Trip Highlights
- Explore the Annapurna Circuit in a short period.
- Exceptional view of mountain peaks like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri.
- Beautiful trekking trail that takes you through the changing terrains and landscapes.
- Rare and diverse flora and fauna, also home to rare species like the snow leopard.
- Experience Tibetan-inspired lifestyles.
- Visit the settlements of Magar, Gurung, and many other castes.
- Pass over the stunning high pass– Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters from sea level.
- Witness the stunning views of Kali Gandaki Gorge- the World’s Deepest Gorge
- Explore the holy Hindu temple- Muktinath.
- Revive yourself in the hot springs at Tatopani.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Overview
The short Annapurna circuit trek of 10 days is considered to be one of the most popular and classic treks in Nepal. This trek will give you vast trekking experiences in the Annapurna region of Nepal while taking you on a wide range of spectacular mountain views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and many other surrounding snow-capped ranges, and its scenic views of the world's highest pass, "Throng-la" (5416 m). An epic and rewarding Annapurna circuit trek is one of the most challenging adventure destinations in the Annapurna region. Located in the north-central part of Nepal, this trek is the best opportunity to gain an amazing experience and also offers a diversity of cultures and nature.
During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you can see magnificent views of the mountains and beautiful villages throughout the trek. These include Dharapani, Koto, Nar and Phu, Chame, Dhukur Pokhari, Pisang, Humde Airport, Braga, Mangtang, and Yak Kharka communities. The trek to Thorang Phedi, Muktinath, and Jomsom is moderately challenging. The initial phase of the trek is a walking uphill, followed by a steep descent to the Thorong La Pass of the Annapurna Circuit, which is also considered one of the best trekking trails in the world.
Apart from this, a delightful journey is overflowing through the charming territory and its equally fascinating local Tibetan villages along with a diversity of different ethnic groups like Gurung, Magar, and Thakali culture, traditions, and lifestyles. While trekking into the High Alpine valley of Annapurna, you will get a golden opportunity to face the captivating snowy vista of Annapurna, Lamjung, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Tukuche Peak, and many more.
In addition, the journey gets more delightful in the beautiful territory and equally enchanting with the distinctive local Tibetan villages as well as the diversity of different ethnic Gurung, Magar, and Thakali cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. While trekking in the high alpine valley of Annapurna, you will get an opportunity to witness the beautiful view of Annapurna, Lamjung, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Tukuche Chuchuro and other beautiful surrounding mountains.
High alpine lakes, glaciers, barren valleys, and Buddhist pilgrimage sites make the trek an extraordinary journey along with crossing the famous peaks of Thorong-la and Muktinath, passing through the mountain settlements of Chame, Manang, Pisang, Yak Kharka, and Thorong Phedi. During this trek, you will get a chance to enjoy the 360-degree panoramic mountain view from the top of Throng and descend to the fascinating valley of Gandaki.
Trip Outline
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani
Day 02: Trek from Dharapani to Chame
Day 03: Trek from Chame to Pisang
Day 04: Trek from Pisang to Manang
Day 05: Acclimatization and Exploration in Manang
Day 06: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka
Day 07: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp
Day 08: Trek from Thorong High Camp to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass, then, Drive to Jomsom
Day 09: Early morning flight to Pokhara
Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani
Highest Altitude: 1,960 meters
Today after morning breakfast, you will head towards Dharapani from Kathmandu. During your drive to Dharapani. you will witness beautiful countryside, paddy fields, small cottages, and markets which will give an extravagant vibe. after around 6 to 7 hours of driving, you will reach today's destination and stay overnight at the teahouse.
Day 02: Trek from Dharapani to Chame
Highest Altitude: 2,710 meters
Trek Duration: About 5-6 hours
Today is the first day of trekking. After breakfast, you will head towards your next destination– Chame. As you trek through the beautiful trail, you will be passing many small forests during your trek. during the trek, you will witness villages, rivers, and the pristine view of Annapurna II which will make this trek worthwhile. After around 5 to 6 hours of trekking, you will reach your destination where you can relax at two hot springs after a long day of trekking and stay overnight at tea houses or lodges.
Day 03: Trek from Chame to Pisang
Highest Altitude: 3,300 meters
Trek Duration: About 5-6 hours
After finishing all the morning routines and breakfast you will trek towards Pisang from Chame. You will be trekking through some lush green forest and crossing the long suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River. During your trek, you will come across famous spots like Paunga Danda, Pisang Peak, and the Pisang Village. upon reaching your destination you will decide on your stay for today(i.e upper Pisang or lower Pisang). Staying at upper Pisang will make your tomorrow's journey more comfortable. After reaching your destination stay overnight at teahouses and rest for the day.
Day 04: Trek from Pisang to Manang
Highest Altitude: 3,519 meters
Trek Duration: About 6-7 hours
Today you will be heading towards Manang after completing the morning routines and breakfast. Manag is one of the most beautiful places to visit on this Annapurna Circuit trek. the trekking trail to this place is steep but the views are amazing. During your trek to Manang, you will get a chance to witness a beautiful village and also the Tilicho peak. After a few hours of hiking you will reach a small Buddhist village called Braga where you will see many Mani walls and small Gompas, After a few hours of steep trekking, you will reach your destination. it takes around 6 to 7 hours of trekking to reach Manang. Upon reaching there, stay overnight at teahouses.
Day 05: Acclimatization and Exploration in Manang
Today you will be exploring the Manang village and near places. Today is an acclimatization day, you will explore the places and enjoy the environment. Eventhough, Manang is a beautiful place, it looks like a desert. while exploring you will get a chance to witness the stunning view of the icefall, rivers, and Annapurna peaks. You can explore the Gompas, monasteries and interact with the locals, and know about their lifestyle, tradition, culture, and many more. in the evening you will be back at your teahouses and rest for the day.
Day 06: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka
Highest Altitude: 4,110 meters
Trek Duration: About 3-4 hours
Today's destination is Yak Kharka which will take around 3 to 4 hours to complete. After completing all the morning routines and breakfast, you will start your trek towards Yak Kharka. Yak Kharka is a pastureland where yar are grazed. You will witness many yaks grazing here and there. today you will trek for a few hours but the trail can be complicated in comparison to previous days. during your trek, you will pass through a small village called Gunsang. You will get many stunning views of the surrounding during your trek. After a few hours of trekking, you will reach your destination. you can either roam around the place or stay overnight at teahouses and enjoy the delicious food in your spare time.
Day 07: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp
Highest Altitude: 4,800 meters
Trek Duration: About 4- 5 hours
Today you will trek to Thorong Phedi, which will take around 4 to 5 hours to reach. So after completing all the morning routines you will start your journey. You will be walking flat trials which will gradually ascend. during your trek, you will witness many beautiful mountain peaks of the Annapurna region like the Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and Pisang Peak, Thorung peak, Chulu, Tilcho peak, and many more. And also, you will be trekking beside the Thorong river. upon reaching your destination, you will rest for the day at teahouses.
Day 08: Trek from Thorong High Camp to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass, then, Drive to Jomsom
Highest Altitude: 5,416 meters
Trek Duration: About 5-6 hours
Today is the main day of this trek and also you will be walking for long hours. So after having breakfast in the morning, you will head toward Thorong La Pass. today's trial can be more challenging than on previous days. You will walk through the Himalayan terrains to reach Thorong La Pass. Crossing the pass can be difficult but the result will be worth it as you will get the most amazing view of Annapurna and other surrounding peaks. After enjoying the environment, you will descend towards Muktinath a famous Hindu temple and another best place in this region. After a few more hours of drive, you will reach Jomsom and stay overnight at teahouses and rest for the day.
Day 09: Early morning flight to Pokhara
Today you will be returning back to Pokhara on a regular flight. After 20 minutes of flight, you will reach Pokhara. you can either roam around the city for rest or relax for the day.
Today is the last day of the trek. You will drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara which will take around 6 to 7 hours to complete whereas you will get a chance to enjoy the surroundings during your drive. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you can roam around the city and have a wonderful dinner with the company members and rest for the day in a luxury hotel.
What's included?
- Three times meals during the trek
- Accommodation at hotels/ lodges during the trek
- pickup and drop off services to and from the airport
- experienced guide along with the porters
- Permits for trekking
- Any kind of conservation fee
- TIMS card
- Local government charges
- basic first aid kits
What's not included?
- International visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Nepal Entry Visa Fee
- Any kind of hard or soft drinks during the trek
- personal expenses like Shopping, laundry, and so on
- Extra charges for extra baggage
- gratitude and tips to guide, porters and drivers
Essential Information
What is the highest altitude of this trek?
The highest altitude of this trek is 5,416 meters (Thorong La Pass).
What are the packing lists for the Annapurna circuit trek?
Following given is the list of essential trekking gears which are required during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. These essential gears are easily available in Kathmandu.
- Thermal tops (few pairs)
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof windcheater(one pair)
- Down Jacket
- Comfortable fleece or wool trousers
- Trekking pants(at least 2 pairs)
- Warm woolen gloves
- Warm socks(a few pairs)
- A pair of slippers
- Innerwear(few pairs)
- Swimming costume(not compulsory)
- Hiking trousers and T-shirts(a few pairs)
- Sun hat and scarf
- Sunglasses
- Pair of shoes and some extra laces
- Personal toiletries like shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc
How hard is Annapurna base camp?
Annapurna Circuit Trek trek can be considered a moderate trek but it can be challenging in some phases as you will complete a long distance in only 10 days.
Is the Annapurna circuit trek easy?
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderate trek. Even though it is not a difficult trek, there are some challenges associated with this trek like duration and distance of the trip, altitude sickness, trekking trials, etc. one must be physically fit and determined to complete this trek.
What is the best time for a circuit trek to Annapurna?
The best months for this Annapurna base camp trek are May, June, July, September, October, and November. During this month, the sky is clear, dust-free trails and you will get the best of the mountains.
How can I prepare for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
It is recommended to do some physical training, such as hiking and running, to prepare for the trek. It is also important to acclimatize to the altitude by taking it slow and allowing your body time to adjust.
What equipment do I need for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
You will need good quality hiking boots, warm clothing, rain gear, a sleeping bag, a backpack, and other basic trekking gear. It is also recommended to bring a water purification system or iodine tablets, as safe drinking water may not be available at all times.
What are the food options like on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Most lodges on the trek offer a variety of local and western dishes, such as dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), noodles, soups, and omelets. It is recommended to stick to vegetarian meals, as meat may not be fresh in some lodges.
What are the accommodations like on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Accommodations on the trek vary from basic lodges and teahouses to more luxurious guesthouses. Most lodges have shared rooms with twin beds, communal dining areas, and shared bathrooms.
What permits do I need for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Trekkers need two permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trek: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Do I need a guide or porter for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
It is not mandatory to hire a guide or porter for the trek, but it is recommended, especially for first-time trekkers or those who are not familiar with the route. A guide can help with navigation, provide information about the local culture and customs, and ensure your safety on the trail. A porter can carry your bags, which makes the trek less physically demanding.
What is the level of difficulty of the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The trek is considered to be moderately difficult, with some steep climbs and high-altitude passes. However, it is suitable for trekkers with a moderate level of fitness and some experience of trekking.
What is the best time to go for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The best time to go for the Annapurna Circuit Trek is from September to November and March to May, when the weather is generally clear and stable. However, it is possible to do the trek year-round.
How long does the Annapurna Circuit Trek take?
The trek can take anywhere from 12 to 21 days, depending on the route taken, pace of the trekker, and the acclimatization process.
What is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal, which takes you through a variety of landscapes, from lush green forests to high-altitude deserts, and provides stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range.
