Hotels in Nepal
The Annapurna circuit, stretching for 300 km (187 mi), is one of the classic Nepal Himalayan trails - a gruelling, exhilarating, life-enhancing trek through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery the world has to offer. The trail is mostly well maintained, but some snow and ice will almost certainly be encountered, particularly when crossing the high pass of Thorong La, at 5,416 m (17,800 ft.).
The Annapurna circuit, stretching for 300 km (187 mi), is one of the classic Nepal Himalayan trails - a gruelling, exhilarating, life-enhancing trek through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery the world has to offer. The trail is mostly well maintained, but some snow and ice will almost certainly be encountered, particularly when crossing the high pass of Thorong La, at 5,416 m (17,800 ft.).
From Besisahar, at about 500 m (1,600 ft), you ascend gently through brilliant, green rice paddies and numerous small streams. As you climb higher, you'll see marijuana fields, goats at pasture, apple and apricot orchards and barley, as well as small villages scattered amongst the terraced farmland. After a few days the trail becomes steeper and you find yourself passing through temperate and coniferous forests, alpine meadows, finally climbing beyond the tree line.
Sometimes you'll spend two nights in one place in order to acclimatize your body - the air is thin up here and altitude sickness can be a problem - but by now you are living in a different world, where the sound of rushing water from streams and waterfalls replaces that of cars and machinery. The villages become more Tibetan the higher you go, and Buddhism takes over from Hinduism. People here seem genuinely friendly and welcoming, and there are many lodges in which to stay.
By the time you reach Thorong La pass and make the descent to Muktinath, an important religious site, you will have seen the most extraordinary, panoramic views of the snow-laden Annapurnas, crossed high suspension bridges, waded through rivers, and eaten masses of dal and vegetable curry. At Tatopani, relax in the welcome hot springs. Watch the sunrise from Poon Hill in Ghorepani, or gaze at the amazing, high altitude lake at Tilicho before descending to the 'real' world once again.
HOW
On foot
WHEN TO GO
Late September to December
TIME IT TAKES
About three weeks
HIGHLIGHTS
The beautiful, terraced valley of Marsyangdi.
The walk between Chame and Manang via upper Pisang with its stupendous, inspirational views.
The Hindu and Buddhist temples at Muktinath.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
This trek is strenuous - you'll be walking for up to 7 hours per day, carrying a light rucksack. It is also very cold, especially above 3,000 m (10,000 ft), Rent rather than buy everything you need for the trek, and pay the entrance fee to the Annapurna region in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
