Overview
Annapurna Trekking is considered the most popular trekking destination in Nepal, offering a variety of excellent trekking of all grades and styles. Most of the treks in the Annapurna region generally start in the fertile lower foothills of the Himalayas through terraced rice, millet, fields, and then oak, rhododendron, and Himalayan weeping bamboo forest as you ascend. Nepal’s spectacular diversity appears at its finest as you trek in the Annapurna region: hidden valleys, high mountains, and a wide range of terrain, different ethnic groups, and wildlife. As you climb from the subtropical jungle to alpine pastures the inhabitants change from farmers to herders, Hindu to Buddhist.
There are many permanently settled villages in the Annapurna’s and in the lower foothills where mostly farming communities predominate. One of the main ethnic communities you’ll encounter en route is the Gurung people, particularly in the village of the Ghandruk. You’ll walk through the villages that are home to the famous Gurkha soldiers, who hail from the area. Insights into mostly Buddhism and some Hinduism and Animism bring the communities to life.
You will enjoy the majestic mountain views, thick bamboo and rhododendron forests, and a mix of indigenous cultures incomparable by other treks as you trek from lowland villages deep into the Annapurna Himal.
On the way, you are sure to encounter rhesus macaques and langur monkeys, numerous birds of prey, and a huge array of flowers and trees, including 35 species of rhododendron. Trekking to Annapurna South Base Camp (4,130 m), commonly known as Annapurna Sanctuary is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. From the Base Camp, the dynamic 360-degree view includes around Mt. Annapurna I (8,091 m), Mt. Annapurna III (7,555 m), Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail 6,997), Mt. Bharha Chili (Fang 7,647 m), Mt. Khansar Kang (7,485 m), Mt. Ganggapurna (7,454 m) and numerous other peaks standing like a screen of snow and ice and whilst here you may also see Tahr, Himalayan weasel or pika (mouse-hare), though there are few birds in the area.
The most difficult day and perhaps the highlight of Annapurna Circuit is the experience you will gain while crossing Thorong La Pass (5416 m). The long, tough ascent is rewarded with absolutely stunning high Himalaya scenery and over to the Kaligandaki valley through the entire Annapurna range, Mukut, and Mustang Himal to the west. It is then a long descent to Muktinath which is a fascinating pilgrimage site sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. It attracts many pilgrims. Another interesting trekking in the region is Ghorepani Poon Hill which is relatively short and easy. The high point of this trek is sunrise and the best panoramic views from the hilltop over the high Himalayas.
