Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Annapurna Circuit Trekking "Adventure through the Marshyangdi & Kaligandaki valley diverse picturesque scenery, from the paddy terraces to the high arctic terrain, constant views of the world's highest mountain range including Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiris."

Annapurna Circuit Trekking from Beshishar the head quarter of Lamjung district and this is one of the classic and most rewarding treks in Nepal and probably the worlds' favorites trekking destination which offers panoramic views of the three giant and the highest 8000m mountain range Mt.Annapurna, Mt.Dhaulagiri and Mt.Manaslu including arrays of over 6000m snow capped peaks. The trail follows the river Marsyangdi all the way to its source, the glacial lake in Manang, through the rural farm villages and terraced farm fields from the sub-tropic climate to the arctic landscape and through the rain forest to the alpine woodlands.

Southern slopes of the Annapurna ranges are heavily settled and farmed, except the higher regions which support thick forests of rhododendron and fir. Most of the tribal inhabitants are Gurung's, Magars, Chettris and the Newars. Further north lives the Manang people of Tibetan origin.  Our trek follows the Yak country and finally over to the Thorung-la, 5,416m pass offering fabulous scenery of the surrounding landscapes and magnificent peaks.

From here trail descends most of the way to Pokhara passing through the holy site of Muktinath. Muktinath is one of the sources of the Kali Gandaki River. Through the deepest gorge of Kali Gandaki River valley and passing the charming villages of Jomsom, Marpha-Tukuche and Tatopani (hot spring) we end our trek at Pokhara one of the most scenic places on this planet.

Trekking in the Annapurna Region…Nature’s delights envisaged in eco-realities…

The Annapurna region is geographically based towards the north of Central Nepal. This area is known to be the most popular and a major trekking destination in Nepal. According to a recent survey by the Trekkers Paradise Group (TPG-USA) Annapurna region has been recognized as one of the world’s best trekking trails to hike on. More than 40,000 tourists annually visit this area. The Annapurna trekking region consists of peaks Annapurna I, II, III, IV, those of Annapurna South peaks, Mt. Dhaulagiri and several other peaks. The major highlights when trekking in this region are the ancient mid-western salt route settlements of Manang, Thorong La pass between Nepal and Tibet, Muktinath Temple and the deepest gorge of world Kali Gandaki. The Gateway to the Annapurna trekking region is the famous city of Pokhara.

Mustang, or Lo Manthang, the desert plateau located in the upper valley of the River Kali Gandaki, and to the north of the main Himalayan range also falls in this region. Tourist access to Mustang is controlled to help retain its exclusiveness. The highlights of the trek include the visit to the Mustang Palace, the visit to Lo Manthang and pony rides up to the Nepal-Tibet border.

The region is said to have seven ethnic groups living and working in this area, from Hindu farmers to Tibetan Lamas. The most prominent ethnic groups of Annapurna region are Gurungs, Thakali and Manangba. Due to the extremes of elevation the region contains a remarkable diversity of flora; from sub-tropical lowland forests of oak, bamboo and rhododendron in the south to the high alpine meadows and windswept desert plateaus in the north, most bordering Tibet. The Animals found here are pika, blue sheep and Himalayan Tahr.

The well known trekking routes of this region are Jomsom, Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp, Sikles, Lamjung, Dhaulagiri, Upper Mustang and within the Pokhara area. The best time to visit is in spring and autumn. Unlike other parts of Nepal, even the monsoon months are ideal to visit Upper Mustang that falls in the rain shadow area. Most trekking routes in the Annapurna region are well serviced by teahouses or better known as tea house lodges.

Whatever the areas of the trek chosen, it is most likely that Pokhara would be either the starting or ending point of your trek in the Annapurna region. Encounters Nepal is highly familiar & experienced on almost every trail in this area. We’ll escort you into paths hardly tread before…trek the Annapurna with us & experience unique adventure…