Popular Attractions during the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit trek is special because of the various attractions that you can see on it. En route, trekkers will visit sacred temples, turquoise glacial lakes, traditional Himalayan settlements, deep river gorges, and spectacular viewpoints. Each location has unique scenery, culture, and natural beauty and offers an unmatched trekking experience in the Himalayas. Some of the popular attractions of the Annapurna Circuit are listed below:

Popular Annapurna Circuit Trek Attractions

Annapurna Himalayan Range

The Annapurna Himalayan Range is one of the most famous mountain ranges in the world as well as the main attraction for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The Himalayan range lies in the central part of Nepal, which includes the mountain peaks of Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna and Hiunchuli.

The range is part of the Grand Himalayas. It offers some of the most magnificent scenery in Nepal. The Annapurna massif is regularly in sight from the villages, mountain trails, forests, and high passes, making it a constant highlight of the Annapurna Circuit experience.

Tilicho Lake

Tilicho Lake is a popular side trek in the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The lake is surrounded by high rocky cliffs and snow-capped mountains in a remote Himalayan area. The route leaves the Annapurna Circuit trail from Khangsar Village in the Manang district, which leads you to the Tilicho Base Camp.

The lake is known for its deep blue water and peaceful mountain landscape. The path to Tilicho Lake is quite difficult, as trekkers have to pass through the landslide areas, narrow paths, and the glacier-carved valleys to reach the shore of the lake.

Tilicho Lake is also one of the highest glacial lakes in the world and is a popular destination for adventurers and photographers. The Tilicho trek can also be undertaken separately without the full Annapurna round trek. The scenic unspoiled natural beauty and isolated location make it a must-see attraction in the Annapurna region.

Gangapurna Lake

Gangapurna Lake is a beautiful glacial lake near Manang Village in the Annapurna region. The lake is situated below the Gangapurna Himal and provides a wonderful reflection of snow-covered peaks and rocky cliffs.

The trail leading to Gangapurna Lake is a very popular hiking route during acclimatization days in Manang. The trekkers walk across suspension bridges and through rocky slopes to reach the viewpoints, which lie over the lake and surrounding glacier valleys. It also provides stunning views of Annapurna IV, Gangapurna Peak and Tilicho Peak.

It is one of the hidden gems of the Annapurna Circuit Trek due to incredible scenery blended with glacial lakes, glaciers, and mountain peaks.

Thorong La Pass

Thorong La Pass is the highest and toughest part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The pass links the green alpine Manang valleys with the dry Mustang Himalayan landscapes. The trek passes through the villages of Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi to the high pass, where you will see colorful prayer flags and impressive mountain views along the way.

It is one of the most spectacular landscapes in Nepal, with snow-covered peaks and rocky terrain surrounding it. The trekkers can enjoy the majestic panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from the top of the pass. Thorong La Pass is not just a geographical landmark; it is also a great achievement for the trekkers who are able to reach the top of the pass during the Annapurna Round trek.

Muktinath Temple

Situated at an elevation of 3800 m, Muktinath Temple is one of the highest temples in the world. The temple is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. You will reach the holy temple just after crossing the demanding Thorong La Pass. Near the holy site, you can also find 108 stone faucets (Muktidhara), the Jwala Mai Temple, and the natural flame, which is believed to have been burning for many centuries. Reaching the religious site will provide trekkers with a sense of peace amidst their journey in the Annapurna Circuit.

Jomsom

Jomsom is the administrative headquarters of the Mustang district and a major stop on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The town is situated in the valley of the Kali Gandaki, between the mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, and is surrounded by dry hills and a rocky landscape.

What makes Jomsom unique is that it is situated in the rain shadow region of Nepal. Therefore, the topography of the region looks more like the Tibetan plateau than the lower greener regions of Annapurna. The town is famous for the extraordinary beauty of its mountains, apple orchards, and powerful afternoon breezes that blow across the valley.

Jomsom is also a transportation hub with an airport that links the region with Pokhara. Attractions such as the Muktinath Temple, the Nilgiri Himal, the Kagbeni Village, and the Kali Gandaki Gorge lie near this region.

Marpha Village

Known as the “Apple Capital of Nepal,” Marpha Village is one of the most beautiful places to stay in the Annapurna region. Marpha is famous for its apples and apple products such as apple juice, apple cider, dehydrated apples (syau ko sukuti), and apple brandy. 

The Marpha village lies north of the Kali Gandaki river and is surrounded by hills and snow-capped mountain peaks. The village features Tibetan-influenced architecture, white houses, and narrow stone alleys. The peaceful and serene ambiance of the ancient monasteries, prayer flags, and clean pavement draws trekkers from across the globe into the Himalayas.

Tatopani

One of the final highlights of the Annapurna Circuit trek is the natural hot springs at Tatopani. Located on the bank of the Kali Gandaki river, the area is a well-known trekking route between the Mustang region and the lower hilly villages of Ghorepani and Beni.

Tatopani means “hot water” in Nepali, which is a reference to the natural mineral-rich geothermal hot springs. It is a common area where hikers stop by after a lengthy and exhausting hike. The warm temperatures and lush greenery of the Tatopani village make for a stark contrast to the drier and high-elevated areas of the Annapurna Circuit.

Poon hill Viewpoint

Poon Hill is one of the most popular viewpoints in Nepal and a notable stop in the Annapurna Circuit trek. The viewpoint is located within the Annapurna Conservation Area above Ghorepani Village. The trekkers can enjoy a broad panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, which includes Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Hiunchuli peaks. The Poon Hill viewpoint is easily accessible and also has excellent views of the surrounding mountain peaks.