ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT LODGE TREK – NEPAL

Nepal’s 14-day Trekking Pilgrimage around the World’s Highest Mountain Range

“From the World’s Deepest Gorge to the Worlds Highest Peaks”

• Nepal’s Classic Trekking Pilgrimage
• Around the World’s Highest Mountain Range
• Hiking through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Valley
• Vivid landscapes and a photographer’s dream
• Crossing the famed Thorong La Pass (17,765 feet)

The classic Annapurna Circuit Trek first became accessible to the world of adventure travelers as recently as 1977, when the Nepalese Government derestricted the Manang Valley, which had previously been closed on account of its proximity to the Tibetan border. Providing a combination of spectacular high mountain scenery, picturesque lowland farms and villages, a wealth of cultural interest and a challenging pass crossing, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is justifiably popular. After a sightseeing day in colorful Kathmandu, we start out from Besisahar, ascending the surprisingly wild and unspoiled Marsyangdi Valley to reach the north side of the Annapurna Massif. In terms of its sheer scale, the valley of the Marsyangdi is surpassed only by the valley of the Kali Gandaki which we hike through on the second part of this exceptional trip. Throughout our walk, we enjoy regular contact with friendly villagers, as well as ever-changing panoramas of some of the world’s greatest peaks.

Even from Pokhara, the views are tremendous, with Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail), Annapurna I and Manaslu dominating the northern skyline. Traveling from the Hindu-dominated farmland of Nepal’s “middle hills” into the high alpine world on the north side of the Annapurnas, which is the domain of Tibetan Buddhism, this trip also offers exposure to the whole range of trekking environments for which Nepal is famous. Beyond the Tibetan Buddhist village of Manang, the high point of the trip is reached after a stamina-sapping ascent to the Thorung La (17765ft/5416m.). We then descend to the deep valley of the Kali Gandaki, where a wealth of new experiences awaits us – the first of which is the bizarre collection of temples at Muktinath, at the base of the pass. Trekking through the Kali Gandaki Valley for 4 quite leisurely days, we then climb to cross the ridge at Ghorepani and make the traditional excursion to Poon Hill for a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna Range.

We have revised our Annapurna Circuit Lodge Trek itinerary using the ‘New Annapurna Trekking Trail’ (NATT) where possible. This new series of trails will not keep us off the dirt roads 100% of the time, but does significantly reduce the amount of time we have to walk on the dirt roads on either side of the traditional route.

The Annapurna Circuit Lodge Trek is part of our Himalayan Classic Trek Series. Our Classic Treks are led by an experienced, English-speaking Nepali Guide and full support crew. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a detailed day to day Trip Itinerary.