Overview

Trip introduction

The Annapurna Circuit Trek in the western region of Nepal is one of the best trekking trails in the world. This provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in its unmatched natural beauty and gain insights into Buddhist and Hindu culture. During our Annapurna Circuit Trek, we encircle the whole Annapurna Himalaya passing through beautiful forests, picturesque landscapes, striking waterfalls, deep gorges, shining glaciers, diverse cultures, and pristine lakes with awesome views of the snow-capped Himalayas all the way.

A special Trekking Permit will be arranged to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, where we discover unique flora and fauna. The route of the Annapurna Circuit Trek involves crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416m/17,770ft which is a great challenge and will provide rewarding memories that will last forever.

Overview of Annapurna Circuit Trek

We embark on Annapurna Circuit Trek after you enjoy some sightseeing around the culturally rich Kathmandu valley. Initially, we take a drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani via Besisahar on a newly constructed road. Then the Annapurna circuit trekking starts as we ascend from Dharapani toward Chame. The trail passes through the Annapurna conservation area surrounded by picturesque mountains with a vast glacial plateau in the center. As we gain altitude, the vegetation around us slowly changes from dense forests to small shrubs; finally, we arrive at a point similar to a Tibetan plateau called Manang. There we can get insights into Tibetan-influenced culture and traditions and also acclimatize for a day.

Thorong La Pass – the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit

Depending on your fitness level and physical capabilities, our trek leader will decide whether to stop at Thorong Phedi or push onwards towards the high camp for an overnight stay. We will then cross Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416 meters. Thorong La Pass blesses us with stunning views of Annapurna, Kali Gandaki Valley, Dhaulagiri, and other peaks as never been seen before. This is the highest pass in our Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary.

Muktinath, Red Monastery Kagbeni and Tatopani Hotspring

The trail leads us to Muktinath, the pilgrimage site where we can see a perfect amalgamation of Hinduism and Buddhism. We then visit the Red Monastery at Kagbeni where we can view the golden book of the Dalai Lama. Then we descend towards Marpha, the apple kingdom famous for local apple products. We will then take a dip at Tatopani, a natural hot spring for relaxation.

Ghorepani Poon Hill and Ghandruk

Towards the end of our Annapurna Circuit Trek, we get the flashback of all Annapurna Himalayan ranges from Poon Hill Viewpoint which is famous for the best sunrise views. We trek down towards the Gurung-inhabited village of Ghandruk and get back into Pokhara. In this way, our trek ends and we drive or fly back to Kathmandu.

Who can join Annapurna Circuit Trek and How?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is suitable for any travel enthusiast if you have a passion for walking, learning, and exploring the nature and culture of Nepal. Physical fitness plays a vital role in making this trip a success. Regarding the best seasons, we highly recommend the autumn and spring months.

Join Annapurna Circuit Trek on your next vacation with Nepal Mountain Trekkers for an unforgettable Annapurna experience. Simply fill out the Booking form and let us know about your interest. Or you can contact us directly by sending us an email to join this short and easy trek in the Annapurna Region.

Overview

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu [1,300m/4,264 ft]::

As soon as you arrive at the capital city, Kathmandu, you will be met by a representative from Nepal Mountain Trekkers at the International Airport terminals and he will take you to your respective hotel. After checking into the hotel, you can enjoy your free time relaxing in a cozy room or stroll around the tourist hub Thamel area until the end of the day.

Day 2 : Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation::

After having our early meal, we start our day with a visit to the Nepal Mountain Trekkers office at Thamel. After being introduced to our team including tour guide, trekking leader, and director of operations, we head for necessary trekking preparations, getting needed equipment with the initiation of Kathmandu sightseeing around world heritage sites. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath stupa, Pashupatinath temple, and Boudhanath stupa are UNESCO world heritage sites that we explore till sunset. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu. B included.

Day 3 : Kathmandu to Dharapani[1,860 m/6,102 ft] via Besisahar [760 m/2,493 ft]: 9 - 10 hrs drive::

Our real Annapurna Circuit Trekking Journey starts today as we drive through beautiful hilly roads along the banks of the Trishuli River towards Besisahar. And after having our brunch at Besisahar, we start our trekking when we reach Dharapani. Overnight stay at the tea house. B L D included.

Day 4 : Dharapani to Chame [2,710 m/ 8,891 ft] : 5 - 6 hrs::

This day we will start trekking with a moderate hike towards Chame, passing through several suspension bridges enjoying the blissful nature. We will walk through Pine and Rhododendron Forests and we can enjoy the mesmerizing view of Manasalu Mountain Ranges along the trail. Whereas, we can learn a lot about the Nepalese lifestyle while you pass through the typical villages with traditional houses. Overnight stay at the tea house. B L D included.

Day 5 : Chame to Pisang [3,300m/10,824ft]: 5 – 6 hrs::

Our day begins with walking through dense forests, narrow trails and soon this greenery starts to disappear as we gain altitude. Here, we will be crossing numerous suspension and wooden bridges that open up the trails to spectacular snow-capped mountains. In this way at the end of the day, we finally arrive at Pisang where we will be staying overnight. B L D included in meals.

Day 6 : Pisang to Manang [3,540m/11,614 ft]: 6 – 7 hrs::

Leaving behind Pisang, we head towards beautiful Manang valley where we have two routes to follow and we recommend you to take the higher route passing Garu that offers great landscape and Himalayan views. From this point, we find a difference in landscapes and alpine vegetation starts to appear. A quick visit to the local Barge monastery would give some cultural insights. And we conclude our day after staying overnight at one of the tea houses in Manang. B L D included in meals.

Day 7 : Manang: Acclimatization Day::

Proper acclimatization is very important to successfully complete this trek and today we take it as a rest day to make our body adapt to high altitude surroundings. Upcoming two days will be a bit more challenging and rigorous, therefore today we will not just rest but go for a few altitude hikes up and descend at the end of the day. So, there would not be any acute mountain sickness issues. During the daytime, we visit a few monasteries and viewpoints. We overall explore Manang village. Finally, we stay overnight at Manang including B L D in meals.

Day 8 : Manang to Yak Kharka [4,110m/13,484ft]: 3 – 4 hrs::

Today after having our early meal, we start our day by crossing several small river streams to arrive at the village called Tenki, and heading northward from the trails, we follow the beautiful pasture lands and meadows where horses and yaks graze. Therefore the name of the place is also ‘Yak Kharka’ implying Yak pasture land. We walk slow and steady in a gradual way as we don’t want to mess up with altitude sickness while gaining altitude. We stay overnight at Yak Kharka including B L D.

Day 9 : Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi [4,600m/15,092ft]: 3 – 4 hrs ::

Today we will be leaving behind Yak Kharka and heading towards the foot of high altitude Thorong la pass (4650m). It is a small place to get ourselves relaxed and ready for the next day. If you are super fit, you can also go to stay overnight at high camp, but taking a safety-first, we recommend you to stay overnight at Thorong Phedi. B L D included in a day’s meal.

Day 10 : Thorong Phedi to Muktinath [3,800/12,467ft] via Thorong La Pass [5,416m/17,764ft] : 8 - 9 hrs::

Finally, the most important day of our Annapurna Circuit Trek has arrived as today we will cross Thorong La pass, immerse in the magical views and experience at 5420 meters above sea level. Almost you feel like you are touching a horizon. Plenty of pics will be clicked and a great experience will be accumulated. And finally, we head towards the popular pilgrimage site of Muktinath at the end of the day where we can get insights into both Buddhists and Hindu religious and cultural highlights. We stay overnight at Muktinath with B L D included.

Day 11 : Muktinath to Marpha [2,670m/8,760ft]: 4 – 5 hrs::

We wake up early in the morning, get a blessing from the holy temple, visit the nearby monastery, and slowly descend through Ranipauwa village to arrive at Kagbeni, Jomsom, and Marpha. We get to experience huge diversity in landscapes and topography as we will be losing almost 3000m altitudes in a day. From alpine to deserted and forested lands, we walk through all. Also, Marpha is popular for its apple products and known as the apple kingdom. We will also enjoy the special apple brandy and stay overnight at Marpha in a party mood. Meals include B L D.

Day 12 : Marpha to Kalopani [2,530m/8,300 ft]: 5 – 6 hrs::

Leaving behind Marpha, we will be trekking through cultural Thakali villages where there are plenty of apple farms and spectacular sceneries of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other neighboring Himalayan peaks. In this way, we finally arrive at Kalopani at the end of the day where we stay overnight. Meals include B L D.

Day 13 : Kalopani to Tatopani [1,200m/3,937ft]: 6 – 7 hrs::

Today we mostly walk downhill descending from Kalopani to Tatopani. After crossing Ghasa, we can see beautiful forested lands, striking waterfalls, and even enjoy natural hot springs at Tatopani. It will be a beautiful cultural exploring opportunity day with the chance to view natural highlights around the sites too. Overnight stay at Tatopani including B L D.

Day 14 : Tatopani to Ghorepani [2,850m/9,350ft]: 7 – 8 hrs::

Today we mostly explore the local lifestyle of mid villages in Nepal where we enjoy beautiful terraced fields, landscapes; rhododendron forests that blossom in a magical way during spring with other faunas along the way. We sleep early today to wake up early tomorrow for the Poon hill hike. Overnight stay at Ghorepani including B L D.

Day 15 : Ghorepani to Tadapani [2,710m/8,891ft]: 6 – 7 hrs::

Waking up early in the morning before sunrise, we walk towards the top of the Poonhill in the dark. You will see plenty of other travelers waiting to experience the best ever sunrise views over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas. After capturing the best shots in the camera, we descend through forested trails towards Tadapani. We stay overnight at Tadapani with B L D included.

Day 16 : Tadapani to Pokhara [820m/2,690ft] via Ghandruk: 5 - 6 hrs trek, 1 hr drive::

Following the beautiful jungle trails from Tadapani, today we arrive at equally beautiful and culturally rich Gurung, Magar village of Ghandruk. Ghandruk is popular for awesome Himalayan, landscape views with warm hospitality from local inhabitants. After having our lunch we take a short about an hour drive to main Pokhara city. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara. Meals include: B L

Day 17 : Pokhara to Kathmandu: 5-6 hrs drive::

In this way, finally, our amazing Annapurna Circuit Trek comes to the conclusion and we either take a drive or you have an option to fly to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will be met by our director of operations, Mr. Dhakal, and offer you a farewell dinner as a complimentary token of love from Nepal Mountain Trekkers Company.

Day 18 : Departure Day::

Today will be your final day in Nepal, as we drop you at International Airport for your scheduled international flight towards your onward destination.

Price Includes

• Airport Pick-up and drop service(Private Vehicle depending upon the Group Size)
• 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu(with Breakfast)
• 1-night Hotel in Pokhara(with Breakfast)
• All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
  • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
  • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
• All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
  • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
  • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
  • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
• Transportation costs: Public Bus (Kathmandu – Besisahar), Private Jeep(Besisahar – Dharapani), Private Vehicle(Nayapul-Pokhara), and Tourist Bus(Pokhara-Kathmandu)
• Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
  • Local Staffs: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
  • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations which might occur during the trek.
  • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
• Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
  • Local Staffs: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
    
• Trekking Permits: Trekkers’ Information Management System(TIMS) Card and Annapurna Conservation Area(ACAP) fees
• Trekking gears like sleeping bags and down jackets made available on rent
• T-shirt, Duffel Bag, and Trekking Map with Company Logo
• Rescue Arrangement Service
• First aid medical box
• 13% VAT and 10% service charge
• Farewell Dinner

Price Excludes

• Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
• International flight tickets
• Foods in Pokhara and Kathmandu
• Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
• Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
• All personal expenses(internet, laundry, battery charge, donation, etc)
• All soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
• Tips for guide and porters

Trip Gallery

Trip Map:

Equipments