Annapurna Circuit Trek Clockwise is the new concept and style of completing one of the most charming trekking routes of Nepal, Annapurna Circuit. Annapurna Circuit Trek Clockwise creates new challenges, adventures, and thrills for the trekkers.
Since Annapurna Circuit Trek opened in 1977, trekkers follow the route and itinerary that begins from Bensisahar, heads in an anti-clockwise direction to traverse through Manang district, cross Thorong La pass and enter Mustang district. Only a few of the trekkers have attempted Annapurna Circuit Trek Clockwise as the practice is of going anti-clockwise.
Nepal Adventure Team arranges and organizes the Annapurna Circuit Trek Clockwise for all adventure and nature lover trekkers. Initially, you drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and enjoy a night's stay at Pokhara. The next day, you will drive up to Tatopani and relax in the hot spring in Tatopani village. From Tatopani, you begin to trek bypassing villages such as Kalopani, Lete, Ghasa, Marpha, Jomsom, and Muktinath. You will be staying at the Muktinath area for acclimatization and stay at Mustang Phedi before passing Thorong La. Early morning, you head to traverse through Thorong La which is entirely surrounded by mountains, and drop at Manang district. You will rest as well as have sightseeing in Manang village and move downhill towards Pisang, Chame, Dharapani, and Bensisahar. You will drive to Kathmandu from Bensisahar.
Tale of Annapurna Massif and Annapurna Circumambulation
Annapurna is the name of the Hindu goddess, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati, and daughter of Himavat, king of mountains. Annapurna means the giver of food and nourishment where Anna means food/ grains and Purna means full, complete, and perfect. Locals believe that till the snow lasts on Annapurna Massif, the surrounding will be blessed with food and nourishment.
This turns Annapurna Circuit Trek Clockwise into Annapurna Circumambulation and trail of religious value. Because the Clockwise circuit of any sacred site is called Circumambulation and circumambulation is an integral part of Hindu and Buddhist devotional practice and holy deeds.
How is Annapurna Circuit Clockwise different from Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Annapurna Circuit Trek is widely popular and loved by trekkers around the globe. The mesmerizing beauty, wilderness, hospitality, and local culture has led Annapurna Circuit to be one of the most appreciated and liked trekking trail of the trekkers.
Every year number of trekkers land in Nepal to accomplish Annapurna Circuit Trail. The trail has always started from Bensisahar, crossing Manang District, passing Thorong La, traversing through Mustang District, and relaxing at Pokhara. And this route of Annapurna Circuit goes anticlockwise as per the direction. This route has been worked out, implemented, and popularized by everyone.
Nevertheless, for the new and unique experience, Nepal Adventure Team is arranging and organizing Annapurna Circuit Trail Clockwise where the trek begins from Pokhara, crosses the Mustang district, passes Thorong La, traverses through Manang district, and lands at Bensisahar.
This new style of completing Annapurna Circuit has the following features:
A new style to complete Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Unique Experience
- Harder Climb
- Extend the Challenge of Throrong La pass
- More Adventure and thrill
- Devotional practice and holy deeds in different religions.
Manang in Annapurna Circuit Trek
Manang District of Nepal is situated in the broad valley of the Marshyangdi River to the north of the Annapurna mountain range. The river flows to the east. To the west, the 5,416m/ 17,769 ft Thorong La pass leads to the Muktinath shrine and the valley of Kali Gandaki River. To the north, there is the Chulu East peak of 6,584 m (21,601 ft).
The development of a trail linking Manang to the Annapurna Conservation Area was finished in February 2011. Consequently, benefits the villagers and travelers.
From Manang, the usual route of Annapurna Circuit Trek continues to Thorung La at 5415 meters above sea level which connects Manang district to Mustang District by providing a route between Manang village and Muktinath village. This part of the trail of the Manang trek to Muktinath has been used by the locals for hundreds of years to transport huge herds of sheep and yak in and out of Manang.
The northern part of Manang town is more preserved in its old-style whereas; in the southern part, there are hotels, shops, and cybercafé.
Thorang La pass at 5416m in Annapurna Circuit Trek
Thorong La pass is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit Trek as the pass lies at 5,416 meters connecting the two most beautiful arid valleys of Nepal: Mustang and Manang. The pass enables trekkers to circumambulate Annapurna Massif and enjoy the Annapurna Conservation Area with a long peaceful, beautiful, and adventurous trail.
Thorong La pass was opened to foreigners in 1977 then, each year thousands of travelers enjoy the trendy thrills of Thorong La. With all the excitement trekkers begin their trek too early in the morning as the weather is too windy at Thorong La afternoon and it is better to pass Thorong La in the first half of the day. The day to pass Thorong La is the tough one and sucks all the energy but the views, surrounding, and wilderness of Thorong La refill the heart and memories of trekkers to walk further. Lots of trekkers just attempt Thorong La Trek without completing Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Mustang in Annapurna Circuit Trek
Mustang District is widely liked and visited by both internal and external tourists due to its natural beauty, diverse landscape, culture, and religious values. The entire Mustang district is included within the Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest protected area in Nepal. Mustang is bordered by the Tibetan Plateau and sheltered by some of the world's tallest peaks, including 8000-meter-tall Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Mustang is divided into two sub-regions, Lower and Upper. This is a high-altitude trans-Himalayan region spread over 3,640 square kilometers in area. 79.8 % of the Mustang area is covered by the Trans-Himalayan climate zone. (Read more)
Best Season for Annapurna Circuit Trek Clockwise
Autumn Season (October- November) is regarded to be the most favorable time to trek in Nepal and also in Annapurna Circuit Clockwise. At this time, summer starts to end and winter begins. The hotness and coldness of the trekking trail are mild showcasing its beauty to the fullest with a clear and blue sky, shining mountain ranges, colorful vegetation, and smooth path. There is no rain and snowfall to create difficulty during Annapurna Circuit Trek Clockwise. The average temperature is assumed to be 15 degrees Celsius. However, the attractiveness of the season attracts many trekkers and the Annapurna Circuit Trek Clockwise package is extensively booked. The trail is filled with trekkers and mostly crowded as autumn is the peak season for Trekking in Nepal.
Secondly, the Spring season (March-May) is the favorable time to trek in Nepal after Autumn Season as the weather is mild neither hot nor cold. At this time, winter starts to end and summer begins. The blue clear sky is seen to infinite distances touched by snowcapped mountains. Even the vegetation blooms with the new leaves and flowers. Rarely, rain and snowfall occur at this time so there is less difficult to traverse through Annapurna Circuit Trek Clockwise. However, trekkers may be disturbed by other trekkers as this is the peak season for Trekking in Nepal.
Thirdly, monsoon season is preferred by the trekker who wants to avoid crowds and busy trails of Annapurna Circuit Trek Clockwise. At this time, vegetation blooms at the fullest, there is greenery in most parts of the trails and the mountains shine brightly after a night of rain. The higher altitude area and certain parts of Mustang and Manang belong to rain shadow but the lower areas have the rainfall. Consequently, the trail is wet and slippery with a high chance of encountering leeches. Nevertheless, a guide will be there to lead and rescue you from a slippery path and leeches. Monsoon season is usually chosen to avoid crowds and cherish the blooming diversified flora.
Thorong La along with the higher areas of Mustang and Manang faces heavy snowfall during Winter Season (December – February) which creates difficulty in the trek. This makes fewer or almost no trekkers on the route and only the experienced trekkers travel at this time for Annapurna Circuit Trek Clockwise. The views are crystal clear and the mountain is filled with snow but the temperature drops to freezing cold.
