Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna circuit trek
Trip Duration

17 Days

Trip Grade

Challenging

Highest Altitude

Thorang La Pass (5,416 m)

Accommodation

Hotel/Teahouse

Transportation

Bus/Car/Flight

Group Size

2-20

Best Season

Autumn & Spring

Trip Highlights

  • A breathtaking classical trek In northwest Nepal.
  • Hot springs, Buddhist and Hindu temples, lovely rural communities, and breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountains are just a few of the attractions.
  • Discover about the lifestyles of many ethnic groups, including the Thakali and Gurung.
  • Walk into the wilderness of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
  • Behold Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world.
  • The spectacular sight of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna from Annapurna Base Camp.
  • While unwinding in a natural hot spring, explore a variety of monasteries and temples.

Overview

The Annapurnas are part of the Himalayan mountain range. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a walking route through this region with stunning mountain scenery and some amazing earth views. It is a journey of over two weeks and involves most of the popular destinations in Nepal.

The trek has it all – stunning landscapes, exhilarating peaks, and deep valleys, as well as an array of wildlife and cultural experiences. The words “ultra” and “adventure” are used by people to describe this trek, which explains why it has such an impact on people’s minds.

The itinerary is long, strenuous, and breathtaking. With days spent hiking through high mountain passes, it’s no wonder that this trek has earned itself a reputation as a challenging adventure. But before you start thinking that the Annapurna circuit is only for hardcore mountaineers, know that this trek can also be undertaken by less experienced trekkers who are looking for something more challenging than shorter backpacking trips.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek traverses the central Nepali Himalayan mountains. A settlement comprised of Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali people can be reached by the hike. Most of the houses in the Annapurna region are built in the Tibetan style. You won’t have any trouble finding a place to stay in this region. This journey is well-known for its stunning scenery and diverse culture.

The trek itself takes between two and three weeks to complete. It begins with a daylong drive from Kathmandu to reach Besisahar. You will have time to explore this charming village as you take an audio guide tour through its many historic buildings. From there, you’ll head north along hiking trails following a series of riverside trails toward the final destination: Muktinath Temple.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
  • Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (or Spare Day)
  • Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar and then trek to Bhulbhule
  • Day 04: Trek from Bhulbhule to Jagat
  • Day 05: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani
  • Day 06: Trek from Dharapani to Chame
  • Day 07: Trek from Chame to Pisang
  • Day 08: Trek from Pisang to Manang
  • Day 09: Acclimatization day at Manang
  • Day 10: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka
  • Day 11: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
  • Day 12: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath Temple
  • Day 13: Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani
  • Day 14: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani
  • Day 15: Morning hike to Poon Hill then trek to Birethanti and Drive to Pokhara
  • Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • Day 17: Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

You’ll see a member of our team waiting to greet you when you arrive at TIA. After that, he will accompany you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You can take a shower and rest for a while in your hotel. A member of our staff will provide you with the entire itinerary for the trek later.

You can use the evening to explore the many areas nearby the hotel. We’ll also take you to Thamel in the evening because it appears much better at that time of day. You can take in the evening.
Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (or Spare Day)

Our itinerary package includes a guided tour of the Kathmandu valley before moving quickly to Lukla. After breakfast, we will accompany you to the several UNESCO world heritage sites situated inside the Kathmandu valley.

To tour all of Kathmandu’s World Heritage Sites will require more than one day. So, today, we’ll take you to Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and the Pasupatinath Temple. Throughout the full-day tour, you are free to go shopping whenever you like.
Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar and then trek to Bhulbhule

The tour starts early in the morning with a drive out of Kathmandu. The route to Bhulbhule passes through beautiful countryside.

The Kathmandu-Pokhara highway is near the Trishuli River. From Besisahar, the trek then continues to the north until it reaches Bhulbhule. Along the route, you’ll be in awe of the magnificent vistas of a lush green slope, mountains, vibrant terraced farms, and little towns.
Overnight in Bhulbhule.

Day 04: Trek from Bhulbhule to Jagat

Today is the actual start of the trek. Along a lovely path, you’ll pass through a verdant woodland and terraced fields. The route travels through a number of nearby communities as it follows the Marsyangdi River until it reaches Jagat. You will therefore reach Jagat after continuing your walk.
Overnight in Jagat.

Day 05: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani

Start your hike early in the morning. The initial leg of the voyage involves climbing and descending frequently in rough terrain. The trek travels past lush fields on rocky trails and across a few suspension bridges.

You will reach the lovely Manang district valley after a short stroll. You could observe folks farming in the Himalayan mountains along the road. Barley, potatoes, corn, and cattle barns are all suited for the high altitude despite the land’s low yield. Forests of bamboo and rhododendrons are additional beautiful sights in the area. You will eventually reach Dharapani.
Overnight in Dharapani.

Day 06: Trek from Dharapani to Chame

The route to Chame travels through extensive pine, fir, oak, and maple forests. You proceed along the Marsyangdi River after leaving Dharapani.

Due to geological problems and the building of a road to Manang Mustang, the trail approaches a series of steep slopes where numerous landslides may be visible. The trek offers captivating views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV up close.

A few common and spectacular waterfalls surround the Dudh River and the Marshyangdi River, making you forget about the difficulties you encountered on your hike. Eventually, if you keep going, you’ll arrive at Chame. The administrative center for the Manang district is Chame.
Overnight in Chame.

Day 07: Trek from Chame to Pisang

The journey from Chame leads past the city’s historic center and up to Telekhu, which lies at an elevation of 2840 meters. After rounding a corner on the trek, you’ll receive your first glimpse of the stunning Paungda Danda rock face. It is a huge, curved piece of granite that towers 1500 meters above the river.

The paths offer unobstructed views of Pisang Peak in the northeast and Annapurna II in the south. After that, the path descends to the Manang Valley’s floor, where Pisang village is situated.
Overnight in Pisang.

Day 08: Trek from Pisang to Manang

You’re going to Manang today. The adventure will eventually arrive in Bryaga. At 3500 meters, it is a settlement in the Tibetan style that follows the valley floor.

In Bryaga, houses are stacked on top of one another, each with an open veranda built from a neighbor’s roof. Atop a rock above the town, the gompa is constructed. It is the most noticeable building in the area and is covered in countless statues. You will pass more monasteries on your way to Manang market.
Overnight in Manang.

Day 09: Acclimatization day at Manang

You’ll spend the day exploring Manang to help your body adjust to the higher altitude. Beautiful sunrise views of Annapurna III, Pisang, Tilicho, and Chulu Peaks are a reward for early morning hikes up to Gangapurna Lake and Base Camp. Manang Village and the Monasteries are other worthwhile stops.

Manang village is encircled by stunning natural scenery. As you ascend, the Gangapurna glacier and the surrounding mountains become more visible. Later that day, you can stroll around and interact with the inhabitants.
Overnight in Manang.

Day 10: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka

After acclimating for a day in and around Manang, you climb to Yak Kharka. The climb from Manang to Yak Kharka is 10 kilometers long with an elevation gain of 510 m. You’ll walk through a juniper forest and several pastures.

You will pass through Gunsan along the way, a little settlement with homes that have flat mud roofs. Yak and horse pastures will also be seen. After crossing a tiny river on a wooden bridge, you’ll ascend the gorgeous valley to Yak Kharka, an open, tranquil meadow.
Overnight in Yak Kharka.

Day 11: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

After departing Yak Kharka, you’ll proceed to a cliff’s brink. At that point, descend to the headwaters of the Marsyangdi and cross the river on a covered wooden bridge. After climbing the mountain, the walkway makes its way across a little footpath and down a hill to Thorung Phedi.
Overnight in Thorung Phedi.

Day 12: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath Temple

On this day, the journey from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath Temple continues through the Thorang La Pass.

Ahead is a 5416-meter-high path. As a result, if you arrive late, you can be exposed to strong breeze. For hundreds of years, locals have utilized this route to move sheep and yaks into and out of Manang. As a result, although being regularly steep, the path is clearly marked and simple to follow.

Splendid views can be found from the Thorung La pass, which is decorated with traditional prayer flags and a stone monument. It is possible to observe Khatung Kang, one of the glaciated mountains, the Gangapurna, and the Annapurnas.

To reach the Muktinath temple, you must walk across meadows and through lovely pastures. The Kaligandaki River’s 108 stone sprouts, which emanate from the temple, are its most important feature. It is said that visiting the Temple, a revered Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site, will help you find relief from all of your troubles.
Overnight in Muktinath.

Day 13: Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani

The arduous hiking days are finished, and the pathways are entirely flat now. The walking trail continues to decline till it reaches the Ekle Bhatti as you travel to Jomsom along the Kaligandaki River, where it gradually smooths out. Jomsom is a bustling town, in contrast to all else we have seen on this voyage so far. Jomsom is the district’s administrative center.

You’ll pass through stunning lush forests and arid mountain ranges. Natural hot springs may be found at Tatopani where you can unwind by soaking in them. According to legend, Tatopani’s crystal-clear waters contain anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory effects.
Overnight in Tatopani.

Day 14: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani

You’ll be leaving the hot springs behind today as you make your way to Ghorepani through Sikha and Chitre, two Thakali settlements on the Kali Gandaki River’s eastern bank.

The trail travels through stunning birch, magnolia, and rhododendron forests as well as terraced farms encircled by mountains. You’ll spend the night at the picturesque town of Ghorepani, which is perched on a ridge.
Overnight in Ghorepani.

Day 15: Morning hike to Poon Hill then trek to Birethanti and Drive to Pokhara

You’ll be leaving the hot springs behind today as you make your way to Ghorepani through Sikha and Chitre, two Thakali settlements on the Kali Gandaki River’s eastern bank.

The trail travels through stunning birch, magnolia, and rhododendron forests as well as terraced farms encircled by mountains. You’ll spend the night at the picturesque town of Ghorepani, which is perched on a ridge.
Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

The Annapurna Circuit Trek has reached its conclusion. After breakfast in Pokhara, a tourist bus will take you back to Kathmandu. It’s approximately 200-kilometer journey that begins with the Marsyangdi River and ends with the Trishuli River. On the other hand, you can fly directly to Kathmandu.
Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 17: Departure

Our agent will transport you back to Tribhuvan International Airport before your departure flight. Then, if you have the time, you might stop by a few nearby attractions or eateries. You can return for some amazing treks and outings. We await your return very soon.

What is included in Annapurna Circuit Trek

  • Airport pick up & drop-off by private car/van
  • All Ground Transportation
  • Twin Sharing Standard Hotel
  • Domestic Flight (where needed)
  • A local government licensed English-speaking Guide
  • Permits For Trek and Tour
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • Confirm Booking
  • Local Taxes
  • First aid medical kits.

What is Excluded

  • Extra personal expenses
  • Tips to Porters
  • Extra facilities
  • Medical insurance
  • Personal trekking gears

Best Time

In Nepal, there are trekking paths available every day of the year. However, t he Annapurna Circuit Trek is best done in the autumn and spring. On the other hand, trekking is not advised during a monsoon due to frequent rainfall leading to flood and landslide.

Autumn
In the autumn, the days are warm and the evenings are frequently gorgeous. You have a truly excellent environment to explore throughout this season. This path is commonly done by trekkers in the autumn. In addition, the majestic mountain vista is fascinating at this time of year.

Spring
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is also a fantastic adventure to take in the springtime. The walks are covered in rhododendrons and other flowers throughout the spring. The scenes are explicit and the weather is light because of the after-rain effects. Despite being less popular than autumn, it is the second best time of year for trekking.

Gear and Equipment

Clothes: 

  • Down Jacket
  • Windcheater
  • Cap
  • Gloves
  • Warn woolen socks
  • Quality trekking boots with gripping sole
  • Muffler/ scarf
  • Warm trouser

Equipment:

  • Trekking poles
  • Headlights
  • Sleeping bag
  • U-lock
  • Oxygen
  • Survival blankets
  • Insect repellent, etc.

Electronics:

  • Phone charger
  • Power bank
  • Torch
  • Headlight
  • Headphone/ earphone, etc.

Others: 

  • Dry foods
  • Trekking map
  • Snacks
  • Mineral water
  • Prescribed medicines
  • Water bottle, etc.

Dates of Trip

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