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