Annapurna Circuit Trek Clockwise or Anti-Clockwise? – Lots of Travel enthusiasts ask this question
Annapurna Circuit Trek is also known as a Round Trek of the Annapurna Region, It can be done with both approach Clockwise as well as Anti-Clockwise. But there are certain things you need to know so that you will choose wisely.
Let’s continue —
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a typical trekking route in Nepal. The route was in existence as a traditional trading route before it started alluring the tourists in 1977. The route is famous as it not only offers the trekkers vistas of the towering mountains but it takes them through centuries old habitations, lush forests and barren land in the rain-shadow zone. Hundreds of thousands tourist throng to the region every year and many trekking enthusiasts opt to go for the trek.
Since the beginning, most of the trekkers followed the route that starts in Besisahar of Lamjung district and goes to the anti-clockwise direction passing the renowned Thorong-La Pass down to Jomsom Valley. However, some trekking enthusiastic has a question whether it is possible to follow the clockwise route of the Annapurna Circuit Trek instead of anti-clockwise. We suggest our clients to go for the anti-clockwise route than the clockwise due to the following reasons:
For Proper Acclimatization:
When you follow the anti-clockwise route of the trek, you will have natural acclimatization since you start the trekking from Besisahar which is located at the elevation of 760/2494ft and you will gradually ascend to Thorong-La Pass (5,416 meters, 17,769 feet). You will have walked several days before passing Thorong-La Pass and have ample time for acclimatization. If you choose to go clock-wise, you have to spend more time for acclimatization as you will approach Thorong-La-Pass in a few days after you start the treks.
Proper Accommodation Prior to the day to ascend Throng-La Pass:
You will have proper accommodation at Thorong Phedi (4550m/14928ft) before passing the most awaited portion of the trek i.e. Thorong-La Pass if you choose the anti-clockwise route. On the other hand, there are no proper accommodation on the other side of the pass in a doable distance. The closest distance (from accommodation) from the clockwise route to Thorong-La Pass is Muktinath which is in the distance of 1700/5577ft. meter. It is not recommended to cover this distance in the high altitude in one day.
To end the trek experiencing the Tibetan alike Culture and Unique topography:
After you descend from Thorong La Pass you will enter in the Tibetan alike geography and the culture in Mustang. Villages of Marpha, Ghasa among others provide you the glimpse of Tibetan alike life at the final stage of the trek.