Annapurna Circuit Trek Review - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 มิ.ย. 2024
- The Annapurna Circuit is (or perhaps was) one of the finest treks in the world, but a lot has changed in recent years, including the new jeep road which you need to know about before you book anything! Don’t miss this video where I give my honest opinion about this trek.
In terms of the roads, it is undoubtedly good for the local people - however, I feel like trekkers should be aware of this before they book, and there's a lot of false information fed by trekking companies out there about the side trails that are supposedly built for the trekkers to escape the Jeeps. My aim here is to show anyone considering the Annapurna Circuit what to expect.
As for the trash, crowds and human feces - clearly we need help from Nepal to clean up after ourselves! #before2020
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Hi guys my name is Chase Tucker and I'm a online personal trainer, trek leader and creator of Base Camp Training and my TH-cam Channel Trekking FAQs.
I this video I review the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and discuss the good the bad and the ugly. One thing I didn't mention is that to avoid the crowds its possible to do the Annapurna Circuit in the winter months like December, January and February, although, rug up because it will be very cold!
I created this channel to share what I've learnt over a short lifetime of loving the wilderness and what it has to offer. I'm passionate about preparing people, fitness wise, to have a great time in the mountains and to show them that it's worth preserving for the future.
QUESTION?: Have a question about trekking, altitude sickness, trekking gear, training for trekking or anything else? Post in the comments below!
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#annapurnacircuit #10pieces #before2020
![Annapurna Circuit vs Manaslu Circuit - The better trek for you [Nepal 4K]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gs-bNJxHEPA/mqdefault.jpg)
![Annapurna Circuit vs Manaslu Circuit - The better trek for you [Nepal 4K]](/img/tr.png)
What do I think you should do instead? Maybe Langtang, Manaslu, or maybe Mardi Himal. See my review here th-cam.com/video/93kzWbuvMks/w-d-xo.html
The original start was Dumre, which I did in 1987. At that time, this added fabulous days in the lowlands when there was no road to Besisahar. We also walked all the way back to Pokhara itself on the other side of Thorong La as there were literally no roads west of Pokhara. We dropped down on the last day from Sarangkot to Phewa Tal after hiking up to Poon Hill and Ghorepani and then back down through Ulleri. It was all amazing.
I did the around Annapurna trek about 45 years ago, I am so glad I did, I would not do it now even if I could. As I recall it took about 4 weeks and was much longer than the now advertised distance. Nearing Manang I left the group to visit a monastery on a spur ridge, I sat outside looking along the whole range, it was so beautiful I felt I could not do it justice with my camera. A monk invited me inside, I sat opposite the abbot infront of a Buddha and later conversed with him, his wife and young son via a Nepal/English phrase book. After leaving Muktinath the group headed to Jomson, I headed to Kagbeni, I ignored the groups calls, they ended up following me. Massive Hindu gathering at Kagbeni preparing for a holy event at Muktinath the next day. Great local coffee, beautiful buildings.
I was in Bali before the tourist hordes changed it, and I visited Lhasa when it first opened to outsiders. Apart from my personal adventures my work took me to remote parts of Indonesia, Burma and Oman. I consider myself very fortunate to have been to these places when I did. I use my wife's TH-cam account, I am Alan.
Thanks for posting this very informative video and for your honesty and candour. For those who are looking into the Annapurna Circuit trek, it would be very helpful to get a feel for how many jeeps you might encounter over the course of the day, or how frequent the encounters might be. (I appreciate that this will change depending on the season.) For example, one jeep (or a convoy of jeeps) per hour wouldn't be a problem for me, but one (or more) jeeps every 10-15 minutes would definitely ruin the experience. I'd be interested to hear about your experience (and anyone else's) of how frequently you encountered jeeps zooming along the trail!
Thank you for this informative review of the Annapurna Circuit! We were almost sold on completing this trek in Nepal, so understanding the positive and negatives is very valuable to us. Thanks for sharing your honest feedback and for suggesting a few other hikes in Nepal.
Having walked this trek in 2016 and 2018 I feel I need to respond. Yes, there are jeeps running along large parts. But, you can walk almost the entire circuit away from the roads and through beautiful and pristine terrain. If you take the time and effort to explore away from the main road, you will only need to walk on the road for about 5-7 hours IN TOTAL. AC is still a really worthy experience.
Great to hear it is possible to explore away from the main road. Do you have web link tot the route?
Very informative! Thank you for sharing your experiences.
I trekked the Annapurna circuit two years ago at age 71 with a torn knee and a knee brace. Everything you say in the video is true. However I would still do it again Nepal is a beautiful country and the trek was fun.
Thanks I appreciate the honesty. It changed my mind, going somewhere else in Nepal.
Where are you headed Annemarie? Got any ideas you want to share?
@@ChaseMountains I'm thinking about Ama Dablum Base Camp. Imagine being up close and personal with one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Either that or Annapurna Base Camp. You get REALLY close to the most dangerous mountain. And it's beautiful too obviously.
Thank you for sharing this. The AC was on my list so I'm glad to have seen this.
Great perspective, could not agree with you more on the need for controlling the numbers and the associated problems that accompany such numbers. I did the EBC in Oct 2017 and plan on the Annapurna circuit in 2020 . . . I'm a trekker not a rider, so I guess I'll be eating a lot of dust. Keep up the good work, very informative.
Hi Chase Mountains, its very impressive that you have kept it real. I will have to agree with you on the good part and of course the ugly one however, the bad part is not as bad as it seems to be. Manang is one of the most rural part of the country. It is behind the gigantic mountain range of Annapurna so it was geographically challenging for people of get connected to and from Manang. There was a time during 70s when nepalese king visited Manang district and saw the terrifying condition of people, he was deeply sadden and decided to let people from Manang, willing to do any short of business will be absolutely free from paying tax. Later on, after realizing the potential of tourism in the area to make people economically sustainable, foreigners were allowed to go to Manang. However foreign made gun and bullets were widely popular even before that. Local people, mostly exiled Tibetans (khampas), were trained with the foreign made weapons smuggled illegally by some foreign authorities to fight back the Chinese who occupied Tibet. It was like bay of pigs when US trained exiled Cubans to fight back against the Castro regime. Next time if anyone goes to Manang, do ask about it to senior citizens. Now coming back to the bad part of your review which is “road and jeep rides” to Manang, I think it is just a perspective of people who wants to trek and wants to feel that originality of the place. After Manang got connected with the road there are tons of which have changed. Ordinary people, who cannot afford to be air lifted, now can rush their child who is suffering from pneumonia to Hospital with better facilities in Pokhara and Kathmandu. A 75 year old lady suffering from stroke in Kathmandu can visit to Manang to celebrate Lohsar with her family. Farmers can get their products to other areas to sale and make enough to live. And people like you don’t have to pay three times more for a bottle of coca cola while doing the trek. Lets be positive and welcome the much needed development and thank the Nepal army who build the motor-able road in one of the most difficult terrain in the world. If you want to walk you can still walk and try avoiding the road as much as possible and use the trail. I understand the dirt and dust you have to breath in. But Nepal is a poor country with corrupt politicians and it will take time to have those roads black topped. I’m sure there will be time when people will cross Thorong La in their cars like in khardung La in Ladak, which will then be the 2nd highest motor able pass in the world. And you can always walk if you want, on the better roads. At least you don’t have to worry about falling from those stiff mountains like now a days. Imagine if you could take a jeep from Thorong La to Muktinath of Jomsom how wonderful would that be for you knees. And Yes to you all who have osteoarthritis of the knee, you can do it, and get to see the magnificent view from the view point of high camp. I hope the money paid by the foreigners to visit Annapurna area will be utilized in the same area for facilitating the trekkers. ****Don’t be discouraged to visit this area just because there is a road****. (what if anyone have medical emergency and cannot be airlifted due to bad weather). Please don’t judge the nature based on infrastructures. Rather ignore it and experience what nature has to offer. Go ahead and make visit Nepal 2020 a huge success. It will be an experience of a life time. You will have lots of adventurous stories to remember, to tell your friends when you get back home and to your kids and grand kids when you grow old. And most importantly to remind yourself with those beautiful times you have spent on the mountains before you say good bye to this world. Life is all about creating memories and being happy recalling it. Noting is free in this world, so invest on Annapurna circuit trek.
You seem to have a deep knowledge and passion for the area which I think is great. My intention with this video is not to boycott Annapurna circuit, but only to educate the visitors of the reality before hand. Perhaps then some tourists will choose other areas that are equally deserving of tourist dollars and the benefits (and drawbacks) that come with it
Thank you for the review. Trekking the Annapurna circuit has been on my list for 20 years and I have recently been thinking it's time to make it happen. Started looking into it and I heard about this road and the overcrowding. Your review has been the most informative and honest though. I am now going to look for another trek. Vehicles and overcrowding are not qualities I am looking for at all. Subscribed to your channel. Will check out some of your other suggestions.
It's a sad truth but it's still the truth. I would love to propose a more proactive solution to the problem but I guess it's really up to the government and also travellers to demand action on plastic use especially. Vote with your money !
I walked on the original trail. What other trecks would you recommend. Also do you have any videos about clothing for hiking.
Hi great video very informative was going to do the Annapurna circuit this October however this has really put me off, do you know of any alternative treks in Nepal?
TheRealBobMarley 123 I’ve been around a bit yeah and I can recommend Mardi Himal, langtang, Kanchenjunga base camp, manaslu, mustang, dolpo. The only one of these that has a circuit that I am aware of is manaslu. Thanks for your comment man and I’m glad you found the channel!
We did this Oct-Nov 2019. The Annapurna Circuit is no longer a trek, in the classic sense, but there is great side hiking from the various towns, where you still hike on trails. For instance, to Ice Lake above Upper Pisang, to Lake Tilicho, around Barga, and tosome of the trekkinng peak base camps. From Tilicho Lake toward Throngu La pass is some of the most beautiful hiking I've ever experienced, and I live in the slick rock country of Utah, USA. If we do this hike again, we will jeep the roads, visit the villages and side hike.
DON'T be discouraged by this video. I trekked the Annapurna Circuit in April 2018 and it was amazing. We walked from Besisahar to Nayapul, using the NATT trails and they were - for the most part - off the road.
Historically, being a region with severe undevelopment you need to expect that Nepal has the right to build roads to provide better access to regions for their own citizens as well as trekkers. Expect that you will be walking on road for some of your hike, but enjoying amazing scenery for the most part. Afterall, the mountain vistas and Nepali hospitality have are still what they were.
I would highly recommend doing the Tilicho Lake side trek as well as walking the whole circuit, even after Jomsom. The trails near Kalopani are simply incredible and are very easy to keep off the road if you stick to the Eastern side. Happy trekking ;)
Of course the Nepali have the right to build roads, and trekkers spending thousands of dollars to come from the other side of the world and expecting wilderness because of people creating bullshit reviews where they don't talk about the bad things is not ok with me. Trekkers have to right to know that the roads exist. I'm just telling it how it is.
I'm interested in the Nayapul and NATT trails you're talking about perhaps they should me more obvious and maps and signs etc. Because it seems like everyone is walking on the road! If you've got info, share a link!
@@ChaseMountains [ACAP NATT Trails Info] www.nepal-dia.de/Trekking_the_Annapurna_Circuit_with_the_new_NATT_trails_111017.pdf
On the contrary, most people talk about how annoying the roads are and this is the reason why the overwhelming majority of people catch a bus or fly out from Jomsom. Little do they know that the section of trails after Kagbeni are truly breathtaking.
@@IntrepidRoad I'm fully on board with this. The NATT trails do offer an escape from the jeep roads but hearing them in the back ground takes away the feeling of solitude. I've done the full trip twice (2014 & 2017) and noticed a big change between those two years already. Take the Mustang trail North from Kagbeni and you'll miss the windy road walk to Jomson. I can only wish I had done this trek in the nineties. I still recall going up to the Annapurna basecamp in 1996. That was a different world all together. Still: Nepal is epic! no just the mountains but most of all, the people! Happy travels!
I also used the NATT trails from Besisahar to Manang & it made a lot of difference as you go thru pristine areas.
thank's for those useful information dude!
Thanks. I enjoy a wilderness experience of solitude immersed in nature. I will chose another destination after hearing this information.
Hi Chase, thanks for the review, we are a fellow Aussie fam of 4, our two kids being 11 and 13, and were training for the Annapurna Circuit in April, it's actually our homeschool project integrating all our learnings while we prep for it :-) Like yourself, we are very privileged to have been on lots of wilderness extended hikes together in our beautiful backyard :-) Your review has put us off a little, we knew about the developing roads, but didn't think it was as much as 90% :-( , also our map does have these roads on the other side of rivers to the walking track...so we were believing the info around the walking tracks being separate to many of the roads etc.
Since your review we have looked into Manaslu, a guide required for this one, and also by many accounts the pass, even though a little lower in altitude than the Annapurna, sounds harder. The altitude is going to be our challenge for this trip for us...the highest we have ever been was around 2500m at Tiger Leaping Gorge hike...but we had given ourselves up to 25 days to complete the Annapurna to take our time and acclimatise well :-) Do you feel a fit family, with time to acclimatise, would find Manaslu much harder?
The other option would be Langtang, at least we can climb a peak with that one :-) That's pretty spekky for kids to say that they have climbed a peak in the Himalayas :-) That would only prob take us 10 days, so then with our remaining time maybe still go to Annapurna and Jeep to Manang and just do the side treks to explore, If we were to Jeep to Manang, would that be a problem as no opportunity to slowly acclimatise as we hike????
Or do Annapurna Base Camp....is this just as bad...is there a suggested place to start and finish the ABC to avoid most of the roads???
Any help you can offer would be great...would prob help other families too, most families can only ever afford to go to these places once, and some experienced knowledge to help make the best trail choice for them I am sure is really appreciated :-)
Mandarin Motion hey there I’m happy to help, the comments section probably isn’t the best place for this just find me on Facebook by searching Chase J Tucker and we can chat
@@ChaseMountains Thanks, have sent a message, also been watching all your 'tip' videos, great for the kids to watch :-)
You seem to be in really good shape. What do you think of the K2 Base Camp Trek? I'll bet that is REALLY tough. And Kanchenjunga as well. Very remote and tough.
Hi thank you so much. I trekked the Annapurna circuit over 20 years ago. It was not affected. Clean, not many there and no rubbish. What a shame to hear this. Very sad, I would not go.
Excellent and informative vid
Thank you so much for this video.
Fantastic video. Love your honesty. It is quite obvious it pained you greatly and sincerely to speak negatively about any part of this magnificent region. I have heard and seen through other videos on the AC, it has largely become a gravel highway and not much fun. What trek would you recommend to someone looking to go on a trek that is truly free from the crowds and industrialization and all of the resulting "by-products" within this region?
Peter Grewar if you wanted to do something small, try Mardi Himal. If you want to do something epic try Kanchenjunga Base Camp.... or WAY off the beaten track, Dolpo! All in Nepal and all free of Jeeps!
Trekking FAQs thanks very much. Would you rate these above EBC 3 passes?
Peter Grewar depends what you like. Do to the 3 passes means you will pass through the EBC trek also, so that’s going to be busy. But the passes are great!
But if you want to get away from the numbers of people for the entire time I’d go with Kanchenjunga BC.
Thank you so much for the warning! Trekking on a Jeep track sounds like a nightmare!
You have very clearly described your concern about the trail of Annapurna Circuit. I agreed fully with your views. Few things are really disturbing for a trekker like dusts from a jeep that is really bothered by trekkers. Plastic and garbages should be removed and 10 such thing to take away from the trek route is really a good idea towards garbage free Trek route.
We're heading off to do the circuit tomorrow (May 2024) ...we share your vires in stuff we've done so far but looking forward to the exciting experience....we litter pick EVERYWHERE we go. Hadn't heard of the 10 pieces thing tho.
I am strongly discouraged to do the AC :( unless i get clear maps in how to avoid jeep tracks. Please let me know. I will rather try to find different options to treck.
you can go to langtang , manaslu , kanchenjunga ,mt api instead
if you like solitude trekking in Nepal...
ashutosh shrestha very true! Thanks buddy!
Walked this complete trek in October/november too. You are able to walk this trail with only 20km of dust road. Most of the side tracks are really beautifull and you are almost walking alone. Enjoyd the complete trek!
Did you go with a guided group, if so give them a shoutout! If not, maybe you could shed some light on how to find them?
So good to hear! Heading there soon. Thanks.
hello wil, can you recomend how to avoid the jeep tracks? how to find the side tracks?
Is there a map with alternative route?
I did the Annapurna circuit in 1998. Truly magical. I was thinking of doing it again in a year or two. After watching this video I don’t think I will. I think it would break my heart remembering how it was.
I can tell you from experience that it is heartbreaking, choose another trek!
@@ChaseMountains Definitely. Nepal is calling me back.
Thanks for the review! Which trek do you recommend for the first time? I plan visit Nepal this spring and do AC and Mardi Himal, but now I'm not so sure about that(
Mardi Himal is a great first time trek. I did it just a few months ago and so the review is coming very soon! Maybe look into Langtang area as well!
I was to Nepal for the first time in October to December 2018. I did the Lantang trek, which was great. Very few people, great views, and little trash. Then I did the Everest trek. I didn't make it to the base camp due to illness, but I felt it was very crowded. So many trekkers. porters, and animals. I much preferred the solitude of Langtang.
Thank you for the review of Annapurna. I had heard some of this but to actually see the road and the amount of traffic, really put it in perspective. What do you think of the Manaslu circuit? (Especially in regards to numbers of people)
@@longlakeladyf9837 no problem at all thanks for watching and commenting! I can't say for sure because it's been about 7 years since I was in the Manaslu area but I have heard that the situation there is much better than Annapurna,
Here's my Mardi Himal Review! th-cam.com/video/93kzWbuvMks/w-d-xo.html
I was in Nov this year..took a jeep to Chame and then walk up to Ngawal but had to come back. I also did EBC and ABC in Oct and Sep this year. Regarding overcrowding...they got plenty of lodges and hence except for maybe Thorong high camp...most of the places supply outstrips demand particularly in off season and hence you will definitely have your space. For people who want some alone time. I am guessing 80-90% of Chame to Muktinath has a non jeep track. and then once can do Ghorepani Poonhill and ABC trek where there are fewer people and you will end up walking 15-20 days ..so its not all that bad. But yeah.. walking on jeep roads really sucks. For example while I took Upper pisang to Ghyare to Ngawal....I could see people going from lower pisang to manang on the jeep road. So yeah...its not all bad...alternates do exist.
I was planning on doing the Annapurna circuit (reduced version with a number of jeep rides thrown in, especially over the heavy traffic sections) which includes around 9 days of trekking in total. The plan is to go at the end of November, beginning of December. Do you think the traffic on the road will be better then (and less hikers too) due to the time of year? So perhaps not as bad as how some of the video clips appeared to be?
Hey mate, yeah by the end of November it should have calmed down a lot I would say. It will be getting pretty chilly by then so rug up! Best of luck on the pass, it could be snowy!
@@ChaseMountains thanks Chase!
Hmm was looking to do this next April. Having some doubts now.
I did the circuit in 2002, after Sept 11th, the country was empty. We arrived on a flight with 4 tourists. We saw about 15 others tourists the entire trek. I was thinking about returning this year... I'm so happy I watched this video. I will not be returning to the APC. It's tragic, the government was so shortsighted in their push to put jeep trails everywhere.
Thanks for the video and the advice. I did the Circuit in October of this year, and came to the same conclusions that you have come to. I would not recommend the Circuit. I actually walked the eastern half of the Circuit twenty-five years ago, walking clockwise up to Muktinath. The trails were filled with pack animals and porters and trekkers, and the experience was serene. The villages were quiet and simple, and the cultural experience was awesome. Today, all the charm has been sucked out of those villages by the jeep tracks and auto roads. Drivers on the roads don't have the safety or comfort of pedestrians in mind, that's for sure. And the dust..... There are roadless treks in Nepal, and I would heartily recommend those trails. I love Nepal. I've been there trekking four times now. I would recommend the Nepal experience, but I don't recommend the Annapurna Circuit. As a walking path, it has been lost.
You are sooooo lucky !!
Which roadless treks would you recommend?
Great video 👏 you're a good guy
yay thanks for the vote of confidence Alwin hahhaa.
Great video, so true. Just came back from the circuit. I'm glad I went on low season and the trails were empty, very very few people and just enough to make friends with for life. We were lucky that the weather was amazing and no rains yet. The Jeep track is something for sure..it didn't bother us because was not a busy time, I can't imagine how bad can be on high season. And yes,=one thing that really bothered me was the garbage and amount of plastic bottles left behind by people. I know selling wather is good business for locals but something should be done in this regard. Maybe invest in treated water and sell nalgene bottles ONLY, I don't know... The amount of trash is something else.
Thanks for the video.
E Ventura yeah I made this after my trip in October 2018, and yeah, with the water it’s up to the individual to make their own changes in terms of plastic reduction, my recommendation would be to use a steripen. Glad you enjoyed it though!!! It’s great to hear!
Totally.... I used the straw filter all the way and bought sometimes from the water stations.
Thank you. Great video again... keep it on 👌👌
In which month did you go?
Thank you so much for your honesty about the jeep track. This is exactly the types of experience I don't want (I live near a main road. I want to get away from this noise and pollution). What a massive shame. I guess it's EBC trek, then, Or maybe skip Nepal and just got do the Tour Du Mont Blanc. I hope Nepal doesn't kill off its trekking industry in favor of jeep tracks for pricey mountaineering expeditions. I totally understand people need supplies in remote regions...but this is like firing your violin section to make the orchestra more efficient.
Hi, is this still the case? Or did the Nepal government change/implant new rules?
After this I go for the Mardi Himal Trek. Thank you. :)
Are there any less commercial trails without vehicles that anyone could recommend in Nepal?
don't worry there are lots of trekking destination in nepal ...Visit nepal 2020.. be positive transportation is very important in rural area
After doing the whole trek walking from bhulbule all the way naya pul without taking a jeep or any other form of transportation in march 2018 I kinda feel the need to respond to your negative feedback because it‘s simply not true in parts. Yes rubbish is a problem, but I feel that trekkers are getting more aware of it and are doing their best to do something about it - at least the majority of people that I know or met on the trek. But my main point is - there are alternative routes, a lot of them!!
I only walked on the jeep road for a few hours in total over the 20+ days I spent on the circuit. Even on the way down after muktinath all the way to naya pul I barely walked on a road. It was the best decision not taking a jeep or plane all the way to pokhara. The guest houses, wildlife and people we met on this section were even one of the best on the whole trek. They invited us to cook with them and I learned so much about the culture since almost everybody cut their trek short after muktinath or jomsom and we were the only guest in most of the guest houses.
If you do it in high season, the trek can be overcrowded, but that changes depending on the month you go. I can highly recommend going in march, since there are no crowds, the weather is amazing, in EVERY guest house the owner would let me sleep for free if I would eat dinner there. The annapurna circuit was the best experience of my life! I would recommend to everybody who wants to do it to take your time, get on the alternative routes away from the road. They can be more physically demanding but are totally worth it! You gonna experience the pristine nature and immerse yourself in the quietness of the highest mountains in the world.
Thanks for doing what you do. People who would throw garbage in such a beautiful place in soneone elses land disgust me...i would have loved to have gone before it became trendy and crowded .
Now I'm rather worried. I was considering trekking the Annapurna Circuit in about three years or so, after I've gotten out of the Army and have some money saved up. Now I'm not sure.
Thanks for the video, it made me quite sad, but it's better to know.
I want to explore the Himalayas, but now I may have to find a better starting route.
It depends what you want to get out of the trip! If you’re looking for a wild, remote, challenge away from people, (trekking tourists) this is not your trek. However if you want to see the Annapurna range in particular, to immerse yourself in those stories and the local people’s traditions/customs/history then for sure you can still do it and enjoy it, but at least you know what to expect. Don’t expect wilderness.
@@ChaseMountains Thanks Chase for this comment. The cultural aspects of the AC are what steered me away from the EBC. I am scheduled to go November 4 and hoping it will not be too crowded. Your comment about the culture has got me excited again.
@@ChaseMountains l did the annapur
Ml BPna trek
Wow! Just wow! I hiked the Annapurna Circuit in November of 1979. Obviously, it's radically different. It's really not a trek anymore, in any meaningful way. Of course, the villagers probably like the road, presuming they can now think about visiting Kathmandu, and probably get more modern goods more easily and cheaply. I suppose there are guest houses all the way up to Manang now, so that will mean some income to the villages. Still, it's looks like a godawful, over-crowded mess. As you say, there needs to be strict controls of the number of people and their waste, aside from the incompatibility of hikers and jeep dust. Thanks for the wonderfully informative video, though it leaves me feeling sad.
Wow indeed, I think we’ve got the record here on the earliest AC explorer in the comments section so well done! I really envy your experience from back then, what a completely different world it would have been, I don’t suppose you have any footage I can use hahahha?
I have really gotten a lot of bad feedback about this video so its nice to read your comments - thanks for watching.
Also, obviously your still hiking, what’s the secret to hiking longevity?
Chase Mountains Yes, I think the Manang side and the pass opened in 1978. It was my first time in Asia and my first long walk - quite an eye-opener. Now I'm 70, just retired, and committed to the Shikoku 88 Temples Pilgrimage. I thought I was going to be walking it four or five times a year, starting this spring, but I sprained my soleus. I'm home in Tokushima, walking and vlogging. (TH-cam Just Walk - Japan) I hope to be back on the trail in October. Come on over!
@@justwalkjapan6010 I saw your channel! cool! Take care of that soleus! I've got some ankle and knee health vids coming soon that might help :)
That sucks! I started the AC in July 2007 but abandoned it after 1 day due to thick cloud cover at that time of year - it felt kinda pointless to miss all the views. I always promised myself that I'd return to do it because it'd allways be there; and 2020 was gonna be the year however...
After watching your review (and I really appreciate the honest heads up) - it sounds like they have pretty much destroyed the whole experience.
There is no way in hell I am walking along a crowded, dusty jeep track covered in human waste and plastic.
Great honest review mate, I was planning on doing this trek later this year, but I guess I’ll look for something without all the jeeps. What a crying shame, but please tell me these roads/jeep tracks have been created for something more important than tourist transport?
Thanks Sam, I cant speak for the motives of the decision makers but Im guessing they were made to ferry supplies, both for guest houses and locals, and inevitably, some enterprising dude with a Jeep saw a very lucrative business opportunity.
I did my fourth Annapurna Circuit trek in 2011 and have also seen changes especially in 2011 but what I hear from Chase now and seeing video footage from him and others horrifies me as far as trekking goes so it's good bye to the AC from me, sad. Having said that, I think the road system is overall a good thing for the Nepalese, having seen how difficult it was for them in the past reaching health clinics and just getting basic provisions.
After trekking to Everest base camp, I want to trek to Annapurna base camp. Now I am confused. Thanks for the review
Jay Narasipura Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp are two completely different treks on opposite sides of the range. Annapurna Base Camp is a really great trek. Hope that clears up the confusion
My wife and I did the trek on 2006 on our honeymoon. Even then there were trekkers all the way, and as we saw the road being dug by hand, and knew this would perhaps be very important for the locals, yet catastrophic for the trek.
I find this very saddening.
Damn i just booked ACT and going there in May wish i had seen this video
How did it turn out? Was it more or less as portrayed in the video? Did the Jeep track spoil it?
I did EBC in 2019, still very much a genuine trek. Worst of it was local porters hauling loads with blasting speakers pumping out loud music. Yes it's their country, but that is what was the only spoiler on the whole trek.
honestly, i agree with your review...our tourism board should keep in mind about the consequences faced by the tourist and solve them... but mate i think they are planning to mitigate these challanges and make visit Nepal 2020 successfull
Er. GOT i hope so! Thanks for your comment!
@@ChaseMountainsyeah, bro any idea about langtang Valley trek....
Is this still relevant? Or have things got better/worse
He’s so right 💯 👍 हचुवा को भरमा निर्माण भैराखेका अन्धाधुन्ध भद्रगोल अलपत्र हरबिजोग सडकहरू ले बिश्व कै नम्बर १ मा पर्ने नेपाल का कंयौ ट्रेकिगं रूट हरू जस्तै ABC , EBC जस्ता संसार प्रसिद्द ट्रेक हरू सबै ध्वस्त हुंदैछन । नेपाल भ्रमण मा आउने ९०% बिदेशि पर्यटकहरू सबै ट्रेकिंक का लागी आउंदछन , तर यही गती भयो भने सन 2027 बाट नेपाल मा ट्रेकिंग गर्न आउने को संख्या मा ५०% घटने छ , ABC Trek routes त धन्धै धन्धै खत्तमै बनाईसक्यो , पर्यटकहरू हिंडनै मान्दैनन आजकल , यस्तै ताल हो भने पोखरा को पर्यटन ब्यवसाय ६०% तल खुम्चिन्छ भविस्यमा छिटै । अब उता नाम्चे बजार सम्म नै मोटरबाटो बन्दैछ , सडक बनोस तर छिटो स्तरिय बनोस र यो रूट पनि ध्वस्त नहोस है ।
नेपाल मा अहिले अन्धाधुन्ध जलबिद्दुत आयोजनाहरू जतात्यतै निर्माण भैराखेका छन , तर नेपाल को Eco systems ६०% ले ह्रास हुंदै गैराखेको छ , खोला मा माछा धरी पाईन छाडीसक्यो , मौरी हरू ५३% ले कम हुंदैगएको छ । नेपाल मा सडकहरू खन्ने अनि बर्षौ बर्ष त्यत्तिकै अलपत्र अबस्था मा देशै भरी छाडिएको छ , गांउ का बन का पात हरू देखि शहर का घरका झ्याल आंगन सबै धुलै धुलो ले टांसिएका छन , बिचित्र हरबिजोग कवाडी भएको छ नेपाल अहिले
हामि नेपालीहरूले बिकास गर्ने तय तरिका गर्न जानेनौ , जे कुरा पनि हचुवाको भरमा अन्धाधुन्ध भद्रगोल तरीकाले बिकास का संरचनाहरू निर्माण गर्छौ जुन दिर्घकालिन समय को लागी घांडो गलपासो बन्दैछ। हाम्रा शहरहरू पनि अस्तबयस्त अब्यवस्थित भद्रगोल शहरीकरण मा बदल्दै छौ जुन भविस्य मा ठुलो समस्याहरू आउदैछ ।
I agree the road construction has annoyed the trekkers but please if you have the time please consider making separate video excluding the footages that aren't from circuit like bridge from EBC and that polluted river bank . IT'S SO DISCOURAGING for them who are already planning for the trip especially when you say words like bad and ugly . AC is still the best Himalayan trek . ACAP is trying to make alternative route . Thank you for bringing this burning issue in the circuit. NAMASTE!
Namaste. My primary goal with this video is to help preserve the environment by raising awareness of these issues, not to make money for any group that profits from environment without properly caring for it in return. The images that I’ve used here are from a nepal. I am using them to display the environmental impacts that tourism (and the way we all currently act as humans) has on your beautiful country. Tourists and locals alike need to be more aware of their environmental impacts, otherwise it won’t stay beautiful! Yes, these images are shocking but they are very real, and so they’re relevant! Im glad that ACAP is building new trails but it’s really only part of the issue with AC. I don’t believe that not providing toilets, not correctly managing visitor numbers and hiding the ugly things away from the eyes of tourists like burying rubbish is the solution! and the video stays as is because it’s the truth! If a few people deciding not to do the AC is the price to pay for government intervention then that is a small price to pay. If your livelihood depends on AC then I suggest you think long term and spend your time encouraging real change from your leaders instead of encouraging me to hide the truth from potential visitors.
I made a big mistake doing the Annapurna circuit last November (2018). Due to time constraints we trekked from Syange to Jomson and then took a bus back to Kathmandu. Sorry Chase, I can't recognise your ugly bits. It wasn't overcrowded, litter wasn't too bad (Kathmandu is filthy, mind) and saw no human waste on the trail. Sure the jeep road now covers a lot of the circuit but there's plenty of opportunity to get off it. If people want to travel by jeep then fair play to them but if you want to walk then you can of course do so. We took a jeep to Syange because of time constraints as I mentioned but walked the rest. The people are fantastic, the mountains are awesome some of the hills are steep - from Upper Pisang to Ghyaru was not good as previous trekkers have decided that nice long zig-zags are so last year and the trail goes almost straight up! Anyway, the AC is great. stop putting people off. Oh, and the big mistake? I was 67 last November (68 now) and the mistake was not doing the AC 30 years ago. Forget the road, it's still awesome.
Yambolic good to hear a more positive side. I’m sure some are relieved! Thanks for your comment!
Thank You Yambolic! I'm 59 and you have inspired me. I should do this. I did the Everest Panorama. I found the 2nd day, getting up to Namche to be fairly miserable. But this might not be as bad.
@@MegaMkmiller I don't know if it'll be better or worse Mitchell but go and do it anyway! My flight to Kathmandu is booked for this coming November and we are going to do Gokyo and maybe some more - but we won't be flying into Lukla; only snowflakes fly in lol. Like you I don't know if this will be tougher or not but I'm a year older (and certainly no wiser) but hey, you've got to do it while you can. My trekking companions were a couple of young pups - early 50s - they managed OK lol.
@@Yambolic I couldn't agree more. Go for it! Best Wishes and be safe at all times. No fooling about.
@yambolic thank u so much bro....nice words ....🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🙏🙏🙏🙏
We have booked and are travelling later this month. I am so sad that the jeep tracks are there but if you look at it from the nepalese point of view, it is possibly a good idea. Creating developement for the region and helping the locals upgrading their lifestyle. The best thing that we can do is make the area better when we leave by taking out rubbish and not be so ignorant. We trekked back in 2015 just after the earthquake and i will be very interested to see how Kathmandu has recovered since then. Loved your video.
Many of your points have changed due to COVID. We have been there 2 months ago, and the trek is almost empty.
Wow. Thanks. What a nightmare. No way am I going on this trek.
OH NO! what a terrible shame did the trek in 1997 it was nothing like that! I was hoping to talk my 13 year old daughter to go, not interested now, think I may do the tour of Mont Blanc instead.
Hi.thanks.miss.u
Well that just sucks! I’m not doing this trek now 😢
there's better treks in Nepal for sure
being a Nepali i couldn't agree more. the new tracks are so bad for trekkers. it would have been good if they are pitched but NO, so the trekkers are bound to eat the dust and let the jeeps pass by in such a hard trek. but there are so much better trekking routes within Nepal, hope they will be untouched by these jeep tracks.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Picking up the rubbish makes a lot of sence. The landscape looks nice again , and you can show the people that tourists also can behave in a responsible way.
- I still hope that there won´t be to many jeps on the track in future. But the new road changes a lot , time is not standing still.
Maybe there will be more cyclists on the path in the future. That would be a good compromise between old and modern style.
Manaslu trek is another good option whereas around 90 % of the trails are left untouched making one of the most dormant treks in nepal to this day....on top of this its right next to annapurna circuit treak...
I haven't done Manaslu and I think it would be really cool to the circuit in conjunction with climbing Larkye Peak. I planned the trip commercially a few years ago but didn't get the min numbers :(
@@ChaseMountains personally i would recommend this trek to anyone who enjoys treking. Furthermore being born in those rugged mountains its best to visit there in november. On top of this you can explore beautiful TSUM valley on your sojourn....You're welcome!!!!!!!
@@ogyenla2992 Hi, I am going in November and was planning the AC but now not sure that is what I am looking for although the views are magnificent. Did you recommend November for Manaslu or for AC? I am really discouraged now.
Hi> Im planning on doing Manaslu this November. What is like trekking in from Gorkha??
When I did this trekking the first time in 2001 it was 100% single trek.
Hi Chase, thanks for the honest, sincere review. I have wanted to trek the Annapurna Circuit for years. Now, I have to say that I may not be interested anymore. That is not to say that I would not do part of it or at least some side hikes. But I think it would be more like a tourist/hiker. It sounds like, between the Nepali government road projects and numerous careless, destructive hikers, it would no longer provide as much of the nature-scape and cultural immersion I would be interested in. Or let us say that it would be somewhat spoiled. Thanks again for your candor.
After watching this, I have no desire to go to the Annapurna Circuit. It sucks how place in nature get so disgustingly overcrowded now because of social media. And over exploitation is common by people looking to make money at any cost.
Sonnyshades i totally understand that. This wasn’t the desired result of the video but it’s inevitable. And if I saved you the effort of coming here only to be disappointed I’m glad. Thanks for your comment!
don't come 😂😂😂😂 this fucker has manipulate so many peoples by posting fake video ... ..ok nepal is developing country don't expect too much development .....Kathmandu is little messy but i don't think rest of the nepal and circuit is messed up....
I need to say that some pictures or videos sequences are fake and not related to the AC. The overcrowded Bridge at 7:52 is from the trek Lukla-everest after Namche Bazaar, so what's the point of mixing up different routes. And it seems partially that you copied videos from other people.
Dragos Dirlea true, you’ve done well to notice that. I had to use my footage, I can’t afford to buy the rights to other footage. and I simply didn’t have any videos of the busy trails that in this landscape format (only some from my iPhone)
I guess that’s what you have to sacrifice when watching a TH-cam video verses a professional production.
But a profesional production will have a commercial agenda. This video does not, I made to to get a point across to help you and others out.
Chase Mountains your video is about promoting the environmental programm, no bad idea at all. On the other hand it frightens people of doing the AC because of your bads and ugly. We are a group of five doing the circuit in 2 months, some of them are now somehow discouraged because of the Jeeps on the route. I think almost everyone ends the trek in Jomsom and take the bus/plane to Pokhara. And no one might be that crazy to take the Jeep up to Manang and start the trek from 3500m. We start from Chyamche for example. What was your experience with the road and Jeeps from Chyamche to Manang? Viewing all the other recent videos, there are almost all on little side paths next to the river or through the forest.
Dragos Dirlea people certainly are crazy enough do take the Jeep all the way to Manang. I performed CPR on one of them after he collapsed and was brought into a tea house I was in. (He died)
If you give people the option to drive (or fly for that matter) to 3500m they’ll assume it’s safe, and for sure someone will be there to take their money if they want to take a Jeep.
In terms of the road. My experience is that are no rules. Any track wide enough will be driven on by bike or by Jeep probably will be. Nothing is sacred.
Enjoy the trip. Let me know how you found the tracks I’d be happy to hear your opinion.
I'd walk the whole thing, but Chamje to Manang is amazing. The view from Ghyaru overlooking the Annapurnas is the best on the whole circuit. Also, you're walking at a great time of the year. Less busy and lovely snow capped mountains views. Enjoy
@@ChaseMountains Why would he need CPR if he took the jeep all the way??
Cool vid but I really don't agree with your claim that the vast majority of the trek can not be done on paths separate from the jeep/motorbike roads. I did the trek 2 years ago with updated maps and found that the vast majority of the trail could be done on alternate trails to the jeep tracks. Indeed the trekking trails are most often literally just on the opposite side of the valley from the jeep roads. So you can see all these people riding in jeeps thinking that there is no other trail to walk on, which is sad for them knowing what they missed out on. This was the case for almost the whole trek from Besisahar (the beginning) all the way over Tharung La to Muktinath. Even from there much of the road can be avoided on alternate trails, again, often just on the opposite side of the valley. I think your claims are problematic for local tourism in discouraging people to do the trek.
I guess we shall see more Jeep treks by the Nepalese government connecting the hinterlands.
I came here to do the trek but since i found out was it was 80% road didnt do it. Very annoyed cost ruffly about 50 aus a day by the time u do everything on the circuit. Im here know
A couple of people have commented that there are "side trails" so maybe you can go looking for them. They aren't marked on any maps that I have seen, also my guide had no idea about them. If they are there they need to be better marketed!
Hello I am from nepal. I respect your intetion of making an honest review on AC. But in my opinion your points are just discouraging people to do AC trek. I had been trekking the himalayas since I was 15 until I came to australia. You might have already known that way up to manang is not too distracting or unpleasant at all. But the way from mustang to tatopani is polluted and unpleasant of course . But the best alternate nowadays has been taking a bus ride from mustang to tatopani and continuing to walk from tatopani again. Many tourist do that nowadays and they think this doesnt effect their trekking experience. As you know there is an original trail from besisahar al the way up to thorong la, people dont care about the jeeo track on this part. That is why I think your video should have focused more on the mustang-tatopani part rather than the whole circuit. And talking about pollution on the circuit, people can still see the fresh blue water of marsyangdi river and the trail non-jeep track trail is still clean and natural as before.
Even if 200 people start the trekking at the same day, I can gurantee that people wont feel AC crowded as EBC
And maybe, just maybe, nobody told you about the side tracks.
Namaste. I agree with your points Susan. Actually, I led a group of twelve young people (17 years old) on this circuit trip. We went during the least popular time of year, July. It's a long trip and if people were to look at even simple maps they would see that approaching this trek from either the East or West involves tracks at the beginning and end. Though the weather can be a bit mixed in summer months there are very few trekkers then. We saw hardly any and it was an amazing trek. The few days either side of the Pass we were completely alone as a group. We camped on empty campsites and experienced a feeling of remoteness, even some of the wayside guest houses were closed. Perhaps, people should reflect on the towns and cities they may live/work in and think about the pollution in them. Put a handkerchief/scarf around your face (I say) if you want to avoid the dust. Oh yes, we carried our rubbish out, though some of it was burned by our support staff.
The local people surely are happy to have easier ways to access resources with the Jeep track. The world doesn’t revolve around western trekkers.
We already booked the ticket - but start worrying this trek is not really gonna bring what we are searching for...if I may believe your review.
Bianca Elzebroek I’ve talked to a lot of people that weren’t bothered at all by the roads. I guess it comes down to each person, and perhaps your group will take a different route to the one I did? 🤷🏽♂️
I’d be very interested to hear from you when you get back!
So did you go on the AC? How was it?
Trash: Who throws trash by the trailside, western trekkers, local holiday makers, or local tourism establishments?
I still want to do it. Where else in the world can I get views like this?
karupt422 if you want to do it, do it! But as far as the views go, the Himalayas are pretty big! Lots of options
@@ChaseMountains do you know of any treks Similair to the annapurna circuit?
karupt422 check the comment I pinned at the top of the comments section!
This is rather depressing 🙄.. I mean sure I get its a busy trekk.. But i am convinced the masses on a bridge are also. Due to the group tours they have.. Where a bigger group at a time goes at once.. And sure as heck will pick up trash along the way.. Totally agree about limiting the ammount of ppl allowed to go up...
Yeah it’s not my most inspirational video... this is the dark side of mass tourism I’m afraid. Nepal can be a wild and intrepid destination, but the AC, ABC, EBC treks... nah.
@@ChaseMountains yeah made me look at manaslu as i actually wanna be alone w myself - can do that on apc too proably but i have a feeling it would have more of the "being by yourself in a hostel" type feel- .. Having to have a guide at manaslu is sorta a downside though.. I can decide how I feel whrn I get there.. Thanks for showing this side too 😏
@@MarionMeinhardt are you 100% sure you are required to have a guide for Manaslu? because i met a guy about 8 months ago in Tilicho who had just got back from Manaslu and he was definitely a solo trekker. I beleive you have been misinformed!
@@ChaseMountains i am not sure and I actually figured out a way to combine the two (to avoid parts of the street and do both peaks and tilicho 😏) and I would try as much without a guide (: internet is full of incorrect info.. That's why i keep asking here and instagram.. And helped a LOT 😏 thank you so much for answering!
@@MarionMeinhardt no problem! yeah its totally possible to link the two and believe me it might seem hard on the internet but once you get to kathmandu, buy the manaslu and AC maps and it will be a lot clearer!
This made me really disappointed 😞. I’ve wanted to do this Trek for a really long time and now I’m a little turned off by it
Hey friend, I would say this review is quite negative. Look around a bit more on youtube and I'm sure you will feel better about it. Esp if you know the parts which are better to go by jeep, what time of year, extra adventures (e.g. tilicho lake) etc. etc. This video is important to watch bc things are becoming more commercialised esp now that I think they are building a new airport in pokhara, but it's not as bad is this guy is making out I would humbly suggest...
If money involved Change is inevitable and we are all guilty .I’m sorry if this is a little nasty but if traker go to Pristine places from their newly gentrified neighborhood homes you have no right to say anything and even if you’re young now and poor If you eventually become successful you’ll do the same thing to somebody else’s neighborhood.That’s just the way the world goes round. I’m sorry I’m just angry this always has to be this way
soo shame on developing countries for building roads to help the population have a better life quality, shame on you for spoiling my trek!
Luis M cool. I think you missed the point and probably listened to nothing I said though. 👍