The long way around Annapurna

It takes about 16 days to trek about 300 km around the entire massif, visiting the northern side of the Himalaya with it's Tibetan-like landscape and villages and the dramatic Kali Gandaki valley, which is the deepest on earth.

This trek offers a big variety of landscapes, from the lush green valleys at the beginning, the ice and snow covered Thorong La pass to the desert region of upper Mustang and back through jungle like forests around Ghandruk. You will see many different cultures and meet friendly people during these days.

Access to this part of Nepal is easier and more comfortable than to the Khumbu region, even by bus. The prices are also lower than in Everest region. This declares, why Annapurna is the number one trekking region in Nepal.

Most recently, a dirt road passable by jeeps and motorbikes has been forged through the Kali Gandaki to Jomson and on the other side of the Annapurnas up to Chamje. This means that almost half the traditional Annapurna Circuit is now along a road. A great way to increase the number of roadless hiking days is the side trip to Tilicho Lake, one of the world's highest lakes at 4,919 meter.

There are also efforts to find a route to Jomson avoiding the road. As soon as its possible to follow that way, I will show you this.