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A New Annapurna Circuit?
We mentioned the Annapurna Circuit a few weeks back, calling it one of the world's classic treks, but also lamenting the fact that a new road, built in the name of progress, was altering the experience forever. What once took the better part of three weeks to traverse, can now be driven in just two days, and the solitude of the Himalayan hike is now gone.While the traditional Annapurna Circuit may never be the same, according to this story from the Times Online, a new one may be emerging to take its place. An adventure travel tour operator based in the U.K. called Mountain Kingdoms, foresaw the impact of the new road, and hired three Sherpa Sirdars to create a new route. The result? An eight day trek around the Annapurna Massif, home of the 10th highest mountain in the world, that begins in Muktinath and runs back to Naya Phu, a village not far from Pokhara, the hub of that part of Nepal.
This new trekking circuit offers much the same experience as the old one. The clearly defined and easy to follow trail passes through a remote village every few hours, and those villages have the traditional teahouses that are popular along most trekking routes in the Himalaya. Teahouses offer inexpensive food and places to sleep, allowing hikers to travel much more lightly than on similar treks in other parts of the world.
The article indicates that the new route is breathtakingly beautiful, and a throwback to the quiet solitude of the old Annapurna circuit. For now, it remains a bit of a secret, but that is likely to change soon. Go now for a really unique trekking experience.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
nepal friend Apr 18th 2009 1:50PM
Most locals seem to want the road or are resigned to it. Local economic access and provisions and emergency egress are precieved on the balance as positive. The esthethics of noise and dust the road causes are mainly bidesi concerns. The alternative walking route is an excellent idea! Will local enterprise spring-up along the new trail? Who has an interest in building new lodge/resturants in the most favourable stops?
Kraig Apr 18th 2009 1:56PM
I'm sure, as this new route gains traffic, the free market system will bring new restaurants and places to stay to the route in a natural way.
And I agree, a new route sounds great. Can't wait to hear more about it.
Roddy Apr 20th 2009 11:02AM
The basic idea of the new route sounds great, it shows how progress and development can continue without impinging on Nepal's vital tourism industry. I have heard a few people criticise road building in rural Nepal, which I personally find disgusting, as without a transport system how can food aid be distributed to those who need it the most.
Kraig Apr 20th 2009 11:04AM
I agree that the roads are a good thing, and totally understand why they need to be built. Progress is good! It is just too bad that it has to infringe on what was once considered one of the greatest hikes in the world. That said, the new route sounds wonderful too.