Why I Took on the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trek Stats – Know the Numbers

• Most people take 15–20 days to complete the full Annapurna Circuit Trek 

• Distance varies from 160 to 230 km, depending on exact route and road use 

• The highest point is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m (17,769 ft) 

The Trail Through Many Worlds

We began in warm, green valleys—walking past rice paddies and waterfalls. Then we climbed through pine forests into rocky landscapes. Villages felt still and ancient. Eventually, the bare slopes below Thorong La became our world: empty, cold, and humbling.

Crossing the Highest Pass

Thorong La Pass stood at 5,416 m—the hardest day of the trek. We woke before dawn, started walking at 4 AM, and climbed through biting wind and thin air.It was long and cold—walking for 8–10 hours with steep rocks and icy patches. When we reached the prayer flags at the top, the mountains glowed pink, and the valley below looked endless .

The Moment That Stayed with Me

After the pass, we descended into Mustang’s dry valleys. I remember a teahouse in Muktinath, hot dal‑bhat, steady legs, and relief. I sat quietly and felt something shift inside me. I realized that each step had been teaching me patience, strength, and gratitude.

Tips I Learned Along the Trail

• Take time to acclimatize, stay a few extra days in Manang before the pass 

• Start early on pass day, before sunrise to beat the wind

• Bring warm clothes and walk slowly, the thin air and rocky trail demand caution 

• Respect the weather, Thorong La is known for sudden snowstorms; check forecasts and be ready to wait 

Why the Trek Mattered

The Annapurna Circuit Trek isn’t just a walk—it’s a story written across climate zones, cultures, and inner changes. I started with doubts and ended with confidence. I learned to listen to my body, feel fear without stopping, and trust that I could finish what I started. If you want a trek that tests your strength and opens your heart with beauty, this one may change you too.