Annapurna Full Circuit The Faster Way
The Annapurna Circuit is a trek within Nepal. The route varies between 100-145 miles, depending on where you start and end. This trek crosses two different river valleys and is surrounded by the Annapurna Massif. The highest point at Thorung La pass is 5416m reaching the Tibetan plateau. Most trekkers hike the route anticlockwise, as this allows time to adjust to the altitude to cross Thorong La pass.
Traditionally it took about 21 days to hike the complete circuit, although that is still possible most of the stunning scenery ends after Jomsom as you head down the mountain.
The scenery includes the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda. The normal trek begins at Besisahar in the Marshyangdi river valley and ends in the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Besisahar can be reached after a long drive from Kathmandu. The trail passes fields ,subtropical forests, waterfalls and cliffs.
Annapurna Circuit has been voted as the best long distance trek in the world, and is in the Lonely planets guide as best treks in the world , it is so varied because it starts at low altitude and ascends to the the arctic at 5416 m. Combine that with cultural variety from Hindu villages in the foothills to the Tibetan culture of Manang Valley and lower Mustang. Construction of a road has shortened the trail and changed the villages as it now possible to drive much of the trail on the downhill side. without walking.
Typical Route as you can see the altitude varies from village to village.
Day 01 - From Kathmandu, travel Besisahar 820m
Day 02 - Trek to Khudi 790m
Day 03 - Trek to Bahundanda 1310m
Day 04 - Trek to Jagat 1290m
Day 05 - Trek to Dharapani 1920m
Day 06 - Trek to Chame 2630ms
Day 07 - Trek to Upper/Lower Pisang 3190m
Day 08 - Trek to Manang 3520m
Day 09 - Rest day in Manang 3520m
Day 10 - Trek to Letdar 4250m
Day 11 - Trek to Thorung Phedi 4500m
Day 12 - Trek to Muktinath 3800m crossing the Thorung La
Day 13 - Trek to Marpha 2665m
Day 14 - Trek to Lete 2470m
Day 15 - Trek to Tatopani 1160m
Day 16 - Trek to Ghorepani 2775m/
Day 17 - Trek to Birethanti 1050m
Day 18 - Return to Kathmandu 1400m
NILGIRI MASTIF
TEAHOUSE JOMSOM
NILGIRI MASTIF
What to Expect in Annapurna base camp trek.
The full Annapurna circuit requires long walks all day, every day for many days. It helps if you are fit and have stamina. Walking through this majestic land is a magical experience of the giants of nature, which can’t compare to the Alps for it's sheer vastness.
Weather
October – November
This is the most popular hiking season in Nepal. Due to the recent monsoons, everything along the circuit is refreshed, clean and vibrant. Views are usually clear and the night sky is extremely visible. Though the weather is generally warm, night time temperatures drop below freezing. This is the busiest period on the circuit.
December – March
This is the coldest period on the circuit. Depending on the altitude, daytime temperatures will be cold and night time temperatures drop well below freezing. The trade-off is that the trails are much less busy. Thorung La Pass, which stands at over 5,400 meters, is often blocked with snow and may be closed for days on end. Unless the snow blocks most trails, tea houses still remain open during this period. Clouds prevail more frequently, but clear days are still common. Towards March the rhododendrons start flowering, which brings hillsides alive with flaming colours. Unfortunately, this period is also when avalanches are most common. Completing in December to March is not recommended.
April – May
Because of the warming weather, April to May is the second most popular trekking season on the Annapurna Circuit. Most of the snow has dissipated, leaving crystal clear skies. There is often a strange haze that can be seen from the lower altitudes during May. However, this soon passes and cannot be seen from higher up the trail. As the monsoon period builds towards the end of May, the days become hotter and more humid which makes trekking at lower altitudes quite uncomfortable.
June – September
This is the monsoon period. It rains every day.
FORESTS IN SPRING
MUKTINATH
OTHER AREAS
Upper Mustang, Nar-Pho Valley, Manaslu and Tsum Valley. Are restricted and subject to extra permits, which costs upto $500 for a permit.
UPPER MUSTANG
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