Want to see the mountains and experience a thrilling trekking journey in the gorgeous Annapurna region? Yes, then the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is perfect for you. This trek will take you to some of the most gorgeous places in Nepal, where the majestic mountains will enchant you with their beauty. The Annapurna circuit trek takes you along the traditional trekking route, allowing you to explore picturesque villages and witness jaw-dropping scenery that is truly captivating. This trek offers a well-rounded 15-day itinerary for you to fully immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring splendour of nature and the vibrant local culture. This trek provides a wonderful opportunity to not only experience the trek itself but also to explore two incredible major cities, Kathmandu and Pokhara. In these cities, you will have the chance to discover both the historical and natural attractions they have to offer. Throughout the trek, you will receive outstanding and personalised services to ensure your journey is both comfortable and enjoyable. We strive to provide a unique travel experience for all of our guests.
Nepal is a country that boasts incredible natural beauty and a vibrant cultural heritage. The country showcases a diverse range of landscapes, from towering mountains to breathtaking grasslands and high mountain deserts, offering travellers an unforgettable experience all in one trip. On the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek, you'll immerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking natural beauty through sightseeing and trekking. This trek is filled with a multitude of elements that will transport you to ancient landmarks and remote, arid, and rural locations. Here, you can discover the serene beauty of nature and witness incredible panoramas of majestic mountains and untouched wilderness. During your trek, you will discover the well-known attractions within the city areas. You will venture through charming old villages and encounter stunning scenery along the way, as outlined below.
Kathmandu City
The Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek begins in Kathmandu, which is the starting and ending point of the trek due to its status as the only operating international airport at the time. You'll spend a few nights preparing before you set out on your trek. Kathmandu is home to numerous historical landmarks that are scattered throughout the city, which you will explore during your sightseeing programme. During your sightseeing programme, you will have the opportunity to explore various religious sites, former royal palaces, and some of the most captivating places and markets. Kathmandu is known by different names bestowed upon it by travellers, such as "the city of temples" and "the old trading routes of Nepal," among others.
Kathmandu has been the capital for centuries, where you can experience the beauty of diverse cultures and ethnicities living harmoniously together. It offers a unique blend of chaos and tranquility, making it a truly one-of-a-kind destination. The streets are alive with local shops offering unique and handmade items. Crowded streets are bustling with people, yet amidst the hustle and bustle, a sense of peace can be found. This city is brimming with temples and historical sites, creating a charming blend of rustic ambience amidst modern development. During your time in Kathmandu, you will visit some incredible landmarks, such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Temple, and Boudhanth Stupa. These ancient sites are definitely worth exploring. These places hold immense cultural and religious significance, serving as the foundation for the beautiful traditions we continue to celebrate today.
Manang Valley
During your trek, you will come across Manang, a picturesque village situated along the Annapurna circuit route. Manang is situated in the Annapurna region of central Nepal and is an important part of the Annapurna Conservation Area. This place showcases a wide range of landscapes, from alpine forests to arid highlands, all encompassed by towering peaks that encircle the valley. The high mountains block the monsoon rains, creating a dry and cool desert in this particular area.
Manang's culture is heavily influenced by its proximity to Nepal's border with Tibet. It offers a captivating glimpse into the rich traditions and culture of Tibet, enhancing your overall travel experience. It is located at an elevation of 3,519m above sea level. The beauty of this place is truly awe-inspiring, with its breathtaking view of the mountains, challenging high mountain passes, and stunning natural wonders. Trekkers often stay at this location to acclimatise before continuing their journey, which adds to the significance and importance of this place. During your acclimatisation day, you can hike up to small lakes and nearby viewpoints, allowing you to discover the hidden beauties of the area.
Thorong La Pass
Thorong La Pass is truly a remarkable highlight of the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek, offering both challenges and breathtaking views. This trekking pass is located at an impressive elevation of 5,416 m above sea level, making it one of the highest in the world. This viewpoint offers an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding area and provides an unforgettable trekking experience. The view from the top of Thorong La Pass is truly awe-inspiring. You'll be able to take in the vast valley, the majestic mountain peaks, and the rugged slopes of Annapurna Massif, all covered in a pristine blanket of snow.
Crossing the Thorong La Pass can be quite physically demanding, as it involves walking at a significant altitude on a steep hill. Due to this, it is not recommended for beginners. However, the view from the top is truly worth every step taken. People begin their journey to cross the pass at the crack of dawn to avoid the strong winds that intensify later in the day. This can be quite a challenging and tricky task.
Muktinath Temple
Muktinath is a wonderful place to stay, located just after crossing the Thorong La Pass. The location is situated at an elevation of 3,710 metres above sea level. Located along the Annapurna Circuit trek, this site holds great religious importance for both Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal. The temple in Muktinath is a sacred site devoted to the Hindu god Vishnu, renowned as a destination for spiritual liberation. Buddhists hold this place in high regard due to its close connection to Guru Rinpoche. It is a popular pilgrimage site due to its spiritual and religious significance. Muktinath is not only a pilgrimage site but also offers a stunning view of the majestic Dhaulagiri, the seventh-highest mountain in the world.
Pokhara City
After completing your trek, you will stay in Pokhara, a major city in Nepal. The walking journey concludes in Jomsom, which is approximately 160 km away from Pokhara. The drive takes about 5-6 hours, while a domestic flight only takes 25 minutes from Jomsom Pokhara. Pokhara is a breathtaking city with an abundance of untouched nature and a serene atmosphere. Pokhara is the ideal destination to unwind and rejuvenate after a challenging week-long trek. It offers a quiet atmosphere where you can take a break, indulge in leisure activities, and celebrate the accomplishment of your trek.
In addition to relaxation, you will go sightseeing and explore various attractions, including religious sites and natural wonders. Explore the wonders of Pokhara, where you'll look into Devi's Fall, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, the World Peace Pagoda, and Phewa Lake. These incredible sites offer a glimpse into the rich history and remarkable natural splendour of Pokhara. The mentioned places are located in ideal spots, offering an outstanding view of the surrounding area and the tall mountains. Besides that, you can explore the lakeside area, which offers a great place to hang out. There are several cafes, restaurants, and live music bars where you can enjoy delicious food and a calm ambience with your friends and family.
What to Expect from this trek?
The Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is renowned for its stunning beauty and offers an unforgettable travel experience. This trek is filled with numerous elements that will captivate you throughout the journey. This trek is truly outstanding, as it takes you from a bustling city to a serene and rural region of Nepal. Here, you can immerse yourself in tranquillity and witness the beauty of nature up close. Nepal offers a wide range of geographical and cultural diversity across its various regions. During your trek, you will immerse yourself in the rich adventures of Nepal and observe magnificent vistas that will stay with you for a lifetime.
You will start your trek by exploring the city lights and historical beauty of Kathmandu before venturing into the rugged and charming villages to begin your trekking journey. You will set off on a journey to a picturesque and old-fashioned village, with your starting point being a thrilling road trip. Along the way, you will be treated to captivating views of lush green hills. Once you reach the starting point, your walking journey will begin as you make your way uphill towards the beautiful highlands of the country. Throughout the trek, you will be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide who will provide you with all the necessary information, ensuring your safety and delivering the best possible service.
During your trek, you will encounter well-maintained trails as well as some rough ones, adding excitement to your walk. Along the way, you will pass through small villages where you will stay at local lodges and teahouses. Keep in mind that these rural areas do not have many commercial facilities available. The journey begins in a lush forest and gradually ascends to the arid mountain desert region, offering an increasingly diverse and remarkable experience. As you journey through the hills, you'll encounter breathtaking deep gorges, rugged high mountain passes, and captivating religious monuments, predominantly Buddhist. The picturesque villages nestled amidst the beautiful snow-capped mountains add to the allure of the landscape.
The trek will take you across the challenging Thorong La Pass, known for its high elevation and steep terrain. While physically demanding, the view from the pass is truly incredible and one of the highlights of the trek. After the pass, you will come across Muktinath and Jomsom, which are prominent places in the region. From there, you will take a domestic flight to Pokhara, which offers an outstanding view from above the mountains and the surrounding area. Once you arrive in Pokhara, you'll have plenty of leisure time to relax and explore the city before heading back to Kathmandu for your departure.
This Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is highly regarded for its popularity among those seeking to immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes and rich cultures of a country while also providing an unforgettable panorama of the majestic mountains. This trek offers a unique blend of cultural and natural experiences all in one trip. Their trek presents challenges that will exhilarate you while also offering the most breathtaking mountain views. This tour will introduce you to the rich and ancient culture nestled among amazing mountains. This trek is of moderate to difficult difficulty, requiring a certain level of physical fitness. It can be physically demanding at certain points, particularly when crossing high mountain passes above 5,000m and walking at an average altitude of 2,000m. The altitude sickness that may arise can present a challenge during the trek. Although there may be a few minor challenges, the experience is well worth it. Start on an unforgettable adventure to the majestic mountains, where you can witness their glorious splendour and immerse yourself in the ultimate travel experience through an exhilarating trek in the Annapurna region.