Annapurna Circuit Trekking – A Life-Changing Walk Around the Mountains

I had always dreamed of seeing the Himalayas. I wanted to go on a trek that was long, exciting, and full of surprises. That’s when I heard about the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It’s one of the most famous treks in Nepal, and now I know why. This trek gave me more than mountain views. It gave me stories, peace, and strength I didn’t know I had.

The Annapurna Circuit is a long trek in central Nepal. It goes around the Annapurna mountain range and covers about 160 to 230 kilometers, depending on your route. Most people take 12 to 18 days to finish it. I took 15 days, walking through small villages, green forests, rocky paths, and snowy hills. Each day felt new and exciting. One day, I was walking in a hot valley with rice fields. A few days later, I was walking on snow near the Thorong La Pass.

The Thorong La Pass is the highest point on this trek. It stands at 5,416 meters. Crossing it was the hardest day of my life, but also the best. The wind was cold, and I had to walk slowly. But when I reached the top, I felt like I was on top of the world. I saw snow-covered peaks all around me and felt proud of myself.

The trek is not just about nature. It is also about people. I met kind locals in every village. They smiled, offered hot tea, and made simple but tasty food. I stayed in small tea houses where I met other trekkers from around the world. We shared stories, helped each other, and laughed around the fire at night. I didn’t feel alone, even though I was far from home.

More than 25,000 people trek the Annapurna Circuit every year. But it never felt crowded. Some parts were quiet and peaceful. I walked by rivers, crossed long bridges, saw prayer flags flying in the wind, and heard the sound of bells on yaks. Every turn of the trail showed me something new.

One thing I liked most was how the land kept changing. I started in a warm, green valley. Then I moved to forests full of pine trees. Later, I reached dry, rocky hills and snowy paths. I didn’t know that one trek could take me through so many kinds of places. The sky was always wide and open. The mountains stood tall and silent. I often stopped just to look and breathe it all in.

I learned a lot from this trek. I learned to be patient, to enjoy small things, and to keep going even when it was hard. I also learned how strong I can be. This wasn’t just a walk. It was something that changed how I see the world.

If you love walking, nature, and want to try something big, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is perfect. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need good shoes, warm clothes, and a happy heart. The trek will do the rest. It will take you to new places—outside and inside yourself.

I went looking for the mountains, but I found much more. I found peace, joy, and the feeling of being alive. That is why the Annapurna Circuit Trek is more than just a trek. It is a memory that will stay with me forever.