Annapurna Circuit Trekking from Kathmandu: A Journey Through Nature and Culture

Annapurna Circuit trekking from Kathmandu was one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences we’ve had in Nepal. I have been trekking for several years, but this route stood out with its mix of adventure, culture, and changing landscapes. We began our journey in the busy streets of Kathmandu and ended it surrounded by peaceful mountains and quiet villages. This trek gave us a perfect blend of natural beauty and local life.

When we left Kathmandu, we were filled with excitement. We had read stories about this trek, seen pictures of the Thorong La Pass, and heard from fellow trekkers that this was one of the best trekking routes in the world. And after completing it, we fully agree.

Starting the Journey from Kathmandu

The adventure started in Kathmandu. The city was full of life, color, and culture. We spent a day preparing for the trek, buying a few supplies, and making sure everything was packed. The next morning, we left the city by jeep, heading towards Besisahar — the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit.

The drive itself was long but beautiful. As we moved away from the city, the landscape slowly changed. We passed through green hills, small towns, and rivers. It felt like we were already beginning our trek, even though we hadn’t started walking yet.

Walking Through Different Worlds

Once we began the trek, we quickly realized how unique this route is. Every day brought a new kind of scenery. In the lower parts of the trail, we walked through forests and crossed suspension bridges over flowing rivers. The weather was warm, and the trails passed through small villages filled with rice fields and smiling locals.

As we climbed higher, the views opened up. Snow-covered mountains started to appear, and the air grew colder. The culture also changed. The people we met in the higher regions followed Tibetan-influenced traditions. We saw prayer flags, old monasteries, and stone-built houses that gave the trail a spiritual feel.

Highlights of the Trek

One of the best parts of the trek was staying in different villages every night. Places like Chame, Pisang, and Manang were small but welcoming. We loved chatting with the locals, eating simple meals, and waking up to fresh mountain air. Manang was especially important because we spent a day there to rest and acclimatize.

Another big highlight was Thorong La Pass. At 5,416 meters, it is the highest point of the trek and a major goal for every trekker on the circuit. The climb was slow and tough, but reaching the top gave us a deep feeling of achievement. We stood there, surrounded by snow, with huge mountains in every direction.

After the pass, the trail led us down to Muktinath, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. We took time to visit the temple and reflect on the journey so far. From there, the trail took us through dry landscapes that reminded us of Tibet.

From Mountains to Hot Springs

As we continued, we passed through Jomsom, a windy town known for its apple orchards, and then made our way to Tatopani. This village is famous for its hot springs. After so many days of walking, soaking in the natural hot water was one of the best feelings ever.

The final part of our trek brought us through green forests and stone staircases to Ghorepani. We woke up early and hiked to Poon Hill to watch the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. It was the perfect ending to our journey.

Returning to Kathmandu

After reaching Pokhara, we rested for a day before driving back to Kathmandu. As we sat in the jeep, we talked about everything we had seen and felt. The Annapurna Circuit had tested us, inspired us, and filled us with new stories.

Final Thoughts

Annapurna Circuit trekking from Kathmandu gave us a full Himalayan experience — from city streets to remote mountain passes. The trail changed every day, both in landscape and in culture. We met kind people, saw beautiful places, and learned so much along the way.

If you are looking for a long and rewarding trek that shows you the real heart of Nepal, the Annapurna Circuit is the perfect choice. We came back tired but happy, and this journey will stay with us forever.