Nestled in the heart of the Himalayan range in Nepal, Annapurna Circuit is a challenging yet one of the most beautiful treks that exudes charm from every peak. Besides being a picturesque beauty, the trek takes the traveller on a 160-230 km expedition, making it one of the best rated long-distance treks.
An amalgamation of majestic summits, thick vine-filled forest, fascinating flora, fauna and a profound culture is what a trekker would experience through their journey to the Annapurna Circuit trek.
The best time to plan a trek to the Annapurna Circuit is post-monsoon when nature begins to fade away the blanket of mist and you witness a sparkling sky with the sun’s welcoming beam on the land. The season also offers safe trails, beaming life and a multi-hued beauty that captivates the traveller.
The 8-9 days long trek of Annapurna Circuit picks up from Pokhara, a city that captures the beholder’s sight by its serenity. What follows the next day is a drive to a small village, Nayapul, where the cloud-piercing expedition of 13,550 ft. actually commences. Trekking downhill, the trail would take you to the village Birethanti where you witness the mesmerising Bhurungdi river. Moving ahead on the path of beauty wrapped in adventure, the upward trail begins towards Ghandruk via Chane that offers a breathtaking view of the gigantic peaks of Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare.
The Machapuchare summit also referred to as a fish-tail is an exquisite beauty and is highly admired by the locals who often refer it to the home of Lord Shiva. For the mountain lovers, this spot takes them to the mystical land that encapsulates an aura of tranquillity and a breeze of fascination.
Day 3 begins with a trek from Ghandruk to the 7,742 ft. elevation point of Sinuwa that goes along the Modi river giving the perfect view of a lush green forest cover comprising rhododendron, bamboo and oak trees. It is a sight that welcomes the trekkers to gaze and rest their eyes and be pleased for nature’s magic.
Moving up the elevation of 10,597 ft. on a steep stone staircase, with the forest cover accompanying the trail, you reach the small village of Deurali. It is an abode that is imbued with the traditionally woven Nepalese culture of embracing the travellers and delighting them with their culture. Spending a day at Deurali in the lap of nature with stars sprinkling their shine on you leaves an ever-lasting memory which is further complemented with the next day’s trail to the Annapurna Base.
This 13,549 ft. high elevation point is the spot where a trekker is the most spellbound with the views. The stretch to Annapurna base camp begins with walking beside the Modi river that takes you beyond the Machhapuchare base camp to the Annapurna sanctuary. The view of Annapurna sanctuary is straight out of a fairy tale book with a dense forest cover, vast vegetation, alpine terrain and multi-hued flowers covering the trail. You see nature playing its colours at its best and wrapping every form of life in the most majestic form whilst leaving a path for humans to travel and embrace the sublime creation.
A day spent at the Annapurna Base Camp is a lifetime of memories left forever to cherish. Moving down from Annapurna base camp to Bamboo begins the next day that is filled with cherishing views of caves, temples, forests and waterfalls to enchant the traveller during the escapade with beauty worth beholding. Following the enthralling sight, the next day begins with a journey downhill to the Jhinu hot spring. The steep hike is completely worth it, with the experience of a spring that intends to cure the sore feet. The hot water spring in the small village and the last hiking area rejuvenates the trekker and leaves them energised to be headed back home and the talk of the anecdotes of their amazing and unforgettable travel.
What remains after the stimulating day at the Jhinu hot spring is a trek back to Nayapul followed by a drive to Pokhara. While the uphill hiking gave a mesmerising view, the drive back to the endpoint is no less captivating with forests, rivers and the culture walking across the path to leave imprints in the trekker’s heart forever.
Even though the trek to the Annapurna Circuit falls in the difficult category, proper planning can help you experience every bit of this beauty that you sure will embrace. The trek is intended to be 8 days long, but considering the uncertainty in weather conditions, a buffer of 1 day is suggested.
We know you have added the Annapurna circuit to your bucket list and its mere mention makes you want to visit the beauty right away.
We say, why think when you can do it!
Why not pack your backpack and find your escapade this season with the most gratifying experience of a lifetime. Mountains are calling you for a fun-filled and idyllic getaway that will surround you with all the positivity that nature holds.
