 The Annapurna Trek is the most popular trek in Nepal.
Opened to foreign trekkers in 1977, Annapurna region has three main treks namely the Annapurna Circuit, the Annapurna Sanctuary and the Jomsom trek.
Amongst the three, the Annapurna circuit is the most remarkable and popular of all. The circuit is walked usually in a counter-clockwise direction for easy access and trekkers usually start from Besisahar of Dumre on the Kathmandu-Pokhara road. From Besisahar the trail leads to Khudi, the first Gurung village from where you walk ahead and enter the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) checkpoint.
The long and tough terrain begins from Phaleksangu past Bhulbhule, Sange, Tal, Kodo and Pisang. Along the way, you will come across steep drops, climbs, and river crossings, high and low routes, forest, police check-post, post office, hotel, a bank and the last telephone before reaching Manang. From Pisang to Manang are two routes, the north and south of the Marsyangdi River. Manang, the main destination of the circuit trek, is a Tibetan style village. It is a good idea to spend a day here in acclimatization. You can visit the gompa, watch the villagers herd yaks, go on a short hike or take a walk to the post office and the ACAP office.
After spending a day in Manang prepare yourself for the 5,400 meter Thorung-La Pass that lies ahead. The uphill climb from Manang to Thorung Phedi is strenuous and exciting. Phedi means the 'foot of the hill and Thorung Phedi is the foot of the Thorung Pass. So the final push from Thorung Phedi to Thorung Pass and then to Muktinath is the most challenging of all. It takes about four to six hours to climb up the snow-covered pass but the spectacular scenery and the excitement of crossing 'The Kali Gandaki', the deepest gorge in the world, in course of crossing the Thorung Pass makes it all worth trying.
The arrival at the sacred shrine of Muktinath is very rewarding. The return journey back from Muktinath-Tato Pani-Pokhara takes around a week going down hill along the Kali Gandaki gorge. Once in Pokhara you can either drive or take a flight back to Kathmandu.
Experience the ethnic and scenic diversity of Nepal while on the Annapurna trek. It will fill you up with exotic experience and unforgettable memories. |
