The Annapurna Circuit – Jomsom Trek is famous as Nepal’s classic trekking route, offering some of the finest views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri and passing through more varied terrain than most routes of an equivalent length. The landscape ranges from sub-tropical forest and rice fields through alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys to the arid semi-desert of the high Tibetan plateau. Since the region was first opened to foreign travelers in 1977, this has become one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas.
The two-week trek is designed to give you in a short period an experience of the Annapurna region in all its variety. It begins in the lush, green valley around Besishahar with a gradual ascent along a rocky trail that follows the course of the Marsyandi River up to the village of Tal at an elevation of 1675m. This is a comparatively easy introduction to the area. The trek is suitable for anyone looking for an adventurous Himalayan experience that is not too taxing on the feet or the lungs.
After your first overnight stop, the trail continues along a broad, open valley and up through the traditional stone-built villages of Dharapani and Bargarchhap, and along fast flowing river paths and across pine forested slopes before the country changes, becoming the typical dry and rocky open terrain of the high plateau around Jomsom, where the trek ends.
Breathtaking views of the Himalayas form a constantly changing backdrop to the interesting little villages, temples and natural wonders along the way. Every day of your trip offers up something special and fascinating, such as the sacred Hindu temple at Muktinah, the hot springs of Chame, the several rope bridge river crossings, which are always a thrilling challenge to the trekker used to more solid ground underfoot, and of course the gradual change in climate as you climb higher into the mountains.
Here you will experience the magnificent desolation of the Thorung La pass, whose highest point at 5416m is marked by a traditional chorten or shrine, bedecked by prayer flags that make a brightly colored beacon in the otherwise untouched landscape of rock and ice.
