This is the route that attracts the highest number of trekkers in Nepal. As the name itself suggests, the trail goes on a three-week-long circuitous route around the Annapurna range of mountains.
The trek can start either from Dumre at the lowly elevation of 500 meters, or from Besisahar (a few hours’ ride away along a bumpy road or a day’s walk away). The initial stage of the trek goes along the Marshyangdi valley before ascending to Thorung Pass (5416 meters) on the tenth day, the highlight of which is the view of the Great Himalayan Divide from the pass itself. The route then leads to the Kali Gandaki Valley, famous for its barren beauty comparable to the Tibetan Plateau. The first stop from Thorung Pass is Muktinath, the temple of the Lord of Salvation, holy for both Hindus and Buddhists. From there it is around seven days through the ever-changing landscape to Pokhara. For those that want to, however, there are regular flights to Pokhara and Kathmandu from Jomsom, a day’s walk from Muktinath.
MUKTINATH This trek is a reverse of the latter part of the Annapurna Circuit. The treks starts from Pokhara and, passing through some of the best mountain-viewing spots, reaches the Kali Gandaki Valley. The walk up to Muktinath is then a rewarding feast for the eye. A quicker alternative is to fly into and fly out of Jomsom, in which case the program can be covered within a week. Note that the need for acclimatization in or around Jomsom is very essential before proceeding uphill to Muktinath.
ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY Probably the most famous of the shorter treks, this trek requires ten to fourteen days and leads to the Annapurna South Face base camp. The trek begins in Pokhara passing through rice terraces to reach high mountain glaciers in a matter of days. The culmination of trek is in being surrounded by mountain peaks on all sides in the base camp area. It is not advisable to go on this trek during winter and early spring due to the frequent occurrence of avalanches.
14 Day Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Drive Kathmandu/Pokhara, Pokhara / Tolka / Chomrong / Bamboo Lodge / Hinko / Machhapuchure Base Camp / Annapurna Base Camp / Dobang / Chomrong / Ghandrung / Ghorepani / Ghorepani / Poon Hill / Birethanti / Naya Pool, Drive Naya Pool/Pokhara
GHANDRUNG-GHOREPANI It takes but two days from Pokhara to reach Ghorepani, which is well known for the great views it offers of both the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri mountains. A better viewpoint is Poon Hill (3193 meters), which is about an hour’s climb away. Ghorepani can also be reached on the way back from the Annapurna Sanctuary and conversely it can be a planned stop on the way to the Sanctuary.
8 Day - Ghorepani & Ghandrung Trek Drive Kathmandu / Pokhara to Naya Pool Naya Pool / Birethanti / Ulleri / Ghorepan / Poon Hill / Tadapani / Ghandrung / Landrung / Dhampus / Suikhet Drive Begnas / Pokhara
