annapurna circuit trek from pokhara

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Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara

Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara offers you the classic Annapurna adventure.

Trek along a route that is regarded as one of the world’s best trekking trails in the world. Walk under the foothills of the awe inspiring Annapurna Range and Dhaulagiri.

As you hike through solitary mountain villages, rhododendron forests, alpine meadows and the barren Tibet-like Kali Gandakai valley, you make a complete loop around the Annapurna Massif.

Experience not only a diverse landscape, but diverse cultures on the Annapurna Circuit trail. While in the middle-hills, you get to you pass through Gurungs and Magars villages, in the higher reaches you find the Bhotias and the Thakkalis. The Bhotias, you discover, follow Tibetan Buddhism and their lifestyle and culture seem more Tibetan than Nepalese Hindu.

En-route visit ancient Buddhist monasteries, savor a panoramic Himalayan sunrise view from Poon Hill, cross the challenging Annapurna Thorong La Pass, hike to the spellbinding Ice Lake and pay your respects at the sacred shrine of Muktinath (the place where you receive salvation or ‘Mokskha’ according to Hindus belief).

Close up views of the glittering, snowy summits of some of the world’s highest peaks will captivate your senses throughout the trek.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Route

Your Annapurna Circuit Trekking adventure begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Khudi, the trailhead.

Follow a path through lush forests of rhododendron and oak, picturesque mountain villages, cross suspension bridges over pristine rivers and cool yourself at the refreshing waterfalls.

The rhododendron forests look amazing during Spring, the prime Annapurna Circuit season.

From Chame the landscape changes drastically and the tree line vanishes. The arid Tibet-like landscape is mesmerizing. Colourful prayer flags, chortens and ancient Buddhist monasteries mark the trail.

The villages of Manang, Pisang and Chame give you a taste of Tibetan highland culture. The crossing of the Thorong La pass during your Annapurna Thorong La pass trekking will challenge you physically but the sense of achievement once you reach the top of the pass will be worth the weight in gold.

The descent from Thorong La pass will bring you to the ancient Muktinath temple, a sacred shrine for both Hindus and Buddhists. From here onwards you enter Kali Gandaki valley and Thakali country. Among Nepalese communities, Thakalis are known for their skill at running lodges and eateries. Their cuisine is one of the most popular in Nepal.

Crossing the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, you walk past the villages of Marpha and Kalopani, filled with apple orchards. Trekkers call this area ‘apple pie country’ as you get some of the best apple pies here.

Weave your way down to Tatopani and enjoy a dip at the traditional hot spring. From Tatopani walk to Ghorepani and visit Poon Hill, a popular viewpoint to experience a Himalayan sunrise with 360 degree views of mountains.

Enjoy the warm hospitality at Gurung and Magar villages before you descend to Kimchi and end your trek.

A drive to Pokhara marks the end to your unforgettable Annapurna Circuit Trek 17 days.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty

This Annapurna Circuit trekking itinerary is graded moderate to difficult.

Though no technical climbing is involved, you have to make a challenging ascent to a mountain pass Thorong La (5,416m), the highest point of your trek.

This trekking adventure is for people who have some high altitude trekking experience or hikers who can walk through some rough terrain. Maximum you will be spending 8 hours on the trail and minimum 3 hours.

On average, you put in 6 to 7 hours of walk each day.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

Drive from Pokhara (800m/2,625ft) to Khudi (790m/2,592ft) Duration: 6-7 Hours (129 km) Drive

Trek from Khudi to Sirung (1,864m/6,114ft) Walking Distance: 6-7 hours trek

Trek from Sirung to Jagat (1,300m/4,264ft) Walking Distance: 6-7 hours trek

Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1,860m/6,101ft) Walking Distance: 6-7 hours trek

Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,660m/8,725ft) Walking Distance: 5-6 hours trek

Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m/10,824ft) Walking Distance: 5-6 hours trek

Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540m/11,612ft) via Ngawal Walking Distance: 6-7 hours trek

Manang: Acclimatization Day, Hike to Ice lake (4,600m/15,088ft) Walking Distance: 6-7 hours trek

Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m/13,284ft) Walking Distance: 3-4 hours trek

Trek from Yak Kharka to Phedi (4,525m/14,842ft) Walking Distance: 3-4 hours trek

Trek from Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m/12,464ft) via Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,765ft) Walking Distance: 7-8 hours trek

Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2,670m/8,758ft) Walking Distance: 5-6 hours trek

Trek from Marpha to Kalopani (2,530m/8,299ft) Walking Distance: 5-6 hours trek

Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1,190m/3,904ft) hot spring Walking Distance: 6-7 hours trek

Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,874m/9,427ft) Walking Distance: 7-8 hours trek

Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,600m/8,528ft) visit Poon Hill (3,210m/10,529ft) Walking Distance: 6-7 hours trek

Trek from Tadapani to Kimche (1,610m/5,281ft) via Ghandruk, drive to Pokhara (800m/2,625ft) Duration: 4-5 hours trek, 2:30 hours drive

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

• Activities Trekking & Hiking
• Difficulty Level Moderate to Difficult
• Maximum Altitude 5,416m/17,765ft
• Start From Pokhara
• Finish At Pokhara
• Group Size 1-12

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The Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary: the ultimate guide

This post offers you the ultimate Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary. The Annapurna Circuit trek was once the most popular tea house trek in Nepal . In about a month it was possible to walk around the Annapurna mountain peaks. This trek was famous for its ethnic villages, natural beauty and easy access from Kathmandu or Pokhara. 

But the Annapurna Circuit trek has changed tremendously in recent years. There was a time that the further up you went, the more isolated the villages were. It took people days on foot to reach the nearest city, the nearest school or the nearest health care post. For tourists, this remoteness was part of the charm.   

Ongoing road construction now connects most villages on the Annapurna Circuit with the outside world. Jeeps drive up and down on dusty roads, changing the landscape for better and worse. Tourists planning a trek in Nepal are wondering whether the Annapurna Circuit trek is still worth it.

Why choose the Annapurna Circuit trek

Despite the new roads going up the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki valleys, the Annapurna Circuit trek is still very much worth it. Although many things have changed with the new roads, a lot of things also remained the same. People are just as friendly, the villages just as authentic and the mountain views just as spectacular. 

In short, it is still a very beautiful trek with a huge variety in landscapes, villages and people. The road itself is nothing more than a dirt track and actually carries relatively little traffic. In addition, there are plenty of alternative side trails to bypass them all together. The NATT trails set up by Prem Rai and Andrees de Ruiter are well marked and follow the traditional circuit, but avoid the road as much as possible.   

The Annapurna Circuit trek requires a certain amount of time, but most of the hike is easygoing. Gradual climbs and well marked trails with frequent restaurants and lodges to take a break. What makes it challenging is the tough day you climb the Thorung La Pass and the altitude after Manang. 

To prevent altitude sickness it is important to give yourself enough time to acclimatize. Don’t go up too fast and take some days to rest. The better your body has adjusted to the height, the easier the climb up to Thorung La will be.   

This was my first trek in Nepal and even though many others followed such as the Langtang Trek , Poon Hill trek and The Gokyo lakes trek , I still consider myself an amateur hiker. Thorung La was difficult, but I made it. If I can do it, you can too, as long as you prepare well. 

Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary

The classic Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary started in Besisahar where you climbed up the Marsyangdi valley towards Manang, crossed the Thorung La Pass, visited Muktinath and Jomsom and then walked down the Kali Gandaki valley towards Beni. This took about 20 – 30 days

The roads give you more flexibility in where to start or end the trail as well as how much time you take. Jeeps go as far up as Manang on the Marsyangdi valley side and Muktinath on the Kali Gandaki valley side.

Clockwise or anti Clockwise ?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a loop with different starting and end points. The first thing to decide is whether you hike clockwise starting at the Kali Gandaki valley or anti clockwise starting at the Marsyangdi valley. 

The general advice and also my recommendation is to hike anti clockwise from east to west. This is the easier and safer direction to go. The Marsyangdi valley offers a more gradual climb and Manang is a great village to acclimatize well, before attempting Thorung La. 

The Thorung La Pass is at 5416 meters high and altitude sickness is a serious risk. From Manang to Thorong La, there are several more villages like Yak Kharka (4020 m) and Letdar (4230 m) to stop and acclimatize or get help if you do suffer from altitude sickness. Thorung Phedi (4450 m) and High Camp (4850 m) are the last lodges before the pass. 

From west to east the last village is Muktinath (3750 m) and a few basic lodges at Charabu (4210 m). After the last lodge it is a very long and steep ascent to Thorung La with nothing in between. Taking this approach is not only more difficult and requires you to be very fit, it is also potentially dangerous. You go high quickly and without proper acclimatization small things like bad weather or an injury can become very problematic. 

How much time?

The roads have made it possible to do the Annapurna Circuit trek in much less time than the original 30 days. Still, the Annapurna Circuit trek is an area where slow travel is very rewarding. The villages on the way are very interesting and a destination in their own right. Furthermore, there are lots of side trips to escape the crowds.

Another reason to take it slow on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is again the altitude. Yes it is possible to take a jeep all the way to Manang (3520), but you will not only miss out on lots of beautiful scenery, you will also increase your risk of getting altitude sickness.   

Looking at the distances and trekking times, it looks possible to trek from Manang to Thorong La in less than two days, but again, this would be very foolish. Experts advise to not ascend more than 300 – 400 meters per day once you are above 3000 meters high. 

On the Annapurna Circuit trek this advice translates in at least one acclimatization day in Manang and another acclimatization day in Letdar before spending the night at Thorung Phedi. I followed exactly this advice and still struggled with the altitude when crossing the Thorung La pass. 

Even if you are short on time, you need to acclimatize. You could do the Annapurna Circuit trek in 2 weeks if you decide to fly from Jomsom back to Pokhara. If you have more time, walking down the Kali Gandaki valley is definitely worth it. Although road construction has had a big impact here, I still enjoyed the villages of Marpha and Tukuche as well as the scenery from Tukuche to Letdar and Ghasa. 

Where to start the Annapurna Circuit trek

With jeeps now going all the way to Manang, where to start the Annapurna Circuit trek has become a big question. I already mentioned that going straight to Manang isn’t the best idea for several reasons. In fact, my favorite trekking days were from Chame to Pisang and Pisang to Manang. 

Some trekkers still decide to follow the original Annapurna circuit trek itinerary and start at Besisahar. Because I had recently done the Poon Hill trek through the lower foothills of the Annapurna’s I decided to take a jeep up to Syange. 

Others start at Bhulbhule or Chame. To help you decide, it is maybe good to know that the road is most busy between Besisahar and Bhulbhule although there is an alternative NATT trail as well. 

From Kathmandu there are direct buses all the way up to Bhulbhule. The direct bus is a great option if you like to start in Bhulbhule. If you prefer to start later on, it is better to take a bus to Besisahar and then change to local jeeps that go all the way to Syange, Chame or even Manang. 

My personal advice is to start no further than Chame. The scenery after Chame is very beautiful.   

Where to end the Annapurna Circuit

A lot of hikers end their Annapurna Circuit trek in Jomsom from where you can fly back to Pokhara. A comfortable option if you are short on time, but you will miss out on the beauty of the Kali Gandaki valley. 

Marpha and Tukuche are very scenic traditional villages worth a visit. Furthermore, the hike from Tukuche to Lete and Ghasa is very beautiful. I hiked in the Kali Gandaki valley twice. The first time I ended my hike in Tatopani. A small village with warm water pools. The second time I ended my hike in Ghasa. 

From both towns it is possible to take a jeep down to Beni. There you can change on a bus to Pokhara. 

My Annapurna circuit trek itinerary    

In this Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary I mention every day the amount of time it took me from start to finish. I am a slow hiker though. I like to take frequent breaks to enjoy the beautiful views. If you are a fit hiker, you can probably do it in much less time

Day 1: Bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar/Syange

I started my Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary from Kathmandu where I took a bus to Besisahar. The original start of the trail. After a long and bumpy bus ride of 8 hours in a crowded bus I was happy to arrive for a late lunch. 

I was curious about the new road all the way up to Manang. As I had recently done the Poon Hill trek I already saw the lower foothills of the Annapurnas in all its beauty and decided to skip the first two days of trekking by taking a jeep to Syange. 

At the jeep station I quickly found a jeep that was slowly filling up. Jeeps leave mostly in the early mornings. It was already late in the afternoon and now it took at least two hours before the jeep had enough passengers and cargo.

It is only 30 kilometers from Besisahar to Syange, but the jeep journey took over 3 hours. I soon regretted my decision not to walk. The first part to Bhulbule was quite ok, but after that the road got really bad and scary. 

I am glad I had a careful driver that knew what he was doing and took it slow. Not all drivers are like that in Nepal. There was even an extra person that frequently got out to check the road or to remove stones. Just as it got dark I saw the lodges of Syange. 

Logistics : Direct buses to Besisahar (7 – 8 hours) and Bhulbule (8 – 9 hours) leave everyday from the Gongabu bus station (new bus park or Machapokhari) in Kathmandu. Get there early as it is a chaotic bus station and buses leave between 6 – 8 AM in the morning. It is best to reserve your tickets a day in advance at the bus station or at a travel agency in Thamel. 

For destinations further up the trail (Syange, Ghermu, Chame, Pisang, Manang) take a bus to Besisahar. Jeeps leave from the jeep bus station in Besisahar. There is a dual price system with foreigners paying slightly more. 

Personally, I would start walking in Bhulbule and certainly not go much further than Syange by jeep. After Bhulbhule the road is not in a very good condition and the journey will be adventurous to say the least. 

Day 2: Syange – Tal  

16 kilometers, 8 hours

I always feel excited on my first day of hiking. Being in the mountains with the fresh air feels invigorating. After an early breakfast I left Syange and immediately entered a narrow gorge where I shared the road with porters carrying chickens and goats. 

Walking on the jeep road wasn’t as bad as I had imagined and there was little traffic. The scenery was nice with waterfalls on the other side of the road and the Marsyangdi river below. 

The Marsyangdi river kept me company for the rest of the day. I had lunch in Chamye after which it was a steep climb over boulders up to Tal. 

Insider tip: there is an alternative NATT trail from Ghermu to Jagat that bypasses the road. It is much longer and I heard the path is very narrow and close to the edge. With my fear of heights I decided to stay on the road. 

Day 3: Tal – Danaque

11 kilometers, 5 hours

From Tal you can choose to make it a long day to Chame (20+ kilometers) or split it up in two days and spend the night somewhere in between. 

I left Tal to see how far I would come that day. Till Dharapani the trail was very quiet and scenic with several waterfalls. At Dharapani the trail joined the road again. Both Dharapani and Bagarchap are nice villages with lots of restaurants.

At Bagarchap I had my first Annapurna views and I stopped for lunch. I already knew Chame would be too far for me, but I could still hike a bit more and decided to continue to Danaque. A nice village with a Mani wall and prayer wheel. 

Insider tip : It is possible to take an alternative NATT trail from Dharapani to Bagarchap up to the village of Odar. It adds 2 hours to your trekking time and is a steep 200 meter climb up and down again.

Day 4: Danaque – Chame

12 kilometers, 6 hours

Today started with a steep and long climb through the forests from Danaque to Timang. A difficult beginning, but the rewards were beautiful mountain views once I reached the top. After Timang the ascent became more gradual and passed the occasional village. 

I noticed more and more Buddhist influences like mani walls, prayer wheels and chortens. The mountain views too became more beautiful as I approached Chame. A lively village right next to the Marsyangdi river.  

Day 5: Chame – Pisang

14 kilometers, 7 hours

The part from Chame to Pisang was simply spectacular. Panoramas on the snow capped peaks of the Annapurna’s all day as I hiked along the Marsyangdi river. The increase in altitude is also visible as pine forests give way to open fields with sweeping views.

This was one of my favorite days on the Annapurna Circuit trek. Parts of the road were carved out of the side of the mountain and high above the river. With my fear of heights this was a bit of a challenge, but I made it. 

When I arrived in Pisang it was tempting to stay in lower Pisang. I heard the views are much better from Upper Pisang though and so they were. 

Day 6: Pisang – Manang

18 kilometers, 8 hours

Pisang to Manang was another beautiful day on the Annapurna Circuit trek. The trail is a gentle climb with beautiful views all around you. I enjoyed every minute of my hike, but also started to feel the effects of the altitude. 

From Pisang to Manang you can choose to hike the easier lower trail or a more spectacular higher trail. Because I woke up with a slight headache I didn’t want to add 3 more hours to my hiking trail and choose the lower option on the road. 

I am sure the higher trail offers even better views, but for me it was a good decision to take it easy. By the time I was in Manang (3540 m) I was having mild symptoms of Altitude sickness. 

Day 7: Manang acclimatization

In Manang I had a much needed acclimatization day. My first night in Manang was a night of insomnia, vivid dreams and a mild throbbing headache that got only less in the early hours of the next day. Mild symptoms of altitude sickness.

Manang is a small village, but there are lots of side trip possibilities. The strenuous hike to the ice lake is very popular, but I did not feel fit enough. Another popular hike is to Chongkor viewpoint where you can see a glacial lake. There are also several gompa’s in the area you can visit. 

I went to the Chongkor viewpoint to see the lake and then visited the excellent information session about altitude sickness from the Himalayan Rescue Association. They give this for free every day at 3 pm. 

Day 8: Manang (3540) – Yak kharka (4020)

10 kilometers, 5 hours

My second night in Manang I slept well. I therefore decided to continue to Yak Kharka. An elevation increase of 500 meters. 

The climb was hard. Although the obvious symptoms of altitude sickness were gone, I was more easily out of breath and every step seemed to take a lot of energy. The next village, Gunsang, was only 3 kilometers away but I took a long tea break.

With a cup of tea and the sun warming me up in the chilly morning air I still felt so lucky to be here. The views on the Annapurnas and the flocks of birds flying by were all so beautiful. 

After Gunsang the landscape changed again to high altitude fields with shrubs and grazing goats. The trail climbs slowly to over 4000 meters high. Technically, the path is very easy, but my body was struggling more than ever.

I was glad to see the cluster of lodges at Yak Kharka. Yak Kharka translates as yak pastures and therefore it was no surprise to see a few yaks wandering around.  

Day 9: Yak kharka (4020) – Letdar (4230)

2 kilometers, 2 hours

I slept well at Yak Kharka and woke up full of energy. However, after only 20 minutes of hiking I felt tired and out of breath. Luckily I had already made the wise decision to stay in Letdar.

Letdar is less than 2 kilometers from Yak Kharka and it is a very easy hike, but I can feel my body needs an extra night to adjust to the altitude.  

Day 10: Letdar (4230) – Thorung Phedi (4540)

6 kilometers, 4 hours

With an extra night at Letdar I felt more prepared to continue to Thorung Phedi (4540). It was an easy hike except for a scary part where there is a risk of landslides. Thorung Phedi is right after that. 

It is possible to continue to High Camp (4850). The last lodge before Thorung La, but the general advice is not to sleep here, because of the altitude. It does make for a great afternoon hike to help acclimatization

Day 11: Thorung phedi – Muktinath

15 kilometers, 10 hours

The day you cross Thorung La will be the most beautiful, but also most difficult day on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. 

Most people start early as the weather is less windy in the morning. I started around 4 AM. The ascent to high camp was difficult and I definitely felt the altitude. At High Camp I was in doubt whether I should stay one more night here before attempting the pass. 

After a quick cup of tea I pushed myself on to continue. It was difficult. Every few steps I was out of breath and had to stop. My head started hurting again and I felt very tired. There were many false summits and I started to wonder whether I should turn back. 

After 4 hours I finally saw the bundle of prayer flags that is Thorung La at 5416 meter. I felt pure joy that I made it, but at the same time absolutely miserable because of the altitude. After a quick selfie I did not even want to stop for a cup of tea. All I wanted was to go to a lower altitude. 

The first hour I happily hiked down and started to feel better by the minute. Then I realized that the 1600 meter descent to Muktinath is actually more difficult than the ascent. My knees started hurting, my muscles trembling. 

It was a very long day. Looking down I could see Muktinath in the distance. Ít just didn’t seem to come closer. After 4 hours I arrived at a cluster of lodges called Charabu. If they weren’t full I would probably have stayed here. 

After a quick dahl bath I had to continue to Muktinath. The last bit was the most difficult. I stumbled into the first lodge I saw, had dinner and went to bed. 

Day 12: Muktinath – Kagbeni

12 kilometers, 4 hours

In Muktinath I woke up feeling all my muscles from the steep and long descent yesterday. Slowly I got out of bed. This is my third time in Muktinath. A small village home to an important Vishnu temple popular among Indian and Nepali pilgrims. 

As jeeps now go all the way from Pokhara to Muktinath, it is a busy town and a culture shock after the desolate stretch of barren rocks that I walked through yesterday. I brought a short visit to the temple and then walked straight to Jharkot. 

Jharkot is a traditional village with mud and stone houses. The signs of animist religions that predate Hinduism and Buddhism give a clue to its old age. Rather than just passing by I would recommend to take a look and wander through the narrow streets for a bit. 

After Jharkot, it is a beautiful hike down to Kagbeni. Another traditional village that is at the border of Lower and Upper Mustang. Mustang was once an independent kingdom that played a big part in the salt trade between Tibet and Nepal. 

Beyond Kagbeni lies Upper Mustang. A remote region that remains isolated and protected from mass tourism by expensive permits. Kagbeni is as far as you can get and gives a good sense of the unique culture of Upper Mustang that is still very close to that of Tibet. 

Kagbeni is an interesting mix of new hotels and restaurants catering to tourists as well as medieval monasteries and ancient fortress ruins. The 15th century red monastery stands out between the whitewashed mud homes. 

The Red House Lodge was one of the most interesting places where I stayed. It has its own 350 year old buddhist chapel and the best dried yak meat (yak sukuti). 

Day 13: Kagbeni – Marpha

17 kilometers, 6 hours

The hike from Kagbeni to Jomsom follows the riverbed of the Kali Gandaki river. The Kali Gandaki valley lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna mountains and therefore the landscapes are quite unique. 

Barren desertlike mountains that differ in color. Different shades of brown, gray and yellow contrast sharply with the deep blue sky, white snow capped peaks and green farm fields. 

South of Kagbeni starts Lower Mustang. An area home to the Thakali people that also played an important role in the salt trade. Between Kagbeni and Jomsom there is not much but spectacular landscapes. 

Jomsom is the first Thakali village. Because of its airport it is very well developed and touristic. This is where most people end their Annapurna Circuit trek and take a plane back to Pokhara. 

If you do decide to continue on foot it is much better to stay in Marpha. A more authentic Thakali village with an old monastery and the so-called apple capital of Nepal. I was not a big fan of the local dried apples, but the apple pies here were delicious. 

Day 14: Marpha – Tukuche

7 kilometers, 3 hours

I thought Marpha was one of the most interesting villages on the Annapurna Circuit trek. Marpha alone is a reason why you should not stop at Jomsom. 

Marpha is a true Thakali village and you can see that people have done much effort to preserve their traditional architecture and culture. Iconic are the flat mud roofs that are used to store stacks of firewood. The roofs are also used to dry the apples and other food items.  

Rather than leaving in the morning to start hiking, I spent some time exploring the village. There is a monastery in the center of the village as well as above the hill with beautiful views. You can also visit the apple gardens and taste apple products at the apple distillery. 

The Thakali people are famous for their cuisine. Tibetan dishes like Thukpa (noodle soup) and Tsampa (barley porridge) are popular. But most famous are the Thakali sets. A more luxurious version of dahl bath with all kinds of extras like fermented spinach (gundruk) and pickles (aachar). I couldn’t resist having one for lunch before hitting the trail again. 

Tukuche is only 7 kilometers away, but another picturesque Thakali village that is very well worth the detour from the main road. When I arrived they were filming a Nepali movie song and it seemed all the children of the village were out and about to see what was happening.  I also enjoyed the show and decided to stay in Tukuche for the night.  

Day 15: Tukuche – Ghasa

20 kilometers, 9 hours

After Tukuche the landscape started to become more green again with trees and bushes. Tukuche was the last lively Thakali village on the trail. The other villages were small with just a few lodges. They seemed rather empty and not that inviting.

I decided to hike all the way to Ghasa. It was a long day, but because it was downhill it was not that difficult. Right before Ghasa is a hanging bridge high above the river. I knew it was coming and with my fear of heights a scary experience. 

Day 16: Ghasa – Tatopani

15 kilometers, 6 hours

This was going to be my last day of hiking on the Annapurna Circuit trek. Back to the lower altitudes of the Annapurna’s, the landscapes reminded me a lot of the Poon hill trek . Lush and green and also more warm and humid. 

Yesterday’s day was maybe a bit too long for my liking, but the last kilometers of today I felt sad it would be over soon. Tatopani has several warm water pools annd they felt like a great reward after 17 days on the road. 

Day 17: Tatopani – Beni/Pokhara

From Tatopani I took the jeep to Beni. The road became more busy and there were not a lot of ways to avoid it. It is also possible to hike to Ghorepani and connect with the Poon Hill trek . 

The Annapurna Circuit Trek Travel tips

Annapurna circuit trek permits.

For the Annapurna Circuit trek you need two permits.

TIMS card : The Trekkers information management card is necessary for almost all treks in Nepal. You can get your TIMS card at the Tourism Board office at Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu. Bring your passport and two passport size photos. The TIMS card costs 2000 nepalese rupees.  

Annapurna Conservation Area permit : For the Poonhill trek you also need a national park entrance permit. I recommend you to get it as well at the Tourism Board Office at Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu. This costs 3000 nepalese rupees.  

Do I need a guide on the Annapurna Circuit?

The Annapurna Circuit trek is moderately difficult, but easy to do without a guide. The trails as well as the NATT trails are well marked. Unless you go off season there will be enough other hikers on the trail to keep you company. 

I hiked the Annapurna Circuit alone and did not experience any problems. When hiking alone I always make sure not to hike after sunset and listen carefully to my body. At Manang I did feel mild symptoms of altitude sickness and took two acclimatization days as well as an extra night in Yak Kharka and Letdar. 

If you are alone and not that experienced, you might want to consider joining a guided trek or hiring a guide, porter or porter guide. 

In Nepal there is a clear distinction between a porter and a guide. A guide shows you the way and can tell you more about the history and the culture of the places you visit. A porter will only carry your luggage. Despite their heavy burden they often walk far in front of you and might have reached the lodge when you are only midway. A porterguide is less common, but does both. 

In Pokhara I can recommend the 3 sisters adventure trekking that works to empower women and trains women to become trekking guides in Nepal.  

Update April 2023 : The Nepal Tourism Board issued a press release that trekking without a guide is no longer permitted from 1 April 2023 onwards. Trekkers planning to hike in Nepal’s National Parks where you normally need a TIM’s card should have a government licensed guide that is registered with the official Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) . It is unclear yet how this rule will play out in practice. Everest issued a press release stating that they will not enforce it. Other areas do. However, there are no guidelines on how they are going to implement the ban on solo trekking .

Accomodation on the Annapurna Circuit

Along the Annapurna Circuit trek there is plenty of accomodation and teahouses to choose from. They are basic and can’t be booked online beforehand. There is a first come first serve basis and some lodges are fully booked by big tour groups.

There are enough lodges that there will always be a bed for you somewhere. I trekked the Annapurna Circuit twice in spring and in November and never had any problems finding a place to stay. 

The prices of accomodation is incredibly cheap, sometimes even free, but they do expect you to order dinner and breakfast at their establishment. Things like hot showers and WIFI are getting more common, but are sometimes at an extra cost. 

Food on the Annapurna Circuit

The good thing about tea house treks in Nepal is that however basic lodges might be, the food is often quite good if you stick to Nepali cuisine . Yes, many lodges try all kinds of international dishes to attract tourists, but in my opinion often not the best choice.

When trekking in Nepal I eat Dahl bath at least once a day. This national dish of rice with lentils knows a huge variety in how it is prepared. Different vegetable curries from fermented spinach to roasted cauliflower and different pickles to spice it up. Not one dahl bath is the same. Other Nepali foods to try are Tibetan bread, Thukpa and Momo’s. 

The Annapurna’s are a multicultural area with local foods as well. In Kagbeni it is possible to find yak meat on the menu. Marpha is the apple capital and has the best apple pies as well as dried apples. In the south are the Gurungs with specialities like dried meats (sukuti) and fermented leaf curries (gundruk). 

When to hike the Annapurna Circuit

The best time to go trekking in Nepal is Spring and autumn. 

January and February are too cold with lots of snow on the trail. The Thorung La Pass will be closed due to heavy snowstorms and a risk of avalanches. By March/April the pass reopens again, but you can still expect snow at the higher altitudes.

April and May are the warmer months before the monsoon and a very good time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The blooming flowers and rhododendrons are a highlight in this period. At the lower altitudes it can already become hot, dusty and humid while the higher altitudes are comfortable. 

June, July and August are the monsoon months. The Marsyangdi valley up to Manang sees lots of rainfall. The trails will be muddy with lots of leeches, but the landscapes will be lush and green. The Kali Gandaki valley is in the rain shadow and sees much less rain. 

September, October and November are the most popular months for trekking. Autumn brings clear blue skies and mild temperatures before the cold sets in in December. Autumn is also a festive season with the celebration of Tihar and Dashain. Nepal’s biggest festivals . 

Regardless of the seasons, the weather conditions at Thorung La can change rapidly and there is always a chance of unstable weather, cold and snow storms. It is important to check the weather forecast before crossing Thorung La. A freak storm in October 2014 killed several trekkers as they got stuck in bad weather and snow.    

Altitude Sickness on the Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit trek involves a serious risk of altitude sickness. Crossing the Thorung La Pass at 5416 meters high requires proper acclimatization. To allow yourself enough time to do so, it is best to trek anti clockwise from east to west.

Experts advise to not ascend more than 300 – 400 meters per day once you are above 3000 meters high. Pisang (3310) is the first village above 3000 meters and that is why it is not wise to take a jeep straight to Manang at 3540 meters high. Those first days of walking at the lower altitudes are not only beautiful, but helps your body adjust to the increasing altitude.  

For the Annapurna Circuit trek, the general advice is to spend at least one acclimatization day in Manang and another day in Letdar before spending the night at Thorung Phedi. I followed exactly this advice and still struggled with the altitude when crossing the Thorung La pass.   

The key to prevent altitude sickness is to take it slow, give your body enough time to adjust to the height and to drink enough water. Diamox is a medicine that might help your body to acclimatize, but will not cure altitude sickness once you have severe symptoms. In that case, the only remedy is to go down to a lower altitude as soon as possible.

Mild symptoms may include being tired and more easily out of breath. More severe symptoms of high altitude sickness are headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, breathing problems, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. 

Severe symptoms indicate you are developing high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Both conditions are fatal if you do not get to a lower altitude on time.   

Take these symptoms seriously and watch out for symptoms in others, even in your nepali guides or porters. It is a misconception that they cannot get altitude sickness. The health clinic in Manang gives daily information sessions about altitude sickness that I can highly recommend. 

The Annapurna Circuit Trek Books and Guides

Cicerone and trailblazer both have excellent and comprehensive guides about treks in Nepal with detailed guides about the Annapurna. Another option is the Lonely Planet’s trekking in the Nepal Himalayas guide. 

The Himalayan Map house published the guidebook from Prem Rai and Andrees de Ruiter who developed the NATT trails on the Annapurna Circuit trek. 

The Annapurna Circuit Trek packing list

If you need to carry your own gear on a multi day trek the advice is to bring as little as possible. The Annapurna Circuit trek is not a difficult trail. There is no need to bring a tent or food. Below a few things to consider

Sun protection : no matter what time of the year you will need to bring protection against the sun. Sunscreen and a hat are a must. There are stretches with little shadow

Rain protection : there is always a risk of rain. I brought a poncho along that protected both me and my backpack from the rain.

Sturdy shoes : There is no need for proffesional hiking boots. However, there are some rocky trails so do bring sturdy shoes that fit you well. It’s important you don’t bring brand new shoes. Make sure your shoes are tested and comfortable to prevent blisters.

Hiking socks : Besides good shoes, good hiking socks are key to prevent blisters. Merino wool socks are lightweight and dry quickly. Wrightsocks are specially designed with double layers to prevent blisters. Decathlon has good merino wool socks too.

Layers : there can be a big difference in temperatures during the day and night. The best way to deal with this is to wear layers. As a base layer I bought merino wool tshirts at Decathlon. They are lightweight and dry quickly. I had a fleece vest as a midlayer and as the upper layer I had a windproof jacket.

Backpack : Your shoes and backpack are two things that will have a big influence on the comfort of your multi day trek. I recommend to go to an outdoor store to get some good advice to buy a backpack that fits your torso length and that is comfortable when you wear it. I own the Osprey Fairview trek 50 that I am very happy with.

Reusable water bottle : to prevent plastic waste I always bring a reusable water bottle with me and a water filter or steri pen.  

Sustainable Travel on the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit trek is very popular. The trails become more crowded and pollution is a growing problem. Traveling sustainably to the Himalayas is essential to minimize your environmental impact and preserve the area’s natural beauty for future generations.

Support the local community : You can support the community by purchasing goods and services from local vendors. It is better to try Nepali Cuisine that uses local ingredients rather than imported foreign foods. Nepali food is vegetarian friendly and it is very easy to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is also better to stay in locally-owned guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels.

You can try to look for guesthouses or homestays that prioritizes sustainable practices. That said, environmental awareness is still low. It’s up to you to use water sparsely, turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating when leaving your accommodation.

Leave no trace principle : When hiking the Annapurna Circuit Trek, stick to designated trails to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem. Straying off the marked paths can cause soil erosion and damage to plant life. If you are lucky enough to spot wildlife, observe quietly from a distance to prevent disruption to their habitats and help maintain their natural behaviors.

I encourage you to take all your trash back with you and dispose of it responsibly. In other words, leave no trace of your visit. Even better is when you bring something to pick up any of the trash that other people left behind.

To avoid single-use plastics, invest in reusable items. For example, you can bring your own water bottle with a filter. At last, use biodegradable and eco-friendly personal care products to minimize pollution of water sources.

Respect the culture : Besides environmental concerns it is also important to be sensitive of the community’s way of life. Nepal is a multicultural country and on the trail you will encounter different ethnic groups.

People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly. Learning a few basic phrases in Nepali, can go a long way in building meaningful connections and to learn more about the local culture. Not everybody is happy to have their picture taken. When in doubt, ask permission.

Disclaimer : This post with a travel guide about the Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

2 thoughts on “The Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary: the ultimate guide”

I found your post incredibly useful. I appreciate the time and effort you took in gathering and posting all of this information. Thank you!

I have enjoyed looking at your photographs and reading your description of villages and landscape, food, and people. My husband and I lived in Marpha from 1981 to 1983! My husband was with the Food and Agriculture Organization and was helped develop a vegetable seed program with the farmers. Back then there was no electricity, no cell phones, and no road. We’re sorry to learn of the modernization which detracts from the experience of being geographically isolated and more dependent on using inner resources to survive. However, a lot of the new changes are beneficial to the villagers who require easier access to medical care. Back in he day, a porter with a wooden chair strapped to his back was the ambulance service. The sick person was strapped in and the porter ran all the way to Pokhara. Thanks for your interesting update on life along the Kali Ghandaki River.

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Annapurna Circuit – Nepal’s Classic Circuit Trek

Asia , Hikes , Nepal

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular and most epic treks in Nepal . This classic trek meanders through Himalayan foothills and over high passes, offering picturesque mountain views along the way. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Route overview.

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the greatest treks in Nepal, if not the world.

Although road construction over the past two decades has severely impacted the trekking experience (more on this later).

Note: if you are a mountain biker, the road on the western side makes for one of the most exhilarating and scenic mountain biking experiences!

Where Does The Annapurna Circuit Start and End?

The trek begins at Besisahar (which is a 7-8 hour drive from Kathmandu) and concludes in the Kali Gandaki Gorge – the disputed highest gorge in the world that separates Dhaulagiri (8,176 meters) in the West and Annapurna (8,091 meters) in the East.

The circuit is traditionally followed on an anti-clockwise trail – for acclimatization reasons – that circumvents the Annapurna Massif. It takes trekkers through the Annapurna, Manang and Mustang region of central Nepal.

Route Details

At its pinnacle, the trek crosses the Thorung La Pass (5,416 meters) before descending down to the town of Muktinath. From here the road construction activities  (2004 -2008/09) have had a measurable impact on the Annapurna Circuit trekking experience.

The Nepalese government have realized that the road on both the Western (Pokhara-Muktinath) and Eastern (Chame-Manang) side of the circuit has had a negative impact on trekking tourism. Thus, they have created a number of New Annapurna Trekking Trails (called NATT-trails).

These NATT-trails, marked blue and white or red and white, take trekkers away from the dusty and unpleasant roads. The alternative routes provide a much more pleasant trekking experience. 

How Long Is The Annapurna Circuit?

The Annapurna circuit typically takes between 16-20 days to complete. This is depending if you decide to tack on a diversion to Annapurna Base Camp  and the  Annapurna Sanctuary ). It covers between 150-240 km depending on when you decide to end the tour or use transportation vehicles.

Scenery and Landscape

The scenery on the Annapurna Circuit is extraordinarily beautiful. Trekkers pass through rice terraced paddy fields, subtropical forests, and glacial environments.

 You will see a number of major mountains including the Annapurna Massif (I-IV), three 8,000 metre peaks – Dhaulagiri (8,176 meters), Manaslu (8,156 meters) and Annapurna I (8,091 meters). There are numerous other peaks of 6,000 to 7,000 meters.

Please Note: The Annapurna Circuit is situated in the Annapurna and Mustang regions of central Nepal. It is home to the Annapurna Massif. The schematic below illustrates Nepal’s trekking regions (not to scale).

Annapurna Regional Map

The Annapurna Circuit is situated in the Annapurna and Mustang regions of central Nepal. It is home to the Annapurna Massif. The schematic illustrates Nepal’s trekking regions (not to scale)

Annapurna Trek Altitude Profile

The schematic diagram below shows the route altitude profile for the Annapurna Circuit.

Annapurna Circuit Itinerary

Below is a detailed Annapurna Circuit itinerary. Where possible we have highlighted the NATT-Trails that can be used to avoid the road. Please note that this is a typical Annapurna Circuit itinerary. Some tour operators offer variations on this route.

Day 1-2: Arrive Kathmandu (Drive to Besisahar / Fly to Pokhara)

Arrive in Kathmandu, usually spend a day sightseeing in the capital city.

See more in our guide on what to do in Kathmandu . 

Drive from Kathmandu (1,300 meters) to Besisahar / Khudi (circa 800 meters) via bus. The trip takes between 7 and 8 hours, meandering through countryside villages.

The Annapurna Circuit typically starts at Besisahar, an hour’s trek from Khudi. Some operators may drive you to Khudi and commence the trek from there.

Day 3: Trek from Besisahar (820 meters) to Khudi and onto Bahundanda (1,310 meters)

Trek from Besisahar (820 meters) to Khudi and onto Bahundanda (1,310 meters). This traditional route has been impacted by the road construction so some operators have started using new trails that bypass the road. Instead, you go  to the village of Sikrung (2,200 meters).

The latter is a fairly steep climb to a rather high altitude. But it does offer a more untainted Annapurna trekking experience. Expect to trek between 6-7 hours.

Day 4: Trek from Bahundanda (1,310 meters) / or Sirung (2,200 meters) to Jagat (1,300 meters) or potentially Chamje (1,410 meters)

Trek from Bahundanda (1,310 meters) / or Sirung (2,200 meters) to Jagat (1,300 meters) or potentially Chamje (1,410 meters). If on day 4 you followed the traditional route to Bahundanda, you will trek to Ghermu (1,130 meters) and onto Jagat. You might stay the night here or take a steep hour-long trek up to Chamje (1,410 meters).

We recommend staying the night at Chamje instead of Jagat, which is a dirty and crowded village. If on day 4 you stopped at Sikrung, you will likely follow a route via Syange (1,100 meters) to Jagat and up to Chamje.

Expect to see great rice terraced landscapes and views of the Manaslu Range during early stages of this day’s trekking.

Day 5: Trek from Jagat / Chamje (1,300 / 1,410 meters) to Dharapani (1,960 meters)

Trek from Jagat / Chamje (1,300 / 1,410 meters) to Dharapani (1,960 meters). Continuing north into the Manang region, you will trek through agricultural fields of corn and potatoes and then forests of rhododendrons.

Eventually reach the quaint village of Tal (1,700 meters). From Tal you will trek for another 6 kms (circa 3 hours) via Karte to the village of Dharapani (1,960 meters).

Day 6: Trek from Dharapani (1,960 meters) to Chame (2,710 meters) via Bagarchap and Danakyu, and then either along the lower trail or upper trail to Koto (2,640 meters)

Trek from Dharapani (1,960 meters) to Chame (2,710 meters) via Bagarchap and Danakyu, and then either along the lower trail or upper trail to Koto (2,640 meters).

From Koto you trek a further hour to the busy village of Chame. Some trekkers and operators prefer an overnight stay in the quieter village of Koto. On this rather steep trekking day you will get some great views of Annapurna II and IV, as well as Lamjung Himal.

Day 7: Trek from Chame (2,710 meters) to Pisang via Bhratang (2,850 meters) and Dhukur Pokhari (3,240 meters)

Trek from Chame (2,710 meters) to Pisang via Bhratang (2,850 meters) and Dhukur Pokhari (3,240 meters). From Dhukur Pokhari the trail splits and you may either trek to Upper Pisang (3,310 meters) or to Lower Pisang (3,250 meters) for an overnight stay.

If you take the latter to Lower Pisang we highly recommend re-joining the upper trail on day 8. This provides arguably the best views of the whole Annapurna Circuit.

Day 8: Trek using the upper trail from Pisang (3,310 meters) to Manang (3,450 meters) via Ghyaru (3,730 meters), Ngawal (3,680 meters), Humde (3,330 meters and Bhraga (3,450 meters)

Trek using the upper trail from Pisang (3,310 meters) to Manang (3,450 meters) via Ghyaru (3,730 meters), Ngawal (3,680 meters), Humde (3,330 meters and Bhraga (3,450 meters).

The mountain views on this portion of the Circuit are exceptional, as are the quaint villages along the trail. A visit to Barge monastery is worthwhile before the final stretch to Manang.

Day 9: Acclimatization day in Manang

Manang is one of the main towns on the Circuit. Many trekkers take this opportunity to spend a rest acclimatization day in the town.

Short excursions to the Gangapurna Lake and Bhojo Gompa (a Buddhist ecclesiastical fortification of learning) are common among trekkers. There are also day trips around the town. You might want to consider visiting the offices of the Himalayan Rescue Association for a talk on high altitude risks.

Day 10: Trek from Manang northwest out of the Marshyangdi Valley and up to the small village of Yak Kharka (4,110 meters)

Trek from Manang northwest out of the Marshyangdi Valley and up to the small village of Yak Kharka (4,110 meters). If you haven’t started feeling the effects of altitude yet, you might start doing so from today. Some trekkers continue onto the tiny village of Letdar (4,200 meters). Teahouse accommodation is limited in both these villages.

Day 11: Trek from Yak Kharka (4,110 meters) to High Camp (4,850 meters)

Trek from Yak Kharka (4,110 meters) to High Camp (4,850 meters). This is a fairly tough and steep day. Some tour operators will stop for the night at Thorang Phendi (4,450 meters). This is a good idea if trekkers are struggling with the altitude.

However, continuing on to High Camp is, in our opinion, preferable. This is because it makes the next day’s treks to Muktinath (3,800 meters) a lot shorter and easier. Accommodation facilities and amenities in Thorang Phendi and High Camp are both good. Please note: continuing onto High Camp means sleeping at high altitude, which is not advised if you are suffering from acute mountain sickness (AMS) symptoms .

Day 12: Trek from High Camp (4,850 meters) across the Thorung Pass (the highest point on the trek at 5,416 meters) and then back down to Muktinath (3,800 meters) via Charabu (4,230 meters)

Trek from High Camp (4,850 meters) across the Thorung Pass (the highest point on the trek at 5,416 meters). You then go back down to Muktinath (3,800 meters) via Charabu (4,230 meters). Prepare for a tough, icy-cold day of trekking. The descent from Thorung Pass is steep and trekking poles come in handy. Muktinath, although an important pilgrimage site for both Hindu’s (see the Vishnu Temple) and Buddhists (see the Monastery), is a rather characterless village. Depending on your operator, you will likely stay overnight in Muktinath. For independent trekkers, the Bob Marley Guesthouse in the center of town is a great shout!

Day 13: Trek from Muktinath (3,800 meters) to Marpha (2,665 meters) via the awesome village of Kagbeni (2,800 meters)

Trek from Muktinath (3,800 meters) to Marpha (2,665 meters) via the awesome village of Kagbeni (2,800 meters). From Kagbeni to Jomsom we recommend taking a jeep to avoid the unpleasant dusty roads.

Once you get to Jomsom you can join the ne NATT-trail (which is 2 hours longer than the road option) to Marpha. Marpha is famous for being the centre of the apple region in Nepal. Do try the apple brandy if you get a chance.

Day 14: Trek from Marpha (2,665 meters) to Kalopani (2,530 meters), via Chokhopani, and continue to Kokhethanti to avoid the road

Trek from Marpha (2,665 meters) to Kalopani (2,530 meters), via Chokhopani, and continue to Kokhethanti to avoid the road. Some trekkers grab a jeep from Marpha all the way to Tatapani (see day 15).

Day 15: Trek from Kolapani (2,530 meters) to Tatapani (1,200 meters)

Trek from Kolapani (2,530 meters) to Tatapani (1,200 meters). Using a new NATT-trail (marked in red and white), you can avoid the road and follow a trail that climbs steeply before joining a path that will take you through the towns of Kopochepani, Rupsechhahara, Dana and finally Tatapani.

Day 16: Trek up from Tatapani (1,200 meters) to Ghorepani (2,870 meters)

Trek up from Tatapani (1,200 meters) to Ghorepani (2,870 meters), via the towns of Ghara, Sikha and Chitre. You will most likely stay overnight in Ghorepani in preparation for an early start the next day.

Day 17: Trek from Ghorepani (2,870 meters) up Poon Hill (3,870 meters) and back down to Tadapani (2,710 meters)

Trek from Ghorepani (2,870 meters) up Poon Hill (3,870 meters) and back down to Tadapani (2,710 meters). You will start this days trekking early so as to get up Poon Hill for the impressive sunrise. First light illuminates surrounding rice terraces and Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. The classic Annapurna Circuit trek then descends to Tadapani for an overnight stay.

Note: we have heard that instead of heading up Poon Hill, the hill opposite in the direction of Chomrong provides an equally impressive (if not better view) without any crowding issues.

Day 18: Trek from Tadapani (2,710 meters) to Naya Pul (1,070 meters) via Gandruk and then catch a short bus ride back to Pokhara

Trek from Tadapani (2,710 meters) to Naya Pul (1,070 meters) via Gandruk and then catch a short bus ride back to Pokhara. This is the end of the Annapurna Circuit and an extraordinary 18 days!

Note: It is possible to follow the old Annapurna Circuit from Ghorepani to Phedi via Landruk, although this takes an extra 2 days compared to the direct exit from Ghorepani to Naya Pul.

Please Note: From Muktinath onwards the classic Annapurna Circuit has been severely impacted by the road that joins Jomsom to Muktinath. If you choose to trek this route be prepared for an unpleasant and dusty experience, as jeeps wiz by you. Thankfully there are alternative options via the New Annapurna Trekking Trails (NATT-trails).

Suggested route options from Muktinath

If you are not on a set tour we suggest the following route:

• Trek to the charmingly wonderful town of Kagbeni (2,800 meters) for an overnight stay. We recommend taking the high trail out of Muktinath via Jhong, as this offers better mountain views
• From Kagbeni to Jomsom take a jeep as dust driven from the common winds in this region and the constant flow of vehicles on the road make for unpleasant trekking
• From Jomsom take the new NATT-trail (marked in red and white) to Marpha (2,665 meters) where you can stay overnight and then continue following the route set out from Day 13 below

Also Note: As the road starts in Muktinath, you can cheat and catch a truck all the way to Jomsom. Continue your trek or catch a flight to Kathmandu if you need to shorten your trek (we highly recommend not skipping Kagbeni though). You can also get a bus from Muktinath all the way back to Pokhara if you have run out of time. If you are a mountain biking fanatic you can rent a mountain bike to take one of the most amazing rides down and out of Muktinath – this area of Nepal is fast becoming mountain biking Mecca

Annapurna Route Variations

There are a number of route variations on the Annapurna Circuit. Here are three worth mentioning.

If you don’t have much time in the Annapurna Circuit you may want to consider the Poon Hill Trek ,  The Royal Trek  or the  Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (also called the small Annapurna Circuit). Nepal is heaven for trekkers and has some of the best thru-hikes in the world .

• Annapurna base Camp Trek
• Naar-Pho Valley
• Tilicho Lake

It is possible to include a five day diversion to Annapurna Base Camp onto the Annapurna Circuit trek. This involves continuing north from Tadapani so as to join the old Annapurna Circuit at Landruk.

Read more about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

A variation to the Annapurna Circuit that has been growing in popularity since opening to foreigners in 2002 is the Naar-Pho Valley.

The route begins near Koto (on day 5/6 of the classic Annapurna Circuit) and follows a trail via two distinctly Tibetan villages – Phugaon and Naar – which are both located at over 4,000 meters. After nine days trekking the route exits via the Kang La Pass (5,300 meters) to Ngawal, where you re-join the Annapurna Circuit on your way to Manang. The detour via the Naar-Pho Valley in effect adds seven days to the traditional Annapurna Circuit as you would have spent two days trekking from Koto to Ngawal and on to Manang had you stayed on the main track.

A special permit, which can only be organised through a trekking agency, is required to enter the Naar-Pho Valley. You will also need to take a guide as tourist infrastructure is poor. Most trekkers opt for the traditional camping style of trekking with porters, tents and cooks.

A 3-4 day trek to Tilicho Lake (4,920 meters), one of the highest lakes in the world, has become a relatively popular diversion on the Annapurna Circuit.

The trek starts in Manang, and follows a path on the northern side of the valley to Khangsar (note: there are maps that show a path on the southern side of the valley but we recommend avoiding this as it is in poor condition and prone to landslides).

From Khangsar there are two paths that leave the town – the lower and upper path. Take the upper path, as it is safer, until you reach Shree Kharka where you can overnight at one of the two teahouses there.

From Shree Kharka walk about 45 miuntes until you reach point where the path splits into a lower and upper trail. Make sure to take the lower trail (the upper trail is marked ‘Danger’). A further 3 hours trekking and you will arrive at Tilicho Base Camp where you can stay overnight at one of the teahouses.

Depart Tilicho Base Camp early the next morning to avoid the high winds and clouds that roll in by mid-morning. The trek up to the lake is steep and tough. It takes about 3 hours and can be very cold due to the altitude, so dress warmly. The descent follows the same path back to Base Camp (approx. an hour) or to Shree Kharka (4 hours from the lake). Overnight at Shree Kharka.

The next day take a trail (which is signposted) directly to Yak Kharka via Old Khangasar, where you re-join the Annapurna Circuit.

Recommended Guidebook

Need an up-to-date guide book with maps that include the NATT-Trails? We recommend either Andrées de Ruiter and Prem Rai’s guide, Trekking the Annapurna Circuit , or Sian Pritchard-Jones and Bob Gibbons guide, Annapurna: A Trekker’s Guide .

Annapurna Circuit FAQ

How much does it cost to hike the annapurna circuit.

The cost of an Annapurna Circuit varies depending on which route variation you take. It also depends when you trek (out of season tends to be a little cheaper) and whether to trek with a local or western trekking agency, or indeed independently.

We have provided a detailed Annapurna Circuit Cost article here but in summary you should budget for the following key expenses:

Visa, Vaccinations, Insurance etc: ~$300-$500

Equipment (buying and hiring): ~$500-$800

Flights to Kathmandu:  ~$1,000

Tour Agency: ~$1000 for a cheap local agency to ~$3,000 for a pricey Western trekking agency. You could do an independent trek for ~$700 employing a local guide

check out our list of Nepal trekking companies recommendations .

Tips:  ~$200-$300

Misc (additional food, unplanned travel / hotels ect):  $200

Total Costs:  $2,500 – $5,000

Do I need a permit for the Annapurna Circuit?

Yes. An Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit and Trekker Information Management System registration are required for the Annapurna Circuit trek.

If you are joining an organised tour, these will be arranged for you. If you are looking to go it alone you will have to bring four passport-sized photographs and go to the offices of the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu to apply. We recommend bringing copies of your passport and insurance policy. The offices follow government working hours and days, and are not open on Sunday.

When is the best time to hike the Annapurna Circuit?

The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit is either in the Spring (March to Mid May) or in the Autumn (mid / late September to December). Unfortunately these also happen to be the busiest times of the year as they are the best time for Nepal trekking ..

Towards December the weather starts getting particularly cold and the routes get distinctly quieter. If you are a hardened trekker a winter Annapurna Circuit (late December through February) can provide a very authentic Nepal trekking experience.

The main challenge of a winter trek, apart from the cold, is the snow and ice that often obstructs the higher trails and the Thorung Pass. During bad winter seasons these trails may be closed.

Unlike the Everest region that gets very wet during the rainy monsoon season, the Annapurna and Mustang regions stay relatively dry, making June through September, a relatively good time to trek as well.

Here’s a detailed article on  weather on the Annapurna Circuit .

Is altitude sickness a risk on the Annapurna Circuit?

Yes, some trekkers do suffer from altitude sickness on the Annapurna Circuit as it is a high altitude trek. At its highest point, Thorung Pass, you will reach an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet).

Fortunately because of the circuits length the opportunities for appropriate acclimatisation are good. Hence, the prevalence of moderate or sever altitude sickness is low.

Nonetheless, it is important to have a detailed understanding of the risks associated with high altitude trekking and how the body acclimatises.

We recommend you read our detailed article on  Altitude Sickness and Acclimatisation .

How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit hike?

The Annapurna Circuit trek is challenging. You will be trekking for 4-7 hours a day for over two weeks, so you will need to be peak physical condition. The best way to prepare is to get as many kilometres under foot on hikes in your home country.

What do I need to pack for the Annapurna Circuit trek?

Trekking in the Annapurna region requires a number of essential pieces of trekking clothing and equipment. AC is a long and tough trek. You will be exposed you to a range of altitudes where temperatures fluctuate dramatically between night and day.

Many pieces of equipment can be rented or bought in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Even so, we recommend bringing the most important pieces of gear with you.

We've written a detailed Annapurna hiking packing list .

Insurance Information

Trekking insurance is a must in Nepal. This is particularly the case in the Annapurna Region, which at stages is very remote. If an accident should occur that requires medical assistance and evacuation you will definitely want trekking insurance that can cover the costs of air ambulance and treatment.

Moreover, it is prudent to have insurance that covers you for any travel related risks. insurance should cover stolen, damaged or delayed baggage; flight delays and interruptions; and tour operators default.

This article on travel and trekking insurance in Nepal provides detailed information on what type of insurance you need.

About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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Thanks for the useful information. Really helpful!

Hi Mark, this is a really nice blog with very comprehensive information!!

I'd like to do the trekking on my own, as an independent trekker, but I've heard that there are some new regulations comming for this year (2023) and that a local guide or agency is mandatory to do the central part of the annapurna circuit. Also, that the TIMS can not be got by independent trekkers but only if you hire an agency. Would you have any up to day news about it?

Hi Daniel, thanks for checking in. I’m not aware of the new regulations, but it is definitely possible. Nepal authorities have been talking about this for years. Here’s the latest from the Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/mar/30/nepal-imposes-ban-on-mountain-trekking-without-a-guide

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From Pokhara to Annapurna Circuit Trek to Pokhara: Best Itineraary

• Trip Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara is a rewarding trek that takes you through some of the most diverse and breathtaking landscapes in Nepal. The trek starts with a bus ride from Pokhara to Besisahar to Bhulbhule, followed by a trek to Ngadi, Jagat, Dharapani, and Chame. As you climb higher from Chame, the air thins and the scenery transforms into a breathtaking tableau of arid desert-like landscapes. In Manang, you will stay one more day for acclimatization purposes.

Manang is located at 3519 meters above sea level. It’s a popular trekking stopover of trekkers for its stunning Himalayan views, ancient monasteries, and rich cultural heritage. From Manang, you continue trekking to Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi. From Phedi you’ll begin the climb to the highest point of the trek, Thorong La Pass (5,416m).

Thorong La Pass is the crowning jewel of this trek. When you reach the top of the pass you will feel a sense of accomplishment with the Annapurna range as your backdrop that will be indescribable. The pass is a high-altitude thrill, a place where you’re surrounded by a tapestry of peaks that seem to touch the sky, and the wind whispers the secrets of the ancient traders and pilgrims who once used this route. After the top of the pass, you’ll descend to Muktinath and Jomsom before making your way back to Pokhara.

Along the way, you’ll encounter the warm smiles and hospitality of the local Gurung and Thakali people, whose culture and traditions are as rich as the soil beneath their feet. Their teahouses and lodges provide comfort and sustenance, serving up hearty dal bhat that will fuel your journey and warm your soul.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is more than just a hike; it’s a journey of self-discovery, a chance to connect with the majesty of the mountains, and an opportunity to experience the unparalleled beauty of Nepal’s natural and cultural heritage. It’s a tapestry of landscapes, a symphony of sights, sounds, and smells that will leave you humbled and exhilarated in equal measure.

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara

The Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna range and diverse landscapes. Some major highlights of the trek include:

Thorong La Pass (5,416m): The highest point of the trek, offering stunning views of the Annapurna range and surrounding valleys.

Muktinath: A sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, known for its natural springs and stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.

Pisang Village: A picturesque village with ancient monasteries and stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

Manang Valley: A scenic valley with lush green forests, sparkling streams, and breathtaking views of the Annapurna range.

Annapurna I (8,091m) and Annapurna II (7,937m): Two of the highest peaks in the Annapurna range, offering spectacular views from various vantage points.

Jomsom: A bustling town with a rich cultural heritage, known for its ancient temples and stunning views of the Mustang Valley.

Chame: A scenic village with a rich cultural heritage, known for its ancient monasteries and stunning views of the Annapurna range.

These highlights offer a mix of stunning natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual significance, making the Annapurna Circuit trek an unforgettable experience.

Itinerary of Pokhara to Annapurna Circuit Trek to Pokhara with visit to Hot Water Spring

Excellent Himalaya Trek is a leading trekking operator in Nepal run by local tourism experts and Sherpas who have been organizing the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara to Pokhara providing the best services. Please contact us by email at [email protected] or WhatsApp at +977 9851203181 for further information about the Annapurna Round Trek from Pokhara and its updated cost.

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Annapurna Circuit Trek: Ultimate Guide for Beginners 2024/2025

The Annapurna Circuit Trek stands as an enthralling and captivating odyssey, beckoning adventurers to traverse the breathtaking and awe-inspiring landscapes of Nepal’s illustrious Annapurna region. Spanning a considerable distance of approximately 160-230 kilometers, contingent upon the chosen route, this trek gracefully encircles the majestic Annapurna Massif, unearthing an unparalleled and transformative experience. Eagerly, let us embark on an expedition to explore the intricate nuances and exhilarating facets of this enthralling journey that has ensnared the hearts of both seasoned trekkers and intrepid beginners in the splendid years of 2024 and 2025.

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Brief overview of the annapurna circuit trek.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek has long been renowned as one of the most picturesque and diverse treks in the world. The trail encompasses lush green valleys, terraced farmlands, cascading waterfalls, and dense rhododendron forests, leading trekkers to arid landscapes and the stunning Thorong La Pass at an elevation of 5,416 meters. The journey provides a window into the rich culture and traditions of the ethnic communities residing in the region.

Why Annapurna Circuit Trek is a Popular Choice for Beginners?

For those taking their first steps into the world of trekking, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is an excellent choice. Annapurna Circuit Trek continues to gain popularity among beginners due to various reasons. Unlike some other challenging treks in Nepal like Everest Base Camp Trek and Everest Three High Passes Trek, the Annapurna Circuit offers a well-established and relatively comfortable trail with teahouses providing basic amenities along the route. The gradual ascents and descents, along with ample time for acclimatization, make it manageable for trekkers with moderate fitness levels.

Furthermore, the Annapurna Circuit Trek presents a spectrum of natural wonders, allowing beginners to witness the splendor of the Himalayas up close. The sense of accomplishment upon conquering the Thorong La Pass and the warm camaraderie among fellow trekkers make it an unforgettable journey for those venturing into their first high-altitude trekking experience.

Unique Experiences and Challenges Annapurna Circuit Trek Offers

Beyond the breathtaking landscapes, the Annapurna Circuit Trek treats trekkers to unique experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Interacting with the hospitable locals and learning about their customs and lifestyles adds a cultural dimension to the journey. The Annapurna Circuit boasts a diverse tapestry of flora and fauna that infuses each step with wonder and enchantment.

However, amidst the allure of this natural splendor, one must also recognize the challenges that coexist harmoniously with its beauty. The high-altitude terrain demands proper acclimatization and caution to mitigate the risks of altitude sickness . Weather conditions can be unpredictable, leading to delays or disruptions, as encountered in the Everest Base Camp trek.

Indeed, amidst these formidable challenges, the rewards reaped from conquering the Annapurna Circuit are immeasurable. Each arduous step taken leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of intrepid trekkers, etching unforgettable memories that shall forever occupy a sacred corner in their souls. The journey instills a profound and lasting appreciation for the resplendent wonders of nature while igniting a newfound reverence for the indomitable spirit that resides within each individual.

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Planning and Preparation

Understanding the route, permits, and regulations.

Before setting foot on the Annapurna Circuit, trekkers must familiarize themselves with the route, necessary permits, and regulations. The trail typically starts in either Besisahar or Bhulbhule, and it winds through various villages, including Manang, Muktinath, and Jomsom, before concluding in Nayapul or Phedi.

Obtaining the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card is essential, as these permits grant access to the protected region and help support conservation efforts.

Understanding the regulations for waste disposal, responsible trekking practices, and respecting local customs is crucial in preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Annapurna region.

Best Time to Go on the Annapurna Circuit Trek in 2024/2025

Choosing the right time for your trek can significantly impact your experience. In 2024/2025, the best time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek falls within two primary trekking seasons:

• Spring (March to May): Spring offers mild weather, with blooming rhododendron forests and breathtaking landscapes. The clear skies and moderate temperatures make it an ideal time for trekking.
• Autumn (September to November): Autumn is another favorable season with stable weather conditions, providing excellent visibility of the surrounding peaks. The vibrant colors of the autumn foliage add an extra touch of charm to the trek.

Both these seasons offer relatively stable weather and pleasant temperatures, making them the preferred choices for trekkers looking to undertake the Annapurna Circuit.

Physical Fitness and Training Required for Beginners

Although the Annapurna Circuit Trek is welcoming to beginners, it necessitates a certain level of physical fitness and diligent preparation. Regular engagement in cardiovascular exercises, such as hiking, jogging, or cycling, serves to elevate stamina and endurance, priming trekkers for the arduous journey ahead. Concurrently, integrating targeted strength training exercises, with a specific focus on fortifying the legs and core, augments the essential muscle strength indispensable for conquering the trek’s challenges.

However, it is vital to approach the training regimen with a measured pace, progressively elevating the intensity and duration of workouts. This cautious approach safeguards against overexertion, minimizing the risk of potential injuries that could impede the trekking experience. Moreover, honing trekking abilities involves practicing uphill and downhill walking on various terrains, refining one’s skillset in preparation for the multifaceted landscapes that lay in wait along the captivating Annapurna Circuit.

Transportation Options to Reach the Starting Point of Annapurna Circuit Trek

Reaching the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek involves multiple transportation options, and the choice largely depends on your preferences and budget.

• Flight to Pokhara: Many trekkers prefer flying to Pokhara, a picturesque city in Nepal, and then taking a bus or private vehicle to Besisahar or Bhulbhule, the traditional starting point of the trek.
• Overland Journey: Some adventurous travelers opt for an overland journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar or Bhulbhule via public buses or private jeeps. This route provides a glimpse of Nepal’s diverse landscapes.
• Chartered Helicopter: For those seeking a more luxurious and time-saving option, chartered helicopters can be arranged to drop you directly at the starting point.

Taking into account crucial factors such as budget constraints, travel time constraints, and individual preferences significantly aids in determining the most appropriate transportation option for your expedition. By carefully considering these aspects, trekkers can make well-informed decisions that align harmoniously with their unique needs and desires, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey to their chosen destination.

Who is Suitable for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek caters to a diverse range of trekkers, making it accessible to individuals with varying levels of trekking experience and physical fitness. While it is well-suited for beginners, it also attracts seasoned hikers seeking an immersive and rewarding adventure in the Himalayas. Here’s a breakdown of who is suitable for the Annapurna Circuit Trek:

• Beginners: The Annapurna Circuit Trek is an excellent choice for trekkers with limited or no prior trekking experience. The well-defined trail, comfortable teahouse accommodations, and gradual ascents make it manageable for beginners. However, a reasonable level of physical fitness and preparation is still recommended to enjoy the trek comfortably.
• Moderate Fitness Levels: Trekkers with a moderate level of physical fitness can undertake the Annapurna Circuit Trek with proper preparation and acclimatization. Engaging in regular cardiovascular exercises and building leg strength will aid in navigating the varied terrains encountered during the trek.
• Nature Enthusiasts: The hike is appealing to those who enjoy the outdoors and want to see the stunning scenery of the Annapurna area. The voyage offers an unmatched experience for nature lovers as it passes through a variety of landscapes, including lush woods, scenic valleys, and snow-capped summits.
• Cultural Explorers: For travelers interested in experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Nepal, the Annapurna Circuit offers ample opportunities to interact with local communities and gain insights into their customs and traditions.
• Age and Gender: The trek is suitable for individuals of various age groups and genders. While physical fitness is essential, a determined mindset and the willingness to embrace the adventure play a significant role in the trek’s success.
• Seasoned Trekkers: Experienced trekkers looking for a new challenge will find the Annapurna Circuit Trek rewarding. The route’s diverse landscapes and the thrill of crossing the Thorong La Pass at an elevation of 5,416 meters offer a sense of achievement to seasoned adventurers.

It’s important to note that while the Annapurna Circuit Trek is accessible to a wide range of trekkers, proper preparation, and understanding of the challenges involved are essential. Altitude sickness remains a potential risk, and all trekkers should prioritize acclimatization and heed the advice of their guides.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: arrival in kathmandu (1400m).

Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you can easily take a taxi from the airport or use services like Pathao and Indriver to reach your hotel. Opting for a hotel in Thamel is convenient as it allows you to explore shops for any missing trekking equipment. This ensures a comfortable and prepared start to your trekking journey.

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu (1400m) to Dharapani (1860m)

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani, the starting point of your trek. The journey takes approximately 8-9 hours and offers glimpses of rural landscapes and picturesque villages.

Day 3: Trek from Dharapani (1860m) to Chame (2610m)

Begin your trek from Dharapani, passing through lush forests of pine and oak trees. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas as you ascend to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang.

• Trekking distance: Approx. 18 km
• Trekking duration: 5-6 hours

Day 4: Trek from Chame (2610m) to Upper Pisang (3300m)

The trail continues along the Marsyangdi River, offering stunning views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Reach Upper Pisang, a charming village with traditional architecture.

• Trekking distance: Approx. 15 km

Day 5: Trek from Upper Pisang (3300m) to Manang (3540m)

As you trek to Manang, the landscape transitions into a more arid and alpine terrain. The village of Manang welcomes you with its unique Tibetan culture and breathtaking mountain views.

• Trekking distance: Approx. 20 km
• Trekking duration: 6-7 hours

Day 6: Acclimatization at Manang (3540m)

Take a day to acclimatize and explore the surrounding areas of Manang. Consider a short hike to higher altitudes to aid acclimatization while enjoying the splendid views.

Day 7: Trek from Manang (3540m) to Ledar (4200m)

Continue your ascent, passing through beautiful meadows and juniper forests. Reach Ledar, a small settlement surrounded by towering peaks.

• Trekking distance: Approx. 10 km
• Trekking duration: 4-5 hours

Day 8: Trek from Ledar (4200m) to Thorung Phedi (4525m) or Thorung High Camp (4925m)

Trek to either Thorung Phedi, a base camp before the pass, or Thorung High Camp for a shorter ascent on the following day. Enjoy the mesmerizing mountain vistas along the way.

• Trekking distance: Approx. 8-9 km

Day 9: Trek from Thorung Phedi (4525m) to Muktinath (3760m) via Thorong La Pass (5416m)

Today is a challenging yet rewarding day as you cross the Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek. Reach Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.

• Trekking distance: Approx. 16 km
• Trekking duration: 7-9 hours

Day 10: Trek from Muktinath (3760m) to Jomsom (2720m)

Descend through the arid landscape to Jomsom, the headquarters of Mustang district. Enjoy the unique charm of the region and the stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.

• Trekking distance: Approx. 19 km

Day 11: Take a Flight from Jomsom (2720m) to Pokhara (822m)

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara, a scenic flight that offers incredible views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Rest and relax in Pokhara, the beautiful lake city.

Day 12: Drive from Pokhara (822m) to Kathmandu (1400m)

Embark on a picturesque drive back to Kathmandu, where you can unwind and delve into the city's lively culture and rich heritage.

Day 13: Final Departure

Bid farewell to Nepal as you head back home with cherished memories of your Annapurna Circuit Trek adventure.

Please be aware that the hiking distances and times are estimates that might change depending on each hiker’s pace and the weather. The best advice is to always check with your trekking guide or agency.

Another Popular Trek in the Annapurna Region: Mardi Himal Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Budgeting and Expenses

Embarking on the Annapurna Circuit Trek requires careful budgeting and financial planning . While it offers a remarkable experience, managing expenses is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide to estimate the costs, break down the expenses, and discover tips for saving money without compromising on comfort during the trek.

Estimated Costs for the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The overall cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek can vary based on several factors, including the duration of the trek, type of accommodation, choice of food, and additional services. As of 2023/2024, a rough estimate for the trek can range from $800 to $1500 per person.

Breakdown of Expenses

• Permits: The primary permits required for the trek are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card. The combined cost of these permits for international trekkers is approximately $50 to $60.
• Accommodation: Teahouses along the trail offer basic lodging facilities, with costs varying from $5 to $20 per night, depending on the location and level of comfort. Sharing a room with fellow trekkers can help reduce expenses.
• Meals: Depending on the teahouse or lodge, the price of meals throughout the walk may change. For three meals every day, including breakfast, lunch, and supper, set aside $15 to $25.
• Guide and Porter: Although not required, hiring a certified guide and porter is strongly advised, especially for novices. A guide can cost anywhere between $25 and $35 per day, while a porter can run you between $20 and $30. Sharing the expense with other hikers in a group might save money.
• Transportation: The cost of transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek (Besisahar or Bhulbhule to Nayapul or Phedi) can range from $50 to $100, depending on the mode of transportation chosen.
• Miscellaneous Expenses: Additional expenses may include snacks, drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging facilities, which can add up to $5 to $15 per day.

Tips for Saving Money

• Travel in Off-Peak Seasons: Consider trekking during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) to avail yourself of lower accommodation and flight costs.
• Independent Trekking: If you have prior trekking experience and are confident with navigation, you can trek independently without hiring a guide, which can significantly reduce expenses.
• Sharing Accommodation and Transportation: Opt for shared accommodations and transportation whenever possible to split costs with fellow trekkers.
• Food Choices: Embrace the local cuisine and choose meals from the teahouse menus to avoid extra expenses.
• Water Purification: Rather than buying bottled water, bring a water purification system or purification tablets to treat water from natural sources.
• Negotiate Costs: For guide and porter services, transportation, and accommodation, don’t hesitate to negotiate prices to get the best deal.

By careful budgeting and making informed choices, trekkers can enjoy the beauty of the Annapurna Circuit without straining their finances. Remember to prioritize safety and comfort while exploring the wonders of the Himalayas within your budgetary constraints.

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Accommodation and Teahouse Experience

The teahouse experience along the Annapurna Circuit Trek is an integral part of the journey, offering trekkers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and hospitality of the Himalayan region.

Teahouses along the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Teahouses, also known as guesthouses or lodges, are basic accommodations established along the Annapurna Circuit to cater to trekkers. These cozy establishments are strategically located at various intervals along the trail, providing much-needed shelter and sustenance to weary travelers. Teahouses are run by local families, offering a warm and welcoming environment that showcases the authentic Nepalese way of life.

What to Expect from Teahouse Accommodations?

• Cozy Rooms: Teahouses typically offer twin-sharing or multi-bed rooms with basic bedding, blankets, and pillows. While the rooms are simple, they provide a comfortable resting place after a day of trekking.
• Common Areas: Teahouses often have communal areas with a fireplace, where trekkers can relax, socialize, and share stories with fellow travelers.
• Basic Facilities: Though the facilities are basic, teahouses provide essential amenities such as shared bathrooms with hot showers (for an additional cost), western-style or squat toilets, and washing areas.
• Meals: Most teahouses offer a menu with a variety of local and international dishes. Trekkers can enjoy hearty meals, including dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momos (dumplings), and noodle soups. Views of the surrounding countryside are frequently picturesque from the eating area.
• Electricity and Charging: While electricity is available in most teahouses, it is often limited and may not be available throughout the day. Charging facilities for electronic devices may come at an extra cost.
• Wi-Fi: Some teahouses offer Wi-Fi connectivity, but it is essential to manage expectations as the connection can be slow and intermittent due to the remote location.

Tips for Booking and Staying at Teahouses

• Book Early: During peak seasons, teahouses can get crowded. It is a good idea to reserve your lodging in advance, especially if you have certain preferences or priorities.
• Pack a Sleeping Bag: While teahouses provide bedding, bringing a sleeping bag is recommended for added comfort and warmth, especially during colder nights at higher elevations.
• Be Respectful: Embrace the local culture by showing respect to the hosts and fellow trekkers. Maintain a polite and considerate demeanor during your stay.
• Keep Valuables Secure: It’s advisable to keep your valuables and important documents in a secure and locked bag.
• Carry Cash: ATMs are scarce along the trail, so ensure you carry enough cash for your expenses during the trek.
• Go with the Flow: The teahouse experience is about embracing simplicity and immersing yourself in the trekking journey. Embrace the slower pace and connect with the natural beauty around you.

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Food and Water on the Trek

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for a successful and enjoyable Annapurna Circuit Trek. It’s crucial to keep in mind the available food alternatives, remain hydrated with safe drinking water, and take unique dietary requirements for vegetarians and vegans into consideration while you travel across the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas.

Available Food Options on the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The teahouses along the Annapurna Circuit Trek offer a variety of food options to cater to trekkers’ tastes and preferences. While the menus may vary slightly between teahouses, you can generally expect the following food options:

• Dal Bhat: A traditional Nepali meal consisting of steamed rice (bhat) served with lentil soup (dal) and a variety of accompanying vegetables and pickles. Dal Bhat is a staple meal and a favorite among trekkers for its hearty and nutritious qualities.
• Momos: Delicious dumplings filled with vegetables, meat, or cheese. Momos are a popular snack and a perfect treat to refuel during the trek.
• Noodle Soups: A comforting and warm option, noodle soups come with various toppings like vegetables, eggs, and meat.
• Pasta and Rice Dishes: Teahouses may also offer pasta dishes and fried rice with vegetables or meat for those looking for familiar and filling options.
• Breakfast Items: Start your day with energizing breakfast options such as pancakes, omelets, porridge, and toast.
• Snacks and Beverages: Cookies, energy bars, chocolate bars, packaged chips, and other foods are available at teahouses. You can sip hot drinks like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate to remain warm and hydrated.

Hydration and Water Purification Tips for Beginners

It is crucial to be properly hydrated throughout the trip, especially at higher altitudes. Consider these crucial suggestions to make sure you keep hydrated:

• Carry a Water Bottle: Carry a reusable water bottle and make a habit of drinking water consistently throughout the day. Drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water daily to stay adequately hydrated during the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
• Water Purification: Although bottled water is accessible at teahouses, adopting eco-friendly practices involves utilizing water purification methods. Purifying water from natural sources can be achieved through the use of water purification pills or a portable water filter, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability during the trek.
• Avoid Unboiled Water: Refrain from drinking untreated water, including tap water, to prevent waterborne illnesses.
• Herbal Teas: Enjoy herbal teas like ginger lemon honey tea, which not only taste great but also provide soothing benefits.

Special Dietary for Vegetarians

There are adequate dining alternatives for vegetarians around the Annapurna Circuit Trek route, however, the variety may be a little smaller than that of non-vegetarian fare. The following advice will help persons with particular dietary requirements have a good eating experience:

• Communicate with Teahouse Staff: Inform the teahouse staff about your dietary requirements, and they will do their best to accommodate your needs.
• Vegetable-Focused Meals: Dal Bhat with vegetables, noodle soups without meat, and vegetable momos are excellent options for vegetarians.
• Plant-Based Proteins: Seek protein-rich sources like lentils, beans, chickpeas, and tofu, which may be available in some teahouses.
• Nuts and Snacks: Carry nuts, seeds, and energy bars as portable and convenient snacks.

By being proactive and communicative about your dietary needs, you can enjoy nourishing meals and maintain your energy levels throughout the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Savoring the diverse flavors and staying well-hydrated on the trek will enhance your overall experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness of the Annapurna region.

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness, an ever-present concern for trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit, manifests prominently as they ascend to higher elevations. Understanding the associated risks, implementing acclimatization strategies, and recognizing its telltale signs stand as pivotal safeguards for a secure and triumphant trek.

Understanding Altitude Sickness and its Risks

Altitude sickness, scientifically termed acute mountain sickness (AMS), emerges as a potential affliction when ascending to high altitudes too swiftly, depriving the body of adequate time to acclimatize to diminished oxygen levels. The symptoms of AMS encompass a spectrum from mild to severe, incorporating manifestations such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty sleeping

In severe instances, altitude sickness may escalate into perilous conditions, such as high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), both of which possess life-threatening implications.

Acclimatization Strategies for Beginners During Annapurna Circuit Trek

To mitigate the risk of altitude sickness, beginners must embrace the following acclimatization strategies:

• Gradual Ascent: Ascend gradually, allowing your body time to adapt to the increasing altitude. Avoid gaining more than 300-500 meters in elevation per day, especially above 3,000 meters.
• Rest Days: Plan rest days at higher elevations to acclimatize and let your body adjust to the thinner air.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate the effects of altitude sickness.
• Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: Refrain from consuming alcohol and smoking, as they can further dehydrate your body and impede acclimatization.
• Proper Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet, including foods rich in carbohydrates, to provide the energy needed for trekking at higher altitudes.
• Climb High, Sleep Low: Whenever possible, follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle. Ascend to higher elevations during the day but descend to a lower altitude to sleep.

Signs of Altitude Sickness and When to Seek Help

It’s crucial to be vigilant for any signs of altitude sickness and take appropriate action if symptoms worsen. Common signs of AMS include:

• Persistent Headache: A severe and persistent headache that does not subside with medication.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Frequent feelings of nausea and vomiting.
• Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling unusually tired and weak, even during periods of rest.
• Dizziness and Difficulty Walking: Feeling unsteady on your feet or having difficulty maintaining balance.

If any of these symptoms manifest, it is paramount to treat them with utmost seriousness, refraining from dismissing or disregarding them as mere facets of the trekking journey. If the symptoms exacerbate or if indications of HACE or HAPE arise—such as confusion, breathing difficulties, or coughing up pink or frothy sputum—promptly seek urgent medical attention.

Your health and safety should be a top priority during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. By understanding altitude sickness, implementing acclimatization strategies, and recognizing the signs of this condition, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable trekking experience in the majestic Himalayas.

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Hiring Guides and Porters

Since 1st April 2023, all international trekkers must hire a guide for hiking the Annapurna Circuit trek and other routes in Nepal, making the role of local guides and porters even more essential. Hiring local guides and porters not only fulfills the regulatory requirements but also enhances the trekking experience in various ways.

Importance of Hiring Local Guides and Porters for Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Safety and Navigation: Local guides possess invaluable knowledge of the region, including the terrain, weather patterns, and potential hazards. Their expertise ensures a safer and more secure trekking experience, reducing the risks associated with getting lost or encountering adverse conditions.
• Cultural Insights: Guides serve as invaluable conduits, unveiling cultural insights into the intricacies of local communities, their time-honored traditions, and the very essence of their way of life. This invaluable addition imparts a deeper dimension to the journey, enabling trekkers to forge meaningful connections with the region, delving into its soul on a profound level that transcends mere exploration.
• Supporting Local Economy: Hiring local guides and porters contributes directly to the local economy, supporting the livelihoods of the communities residing along the trekking route.
• Environmental Awareness: Local guides are often well-versed in responsible trekking practices and environmental conservation. Their guidance helps trekkers minimize their ecological impact on the fragile mountain environment.

How to Find Reliable Guides and Porters for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

• Through Trekking Agencies: Trekking agencies in Nepal can arrange guides and porters for your Annapurna Circuit Trek. Look for reputable agencies with positive reviews and certified guides.
• Recommendations: Seek recommendations from fellow trekkers or friends who have previously undertaken the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into finding reliable guides and porters.
• Guides and Porters Association: Nepal has associations of trekking guides and porters that regulate and ensure the welfare of these professionals. Hiring guides and porters through such associations ensures fair treatment and ethical practices.

Benefits of Having a Guide on the Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Route Navigation: Guides are responsible for navigating the trail, ensuring you stay on the right path and avoid potential hazards.
• Cultural Interpretation: Guides enrich your trek by sharing cultural knowledge, stories, and insights about the places you visit and the people you encounter.
• Safety and First Aid: In case of any emergencies or health concerns, guides are trained to provide first aid and promptly seek assistance if needed.
• Logistical Support: Guides can help with logistics such as arranging accommodations, meals, and necessary permits, making your journey smoother and hassle-free.
• Porter Assistance: Porters shoulder the burden of carrying heavy backpacks, allowing you to trek with less weight and focus on enjoying the scenery.
• Camaraderie and Support: Having a guide and/or porter adds a sense of camaraderie and support throughout the trek, especially for solo trekkers.

By hiring local guides and porters, trekkers not only adhere to the compulsory regulations but also gain valuable companionship, expertise, and cultural enrichment on their Annapurna Circuit Trek. Embrace this opportunity to forge meaningful connections with the local community while ensuring a safer and more memorable adventure in the stunning Himalayas.

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Essential Gear and Packing

Proper gear and packing are vital for a comfortable and successful Annapurna Circuit Trek. Being well-prepared ensures you can fully enjoy the stunning landscapes and cultural experiences along the trail. Here’s a comprehensive packing list, including recommended clothing, footwear, and must-have equipment and accessories:

• Moisture-Wicking Base Layers: Long-sleeve shirts and pants made of moisture-wicking material to keep you dry and comfortable.
• Insulating Layers: Fleece jackets or down vests for warmth during chilly evenings and higher altitudes.
• Waterproof Jacket and Pants: Protect yourself from rain, wind, and snow with a reliable waterproof jacket and pants.
• Trekking Pants: Lightweight, quick-drying trekking pants for comfort and flexibility during the trek.
• T-shirts: Lightweight t-shirts for lower altitude trekking and casual wear at teahouses.
• Undergarments and Socks: Moisture-wicking underwear and thick socks to prevent blisters.
• Warm Hat and Gloves: Insulated, weather-resistant hat and gloves to keep your extremities warm.
• Sun Hat and Sunglasses: A wide-brimmed sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
• Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support for varied terrains.
• Camp Shoes or Sandals: Lightweight, comfortable shoes to wear at teahouses and around camp.

Must-Have Equipment and Accessories

• Backpack: A comfortable backpack with sufficient capacity (around 40-50 liters) to carry your essentials.
• Sleeping Bag: A warm, season-appropriate sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures.
• Trekking Poles: Optional but helpful for stability and reducing strain on knees during descents.
• Headlamp or Flashlight: A reliable light source for evening and early morning activities.
• Water Bottles and Hydration System: Carry at least two water bottles or a hydration bladder with a capacity of 2-3 liters.
• Water Purification: Water purification tablets or a portable water filter for treating water from natural sources.
• First Aid Kit: Basic medical supplies, including adhesive bandages, pain relievers, antiseptic, and blister treatment.
• Sunscreen and Lip Balm: High SPF sunscreen and lip balm with UV protection.
• Personal Toiletries: Toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer for personal hygiene.
• Towel: Lightweight and quick-drying travel towel.
• Camera and Chargers: Capture stunning landscapes with a camera and carry spare batteries or a power bank.
• Documents: Keep your passport, permits, and other important documents in a waterproof pouch.

Optional Gear

• Gaiters: To keep snow, rocks, and debris out of your boots.
• Trekking Umbrella: For sun and rain protection.
• Trekking or Camping Pillow: For added comfort during rest breaks.
• Notebook and Pen: To jot down memorable moments and observations.

Remember to pack light and efficiently. Carrying unnecessary items can add weight and reduce your trekking enjoyment. Prioritize comfort, versatility, and weather-appropriate clothing and gear.

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Cultural Insights and Interaction

The Annapurna region weaves an enchanting tale of not just breathtaking landscapes but also a cultural kaleidoscope. Embarking on the Annapurna Circuit Trek opens the gateway to an extraordinary adventure, immersing you in the vibrant mosaic of local traditions, customs, and ways of life.

This enticing journey introduces you to the diverse cultures that thrive within the region, guiding you with principles of respectful behavior towards the welcoming local communities. Embrace the opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange along the trek, as you become a part of the rich tapestry that connects hearts across cultures and transcends geographical boundaries.

Diverse Cultures of the Annapurna Region

• Gurungs: The Gurungs are an indigenous ethnic group known for their warm hospitality and traditional music and dance performances, such as the famous Gurung dance “Ghatu.”
• Thakalis: The Thakali people are renowned for their expertise in hospitality and are well-known for serving delicious traditional dishes, including Thakali Khana, a flavorful combination of various delicacies.
• Manangis: The Manangi people inhabit the picturesque Manang Valley and have a distinct culture influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Their traditional houses, called “Gompas,” reflect their spiritual practices.
• Tibetans: The influence of Tibetan culture is prominent as you venture closer to the northern parts of the trek. The region is home to Tibetan refugees who have brought their customs, art, and language to the area.

Etiquette and Respectful Behavior Towards Local Communities

• Greeting: Greet locals with a smile and a “ Namaste ” or “Tashi Delek” (Tibetan greeting) as a sign of respect.
• Dress Code: Dress modestly, especially when visiting monasteries and sacred sites. Avoid revealing clothing to respect local customs.
• Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals or religious sites. Some places may have restrictions on photography.
• Eating Etiquette: Use your right hand for eating, as the left hand is considered unclean. Accept food and drinks with both hands as a sign of gratitude.
• Cultural Sites: When visiting monasteries or temples, follow the rules and guidelines set by the locals, such as removing your shoes before entering.

Opportunities for Cultural Exchange during the Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Homestays: Some villages along the trek route offer homestay experiences, allowing you to live with local families and experience their daily life firsthand.
• Local Festivals: If your trek coincides with a local festival, consider participating in the celebrations to experience the cultural vibrancy and spiritual significance.
• Teahouse Interactions: Take the time to engage in conversations with teahouse owners, staff, and fellow trekkers from different parts of the world. Sharing stories and experiences fosters cultural exchange.
• Language Exchange: Learn some basic Nepali or Tibetan phrases and interact with locals using their language. They will appreciate your efforts and enthusiasm.
• Traditional Performances: In some villages, you may have the opportunity to witness traditional cultural performances organized by the locals. Be respectful and appreciative of their efforts.

Embracing the local communities with openness and utmost respect holds the key to enriching not just your own trekking experience but also fostering a positive cultural exchange between travelers and the gracious people of the Annapurna region.

By immersing yourself in this aspect of the journey, you shall unlock a profound understanding of the region’s cherished heritage and the warm-hearted souls who call it home. This reciprocal embrace of cultures imparts a shared wisdom and lasting memories, transcending the boundaries of mere tourism, and kindling a legacy of cherished connections and transformative experiences.

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Ensuring safety and being prepared for emergencies is paramount during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. While the journey offers incredible experiences, being aware of potential risks and having a well-thought-out emergency plan can make the difference between a successful trek and a challenging situation.

General Safety Precautions on the Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Acclimatization: Prioritize acclimatization by ascending gradually and taking rest days at higher altitudes to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
• Weather Awareness: Stay informed about weather conditions and be prepared for sudden changes in the mountain environment.
• Follow the Trail: Stick to marked trails and avoid shortcuts to prevent getting lost or encountering unsafe terrain.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the trek to avoid dehydration, especially at higher elevations.
• Buddy System: Trek with a partner or in a group, and inform others of your intended route and itinerary.
• Equipment Check: Regularly inspect your gear, including footwear, clothing, and trekking poles, to ensure they are in good condition.
• Environmental Respect: Adhere to Leave No Trace principles and respect the natural environment and local culture.

Creating an Emergency Plan and Communication Channels

• Register with Authorities: Before starting the trek, register your details and itinerary with the appropriate authorities or your trekking agency.
• Emergency Contacts: Carry a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services, trekking agencies, the embassy, and travel insurance companies.
• Trekking Partners: Share your emergency plan with your trekking partners, and establish a system to stay connected and informed during the trek.
• Check-In Points: Identify specific check-in points with your group or trekking agency where you will confirm your safety and progress.
• Communication Devices: Carry a fully charged mobile phone with a local SIM card, a power bank, and a satellite phone (if available).

Basic First Aid Knowledge for Common Trekking Injuries

• Blisters: Clean the blister with antiseptic, apply a blister pad or moleskin, and avoid popping it.
• Sprains and Strains: Rest, elevate the injured area and use a compression bandage to reduce swelling.
• Cuts and Scrapes: Clean the wound with water and antiseptic, cover it with a sterile dressing, and apply antibiotic ointment if available.
• Altitude Sickness: If experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, descend to a lower elevation immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
• Hypothermia and Frostbite: Dress in warm, dry layers and seek shelter in case of extreme cold. Warm up frostbitten areas with body heat.
• Dehydration: Drink water regularly and ensure your urine remains a light color. Rehydrate with oral rehydration solutions if needed.

Important Note: Having a first aid kit with essential medical supplies is crucial. Ensure someone in your group is familiar with first aid procedures.

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Responsible Trekking

The essence of responsible trekking lies at the very heart of preserving the pristine natural beauty, upholding the rich cultural tapestry, and fostering the sustainability of the illustrious Annapurna Circuit.

Embracing the mantle of duty as devoted trekkers, we are entrusted with the profound responsibility of curbing our environmental impact, revering the cherished local communities, and bestowing our benevolent contributions upon the region’s enduring welfare.

Through this sacred covenant, we harmonize our spirits with the land’s essence, embarking on a transformative journey that intertwines our destinies with the very fabric of this awe-inspiring terrain.

Importance of Responsible Trekking and Leave No Trace Principles

• Conservation of Nature: Responsible trekking ensures the conservation of the pristine natural environment of the Annapurna region. By adhering to Leave No Trace principles, trekkers leave minimal impact on the fragile ecosystem, protecting the diverse flora and fauna.
• Cultural Preservation: Responsible trekking honors local communities’ cultural heritage, fostering understanding and appreciation. We unite as stewards, respecting the Annapurna Circuit’s revered legacy.
• Sustainable Tourism: Responsible trekking promotes sustainable tourism practices, which benefit the local economy and support the livelihoods of the people living along the trekking route.
• Preserving Pristine Trails: By minimizing human impact, responsible trekking helps maintain the integrity and beauty of the trekking trails for future generations to enjoy.

Minimizing the Trek’s Impact on the Environment

• Pack In, Pack Out: Carry all your trash and non-biodegradable waste with you and dispose of it properly at designated facilities in lower-altitude settlements.
• Use Designated Campsites: Camp only at designated campsites and teahouses to avoid damaging delicate ecosystems and agricultural lands.
• Avoid Littering: Keep the trekking trails and teahouse surroundings clean by not littering or dumping waste.
• Water Conservation: Use water sparingly and avoid wastage during showers and washing.
• Stay on Marked Trails: Avoid trampling on vegetation and wildlife by staying on marked trails and avoiding shortcuts.

Supporting Local Initiatives for Sustainable Tourism

• Choose Local Products: Support the local economy by purchasing locally-made handicrafts and products.
• Use Local Services: Opt for locally owned and operated teahouses, guides, and porters to contribute directly to the community.
• Respect Cultural Sites: Be respectful when visiting monasteries, temples, and cultural sites. Follow the rules and guidelines set by the local community.
• Community Contributions: Inquire about local community projects and initiatives aimed at environmental conservation and social development. Consider making voluntary contributions to support these projects.
• Responsible Photography: Be mindful when taking photos of people and religious sites. Always seek permission and avoid intruding on personal or sacred spaces.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is an awe-inspiring journey through the majestic Himalayas, perfect for beginners seeking an unforgettable adventure. Embrace the cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality of the local communities.

As first-time trekkers, let the experience push your limits and fill your heart with wonder. You may overcome obstacles and make lasting experiences with careful preparation, responsible hiking, and a cheerful attitude.

Keep hydrated, choose your acclimatization strategies carefully, and take it all in slowly. Remember, every ascent leads to new horizons. So, take that leap of faith, embrace the unknown, and savor the joy of the Annapurna Circuit Trek – an experience like no other. Happy trekking!

Annapurna Circuit Trek: FAQs

• How long does the Annapurna Circuit Trek take for beginners?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes around 12 to 14 days for beginners, depending on the chosen itinerary and acclimatization.

• What permits do I need for Annapurna Circuit Trek, and how can I obtain them?

Permits required for the trek are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. You can obtain them through registered trekking agencies or the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

• Is prior trekking experience necessary for beginners?

Prior trekking experience is not necessary for beginners, but good physical fitness and mental preparation are recommended.

• What are the risks of trekking at high altitudes on Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Risks of trekking at high altitudes include altitude sickness, extreme weather conditions, and potential health challenges.

• How challenging is the Thorong La Pass?

The Thorong La Pass is challenging due to its high elevation (5,416 meters), but it is achievable with proper acclimatization and preparation.

• Can I do the trek independently without a guide?

Yes, you can do the trek independently without a guide, but hiring a guide is recommended for safety, cultural insights, and navigating the trail.

• Are there vegan food options available on the Annapurna Circuit trek?

Yes, many teahouses offer vegan food options along the Annapurna Circuit trek.

• How do I prepare for potential altitude sickness?

To prepare for potential altitude sickness, acclimatize gradually, stay hydrated, and be familiar with the symptoms and remedies.

• What kind of weather can I expect during the Annapurna Circuit trek?

The weather during the trek varies, with lower altitudes experiencing milder climates and higher elevations being colder and prone to snow.

• What types of accommodations are available on the trail?

The primary accommodations along the Annapurna Circuit Trek trail are teahouses, offering basic lodging and meals.

• Is it safe to drink water from natural sources?

Enhancing water safety in natural sources involves purifying it through water purification tablets or portable filters, ensuring optimal drinking conditions.

• How much should I tip my guide and porter for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Tipping guidelines suggest around 10-15% of the trek cost for guides and 5-10% for porters as a token of appreciation.

• Are there any age restrictions for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

There are no strict age restrictions, but good health and physical fitness are essential for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

• What type of travel insurance should I get for the trek?

Comprehensive travel insurance should cover medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation.

• How do I get to the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit trek?

You can reach the starting point of the trek in Besisahar by bus or private vehicle from Kathmandu or Pokhara.

• What can I do to reduce my environmental impact while trekking?

Minimize environmental impact with Leave No Trace principles , opting for reusable items, and refrain from littering.

• Are there any rescue services available in case of emergencies?

Indeed, emergency rescue services are available. Prioritize travel insurance that includes helicopter evacuation coverage for any contingencies.

• Can I rent trekking gear in Nepal?

Yes, trekking gear can be rented in Nepal, including sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles.

• What are the top highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Top highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek include Thorong La Pass, diverse landscapes, beautiful villages, and cultural experiences.

• Are there any cultural practices I should be aware of during the trek?

Respect local customs, ask for permission before taking photos, and dress modestly when visiting cultural sites during the trek.

  Quick Overview

Trip duration.

12 to 22 Days

Trip Distance

160 to 230 Kilometers

Challenging

Max-Altitude

5416m at Thorung La Pass

$ 900 to $ 4000 per Person

Accommodation

Tea House or Guest House

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

Trip Permits

TIMS and ACAP

Transportation

Compulsory to Have a Licensed Guide

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A Travel Blog by Katie Chavez

Everything You Need To Know Before Trekking the Annapurna Circuit

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Use this detailed Annapurna Circuit trek guide to help plan your trekking Annapurna Circuit adventure. I hiked the Annapurna Circuit in March 2023 and it was one of the best things I have ever done. Happy trekking!

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most well-known, and most beautiful, multi-day treks in the world. It takes you around the Annapurna Massif and through two mountain valleys high into the Himalayas in Nepal.

You will pass through colorful Tibetan and Nepalese villages, across raging rivers on suspension bridges, past prayer wheels and temples, and over mountain passes covered in snow.

You will see some of the most epic and incredible mountain scenery anywhere in the world, and it will be tough, but it also may be one of the best experiences of your life, I know it was for me.

I had wanted to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek for as long as I could remember and I had tried to do it twice before, but my attempts were thwarted both times due to differing circumstances. I finally hiked the circuit in March 2023 and it was well and truly worth the wait.

In fact, it is one of my absolute favorite travel experiences after traveling the world for nearly 20 years through 67 countries. Seriously.

I put together this Annapurna Circuit Trek guide to help you decide how you are going to do the trek and all the info you need to know when planning for it. I hope it’s helpful.

My Ultimate Trekking Annapurna Circuit Guide: All the Info

The full original Annapurna Circuit trek starts in Besisahar and ends in Nayapul. It is 260km/161 miles and it takes around two to three weeks to hike, depending on your pace. Basic roads have since been built from Besisahar to Manang, and Muktinath to Nayapul so there are now only three days of walking where there are no roads at all.

The highest point is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), and the starting point in Besisahar is 760 meters (2,490 feet). Due to the large change in elevation, the scenery is diverse and slowly changes as you ascend and then descend after summiting the pass.

Do You Need a Guide?

As of April 1 2023, you officially do need to hire a guide for trekking the Annapurna Circuit but from what I have been hearing in the Annapurna Circuit Trek Facebook group , a lot of people have been hiking independently and haven’t had any issues doing so.

We hiked the Annapurna Circuit independently and it was a good option for us although our friends had a guide and there are a lot of benefits for that too.

Pros of Trekking the Annapurna Circuit Independently: Less expensive, more freedom to plan your trek as you go, and it’s more likely you will end up meeting and hiking with other hikers.

Cons of Trekking the Annapurna Circuit Independently: If something goes wrong it’ll be harder to get help, it can be very stressful route planning and doing everything yourself, it’s more likely you could get lost, and you won’t get all the background, history, etc of where you are hiking.

In comparison, here are the pros and cons of hiking with a guide or on a group tour:

Pros of Trekking the Annapurna Circuit With a Guide: Gain knowledge of the places you are hiking, supporting the local community, no stressful route planning, guides know the best guesthouses for lunch and to stay at, your guide will keep you safe, and if something happens they will know how to contact help.

Cons of Trekking the Annapurna Circuit With a Guide: More expensive, isn’t always conducive to meeting independent trekkers, could be a bad experience if you don’t end up liking or trusting your guide or group, a more rigid schedule.

If you are hiking solo or don’t have a lot of high-altitude hiking or any hiking experience, I highly recommend you hire a guide or join a group package for your Annapurna Circuit trek . This trek is no joke and many people have died over the years from bad weather, altitude sickness, falls, and more. Don’t be one of them.

Is it Still Worth Trekking the Annapurna Circuit?

Some people who trekked the Annapurna Circuit years ago before the road was built say that it isn’t worth hiking it anymore, but I disagree. I can’t compare what it was like hiking it then to now but I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and it is definitely worth hiking.

It is relatively easy to avoid the road for a lot of the time as alternative walking trails have been built. We also found the road from Besisahar to Manang had hardly any vehicles on it when we trekked in early March, although this could be completely different in the busiest months of April, November, and December.

The Best Time To Trek the Annapurna Circuit

There are two trekking windows where it is the best time to hike the Annapurna Circuit – mid-March to the beginning of May, and October and November. The autumn months of October and November are the most popular due to the skies being clearer at lower elevations and the weather generally being more stable.

You can technically hike the Annapurna Circuit all year round but it would be bitterly cold in winter (December – February) and the pass is more likely to close due to too much snow and dangerous storms. In the hot summer months of June – August, it is very hot and wet at lower elevations of the hike and there is a serious risk of landslides so it is also not recommended to hike the circuit then.

We started hiking a couple of weeks before the spring season officially started, from March 1st-13th. We did have one day when we were snowed in at Manang (luckily it was our scheduled rest day!) and then quite thick snow the next day and from Thorong Phedi up to Thorong La Pass but we generally had beautiful weather. It was colder at higher altitudes than it would have been a month or so later though. 

It was also a little hazy for the first three days until we reached higher altitudes and we had a few afternoon storms but we were done hiking for the day once they hit. The plus of starting in early March is that the crowds are much thinner, and it is much more comfortable hiking at lower temperatures – it can get very hot and sticky by April.

Annapurna Trek Permits

Pre-April 1st 2023, you needed to apply for both TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management Systems) and ACAP ( Annapurna Conservation Management Project ) before trekking if you were hiking independently.

From everything I have been reading recently, you no longer need to apply for a TIMS card, just ACAP if you are hiking without a guide. You can get your ACAP at the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, the office in Besisahar has just recently closed.

I have also read that you can get it in Khudi which is a village close to Besisahar but I’m not sure exactly where the office is.

It costs 3,000 rupees (around $23) and you need to take your passport, two passport photos (I believe you can get photos taken for free there but I took my own), proof of your insurance, and the fee in Nepalese rupees. Check opening times for the office you plan to go to to ensure you don’t turn up when it is closed.

If you have hired a guide or are on a group tour, they will organize the ACAP for you, they’ll just need the above items to do this.

My Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary: Besisahar To Marpha

There are so many ways you can do this trek depending on how much time you have, what your fitness level is, how many hours you want to hike each day, and your budget – the options are endless.

I did a lot of research before we did the hike to decide what Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary would best fit with what I wanted out of the experience and I was really happy with how everything turned out. 

I spent thirteen days trekking from Besisahar to Marpha including a rest day in Manang. We also cut out the 10km dusty road section between Kagbeni and Jomsom by taking a bus.

My goal was to hike for 5-7 hours per day and then have the late afternoon/evenings to socialize and relax in the teahouses. Experiencing the teahouses is a big part of what makes the Annapurna Circuit special. We could have pushed ourselves more and hiked more miles per day but I’m really happy with how we did it.

Here is the basic outline of our Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary:

Day 1: Bus from Pokhara to Besisahar – 5 hours. Besisahar to Bhulbhule – 9km/5.6 miles.

Day 2: Bhulbhule to Jagat – 19km/11.8 miles.

Day 3: Jagat to Dharapani – 17km/10.5 miles.

Day 4: Dharapani to Chame – 17km/10.5 miles.

Day 5: Chame to Upper Pisang – 16km/10 miles.

Day 6: Upper Pisang to Ngawal – 10km/6.2 miles.

Day 7: Ngawal to Manang – 10km/6.2 miles

Day 8: Rest day in Manang.

Day 9: Manang to Yak Kharka – 11km/6.8 miles.

Day 10: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi – 6.5km/4 miles.

Day 11: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath – 16km/10 miles.

Day 12: Muktinath to Kagbeni – 16km/10 miles.

Day 13: Bus from Kagbeni to Jomsom – 1 hour. Hike Jomsom to Marpha – 9km/5.6 miles.

Day 14: Bus from Marpha to Tatopani – 3 hours. Soak in the hot springs.

Day 15: Bus from Tatopani to Pokhara – 5.5 hours.

We had originally planned to hike from Tatopani to Poon Hill and then finish in Ngawal but Toby’s shoulder was really hurting him (he broke his collarbone a few years ago) and the weather was turning so we decided to head back to Pokhara via Tatopani from Marpha.

As it was early in the season, we decided not to do the side trip to Tilicho Lake because the lake was frozen, everything was completely covered in snow, and it was so cold at high elevations. If I hiked it in a month where it wasn’t frozen, I would have likely added it to my Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary.

What To Pack For the Annapurna Circuit Trek

What you should pack for the Annapurna Circuit varies depending on what time of year you are going. I hiked the circuit in early March so I needed to bring warmer clothes than I would have needed for September, October, April, or May.

Thermals, a fleece, a puffer jacket, warm socks, gloves, and a wooly hat are all important for the colder months. And definitely bring toilet paper – there is none provided at any of the tea houses.

I have an extremely detailed packing list where you can see exactly what I packed, what I wish I had packed, and what I didn’t end up needing.

Insurance For the Annapurna Circuit Trek

You are required to have insurance for your trek (you will need to show it to get your ACAP). As many people suffer from altitude sickness while hiking and there have been a lot of helicopter rescues over the years, make sure you have insurance that will cover you for hiking up to 5,500 meters.

I went with a World Nomads Standard Plan which covers you for hiking up to 6,000 meters. I didn’t have to use it (luckily) so I can’t comment on how good they are but I have read mixed reviews.

How To Get To the Start of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek officially begins in Besisahar, where buses from Kathmandu and Pokhara arrive. The bus takes approximately 5 hours from Pokhara and about 8 hours from Kathmandu.  

These times are approximate because the roads in Nepal are terrible and it can be really slow going, especially with the ongoing road works.

If you are taking the bus from Pokhara, it costs around 700-800 rupees (we paid 750 rupees each = $5.50), and you can either purchase it from a travel agent or from your accommodation.  

The bus departs at 6.30am from the tourist bus park (named as such on Google Maps) off Rastra Bank Road. We were staying at the northern end of Lakeside and a taxi to the bus station cost 400 rupees.

If you are taking a bus from Kathmandu, you can also purchase your ticket from your accommodation or from a travel agent. The ticket costs around 1000-1500 rupees and buses leave at 7am. This is for a direct tourist bus of which there are multiple companies.

You will have to put your larger bags on the roof of the bus (it is then covered and roped up) so I advise you to keep your valuables and anything you need for the bus trip in a small bag on your person.  

Also, put a waterproof bag cover on your larger bag in case it rains because the bags aren’t generally completely covered up on top.

If you are short on time and don’t want to start hiking from Besisahar, you could take a local bus another 7 km or so from Besisahar to Bhulbhule or a bit further to Ngadi (usually easy to do on the same day unless your bus from Kathmandu is really late) or hire a jeep (ask around in town) to take you as far as Manang.

I don’t recommend starting in Manang. The road to get there is rough going and you will spend a full day getting there by jeep. It is also essential to acclimate slowly.  

Starting in Jagat or Dharapani are good options if you want to shave some time off and not miss too much beautiful scenery. If I did it again I would have taken the bus to Bhulbhule and hiked from there because the first day wasn’t super interesting.

The cheapest way to back to Pokhara or Kathmandu when you finish hiking is by taking buses. We caught buses from Kagbeni to Jomsom, Marpha to Tatopani, and Tatopani to Pokhara without any issues.  

Speak to your accommodation about how to purchase a bus ticket and where to catch the bus.

Alternatively, you could hire a jeep and driver but you are looking at $200+ depending on how far you are going. You can also enquire about getting a ride in a jeep at your accommodation.

Navigating When Trekking the Annapurna Circuit

We downloaded and used Maps.me for navigating on the Annapurna Circuit and it mostly steered us well. I also used detailed day-by-day descriptions of the trail from a couple of different blogs including this one and this one .

There are actually a lot of options for trails and you can also choose to hike on the road. Sometimes you don’t have a choice. We tried to avoid the road as much as we could without adding lots of extra miles onto our day.

Sometimes it can be hard to choose which trail to take and it can be a bit of a crapshoot because sometimes the trail may be closed at a point or it’s longer or harder than you think it’ll be. We ended up hiking an extra 3 km on an already long day on day two which wasn’t ideal, and we had to backtrack for about 20 minutes when we were hiking to Marpha because a bridge was washed out.

There are landslides often in the wet season so sometimes trails are closed and that won’t be updated on Maps.me so it’s important to speak to your hosts at the teahouses to see if they have any information about any trail closures ahead.

Sometimes there will be signs saying the trail is closed ahead before you even start hiking that way, and other times you may get an hour down a trail to then have to turn around and backtrack because the trail is closed.

This is when it is handy to have a guide with you because they hike these trails often and have a lot more firsthand information about whether a certain trail is closed or not. 

I recommend reading posts on the Annapurna Circuit Trek Facebook group , there are lots of helpful posts from people who have just finished hiking (or are currently hiking) the circuit including what sections of trails are closed.

You can also purchase detailed guidebooks and topography maps. We purchased a topography map but didn’t end up using it.

Where To Stay on the Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit is a teahouse trek and you will be staying in teahouses in the small villages along the Annapurna Circuit. If you are traveling with a guide, these guesthouses will be picked out for you but if you are traveling independently, you will just turn up in a town, find one that looks good, and enquire if they have any rooms.

At the beginning of our trek, we mostly negotiated a free room if we purchased dinner and breakfast at the teahouse and this was usually not an issue. We always made sure to get tea and apple pie on arrival too and to purchase some snacks. 

Negotiating a free room if you are eating meals there is the norm on the Annapurna Circuit but I changed my view about this practice as time went on. The meals are very cheap, especially at lower elevations, and I don’t think it is fair to not pay for the room if you are eating your meals there. 

The room prices are usually only a few dollars (this gets more expensive the higher you hike) which is not a lot for a Western traveler but goes a lot further for the locals so I encourage you to pay it as well as eating there.

Teahouse accommodation is pretty simple with no heating in the rooms, but these days you usually get free WiFi and some teahouses even have hot showers! If it’s really cold, you can ask for extra blankets. Some teahouses have rooms with private bathrooms but most of the ones we stayed in had shared bathrooms outside the rooms.

Most of the teahouse rooms we stayed in had twin beds rather than double beds, so I wasn’t able to utilize Toby’s body heat, unfortunately.

To stay warm in the evenings, you can hang out and meet other hikers in the dining room area as there is usually a potbellied stove that is lit for the evening and morning when it is cold. From Chame onwards, our room was too cold to stay in there longer than necessary.

We were lucky that in most places we stayed at there were Western-style toilets but it’s pretty much inevitable that you will come across squat toilets at some stage of the hike, especially between Manang and Muktinath.

Food on the Annapurna Circuit

While you will still find Dal Baht everywhere (Dal Bhat power 24-hour!), you can actually find a lot of other food options along the trail. 

For lunch and dinner, Dal Baht is usually the cheapest option and is delicious so we ate that a lot. Dal Bhat consists of lentil curry, rice, curried potatoes, and pickled vegetables with a papadum, and you get unlimited free refills (except for papadums unfortunately).

We also had Thukpa (noodle soup), vegetable soups, pasta dishes, fried noodles, fried rice, vegetarian and chicken momos, yak burgers, sandwiches, and even pizza along the Annapurna Circuit.

For breakfast, I usually had porridge or a pancake with apples or bananas,  Tibetan bread with honey, and boiled eggs. Boiled eggs are great to put in your bag for a snack later on and I did this often.

I also had almost daily apple pies – the Annapurna Circuit is known as the apple pie trail so it had to be done. We also found a few delicious bakeries that had apple donuts, cake, and cinnamon rolls.

For drinks, you can find bottled water, soda, beer, and even spirits and wine at some guest houses. Masala tea is everywhere and I loved the hot lemon and honey drinks and hot chocolate. Unfortunately, at most teahouses the coffee is instant but you’ll find real coffee at a couple of places along the way.

If I had been coming from New Zealand I would have packed some Jed’s coffee bean bags so I could make my own coffee because I really don’t like instant. Next time!

The food at the Tilicho Hotel in Manang- especially the cinnamon rolls, apple crumble, coffee, and vegetarian lasagne – was the best I had on the trail.

I also loved the apple donut and real coffee I had from the little glass pyramid cafe in Bhratang (after Chame), shakshuka and real coffee from Hotel Bob Marley in Muktinath, the yak burger happy meal from Yak Donald’s in Kagbeni, and the Dal Bhat and apple and custard pie from Hotel Sonam in Marpha.

If you are vegan or gluten-free, Dal Bhat will be your best friend (double check it’s vegan because some may have traces of dairy). 

Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost

Your Annapurna Trek cost can obviously differ depending on how spendy you are. Toby and I are mid to high-end budget travelers these days so we wanted to have enough money to get occasional Western meals, daily apple pie, lots of tea, occasional beers, as well as having an emergency stash.

Our big unexpected splurge was hiring a porter for the Thorong La Pass day and we had to purchase some gear in Manang.

I tracked all of my Annapurna Circuit Trek costs during my 13 days of hiking (and the 1.5 days spent traveling back to Pokhara after) and I spent a total of $389. This works out to $27 per day. I didn’t include the cost of the porter for one day ($45 for my half) or the gear we bought in Manang, but this includes the ACAP permit and the bus to and from Pokhara.

This is what we spent as independent trekkers. If you are going to hire a guide the going rate is usually $25-$35 per day (per guide, not per person) and a tip of around 10-20% is the norm. If you are hiring a porter to carry your bag, this is generally $15-$25 per day.

Also keep in mind that for most of our trek, we didn’t pay for accommodation, except in Manang, Yak Kharka, Kagbeni, and Marpha, so if you are paying for accommodation every night that is a few more dollars per day.

These are some of the costs for when I trekked the Annapurna Circuit in March 2023:

• Bus from Pokhara to Besisahar 750 rupees
• Chocolate bar 200 rupees
• Plate of vegetable momos 550 rupees
• Room with attached bathroom 300-1200 rupees
• Local bus from Kagbeni to Jomsom 250 rupees
• Hot springs entry in Tatopani 150 rupees
• Local bus from Marpha to Tatopani 1000 rupees
• Local bus from Tatopani to Pokhara 900 rupees

Important Tips For Your Trek

• Get out enough cash to last you for the full trek as there are only a couple of places to get cash along the way (Manang is one of the main ones) and the ATMs aren’t always working. I recommend $30-$35 per day for the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost to be on the safe side.
• Download Maps.me for the full Annapurna Circuit Trek
• Download any blog posts with information that you want to read when you are offline (hint, hint)
• Have a printed copy of your insurance details, you’ll need this for the ACAP but it’s good to have in case something happens on the trek.
• Purchase some snacks and something to eat for lunch on the first day. You may be stuck on a bus for most of the day and you want to hit the ground running when you arrive in Besisihar.
• Purchase a Nepalese SIM card. It’s good to have this for coverage when you are staying at a teahouse with no WiFi and in case you need to call emergency services or your insurance provider.
• If you do hire a guide, or a porter, or go with an organized group tour, make sure to take cash for tipping. I believe $5 per person per day is customary.
• For cold nights, fill up your Nalgene with boiling water and sleep with it in your sleeping bag. It will warm you up a lot. We didn’t have a Nalgene with us so we purchased large plastic water bottles, put the water in our water bladders then asked them to fill the bottles with boiling water. They do lose their shape from the heat but we didn’t have any issues with leaking.
• Consider if you want to use Diamox to avoid altitude sickness. Read up on the side effects and maybe try it out at lower altitudes first to make sure you don’t have a bad reaction. We used it because I got altitude sickness on the Inca Trail and it was horrendous. The only side effects we got were occasional pins and needles in our feet and on my chin, weirdly enough. Neither of us had any symptoms of altitude sickness for the whole trek, not even a headache. You can get it prescribed by your doctor or get it over the counter once you get to Nepal.
• You may be trying to decide whether you want to hire a porter to carry your bag. If you can pack light I don’t think it’s necessary BUT you can find porters along the trail to hire for even just a day. We ended up doing this for the summit day because Toby was worried about his bad knee on the 1,600 meters downhill after getting over the pass and I was worried about my asthmatic breathing at high altitude. We spoke to staff at the lodge in Thorong Phedi and they found someone for us. It won’t be cheap if you do this (it costs us $90!) but for us, it was so worth it and made our summit day so much more pleasant.
• You can also hire a mule to take you over the pass, we saw an older woman on a mule being led by a guide. It took her from High Camp to just before the pass.
• If you are hiking in the shoulder season like us and aren’t sure if you need some items like microspikes, there are a couple of gear shops in Manang that aren’t ridiculously priced. You can get trekking clothing, trekking poles, gaiters, microspikes, snacks and more. We even paid to get our laundry done in Manang.
• Don’t ascend more than 300-400 meters per day over 3,000 meters. If you follow this rule you are less likely to get altitude sickness. If you can, after dropping your bags at your teahouse home for the night, do an acclimatization hike 100-200 meters further up and back. This will further help with acclimatizing to the high altitude.
• Before deciding your route outline, take into account what you want from this experience. For me, I enjoyed starting early, hiking for 4-7 hours, and then spending the afternoon and evening relaxing, chatting with other trekkers, and reading at the teahouse. We met a guy who was hiking 30km a day because he found hanging out in the teahouses boring, and that suited him. To each their own.
• If hiking out of the four main hiking months (March, April, October, and November), be aware that not all teahouses and shops, etc will be open yet. As we hiked at the beginning of March, a couple of weeks before the spring season started, we did see that a few places were closed. The clinic that does the free acclimatization talk and the movie theater weren’t open in Manang when we were there which was a bummer.
• For checking the weather on the Annapurna Circuit, I used this website . It seemed to be pretty accurate when I was hiking and it also has temperatures for different altitudes which was really helpful.

I hope this Trekking Annapurna Circuit guide was helpful. Let me know if you have any questions or feedback.

If you enjoyed this post, check out my other multi-day hiking posts:

• Ultimate Lightweight Annapurna Circuit Packing List
• Hike From Aspen to Crested Butte: The Best Hike in Colorado
• Hiking the Tongariro Northern Circuit: One of New Zealand’s Great Walks
• Trekking Kalaw to Inle Lake: The Best Trek I Have Ever Done
• Pushing Myself to the Limit on the Kepler Track Great Walk
• The Best Kauai Hiking Adventures
• Hiking to Abbot Pass Hut in the Canadian Rockies
• Hiking the Hillary Trail on Auckland’s Wild West Coast
• Hiking Between the Pueblos Mancomunados Villages in Mexico
• Dealing with Altitude Sickness on the World-Famous Inca Trail in Peru

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Trekking type, annapurna circuit trek: how to hike around the annapurnas, by jan bakker.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is the most famous trekking circuit in Nepal. With some of the tallest mountains on Earth, tumbling glaciers and an incredible variety of landscapes, this trek represents everything what trekking in Nepal is about. It takes more than two weeks to circumnavigate the Annapurna Massif while staying in cozy tea houses. Over the last few years, we at Bookatrekking.com have helped hundreds of people to find their way in the Nepali Himalayas and now it's your turn.

Our team members have trekked all over the globe, but in terms of mountain landscapes the Annapurna Circuit remains high up there as one of our favorites. Why is this classic trek so special? Let us tell you why!

Annapurna Circuit Trekking: The Ultimate Trek in Nepal

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In the late 1970’s, when people started venturing into the Nepali Himalayas, the Annapurna Circuit was one of the first trekking routes to open for foreigners. In those days it took 23 days to hike around the Annapurna Massif. Fast forward to the present day, lots has changed. We’ll talk later about how trekking routes have changed in the past two decades, but one thing is for sure. The mountains of the Annapurna Massif are as stunning as they were 50 years ago.

The Annapurnas are close to Pokhara, about 6 hours west of Nepal’s capital Kathmandu. The small city, located on the shores of the stunning Phewa Lake, is the gateway to the Annapurna Massif. The Annapurna Circuit itself is a tea house trek, which means you stay in local guesthouses on the entire route. From the forested valleys at an elevation of 900 meters you’ll ascend to the Thorung La, the highest point of the trek at a whopping 5416 meter above sea level. The landscape gradually changes as you climb higher up the valley. Each day the giants of the Annapurna Massif reveal themselves a little bit more and your surroundings transform into a rugged alpine environment. The villages counter balance the mountains’ wild character. The tea houses are cozy and warm and you’ll be served endless cups of tea.

After scaling the Thorung La the route drops down into Lower Mustang, a high altitude desert with a completely different landscape. After the town of Jomsom the route continues to the hot springs of Tatopani, where you can soak and relax with fellow trekkers and locals alike. The final highlight of Annapurna Circuit is the climb up Poon Hill from Ghorepani. This is one of the most majestic viewpoints in Nepal, looking out over the entire Annapurna chain and spectacular mountains like Machapuchare and the 8167m high Dhaulagiri.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Accelerated

Annapurna Circuit Short

The Annapurna Circuit difficulty is quite low from a technical perspective. It's only walking and the path is in good condition in most places. It also helps that you stay in a guesthouse each night rather than a tent. You can get a proper rest without having to worry about logistics or getting cold. It really is the Annapurna Circuit altitude that makes the going tough sometimes. After all, it is a trek at high altitude, culminating to an elevation of 5416 meters on the Thorung La. In my experience, the Annapurna Circuit length also adds to the strenuous nature of the trek. The shortest version we offer involves 85 kilometers of trekking. On some days the distances are more than 20 kilometers. Those factors make the trek hard, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned hiker. You feel your body getting tired after a prolonged time on the trail. But maybe because of that, it feels like a true sense of achievement finishing the route from start to end. We are convinced when you do some training for the Annapurna Circuit and set off with the right mindset it is doable for most trekkers.

The Annapurna Region, along with most of the other trekking areas in Nepal, has four distinct seasons. Spring, summer, autumn and winter. The months from March to May, pre-monsoon, and from October to early December, post-monsoon, are the most popular for hiking the Annapurna Circuit. Every season offers its own excitement and atmosphere and in principle, you can go trekking year-round. There are good reasons why spring and autumn are considered the trekking season. Below we’ll give you a run-down of what each of the seasons are like.

Spring (March-May) is the high season and trekkers from around the globe come to the Annapurna Region in large numbers. In springtime, the temperature is pleasant, the precipitation is low and the hiking conditions are great. On the trail there’s a lot of excitement and anticipation to cross one of the highest mountain passes in the world for trekking, the Thorung La. It does get busy, but therefore it’s a great time to connect with like-minded adventurers. While temperatures in daytime along the trek are balmy, the temperature around the Thorung La can be very cold in the early morning, when you cross the pass. Check our complete Annapurna Circuit packing list further below in this blog post.

Summer season falls in the months of June, July and August. Summer is the month with higher temperatures and in that sense it is quite pleasant. However, this is also the monsoon season, and it rains a lot. The chance of seeing the mountains around you is smaller as it is cloudy most of the time. The trail will be wet and slippery and there is an increased risk of landslides. And leeches are very active during these months. On the flipside, it’s not very busy on the route and the traditional villages feel more serene.

Autumn in the Annapurna Region (September, October, November) is, like springtime, prime trekking season with similar trekking conditions. There is one difference. The air in spring is sometimes a little hazy due to the dust in the atmosphere. Post-monsoon the air is very clear, allowing for stunning views of the mountains.

Winter season runs from December to February. This period is the toughest time to trek on the Annapurna Circuit. With the Thorung La elevation exceeding the 5000 meters mark, it gets extremely cold. Night temperatures drop to -20 degrees Celsius. Add wind and snowfall and you’ve got yourself a proper winter expedition. Why do we still run the Annapurna Circuit trek in winter? We work with one of the best trekking companies in Nepal. Besides trekking trips they also organize climbing expeditions to some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas. Our local team keeps you safe and comfortable, even in these cold conditions. And you will probably have the entire trail to yourself!

During the last 20 years a lot has changed in the Annapurna Region. In the name of progress, the lower parts of the Marshyangdi Valley have been made more accessible by building. Originally, the Annapurna Circuit route always started in Besisahar. Nowadays some tour operators opt for a start deeper into the valley as a dirt road has been built all the way to the mountain village of Manang. Bhulbhule is our choice to start the trek. From here you can avoid the road and hike on walking paths rather than the road. The biggest change however is the road development on the western side of the route. In recent years, a road has been constructed from Pokhara to Jomsom and extended even to the village of Muktinath. Some parts of the road are tarmac, some are gravel. Regardless, it has had a big impact on the original Annapurna Circuit itinerary. Especially between Jomsom and Tatopani most tour operators cover this section by car, as the alternative would be walking on a relatively busy road. From Tatopani trekkers can follow the original route again towards Ghorepani, Poon Hill and beyond. Having said all this, the Annapurna Circuit remains one of the most spectacular treks in Nepal, simply because the actual landscape and culture hasn’t changed much.

Not sure yet or want to discuss your plans for the Annapurna Circuit Trek with one of our trekking experts? Get in touch today and turn your dreams into memories!

It is best to do the circuit in 15 or 18 days. The 18-day version is old school and only follows the oldest trails. However, more and more people are choosing to do the 15-day version. If you choose the 15-day trek, you are sure to have a short break halfway and can enjoy all the attractions that the Annapurna Circuit has to offer.

Drive to Bhulbhule

Trek to Chamje

Trek to Bagarchhap

Trek to Chame

Trek to Pisang

Trek to Manang

Acclimatisation in Manang

Trek to yak kharka.

Trek to Thorung Pedi

Thorung phedi.

Trek to Muktinath via Thorung La Pass

Trek to Jomsom

Drive to Tatopani

Trek to Ghorepani

Ghorepani – Poonhill – Nayapul

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

The Thorung La is no doubt the crux of the trek. Here, the Annapurna Circuit elevation reaches its absolute max at 5416 meters above sea level. It is an old trading route and connects with Tibet. The altitude of this mountain pass is higher than any mountain in the European Alps including Mont Blanc. In height it is comparable to a big mountain like Mount Elbrus in the Russian Caucasus. Do you need to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness ? For sure! Do you need special skills to cross the Thorung La? The answer is no. You just need to be fit!

It is a bit like scaling a mountain, but you are walking up rather than climbing. The day starts very early and you basically hit the trail before sunrise. The guides are doing the pacing to make sure you don’t head up too quickly. The path itself is not that steep, but you will feel the thin air at this altitude. From around 5000 meters we were walking on snow, with a good track carved out by the people who had gone before us. The snow really adds to the adventurous feeling of scaling a mountain pass this high. Looking back you can see all the big peaks of the Annapurnas as if you are at the same level with them and this is perhaps the most magical moment on the entire trek.

Reaching the Thorung La pass is an incredible, rewarding experience as it isn't easy. And from the top you still have a whopping 1600 vertical meters of descent to go to the village of Muktinath. Despite that, we believe that everybody with willpower, stamina and a sense of adventure can do it.

For trekking on the Annapurna Circuit, you need the following permits:

TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System):

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit

An ACAP Permit is obligatory for individuals who wish to explore the trekking routes within the Annapurna region. It is overseen by the National Trust for Nature with the primary goal of safeguarding and preserving the region's wildlife and natural environment. The funds gathered through this permit are dedicated to conservation efforts.

For each individual embarking on a single-entry trek, the cost of an ACAP Permit is Rs. 3000 (roughly USD25), regardless of the duration of the stay. These permits can be acquired in either Kathmandu or Pokhara, and there are designated checkpoints along the trail to maintain your trekking records.

Tea houses are small hotels known as Bhatti. These are small hotels and you can expect a certain level of comfort. However comfort in this high, remote region is relative. Tea houses are comfortable to the extent that you have a roof above your head and that you can enjoy warm, home-cooked meals. They are run by local families who have opened their houses to trekkers passing by.

Trekking in Nepal has become very popular in recent years, and more and more tea houses have popped up along Nepal’s trekking routes. The more popular your route, the better the quality of your tea house is. Hence, the tea houses on the Annapurna Circuit Trek are good value for money. You can expect flush toilets, hot showers and in some cases even wireless internet. The use of these amenities is usually at an additional charge.

It's essential to understand that altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or previous high-altitude experience. These days there are several tools to monitor your health at altitude. A widely-used (analog) method is the Lake Louise score card. It ticks the altitude symptoms while keeping the severity in mind. It’s a common tool used by guides. Nowadays, most trekking and mountain guides bring a blood oxygen saturation meter, which also measures the heart rate. These are key indicators whether a person adapts to altitude well or not. AMS can occur when trekking the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Below you can find everything you need to know about altitude sickness.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a health condition that occurs when someone is exposed to low levels of oxygen at higher altitudes. AMS is a serious condition and as the name suggests acute. It needs to be dealt with immediately, as it is potentially life-threatening. Most people will experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness. It’s important to be aware of these symptoms and act before symptoms become more severe. Below we break down the different forms of AMS and how you can reduce the risk of getting it.

AMS symptoms

It is key to know how to identify altitude illness. You may experience the following symptoms due to the jump in altitude: headache, lack of appetite, breathing difficulties, insomnia, nausea and vomiting. The intensity and severity of these symptoms may increase with altitude and an overall feeling of fatigue will take all your joy away. This may further deteriorate to one of these life-threatening conditions.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) : HAPE is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, a persistent cough, chest tightness, and an increased heart rate. It can be a life-threatening condition and requires immediate descent to lower altitudes and, in severe cases, medical treatment.

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) : HACE is a more serious condition in which fluid accumulates in the brain. Symptoms may include severe headaches, confusion, loss of coordination, and altered mental status. HACE is also a medical emergency and requires immediate descent and medical attention. Below 7 ways of minimizing the risk of AMS:

1. Gradual Ascent

One of the most effective ways to prevent AMS is to ascend gradually. When traveling to high altitudes, try to take several days to acclimatize before going higher. This allows your body to adapt to the reduced oxygen levels. All our treks in Nepal keep sufficient acclimatization into account.

2. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can increase the risk of AMS, so drink plenty of fluids. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Consume a balanced diet with adequate carbohydrates and avoid heavy, fatty meals. Carbohydrates can help your body utilize oxygen more efficiently at high altitudes.

4. Medication

Some individuals may consider taking medication, such as acetazolamide (Diamox), to help prevent AMS. Consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication, and be aware of potential side effects.

Ensure you get enough sleep and rest during your ascent. Fatigue can increase the risk of AMS.

6. Avoid Overexertion

Pace yourself and avoid overexertion. Listen to your body, and if you experience symptoms of AMS, rest or descend to a lower altitude.

7. Descend if Symptoms Persist

If you experience symptoms of AMS, such as headache, nausea, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, it's crucial to descend to a lower altitude. Symptoms should not be ignored or dismissed.

Trekking in Nepal requires good quality and appropriate equipment. Especially the essentials like a good pair of hiking boots and breathable hardshell rain jacket. We highly recommend that you read our suggested packing list to hike the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Technical Clothing

Accessories.

At Bookatrekking.com you can book this trek and many others. Our guided options come with experts on the ground, and offer you a convenient, stress-free, safe, and educational way to explore the outdoors. Find our offers here . Our easy-to-use platform allows you to browse and compare different trekking options and find the perfect fit for your interests, abilities, and budget.

If you have any questions about a specific trek or need help choosing the right one for you, our team of trekking experts is here to assist you. Simply reach out to us and we will be happy to provide you with personalized recommendations and advice to help you plan the trekking adventure of a lifetime.

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Annapurna Circuit - 11 Days

11 Day Trek to Annapurna Circuit

Essential Info

Good to know

Duration 11 days

Difficulty challenging

Max Altitude 5,416 m

Group Size 1 +

Trip Starts Kathmandu/Pokhara

Trip Ends Kathmandu/Pokhara

Group Style Group and Private

Activities Trekking

Best Season Mar-Jun & Sept-Dec

Overview about Annapurna Circuit - 11 Days

Spanning 11 days, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is a mesmerizing odyssey that begins from Besisahar and winds through lush valleys, terraced fields, and quaint villages. Trek through the Marshyangdi River gorge to Manang, acclimatizing and embracing the unique culture of the region. A detour leads you to the Tilicho Lake, one of the world’s highest lakes, surrounded by rugged mountains. Continue through the Thorong La Pass, an exhilarating feat at 5,416 meters, and descend to the sacred Muktinath Temple. Traverse through diverse landscapes, including the Kali Gandaki Gorge, before reaching Jomsom, where you conclude this unforgettable journey.

Day 0 : Airport/Tourist bus park

Airport/Tourist bus park picks up on arrival and transfers to the hotel, short arrival info and trip plan at the office.

Day 1 : Pokhar to Besisahar (760m) to Jagat (1,300m) 6 hours

Early morning by 6 am we  drive from Pokhara by Bus  for about  4 hours (125 km)  to the Besishar. On the way, you can see beautiful villages, farms, fast-flowing rivers, and glimpses of mountain ranges. After lunch we take sharing Jeep or reserved Jeep to reach Jagat on time. 

Day 2 : Jagat (1,300 m) to Dharapani (1,860m) 5 hours

After breakfast, we begin our trip to Dharapani. First, we leave Jagat, cross a suspension bridge, and reach Tal Village. At Tal, you can witness several   waterfalls forming a river by the sandy beaches. However, we will continue the journey that takes us through barley, rice, and potato fields leading us to Dharapani. Lunch on the way.

Day 3 : Trek from Dharapani (1,860m) to Chame (2,610m) 6 hours

After breakfast, we start our trek going through a forest with  pine, fir, oak,  and  maple trees,  eventually taking us to  Chame , the district headquarter of  Manang  district. You will see yourself surrounded by the green forests, and over you. Lamjung Himal,  Annapurna II , and  Annapurna IV (7,525m)  can be seen from there.   Lunch on the way.

Day 4 : Chame (2,610m) to Upper Pisang (3,300m) 5-6 hours

After breakfast, we walk through a steep and narrow valley to catch the views of Sworgadwar Rock Face –   a curved rock face rising  1500m  from the Marshyangdi River after crossing the bridge. From here, you will also see clear views of  Annapurna II  in the south and  Pisang Peak  in the northeast. Lunch on the way.

Day 5 : Upper Pisang (3,115m) to Manang (3,540m) 8 hours

After breakfast, we leave Pisang behind and trek on the upper trails of   Pisang  via  Ghyaru and Nawal village.  This path offers outstanding north face views of  Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho,  and  Pisang Peak.  Since we are ascending, you will feel the air turn cold, dry, and harsh. Even in this harsh environment, you will find Tibetan-style settlements. Lunch on the way

Day 6 : Rest and Acclimatization day at Manang

As we have gained a lot of elevation, and our body needs to acclimatize, so we will stop at Manang for a day. We will use this day to  explore Manang.   In the early morning, we hike up to  Gangapurna Lake.  During the day after lunch, we can also explore Manang village. Most trekkers visit the Himalayan Rescue Association in  Vraga village  to learn about Acute Mountain Sickness, its symptoms, and ways to prevent it. 

Day 7 : Manang (3,540m) to Kak kharka (4,060m) 4 hours.

After breakfast we start our trek. The trail from Manang to Yak Kharka is mostly gradual uphill. Along the way, you will be passing various meadows where the Yak and horse grazes. A big stream having its source Chulu Peak is one of the attractions of the day. You will be reaching Yak Kharka late afternoon. In the free time, you can walk around, lunch at Camp.

Day 8 : Yak Kharka (4,060m) to Thorong Phedi (4,525m) 4 hours.

After breakfast we will walk gradually uphill from Yak Kharka to reach Thorong Phedi.  Thorong Phedi  is the last village that comes before the Thorong La Pass. While walking uphill, you will get to see mesmerizing views of several mountains – including  Gudang, Syagang, Khatungkan,  and  Throrong Peak.  Lunch at camp.

Day 9 : Trek from Thorong Phedi (4,525m) to Muktinath Temple (3,760m) via Thorong La High Pass (5,416m) 9 hours

Today’s trek will be the most challenging part of this trip, as we will be crossing  Thorong La Pass –  one of the highest passes in the world. It is also the highest point of the trek. To avoid the afternoon wind, we wake up at Thorong Phedi at 3 am and push ourselves against high altitude and icy air.

When you reach the  Thorong La Pass , just by seeing the  incredible scenery,  you will feel that nature has paid back your efforts handsomely. From here, you can see the Himalayan peaks extending to  Tibet in the north,  and if you look back, you will see  Annapurna standing proud and tall. 

We descend from Thorong La Pass to reach  Muktinath  – a sacred site for  Hindus and Buddhists.  

Lunch at camp.

Day 10 : Muktinath (3,760m) via Jomsom to Marfa (2,670m) 3-4 hours

After a holy visit to Muktinath Temple, come back to the lodge. We take a  local bus  that takes us to  Jomsom.  And then walk toward  to Marfa  village. Explore and enjoy the village. 

Day 11 : Marfa to Pokhara (860m) 8 hours Drive.

Today is our last day of the trek, after breakfast we catch the Bus and drive towards Pokhara, which is pretty rough, full of twists and turns. We can see the world’s deepest gorges and the falls called  Rupse Chahara,  in Nepali .  Our path will take us through the bustling  Beni Bazaar  and finally to Pokhara. Lunch will be taken on the way. Our guide will transfer you to the hotel and say goodbye until next time.

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What‘s included

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Suggested Equipment List

Duffel/Rucksack bag

Walking Pole

Trekking shoes.

Sports shoes or sandals.

Sun Hat/cap

Warm woolen cap.

Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket

Waterproof Gore-Tex layer

Pullover or warm sweeter

4/5 pairs of good quality socks

Hand gloves.

2/3 pairs of trekking trousers.

3/4 pairs of trekking shirts.

3/4 pairs of underwear (non cotton preferred).

Sun glasses

Water bottle

4 season sleeping bag

Flash or Torch light

Camera and batteries

Q1. Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek suitable for beginners?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered challenging due to its length and altitude variations. It is recommended for experienced trekkers with good fitness levels.

Q2. What kind of accommodations are available during the trek?

Accommodations are provided in tea houses and lodges along the trail, ensuring a comfortable stay with basic amenities.

Q3.What should I pack for the trek?

Pack essential gear such as warm clothing, sturdy trekking shoes, a reliable backpack, trekking poles, waterproof gear, and more. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.

Q4. Is prior trekking experience necessary for this adventure?

Yes, prior high-altitude trekking experience is recommended due to the challenging nature of the trek.

Q5.Are permits required for the trek?

Yes, you’ll need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card. Our team will assist you in obtaining these permits.

Q6.How is safety ensured during the trek?

Our experienced guides are trained in first aid and altitude sickness management. Safety briefings are conducted, and communication devices are carried for emergencies.

Q7. Are vegetarian meal options available on the trail?

Absolutely, the teahouses offer a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal choices. Please inform us of any dietary preferences in advance.

Q8. What do I do with my extra luggage while I am doing 14 days Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Extra baggage that is not necessary for Annapurna Circuit Trek can be stored in the hotel, as well as valuable documents in the hotel locker or with us.

Q9. Is there WiFi on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Yes, there is WiFi on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Sometimes the network is slow, and disturbing in some areas due to weather and places that are located in deep valleys and gorges.

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Annapurna Circuit Trek – 15 Days Itinerary | Ultimate Guide 2023

Looking for an adventure in the Himalayas? Look no further than the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Explore the magnificent Annapurna Circuit with Pokhara Backpackers Hostel with a 10-15 days trekking itinerary. 

Starting from the beautiful city of Pokhara, this trek takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Annapurna region, passing through beautiful villages, lush forests, and crossing suspension bridges over the Kali Gandaki River. You’ll witness the towering Himalayan peaks, including the majestic Mount Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre, and also have the opportunity to soak in natural hot springs.

Your journey will take you through diverse terrain, including rocky trails, steep uphill climbs, and lush forests of rhododendrons and oaks. The trek culminates with a hike up to Poon Hill for breathtaking sunrise views of the Himalayas. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore traditional villages and learn about the culture and traditions of the Gurung people.

Pokhara Backpackers Hostel provides all the necessary arrangements for the trek, including experienced guides, porters, accommodations, meals, and transportation. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are dedicated to ensuring that you have a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.

So if you’re ready to experience the beauty of the Himalayas, book your Annapurna Circuit Trek with Pokhara Backpackers Hostel today. We can’t wait to show you the best of Nepal.

Our expert team is ready to assist you in creating a customised itinerary tailored to your specific preferences and needs. Whether you’re looking to add unique experiences or adjust the duration of your trip, we can help you design a plan that suits your preferences and interests. Contact us now and let us guide you in creating your perfect itinerary.

Note : This itinerary can also be adjusted based on your preferences and physical capabilities. Additionally, taking rest days for acclimatisation is important to avoid altitude sickness.

Trek Detail

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Included/Exclude

• Private car transportation from Pokhara to Kande and public jeep transportation from Siding or Lwang back to Pokhara.
• Accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
• Trekking permit.
• English-speaking trekking guide and a porter 
• Use of a fingertip pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen levels and pulse.
• A complimentary Pokhara Backpackers Trip T-shirt.
• Food, accommodation, transportation, salary, insurance, and equipment for the guide and porter.
• A first aid kit for emergencies.
• 13% government value-added tax and official expenses.
• International airfare and visa fees.
• Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (can be arranged upon request).
• Transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara (can be arranged upon request via tourist bus, private car, or flight).
• All drinks including soft drinks, hot drinks, alcoholic beverages, and drinking water.
• Travel insurance, which should include emergency rescue coverage.
• Your own trekking gear.
• Tips for your guide and porters, etc.

After breakfast, you’ll take a private vehicle to Besishahar, the starting point of the trek. From Besishahar, you’ll continue your journey by jeep to Chame. You’ll have beautiful views of the Himalayas, green hills, and valleys along the way. Overnight in Chame.

The trail today is mostly flat and follows the Marsyangdi River. You’ll walk through beautiful pine forests and apple orchards. You’ll also see the beautiful views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Overnight in Pisang.

Today’s trek is a bit challenging, but the views of the Himalayas make it worth it. You’ll cross a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River and walk through beautiful forests. You’ll also have panoramic views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. Overnight in Manang.

Today is a rest day to help your body acclimate to a higher altitude. You can take short hikes around Manang and explore the culture and lifestyle of the local people. Overnight in Manang.

Today, we will trek from Dovan to Machapuchare Base Camp, covering a distance of 10 km in 6-7 hours, with an altitude gain from 8,460 ft to 12,135 ft.

Today’s trek is also short and easy. You’ll cross a suspension bridge and walk through a rocky and narrow path. You’ll also have views of Thorong Peak and Syagang Peak. Overnight in Thorong Phedi.

Today is the most challenging day of the trek as you will cross the highest point of the trek, the Thorong La Pass. You’ll start early in the morning to avoid strong winds and reach the pass. From the top, you’ll have amazing views of the Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. You’ll then descend to Muktinath, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. Overnight in Muktinath.

Today’s trek is mostly downhill and takes you through the beautiful village of Kagbeni, where you can see traditional Mustangi houses and monasteries. You’ll then walk through apple orchards and reach the charming village of Marpha. Overnight in Marpha.

Today’s trek is mostly downhill and takes you through beautiful forests of rhododendrons and oak trees. You’ll also have views of the Himalayas and cross the Kali Gandaki River. Overnight in Kalopani.

Today’s trek takes you through a lush green forest of pine and rhododendron trees. You’ll also cross several suspension bridges over the Kali Gandaki River and reach the hot springs of Tatopani. You can relax and rejuvenate your tired muscles in the natural hot springs. Overnight in Tatopani.

Today’s trek is a bit challenging as you’ll be climbing steeply uphill to reach Ghorepani. You’ll walk through beautiful villages like Sikha and Chitre and see stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Overnight in Ghorepani.

Today, you’ll wake up early in the morning to hike up to Poon Hill for stunning sunrise views of the Himalayas. You’ll then trek to Tadapani through beautiful forests of rhododendrons and oaks. You’ll also have views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Overnight in Tadapani.

Today’s trek is mostly downhill and takes you through beautiful forests of rhododendrons and oak trees. You’ll also see the beautiful views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. You’ll reach the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk and explore its culture and traditions. Overnight in Ghandruk.

Today’s trek is mostly downhill and takes you through beautiful villages and terraced fields. You’ll reach Nayapul, where you’ll meet your vehicle and drive back to Pokhara. You can relax and enjoy the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.

Your Annapurna Circuit Trek comes to an end today. You can depart from Pokhara to Kathmandu or other destinations.

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Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara - 9 Days

• Duration 9 Days
• Difficulty Level Moderate
• Trip Start and End Pokhara to Pokhara
• Best Season March - May and Mid-Sep - Nov
• Trip Area Annapurna Region
• Maximum Altitude 5416m.|17769ft.
• Trek around some of the world’s highest mountain peaks in Annapurna Massif.
• Ascend along the Marshyangdi River valley.
• Synchronize with nature as we enter the alluring Annapurna Conservation Area.
• Immerse yourself in the evergreen culture, tradition, and history of the Gurung community.
• Enticing views of Dhaulagiri I, Manaslu, and Annapurna I.
• Trek through Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters.
• Visit Muktinath Temple.

The 9 day Annapurna Circuit Trek starting from Pokhara offers the best trekking experience to those who have limited time or have been enjoying Pokhara City but have a desire to experience the adventure of trekking around the Annapurna range. 

What it's like to sign up for the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara?

During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will be walking on the iconic foothills of the Annapurna range, famous for its diverse landscapes, adverse climatic conditions, and culturally enriching villages. The Annapurna Massif represents the central core of the great Himalayan arc and is among the world's most sought-after trekking routes.  

The Annapurna trekking trails lead you through the dense alpine forest, welcoming communities, a rich tapestry of flora and fauna with challenging passes, and unique geological features making the Annapurna Circuit an absolute gem of a trail. 

Thorong La Pass, at an elevation of 5,416 meters, marks the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit. Given the challenges posed on this pass, the circuit typically follows a counter-clockwise route. The Annapurna Circuit Trek first welcomed international trekkers in 1977; since then, it has garnered a reputation as one of the world's finest trekking routes.

Beginning at an altitude of 822 meters in Pokhara, this journey allows for comprehensive exploration of the Himalayas. The mountains are vast, snow-covered, and jagged in all directions, the sky is a sharp color with mesmerizing blue and the air is pure with subtle scents of juniper and rhododendron. This remarkable Annapurna Circuit Trek guides trekkers through rural picturesque villages that are home to Gurung and Magar communities, which unveils awe-inspiring panoramas of the Annapurna Massif. The scenery transitions seamlessly from the northern face of the Annapurna peaks to the elevated and arid expanse of the Manang and Mustang plateau.

Day to Day Details

Day 1: drive from pokhara to dharapani.

• Guest House
• Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Trek from Dharapani to Chame

• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang

Day 4: trek from pisang to manang via ngawal, day 5: manang: acclimatization day, hike to ice lake, day 6: trek from manang to yak kharka, day 7: trek from yak kharka to phedi, day 8: trek from phedi to muktinath via thorong la pass, day 9: regular bus or local jeep drive to pokhara.

• Breakfast and Lunch

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What's Included

• Transport from Pokhara to Dharapani and Muktinath to Pokhara
• Accommodation during the trek
• All standard three meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
• Guides expenses - meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and equipment costs.
• Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
• All applicable permits
• All government taxes, local taxes, and official expenses
• Souvenir - Company's T-shirt, Trekking Map

What's Excluded

• International flight airfare
• Nepal entry visa fees 
• Lunch, dinner, and hotel in Pokhara
• Personal expenses such as shopping, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, bottled or boiled water, shower, Wi-Fi, battery charging, hot showers, etc.
• Porter optional: Recommended 1 porter between two trekkers
• Private Jeep fthroughout thetrek
• Travel insurance covering emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation 
• Tips for guide and porter (it is appreciated)

Upcoming Departures

Useful info, best season to do annapurna circuit trek.

Typically, there are two major trekking seasons in Nepal, i.e., Spring and Autumn. However, the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara can be done at any time of the year with the proper knowledge of the weather, trekking trails, and guidance of the trekking guide.

Spring – March to May

For the Annapurna Circuit Trekking, March to May is considered a good time for the trek as the skies are bright and clear, sunny days. There is minimal possibility of rain, as global warming is increasing the weather is unexpectedly changing at some moments. If you plan your Annapurna Trek in Spring, you can immerse in the beauty of the Rhododendron flowers and the greenery. Approaching the higher altitudes, you can feel the chilly morning and night.

Autumn - Mid-September to November

Another major trekking season in Nepal is from mid-September to November. You can find a huge trekking crowd during this time of the year, as the weather is mild and pleasant with the spectacular landscapes throughout the trek. Autumn season is also the season of festivities so, you can enjoy the culture and tradition of Nepalese people during the trek.

Similar Trips

Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 11 Days

Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 10 Days

Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 6 days

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Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna circuit trek | 2024.

• Trip Duration: 12 Days
• Altitude: 5,416 m / 17,769 ft
• Best time: Feb-May, Sep-Dec
• Grade: Challenging
• Trek Type: Tea House
• Meals: Included
• Accommodation: Hotel & Tea House
• Group Size: Min. 2 pax

Overview of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary and unparalleled experiences a trekker can avail themselves of. With an extensive length of 160–230 km that covers four distinct districts, comprising Lamjung, Myagdi, Manang, and Mustang, this trekking route stands out as the most preferred circuit through the diverse natural vegetation, cultural beliefs, landscape, altitude, trail, pristine little settlements, culturally affluent tribal groups, and religious sects.

The trek begins in Jagat. As we gain altitude, the landscape and vegetation change, and rugged alpine terrain appears. The challenge of the trek is to cross the highest pass, Thorong La (5,416 m). The splendid snow-capped Himalayan views from the peak of the Thorong La Pass are just amazing and beyond expectation. Then we follow the trail to Muktinath temple, the temple of God Vishnu, the god of preservation. And the windy Jomsom, and just ahead we pass through the deepest gorge along the Kaligandaki River between Mt. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. We then trek to the famous Gurung village, Ghorepani, and the famous Poon Hill viewpoint.

Highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

• One of the most classic and oldest treks in Nepal, 
• Thorang La Pass is the highest navigable pass (5,416 m) in the world, 
• Descend into one of the deepest gorges in the world, the Kali Gandaki,
• Poon Hill is a hill station, 
• Traditional Gurung, Tibetan, and other ethnic villages,
• Muktinath is a holy temple of God Vishnu,
• The natural hot spring of Tatopani.

Outline Itinerary of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

KTM ) Arrival in Kathmandu city, transfer to the hotel

Day 01 ) Drive to Jagat (1,300 m) (8/9 hours)

Day 02 ) Trek to Dharapani (1,860 m) (5/6 hours)

Day 03 ) Trek to Chame (2,620 m) (6/7 hours)

Day 04 ) Trek to Pisang (3,200 m) (6/7 hours)

Day 05 ) Trek to Manang (3,540 m) (5/6 hours)

Day 06 ) Acclimatization Day

Day 07 ) Trek to Yak Kharka (4,018 m) (6/7 hours)

Day 08 ) Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,560 m) (5/6 hours)

Day 09 ) Trek to Muktinath (3,767 m) via Thorang-La Pass (5,416 m) (7/8 hours)

Day 10 ) Drive to Jomsom and Tatopani (1,190 m) (6/7 hours)

Day 11 ) Trek to Ghorepani (2,874 m) (6/7 hours)

Day 12 ) Early morning hike to Poon Hill, trek to Ulleri (2 hours) and drive to Pokhara (3 hours)

PKR ) Drive or fly back to Kathmandu

KTM ) Departure to your home

Not satisfied with this itinerary?

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Detailed Itinerary

Ktm) arrival in kathmandu city, transfer to your hotel.

• Meal: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Altitude: 1,400 m | 4,593 ft

At Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be received by a Himalayan Odyssey Nepal Trek guide/staff and transferred to your hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 01) Drive to Jagat from Kathmandu via Besisahar (1,300 m) (8/9 hours)​

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Altitude: 1,300 m, Jagat
• Distance: 211 Km | 131 Miles

We take a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar by tourist bus. We have breakfast and lunch on the way. The route takes us out of the Kathmandu valley along the picturesque Trishuli River to Besisahar. As we reach Besisahar, we drive towards Jagat by Jeep, following the Marshyangdi River. We will pass several beautiful villages, green paddy fields, and forests until we reach Jagat. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 02) Trek to Dharapani (1,860 m) (5/6 hours)

• Altitude: 1,860 m, Dharapani

We are walking on a rocky path next to the Marsyangdi River. We see beautiful waterfalls, green plants, and animals. The path goes up to a village called Tal. We keep going up the valley, using stone stairs, until we get to Dharapani. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 03) Trek to Chame (2,620 m) (6/7 hours)

• Altitude: 2,670 m, Chame

The path goes up along a river called Marsyangdi, going through trees like pine and fir. We’ll get to see great views of the mountains Annapurna II (7,937 m), Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m), and other peaks before reaching Chame. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 04) Trek to Pisang (3,200 m) (6/7 hours)

• Altitude: 3,200 m, Pisang

After breakfast, we will follow the Marsyangdi Trail to Bharatang. We will see Annapurna II (7,937m) up close from there. Next, we will climb a steep hill where we will see many oak, fir, pine, hemlock, and maple trees. We will have a great view of the Pangida Danda. Then, we will cross a suspension bridge, go up for a while, and then down to the valley floor. We’ll see dry, grazing land and reach Dhukure Pokhari. After walking for about half an hour, we will reach Pisang. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 05) Trek to Manang (3,540 m) (5/6 hours)

• Altitude: 3,540 m, Manang

We will start our day by walking on a dry trail where there is little rainfall and many beautiful landscapes. Two paths will take us to Mungi. We can take either of those two. The path that goes through Ghyaru, or Hongde, Ghyaru village on the harder path is especially attractive because of its lovely stone houses surrounded by fields of wheat, barley, buckwheat, potatoes, and beans. We will continue our journey to Ngawal, a village that has an old building called a gompa and ancient juniper trees. Next, we will follow a trail that will take us down to Mungji, where we will meet the other path. From there, we will go to the famous village called Manang. Enjoy looking at the beautiful Annapurna mountain range. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 06) Acclimatization Day

Today is the acclimatization day for our body to cope with gaining altitude and avoid any kind of high-altitude sickness. We will take a higher-elevation hike either to the ridge near the Gangapurna glacier or walk up to the cave above Manag village. We will visit the village and native people and gain insight into their lifestyle and culture during our acclimatization day. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 07) Trek to Yak Kharka (4,018 m) (6/7 hours)

• Altitude: 4,018m, Yak Kharka

The day starts with an ascent to Tengki, which is the last permanent settlement below the pass. We will walk upward until we reach Gunsang. The trail then turns northwest towards Jharsang Khola Valley. We walk on scrub juniper and alpine grass, which brings us to Yak Kharka. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 08) Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,560 m) (5/6 hours)

• Altitude: 4,560 m, Thorong Phedi

After having breakfast, we move towards the Thorong Phedi. We walk for about an hour and reach Churi Leder. We then descend to the river and cross it over the wooden bridge. The trail then becomes challenging as you climb upstream of Jharsang Khola on the ridge of the cliff and finally reach Thorong Phedi. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 09) Trek to Muktinath (3,767 m) via Thorang-La Pass (5,416 m) (7/8 hours)

• Altitude: 3,767 m, Muktinath

Today, we will walk through the highest point of the entire Annapurna Circuit. We will head towards the Thorong-La Pass (5,416 m) early in the morning and begin the ascent. The trail is steep and narrow, but if we walk uphill for about 4/5 hours, we’ll get to the top, which is 5,416 m. From there, we can see beautiful mountain ranges like the Annapurna range and the Dhaulagiri range. There are also some chortens and colorful flags that celebrate our hiking success. After taking some photos and enjoying the scenery, we will walk downhill over a rocky area and then through some green fields until we reach a place called Muktinath. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 10) Drive to Tatopani (1,190 m) via Jomsom (6/7 hours)

• Altitude: 1,190 m, Tatopani

In the morning, we’ll go to Muktinath Temple and then take a local bus to Tatopani. The ride might be bumpy because the road goes through deep gorges. We’ll go from dry land to green forests. Tatopani is well-known for its hot springs. The hot spring water is believed to be helpful for skin problems. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 11) Trek to Ghorepani (2,874 m) (6/7 hours)

• Altitude: 2,874 m, Ghorepani

Today is a long day of walking to Ghorepani. After continuously descending for some days, you will climb today. The trail first crosses the bridge over the Kaligandaki River, which leads us to the junction where we can follow the trail either to Beni or Ghorepani. We will follow the trail, as our destination is Ghorepani. Ghorepani, being a popular destination for both national and international tourists, offers spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and Manaslu Himalayas and the opportunity to hike the most famous viewpoint of the entire Annapurna Region, Poon Hill. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 12) Early morning hike to Poon Hill, trek to Ulleri (2 hours) and drive to Pokhara (3 hours)

• Meals: Breakfast
• Altitude: 822 m, Pokhara

Today is the last day of the trek. We will hike to Poon Hill early in the morning to have magnificent 360-degree panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges with a splendid sunrise view. After spending some time on the hilltop, enjoying the fabulous moments, and keeping a lifetime memory, we will retrace our steps back to the lodge at Ghorepani. After having breakfast, we will head towards Nayapul, which brings the end of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. We will take a vehicle service from here to reach Pokhara, where you can hang around the lakeside area to enjoy your evening. Stay overnight at the hotel.

• Airport pickup and drop-off for arrival and departure
• A total of two nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu (Bed and breakfast) after the arrival and after the trek
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee
• Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
• All government, local taxes, and official expenses
• A government-licensed, experienced trek leader (guide), an assistant trekking guide for 8 or more trekkers, and porters to help trekkers with luggage ( *1 porter for two trekkers; the maximum luggage limit per trekker is 14 kg. )
• Guides and porters costs, which include meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment
• One-night accommodation in Pokhara (Bed and breakfast) after the trek
• Kathmandu to Besisahar by tourist bus or microbus 
• Private transportation: (From Besisahar – starting point of the trek) (From the ending point of the trek – Pokhara)
• All accommodations during the trek
• Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
• Arranging rescue operations in cases of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
• International flight airfare
• Domestic flight airfare (Pokhara-Kathmandu)
• On Arrival Visa Fee at Entry Points: [15 days: USD 30, 30 days: USD 50, 90 days: 125 USD]
• Extra nights’ accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival, late departure, or an early return from the trek
• Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
• Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, bottled water or boiled water, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery recharge fee, extra porters, etc.)
• Personal clothing and gear
• Tips for guides and porters
• Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances outside company control like landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, strikes, etc.

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[natural habitats of the annapurna region].

Flora found in the Annapurna region

Row 01: Canna lily, Rhododendron, Iris Row 02: Yellow primrose, White orchid, Marijuana Row 03: Juniper bush, Stellara, Caragana brevispina

Fauna found in the Annapurna region

Row 01: Bharal (Blue sheep), Snow leopard, Himalayan wolf Row 02: Gray langur, Leopard, Jungle cat Row 03: Red fox, Himalayan marmot, Red giant flying squirrel

Birds found in the Annapurna region

Row 01: Hume's leaf warbler, Black redstart, Impeyan pheasant Row 02: Rosy pipit, Stripe-throated yuhina, Chestnut-tailed minla Row 03: Rock eagle owl, Crested serpent eagle, Ultramarine flycatcher

Travel Information

All trekkers must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate to the Himalayan Odyssey Nepal Trek before starting the trek.

[Note:] The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation, including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitudes.

Trekking permit requirements Two permits are required for the  Annapurna Circuit Trek : 1)  a  TIMS  (Trekkers Information Management System) card 2) an entry permit for the  Annapurna Conservation Area Project  permit

Permit Cost * Annapurna Conservation Area Project  permit : NPR 3000

The difficulty of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is challenging (grade IV). While you’ll start the Thorong La Pass Trek at around 1,000 m above sea level, you’ll reach as high as 5,416 m at Thorong La Pass. That’s pretty high. There is a chance of getting altitude sickness.

Safe drinking water is easily available during the trek. You should carry a water bottle so you can refill the water that is available in every lodge. It will be better to bring purifying tablets for safe drinking during the trek.

Coughs and headaches are normal in the mountains. However, if you suffer from a high-syndrome illness, you have to make your way backward. Visit our Altitude Sickness page for more information. 

Yes, cellular networks can be found on the trekking trails of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. However, in some places, there might not be reception available. 

The standard length of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is about 160–260 kilometers. It could take 10 to 21 days to complete the circuit, but the distance can differ depending on your itinerary or where you start and end the trek.

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Trekking map of annapurna circuit trek: 12-days itinerary.

Duration: 10 Days

Duration: 11 Days

Duration: 12 Days

Duration: 7 Days

Ultimate Guide to the Annapurna Circuit Trek

What started years ago as just a collection of trails between isolated Nepali villages in the mountains has turned into one of the most popular, iconic treks in all of Nepal :  the Annapurna Circuit .  If you are planning a trip to Nepal and have 2-3 weeks to trek, I recommend the Annapurna Circuit Trek (it’s better than Everest Base Camp !). 

You’ll be rewarded with changing scenery every day: from snow-capped mountains, rivers and waterfalls and glaciers. There are fields of yaks and goats, and villages covered in colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. You’ll meet and stay with local Nepali families at their guesthouses, eat meals with trekkers from around the world and make many new friends. 

To reach the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit, Thorong La Pass , is a great physical feat that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. 

Here’s all you need to know before you embark: your Ultimate Guide to the Annapurna Circuit Trek! 

Skip to Ultimate Guide to the Annapurna Circuit Section:

Overview Guided vs Unguided Duration Itinerary Samples Getting To and From the Circuit Insurance Permits Food & Accommodation Budget & Money Packing List WiFi/SIM card Safety Concerns Comparison to Everest Base Camp

Overview of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Duration: 8 – 21 days (depends on transportation used – see Duration section below) Change in Altitude: 790m at Besisahar to 5416m at Thorong La Pass Distance per day: 10+ km Total Distance: 230 km from Besisahar to Birethani Best season: April-May, September-November Budget: $20 USD or 2000 rupees/day. At low altitude, $5-7/day. At high altitude, $25-$30/day

See my full packing list here ! 

The landscape on the Annapurna Circuit changes from lush greenery and Nepali agricultural fields at low altitude, to rocky riverside valleys and snowy mountain tops at high altitude. Sometimes the trail opens up to wide plains, where you can see the Annapurna mountain range and glacier formations in the distance. 

If you’re at low altitudes during the right time of the year, there’ll be a lot of colorful wildflowers. At higher altitude you’ll be above the tree line, so there are small bushes and shrubs along side you, with yaks grazing nearby.  You may also experience trekking through snow at 4000m+.

Trekking the Annapurna Circuit Guided vs Unguided

I trekked the Annapurna Circuit unguided , and I think it’s safe to do so. The entire trek follows a river that’s dotted with villages, so you’re never far from civilization. There are almost always locals or trekkers nearby who can point you in the right direction if you get lost. The trails are clearly marked, and you can follow maps.me trails to double check if you’re going the right way. 

Getting a guide is helpful if you’re really worried about losing your way. A guide can also explain to you more about the local people and traditions of the region, give you accurate estimates on how far and for how many hours you’ll be trekking that day. Guides can also communicate with guesthouse owners for you about meals and accommodation, but I experienced little language barrier in the mountains. 

Annapurna Circuit hiking tip: Be sure to meet your guide before you start the trek ! Guide quality and experience varies greatly.

Most people who trek the entire Annapurna Circuit could complete it in  14-21 days.  However the duration depends on the side treks you want to do, and the distance you want to cover each day.

Theoretically you can do just the highest altitude section of the Annapurna Circuit in 8-10 days , if you jeep up to Chame, then Jeep back down from Jomsom. This increases the chances of getting altitude sickness because your body has very little time to adjust to the high altitude. I personally don’t recommend it, also because you skip some beautiful sections of the trek, but for those on a tighter schedule this may be an option.

I trekked the Annapurna Circuit in 13 days because I started in Tal, and sped through the last section to Nayapul after Khagbeni. This included an acclimatization day in Manang, and a detour to Khagbeni after Thorung La pass.  The group of trekkers I hiked with started in Tal then took a jeep down from Jomsom, so they were trekking the Annapurna Circuit for 10 days.

A woman on the trail was doing every single side trek possible because she was loving the Annapurna range so much. She was on day 30 when I met her outside of Tatopani!

Annapurna Circuit 8-day, 13-day, and 18-day Itinerary Samples

Annapurna Circuit 8-day sample itinerary Day 1: Pokhara -> Besisahar (bus) -> Chame (jeep) Day 2: Lower Pisang/Upper Pisang Day 3: Bhraka/Manang Day 4: Manang (acclimatization day) Day 5: Yak Kharka Day 6: Thorung Pedi Day 7: Muktinath Day 8: Jomsom -> Pokhara (jeep)

Annapurna Circuit 13-day sample itinerary (this is how I trekked the Circuit) Day 1: Pokhara -> Besisahar -> Tal (jeep) Day 2: Koto/Chame Day 3: Lower Pisang/Upper Pisang Day 4: Bhraka/Manang Day 5: Manang (acclimatization day) Day 6: Yak Kharka Day 7: Thorung Pedi Day 8: Muktinath Day 9: Khagbeni Day 10: Larjung Day 11: Tatopani Day 12: Ghorepani Day 13: Poon Hill side trek -> Birethani -> Pokhara (bus)

Check out my more detailed 13-day itinerary here ! 

Annapurna Circuit 18-day sample itinerary (Full Circuit plus  Tilicho Lake side trek ) Day 1: Pokhara -> Besisahar (bus) -> Bhulbhule Day 2: Jagat Day 3: Danakyu Day 4: Chame Day 5: Lower Pisang/Upper Pisang Day 6,7: Bhraka/Manang (acclimatization day) Day 8: Tilicho Lake Base Camp (side trek) Day 9: Tilicho Lake/TIlicho Lake Base Camp (side trek) Day 10: Yak Kharka Day 11: Thorung Pedi Day 12: Muktinath Day 13: Khagbeni Day 14: Marpha Day 15: Ghasa Day 16: Tatopani Day 17: Ghorepani Day 18: Poon Hill side trek -> Birethani -> Pokhara (bus)

Getting To and From the Annapurna Circuit

Getting to besisahar from pokhara/kathmandu.

To get to the Annapurna Circuit, you’ll take a bus from Pokhara or Kathmandu to a village called Besisahar . 

From Pokhara, you can take a bus from the tourist bus station to Besisahar (book a ticket in advance, and negotiate on the price) for 500-600 rupees. The bus leaves once per day at 6:30am and takes about 5 hours.

To get from Kathmandu to Besisahar, a microbus that leaves at 6:45am from the front of BG mall. It takes about 7 hours can costs 550 rupees ($5.50). Alternatively, you can catch any tourist bus heading to Pokhara from Kathmandu and ask to be dropped off at Dumre. From there, catch the local bus or a taxi to Besisahar. 

*Bus schedules may change so ask any tourist agency to point you to where you can catch these busses! 

Ultimate Guide to the Annapurna Circuit Tip: Once you reach Besisahar, there are many jeeps that take people up to a higher elevation starting point on the Annapurna Circuit such as Tal or Chame.

Getting back to Pokhara from Nayapul

The “finish line” of the Circuit is Birethani, after which there is a 30 minute walk to Nayapul. 

From Nayapul you can take the local bus back to Pokhara for 120-200 ($1-$2) rupees. There are also many taxi drivers waiting to take trekkers back to Pokhara. 

If you prefer, you can spend 2-3 days walking back from Birethani to Pokhara because there are many villages in between.

Just in case you encounter serious altitude problems while you’re on the trek, make sure you have traveler’s insurance . 

Ultimate Guide to the Annapurna Circuit Tip:  It’s important to check if your insurance will cover you up to 5416m in elevation also – many will have an elevation limit that’s below 5000m!

World Nomads insurance allows you to purchase insurance with them even when you’re already abroad. They have a “Standard” insurance plan and an “Advanced” one for extreme sports/traveling activities and high altitude! 

Permits for the Annapurna Circuit

There are two different permits that you need to purchase before departing on the trek, the TIMS and the Trekking permit. There is nowhere on the Circuit where you can buy these, so you need to go to the tourist office in Kathmandu or Pokhara ahead of time. There are a multitude of checkpoints along the entire circuit, so don’t try to trek the Annapurna Circuit without these permits!!

You can get your TIMS and Trekking permit in Kathmandu or Pokhara . I got mine in Kathmandu – the office is about an hour walk away from Thamel. The tourist office in Pokhara is near the tourist bus station, which is a short taxi ride from the main part of town known as Lakeside Pokhara.

Bring at least 4300 rupees with you, and  4 passport photos  to get your permits for the Annapurna Circuit trek. Passport photos can be purchased at many stores around Thamel. I got 8 small pictures for 200 rupees ($2).

The TIMS costs $20 or 2000 rupees, and the Trekking Permit costs $23 or 2300 rupees.

To fill out the permit forms, aside from personal and passport information, you need to include the following information to get the trekking permits. There’s no wifi at the Kathmandu office so make sure you have everything you need saved on your phone!

• Expected Trek Start Date and End Date (This can be approximate. It is best to overshoot how many days you think you’ll actually spend in the area)
• Expected Trek Start Location and End Location. For the Annapurna Circuit, it’s Besisahar to Nayapul (But I just put Pokhara for both, and had no issues)
• Insurance Policy Number (I didn’t have this on hand when I went to apply so I put a random string of numbers down that I found in an email with the insurance company, and had no issues.)
• Route of Trekking (Annapurna Circuit)
• Trekking Area (Annapurna Circuit or Annapurna Region)
• Purpose of Visit (Trekking)

Food and Accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit Trek

One of the many perks of trekking in Nepal is the teahouses or guesthouses that you’ll be staying in along the Annapurna Circuit! 

Traditionally, trekkers stay for free at teahouses in exchange for eating meals there. Meals should include dinner after you arrive, and breakfast before you leave for the next day of trekking. In the villages on the Circuit there are rarely any restaurants that are not part of a guesthouse. So you would be taking your meals at the place you stay anyways. It’s a win-win!

The typical Nepali dish that locals eat and is available at every guesthouse is Dal Baht – a curry and rice dish that usually includes an extra serving in the price! 

Pasta, fried noodles, fried rice, pizza, noodle soups, and burgers are also standard dinner items at guesthouses when trekking the Annapurna Circuit. Breakfast options include yogurt with muesli, fried Tibetan bread, porridge, and pancakes. 

Don’t expect to be able to cook for yourself along the trek. Since the guesthouses are letting you stay for free, you should really eat the food that they provide for you there . Lunch is a different story though, and you may be able to ask some places for 1 liter of boiled water if you wanted to make something easy like ramen noodles or oatmeal. 

Accommodation 

The majority of my accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit, I stayed for free . It’s easy to spot which buildings in the villages are the guesthouses because of signs outside their properties. When you find whoever manages the guesthouse, ask if they have rooms available. If they say yes, phrase your next question like this: “Can we stay for free if we eat dinner and breakfast here?”

Guesthouses on the Annapurna Circuit may charge 100-200 rupees for a room if you’re trekking solo, which I had happen to me on some occasions. If you stay in fancier, more hotel-like lodges, they may charge extra for a room as well. Large lodges will usually have a bit more luxury for the higher price you pay, such as an attached bathroom, a gas shower, and/or free, fast wifi.

What to expect:

Accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit range from having attached bathrooms in the rooms to shared toilet shacks out back, and from having nice thick, insulated walls to just planks of wood nailed between you and the outdoors. They’ll always have more duvet covers if you need them, sometimes at a premium. 

The guesthouses always have a common room/restaurant area to take meals in or to chill out in until you retire for the night. These usually have a stove (powered by yak dung!) to heat the area, and sometimes there are benches around the kitchen stove where you can warm up as well.

Budget & Money on the Annapurna Circuit

Ultimate Guide to the Annapurna Circuit Tip: Bring with you  all of the money that you plan to spend on the Annapurna Circuit from Pokhara (or Kathmandu). There are plenty of ATMs in Pokhara to withdraw money from, but t he only ATMs available on the Annapurna Circuit are in Jomsom, which is passed the halfway point of the Circuit.

I personally brought 40,000 rupees with me ($400), and only spent about 25,000 ($250) in 13 days . This does not include the cost for the permits (4300 rupees or $43), nor the cost for the gear that I bought in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

The cost for food and snacks changes drastically from the start of the trek at low altitude vs at high altitude. At the start of the trek I spent about $6-8 day , and close to Thorung La Pass I was spending $20 per day on the same meals and for accommodation. 

Ultimate Guide to the Annapurna Circuit Budget: Bring about 2000 rupees ($20) per person per day. My Annapurna Circuit budget was $400 for 14 days, and I spent $250. 

Packing List for the Annapurna Circuit

I’ll divide this section of my Ultimate Guide to the Annapurna Circuit into four different parts: Ph armacy, Clothing, Gear, and Other . This is a list of things that I brought on the Annapurna Circuit, minus things I didn’t wear or use.

Check out my full Trekking in Nepal Packing List! 

Remember the goal is to be as efficient as possible  when packing, so you don’t need to carry so much around with you.

Feminine products 16x Cough drops (wish I had brought more!) 10x Band-Aids 5x Rehydration Salts (Awful taste but really important) 1x Diamox strip (I didn’t use these but many people do) 1x Paracetamol strip 50x  Water purification tablets  (I used about 40 of these) Sunscreen! Deodorant Toothbrush/toothpaste Packet of baby wipes Lotion Razor Hair ties Toilet Paper

1x  long-sleeved under armour 1x long-sleeved heat-tech shirt 1x long  heat-tech leggings 1x thick under armor sweatpants 1x T-shirt 6x underwear 2x bras 3x  thick trekking socks 1x normal socks 1x fleece 1x  Goretex thick North Face jacket 1x thin windbreaker 1x thin gloves 1x thick gloves 1x hat 1x neck wrap

1x 55-65L  backpack 1 pair of  mid hiking boots 1 pair of Chacos/ trekking sandals 1 pair of  trekking poles 1 pair of  microspikes

Reusable water bottle

Quick-dry towel

Sleeping bag

Battery pack !! Phone + charger GoPro + charger Kindle Flashlight or  Headlamp

Optional to bring:

Microspikes/Crampons Knee braces (450 rupees from pharmacy in Kathmandu – these saved my life!) Small day bag Flip flops Dry shampoo Honey Ear plugs Snickers bars Sunglasses

There are many  hostels in Kathmandu  and Pokhara that will let you leave your luggage at their hostel for a small daily fee, or even for free (I left a bag in Kathmandu’s Shantipur Hostel , then a second bag at Pokhara’s Pokhara Youth Hostel, both for free). It’s important to take advantage of these services, or else you’ll have a hell of a time hiking at 5400m with a 15kg bag!

Wifi/SIM card

Before I left Pokhara, I messaged my family and friends saying that I would be without WiFi for the next 14 days, and not to worry if they don’t hear from me. Little did I know WiFi is a common luxury at guesthouses around the Annapurna Circuit ! 

Most guesthouses on the Annapurna Circuit have poor quality WiFi that you can use for free, or for a small fee per device. Don’t expect much, but it’ll be enough to send some messages to the outside world.

Before leaving Pokhara I purchased an NCell SIM card . It was 1500 rupees ($15) for 10 GB of data. I didn’t have service on most of the East side of the circuit before Thorong La Pass (but free Wifi was common). But I had service sporadically on the West side of the circuit, including in Muktinath, Jomsom, and Tatopani.

Safety Concerns on the Annapurna Circuit

I remember one sleepless night in Kathmandu where I thought about everything that could possibly go wrong on the Annapurna Circuit. Having finished the trek, let me assure you there is nothing to worry about! Skip down to any worries you might have and put your mind at ease.

Getting “Taken”/General women’s safety

Nepali people are so friendly along the Annapurna Circuit. On your first day, any worries about getting mugged, kidnapped, etc will disappear immediately. Think of all the solo female trekkers who did the Circuit before you and were fine! Unlike some parts of India, it’s common to see local women walking around alone everywhere, and they even run many of the guesthouses on their own or with their daughters.

Getting lost forever on the Annapurna Circuit

Not possible. The trails for the most part are clear to see and clearly marked. During the high season there will almost always be someone in the distance you can follow, or someone behind you who you can wait to ask for directions. The entirety of the trail goes alongside a river except for Thorong La Pass Day when everyone is bunched together in a group anyways. As long as you keep the river and other trekkers in sight you’ll know where the villages and civilization are.

Avalanches at Thorong La Pass  

Not happening. The pass itself is very wide and the mountains on either side are far enough away that there is nothing of this sort to worry about. There are some sections where you walk over snow on a steep incline. If you’re worried about slipping, bring crampons! 

There are sections that have warnings about landslides. These occur for mostly if there is someone or something running around above you in a landslide area and rocks come loose. 

Check above you if there are any goats or sheep before you cross a landslide section. If you’re walking across a landslide section, keep distance between you and the person in front of you. Walk on the inside of the trail. Remember that yaks and horses use these same trails. If they can make it without causing a landslide, so can you.

Freezing  

Don’t worry. Your body will stay surprisingly warm while you’re trekking. I brought a pair of snow pants with me that I used only on Pass Day, but took off after an hour because I was getting too hot. When you arrive at the guesthouse your body temperature will start to drop, so huddle up in your sleeping bag or next to the heater in the common area. 

Snow and extreme weather  

If it’s blizzarding outside, it’s best to wait until it clears, to continue on the Annapurna Circuit. The only day where I had to trek through snow for a significant amount of time was on Pass Day,   and still the path was obvious. If the weather starts to change at the top, ask any of the guides what is best to do. Worst case scenario, there’s a warm tea shop next to Thorong La Pass where you could wait out a storm.

Not being able to find a guesthouse

The villages along the Annapurna Circuit are covered in guesthouses. Sometimes there are random guesthouses dotted along the trails as well. If you are trekking outside of the high season, you will have no problem finding a room at a guesthouse along the Annapurna Circuit. 

If you are trekking in October without a guide, it might be a good idea to start trekking early to beat the others. And if all of a town’s guesthouses are full, it’s never too far to the next village. Some guesthouses may let you stay with your own sleeping bag in their common area too.

Altitude Sickness  

Almost everyone experiences some form of altitude sickness while on the Annapurna Circuit, but they are mostly just mild nuisances. If you take it slow on the Annapurna Circuit and always listen to your body, serious altitude sickness won’t be an issue. 

Signs of acute altitude sickness include headache, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. There are other symptoms like tingling in the hands and face. 

If any of these symptoms worsen, it’s a good idea to take a rest day, or drop altitude and wait for it to get better. The human body is damn tough, and it will adjust along the trail to the lower oxygen levels as long as you are giving it time to do so.

If you think your body will be prone to altitude sickness, take some Diamox pills with you. I didn’t use these, but many people took them every day once they reached 4000m or above. Consult your doctor before you take any sort of medication!!  

Comparing the Annapurna Circuit vs Everest Base Camp

Annapurna’s competing iconic trek in Nepal is the Everest Base Camp Trek . In terms of duration, it takes a similar amount of time to complete (12-16 days) and you’ll experience a similar climate as the Annapurna Circuit. In terms of the trekking experience, the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp treks are quite different. If you only have time for one, I recommend the Annapurna Circuit over Everest Base Camp trek.

See my blog post comparing the Annapurna Circuit Trek vs the Everest Base Camp Trek ! 

Alternatively, if you are choosing between the Annapurna Circuit and the Three Passes Trek + EBC , I would choose the Three Passes Trek because of its epicness!! This trek is more off-the-beaten-path, and takes you to higher elevations and greater views than the EBC trek alone does. Check out the vlog by Intrepid Road about the Three Passes Trek!

In Conclusion...

The Annapurna Circuit was one of the most rewarding, beautiful treks I’ve ever done in my life (and I grew up in the Rocky Mountains!). To spend so many days in the wilderness but not have to worry about food and a bed at the end of the day gives you a chance to enjoy nature and reflect on your life in a way that only Nepal can offer.

What are you waiting for?? Get your packing list together and go!

Pin this Annapurna Circuit Ultimate Guide for later!

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Erika, Happened across your blog today.Heading off to Annapurna Sanctuary in October.Did the Circuit in 2014 ,EBC in 2018, and the Markha Valley in 2019 .Really like your work and even though the Trek is 10 months away and we’re all in our 60’s,material like yours is getting me quite motivated. Hoping to do some walking in Japan in the future.Keep up the good work.

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Himalaya Discovery

Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 Days Itinerary

Since the Annapurna Circuit trek opened to travelers in 1949. This is still among the most captivating trails in the country. More than 40,000 trekkers travel to the Annapurna region each year.

The Himalayas, home to the planet’s highest peaks including Mount Everest and some of the remotest, and most rugged and tough trekking terrains in the world. This huge range of mountains covers 3 quarters of Nepal, creating it one of the best destinations for trekkers.

Numerous treks crisscross the Himalayas, however arguably the foremost popular routes are the Annapurna Circuit trek and the Mount Everest Base Camp trek both of that reach up to altitudes of over 5,000m and take an average of two weeks to complete.

16 peaks over 6,000m. Annapurna is a section of the Himalayas in north-central Nepal known for its splendid panoramas, rugged scenery and isolated mountain communities even if we will hardly reach the mid-section of Annapurna.

We’ll be weaving our trail through the rice paddies and pastures of the foothills, visiting isolated mountain communities and observing completely different ancestral customs and traditions — this guarantees to not only be a visually superb expedition but also a culturally made one.

Facts of Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Group Size:  2 – 14 People
• Trip Grade: Moderate to Demanding
• Max. Altitude  (5,416m) Thorong-la pass
• Walking Duration: 4 – 6 hours
• Trip Starts:  Kathmandu
• Trip Ends:  Kathmandu
• Accommodation:  Hotels, guesthouses
• Trip Type:  Teahouses
• Trip Destinations:  Kathmandu, Shange, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manang Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, Muktinath, Jomsom, Pokhara

Outline Itinerary of 12-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1400m)

• Day 2: Drive to Jagat (1300m) Approx. 8 hrs.
• Day 3: Trek to Dharapani (1,960m), Approx. 6 hrs.
• Day 4: Trek to Chame (2,710m) Approx. 5 hrs.
• Day 5: Trek to Pisang (3,300m), Approx. 5 hrs.
• Day 6: Trek to Manang (3540m), Approx. 6 hrs.

Day 7: Acclimatization day at Manang (3540m)

• Day 8: Trek to Letdar (4230m), Approx. 4 hrs.
• Day 9: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,600m), Approx. 4 hrs.
• Day 10: Trek to Muktinath (3,800m) via Thorong La pass (5416m), Approx. 8 – 9 hrs.
• Day 11: Trek to Jomsom (2,670m), Approx. 4 hrs.
• Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu (900m) Approx. 10 – 12 hours

Detailed Itinerary of 12-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek

Your journey begins when you arrive in Kathmandu. Our representatives will welcome you at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your own will, you can rest or discover the Kathmandu. In the evening a briefing session and at the same time introduces your guide.

Day 2: Drive to Jagat (1300m) Drive duration: 7 – 8 hours

After breakfast, you will set off from Kathmandu to Jagat for a drive. Driving along the winding road through villages along the Trishuli River, you will enjoy the lovely view of hills and forests.

You will pass the popular village of Besisahar and further ahead until Jagat, your night destination.

Day 3: Trek to Dharapani (1,960m) Walking Duration:  5 – 6 hours.

This is the day our trek begins. After breakfast, you take a downhill path through lush green forests. On this day you pass villages such as Chyamje, Sattale, Tal and Karte.

Suspension bridges and route carved in the rocky cliffs add an exciting aspect to the walk. On the first day of the journey the mountains come to sight Overall it is an easy walk. You stop at Dharapani for the night.

Day 4: Trek to Chame (2,710m) Walking Duration: 5 hours.

On this day, on your way to Chame, you’ll trek through some forest ridges. The trail is mostly flat and easy.

You’ll be accompanied by a view of peaks like Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV. You’ll come across a hot spring on your way.

Your overnight night destination is Chame. Chame is district headquarters of Manang. You will see shops where you can prepare for the trek in the last minute. It’s also an administrative centre. At Chame overnight

Day 5: Trek to Pisang (3,300m) Walking Duration: 4 – 5 hours.

This is the day when trek landscapes drastically change. You continue by walking along the Marsyangdi River in the dense forests.

The forest becomes thinner as you continue trekking. After crossing the altitude mark of 3,000 meters, the landscapes turns into a trans-Himalayan desert, with only a few alpine shrubs.

You can either go trekking via Upper Pisang or Lower Pisang. The Upper Pisang trail is comparatively steeper but the scenery is surreal. Lower Pisang way is easier. Choose one that best fits you. At Pisang overnight.

Day 6: Trek to Manang (3540m) Walking Duration: 5 – 6 hours.

You can trek through the old village of Ngawal to Manang from Lower or Upper Pisang. Peaks like Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Tilicho are visible nearly all along the route. Unique rock formations with a thin forest of pine trees make up a magnificent scenery.

You will meet a monastery in Braga which is 400 years old. For the locals this monastery has historic symbolic importance. The architecture is amazing itself. You continue further ahead till you reach the beautiful Manang village. At Manang overnight.

Manang is without doubt one of the best acclimatization places. It offers spectacular views over the peaks of Annapurna and Gangapurna. Gangapurna Lake is another gem that is only a 10-minute walk from the village.

Visiting nearby monasteries gives you a glimpse of local culture and tradition. You have the option to go on side trips like Ice Lake and Milerapa Cave, perfect in Manang for a day-hike. No matter what you do, do not sleep in the daytime. That’s not good for acclimatization.

Here the hotels provide basic services and the untouched natural scenery in the backdrop makes Manang a great acclimatizing spot. At Manang Overnight

Day 8: Trek to Yak Kharka / Ledar (4230m) Walking Duration: 4 hours.

This day’s trek is mostly through the rocky landscape, with just a few pastures and juniper shrubs. The route continuously ascends and descends across Jharsang Khola streams.

You also cross the wooden and suspension bridges along the way, passing through villages such as Tenki and Ghunasa. At Yak Kharka / Ledar overnight.

Day 9: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,600m) Walking Duration: 4 hours.

The Thorong Phedi trek is an uphill ascent. Giant rock formations give the landscape an incredible looks. Snow-capped Rocky mountains mixed with different-color textured drylands make for beautiful scenery.

Specific parts are landslide prone. Be careful walking along those trails. You’ll see one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorong Peak and Mt. Khatungkan upon reaching Thorong Phedi. Stop for day at Thorong Phedi and enjoy a night.

Day 10: Trek to Muktinath (3,800m) via Thorong La pass (5416m), Walking Duration: 8 – 9 hours.

This is the most challenging and exciting day of the trek. You begin your preparation for the final ascent of Thorong La Pass at around 3 in the night. It gets windy during the day so the right choice is to start the ascend early in the morning. It’s a steep 3-4 hour climb until you reach the breathtaking Thorong La Pass vantage point.

From this point the sunrise is something that you’ll remember for a lifetime. Thorong La is two hours of steep climb b Since after midday it gets windy, we start our trek at around 3 am. Walking on an uphill trail for 2 hours, we reach 4900 m to the High Camp.

A few more hours from here will finally take us to the stunning Thorong La Pass vantage point.

From this point, sunrise experience is a once-in – a-lifetime experience. Seeing the first sun’s rays hit the Annapurna and Gangapurna is a dreamlike, surreal experience. Reaching Thorong La Pass gives you a sense of success and happiness. Prayer flags and mani-stones mark Thorong La Pass highest point.

After enjoying the view, you descend straight down to the Temple of Muktinath, an important Hindus pilgrimage site. The temple also holds utmost importance among the community of Buddhists.

You finish your trek, by driving to Jomsom and spending the night in a comfortable guesthouse.

Day 11: Trek to Jomsom (2,670m) Walking Duration: 4 hours.

After Muktinath you head down to the Kaligandaki valley for a steep descent. From here you walk on to Jomsom. The trail is an easy one.

Jomsom is Mustang’s headquarter. Exploring the valley, you move to the picturesque Marpha village Well-decorated homes, narrow streets and the apple wine are what makes Marpha popular. At Jomsom overnight.

Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu via Pokhara (1400m) Drive Duration: 10 – 12 hours.

Even if you plan to fly, you may end up needing to go by road if flights are canceled. The road between Beni and Muktinath was only constructed a few years ago, and it’s mostly off-road track, and (halfway) from Beni to Pokhara is paved. The journey takes about 6  to 7 hours, and then another 6 from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

It might takes longer if there are accidents or landslides en route during monsoon season. We Himalaya Discovery suggest you to change Hiace bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu for more comfortable ride.

Today you can either stay back and enjoy a free day in Kathmandu or leave for your respective countries. Our representatives will drop you off at the airport according to your flight schedule.

Best Time to Trek Annapurna Circuit Trek

The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit is between March and May, and from September to December. From March to May, the Annapurna Circuit routes are covered with colorful blooming rhododendrons, and a variety of beautiful bird species can be spotted.

March through May and September to November are the best time to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Annapurna Circuit Map – New Route

Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 Days – Requirements and Permits

A permit (ACAP: Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card are required to enter the Annapurna area and trek to Annapurna Circuit. If you’re on a guided trip, the guide company will take care of getting the permit and TIMS card for you.

You can get your TIMS card on your own at offices of the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or at the national park entrance that you will pass through during your trek. Bring a high-quality photocopy of your passport and 2 passport photos.

Preventing Altitude Sickness

It’s important for anyone planning on attempting the Annapurna Circuit trek , or other high-altitude treks like Everest Base Camp, to know how to reduce and cope with the symptoms of altitude sickness. Before you go, learn the best ways to beat altitude sickness and stay healthy overall at high elevation.

• Climb slowly, give yourself time to acclimate to the elevation.
• Avoid alcohol
• Take rest days.
• Symptoms: headaches, sleeplessness, and nausea usually decrease in a day or two.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
• Eat a lot. Trekking burns a lot of calories.
• Keep your pace slow.
• If your symptoms fail to improve or worsen, descend.

Accommodations and Facilities

Tea houses are a great option and are an industry gaining rapid popularity right now. These are houses that are facilitated according to the local culture. This is a popular option and are designed to make you feel right at home with the hint of the local culture. What a great way to experience comfort.

Accommodations Tips during the Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Choose a guesthouse before 3 p.m. to beat large guided groups to the nicest guesthouses.
• Choose a smaller one for better meal service.
• Take a shower immediately after arriving because most hot water is solar power heated).
• Order breakfast before going to bed to speed your morning departure.

How Much Does the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost?

The Annapurna Circuit trek cost range per person from USD 800 up to USD 1200 for an average 10 – 14 day trek.

Cost Includes : Transportations from and to Kathmandu, trek permits, accommodations, meals, but costs do not include: insurance, visa, personal equipment, drinks.

The advantage of booking a package trip to the Annapurna Circuit is that everything is taken care of for you. Accommodation will be booked, meals will be paid for and arranged. You should get to meet your guide before the trip.

Getting There

The Annapurna Circuit starts at Besisahar but the trek starts from Jagat. If you are planning to take a public bus, then you can catch a bus at Gonggabu bus park. (busses are big tourist type to slightly more comfortable “micro” busses).

Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days is considered to be one of the best treks in the world. Experiencing some of the most beautiful Himalayan mountain scenery of Nepal. And if you have questions or anything in mind please contact us .

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Annapurna Circuit

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Kathmandu, nepal.

Learn more about our Annapurna Circuit trip:

Embark on the annapurna circuit in nepal, j oin the explorer’s passage for one of the most extraordinary treks on the planet: the annapurna circuit. stay at local tea houses as you follow this ancient himalayan trade route, climbing through jungle-like terrain and rice fields, past canyons and waterfalls, and trekking among snowy peaks at thorung la pass (17,768 feet / 5,415 meters   in elevation). from the bustling streets of kathmandu to the serene mountain villages of the gurung people, this adventure offers diversity in culture and landscape, and the opportunity to meet other adventurers from across the globe. the annapurna circuit is truly a must for any serious trekker., read below to review trip details and highlights, a sample itinerary, trip customization options, accommodations, photos, and more, trek the annapurna circuit with t.e.p., we take care of everything.

W e go above and beyond our competitors in handling every detail of your Annapurna Circuit trek, so that you can focus exclusively on experiencing all that Nepal and the Himalayas have to offer. Our trips are all-inclusive, crafted with the intent of providing you with an unforgettable adventure travel experience. All you have to do is show up at the airport in Kathmandu!

Expert guides.

E xperience the Annapurna Circuit with the finest trekking guides in Nepal. Our knowledgeable guides have been leading adventures in the Himalayas for over thirty years, and are some of the pioneers of trekking in the Annapurna region. Many of our guides are also local to the Khumbu region of Nepal, which is home to the Sherpa community.

Responsible travel and sustainability.

T he Explorer’s Passage is a member of Sustainable Travel International, a partner/supporter of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, as well as a supporter of the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST). We very proudly incorporate the principles of these organizations throughout your trip to Nepal. 

Trip highlights.

• Explore the busy streets of Kathmandu, including a guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the  Pashupatinath and Boudhanath stupas.
• Follow an ancient trade route on one of the oldest treks in the Himalayas.
• Trek over the challenging Thorong La pass (17,768 feet / 5,415 meters), the highest point on the Circuit, and be rewarded with views of stunning, snow-capped peaks.
• Rest your feet at mountain tea houses in villages along the trail, where you can share hearty, memorable meals with fellow adventurers and local Sherpas.
• Travel over diverse terrain, including lush lowland forests of rhododendron trees, open meadows and pastures, rice fields, waterfalls, rivers, glacial lakes, rocky and rugged paths, and humbling mountain landscapes.
• Visit the sacred temples of Muktinath,  a holy place for Hindus and Buddhists.
• Meet other explorers from around the world on this incredible journey of a lifetime.

From $4,295 USD per person

*More info. on pricing

Pricing starts at $4,295 USD per person

Single Supplement for Hotel: from $795 USD

More questions? Read more about pricing here

START DATES

Custom Dates Available

*To inquire on a custom date, please contact us !

2023 Group Trip Dates below:

• September 15, 2023
• October 2, 2023
• October 7, 2023
• November 3, 2023

2024 Group Trip Dates below:

• March 15, 2024
• April 12, 2024
• May 3, 2024

To inquire on a custom date, please contact us!

18 Day Itinerary

Trekking duration is 9 days. For more information about itinerary options, please review the section about trip customization on this webpage.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Various Options*

In Kathmandu, Besisahar, and Pokhara, choose between 3-Star or 5-Star hotels. While hiking the Annapurna Circuit, everyone stays in tea houses, which are comparable to many other mountain lodges/huts in other parts of the world.

*Read about accommodations in Nepal

MAX. GROUP SIZE

( Private groups: 20 people)

Advanced* Activities: multi-day hiking on the Annapurna Circuit.

Elevation: Start: 2,493 feet /  760 meters; End: 17,768 feet / 5,415 meters

Daily trekking distance: ~4 to 12.4 miles / ~ 6.4 to 20 kilometers per day

Total trekking distance: ~79 miles / 127 kilometers

*Please refer to our Trip Activity Level Guide for more information

Please Note – the Trip Activity Level Guide is for guidance only and provides a general sense of what you should expect on our trips. Actual times, distances, and elevation can be outside the ranges outlined below.

Trips designated “easy” are perfect for first-timers, or travelers looking for a mild physical challenge. hikes, treks, and horseback rides are short and terrain is typically flat, at an elevation not exceeding 5,000 feet. on paddling trips, river currents move swiftly, thus minimal paddling is required..

“Moderate” trips are more active and require a bit more endurance. Hikes, treks, and horseback rides includes occasional steep ascents. Elevation can occassionaly reach up to 15,000 feet. River currents are moderate and some stretches include Class 1-2 rapids.

Trips marked “Advanced” require strong physical stamina, as we’re often active for 8+ hours per day. Hikes, treks, and horseback rides include traversing more rugged and mountainous terrain, at elevations that can reach up to 15,000 feet. Rivers currents are moderate to swift and often include paddling white water through Class 1-3 rapids.

TEP’s most physically demanding trips fall into the “Explorer” category. Expect 8+ hours of activity per day. These trips are demanding, yet attainable for those seeking the challenge. Hike, trek, and horseback ride on rugged and mountainous terrain with frequent steep ascents. Elevation may exceed 15,000 feet. Rivers currents are moderate to swift and often include navigating white water through Class 1-3 rapids.

More Questions? Speak to one of our Adventure Consultants at 855-208-6800 to determine if this is the right trip for you OR Read more about the Trip Activity Level Guide

SAMPLE TRIP ITINERARY

18 day / 17 night trip daily overview, day 1: arrival in kathmandu, nepal.

Namaste , and welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner where you will meet your guide and perhaps a few fellow travelers.

Day 2: Drive to Besisahar

Start your first full day in Nepal with a long, winding drive. As you leave Kathmandu, the route curves through the hills, following rivers and climbing higher and higher through rural Nepal until you reach Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit.

Day 3: Drive to Manang

Buckle up – today you will board a 4-wheel drive vehicle and travel the bumpy road to Manang on a nine hour tour through mountain villages, taking in stunning views of waterfalls and jagged, snowy peaks. Stop at the large village of Chame to explore the shops and teahouses before continuing up to the plateau, where you will stay at your first guest house.

Day 4: Day in Manang; Optional Hike to Gangapurna Glacier Lake

Spend today in Manag getting accustomed to the high elevation. Wander the streets of historic Manang or opt for a practice hike to view Gangapurna Glacier Lake or the surrounding monasteries.

Day 5: Acclimatization Hike to Ice Lake

After breakfast, begin your acclimatization hike to the Ice Lake (Kicho Tal). Due to its high elevation in the Manang valley, it is often frozen, hence its name.

Day-hike distance: approximately  9 miles/14.4 kilometers (7-10 hours).

Day 6: Start the Annapurna Circuit; Trek to Tilicho Base Camp

Today you officially embark on the Annapurna Circuit. Begin by walking through Manang’s western gates, then down to the river, through coniferous forests, past villages and a monastery, until Tilicho Peak comes into view.

Daily trekking distance: approximately 12.4 miles/20 kilometers (7-8 hours).

Day 7: Trek to Tilicho Lake

Tackle the initially steep climb to Tilicho Lake in the early morning, accompanied by yaks and deer that graze along the path. Your destination is Tilicho Lake, where it is said the events of the Hindu sacred text the Ramayana were originally told. After spending time at the lake you will return to Tilicho Base Camp.

Daily trekking distance: approximately 6 miles/9.7 kilometers ( 5-6 hours).

Day 8: Trek to Leder

Today your trek will take you past the villages of Sri Kharka Village and Tenki, through pastures and juniper forests, and to Gunsan, a village of flat, mud roofed houses, until you at last reach the open meadow of Leder.

Day-hike distance: approximately 11.5 miles/18.5 kilometers  (5-6 hours).

Day 9: Trek to Thorong Phedi

Your goal today is Thorong Phedi, the village at the foot of Thorong La pass. The terrain on this part of the trek is rugged and otherworldly – much different from the lush forests at the start of the trek. Here you’ll find the best views of Mt Gundang, Mt Syagang, Thorong Peak, and Mt Khatungkan.

Daily trekking distance: approximately 4 miles/6.4 kilometers ( 3-4 hours).

Day 10: Trek through Thorong La Pass to Muktinath

Today you’ll face the most challenging day of the trek as you hike Thorong La Pass, one of the highest passes in the world. Your reward? Breathtaking views of the Himalayas in the morning light. Afterward, descend to Muktinath to visit the temples there.

Daily trekking distance: approximately 10 miles/16.4 kilometers ( 5-6 hours).

Day 11: Muktinath Temple and Tatopani

Start the day at Muktinath temple, a holy temple for Buddhists and Hindus, followed by a four hour drive to Tatopani, where you can rest your feet in the lodge and soak in the waters of the natural hot springs.

Day 12: Trek to Ghorepani

After yesterday’s rest, it’s time to lace up your boots again and continue the circuit. As you ascend to Ghar Khola valley you’ll pass through terraced farmland, the ethnic Thakali villages of Sikha and Chitre Ghorepani, and lush forests of birch and magnolia trees. If you’re lucky, the magnificent rhododendrons will be in bloom. Spend the night in the village of Ghorepani, located at the top of the ridge.

Daily trekking distance: approximately 10 miles/16 kilometers ( 5-6 hours).

Day 13: Trek to Poon Hill and Tadapani

Before dawn, climb the steep trail to Poon Hill to catch the sunrise over the Himalayas and see for yourself why this viewpoint is the most popular destination of the Annapurna region. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then head east, climbing a ridge then descending through rhododendron forests and passing waterfalls. Spend the night at Tadapani.

Daily trekking distance: approximately 6.9 miles/11.2 kilometers ( 5-6 hours).

Day 14: Trek to Ghandruk

This is your last day trekking the Annapurna Circuit. Today the trail descends through a dark and dense rhododendron forest; by afternoon, you’ll be greeted by cherry blossoms on the opposite slopes of the ravine. In the stone-house village of Ghandruk you’ll enjoy close-up views of the impressive Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains. 

Daily trekking distance: approximately 6 miles/9.7 kilometers  (6-7 hours).

Day 15: Drive to Pokhara

It’s a four hour drive today from Ghandruk to the lakeside village of Pokhara, where you can enjoy a hard-earned rest and reflect on your remarkable journey.

Day 16: Return to Kathmandu

Day 16: return to kathmandu, nepal.

Say goodbye to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and start the eight hour drive to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu the rest of your day is free.

For dinner you could seek out an authentic thali . With variations common to much of South Asia, it is a warm curry dish of rice, lentils, meat, and vegetables. You’ve certainly earned a hearty meal after so many days of trekking!

Day 17: Explore Kathmandu, then Farewell Dinner

Day 17: explore kathmandu.

Today is our final full day together. In the morning you’ll take a guided tour of Pashupatinath and Boudhanath stupa. Afterward you might consider seeing some live music in Lazimpat, or visiting the Newa Chen house in northern Lalitpur to experience a 350 year-old Newari home, restored to its original beauty. We can also provide additional recommendations for destinations and activities.

Day 18: Final Day in Nepal

Congratulations on an awe-inspiring journey! It’s time to say farewell to Nepal and its amazing people, mountains, and nature. On your way home you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in this wonderful country. Until next time!

Please contact us  for a complete detailed itinerary.

Are you interested in another activity or destination in Nepal that isn’t listed above? Planning to spend extra time in the region, or interested in specific travel dates? No problem. As experts in tailored trip planning, we can weave your interests and your timeframe into our customizable itineraries so that every detail of your extraordinary trip unfolds just the way you want it to.

Contact us today to get started customizing your dream trip to Nepal!

Ready to book call us, learn more below, traveler testimonials, read what people are saying about their once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences with the explorer’s passage:, allison (england):, “i had such a great time in nepal with tep. it was the best thing i have ever done”, adam (u.s.a.):, “everything went beyond smooth. it felt like there was a guardian angel over our shoulder the whole time. trip of a lifetime”.

↑ Click the logo to visit our TripAdvisor reviews page, and see why travelers trust our team with organizing their global adventures!

Accommodations in nepal, before and after your annapurna circuit trek you can enjoy a comfortable stay at hotel marshyangdi. alternatively, a 5 star hotel option can be reserved instead – contact us for more details. during the trekking portion of the trip you will stay overnight at tea houses along the route. learn more about these trip accommodations below:, hotel marshyangdi in kathmandu, hotel marshyangdi  |  kathmandu, nepal.

Located in the attractive Thamel District and close to many city attractions, Hotel Marshyangdi is owned and operated by a family from Manang. Manang is a mountainous region of Nepal, and Marshyangdi means ‘raging river’ in the local Manangi dialect.

All rooms are air conditioned with en-suite bathrooms and internet available. The property also features a relaxing courtyard restaurant, a bar, and a café. Finally, breakfasts at the hotel are included during your stay.

Hotel website

Gateway Himalaya Resort

Gateway himalaya resort  |  besisahar, nepal.

Gateway Himalaya Resort in Ghanpokhara features 4-star accommodation with a terrace, garden, and a bar. Each room offers air conditioning, free WiFi, and a private bathroom. 

Hotel Barahi

Hotel barahi |  pokhara, nepal.

Named for the island temple of Barahi the hotel offers fine Nepali hospitality and luxury. Four room types (Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Executive Deluxe, and Suites), each include a buffet breakfast, air conditioning, wifi, and some offer a private balcony with mountain or city views. Visit the onsite dining room, courtyard cafe, or bar for local and international cuisine. After your long trek, relax in the outdoor pool or spa.

Accommodations on the Annapurna Circuit

Accommodations on the annapurna circuit: tea houses.

During the trekking portion of the adventure, the accommodations will be in tea houses that offer dormitory-style rooms with single and double bunk beds, comparable to many other mountain lodges/huts in other parts of the world.

The tea houses are typically equipped with running cold water and shared bathrooms in a separate section. At most of them, there are propane-fueled hot showers available to use for a small fee (typically $5-10 USD equivalent). It is usually possible to charge personal electronic devices in the common/dining areas, however they also charge a small fee for this (typically $5-10 USD equivalent).

What Sets Us Apart

Personal attention before your annapurna circuit trek.

There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention before your adventure in Nepal. We get very involved with our travelers before each trip, by offering a series of pre-planning calls in the months and weeks before departure. This provides you with an opportunity to hear directly from us on preparation, trip experience, as well as training. It also gives you the platform to ask questions about any aspect of the trip.

Staff Support

Our knowledgeable support staff take care of the details of your in-country transportation, lodging, meals, cultural tours, and activities. We’ve even scheduled in a bit of free time for you to explore, relax, shop, or eat on your own. When you travel with The Explorer’s Passage, we ensure that every detail is handled.

Sustainability and Responsible Travel

The Explorer’s Passage is a proud member of Sustainable Travel International, a partner/supporter of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, as well as a supporter of the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST).  In addition to ‘Leave No Trace’ principles, the concepts of sustainability and responsible trekking are at the forefront of our Himalayan journeys. As part of this commitment, we: minimize single-use plastic; intentionally stay at smaller tea houses/lodges along the trekking route (they are generally more sustainability-oriented and less wasteful); minimize disruptions to wildlife and local Nepalese communities (this includes noise moderation near homesteads and villages); do not allow collecting of plants, rocks, or other items from the trail; and we only use authorized paths to prevent erosion and damage/disrespect to local sites.

Ready to Book? Contact Us

Annapurna circuit trek photos.

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Annapurna Circuit Trek - 14 days

Starting from

Starting Price USD 1,155

Group Size 1+

Trip Grade Moderate-Challenging

Best Season March - May and September- December

Accommodation Hotel/Tea House

Max Elevation 5416 m

Meals Full Board

Transportation Private Vehicle/Flight

Trek Route Bhulbhule - Thorongla Pass- Poonhill- Pokhara

Trip Highlights

• Witness the breathtaking view of some of the highest mountains in the world including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu.
• Reaching one of the highest mountain passes in the world – Thorong La Pass(5416m)
• Traverse through diverse landscapes, beautiful settlements, rivers, lovely waterfalls, and dense forest
• Witnessing mesmerizing sunrise view over Annapurna Ranges, from the Poon hill(3210m)
• Enjoying hot springs in Tatopani to relax and rejuvenate.
• Visit one of the world’s highest Muktinath Temple (3800m)

Trip Overview

The Annapurna Circuit trek is popular as one of the best treks in the world for its breathtaking natural scenarios, beautiful diverse landscapes, and cultural immersion. Hillary Step Treks presents 14 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek for those who love challenging yet alluring treks with a perfect blend of natural scenarios and cultural exploration.  

Our Annapurna circuit trek takes you through lush green forests, charming villages, and diverse landscapes including arid deserts, with jaw-dropping views of Annapurna mountain ranges surrounding the trekking trails. During your journey, you will get to immerse yourself in the unique culture of people living under the shadows of the Himalayas.  

Our journey of the Annapurna circuit trek (14 days) starts from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. However, you will start the actual trek from Besisahar taking you through different beautiful villages such as Bhulbhule, Jagat, and Dharapani. The key highlight of the trek is arriving at Thorong La Pass, which is the highest peak (5416m) of our trek. Additionally, hiking to the Poon Hill viewpoint , visiting Muktinath Temple, and witnessing the beautiful sunrise view over Annapurna Ranges presents you with a lifelong memory.  

During your trekking days, we have also separated a day for acclimatization for you to adapt your body to high altitudes. For this, you will be spending a day in Manang , where you will also have an opportunity to learn about the local lifestyle and culture. 

To clarify the financial aspect, the Annapurna circuit trek cost with Hillary step treks varies for individual travelers and group travelers. On average, our Annapurna circuit trek cost ranges from USD 749 to USD 1099 per person, which includes accommodation costs, meals, transportation, and permits.  You May continue to Tilicho Lake if you have more time.

Day to Day Itinerary

Kathmandu(1,350m/4,429ft)) - besisahar- bhulbhule/ngadi(845m/2,772ft) (by bus).

On our first day of the 14 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will depart Kathmandu on a Public bus in the early morning. The bus takes you through the beautiful scenarios of terraced fields, small villages, and green hills. The scenic drive presents you with a magnificent view of the Trishuli River and snow capped peaks including Mt. Manaslu and Mt. Ganesh on your way.

After 6 hours of driving, you will arrive at Besisahar, a bustling town that is considered the starting point for Annapurna circuit trekking.

From Besisahar, the bus takes you through rough road uphills towards Bhulbhule. Upon arriving at Bhulbhule, you will witness the beautiful Marshyangdi River flowing freely at the side. We will take some time to relax for a while at a teahouse before registering the trek permits at the check posts. Later, you can explore nearby places in Bhulbhule.

You will stay overnight at Bhulbhule.

Bhulbhule(845m/2,772ft) – Jagat (1,300m/4,265ft)

Today is the day we start our real trekking in our 14 days Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary. After an early morning breakfast, you will start your journey from Bhulbhule with a gradual walk to reach Jagat. The trekking trail passes through the lush green forest and terraced fields alongside the beautiful Marshyangdi River. On the way, you will pass through the pleasing waterfalls as you walk past beautiful villages to arrive at Jagat. Remember to admire the beautiful Mt Annapurna, Lamjung, and attractive landscapes on your journey.

You will stay overnight at a teahouse at Jagat.

Jagat(1,300m/4,265ft) - Dharapani (1,860m/6,102ft)

Today, you will continue your trek along the  Marsyangdi River  to reach Dharapani. The early trekking trail passes through rocky cliffs, a suspension bridge, lush forests, and beautiful waterfalls. Then you will gradually climb steep ascents, which will take you to Tal village, the gateway of the Manang Region. From here, you will enjoy walking and observing the terraced fields with growing crops such as rice, barley, and potato as you reach Kontro village.

From Khotro village, the trekking trail descends downhill before you cross a bridge. A short walk from here will take you to Dharapani.

You will stay overnight at Dharapani.

Dharapani (1,860m/6,102ft)- Chame (2,670m/8,760ft)

Today, the trekking trail will take you through stunning forests of pine and oak trees, with occasional glimpses of astonishing mountains from the distance. You will also pass through several small villages of Bagar Chhap, Danaque, Timang, Thanchok and Koto while observing the unique lifestyle of people in these lively settlements.

The highlight of the day is the stunning view of the Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II as you make your way to Chame. Stay overnight at Chame.

Chame(2670m/8760ft) – Upper Pisang(3300m/10827ft)

On the fifth day of our 14-day Annapurna Circuit trek, you will walk on the trekking trails towards Upper Pisang passing through steep ascents in the thick woods and narrow river valley. On the way, you will get a glimpse of the sacred huge Paungda Danda Rock.

Moving ahead through rocky terrain and stunning forests, you will ascend to Dhikur Pokhari. From here, a gradual walk on the trail will take you to Upper Pisang village. This small village is situated on a ridge overlooking the Marsyangdi River valley, with stunning views of the Annapurna range in the distance.

Upper Pisang(3,300m/10,827) - Manang (3540m/11,614ft)

Waving goodbye to picturesque Upper Pisang, you will start the day climbing steeply toward the numerous beautiful villages such as Ghyaru, Ngawal, Munji and Braka. You are rewarded with stunning views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Pisang Peak, and Tilicho while you pass through various Tibetan settlements. On these settlements, you will explore small monasteries and make a visit to the largest Braka monastery in Manang. From Braka monastery, you will arrive at Manang after a short walk on the ascending path.

You will stay overnight at Manang.

Rest day and acclimatization in Manang

Today is acclimatization day in our 14-day Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary. Acclimatization is important to allow your body to adapt to the high altitude and thinning air. Here, you will spend the day exploring the nearby villages and monasteries. You will also hike to the Gangapurna viewpoint to adjust your body to the higher altitude. From this viewpoint, you will witness the magnificent Gangapurna Glacier Lake, glaciers, and exceptional views of Annapurna. It also presents you with the top view of the beautiful Manang Valley.

Later on the day, you will visit the Himalayan Rescue Association and learn about prevention against altitude sickness.

In the evening, you will also get an opportunity to interact with the local people and learn about their unique lifestyles. We will end the day enjoying the local cuisine.

Stay overnight at Manang.

Manang(3,540m/11,614ft) - Ledar (4,200m/13,780ft)

From Manang, today, you will head towards Ledar. The trekking trail is peaceful today, so you will enjoy walking in the quiet surrounding. The occasional encounter with beautiful animals such as yaks, goats, and mules on the way to Ghashang keeps you entertained. Walking further, the snow-capped mountains follow you as the trail ascends and descends to reach Yak Kharka. Careful walking is required as some passes are narrow.

From Yak Kharka, an easy wall will take you to Ledar where you will spend a night at a teahouse.

Ledar(4,200m/13,780ft) - High Camp (4,925m/16,158ft)

The ninth day of our 14-day Annapurna Circuit trek is quite challenging as the trails gain a significant amount of altitude. Today, you will leave Ledar walking slowly and gradually on several ascends and descends and cross a river following a narrow trail. On the trail, you will pass through Thorong Phedi where you are welcomed by the cold blowing wind.

You will trek at a slow pace throughout the day to arrive at High Camp. Stay overnight at a teahouse in High Camp.

High Camp(4,925m/16,158ft) - Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft) - Muktinath (3,760m/12,336)

Today, the most thrilling part of the trek begins as we will be reaching the highest altitude of the Annapurna Circuit trek. The trekking trail is certainly challenging yet rewarding.

You will leave High Camp early in the morning as you pass through steep and rocky trails, where you may need to take frequent breaks to rest. As you climb higher, it is important to walk at a slow pace to avoid potential altitude sickness.

Upon reaching Thorong La Pass, you are rewarded with astonishing panoramic views of snow-capped mountains including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. You will also witness colorful prayer flags and chortens at the top of the pass.

After taking some time for rest and enjoying the exceptional nature at Thorong La Pass, you will begin to descend toward Muktinath. If we have time, we will make a visit to Muktinath temple, which is a pilgrimage destination and holy site for Hindus as well as Buddhists.

Stay overnight at a teahouse.

Muktinath(3,760m/12,336ft) - Tatopani(1,190m/3,904ft) by Local Bus

On the 11th day of our 14 Days Annapurna Circuit trek, you will start a day early in the morning with a visit to Muktinath temple. The temple includes a golden statue of Lord Vishnu, and outside of the temple are 108 stone faucets with a bull face on them. Here, you will also visit the small monastery Mebar Lha Gompa and get a glimpse of the continuous natural gas fire at the entrance of the gate. Inside the gompa is a statue of a Buddhist god dedicated to Guru Rimpoche.

From Muktinath temple, we will ride on a bus to visit Tatopani. The thrilling bus ride takes you through the rigged roads of dry highlands; and passes the deepest gorge Kali Gandaki. The bus ride takes around 5-6 hours to reach Tatopani; and takes you through the beautiful villages of Kalopani, Marpha, Jomsom, and Tukuche.

After arriving at Tatopani, we will take a rest for a while. Later, you will visit the famous natural hot spring and enjoy the hot spring to heal your body. The bath provides you with refreshment and relaxation after a long day of continuous walking.

Stay overnight at a teahouse in Tatopani.

Tatopani(1,190m/3,904ft)- Ghorepani (2,874m/9,429)

Waving goodbye to Tatopani, you will resume your trekking journey walking toward Ghorepani. The trek starts by crossing a suspension bridge of Kali Gandaki River before climbing steeply uphill to reach Sikha village. The trekking trail passes through the beautiful terraced farms and rhododendron forests to reach the charming Magar villages of Shikha. From here, the trail further passes through blooming magnolia, rhododendron, and birch forests to arrive at Ghorepani. You will enjoy stunning views of wonderful Himchuli, Tukuche, and Annapurna South on your way.

Stay overnight at a teahouse in Ghorepani.

Early morning Poon Hill hike (3,210m10531ft), Trek to Hile & Return to Pokhara(8,20m/2,690ft)

Today, you will start the day early in the morning to enjoy the beautiful sunrise view. So, the hike commences at around 4.30 AM to arrive at Poon Hill after an hour of walking. The famous landmark for sunrise presents a breathtaking sunrise view over the snow-capped peaks including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Lamjung, Nilgiri, and other surrounding peaks. You can capture the moments with your camera or just relish the moment.

After collecting lifelong memories, you will return to Ghorepani and enjoy breakfast. Afterward, you will start trekking towards Hile passing through rich beautiful forests of bamboo, oak, rhododendron, and pine.

From Hile, you will ride a cab or local vehicle to drive to Pokhara. If time favors us, we will visit the nearby sightseeing sites or else we will rest at a hotel.

Stay overnight in Pokhara.

Pokhara(820m/2,690ft) - Kathmandu (1,350m/4,429ft) by Tourist Bus

Our extensive and thrilling14 days Annapurna circuit trek comes to an end today. After early morning breakfast at a hotel in Pokhara, you will drive back to Kathmandu on a 7 to 8 hours scenic drive. If you prefer a flight, you can also fly on domestic flights from Pokhara to Kathmandu (excluded from the package). After arriving in Kathmandu, you can take time to take a rest at a hotel in Thamel. If time favors, you can visit nearby sites in Kathmandu. Stay overnight at your own hotel in Kathmandu.

Cost Inclusion

Accommodation.

• One night Accommodation in Pokhara ( Hotel Splendid View with Breakfast)
• 12 nights Lodge accommodation during the Annapurna Circuit Trek
• All the Standard meals ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner/the main course) Three times a day during the trek

Transportation

• Kathmandu to Bhulbhule by Bus
• Muktinath to Tatopani by public Bus
• Hile to Pokhara by Private Jeep
• Pokhara to kathmandu by Tourist bus

Note: ( If you ask flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu we can arrange an extra cost)

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit ( ACAP) fees
• Trekker’s Information Management System ( TIMS ) Card Fees
• One professional well English speaking government Licence holder trekking guide
• Porter ( One porter for 2 trekker’s, combine porter limit is 20kg)
• Guide’s, porter’s meal, salary, insurance, accommodation, insurance etc.
• Sleeping bag (if needed)
• First aid kits
• Water purification tablets for drinking water
• Seasonal fruits
• Trekking Map
• All Government, local taxes, and official expenses

Not Included

• International Airfare
• Nepal Visa fees at Tribhuwan International Airport (15 Days US$30, 30 Days US50, 90 Days US$125)
• All accommodation in Kathmandu
• Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Extra nights’ accommodation in Pokhara & Kathmandu due to early return from the trek
• All the hard and soft table drinks such as Tea/Coffee, Coke/Fanta, Mineral water, Beer, whisky, Hot shower and Battery charges, desert, WIFI, etc
• Your travel insurance that covers Helicopter evacuation
• Tips for Guide and Porters

Trekking Information

Accommodation in the Annapurna Circuit Trek is mostly teahouses or lodges operated and owned by local natives. The teahouses in the mountains are basic and comfortable. Additional facilities like Wi-Fi, laundry, hot water, and attached bathrooms at the lower altitudes with additional charges. At the higher altitudes, sharing must be done but basic facilities are provided. During winter, a facility of heaters, blankets, and a bucket full of hot water for a shower. There is a fire in the commonplace on winter nights to keep the room warm. Confirm the availability of working electrical outlets, and Wi-Fi before booking a room. Learn about the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the locals if one wishes to by interacting with them. Be kind and respect the customs during the stays in the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Meals during the Annapurna Circuit Trek are basic but appropriate and healthy for the trekkers. Carbohydrate, nutrition, and protein-based foods are required for the trekkers in the mountains. It helps to keep them energized throughout the trek. Enjoy the authentic Nepalese staple diet: Dal Bhat along with vegetable curry and fresh salads. Trekkers can also enjoy international cuisines (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) but menus are basic as options are fewer in the mountains. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided at the destined stopovers. Also, carry some chocolate bars and light snacks or can buy them at nearby small shops to have them during the trek. One thing to keep in mind is that the meal prices rise as the altitude rises.

Drinking water

Drinking water in the Annapurna Circuit Trek is abundant throughout the Annapurna region. Freshwater streaming from the mountains can be consumed directly or by performing water treatment using purifying tablets or drops. For quick water treatment, one can carry a portable water filter. Else, one can fill water at water filling stations paying an extra charge in case of any doubt or to be safe. The water is kept boiled at these stations and can be found at various stops on the trail. Since plastic water bottles are forbidden in the  Annapurna Conservation Area  it is handy to carry reusable water bottles. Keep on drinking water to prevent altitude sickness in the mountains.

Phone Network

The phone network in the Annapurna Circuit Trek is stable at the lower altitudes. As you go higher, a high chance of an unstable network or no network at all. One can communicate with family or friends via Wi-Fi which is easily available at the teahouses.

Internet Facility

Technological advancement has made the world a better place to live. Even in the mountains of Nepal, one can get an internet facility. Annapurna region teahouses mostly have installed the internet that works smoothly for most of the part. Only at Thorong La Pass and Ledar, the internet may not work properly during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. With some additional charges, trekkers can use the Wi-Fi facility at the teahouses. Likewise, trekkers can buy a Sim card and use a mobile data pack instead of paying an additional charge for Wi-Fi.

Reaching the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

If you are planning to embark on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, it is important to have a clear understanding of the itinerary. The  14-day Annapurna Circuit trek  begins at Besisahar, which can be reached via a 6-hour drive from Kathmandu. The journey to Besisahar can be completed by a tourist bus or private cab, depending on your preferences. Our  Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary  is designed to ensure that you make the most of your journey, with ample time for rest and acclimatization. So, whether you are an experienced trekker or a first-timer, our itinerary will provide you with a well-rounded experience of the beautiful Annapurna region.

Essential Permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Treks required mandatory permits. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permits can be purchased at the tourism office. The TIMS costs NPR 2000 and NPR 1000 for SAARC nationals. The ACAP permit costs NPR 3000 and NPR 1000 for SAARC nationals. Both ACAP and TIMS permits are valid for all treks in the Annapurna region until it has an exit stamp on them.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance safeguards trekkers from the risk of unexpected events. It works as a protective shield against medical and other travel-related expenses. An essential tool to make a comfortable traveling experience. Get proper travel insurance that covers all medical extremities, luggage loss, theft, flight cancellations, emergency evacuations, and high altitude. Therefore, before embarking on your Annapurna Circuit Trek, make sure to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers all the necessary aspects of your 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek.

How tough is Annapurna Circuit Trek for trekkers having various experience levels?

Annapurna Circuit Trek is challenging for first-time trekkers but adventurous at the same time. The circuit is blended with high ascends, steep descends, and straight roads. It is very good for trekkers to hike for months including such features before starting the real Annapurna Circuit Trek. Trekkers having normal physical fitness and good health condition under the proper guidance and planning can easily complete the trek. First-time trekkers can enjoy more during the peak seasons as trekkers’ flow are high. Trekkers should have strong determination and a confident approach while accomplishing the Annapurna Circuit Trek. A guide and a porter to companion you give delightful and great learning experiences about the Annapurna region.

Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization at Annapurna Circuit Trek

Altitude sickness is popularly termed mountain sickness. It is common for the trekkers who trek over 3000 m at the mountains/high altitudes. Trekkers have to ascend and descend several times during the trek. Therefore, acclimatization rest is essential to prevent altitude sickness. So, HST has properly designed acclimatization day at Manang for resting of the body. Primary symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, hangover, nausea, breathlessness, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, and sleep. In extreme cases, hallucinations, unconsciousness, and a rise in primary symptoms. Only a few trekkers suffer from altitude sickness below 3000 m but with proper guidelines and medications, it can be well-treated. If anyone has a symptom of altitude sickness immediately inform the guide and necessary actions are taken. Below are some points to prevent altitude sickness:

• Do warm-up hikes and stretching before starting the journey for the day.
• Drink an adequate amount of water. Keep rehydrating at regular intervals. It is best to drink a liter every hour you’ve walked then. Set yourself to urinate further throughout the day and night.
• Get plenty of rest & sleep. Don’t push yourself too much while walking. The key is to ascend slowly and gradually.
• You need to have an applicable balanced diet throughout the journey. Avoid too-much salty food, cigarettes, tobacco, and alcohol throughout the trek.
• If necessary take the capsules for Altitude sickness by consulting with your guide. If you feel too uncomfortable descend immediately.

When is the best time to visit Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered classic as one can experience variety under one trek. All seasons have their uniqueness and trekkers can experience diversity in each season. Most trekkers preferred Spring and Autumn as they are considered the best seasons to trek. During this season, the weather is clear and bright, and teahouses are fully-operated. Monsoon and winter are considered an off-season for trekking. Only a few experienced trekkers preferred to trek for a thrilling experience despite being risky. Annapurna Circuit Trek can be accomplished in all seasons with a guideline of systematic planning and proper medication.

Luggage limitation for Porter

Porters make the trekking journey comfortable. They perform an admirable job by carrying heavy luggage on their back with the help of a strap band. They climb uphill and downhill on the rough, slippery, and zigzag trails. Porters carry the luggage of two trekkers. So, considering their health, and difficulty level the maximum luggage limitation for a porter is 20-22 kg.

Trip Safety

HST guides and porters are professional experts, well-trained, and skilled with over one decade of experience. For us, the safety of the trekkers is the topmost priority. The guides always carry personal protective equipment and first-aid kits with them. They are technically skilled, friendly, spotless judgment, and have proven safety acts with no fatalities. The guides and porters accompany you to make the trekking journey memorable, safe, and easy. HST is always concerned about the trip safety of international clients. We are readily available to fulfill various needs and provide better service for our clients to have a safe, satisfying, and unforgettable experience.

What is the Equipment checklist for Annapurna Circuit Trek ?

The essential equipment checklist for Annapurna Circuit Trek is listed below:

Upper Body: –

• A long-sleeve thermal base layer
• Trekking shirt
• Insulation layer
• fleece jacket
• Warm Down Jacket
• waterproof jacket
• T-Shirt lightweight

Head: –

• Beanie and ear warmers
• Sunhat & Scarf
• Headlights with extra batteries

Face: –

• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Face /Body wipe

legs & Boots: –

• Trekking Pants two pairs
• Trekking boots
• Sport Shoes
• Crampons (If snow or Ice)
• Thermal Leggins
• Underwear & thick Socks

Essentials Gear: –

• Trekking pole
• Sleeping bag
• Water bottle
• Backpack or Day pack

Toiletries: –

• Quick drying towel
• Toilet paper
• Small mirror
• Nail cutter

Personal accessories: –

• Extra batteries for the Camera

Extra: –

• Diary & Pen
• Extra Passport copy and Photos
• Firsts Aid Kits

Note: The above list can be customized as per the seasons and necessity of the trekkers.

Extra Personal Expenses

Trekking in the mountains is adventurous but full of unpredictability at the same time. It is sensible to carry extra cash as there is no availability of banks and ATMs at the higher altitudes. For the following purposes, one needs to carry extra cash:

• For your Travel Insurance
• Extra or personal porter
• Gears and Equipment
• Hot showers, internet access, battery charging, laundry, and other extra services in the mountains
• Emergency evacuation cost
• Souvenirs from the Himalayas, such as medicinal herbs, paintings, and other things
• Flight cancellation/Extra stay
• Any kind of drinks, energy bars throughout the trek, tips to the guides and porters at the end of the trek

What is the Tipping System in Nepal?

Tipping in Nepal is a good culture and is widely accepted. Based on the services provided by the guides and porters one can tip them. It is completely your choice to tip them but a general rule is to tip about 10% of your trekking cost.

Benefits of Choosing Hillary Step Treks (HST)

• Our experienced team of over one decade has accomplished treks in Annapurna Circuit Trek and other treks too.
• Our guides are fluent in English, and Nepali dialects. They know the terrain, culture, people, and the Annapurna region through & through.
• HST provides you with the best value services for your money. No hidden cost, every step with HST is transparent and clear. We value our clients over profit any day.
• Your safety is the top priority while trekking with the HST team. Thus, in case of an emergency first-aid kit or provision of rescue teams as a requirement.
• We are a government-registered company providing you with real care services at the best reasonable rate.
• Our company also has 70% repetitive clients over the years which shows their trust in us.
• We go the extra mile to assure you of a complete trekking experience in Nepal. HST is your ideal choice for trekking in Nepal.

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FAQs of Annapurna Circuit Trek

What is the luggage limit for porter to carry.

Hillary Step Treks will provide one porter for two trekkers to carry a combined 20 Kg of Luggage (10Kg for each trekker)

How much does it cost to Hike Annapurna Circuit Trek!

It cost USD 749 to 1099 per person. Depends on group size.

What is the highest point of Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The highest point of this ACT is (5416m) Thorongla Pass.

Can I use a Private Vehicle instead of riding a public bus?

Yes, you can use Private Vehicles at an extra cost and it ensures hassle-free travel.

Can I hire or buy a sleeping bag and Down Jacket in Kathmandu?

Yes, you can hire a Sleeping bag and down jacket in Kathmandu. They charge around RS 150-200 per piece per day. And You also can buy it if you need a fresh one.

What permit is required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

There are 2 permits required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit fees, and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card.

How long does it take to reach Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Generally, it takes 10-17 Days to reach the trek from Kathmandu. It depends on which route you choose.

Approximately How many Kilometers(KM) do we have to walk in this Trek?

We, need to talk approximately 140km in 14 days Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Do guides and Porters have Insurance?

Yes, all Hillary Step Treks Guides & Porters are covered by Insurance.

What is the Tipping culture like in Nepal?

All our tour operators are a member of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal registered under the Nepal Government. You may wish to tip the guides and porters for their service during the trek. Tipping is your personal choice and you may tip about 10% of the trekking cost or more than that.

What documents do I need for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

You need to submit the following documents by WhatsApp or Email after the advance deposit.

• A Copy of Passport copy
• P.P size Photos
• Flight details (Arriving and Departure date)
• Travel insurance which should include emergency evacuation

Trip Review

Travel Year : 2023 Pasqualina Australia

Amazing Experience!

Travel Year : 2023 Sonia Canada

Great Annapurna Circuit Trek !

Travel Year : 2016,2019 Chin Jun Malaysia

A reliable guide who double up as a wonderful travel partner

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Trip Inquiry

Discover the essential travel requirements for Nepal, including visa procedures, current travel restrictions, and health and safety guidelines. Our travel expert will guide you through the latest entry requirements based on your departure country and passport, ensuring you’re prepared for your Himalayan adventure.

12 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek

Destination

160 – 260 km

Max Altitude

5,416 at Thorang la pass

Best Season

Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct, Nov

4-6 hrs walking

The Annapurna Circuit Trek , located in Nepal , is one of the most sought – after trek king trails in the world . This renowned trek takes trek kers around the Annapurna Massif , offering magnificent views of some of the highest peaks in the world . Along the way , trek kers will experience a wide variety of landscapes , from lush green valleys to snow – c apped mountains , and will encounter interesting Nep ales e culture .

The Ann ap urn a Circuit Trek provides an unforgettable experience to all those who take it on . Starting in the lowland town of Besisahar , trek kers will ascend to the highest point of the trek , Thorung La Pass , at an altitude of 5416m . Along the way , they will witness a variety of terr ains , including forests , al pine me adows , and gl acial mor ain es . They will also be able to admire the stunning mountain views of Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri , two of the highest peaks in the world . The Ann ap urn a Circuit Trek is a journey that is sure to leave a lasting impression on all those who undertake it .

Along the trail , trek kers will have the opportunity to experience the unique culture of the Nep ales e people , taste delicious local cuisine , and take in some of the most breathtaking views in the world . This is truly a trek of a lifetime !

Highlights of the Trek

• Sight seeing in the culturally rich city of Kath mand u
• Trek king through beautiful valleys , lush forests , and al pine me adows
• Ad m iring spectacular views of the Ann ap urn a and D haul ag iri Mass if s
• Re aching the highest point of the trek , Thor ung La Pass ( 54 16 m )
• Expl oring the beautiful local villages and experiencing the culture of the Nep ales e people
• Enjoy ing delicious local cuisine

Detailed Annapurna Circuit Trek Insights

You will cross Thorung La Pass, which stands at an impressive 5,416m , and walk along the edge of the deepest gorge in the world – the Kaligandaki Gorge .

The trek will take you through a range of altitudes, starting from 800m and peaking at 5,416m. Along the way, you will pass through different climatic zones, from rice paddy fields to subtropical forests , rural farmland, and glacial zones.

The panoramic views of the Himalayas are a highlight of the trek. You will be able to see the majestic Mt. Dhaulagiri , Mt. Annapurna I , Mt. Manaslu , Mt. Annapurna II , Mt. Annapurna III , Mt. Annapurna IV , Mt. Annapurna south , Mt. Nilgiri , Mt. Machhapuchhare , Mt. Hiunchuli , Mt. Lamjung Himal , Tukuche peak , and Tilicho peak .

One of the unique experiences on this trek is the opportunity to learn about the Tibetan way of life in Mustang valleys. Keep an eye out for snow leopards in Yak Kharka and blue sheep .

The trek begins at Bhulbhule , following the Marsyandghi River Valley through Jagat , Dharapani , Chame , and Pisang . We spend a night in each of these places.

After acclimatizing at Manang , we continue the trail and head to Yak Kharka , where we spend the night. The next day, we hike up to Thorong Phedi and spend the night there.

On day nine, we cross Thorong La Pass and head down to Muktinath , a sacred pilgrimage site. From there, we drive to Tatopani, where you can take a dip in the hot springs.

We end the trek in Berithanti and drive to Pokhara for our last night in the region. The following day, we return to Kathmandu on a tourist bus.

This journey is perfect for adventure seekers who want to experience the beauty of the Nepali Himalayan region. We offer other exciting trek packages in the Annapurna region, and our team at Annapurna Trekking can customize your trek to suit your needs.

Trip Highlights

• Marvel at the beauty of the Annapurna mountain range.
• Experience the culture of the Gurung, Thakali and Manang people.
• Trek through lush forests, high mountain passes and remote villages.
• Visit the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Gorge.
• Learn about the unique Nepalese culture and religion.

On the second day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will spend the day sightseeing in Kathmandu. You can visit some of the city’s famous attractions, such as the Golden Temple, Patan Durbar Square and the Boudhanath Stupa. You can also explore the nearby Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which features some of the city’s best traditional Newari architecture. At the end of the day, you can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and get a good night’s rest in preparation for your trek.

On the third day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will drive from Kathmandu to Ngadi, the starting point of your trek. The drive will take approximately 7 hours, and you will be able to enjoy some amazing views of the countryside along the way. Once you arrive in Ngadi, you will have dinner and spend the night in a local tea house.

On the fourth day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will drive from Ngadi to Bagarchhap. From there, you will begin your trek to Chame, the administrative centre of the Manang district. The trek will take approximately 5 hours, and you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna Range along the way. You will spend the night at a local tea house in Chame.

On the fifth day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will begin your trek to Manang, located at an elevation of 3,400 meters. The trek will take approximately 6 hours, and you will be able to enjoy some spectacular views of the Annapurna Range along the way. You will spend the night at a local tea house in Manang.

Today, you’ll start your morning off with a hearty breakfast in Manang before heading out on a three-hour hike to Kicho Tal (3950m), a stunning lake located just outside of the village. This trek is a great way to adjust to the higher elevation and take in the surrounding scenery. After your hike, take some time to explore Manang village, including the Tibetan Buddhist Gompa, one of the oldest in Nepal.

After a hearty breakfast in Manang, you’ll embark on a trek to Yak Kharka, an altitude of 4018m. The trail takes you along the river bank before ascending a small ridge and crossing a stream.

As the elevation increases, so does the beauty of the landscape; luscious forests give way to scrub and the mountains around you become more and more imposing. You may spot some yaks grazing on the hillside as you traverse the terrain. Eventually, you’ll arrive at Yak Kharka, and be able to appreciate the stunning views from the top.

Inclusion and Exclusion

• Airport transfers with an escort by private vehicle
• Medical kit
• Trekking permits, all necessary paperwork, and Trekkers' Information Management System Fees
• All applicable government taxes
• Available accommodation during the trek
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
• Equipment clothing for porters (3:1) and guide including their full insurance
• Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu from a professional guide
• Deluxe transportations as per the itinerary as per the number of Pax
• Deluxe rooms in a standard hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on twin/double sharing with breakfast
• Authorized English speaking guide for the trek and tour along with Porters (2:1) for the trek
• All expenses for staff; meals, accommodation, salary, equipment, insurance, transportation
• Travel and rescue insurance
• International flights; Nepalese visa fee
• Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
• Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
• Entrance fee(s) during sightseeing
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountains due to any reason other than the scheduled itinerary

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Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Max Altitute:5416 m
• Price: USD 1100
• Difficulty:Hard
• Duration:19 Days
•   Overview
•   Itinenary
•   Fixed Departures

Trip Overview

One of the highly praised and famous regions for trekking in Nepal is the Annapurna region. Annapurna Circuit Trek also known as the round Annapurna trek has been proven as one of the best trekking routes in the Annapurna region since it opened to foreign trekkers in 1977 and it will let you explore almost all parts of the Annapurna Himalayan range.

The Annapurna Circuit is a trekking route that goes around the Annapurna mountain range in Nepal. The length of the trek can vary based on the specific route chosen, ranging from 12 to 22 days. The distance covered during the trek can also vary, spanning between 160 to 230 kilometers. Trekkers have the flexibility to choose different paths and durations based on their preferences, time constraints, and fitness levels. The trek offers diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and stunning views of the Annapurna mountains, making it a popular choice for adventure enthusiasts seeking an immersive Himalayan experience.

Usually, the Annapurna circuit trek can take a maximum of three weeks to complete. As a matter of fact, Lamjung, Besi Shahar is the starting point of the Annapurna circuit trek. This trekking trail starts from Besi Shahar in the Marshyangdi River valley and eventually, ends up in the Kali Gandaki Gorge. The trek route follows Himalayan landscapes and passes through alpine vegetation. Thorang La Pass at a height of 5416m is the highest point in this trekking route and is the most difficult place to pass while trekking through it. Kaligandaki George : The deepest George in the world is the lowest point of this trek.

Related:  Langtang Valley Trek

Contact  us at:

Highlights of annapurna circuit trek:.

The famous Annapurna Circuit is a well-known trail that goes around the entire Annapurna Massif, often listed among the top 10 treks globally. It’s like watching a highlights reel of the Himalayas. The trek covers a significant elevation change along its 190km length. It begins in a small town called Besisahar at 760m, about as high as two and a half Eiffel Towers. At its highest point, Thorong La Pass, it reaches a whopping 5,416m, approximately 18 Eiffel Towers above sea level.

You might be thinking that at such high altitudes, the thin air could affect you, and you’re correct. Altitude can impact hiking, which is one reason why no one has ever stacked 18 Eiffel Towers on top of each other for public use. However, this elevation change is what makes the Annapurna Circuit and all trekking in the Annapurna region unique. The trek offers a variety of views and climates, ranging from tropical warmth one day to snow the next. While there are many other less-known treks in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal always has trails that are off the beaten path. We’ll explore some of those later, but first, let’s cover the basics.

You can also ask our team for a customized Itinerary if you have a big team of trekkers.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Costs:

Note:  According to Trekking Terms and Conditions, if the client cancels the booking of the trek then the refund policy is as given:

• After booking The Trek if an Individual Gets un-well and Cancels his/her trip Before 1 Day of the Scheduled Date Company will Charge 60% of the Trip amount as a Cancellation fund. • After booking The Trek if an Individual Cancels his/her trip Before Arriving here in Nepal Due to any reason Company will Charge 20% of the Trip amount as a Cancellation fund. (Note: if an individual Postpones the trip No Cancellation change will be taken) • After the trip is started and if an individual cancels the trip in between Due to any region (Medical, Personal, etc.) no refund will be offered. The full Trip cost will be charged by the company.

Trek Guide:

The guides for this trek are primarily experienced Sherpa guides, known for their expertise in leading mountain expeditions, especially at high altitudes. Sherpas play a vital role in guiding and supporting climbers in challenging conditions. Their responsibilities include tasks like setting up base camps and transporting loads to higher camps. Their work begins at the mountain’s base camp, where other groups and animals handle load transportation. Subsequently, Sherpas take charge, carrying loads to higher camps, creating climbing routes, and assisting climbers in reaching the summit of the mountain.

Mr. Yakpu Sherpa is one of our experienced guides who is a registered guide by the Nepal Mountaineering Association .

Above above-mentioned rates For Guides include Daily wages and Gear and Equipment and do not include Insurance and Ground transportation Fees. Also, you can learn about the gear and equipment for the trek from our blog Trekking Essential.  

What is so special about Annapurna Trek?

Not only natural diversity but Cultural diversity is also fabulous. In the meantime, the Gurung villages in this region will let you experience their way of living, their traditional clothes, their culture, and tradition. Similarly, trekking in Annapurna will let you experience the mixed culture of Tibet and Nepal in this region and you will be witnessing the typical Gurung and Magar families residing in this region.

Pure local and authentic Nepali Cuisine is one of the best things in this trek. Cultural diversity throughout this trip is the extra sweetness of the trek. You can enjoy a variety of cultural lifestyles during your trekking period.

Hence, the majestic view of white Himalayan ranges, and dense rhododendron forests are the beauty of the Annapurna circuit. Similarly, alpine vegetation and the Himalayan villages with the memorable hospitality, lifestyle, culture, and traditions of people are the major attractions of the Annapurna circuit trek. Moreover, the sight of wild animals like Blue sheep, snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan Tahr, and many species of birds makes the Annapurna circuit trek the best adventure trail for a lifetime experience.

Annapurna Circuit Trek 2024 Briefing

After you have arrived in Kathmandu in the first place you will get to rest. Then, you will get to enjoy exploring Kathmandu Valley on the second day. In UNESCO World Heritage sites,  you will get a chance to explore Hindu and Buddhist culture Visiting Temples and monasteries.

From Kathmandu, you will drive until you reach Besi Shahar, Lamjung which is the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Then, the trial moves through Paddy fields, sub-tropical forests, incredible waterfalls and fresh downstream rivers, huge cliffs, and beautiful hilly Himalayan villages of Nepal. Manang Valley together with the lower Mustang is influenced by Tibetan culture. Visitors can experience and observe the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of both Nepal and Tibet while trekking on this route.

For the most part, visitors can spot the mesmerizing views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Machhepuchhre (6,993m), Manaslu (8,156m), Gangapurna (7,455m) and Tilicho Peak (7,134m) around the circuit. They can also visit the famous Muktinath Temple also well-known temple for Hindus as well as Buddhists. One can Visit Marpha village which is popular for Apples and you can enjoy world-class Apple wine in Marpha .

Annapurna Circuit Trek, in brief, offers you the chance to explore Himalayan landscapes. Likewise, you can explore alpine forests, rhododendron forests, wild animals, and bird species. You will get the chance to explore natural, cultural, and traditional beauty around the Annapurna region with this trekking.

Best time  and difficulty for Annapurna Round Trek

Annapurna Round (Circuit) Trek is a lifetime experience for you. Visiting it at the best time is what you should consider. But when is the best time to visit Annapurna? For the Annapurna Circuit, October and November is the best time. However, April and May are also considered to be the best times for trekking. The weather during these two seasons is generally clear and dry, so it’s not too cold when heading into high altitudes. That makes the perfect blend to walk and view the environment around.

To add Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered moderately challenging . It involves diverse terrains, steep ascents, and descents, and reaches high altitudes, particularly at Thorong La Pass (5,416m). Trekkers should be in good physical condition, prepared for changing weather, and aware of potential altitude-related challenges. Prior trekking experience and consultation with a healthcare professional are advisable.

Why Book Annapurna Circuit Trek from Hikeontrek?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Hikeontrek guarantees a smooth and enriching adventure. Backed by local expertise, they offer customizable itineraries and prioritize safety, ensuring a personalized journey through the stunning Annapurna region. Additionally, Hikeontrek is committed to responsible tourism, contributing to local communities while providing quality services at competitive prices. Positive reviews affirm their reliability, making Hikeontrek a trusted option for a memorable and well-supported Annapurna Circuit experience. Rest assured, booking any service with Hikeontrek eliminates the need for second thoughts.

Detailed Itinenary

Hike on Trek customizes Annapurna Circuit Trek as per your needs. We have talked with our Annapurna Trekking Guides and customized the trip itinerary in accordance. We are comfortable to customise the trip as you will.

ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK ITINERARY (WITH MANANG/TILICHO LAKE/throng la pass /Jomsom /Pokhara) (18n/19d)

Day 01 : Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

Day 02 : Kathmandu – Besishahar (1000m)

Day 03 : Besishahar – Chame by drive (2710m, 5/6 hours

Day 04 : Chame – Pisang (3300m, 5/6 hours)

Day 5 :pisang – Nawal (3/4 hrs) 3200 m

Day 06 : Nawal – Manang (3500m, 6/7 hours)

DAY 07 : Break or rest day on Manang

Day 08 : Manang – khangsar or shree kharka( 3735m, 4/5 hours)

Day 09 : Shree Kharka – Tilicho basecamp (4150, 4/5 hours)

Day 10 : Tilicho lake visit & back to Shree Kharka

Day 11 :shree kharka – yak kharka (4018m) or ledar (4200m /5-7hrs)

Day 12 :Ledar — Thorong Phedi (4400m) or Thorong high camp (4900m 4/6 hrs)

Day 13 :Thorong high camp – Muktinath(3800m, 7/8 hours)

Day 14 : Muktinath – Tatopani  hot spring 6/7 hours drive

Day 15 : Tatopane– Pokhara by bus 6/7 hrs.

Day 16 :Pokhara sightseen by bus 7/8 hrs

Day 17 : Pokhara to Kathmandu Bus.

Day 18 :Free day Kathmandu sightSeen

Day 19 : Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final flight departure

1. What's Includes

• Pick up and transfer by car from Airport-Hotel-Airport.
• 3 nights of standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara as per the itinerary.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner trek.
• Local lodges accommodation during the trek.
• Government licensed guide plus experienced porters ( including their food, salary, accommodation, equipment, medicine & insurance).
• All local transportation by car/bus as per the itinerary.
• All necessary permits and entry fees.
• Medical kit box
• Rescue assistance.
• All government taxes
• Our service charge.

2. Doesn't Includes

• Necessary equipment (sleeping bags, down jackets etc)
• Meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
• International airfare.
• Nepal entry visa fee ($40).
• Your travel insurance (should include your medical and rescue).
• Any personal expenses.
• Extra nights’ accommodation Lunch dinner breakfast in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Staff & driver tipping.
• Any kind of hot and cold drinks

Trip Highlights

Sightseeing of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu.

Explore Gurung villages- The great Gurkha villages.

Spectacular view of mountains like Dhaulagiri (8167m), Nilgiri (6940m), Mount. Annapurna I (8091m), Mount. Annapurna III (7555m), Mount. Machhapuchhare (6993m), Mount.Annapurna IV (7525m), Mount.Lamjung Himal (6983m), Mount.Annapurna II (7937m), Mount.Varaha Shikhar (7847m), Mount. Annapurna South (7219m), Mount.Tukuche Peak (6920m).

Natural hot spring bath.

Visit Muktinath.

Sunrise from Poon Hill.

Important Info

Extra nights’ accommodation Lunch dinner breakfast in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late

departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary

Fixed Departures

Related packages.

Khopra Danda Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour : Great!

Upper mustang trek

Head office.

• THAMEL ALOFT HOTEL(CHHYA CENTER) OPPOSITE
• 9851237317 (WhatsApp) ☎ 01-4514568 01-4535569
• [email protected]

BRANCH OFFICE

• Street number Four Pokhara Lakeside
• 9801177317 (WhatsApp) ☎ 061458550

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