While Nepal is known as the land of trekkers and it offers a wide variety of trekking routes allowing the trekkers to pick the best fit as per their experience and skills, some of the trekking routes in Nepal still stand as the iconic ones.
And the Annapurna Circuit Trek is one such iconic trekking route of Nepal. Just the name of the trek is enough to conjure up images of snowcapped Himalayas, lakes, and stunning landscapes.
However, this route is not just about the landscapes, and it is not just a walk through the Himalayas. There is a lot more to the Annapurna Circuit Trek that goes unnoticed in a general overview of the trek.
Therefore, in this blog, we will be discussing 10 major attractions during Annapurna Circuit Trek that make it one of the most enriching trekking experiences in the world and give you a reason to trek the Annapurna Circuit.
The Changing Scenery: A Journey Through Varied Landscapes
First and foremost, it is imperative to mention the stunning changes in the scenery as you move from Besisahar and complete your way around the entire Annapurna Circuit.
This trek is a journey encompassing various landscapes. At your starting point in Besisahar, you will be surrounded with lush greenery and cascading waterfalls as you are yet to enter the Himalayan region.
As you make your way higher up into the trek, the landscapes transform into terraced fields, lush forests, alpine meadows, and pine forests as you pass through locations like Danaque, Chame, and Pisang.
Once you enter the Manang region, you will be surrounded by rugged mountains, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes. As you reach Lower Mustang area, the unique high altitude desert welcomes you.
When you near the highest point of the trek around Thorong La Pass, you will be surrounded by arid landscapes and highlands covered with snow and unique flora and fauna.
The kind of landscapes you will see is also highly reliant on the season when you are going for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. In spring, you will see rhododendrons bloom in full glory, while autumn offers crystal-clear mountain views.
Each day’s walk unveils a new environment and ecosystem, making the Annapurna Circuit not just a physical journey, but a sensory and visual experience unlike any other.
Braka Monastery
A spiritual and scenic monastery located near Manang, the Braka monastery is one of the most ancient and significant monasteries in the Annapurna region, and also one of the many religious sites in the Himalayas of Nepal.
This serene stop along the iconic Annapurna Circuit Trek offers a deep insight into what really is Tibetan Buddhism and its teachings through the various murals and paintings present here.
Perched on a cliff at an altitude of 3,500 meters, Braka Monastery has a sweeping view of the valley and the entire Annapurna range. And these views are absolutely spectacular. Not to forget the cultural experience that you will get in this peaceful environment.
The monastery is over 600 years old and houses intricate wall paintings, intricate artwork, prayer wheels, and ancient scriptures. Visiting this monastery during the acclimatization day in Manang is both spiritually and scenically rewarding.
Gangapurna Glacial Lake
The Gangapurna Glacial Lake is a turquoise beauty that lies below the Himalayan giants. Easily accessible from Manang after a short hike, this natural wonder is formed due to the melting of the Gangapurna glacier.
Situated at the foot of the imposing Gangapurna peak (7,455 meters / 24,459 feet), this lake is one of the most famous acclimatization routes for trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit trek.
This is because the lake is easily accessible and moderately challenging, enough for you to get properly acclimatized for the trek to come. It also serves as an excellent location for photography amidst the Himalayas.
The lake often appears to have a milky turquoise hue in appearance, and it is mostly accompanied by the fine rock particles suspended in its waters. The waters of the lake mirror the surrounding mountains which makes a postcard perfect scene.
It’s a peaceful spot to relax, meditate, or simply soak in the raw beauty of the Himalayas while you listen to the subtle sounds of nature, especially in the early morning hours.
Ice Lake (Kicho Tal)
Locally known as Kicho Tal, the ice lake is another major attraction during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It is a hidden gem located above Manang which is now starting to get all the attention it deserves.
The Ice Lake is located at an altitude of approximately 4,600 meters (15,092 feet) and it makes for a challenging day hike from Manang, often considered a tough acclimatization hike.
Taking around 4 to 6 hours to reach from Manang, the trail winds through rugged terrain, offering glimpses of the surrounding peaks, building anticipation for the spectacle that awaits.
However, the challenges of the hike are fairly compensated as the trekkers get stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak after reaching here.
In addition to that, this stunning lake is almost always surrounded by snow which makes it an ethereal view in itself. Visiting the ice lake is a great way to build a deep connection with the Himalayas.
Manang Village
Now that we have covered all the acclimatization hikes that you can go to from Manang, let’s get right into the place that is often regarded as the acclimatization hub for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Located at 3,540 meters, this is the place where beautiful cultures meet mountains as Manang is not merely a resting stop but one of the cultural hubs of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
You will see that the Tibetan Buddhism influences are deeply ingrained into the day to day lives of people living in Manang. The main show of this culture would be the traditional stone houses, narrow alleyways, fluttering prayer flags, and various Gompas.
The local bakeries, museums, shops, and a Himalayan Rescue Association clinic in Manang is what makes it an ideal place for exploration and rest for the trekkers as they can stop here for acclimatization and shop for their souvenirs at the same time.
Apple Orchards of Marpha
One of the major charms of the Annapurna region and often regarded as the fruit bowl of Mustang, Marpha brings you the sight of some of the most stunning apple orchards in the region.
You will reach Marpha as you descend from the Mustang region and it is located at an altitude of 2,650 meters. This place is also known as the ‘Apple Capital of Nepal’, and for a good reason.
Marpha is famous for its apples and wide variety of apple products including but not limited to apple brandy, freshly squeezed apple juice, cider, and dried fruits. The village itself is clean, peaceful, and wrapped in Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Besides apple orchards, another thing that might catch your eye about this village are the whitewashed houses making it look like an exotic location. Walking through its narrow stone-paved lanes feels like stepping into a different era.
The terraced hillsides surrounding the village feature rows upon rows of apple trees, bearing a variety of delicious apples. Depending on the season, you might witness the trees in either in full bloom, laden with fruit, or during the harvest.
Either ways, be sure to sample the local apple specialties which are a perfect treat for you after exhausting days of trekking. The aroma of ripe apples in the air adds a unique and pleasant dimension to the trekking experience.
Thorong La Pass
The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek and also the most challenging part of it is the iconic Thorong La Pass which is one of the highest walkable mountain passes in the world.
Located at a staggering altitude of approximately 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), this pass presents a significant challenge for trekkers on the trek. This is not just because of the altitude.
Even the ascent towards the pass is pretty challenging and physically demanding as you will have to cross some rugged landscapes, steep ascent, often involving hours of trekking through rocky terrain and potentially snow-covered paths.
While climbing towards Thorong La, trekkers often make sure to start in the early hours of dawrds Thorong La, trekkers often make sure to start in the early hours of dawn to avoid strong winds as well as harsh sunlight which can take the challenge up a notch.
Despite the challenges, the rewards as you conquer the pass are truly overwhelming in every sense. First and foremost, the sense of accomplishment that you will get is unbeatable.
Besides that, you will also be rewarded with breathtaking views in the form of a 360-degree spectacle of snow-capped peaks stretching as far as the eye can see, including the likes of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range.
The stark, high-altitude landscape, with its rugged beauty and thin air, creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere. This high altitude mountain pass can be considered as the crowning jewel of the Annapurna Circuit.
Muktinath Temple
As you descend from the challenging Thorong La Pass, you will come across yet another religious site in the Himalayas. Muktinath Temple, located at an altitude of 3,800 meters, is a sacred site for people following Hinduism as well as Buddhism.
This makes it one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Nepal and pilgrims from all over Nepal and even other places of the world come here. Muktinath Temple is a highly spiritually charged location on the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
For Hindus, Muktinath is considered to be one of the sacred places of Lord Vishnu. Therefore, the temple houses the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu as Mukti Narayana.
A unique feature is the presence of 108 water spouts arranged in a semi-circular pattern, from which devotees take holy baths. An eternal flame, believed to have been burning for centuries, is another major attraction of the temple.
While for Buddhists, Muktinath is a sacred site associated with the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig). They revere the same temple and consider the water spouts and the eternal flame as sacred manifestations in the context of Buddhism.
Regardless, the union of two beliefs in this place makes it always adorned with colorful pilgrims and marks an extremely positive aura around the place. You will always get a sense of peace amidst the Himalayas while you are here.
Jomsom
Often regarded to as the Gateway to Mustang Valley, Jomsom is the administrative centre of Mustang. This bustling town can be considered the perfect blend between traditions and accessibility.
You will find modern amenities in Jomsom including shops, bakeries, an airstrip, and more. However, you will also see that people are still very much indulged into their culture.
Jomsom is home to the Thakali people, known for their unique culture and mouthwatering cuisine. Visitors can explore the Thakali architecture and Jomsom Monastery, gaining insight into the local way of life.
Jomsom is located in the Kali Gandaki Valley and it also has a spiritual significance. The area is known for its fossilized ammonites, locally known as Shaligram, which are found along the upper reaches of the Kali Gandaki River.
People following Buddhism also visit Jomsom for a traditional air burial along Kali Gandaki River. Jomsom also offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Nilgiri.
One of the villages of Upper Mustang, Jomsom sits in the rain shadow of the Annapurna range, resulting in a desert-like climate for part of the year. The Kali Gandaki Gorge carved by the Kali Gandaki River is a major natural attraction in Jomsom.
Exploring Poon Hill
One of the most popular vantage points of the Annapurna region, Poon Hill makes for a great addition to this list. Despite being at a relatively lower altitude of 3,210 meters, the views from Poon Hill are absolutely impeccable.
From Poon Hill, you will get stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges, including peaks like Annapurna I, II, III, and IV, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and more.
This peak is mostly explored during the early hours of sunrise as the view of the first rays of sun hitting the snow clad mountains is something that you wouldn’t want to miss.
It is also a part of the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. And for trekkers wanting to add other miniature trekking routes while trekking the Annapurna Circuit, this trek makes for one of the major attractions of the trekking route.
Tatopani Natural Hot Springs
A final attraction on this list has to be the natural hot springs of Tatopani. This is a well-deserved reward for all the trekkers after completing a long and tiring trek along the Annapurna Circuit.
Located in a valley surrounded by lush greenery, the hot springs are naturally heated by geothermal activity and are rich in minerals which are believed to have healing properties.
Therefore, imagine the peace it might bring to soak your tired muscles in the warm, soothing waters while surrounded by the beauty of nature. What an incredibly rejuvenating experience!
