The Annapurna Circuit is one of the best-known walks in the world and a pilgrimage for trekkers from all corners of the globe. The complete route around the Annapurna massif covers 150 miles of superb trails which offer some of the most varied mountain scenery in Nepal.

The trek is a popular and well-travelled excursion, but it is deservedly so. Indeed there is probably no other trek in Nepal which provides such a variety of landscapes and cultures. From the trailhead we follow the Marsyangdi River north. There are constantly changing views of some of the world’s great peaks, including Manaslu, the Annapurnas and Gangapurna. As we climb higher we notice a transition in culture as Buddhist chortens and prayer flags line the route north to Pisang. Beyond lies the important trading village of Manang. This is the gateway to the north side of the Annapurna massif and climbing above the snow line we reach the high point of our trek with a tough crossing of the Thorong La (5416m). This classic pass links the Marsyangdi with the Kali Gandaki Valley and the contrast in scenery as we descend towards the colourful temples of Muktinath is unbelievably stark. We leave behind the fertile villages of the Marsyangdi and enter the rain shadow of the Himalaya, an arid landscape carved out of the Tibetan plateau by the great Kali Gandaki River. We follow the river downhill for three days before a strenuous climb brings us to Ghorapani. The glorious dawn views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South from Poon Hill provide a fitting climax to our journey.