This is the trek that everyone is talking about, a classic that takes you through high passes and deep gorges and all around the Annapurna Mountains. (Probably the highest you will ever get without climbing a mountain)

Beginning at Besishahar and ending at Pokhara, the Annapurna circuit is sacred pilgrimage for the trekking faithful and a trip to remember for a lifetime. The walk takes you up Kali Gandaki gorge (deepest in the world). Over the Throng-La pass (5416m.) across the dry Tibetan plateau behind the Himalaya and back to the green forest of your starting point.

The Annapurna circuit offers the ultimate in variety of terrain and cultural diversity. Taking off from the lush rhododendron forest and terraced rice paddies of the mid-hills, the route follows the Kali Gandaki upriver with Dhaulagiri (8167m.) to the left and Annapurna I (8091m.) to the right to the dry Tibetan plateau. Gurung, Magar and Thakali villages give way to
settlements resembling old Tibet. The landscape changes from thick greenery to bare rock and wind swept plains.

The way up the Kali Gandaki Gorge follows the ancient trade route to Tibet. On leaving the Thakali village of Tukuche (2590m.) a dramatic change occurs in the vegetation, from pine and conifer forest to dry and desert-like terrain. Marpha is another important Thakali village of flat-roofed houses and narrow stone rock formations carved out by the wind, vertical rock pockmarked with cave dwellings and high-altitude turquoise lakes.

Muktinath (3800m.) is a highly revered Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage spot. Traversing over the Thorong-La pass, the highest point (5416m.) on the trail is an intense experience of accomplishment. Following the course of the Marshyangdi River, the trek ends at Pokhara. Bird watchers will be finding the trek most interesting. White-capped river chats, red start, little fork tails, whistling thrushes' camp at Muktinath (3800m.) and large pied kingfishers crisscross the skies.