Annapurna Circuit Trek Overview
Annapurna Circuit is one of the world’s best trekking trails. This trek is also known as Annapurna Circuit Hiking, and it’s becoming more popular day by day as it’s one of the top trekking trails among the ten best trekking destinations around the world. On the Annapurna Circuit Trek, we will view the world’s highest Lake Tilicho, the world’s highest Kaligandaki Valley, and the Dhaulagiri ice flow. The Annapurna Circuit Trek covers just over 300 km as it circles around the Annapurna massif.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek starts right from Besishahar and follows the Marshyangdi River with an excellent view of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east. On the Annapurna Circuit, we will enjoy regular contact with friendly villagers and can easily feel the cultural shift as we reach the high mountains. The highest point of the trek is the Thorong La Pass at the top of the valley at 5,415m (17,769 feet) high, where we can see one of the holiest shrines, revered in both Hinduism and Buddhism. The Annapurna Circuit Trek follows ancient paths used as trade routes between Nepal and Tibet.
We begin our 21-day trip in Kathmandu with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage sites and then head to Besishahar. The next day, we’ll embark on one of the best, most popular, and challenging circuit trails in the world: the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
We are here to offer the tour and trek of your life, allowing you to witness the Himalayan wilderness with an expert guide, trekking in Nepal, provided by us.
Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Spanning 160-230 kilometers depending on the route, the Annapurna Circuit is one of Nepal's longest and most scenic treks, offering an ever-changing panorama of landscapes—from lush subtropical forests to arid high-altitude deserts.
- The Annapurna Circuit Trek is an achievement in itself, with one of its most significant challenges and rewards being the crossing of the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet).
- Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, carved by the Kali Gandaki River. The trek also includes numerous high passes, offering endless opportunities for awe-inspiring vistas.
- Savor authentic Nepali cuisine, and find spiritual solace along the trail.
- One of the trek’s most magical moments is witnessing the sunrise from Poon Hill, where the first light of day illuminates the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges,
Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, we offer you pick up facility from the airport and manage your stay at the most comfortable hotel in the city. You get to meet the team of trekkers and together we prepare for the trek.
Today would be the most exhilarating day where you will be introduced to the most pious Hindu and Buddhist religious places that are listed in the UNESCO World Heritage sites and elucidates you to the entire mysticism over its existence Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa, Patan Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath stupa.
We will start our trek by driving along the highway to Dumre following the winding road to Beshishar, we get a view of amazing picturesque villages and mountain peaks as we drive. After approx. 6-7 hours drive and mesmerizing view of Marsayandi river, we will reach Bhulbhule. Stay Overnight at Bhulbhule.
Today we inaugurate our first steps on the trail. The route follows a pleasant trail through terraced fields up rarer and fertile jungle along the flowing Marsayandi river. We will also pass through several rural settlements and more farmland to grand valley reach the peaceful village of Jagat, a former trading post. Stay overnight at Jagat.
Today we will go along the Marsyandi river and after a steep climb, we will enter the vicinity of the Manang region at the valley named Tal. We can also see several waterfalls forming a river by the sandy beaches. We will follow rice, potato, and barley fields and we will pass through the village of Kodo which is one of the biggest villages in the Manang Valley. After a short climb of the stone Kani, we will reach Dharapani. Stay overnight at Dharapani.
Today we will start our trek towards Chame. First, we will trek through pine and oak forest to reach Danakyu. Then you will walk a steep path, which leads to Tamang. Tamang is a village rich in gorgeous landscapes that lying on the foot of Lumjung Himal (6,893m). Then walking to relatively flat terrain to reach Chame and enjoy the hot spring. Stay overnight at Chame.
Today we will start our trek with the sparkling view of sunrise over Lamjung Himal. You will follow a high, rocky trail covered with pine forest and fir. You will also get an excellent panorama of Annapurna II (7,937m) and Pisang peak (6,091m), etc. Stay overnight at Pisang.
Today we will trek and head towards a steep ridge which gives you the picturesque views of Tilicho peak and Manang valley (7,145m). You will descent past the airstrip at Hungde and reach a flat area that offers magnificent views of the northeast face of Annapurna III (7,555m). You can get a sight of Annapurna IV (7,525m) from Dabje Khola valley. You will also get to Marshyandgi Khola and to a village Murgji. Overnight at Manang.
Manang is a popular stop in Act. It has many bakeries and lodges. You can walk across the view to the icefall of Annapurna. You can also visit the Gangapurna Glacier lake. You can also stroll around the Manang valley and explore the people, their lifestyle, and culture. Stay overnight at Manang.
Today you will have to continue your trek slowly in this high altitude of elevation more than 4000m. You will ascend a gentle uphill towards Gurung village via Tenji. You will also enjoy the view of Gangapurna Glacier, Chuluwest, Tilicho Peak, and Manang range, etc. Stay overnight at Yak Kharka.
Today you will set off for Thorong Phedi. You will ascend the rocky trail. You will also descend to get to the headwaters of the Marsyandi River. You will enjoy the beautiful panorama of the Annapurna range. Stay overnight at Thorong Phedi.
Today you will trek towards Thorong-La pass (5,416m). You will get spectacular views of Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri range, Thorong peak, etc. You will enjoy the amazing views of Kali Gandaki valley and the lush hills of Mustang. After that, you will go to Muktinath, a place for pilgrimage sites an easy downhill trek to Muktinath path along Jhong Khola. You can explore the most famous Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimages, Muktinath temple. Stay overnight at Muktinath.
Today you will climb down to Jharkot and descent to Khingar. We will walk to reach the beautiful village of Kagbeni. You will walk downhill through the apple orchards and then you will continue walking on the river bed of Kali Gandaki river to reach the windy town of Jomsom. After reaching Marpha (which is also known as the apple capital of Nepal). This village is famous for its apple brandy, local Thakali people, and apple garden. Stay Overnight at Marpha.
Today you will walk on the riverbed of Kali Gandaki river and pass the villages of Larjung and Tukuche. You will pass through Kalopani. On the part of the trek, you will pass through the windy area covered with pine and rhododendron forests and the surrounding area of Ghasa is a famous destination for bird watching. You will panoramic view of Mount Nilgiri North, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other mountains and peaks. Stay overnight at Ghasa.
Today you will descend steeply up to Rupse waterfall which is amazing to look at and enjoy the beauty. There the deepest gorge of the world between two mountains Dhaulagiri and Annapurna facing each other near Rupse Waterfall. After that, we will be heading to Tatopani which is believed that taking a bath in hot spring helps you to get rid of skin diseases. Stay overnight at Tatopani.
Today you will ascend to the Shikha village via Ghara village and you will get astonished by the view of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna south. You will walk on stone steps through the rhododendron forest and also you will enjoy the continuous view of snow-capped mountains. Stay overnight at Ghorepani.
Today you will climb to Poon Hill to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. You will descend through rhododendron and Oak forest to Ulleri and you will be descending on stone steps to reach Hille. Stay Overnight at Hille.
You will enjoy the beautiful hill landscape of western Nepal on the way to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara. Stay overnight at Pokhara.
Today is for sightseeing around Pokhara valley (Devi’s falls, Gupteshwor Cave, Bindabasini Temple, Seti Gorge, Mountain Museum, Boating in Fewa lake) free afternoon optional paragliding, Avia flight, Bungee Jump, Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.
On this day we have our breakfast by 6:00 a.m. in the morning and head towards the tourist Bus Park and board a tourist bus back to Kathmandu. The bus ride will take around 7 hours through curvy roads of hilly terrain with a couple of breaks in between for snacks and lunch. There will be a farewell dinner (Nepali Food) to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Your wonderful adventure in Nepal comes to an end today. We wish you all the best. A representative will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pick up and drop off from and to International airport.
- 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu.
- 2 nights hotel in Pokhara.
- Annapurna Conservation Park.
- TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card.
- All land transportation by bus / van / car.
- One porter for each two people.
- Accommodation in tea houses/lodges twin sharing.
- 3 Meals a day: breakfast, lunch, dinner during the trek (Anything from Menu).
- Sightseeing Car A/C with driver.
- Farewell dinner at Nepalese cultural restaurant in Kathmandu.
- All taxes and Company service charge.
The Cost Excludes
- Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport size photographs).
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
- Monument sites entrance fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu.
- Excess baggage charges.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and earlier return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, internet / Wi-Fi, laundry, bar bills - tea/coffee, hot chocolate, juice, beer, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, shower etc.).
- Tips for guides and porters (Tipping is expected, but not compulsory).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Annapurna Circuit Trek cost depends on your spending habits and your chosen packages. However, the duration of the trek, group size, and level of service can influence the costs. On average, accommodations, transportation, permits, and meals can range from $1000 to $3000. But Tidy Himalaya offers the best 18 days Annapurna Circuit trek package at $1460 with a customized itinerary, meals, permit costs, and accommodations.
Annapurna isn’t a single peak but a combination of various mountains, including Annapurna I, the world’s 10th highest peak at 8,091m, Annapurna 2, Annapurna 3, and so on. It holds historical significance as the first 8,000-meter peak conquered without oxygen (1950). Annapurna is home to the world’s deepest gorge (Kali Gandaki) and the highest lake of its size (Tilicho Lake).
March to May & Sep to Dec are the best times of year to do the Annapurna Circuit offers different views and challenges in different seasons.
The Annapurna Circuit trek is a longer, more challenging adventure with diverse landscapes. Annapurna Base Camp is a shorter trek compared to the Annapurna Circuit trek, with stunning mountain views and easier accessibility. So, it depends upon your decisions, which fit perfectly for you.
You can do the Annapurna Circuit solo, but due to the altitude and potential dangers, it’s recommended for experienced trekkers. Consider hiring a guide for safety and cultural immersion.
Maintaining a moderate level of fitness, investing in good quality gear, researching acclimatization strategies, and planning your trek itinerary to allow for gradual elevation gain is a basic and most important preparations before setting off to the mountain.
Though the weather is unpredictable at such height, Annapurna Circuit is safe with proper precautions. Being aware of potential weather hazards, maintaining fitness, and following the guide are extremely important.
The difficulty level of the Annapurna Circuit is easy to moderate with well-maintained trail conditions. It is doable for the beginners. However, it is highly recommended to hire a guide as a beginner.
Annapurna Circuit has well-maintained trails. But the weather, long distances walking, and uneven paths challenge your steps. Train well and plan ascent wisely to conquer the beauty.
Depending upon your chosen route and fitness level the itinerary can vary. But the normal hike to Annapurna Circuit can take anywhere between 18-20 days.
Catch a local bus or ride a private vehicle to the town of Besisahar. From there, your official trek begins, You can hire a guide, stock up on supplies, and embark on your unforgettable Himalayan adventure.
The Annapurna circuit has many routes depending on the level of fitness and experience of the trekkers. The shortest ones are the Manang Valley Trek whereas Upper Mustang Trek and Tilicho Lake Trek take at least 18-20 days.
Yes, Annapurna is considered more challenging than Everest due to its longer duration and diverse terrain. However, the EBC trek’s higher altitudes make it difficult, requiring careful acclimatization.
The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is Thorong La Pass, which stands at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) above sea level. Reaching this height is an impressive accomplishment, which also provides beautiful views of the neighboring peaks.
