Why should you go on Annapurna Circuit Hike? If this is the question you have been asking yourself lately, this guide is for you. Annapurna Circuit Hike is among the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. Some people are sure it might be the best trekking spot in Nepal, whereas others are unsure. Undoubtedly, the Annapurna circuit’s popularity is second to none.
Since its introduction to local and foreign tourists over the last fifty years, the Annapurna Circuit Trek has become a significant excursion activity in Nepal. Compared to similar treks in the region, like the Annapurna Base Camp hike, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is a bit more challenging. It also takes you to a higher elevation of 5416m than other treks in the Annapurna region.
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Here are a few of the best reasons for you to experience Annapurna Circuit Hike
Why Should You Go on Annapurna Circuit Hike?
Annapurna Circuit Hike stands out on its own. Several attractions and points of interest make it a must-do trekking activity in Nepal.
Majestic Mountain Views
One of the main reasons for the Annapurna Circuit Trek is to experience the views of magnificent mountain ranges. The Annapurna region is blessed with beautiful and tall mountains; most are above 8,000m tall. As you gain altitude, the views of these mountains become clearer.
During this trek, mountain ranges such as Annapurna II, IV, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, Lamjung Himal, Tukuche Peak, etc., are visible. Many trekkers rise early to reach the peak to see dazzling sunrise or sunset.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a beautiful experience, with ever-changing scenery that will take your breath away. You’ll start by walking through green hills covered in rice fields. As you move higher, you’ll enter forests full of colorful rhododendron flowers. If you’re lucky enough to visit in the spring, you’ll see these beautiful blossoms in full bloom. During all these experiences, the glimpse of mountains and hills will keep you company along the way.
As you keep climbing, the landscape changes dramatically. The air gets colder, and the vegetation becomes sparse. You’ll enter a barren, rocky area like Manang and Mustang, where you’ve stepped onto another planet. But the real showstopper comes when you reach the Thorong La Pass. So, if you are excited to venture to the foot of these majestic mountains, you should surely go for the Annapurna Circuit Hike.
Chance for Cultural Immersion
Annapurna Circuit Trek is significant for adventurous trekking, learning, and immersing yourself in a new culture. In the higher altitudes, you’ll walk through different types of small villages inhabited by local Gurungs, Magars, Tamangs, and Sherpas.
The local people in small villages like Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, Manang, etc., have lived there for hundreds of years and preserved their culture and tradition. Spending time in these places will surely immerse you in new cultural experiences that will remain long in your memory.
Few more ethnic groups in the region, like Mananges and Thakalis, trace their origins to Tibet. When their ancestors visited Nepal for trade, some settled here and started practicing their own cultures, traditions, and dialects. Learning about the origin, history, and culture of an ethnic group might prove fascinating and attract you to the Annapurna Circuit Hike even more.
Budget Friendly Trek
Compared to other trekking destinations in Nepal, Annapurna Circuit Trek is affordable and budget-friendly. This trek is easily affordable if you curate your itinerary according to your needs and don’t spend much on unnecessary expenses. Since it is one of the most commercialized treks in Nepal, the food and accommodation costs are cheaper.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek lies around the accessible Annapurna region. Development infrastructure, such as transportation, roads, etc., flourished, so this excursion is not expensive compared to other remote or off-the-beaten-track treks in Nepal. Furthermore, you will also get extensive discounts on group packages, so be sure to trek the Annapurna Circuit with your friends and family.
Rich Diversity
Annapurna Circuit Trek offers excellent variety and diversity in culture, terrain, landscape, and ecosystem. Regarding terrain, you will start your trek from subtropical land masses and forests, and as you climb higher altitudes, you will stroll through the alpine environment and icy hills and mountains.
The Annapurna Circuit includes rice, wheat paddies, and semi-deserts in just a few dYouugh river valleys. In just a few days, this circuit passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, home to rare Himalayan birds and animals. It is also home to over 1,000 different plant species, 55 of which are only native to Nepal.
Similarly, over 100 species of mammals are found in the conservation area, including a few endangered species like the Tibetian wolf, Himalayan Thar, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, etc. are in conservation.
Accessibility
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the easily accessible trekking destinations in Nepal. Most of the trek’s paths are connected by either a well-pitched or dirt road. In some areas, you might have to take a 4WD jeep to move from one place to another, but overall, this trek is highly accessible.
Previously, the road was inaccessible for trekking the Annapurna Circuit; however, recently, the streets tied up to Manang and Mustang, making it easier to access everyone and enjoy the beautiful Annapurna region.
Major Attractions of Annapurna Circuit Trek
Thorong La-Pass
Thorong La Pass is a unique pass at 5,416 meters above sea level. It is a must-visit for adventurers looking for stunning mountain views and the thrill of adventure.
Climbing the Thorong La Pass isn’t easy. As you ascend higher and higher, you might notice difficulty breathing since the oxygen level is shallow at high altitudes. You might feel tired due to the effects of less oxygen while hiking, but it’s all part of the adventure, and the challenge makes reaching the summit unique.
The journey to the top of the pass can be physically demanding. The altitude is high, the distance is long, and the duration of the trek is relentless. However, as you pass through each village, it works as a checkpoint, and your destination gets closer than ever.
Finally, when you reach the summit, the panoramic view will take your breath away. When you see the magnificent snow-capped mountains and the vastness of the landscape, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.
Muktinath Temple
Muktinath Temple is a holy site for Hindus and Buddhists in the Mustang district of Nepal. It’s at an altitude of 3,800 meters, making it one of the highest religious sites in the world. You will visit Muktinath the next day after climbing from Thorong La Pass.
Muktinath is often crowded almost daily, but in peak season, it is overcrowded. Millions of people from Nepal, India, China, and worldwide visit Muktinath daily. Despite its high altitude, the place’s religious significance compels pilgrims worldwide to see the stunning location in the Annapurna region.
Pros and Cons of Annapurna Circuit Trek
Pros
- Chance to immerse with unique culture and tradition of local people.
- Stunning vistas of mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Thorong La-Pass and Manang Valley
- Excellent Value for Money
- Chance to Explore lots of diverse landscapes.
- Encounter rare and endangered wildlife via the Annapurna Conservation Area
Cons
- The risk of Altitude Sickness is high
- Overcrowded trails, hotels, lodges, and tea houses.
Conclusion
Hence, after reading our guide, we hope you better understand why you should go on the Annapurna Circuit Hike. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the Nepalese Tourism Board has recently commercialized it.
This has made the Annapurna Circuit Trek much more accessible. So, if you haven’t ventured into this adventure, we recommend you book it today.