Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit is one of Nepal's, if not the world's, most famous hikes. Although road building has had a significant impact on the hiking experience over the last two decades (more on this later). Note: If you're a mountain biker, the route on the western side is one of the most thrilling and gorgeous rides you'll ever have!

The hike begins in Besisahar (a 7-8-hour drive from Kathmandu) and ends in the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world's disputed tallest gorge, which connects Dhaulagiri (8,176 meters) in the west and Annapurna (8,091 meters) in the east.

For acclimatization purposes, the circuit is generally followed in an anti-clockwise direction.

The walk reaches its zenith when it traverses the Thorung La Pass (5,416 meters) before descending to Muktinath. The Annapurna Circuit trekking experience has been significantly impacted by road construction efforts that began in 2004 and were finished in 2008/09.

The Nepalese government has recognized that the road on the Western (Pokhara-Muktinath) and Eastern (Chame-Manang) sides of the circuit has harmed trekking tourism. 

The Annapurna Circuit is normally completed in 16-20 days (depending if you decide to tack on a diversion to Annapurna Base Camp and the Annapurna Sanctuary). Depending on when you opt to end the journey or employ transportation vehicles, it spans between 150 and 240 kilometers.