The Annapurna Circuit is among the most beautiful and spectacular treks in Nepal, offering breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and the peaks of the Annapurna massif. The village of Manang, a mandatory stop on the circuit, has been open to foreigners since 1980. Since then, a thriving accommodation center has developed alongside the old village, with numerous lodges. The highest point is the Thorong La pass (5,415m), located between the sources of two major rivers: the Khali Gandaki and the Marsyangdi. The Khali Gandaki valley, the deepest in the world, is surrounded by peaks near or exceeding 8,000m: Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna II (7,937m), III (7,555m), and IV (7,525m).
The classic, shortest route begins in Ngadi or Jagat, about a 6-hour drive from Kathmandu, continues on foot to Manang, the Thorong La pass, and descends to Muktinath.
An alternative route, requiring a special permit, passes through the villages of Naar and Phu. The trail branches off at Koto, where it follows the Naar River to Phu, a very isolated village, along a path that winds through bamboo and juniper forests. From there, it's on to Naar, then the Kang La pass (approximately 5200m) with its superb views of the Annapurna range. The route then returns to Manang. From there, it ascends towards Tilicho Lake. The following day, the descent towards Jomsom begins after crossing three passes: the Eastern La (approximately 5300m), the Northern La (approximately 5250m), and the Meskanto La (approximately 5250m).
