Annapurna Mini Circuit

Overview

Annapurna mini circuit trek has developed as an elaborate and extended take on the Annapurna region, not only exploring the beauty of Annapurna but also the of the beyond. Annapurna Circuit trek takes 15 days commencing from Beshishahar, the headquarters of Lamjung connecting Bahundada, the place of origin of the Brahmins of Nepal with Manaslu Trek at Dharapani.

The trek takes a rest at the rain shadow district of the Annapurna Region at Manang. You will find it rewarding to have a taste of the world’s best apple pie and a 600 year old monastery waiting for you before reaching Manang, a Buddhist themed village with stone built flat roofed houses with people full of love, compassion, tradition and culture at its best. After two days from Manang, the trek will reach at Phedi, where having rest for a day, will start very early in the morning on the most precarious part of the trek, The Thorong La pass which is not a walk in the park, because the first hour is a steep ascent, the trail leads robustly straight up with few switchbacks, disguised by false summits that almost breaks the heart. However the end of the crossing of this adventurous pass can be marked by the welcoming prayer flags that can only be witnessed from 50 yards to the end having descended more than 1700 meters during this crossing.

The other side of the crossing is dramatic like the shuffling of scenes in a movie as the theme changes from buddhist to hinduism upon reaching Mustang, the forbidden kingdom of ancient caves, old forts dating as back as 7-8th century, lies a sacred pilgrimage of the Hindus and buddhist the Muktinath. Going past dry mountains with snow covered mountain tops on the backdrop following the beautiful terrain of Kali Gandaki overcoming windy afternoons, the trek finally reaches Jomsom leaving the beautiful village of Kagbeni behind, knowing that you have recollected enough memories for one lifetime.

For those taking the half Annapurna circuit the journey unfortunately ends here where a plane at the Jomsom airport will be waiting to take them back to  Pokhara and then to Kathmandu