Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in the entire world--and for good reason. Here, you can experience a vast array of landscapes--everything from terraced rice fields to snow capped Himalayan mountains. The people along this route are said to amongst the friendliest of Nepali people. Almost every trekker comes away from this experience with happy memories to last a lifetime.

The Annapurna Circuit trek takes roughly 14 days. You will start, normally, by driving to Besisahar from Kathmandu--and then trek to Bhulbule (840m), where you will spend the night. Bhulbule sits along the Marsyangdi River and is surrounded by lush green vegetation. From here you can see the Manaslu range in the distance. The next morning trek relatively flat paths and over suspension bridges until you reach the small farming village of Ghermu (1,170m). Here you can see the lovely waterfall of Syange.

The following day you will enter the Manang district and stay overnight in Tal (1,700m). From Tal, you will trek to Danakyu (2,300m). On this day you will start to notice a vast difference in the terrain and people. The further north you go, the climate becomes more arid and the terrain more rocky. The vegetation becomes sparse and the people are much more similar in looks and culture to Tibetan people. After Danakyu, you will trek to Chame (2,670m) which is home to a lovely subtropical forest of blue pines, hemlocks, and birch trees.

From Chame, you will trek to Pisang (3,200 m), a village situated at the base of Annapurna II and Annapurna IV. In the evening, you can join Tibetan monks at their daily prayer time. The following day you will trek to Manang (3,540m). Manang offers an array of beautiful monasteries and stupas, as well as one of the best dawn/dusk views in Nepal. You will spend an extra day & night in Manang for acclimatization purposes. After a day of rest and relaxation in Manang--you will then trek to Yak Kharka (4,018m). On this day, your trek will be a challenging uphill trek through alpine woodlands. From Yak Kharka, you will trek your way up another steep ascent to Thorung Pedi (4,500m). From here you get a great view of Chulu West (6,419m). Your next day is an exciting one. You will rise before dawn and make your way over the Thorung La Pass (5,416m)--you're now a real mountaineer! After crossing the pass--you'll trek to Muktinath (3,760 m) and spend the night there. Muktinath is famous for their style of daal bhat (the traditional Nepali meal of rice and lentils), so make sure to try it!

In Muktinath, you're about a little over 1/2 way around the Annapurna Circuit. Your last day of trekking takes you to the busy hub of Jomsom (2,720m). The following day you will drive to Tatopani (1,190m), where you can sooth your muscles in the hot springs--and the last day you will drive to Pokhara (820m), where you can enjoy the peaceful lakeside.

If you want to experience the beautiful Annapurna Circuit--let us know and we will help make your next Himalayan adventure become a reality! Happy Trekking!

Group Joining

Many people set out to travel for different reasons. Some seek the unknown, some seek escape. Some seek adventure, while others seek relaxation. Some people travel in groups--and some brave people travel alone. Facing the world alone is an adventure indescribable to those who haven't done it. At times it can be lonely, and at other times you find yourself thanking the cosmos for your solitude.

Traveling alone gives you the benefit of choosing your own path, your own schedule, and your own "plan"--that is to say, if any real traveler actually has a plan. Regardless, traveling alone gives you FREEDOM. It is something so many of us crave, yet so few of us have.

While traveling alone has its benefits--it has its draw backs as well. Take Nepal for example--there are many things you can do alone, visit temples, shop in Thamel, volunteer, or hang out around the lakeside in Pokhara. Time and time again, however, many solo travelers want to indulge in the most popular activity in Nepal--trekking.

Trekking can be done alone--although, now there is a law that all foreigners must have a trekking guide--so the question is, while you're hiking for hours do you want to go it alone or join a group? There are usually long afternoons and nights in the village where many people speak little to no English, depending on the trek you take--so a little company might be nice for a week or two.

At Trek Nepal Int'l we offer group joining for all our outgoing treks. This gives you a chance to meet new people and enjoy rural Nepal in the company of other explorers like yourself.

But don't worry--you'll still have your freedom! You can choose your itinerary--and even break off from the group at a certain point with one of our guides, if you choose to explore another destination along the way!

So--what are you waiting for solo travelers? Join a group today and start your next Himalayan adventure!