The Annapurna Circuit trek, which follows ancient paths used as trade routes between Nepal and Tibet, is known as one of the most diverse treks in the world. The complete circuit of the Annapurna massif, an estimated 300km, begins from lush sub-tropical forests below 800m in altitude and climbs to the Thorung La pass which, at 5,416m, touches the edge of the fabled Tibetan plateau. The magnificent mountain scenery changes every day from rice paddies and pine forests to Tibet-like countryside on the northern slopes of the Himalayas in the district of Manang. It is also an area of startling contrasts and inhabited by an amazing variety of ethnic groups.
The entire massif and surrounding area are protected within the 7,629 km2 Annapurna Conservation Area, the first and largest conservation area in Nepal, established in 1986 by the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation.
Having done a fair amount of research on which trek to do in the Annapurna area, we opted to do the circuit over a period of 18 days which is the most popular option. We also relied on the The Lonely Planet Nepal Trekking Guide, which contained the following interesting comment:
As you plan your trip, consider the reply one trekker made when asked, 'I've heard it's possible to do the Annapurna Circuit in 14 days'. He replied: 'It's possible to do it in 40 days, my friend'. Take your time, grasshopper, and enjoy the people, scenery and villages.
That, we most certainly did...
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