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The Annapurna Circuit - The Best Trek in the World?
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When the
finest trekking holidays in the world are discussed, there are plenty of strong
contenders. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc,
and the trek to Everest Base Camp are amongst the most famous walks in the
world, but veteran walkers often point to another, perhaps lesser known trek as
their personal highlight - the Annapurna Circuit. This epic circumnavigation of
the Annapurna Massif visits an astonishing range of highlights: high mountain
passes festooned with prayer flags, dramatic deep gorges, remote Buddhist
temples and picturesque Nepalese farming villages scattered along the route. It
is often said to be the best trek in Nepal - perhaps even the best in the
world.
Sights of the Annapurna Circuit
The central highlight of the Annapurna Circuit is
the Annapurna Massif itself. This stunning mountain range is composed of seven
major peaks, and towering above them all is Annapurna I (8,091m), the tenth
highest mountain in the world. One of the great pleasures of the Annapurna
Circuit trek is viewing the range from every different angle; each day's
walking brings another new perspective on this stunning mountain range.
Other highlights include the fertile valley of
Marshyangdi, the stunning Thorong La Pass (which, at 5,415m, is the high point
of the trek and offers the finest views of the Annapurna mountains), the
historic pilgrimage temple at Muktinath and the beautiful Nepalese village of
Marpha. The diversity of the landscape is truly incredible, and the trek offers
the chance to see almost every kind of terrain in Nepal.
Trekking the Annapurna Circuit
It is a long, tough trek - involving over 200
miles hard walking over mountainous terrain, it typically takes even seasoned
walkers almost three weeks hard trekking to complete the Annapurna Circuit. But
part of the appeal of the Circuit is its relative accessibility, as there is an
outstanding infrastructure along the route. Nepalese tea houses are simple but
comfortable and characterful places to stay and, due to the large number of
lodges along the way, camping is unnecessary. Good food is on offer at the
lodges, minimising the amount that needs to be carried. However, many people
will choose to hire a porter or go with a tour group to minimise the kit they
have to carry; it is easier to enjoy the views when you aren't weighed down
with a heavy pack!
Trekking is best avoided during the summer monsoon
season, where the heavy rain can make conditions difficult and unpleasant, and
during the winter, when it can get extremely cold in the higher parts of the
Circuit. March, April, October and November are the best months to go. You need
to be in good shape and a keen walker, preferably with experience of trekking
at high altitude, but no technical mountaineering skills are required to trek
the Annapurna Circuit. Due to the long, gradual nature of the hike, altitude is
rarely a problem, with plenty of time given to acclimatise along the way.
Weather conditions can vary greatly and having good cold weather clothing and
waterproofs is essential. Of course, as with any trekking holiday, a good
quality and (more importantly) well broken pair of hiking boots is the most
valuable thing to have with you!
Whether you travel independently
or with a specialist tour operator, the Annapurna Circuit is one trek you
aren't likely to forget. Is it the best walk in the world? That will always be
a matter of opinion, but one thing is for certain - there are few other
trekking holidays in the world that can match the Annapurna Circuit for its
diversity, excitement, and unspoilt Himalayan landscapes.
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