Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit is a trekking route ( long distance footpath ) around the Annapurna mountain range in the Nepalese Himalayas.

Course

The complete round can be committed by an average of acclimatized and physically prepared trekkers in 18 to 21 days and is considered one of the finest and most varied in the world. Most of the route runs through the territory of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project ( ACAP ), the first and largest conservation area in Nepal.

Most trekkers start of Besisahar (780 m) it's all about the places Khudi (820m ), Valley (1620 m), Pisang ( 3180 m) and Manang ( 3530 m) on the pass Thorong La ( 5416 m). About the sacred pilgrimage Muktinath ( 3790 m), the district capital Jomsom ( 2770 m), and Marpha ( 2680 m) eventually you get to Tatopani (790 m), which is famous for its hot springs. A last climb over the Ghorepani Deorali ( horse trough pass ) to 2874 m leads to the 1070 m high end location Birethanti, driving taxis or buses from which to Pokhara.

The trek leads most of the time - with the exception of the immediate vicinity of the Thorong La - by cultivated, populated country. Refreshments and sleeping facilities are available everywhere in abundance, so that the Trek logistically is not a problem. Nevertheless, he may be gone with the so-called Porter guides who not only bear part of the baggage, but also cultural intermediaries.

Since 2008 there is a passable for SUVs and motorcycles slopes of Pokhara via Tatopani to Jomsom and Marpha and continue until Ranipauwa and Muktinath. Using bus and jeep taxi can be as part of the trek can be shortened.

Also on the other side of the Thorong La has been for several years a road from Besi Sahar to Manang under construction, but only short cuts, partly interrupted by landslides, have been built and the final completion date are uncertain.

Variations of the classic route

The Circuit is, as its name suggests, a circular route. The path meanders mostly through valleys, with a pass crossing the Thorong La. Nevertheless, it is possible to vary the route without major logistical effort.

Side trip to Tilicho Lake

Probably the best known variation is a side trip to Tilicho Lake, considered one of the highest lakes in the world ( 4920 m). To reach the lake, one leaves the Circuit in Manang. After passing through the village Khangshar ( 3734 m) follow the path ( Upper or Lower Route route ) through the Khanshar valley to the Tilicho Base Camp Lodge (approx. 4000 m). The Upper route requires many additional altitude, is characterized, however, good for acclimatization, as one ascends to 4700 meters then again descend to 700 meters. The Lower route at a constant level for a long time by very steep and Slipping boulder fields and carries a higher risk of rockfall. Accommodation is possible in the Tilicho Base Camp Lodge. The hut is managed throughout the spring and autumn, but unheated. From the Tilicho Base Camp Lodge is about 3 hour climb to the lake.

Annapurna Circuit with a mountain bike

With few exceptions, it is possible to drive on the Annapurna Circuit in approximately 14 daily stages with a mountain bike. The soil switches between asphalt and gravel roads to singletrack.

Climate

If one starts from the classification in climates as you pass through on this trek out of the tropics all climate zones of the world.

Travel times

The most popular travel times are spring and autumn. In spring ( April, May ), while it is nice and warm, even hot in the valleys, but the dust of the Indian plains from the south wind in the Himalayas and the mountain views in the morning can be a bit clouded. The autumn, especially in October and November, is in average years due to pleasant temperatures and clear mountain view, the best time to travel. In summer it is very humid, monsoon prevails, and leeches can be a problem, but the Trek is still the most feasible. In midwinter the Thorong La is very dangerous and often to cross only with great difficulty.

Acclimatization

For the exposed height of the path in the part between Manang and Muktinath, so at the four or five days of trekking over 3500m, a acclimatization is absolutely necessary in order not to be affected by altitude sickness. At the Thorong La, each year several deaths due to poor or uncompleted acclimatization.

A good acclimatization can be guaranteed more of the Manangseite, because on this side the number of stages up to the pass is larger and the difference in height of the individual stages is less. Therefore, the pass is often crosses coming from the east than from the west. Many trekkers walk around the Annapurna massif, ie counterclockwise.