How does the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek highlight the cultural significance of the region?
In addition to offering a breathtaking view of the highest mountain peaks in the world, the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek with Poon Hill offers an enthralling glimpse into the customs, culture, and rituals of the region. Along the way, we will experience both natural and cultural splendor, such as up-close views of some of the tallest mountains on Earth and the exceptional hospitality, customs, and religion of the local people. The walk through the Annapurna Region is an enjoyable experience for mountaineers and many others who appreciate the grandeur of the landscape and the warmth of the culture.
You will witness authentic culture during the Annapurna Circuit hike while staying in guest houses run by locals and eating local delicacies in multiple villages along the way. This trip will allow you to observe the customs, values, and age-old practices of ethnic groups, which are primarily dominated by Gurung, Brahmins, Manangis, Thakalis, and Magars. The significant religious and cultural history of the area is exemplified by the numerous Buddhist stupas, gumba, and chortens that you'll visit. In addition, you'll pay a visit to Muktinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples.
Major Attractions of the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek with Poon Hill
Magnificent views of the Annapurna range and other tall mountains
Since you will be encircling the entire Annapurna range, it is evident that you will witness its mountains from the start to finish of the trek. Numerous peaks can be found on this 55-kilometer-long massif, such as Tilicho Peak (7135 m), Nilgiri Himal (7061 m), Mt. Gangapurna (7455 m), Mt. Machhapuchhre/Fishtail (6993 m), the 10th highest peak, Mt. Annapurna I (8091 m), and others. Aside from these, you'll also be able to see other mountains including Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6986 m), and summits rising to heights of 7000 meters and higher. You will be encircled by mountains covered with snow all around you.
Gorgeous Himalayan scenery with a variety of vegetation
The 20 days Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek begins in a subtropical area with tumbling rivers and thick woods. The weather is nice as you go across endless paddies and terraced fields. After a few days, one may observe the alpine vegetation with its arid slopes and lonely ravines surrounded by mountains covered in snow. You will cross Thorung La Pass and enter the desert-like landscape with parched soil and no flora. You'll descend to the tropical forest once more before the adventure ends. All things considered, the hike becomes increasingly fascinating as each day goes by with continuous changes in the surrounding landscape.
Passing across challenging Thorung La Pass, a high mountain pass
Standing at 5416 meters, the formidable Thorang La Pass is situated between the peaks of Khatung Kang and Yakwa. The steep, upward approach to the top of the pass, along with the thin, high-altitude air that has limited oxygen, makes this section of the hiking adventure the most difficult. Your persistence and hard work will seem well worth it when you eventually reach the summit and enjoy the magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. It's impossible to put into words the feeling of accomplishment you get from seeing the breathtaking vista from the top of the pass. You must witness it for yourself.
The charming village of Manang and its surroundings
At an elevation of 3519 meters, Manang is a stunning alpine town located to the north of the Annapurna Range. Manang is home to descendants of Tibetans who follow Buddhism and speak Manange, a Sino-Tibetan language spoken in Nepal's northern Himalayas. They are modest people who make their living from yak herding, tourism, and a small amount of agriculture. You will be spending a full day in Manang to acclimate, which is an excellent chance to take in the surroundings, engage in conversation with the locals, and discover their distinctive, long-standing customs and culture. The view of Gangapurna Lake and Glacier is plenty for those who enjoy the natural world.
Healing your sore muscles in Tatopani's hot spring
In Nepali, tapo pani translates to "hot water". Tatopani, named after a natural hot spring in the vicinity, is a highlight of this 20-day classic trek over the Annapurna Circuit. It's said that the spring water has a special ability to ease pain and promote recovery. Hot spring baths are said to have the power to purify the soul as well. So we suggest that you have a little soak in the hot spring before starting your uphill climb to Ghorepani. It will undoubtedly ease discomfort and help to relax your muscles, but we cannot promise soul purification.
Visiting the revered Muktinath Temple
Situated at the foot of Thorong La Pass, Muktinath Temple is a highly esteemed site for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimages. Bathing in the sacred taps within the Muktinath temple precincts is believed to wash away all sins and provide good fortune. The temple is also known as Mukti Kshetra (place of freedom). From all over India and Nepal, thousands of pilgrims come to this temple to bathe under the taps, believing the water will atone for their sins. While on your adventure tour across the Classic Annapurna Circuit, you have the unique opportunity to seek blessings for yourself at the Muktinath temple.
Meet modest locals from various ethnic backgrounds
The hike offers a stunning perspective of some of the highest mountain tops in the globe, as well as an insightful glimpse into the customs and cultural traditions of the region. You will have the opportunity to witness the primitive lifestyles of the Gurungs, Brahmins, Manangis, Thakalis, and Magars while on the hike. The hospitable inhabitants will assist you in learning the long-standing customs, beliefs, and traditions of the area. The various ancient temples, stupas, gumbas, and chortens that are still standing strong demonstrate the cultural richness of the region.
Beautiful sunrise view over the Annapurnas from Poonhill
The Ghorepani Poon hill Hiking route, which is a separate trek in itself, is also a part of the Annapurna Circuit. Poonhill is well-known for its breathtaking sunrise views of the Annapurna range and the neighboring mountain ranges. The Annapurna Range, Mt. Machhapuchre, and Mt. Dhaulagiri all seem to be glowing in golden rays during the spectacular Himalayan sunrise. The hike from Ghorepani to Poonhill is a short stroll uphill in the early morning and offers some magnificent views.
Maximum Elevation
Offering the ultimate high-altitude trekking experience, Annapurna Conservation Area is situated at an elevation of 790 meters to 8091 meters at the summit of Annapurna I, the tenth-tallest Himalayan peak in the world. Throughout the 20-day journey, we rise and fall, changing our attitudes.
Reaching Thorung La Pass at 5416 meters is the highest point we will climb on the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek. The pass is well-known for being Nepal's highest trekking pass. Furthermore, we stay the night at the highest altitude of 4450 meters at Thorung Phedi, the beginning point of the Thorung La Pass.
Weather Conditions of the Annapurna Region
The weather and temperature in the Annapurna region depend on the season you're trekking in as well as the elevation. Comparatively speaking, the lower portions are warmer than the higher ones. The months of December, January, and February bring bitterly cold temperatures and a lot of snowfall in the mountains. Mornings are quite stable, but midday and later in the day see extremely strong winds. Spring (March, April, and May) comes after winter with sunny skies and a warmer climate. But the monsoon/summer months of June, July, and August are very severe, with a lot of rain and landslides. With its chilly air, bright sun, and good visibility, autumn (September, October, and November) is once more a delightful season in the Annapurna region.
Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty
Trekking the Classic Annapurna Circuit in 20 days is regarded as difficult level because of the distance traveled and the elevation gained. There is a good mix of difficult, moderate, and easy hiking on the trail. Your body will take a little longer to adjust to the lower oxygen levels because of the constant ascent at the start of the hike. You will be trekking at an elevation of 5,000 meters above sea level, thus altitude sickness can be a severe worry.
You will be walking across the difficult Himalayan terrain for six to eight hours every day, so you'll need to be in peak physical and mental shape. The difficulty of the task is further increased by the unpredictable weather at high elevations. Without question, this 20-day Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is more difficult than other shorter treks in the Annapurna region. But for a true adventurer, it's just another challenge.
Transportation for the trip
This classic tour of the Annapurna Circuit involves walking on the trekking trail and vehicle transportation at a few locations. From Kathmandu, we first take a bus to Besisahar, from where we catch a local jeep to Chamje. Following nine days of hiking, we once more travel from Jomsom to Tatopani by bus or jeep, where the hike resumes. Ultimately, we go from Hile to Pokhara in a local jeep, and then we board a luxurious tour bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Our package also includes airport transfers in a private car.
Accommodation during the Classic AC Trek
Accommodations on the journey will be in a guest house, mountain lodge, or tea house, much as on any other trekking route in Nepal. These low-cost, locally-owned lodgings offer basic meals and rooms on a sharing basis. Thus, in the peak hiking season, you may have to share a room with other trekkers. The rooms come equipped with cozy blankets, pillows, and bedding in addition to a comfy mattress.
In the lodges, especially at higher altitudes, you will have to share a bathroom, so we recommend carrying your own toiletries due to cleanliness concerns. You should also become acquainted with Asian-style squat toilets, as you will probably be using those while staying at lodges in the mountains.
In Pokhara and Kathmandu, however, lodging will be provided in a 3-star hotel with free breakfast.
Meals for the trek
You are free to eat anything you like while visiting Kathmandu and Pokhara as lunch and dinner in these cities are not included in our plan. Breakfasts, however, will be provided in your hotel. There are several restaurants offering a range of cuisines including vegetarian and non-vegetarian alternatives in Thamel in Kathmandu and Lakeside in Pokhara. It might be interesting to locate some vegan cafés if you’re up for it.
However, the tea houses along the trail will have limited options on their menus. For dinner and maybe lunch as well, you will be served Daal Bhat, a typical Nepalese cuisine made with white rice, lentil soup, salad, pickles, and seasonal vegetables. The substantial carbohydrate content of the meal will provide you with energy for a full day of hiking. Tibetan bread, curries, boiled eggs, tea, and coffee are common morning meals. You can also try some regional favorites like momo and noodles. You’ll also have some international cuisine options like pasta, pancakes, etc.
Drink plenty of fluids, such as hot water and ginger lemon tea, to stay hydrated and avoid altitude sickness.
Drinking Water Facility
We do not recommend drinking water from single-use plastic bottles due to the growing amount of plastic waste on the trail. It is preferable to bring a thermos flask and fill it with hot water from the trail's tea rooms. You can use water purification tablets to clean the water if you're concerned about the water's purity. The best option is to invest in a high-quality water bottle with an inbuilt filter system. Clean water from local natural sources can be added to it, filtered, and then consumed on the move.
WiFi and Mobile Network Connectivity
Let's not expect fast WiFi and great phone reception in the remote areas of the Annapurna region. You'll be secluded in the Himalayan paradise and unlikely to feel the need to communicate with the outside world. At the tea shops along the route, you may be able to pay extra for WiFi connectivity if needed but expect some lags.
You can utilize mobile data anywhere the network is available, which is typically the lower part. Obtain a 4G SIM card from the NTC or NCell phone networks in Kathmandu before you depart for the trip. The NTC network is claimed to function better in remote areas.
Battery Recharge on the trail
The tea houses and lodges along the path offer a minimally priced battery recharge facility for your devices. The service could be provided freely at the tea house where you stay the night. Solar power is used as a source of electricity at high altitudes. You can't rely on it completely because there is less sunshine at high elevations in the winter and even other months. Be safe and always have spare batteries on hand. Because the batteries on your gadgets drain quickly in the cold, try to limit their use. In order to prolong the battery's life, keep them close to your body to keep them warm.
Guide and Porters
We include competent potters and skilled trekking guides in our 20-day trekking package around the Annapurna Circuit.
When trekking in the Annapurna region, you must be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide. We provide an experienced hiking guide with firsthand experience leading parties up the Annapurna mountain range and familiarity with the specific route's weather patterns. Since they help you traverse the path, connect with locals, and rescue you in an emergency, a competent guide is essential to the success of the journey.
A potter is assigned to two hikers, who will carry 20–22 kg of weight from the two of you. If you are an experienced hiker, you can avoid paying the potter's salary by carrying your own backpack. However, bear in mind that this isn't your normal hike. You'll journey through the strenuous trek at high altitudes in the Annapurna region for a full 17 hard days. So, think it out before opting not to hire a potter.
Permits Required
As an adventurous sport in remote areas, trekking in the Himalayas requires obtaining certain permits. The following two permissions are needed for this specific hike.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card
We will obtain these permits for you before the trip. These two permits are also included in the price of our package, so you don't have to worry about their cost.
