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Planning Nepal’s ultimate trek? Check out the must-see Annapurna Circuit highlights and tips for your journey!
There are some adventures that leave a mark on you forever, and hiking the Annapurna circuit was one of those for me. From the moment I set foot on the trail, I knew I was in for something special – epic Himalayan landscapes, tiny mountain villages, steaming plates of dal bhat, and a quiet solitude that you can’t find anywhere else. I really miss those days hiking the Annapurna circuit! Life definitely was a lot simpler back then for me.
The Annapurna circuit trek is one of the world’s most famous routes, and for good reason. It’s challenging, rewarding, and full of cultural experiences that make the journey as memorable as the scenery. Along the way, there are certain highlights that stand out – not just for their natural beauty, but for the way they made me stop, breathe, and really take it all in.
Here are some of the Annapurna circuit highlights, from breathtaking passes to spiritual temples, that made my trek truly unforgettable. I really hope you enjoy this place as much as I did – it really is one of the best treks in the world!
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Kali Gandaki Gorge – The World’s Deepest Gorge
Early on in the trek, the path winds into the Kali Gandaki Gorge, known as the deepest gorge in the world. With the towering peaks of Annapurna I on one side and Dhaulagiri on the other, the scale here is almost impossible to wrap your head around. You really feel tiny walking through the valley, with dramatic cliffs rising thousands of metres above you.
The gorge isn’t just about scenery though. It’s an ancient trade route, and even today you’ll see mule caravans and locals transporting goods along the trail. Hiking this section really gives you an insight into local life in the Himalayas and what it would be like living here. Honestly, the views really are something else.
Manang – A High-Altitude Haven
Manang is one of the most important stops on the circuit, not least because it’s where most trekkers spend a couple of nights to acclimatise to the higher altitudes. At 3,540m, the air is noticeably thinner, and it’s the perfect place to slow down and adjust.
I loved Manang because it felt like a proper mountain town. There are bakeries serving apple pies and cinnamon rolls (a real treat after days of trekking), small shops selling gear, and even a little cinema showing films in the evenings. It’s also surrounded by incredible side hikes, including walks to Gangapurna Lake or viewpoints of Tilicho Lake.
Marpha – The Apple Capital of Nepal
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll fall in love with Marpha. This charming village is famous for its apple orchards, and you’ll find everything from fresh apple juice to homemade cider and pies. After days of eating dal bhat, biting into a juicy apple here felt like pure luxury.
Marpha also has a really peaceful atmosphere, with whitewashed buildings, cobbled streets, and fluttering prayer flags. I remember wandering through the narrow alleyways in the afternoon sun and just soaking it all in. Don’t miss trying the local apple brandy if you fancy something stronger – it’s been warming trekkers for generations!
Muktinath – A Spiritual Stop
High in the mountains sits Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Even if you’re not religious, the energy of the place is undeniable. The temple complex has natural gas flames that have been burning for centuries, alongside 108 sacred water spouts where pilgrims cleanse themselves.
Arriving in Muktinath after days of trekking was one of those surreal moments. Here you are, exhausted and dusty from the trail, and yet surrounded by people who’ve travelled from all over Nepal and India to pray. It’s a reminder that the Annapurna Circuit is about more than just hiking; it’s also about the culture and spirituality woven into these mountains.
Poon Hill – Sunrise to Remember
Ask anyone who has done the Annapurna Circuit and they’ll tell you: sunrise at Poon Hill is one of the highlights. At 3,210m, it’s not the highest point on the trek, but it offers one of the best panoramic views of the Himalayas.
I set off early in the morning before sunrise hand, climbing the final stretch with a handful of other trekkers. When the first light hit the peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, everyone fell silent and took it in. The mountains glowed pink and gold, and for a moment, the cold and the climb were completely forgotten. It’s one of those bucket-list views that photos can never quite capture.
Tatopani – The Healing Hot Springs
After days of hiking, nothing feels better than soaking in a natural hot spring, and Tatopani is just the place for it. The village sits at a lower altitude, and its thermal baths have become legendary among weary hikers.
Sliding into the warm water, with the sound of the river rushing nearby, was absolute bliss. My legs ached, my boots were battered, but for an hour or two it didn’t matter. Tatopani literally means “hot water” in Nepali, and I couldn’t think of a better name. It was exactly what I needed before heading back onto the trail.
Thorong La Pass – The Ultimate Challenge
The Thorong La Pass is the crown jewel of the Annapurna Circuit and, at 5,416m, it’s the highest point of the trek. Crossing it is both the hardest and the most rewarding part of the journey.
I remember waking up in the freezing dark at 4am, layers upon layers of clothes weighing me down, and setting off with just a headtorch to guide me. But reaching the prayer-flag-covered summit and looking out over the mountains was pure magic. Exhaustion turned instantly into exhilaration. It’s the moment everyone on the trek talks about, and for good reason – it’s unforgettable.
Tilicho Lake – The Jewel of the Himalayas
Sitting at 4,919m, Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, and it’s worth every step of the side trek to get there. The water is a surreal shade of turquoise, surrounded by jagged snow-capped peaks, and the stillness of the place is almost otherworldly.
The hike to Tilicho is tough. It involves steep ascents and some precarious trails, but standing at the lake’s edge, I felt like I’d reached another planet. It’s wild, remote, and a reminder of just how raw and untouched nature can be in the Himalayas.
Annapurna Base Camp – The Final Reward
While not technically part of the classic Annapurna Circuit, many trekkers choose to extend their journey to include Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), and I couldn’t resist. Standing at 4,130m, the base camp is surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of towering peaks, including Annapurna I, the tenth highest mountain in the world.
Reaching ABC was emotional for me. After days of trekking, tired and sunburnt, standing in the heart of the Himalayas felt like a dream come true. Watching the sun rise over the mountains, with the peaks glowing gold, was the perfect ending to an already incredible journey.
My final thoughts
The Annapurna Circuit isn’t just a trek – it’s a journey through landscapes, cultures, and moments that will stay with you forever. From the spiritual calm of Muktinath to the physical challenge of Thorong La, from apple orchards in Marpha to sunrise at Poon Hill, every stop added another layer to the experience.
For me, it was one of the most rewarding adventures I’ve ever done. It tested my limits, gave me moments of pure joy, and reminded me of the simple pleasure of putting one foot in front of the other. If you’re thinking about tackling the Annapurna Circuit, my advice is simple: go for it. The mountains are waiting.
A couple of other epic hikes I’ve done recently are Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, and hiking Volcano Villarrica in Chile is still one of my favourites.
