Annapurna Sanctuary Vs. Annapurna Circuit

hemarprasad

Hi,

My husband and I are travelling to Nepal for about 5 weeks in October and November. We originally planned to do the Annapurna Circuit trek, keeping aside a few days for Kath and Pokhara. However, we are now contemplating doing two treks - EBC + Gokyo lakes as well as Annapurna Sanctuary. However we are somewhat conflicted as we're not sure whether we'll miss out on the best parts of the Annapurna region by settling for ABC over the Circuit.

This will be my second trek in Nepal; I've done EBC+Gokyo a few years ago, however, I'd now like to go again to Khumbu with my husband. But in the bargain, I don't want us to "settle for" a shorter and probably less than magical trail by choosing ABC. Guidebooks and internet itineraries haven't helped us much in making a choice.

So here it is again.

1> Annapurna Circuit + time off in Pokhara and Kath?

OR

2> EBC+Gokyo + Annapurna Sanctuary + fewer days in Kath and Pokhara?

Look forward to advice from people who've done both treks in the Annapurna region.


-Hema

ananda2193

I didn't do the circuit when I was there, I only went as far a tatopani and spents days just lazing around there, but I hear it's really great. Probably one of the better treks in Nepal because you don't have to backtrack. Everyday is something new. And the scenery is supposed to be stunning. I would really like to do it if I ever get back there. And as I'm sure you know, it takes around 3 weeks to do.
But whatever you choose, I'm sure it will be rewarding and beautiful. It is Nepal afterall.

cheeseholiday

I recently did half the Annapurna Circuit plus ABC in about 20 days (we moved slowly). We flew to Jomsom, walked up to Muktinath, back to Jomsom then followed the Jomsom trail as far as Tattapani before crossing to Chomrong and into the Annapurna Sanctuary.

We met lots of people who'd done the full Circuit and honestly nobody was raving about the first half so much that we felt like we'd missed out on anything. The 10 days we spent on the trail introduced us to amazingly varied scenery and several different regional cultures. As for the ABC trek, the views are fantastic and worth the climb. Actually compared to the two brutal days of uphill from Tattapani to Ghorapani, the sanctuary seemed like a breeze (until we had to climb a few thousand steps back up into Chomrong!).

praks

In five weeks you could do both, the Annapurna circuit as well as the Sanctuary and still have time to spare for Pokhara and Kathmandu. You could branch off from Ghorepani(on the circuit trail) towards the Sanctuary. And since you will be well acclimatised after Thorong La, you should have no problem going up to the Sanctuary. I believe they are now building a road upto Jomsom which, once complete, will take away the charm of trekking in that area. EBC and Gokyo, on the other hand, will remain free of vehicular traffic for more time to come, so you could always visit there later. Besides, you will need to reacclimatise after descending down from EBC to Kathmandu/Pokhra if you want to do the Sanctuary. I'd definitely suggest Annapurna circuit and Sanctuary for now.