Annapurna is the name of hindu goddess. Annapurna is derived from ancient Nepali Language Sanskrit ‘Anna’ means grain and ‘Purna’ means fulfill. So, it is belived that Annapurna is the goddess who provides enough food for people. Annapurna region or Annapurna conservation area was opened to foreigner in 1977 AD. There are lots of trekking in Annapurna region, among them Annapurna Circuit is popular and a bit tough as we have to cross Throngla Pass 5416 meter.
Highlights of Annapurna circuit trek.
- Corss throngla Pass which is 5416m.
- Beautiful view of forest and rice field on lower section of the trek.
- Waterfalls and lakes can be observed.
- Touring along small village you will know the Nepalese mountain culture.
- Explore monasteries and Buddhist culture.
- Tour to Muktinath temple, it is worshipped by both hindus and Buddhist pilgrim.
- Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara is scenic.
- Pokhara is tourist hub with natural beauty, explore it.
Annapurna Circuit Trek 13 days
Annapurna was opened to foreigner in 1977 AD. One of the best long distance trek in the world is
Annapurana circuit trek 13 days. It used to be about 23 days trek. Annapurna circuit trekking is about 160-230 Km but with the road access it is a bit disturbed. So, these days mountain bike is very popular on this route. This circuit goes around the Mt. Annapurana in the anti clockwise. The altitude varies from 600 meter to 5416 meter. The highest point you will be crossing is 5416/ 17769 ft which is Thorong La (pass). We start our trek from Dharapani and end in Jomsom.
Annapurna Circuit trek goes to the farming field to subtropical forest and you will come across rivers, waterfalls and different villages. Once you are on high altitude you will find Tibetan people. The Tibetan culture are preserved here. In most of the villages the houses are in Tibetan style. So, this trekking area is also called Little Tibet. As crossing Throngla (pass) is quite hard so having rest at Manang, Trekking towards Tilicho Lake, hike to Ghyaru and Ngawal, hike to Pisang Peak base camp will give plenty of time to get acclimatization to cross the high pass 5416 meter of Throngla. So, in altitude you have to read our body and go as slow as possible. As most of these area of Annapurana circuit falls on rain shadow area trekking can be done even in rainy season. The scenery on this trek is beautiful which changes every day.
People you come across are of various group from Brahim, chettri to Mongolian people like Thakali, Gurung, Magar live in this trekking region. From Tropical to Artic climate and Vegetation can be found in Annapurna circuit trek.
While you trek in Annapurna circuit trek 13 days is the shortest way to do trek to Annapurna circuit and to add more adventure then we can plan climbing Pisang Peak, going through Tilicho Lake and crossing Mesokanto pass or trip/ trek to Nar Pur is also possible.
How hard is Annapurna circuit Trek?
Here the trial is going up and up to Thorangla. So, the walk is pretty much going uphill. Off course there are flat land too. But after throng pass the trial is going down and little flat towards Jomsom. It is good to be on physical shape. You will have do exercise back home before starting this trip. Going up you can have problem in respiration. So, you have to go slow. You have to read your body and cope up with it. At Manang we will have rest on that day we climb up and come down to sleep. That makes our body fit to altitude. On the day we are going over Thorangla pass we have to walk early morning. And after crossing throngla also it is hard as going down is more difficult than going up. So we have to go slow. We have more changes of falling down. We can use stick and if there is ice it is slippery. We can use crampons. Overall trek is little difficult as you have to cross 5416m. There we might see symptoms of altitude sickness. If so we have to be careful and our guide will decide what to do in critical condition.
Why Annapurna Circuit Trek is Best in Autumn and spring?
The chances of having snowfall on the trek is low. You will not meet snows on the way means less slippery way. It is warmer than other time of year. The sky are clear and the chances of seeing mountain is more. Sunrise and sunset view are nicer. We meet other trekkers and we can talk to each other and share our feeling and be friends. In Spring you will be able to see Rhododendron blooming in the forest while you do Annapurna Circuit trekking.
What you see and what to expect?
Let’s come to the very first day. The first day of our trip is long and trying driving to Dharapani. We skip more trekking trial. We will see Himalayas. Everyday view keep changing. That makes the trek interesting. At Manang we will have rest, on the same day we have uphill and come and rest in low altitude. Manang also has nice view. Everywhere you will get to sleep in tea houses. Somewhere it is basic teahouse. We try to use best on the way. But somewhere there is no choice. But tea house will be neat and clean. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be as per your choice.
How cold is Annapurna circuit ?
Annapurna circuit is cold as we go up to 5416m. We have to be prepared taking warm gears. Night temperature goes minus in high altitude. It is good to carry sleeping bag and inner. On top tea houses provides blankets. In spring and Autumn it is not that cold but still you need to wear warm gears in the morning and evening. In December, January and February is the coldest month of year, it can snowing that time, So you have to be well prepared for it. Crampons is compulsory in winter.
