popularly known as Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, 7555m, Annapurna IV 7525m, Gangapurna 7455m and Annapurna South 7219m.
Other less prominent mountains include Annapurna I central, Annapurna I East, Annapurna Fang, Tilicho peak, Nilgiri Himal, Machapuchare, and Hiunchuli. The mountain view of some of the highest mountain peaks of the world glowing in the pastel light of dawn and dusk is an absolute beauty.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek passes through a rugged and barren landscape on the other side of the Himalayas. The trek falls in the rain-shadow area of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range, which means you can do the trek even in monsoon months.
2. Tilicho Lake, a heavenly placid
Tilicho Lake, the world’s highest lake, is located at an altitude of 4,919, with a length of four kilometers and a width of 1.2 kilometers. The dazzling blue lake, also called “The Great Ice Lake,” is a popular side hike of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Apart from Tilicho lake, other lakes come along in this trek, like Khayar lake, 4660m, and Ice Lake, 4700 m.
3. Visit the Forbidden Kingdom
Mustang, a former kingdom, derives from a Tibetan word that means “plains of aspiration” one of the remote areas of Nepal is isolated from the rest of the world. While the history of the place attracts trekkers every year, making it a popular trekking destination. One of Annapurna’s Circuit Trek’s central focus, Mustang, is bordered by the world’s tallest mountains like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, which includes peaks above 7,000 m.
4. Holiest shrine, Muktinath
One of the sacred places of Nepal, the Muktinath temple of Mustang, is situated at an altitude of 3,710 meters. Muktinath means “ a place for liberation,” considered 106th out of 108 Divya Desam (premium temples) of Hindus. Taking a bath from the cold water taps of 108 bull faces is a ritual for Hindu devotees. The temple is not only for the Hindus. Buddhists also pay equal homage to the temple.
5. Thorong-La Pass
Thorong-La Pass, an adventure chore at an elevation of 5,416 me in the Damodar Himal, north of Annapurna Himal, in central Nepal, unfolds the eye-dropping mountain scenery. Thorong -La Pass is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, which connects the village of Manang and Ranipauwa. It gives you a thrilling experience with a feeling of colossal achievement. To visit Thorong-La Pass is a dream of almost all trekkers as it is pretty popular among trekkers worldwide for its best trekking route. Trekkers can view majestic peaks like Manaslu, Mt . Annapurna (I, II, III, and IV), Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, Thorong La peak, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchre, and many other nameless mountain peaks.
6. Pass through Marpha, Nepal’s postcard vintage village
Annapurna Circuit Trek passes through Nepal’s most attractive village, Marpha. Marpha is beauty in itself. The quaint houses and cheery locals allow the trekkers to saunter down the narrow street to explore the preserved culture. In the corner of an arid landscape, Marpha village looks like an oasis which is a heaven of sorts. Famous for apple orchards is an architectural piece of ancient times.
7. Manang Village, a hidden treasure
It feels like heaven to be in Manang, a barren land known as ” the desert of Nepal” with astounding sceneries. The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you along this beautiful village, with the locals’ unique lifestyle consolidating more beauty to this rural area. The absolute heaven of Nepal gives you an unforgettable experience.
8. Unfold the beauty of Nar-Phu and Ney Sang Valleys
A major draw of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the Nar-Phu, and Ney Sang valleys, isolated valleys at an altitude of 13944 ft in the region of Manang, neighboring the Annapurna summit. The ancient Buddhist culture in these areas will add to your curious mind. The valleys offer picturesque medieval villages, gorges, spectacular cliffside trails, and passes.
9. Gangapurna, an icy glacier lake
Gangapurna glacier, at an altitude of 4,620 m, is a satisfaction to watch the clear lake water that freezes in the winter. The lake is regarded as the second most desired tourist attraction in the Annapurna Circuit, which lies in Manang along the moraine of the most important glacier. The lake leads up to the popular tourist trail, Chongkor’s lookout. This ice lake offers trekkers with gleaming mountain view.
10. Sunrise of Poon Hill
Poon Hill is a popular scenic site in the Annapurna region and offers epic Himalayan views from 3,210 m. Trekkers love to watch the sunrise from this scenic point. And trekkers who wish to make their Annapurna Circuit Trek a bit longer can enjoy the side trek of the Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek. This place passes through the rhododendron forest of Larjung, Ghasa, and Tatopani. Poon Hill, this scenic site, plays around with nature. The incredible sunrise and sunset views lit up the snow-capped mountains.
11. Tatopani relaxes your body and brain
This hot water spring in the Annapurna region is well-known among the trekkers, as it allows them to relax their bodies after Annapurna Circuit Trek. The Annapurna Circuit trek passes through several other hot springs. However, Tatopani is where the trekkers always seem to relish the chance to soak in the natural hot water while contemplating the journey ahead. A dip into these hot water springs heals several ailments.
12. Yarsagumba, the Himalayan Viagra
The Himalayan Viagra, known to science as Ophiocordyceps Sinensis, is found in the Annapurna region. The Annapurna Circuit is rich in natural herbs and spices. High-quality musk and herbs are exported worldwide from this region.
13. Shaligrams- fossilized stones of Jomsom
Jomsom, a picturesque destination, is famous for its rugged landscape and Shaligrams. It’s a beautiful village located by the banks of Kali Gandaki river that offers magnificent views of Annapurna and Nilgiri peaks. The ethnic Thakali culture of Jomson allows you to dive into Thakali culture and lifestyle.
14. Enjoy the Trial Variation
The Annapurna Circuit trek is an opportunity to explore various passes and then walk to the Mustang region to Jomsom. Finally, the trek ends at Pokhara. The trail variation is something that makes the trekkers enjoy their trekking journey without feeling wearisome. You will explore everything from the lush green hills to the deserted windy terrains of Jomsom.
The trek that starts from Besishar in the lowland paddy fields leads up to the Marshyangdi River valley, an area covered with oak and pine forests, eventually diverging into Manang, the crown jewel of Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Passing through some of the famous Himalayan settlements of Nepal, like Sherpas, Thakali, and Gurungs, the trekking trial will leave an enthralling feeling. The distinctive areas bestow the trekkers with a good array of the beautiful countryside of Nepal, terraced rice fields, waterfalls, and rhododendron forests.
Say YES to Annapurna Circuit trek as it takes you to the mystical, desert-like landscapes in the Himalayas. No wonder many trekkers choose this trek because of the diversity that this trek offers.
15. Enjoy the beauty of the world that lies in the diversity of its people and culture
Annapurna Circuit Trek is an opportunity to witness the diversity of cultural and ethnic groups as you traverse ahead in your trekking journey. Walking along the dense settlement of Brahmin, Chhetris, and Gurungs in the lowlands, you will walk to the home of Sherpas.
Expect to explore the different cultures as you trek, and the varied culture will inform you of the rich cultural heritage of Nepal.
Moving further, you will meet the friendly Thakali people of Mustang, who speak their language. You would like to know about their rich culture, and the famous Thakali food is something you shouldn’t miss. And if you are doing this trek during the festive season, it will be a bonus to witness the festivals of the Himalayas.
If you plan to trek in the Annapurna region in August, you can witness the Yarlung horse festival in the Manang region. At the same time, you can witness the Tiji festival in May in Upper Mustang. These festivals display the typical way of living of the region’s locals, their Tibet-influenced life, and Bon Buddhist practices.
16. Priceless, bio-diversity of Annapurna massif
Many reasons make the Annapurna region a unique place in the world. The Annapurna Circuit trek takes you along the trails of the world’s largest rhododendron forest in Ghorepani. The cultural diversity of the place is equally rivaled by its bio-diversity. The lush greenery with local flora and fauna makes the trekking journey startling. However, as you climb the higher altitude, the forest becomes scarce. Enjoy eating apples of Marpha if you are an apple lover. The desert-like vegetation of the Mustang is something that you may be surprised by.
Watch the wildlife from the Himalayan snow leopard, Himalayan monal, and musk deer. Gaurs(wild ox) and a variety of deer like chital, sambar, and swamp deer are delightful to watch.
17. It is a moderate trip
Annapurna Circuit Trek, compared to other trekking adventures, is a moderate trip as the chances of high altitude sickness are relatively low. Although the trekking journey passes uphill and downhill, the chances of suffering from high altitudinal mountain sickness are improbable. Annapurna Circuit Trek has its challenges as you may face variations in the trekking journey from moderate to strenuous trek, there are minimal chances of having altitude sickness, but this sickness isn’t a severe one.
18. View of Machhapuchhre, the untouched holy mountain of Nepal
The Annapurna Circuit Trek offers the chance to see the Machhapuchhre mountain peak, also known as “The Fishtail.” The Machhapuchhre, the highest peak of the Annapurna massif, has never been officially climbed. Lying just 24 km north of the Pokhara, the view of Machhapuchhre makes a picture postcard view with its reflection on Phewa lake. Like other mountains of Nepal, the geological origin story of the mountain is magical as it’s home to a Hindu God, a reason why this mountain is still unclimbed.
19. Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki river valley, the pristine valleys
During Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will get an opportunity to trek through Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki valley. These two river valleys are bestowed with beautiful terrains, which allows the trekkers to explore the rich biodiversity and the myriad of alpine and sub-tropical forests.
20. Pokhara, the city of lakes
Nepal’s one of the tourist cities and is the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The city offers a close view of the mountains of Annapurna massif. It’s a place with lively nightlife at the banks of Phewa Lake, and apart from this, there are many sites like Davis falls, Mahendra cave, and Gupteshwore cave to explore. The spellbinding beauty of Pokhara will leave you speechless. The pristine air of the city with a spectacular backdrop of snowy peaks of Annapurna massif and several lakes like Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa lake attracts trekkers.
21. Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in the Manang district
The Braga Bhojo monastery, a Buddhist monastery in the Manang district, is an ideal place for meditation at high altitudes.
22. Yartung, the grand horse riding festival of Manang
Annapurna Circuit Trek will provide insights about this particular festival, which holds its significance. It’s a famous festival celebrated every year in the rain shadow area of the Annapurna region, considered one of the particular kinds of festivals celebrated in the Himalayas. The four-day festival is marked by feasts, horse riding, dancing, and praying at monasteries.
23. Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest gorge
The deepest gorge in the world, known as Kali Gandaki, is another highlight of Annapurna Circuit Trek. The world’s deepest gorge is located between Mt.Annapurna I and Mount. Dhaulagiri, which is over 8,000 m.Deep in Nepal’s Himalayas, the Kali Gandaki river has been flowing for many years, creating depts that are still unknown. The region around Kali Gandaki river is somewhat of a mystery that depicts incredible mysteries of what nature is capable of.
24. Adrenaline rush activities
The Annapurna Circuit Trek also offers you to take some the adventure activities like paragliding, river rafting, and ice skating, apart from hiking. So, this trek is just for you if you are an adventure freak.
25. Explore the best of Nepal in Pisang
The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you to one of those places of Nepal that showcases the best of Nepal, from scenery to culture and the generous spirit of local inhabitants. Pisang is steeped in Gurung and Manangi culture. Pisang- upper and lower Pisang, the two Tibetan villages, sit at the base of Annapurna II and IV.
Upper Pisang, covered by red patches of a barley field in early fall, is a beautiful village of several monasteries(Gompas). You will find the trekking trail surrounded by pine and spruce trees. In the medieval time village of Upper Pisang, you will see multicolored prayer flags fluttering from tall poles.
When in Upper Pisang, you can start your day with the view of sunrise that lightens up the snow-capped mountains. While the lower Pisang is magnificent too. The Buddha Park is a famous garden with a statue of Lord Buddha and colorful prayer flags fluttering from pine tree branches. On sunny clear days, the splendid mountain view is an ethereal backdrop.
We hope Nepal Hiking Team has convinced you well with its top 25 reasons for choosing Annapurna Circuit Trek!
Best of the Annapurna Circuit Trek Packages
18-Day Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek
17-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a comprehensive trek that allows you to walk on the lap of the Himalayas while exploring varying topography, culture, and different Nepalese ethnic settlements. Why wait?
Get prepared to take this trek to experience a different world of Himalayan people apart from the views of exotic mountain views. The trek itself is classy and sassy! The trek has everything to offer you, from cultural exhibitions to nature’s beauty.
Nepal Hiking Team will add joy to your journey with its best services. So, if you are someone who loves trekking and exploring a new culture, the nits of your travel spirit will tempt you to take Annapurna Circuit Trek.
A trek is full of surprises; that is what it is, the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
