THE CLASSIC TREK AROUND THE ANNAPURNA MOUNTAINS CROSSING THE THORUNG LA PASS MAGNIFICENT PANORAMA OF MOUNTAINS, ALPINE DESERTS & THE TIBETAN PLATEAU VISIT POON HILL FOR SPECTACULAR SUNRISE VIEWS OF ANNAPURNA & DHAULAGIRI STAY AT THE LUXURIOUS FISHTAIL LODGE ON PHEWA TAL LAKE

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The Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the great walks of the world and offers the most variety of any trek in Nepal. Making a complete circuit of the huge Annapurna massif in central Nepal, our route provides us with an ever-changing landscape, dramatic mountain scenery and a fascinating mix of local people and culture. This 300 kilometre trek reaches an altitude of 5,416 metres on the Thorung La pass, touching the edge of the fabled Tibetan plateau near Muktinath where the arid, velvety brown landscape contrasts vividly with the glistening white of the snow capped peaks.

The magnificent mountain scenery, seen at close quarters includes Annapurna 1, at 8,091 metres this was the first 8,000 metre peak to be climbed, the magnificent ice pyramid Dhauligiri, at 8,167 metres and Machapuchare at 6,993 metres, considered by many to be the most beautiful mountain in the world. In a relatively small area the Annapurna region offers some of the best trekking anywhere in the world.

Starting from Besisahar we make our way steadily up the Marshyangdi Valley, first through lush green foothills and terraced rice fields, progressing to alpine forests and finally to the high desert country of Mustang. Lowland farming communities and Hinduism change slowly to highland trading communities and Tibetan Buddhism. Throughout the mountain views are superb, Lamjung, Himalchuli, Manaslu and the Annapurnas tower spectacularly over the valley. The high point of the trek is crossing Thorung La pass at 5416 metres. The early start and strenuous effort are well rewarded with breathtaking views from the pass. Below is the Kali Gandaki valley and the purple, brown hills of the Tibetan plateau. Across the valley rises the huge bulk of Dhaulagiri, while looking back we have a magnificent view of Manaslu.

Now we descend the dramatic Kali Gandaki valley between the summits of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I making this the deepest gorge in the World. Fascinating trading villages and even more spectacular mountain views are experienced all the way to our trek completion at Pokhara and our stay at the luxurious Fishtail Lodge. This classic circular trek is a reasonable proposition for a first time visit to Nepal, completing an epic journey through one of the most diverse areas of the Himalaya.

In 2008 we revised our trek route along the Kali Gandaki valley to avoid as much as possible the dirt road which is very slowly being built there. This worked extremely well and we will continue to do this on future treks. Where necessary our trek route now follows paths through scenic villages and returns to the main route for our overnight lodge accommodation.



Mini Annapurna Circuit trek
This shorter 18 day option enables those who don’t have time to complete the full Annapurna Circuit to trek with the group up the Marshyangdi Valley to Manang, across the Thorung La pass to Muktinath and down into Jomsom in the Kali Gandaki Valley. Here you will say your goodbyes to the group and fly back to Kathmandu.