Annapurna Circuit TrekAnnapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek - 17 Days

  • DestinationNepal
  • Duration17 Days
  • Difficulty Level Challenging
  • Max. Altitude5416 meters
  • Starts/EndsBhulbhule/Nayapool
  • Trip StyleTrekking
  • Group SizeMin. 1 Pax.
  • Best SeasonSpring and Autumn
Highlights
  • Trek through the Thorong La Pass at an elevation of 5416 meters.
  • Encounter some of the highest peaks in the world. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Thorong Peak, Annapurna II, etc.
  • Visit the beautiful villages of Manang and Barge Monastery.
  • Explore beautiful lakes, waterfalls, gorges, alpine forests, and various wild animals.
  • Give your body good relaxation at the Natural Hot spring of Tatopani.
  • Stunning views of sunrise and sunset from vantage points.
  • The holy place of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims-Muktinath Temple.
The Annapurna circuit trek takes you to the entire round of the Annapurna region crossing through the challenging Thorong La Pass at 5416 meters. Brace yourself walking by the edge of the deepest gorge in the world-Kaligandaki Gorge, with stunning views of mountains, the pilgrimage site Muktinath, Tranquil villages, and natural beauty. The treks take you through altitudes from 800 meters to 5416 meters via various climatical zones passing terrace farmlands, glacial lakes, waterfalls, and green subtropical forests. Trekking to Annapurna Circuit offers stunning views of panoramic mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri (8166m), Mt. Annapurna (8091m), Mt. Manaslu (8163m), Mt. Fishtail (6998m), and any more peaks.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking begins from Kathmandu with a 6-7 hours drive in a private vehicle to Bhulbhule. Then, the trail follows the route of Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, and other small villages. The village of Manang is the first place to stay for acclimatization. It is very important before crossing Thorang La Pass at 5416 meters. After crossing Thorang La pass, the trail moves ahead to Muktinath Temple famous pilgrimage site for the Hindu and Buddhist religions.

The trek continues towards Ghorepani crossing the lush forests of Rhododendron from Tato Pani. Tato Pani is a natural hot spring where trekkers can relax themselves for a while after long days of trekking. Ghorepani is another beautiful village in the Annapurna Region. The next day from Ghorepani, you will trek to Poon Hill for mesmerizing sunrise views over Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and many more small peaks. From Ghorepani, the trail comes down to Birethanti, from where you will catch a vehicle to drive back to Pokhara.

How challenging is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The total trek days is 15 and you have to walk almost 5-6 hours in a day. However, some days are quite challenging like crossing Thorang La Pass, you have to walk 7-8 hours a day as well. So, the trek is physically and mentally demanding. Annapurna Circuit Trek starts with an elevation of around 3500 and leads you to the highest altitude at 5416 meters at Thorang La Pass. So, if you have previous experience of trekking for more than a week, then it can be a somewhat easy trek for you. However, for beginners, it can give you some trouble like altitude sickness. Therefore, first, train your body physically before going on 2 weeks trek. Otherwise, you can short trek like Mardi Himal or Langtang trek before starting this trek.  

What gear should I pack for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Well, it depends on the season you are trekking. However, there are some common lists you must need during the trek to Annapurna Circuit.

  • Warm hat and sun hat
  • Headlight
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and face wipes.
  • Gloves
  • Long sleeves and sleeves t-shirts
  • Raincoat (if you are trekking in monsoon)
  • Jackets and pants (waterproof)
  • Fleece jackets
  • Hiking boots with thick woolen socks.
  • Daypacks, thermal bottles, trekking poles, and sleeping bags.
  • Toiletries like toilet paper, small towels, toothbrushes, etc.
  • Small first aid kit.

Message from Classic Trek Nepal Team

Annapurna Circuit trek is not an easy trip for novice trekkers. So, before trekking to the Annapurna circuit we always suggest you be physically ready or do some short treks in Nepal. We request our clients to follow the rules and guidance of our guide. Moreover, during the trek, if you feel like having a headache, nausea, dizziness, etc. tell it to your guide immediately. The guides are well trained about the situations that may occur during the trek. Furthermore, we provide a guide who is from the Annapurna region and knows about the local culture and lifestyle. It makes it even more easy for you during the whole trek.

Itinerary

The first day of your trip starts with the drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule for 7-8 hours. Drive to Bhulbhule goes through the beautiful countryside hills and fast-flowing Trishuli River. Throughout the highway, you will be able to see the terrace farmlands, local villages, and a glimpse of Ganesh Himal. Overnight stay at Bhulbhule.

  • Max Altitude:850 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Time:7-8 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

After first breakfast of your trip, you put your first step on the trail to Jagat. The trail leads you through the bank of Marshyangdi River encountering terrace farm lands. On the way we will find some tea houses where we will take lunch in one of those tea houses. We encounter more farmlands before reaching the beautiful village of Jagat. Overnight stay at Jagat.

  • Max Altitude:1300 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The third day of the trek starts with the trail following the Marshyagndi River again. Marching ahead with a steep climb, the route enters Manang region. Along the way, you can see many waterfalls, and farmland of potato, rice, barley, etc. Moving ahead, crossing a suspension bridge, and climbing a stone stair, Dharapani arrives. Overnight stay at Dharapani.

  • Max Altitude:1860 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We follow the route of pine and oak forest in the early part of this trek. Chame is the district headquarters of Manang. You will get to see the excellent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV from Chame. Overnight stay at Chame.

  • Max Altitude:2610 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:6-7 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today the trail begins with the steep and narrow valley. Along the trail, we will witness a gigantic rock named Paungda Rock which is also believed a holy rock by local people. During the hike, you will be able to see the beautiful views of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II in the south. Overnight stay at Upper Pisang.

  • Max Altitude:3300 meter
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The sixth day of the trek takes you through the Upper Pisang crossing Geru, which offers superb views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Tilicho Peak, and Pisang Peak. As you climb a bit high elevation, the trail starts to get windy, cold, and dry. Likewise, encounter the Tibetan settlement and do not miss the opportunity to learn Buddhist culture. Also, visit the largest monastery in Manang- Barge Monastery. We come across many small monasteries before reaching Manang village. Overnight stay at Manang.

  • Max Altitude:3540 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It’s not a typical rest day however, we don’t go further ahead of Manang today. We explore around Manang village and acclimatize to the weather. You can visit nearby Gangapurna and Ice Lakes. In the late afternoon, our guide will explain altitude sickness, its symptoms, and preventive methods. Overnight stay at Manang.

  • Max Altitude:3540 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After allowing our body to acclimatize at Manang, we will gain elevation above 4000 meters at Yak Kharka. The first part of the trek passes through a stream and climbing Tenki Village it leads you to valley of Marshyangdi Valley. Likewise, we pass through different pastures and Juniper forests. The trek continues through a small village called Gunsan. You will also get to see the Yak and horse pasture along the way. We cross a small stream on a wooden bridge before making it to the beautiful valley of Yak Kharka. Overnight stay at Yak Kharka.

 

  • Max Altitude:4050 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we are moving ahead at the base of Thorang La Pass. Climbing a ridge from Yak Kharka, we descend and cross the Marshyangdi River. Likewise, again we climb up and follow the narrow route before descending to Thorang Phedi. Overnight stay at Thorang Phedi.

  • Max Altitude:4525 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:4-5 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the exciting day of Trek as we will be passing via Thorang La pass to a sacred place called Muktinath. Moreover, this day is a challenging one as we have to come across through the highest pass in the world. The trek starts early in the morning to get rid of icy wind and altitude. During the walk through the pass, you can see the staggering views of the Annapurna Ranges. After crossing the pass, we will descend to the Muktinath-holy place of Hindus and Buddhists. This holy place is popular for 108 stone sprouts. Likewise, explore the eternal flame in this temple that has been burning for 2000 years. Overnight stay at Muktinath.

  • Max Altitude:3760 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:8-9 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early in the morning, we visit Muktinath Temple offer prayers, and return to the Hotel to have breakfast. After breakfast, we start our trek descending to Kaligandaki Gorge. We pass through small villages with Tibetan architecture and follow the trail to Kagbeni. You can visit a Monastery at Kagbeni, which is 15th century old. The trek continues through the bank of Kali Gandaki Gorge towards Jomsom. Overnight stay at Jomsom.

  • Max Altitude:2720 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:6-7 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have breakfast early in the morning and start our day trekking through Marpha. The village of Marpha is famous for cultivating apples. Trek continues through this village as you can communicate with local people along the way. Overnight stay at Kalopani.

  • Max Altitude:2530 meter
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:4-5 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today the trek begins with the stunning Rupse waterfall. Along the way catch the stunning views of Annapurna I and Mt. Dhaulagiri. The trek continues descending to Tatopani. Tatopani means “Hot water” in English. There is a natural hot spring where you can take a bath and relax your body aching. Overnight stay at Tatopani.

  • Max Altitude:1190 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Time:7-8 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, dinner

From Tatopani, the trek starts passing through the flat trail. Then it starts ascending for an hour and continues through different small villages. You will get to experience people of different castes and different ways of life. The trail is covered with beautiful rhododendron forests, wild animals, several species of birds, etc. Overnight stay at Ghorepani.

  • Max Altitude:2860 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will see another beautiful glimpse of mountains and perhaps the last time during this whole trip. Early in the morning we will hike to Poon Hill and witness the magical sunrise view. The vantage point offers a view of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Hiunhculi, and many other peaks. After spending an hour or so, we trek down to the hotel and have a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, the trek continues towards Hile. Overnight stay at Hile.

  • Max Altitude:3210 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the last day of your adventurous Annapurna circuit trip. A hike to Nayapul is the easiest route, from where we catch our vehicle and drive back to Pokhara.

  • Max Altitude:822 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:3-4 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast and Lunch

You will have options today. If you want to explore Pokhara for a few days then you can extend your trip for 2 more days in Pokhara. Otherwise, if you don’t have time today you will be returning to Kathmandu in Tourist Bus.

  • Max Altitude:1400 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:7-8 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cost Includes

 

  • International airport pickup and drop
  • Kathmandu-Bhulbule Private vehicle costs.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project and Trekkers Information Management system permit card.
  • 1 night hotel in Pokhara
  • Guide expenses for 16 days
  • Meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Accommodation during the trek
  • Porter Expenses during the trek for 16 days
  • Pokhara-Kathmandu Tourist Bus costs.
Cost Excludes

  • Personal Expenses like drinks and beverages.

  • Emergency evacuation and rescue.

  • Travel insurance
  • Meals and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Tips to Guide and Porter.
Good to Know

Message from Classic Trek Nepal Team

Annapurna Circuit trek is not an easy trip for novice trekkers. So, before trekking to Annapurna circuit we always suggest you to be physically ready or do some short treks in Nepal. We request our clients to follow the rules and guidance of our guide. Moreover, during the trek if you feel like having headache, nausea, dizziness, etc. tell about it to your guide immediately. The guides are well trained about the situation that may occur during the trek. Furthermore, we provide the guide who are from Annapurna region and knows about the local culture and lifestyle. It makes even more easy for you during the whole trek.

Price Per PersonUS$1199US$1299(All-inclusive services)
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