License No: 237321

Quick Facts

  • Duration:14 Days
  • Trek Style:Hiking and trekking
  • Group Size:2++
  • Location:Annapurna conservation area
  • Trek Starting Point:Syange
  • Trip Grade:Challenge
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accomodation:teahouse during trek
  • Max-Altitude:5416 m
  • Transportation:domestic flight / local jeep
  • Trek Ending Point:Jomsome
  • Departure from:Kathmandu

Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna Circuit Trek is the most popular classic trekking route in Nepal. It is a trek within the mountain ranges of central Nepal. It is an exciting, varied, yet challenging trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal.


Annapurna Circuit trail is the second-longest hike in the Annapurna region and we cover about 206 km in four districts (Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi) and two zones (Gandaki and Dhaulagiri) in 20 days. Therefore, it requires additional physical stamina, courage, and prior preparation. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is the most scenic trip on which we can see the two eight-thousanders: Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Annapurna I (8,091 m) with some other beautiful peaks: Manaslu (8,163 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m), Gangapuram (7,455 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Machhapuchhre (6,997 m) and Lamjung Himal (6,931 m).


Annapurna Circuit is also famous for its diverse climate, cultural prosperity, religious diversity, traditional way of life, and lush green vegetation as well as wild species. There is also the highest pass: the Thorang La Pass (5,416 m); the deepest gorge in the world: the Kali Gandaki Gorge; the highest lake of the size: Tilicho Lake (4,919 m); sacred 108 gargoyles; sacred Hindu Buddhist site: Muktinath temple; natural hot springs at Chame and Tatopani; and the immaculate sunrise from Poon Hill are some of the key highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.


Hike through the incredible Annapurna region and be impressed by the Nepalese Himalayas. These snow-capped peaks, misty valleys, remote communities, and remote monasteries will inspire those with a bold spirit and yearning for a definitive nature experience. Reach heights over 5000 m, discover the traditions of the indigenous people and dive into the spectacular mountain wilderness of the Annapurna Circuit.


For the landscape and cultural diversity, Annapurna Circuit has long been considered one of the best trekking routes in Nepal and one of the classic treks in the world. It follows the Marsyangdi valley north of the main Himalaya Mountains and crosses a 5416 m Thorong La pass to descend into the dramatic desert-like Tibetan landscape of the upper Kali Gandaki Valley. The trail leads past quaint villages of Gurungs, Manang is and Thakalis, offering spectacular mountain views of the numerous 7,000 m high peaks of the Annapurna range.


Apart from that, the Annapurna Circuit trail also offers some of the best teahouse lodges in Nepal. Detours and excursions from places like Manang, Muktinath, and Jomsom are among the highlights of the Annapurna Circuit trail.

View of Annapurna Massaif from Pisang during Annapurna Circuit trekking.
View of Annapurna Massaif from Pisang during Annapurna Circuit trekking.


Highlights:

☛ Stunning views of Mt. Annapurna, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and the other Himalayas.
☛ Dramatic gorges, high passes, temples, beautiful villages, and various landscapes, etc.
☛ The highest pass: Thorang La Pass (5,416 m); the deepest gorge in the world: the Kali Gandaki Gorge; the highest lake of the size: Tilicho Lake (4,919 m).
☛ Experience true local hospitality in authentic villages on the route.
☛ Learn about the local community, their culture, and lifestyle.

 

Fixed DeparturesSeptember October November
AC12.03 | 26.0319.04 | 23.0403.05

Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport. Our Staff member meets you and transfers you to the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel.

Morning wake-up and breakfast in the hotel.
Our guide will meet you in your hotel and brief you about the upcoming Annapurna Circuit trekking. He will guide you through all the formalities and necessary paper-works required for the trekking. After that, we then do Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley of famous UNESCO world heritage sites like Boudhanath, one of the largest Stupas in the world; Swayambhunath, a famous monkey temple, and Pashupatinath, a sacred Hindu temple complex. Apart from Sightseeing, we also get a TIMS card and permits for our Annapurna Circuit trek on this day. In the evening, we do initial preparation for the trekking.

Overnight at Hotel.

After early morning breakfast, we drive to Besi Sahar (6 hours’ drive) via tourist bus to start our Annapurna Circuit trek. We take our lunch at Besi Sahar. We then take a local jeep to Syange (1080 m). A steep and slippery trail runs up and down through paddy fields, passing through tiny Tibetan villages, the trail ascends through the rhododendron forest to Jagat (1330 m). Upon arrival at Jagat, we end our day and overnight at a teahouse lodge.

The trail continues zigzag way across the right side of Marsyangdi river view and after crossing again suspension bridge in the Marsyangdi River the trail goes uphill and gradually steep flat and get to Tal. Tal is one of the famous places for valley views and waterfalls. We enter Manang district, the trail continues through barley, rice, potato fields, and pine forests past the village of Khotro (1860m). Descend to a forest to a long suspension bridge and very pleasant courtyards of Alpine. Passing through Karte and Nache village, the new trail continues a stone Kani making a formal entrance to Dharapani. Dharapani is one junction way for Manaslu round and also big villages in the Manang valley.

Overnight at teahouse lodge.

Today we start our day by trekking to Bagarchhap (2160 m) through a forest of blue pine, spruce, hemlock, maple, and oak. The trail stays on the south bank of the river, climbing through forests to Danaque (2210 m), a valley surrounded by apple orchards. Climb steeply crisscrossing section of the road through rhododendron forest. The trail climbs along the mule track through in and fir forest and then follows the river for a time amongst the higher oak and maple trees. At the entrance to Chame is a long wall with many prayer wheels; the administrative headquarter of the Manang district. There are fine views of Lamjung, Annapurna II/IV (7525 m).
Overnight at teahouse lodge.
Climb past Mani walls to a field of buckwheat in tiny village Telekhu (2840 m). There are long, peasant, and mostly level walk-in forests with some dramatic scenery as you walk through a deep gorge. The pine-scented trail rounds a bend to reveal the first views of the dramatic Paungda Danda rock face, a tremendous
curved slab of rock. Over a ridge marked by prayer flags and stone cairn, continue the steep ascent to the upper Marsyangdi. The trail follows through the river valley with good views along the way of Pisang peak and Annapurna II at Pisang. Pisang marks the beginning of the region’s upper portion of the Manang district.
Overnight at teahouse lodge.
It is about a 6 – 7 hours trial. From upper Pisang, the high trail enters pine grooves to reveal views of the small turquoise lake. The trail does a dogleg through the charming village, passing with views of painted Mandalas and dragon mouth spouts. Hike through the fields of grazing Yak and a wide variety of crops.
The trail climbs a steep ridge right side of the Marsyangdi River to get Ngawal (3660 m) but it is one of the really great viewing points of the whole Annapurna Ridge and the Marsyangdi river valley view. On the way, we pass pine forests, villages such as Braga, and farming terraces. The large Tibetan settlement Manang provides good views of Annapurna II/III/IV, Gangapurna, and Tarkekang.
Overnight at teahouse lodge.
This day you spend the second night in the Manang region to acclimatize to the higher elevations you will encounter towards the Thoroung La. Take advice from the Himalayan Rescue Association and observe the spectacular views of the Himalaya nearby. There are fine views of the milky blue glacier lake at the foot of spectacular Gangapurna icefall and traditional stone buildings. You can explore Khangsur Village, Kecho Lake, or Milarepa Cave.
Overnight in camp/teahouse lodge.
The trail continues to climb out of the Marsyangdi Valley. The trail follows this valley north, passing a Goths as it steadily gains elevation. You have left the large trees below; the vegetation now consists of scrub juniper and alpine grasses. you can keep high and follow a track 400meters or so above Khangsar village passing through the ruins of old Khangsar and follow an unmarked trail which will lead you around and down to cross the river on an old log bridge between Gunsang and Yak Kharka. It’s fun to see large yaks grazing at Yak Kharka. The view of Annapurna III is excellent.
Overnight at teahouse lodge.
From Yak Kharka, the trail climbs along the east bank of the Jarsang Khola, then descends and crosses the stream on a wooden bridge at 4310 m. Blue sheep, and even snow-capped leopards, sometimes magically appear. The crow-like bird choughs, large lammergeiers, and Himalayan griffons circle you overhead. It is sometimes possible to see herds of blue mountain sheep at Phedi.
Overnight at teahouse lodge.
The trail becomes steep immediately after leaving Thorung Phedi, switchbacking up moraines and following rocky ridges as it ascends to the Thorong La pass (5416 m). You can see the long Great Barrier ridge, Tibet-like region of Manang, as well as the Annapurna, Gangapurna, and the heavily glaciated peak of Khatung Kang (6484 m). The trail descends crossing meadows steeply down to Muktinath. One of the most important pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is also home to many ethnics Tibetans and holy Buddhists.
Overnight at teahouse lodge.
Early morning, we take a short picturesque flight to Pokhara. The view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains and the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki is stunning from the flight. After we arrive at Pokhara, we rest for a while in our Hotel and wander around the Lake Side area in the evening. We can also explore various interesting places like Mahendra Cave, David’s fall, Peace Stupa, etc. on this day.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast, we end our Annapurna Circuit trek and drive back to Kathmandu in a tourist coach. We arrive at Kathmandu in the evening, where we have some time for leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
Alternative: You can also take a domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The duration of the flight is about 30 Minutes. One-way flight costs around 125 USD per Person. We can make a flight reservation for you. Please let us know.
After breakfast, a staff member will pick you up from the hotel and transfers you to the airport for the final departure. We wish you a pleasant and safe flight back home and hope to see you soon again.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Airport Pick-up and drop Service
  • Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu (twin sharing basis) with breakfast
  • Guided Tour of Kathmandu valley with an experienced tour guide
  • Hotel Accommodation in Pokhara (twin sharing basis) with breakfast
  • Sightseeing charges and Entry fees
  • 1 way flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
  • Accommodation during the trek (teahouse / guesthouse / homestay)
  • All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Transportation (tourist coach / local bus / private vehicle)
  • Experienced licensed English-speaking trekking guide
  • Local government Entry Permit of Rs. 2000 (started in 2018)
  • Insurance of the Guide and Porter
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
  • TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) Trekking Permit Card
  • Medical kits carried by the guide
  • All necessary paper works, office service charge and all Government Taxes

 

Optional Add-Ons:
  • Porter (cost: 20 USD per day, carries 15 – 20 kg load. Porter’s accommodation, transport and meal is paid by the company)
  • Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map (in case if you don‘t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)

WHAT'S EXCLUDED

  • Travel insurance (Mandatory: Should include emergency evacuation coverage while trekking up to 5500+ m)
  • International airfare and Visa costs (you can get Visa upon arrival at the Airport)
  • Domestic flight POK – KTM
  • Personal interest items or gears
  • Tips to guide / driver / porter
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Beverage and Drink Items / Other Extra facilities like hot shower during trek
  • Any other expenses which are not mentioned in “What’s Included” section
Annapurna Circuit trekking elevation map 2021
Annapurna Circuit trekking elevation map

FAQs: Annapurna Circuit trek

 

The length of the Annapurna Circuit trail depends on where you start and end your trek, therefore it can be anything between 160 km – 230 km. It can be done in as few as 10 days, or as many as 28 days, if side trips are added. Usually it takes 10 – 14 days to do the shorter version and 18 – 21 days for the full route.
The best weather for Annapurna Circuit trekking is during Autumn (September – November) and Spring (March – May). The skies are clear then and you will get a chance to enjoy some outstanding views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks. Keep in mind that even though it is not Monsoon season anymore it will be much warmer and humid in the lower regions (jungle) and you still may encounter an unexpected shower or two. It will also be much cooler above 3500 m. Even though it’s not technically Winter you will need warm clothes and a down jacket.
The Annapurna Circuit trek is considered to be a moderate trek. It doesn’t involve technical climbing but it’s good to have some hiking experience. The trek will go through different terrain and the roads will change. You may encounter jeep roads that get muddy after a rainfall, rock steps, steep ascents and descents full of loose rocks, and creeks crossing the trail in the most unexpected places just to name a few. The higher you climb, the harder the trek will become due to the altitude, so take some rest when needed and remember to acclimatize properly (max. 400 m in altitude per day).
During Annapurna Circuit trekking you have to walk around 6 – 8 hours per day on average. Sometimes you will have to walk for 4 – 6 hours a day.
The highest altitude reached during Annapurna Circuit trek is 5,416 m (17,769 ft). This is the elevation at ThorongLa Pass.

There is a risk of getting altitude sickness during Annapurna Circuit trekking because of the fact that you will be hiking above 3000 m. Different people react to the increment in altitude in different ways, despite of their fitness level or experience in the mountains. That’s why you should learn and understand what altitude sickness is and what the symptoms are beforehand. You can ask your local travel medicine specialist, search online or attend one of the lectures organized in Kathmandu.

You can find more information about Altitude sickness here.

The Annapurna Circuit trek is a teahouse trek, which means there are guesthouses in almost every village. Some are better than others, but generally rooms are basic and come with shared bathrooms and dining area. Blankets are provided but it’s a good idea to bring your own sleeping bag as it gets colder in the higher levels and there are no heating systems inside the buildings. Usually you will have to dine at your lodge in order to get a room. Some places may offer hot gas showers for an additional fee. Take advantage of that while you can because above Manang you won’t get the chance to shower at all until you reach Muktinath, the other side of the pass.
The fooding, lodging, guide cost and transport cost are all included in the package you buy with us. However, we suggest you to bring extra USD 350 – USD 450 for your personal and extra expenses like hot shower, bar bills etc.
No, there are no ATMs on the trail during Annapurna Circuit trek. You have to draw enough cash from Pokhara or Kathmandu before entering the trek. You have to carry Nepalese currency (Rupees) with yourself during the trek.
Our trekking route starts in Syange and ends in Jomsome, from where we take a flight to Pokhara. This route allows you to acclimatize properly and enjoy plenty of different landscapes and climate zones. That’s why the Annapurna Circuit is considered to be one of the most beautiful treks in the world.
For those having less time there are other options. You can take a jeep all the way up to Chame, skipping a part of the trek.
Yes. You will need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekker’s Information Management System Card (TIMS card), which are $20 each for individual trekkers. Both can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in Kathmandu.
Our package already includes the permit fees and other local charges. We will get all the necessary permits and documents for you. You just need to send us a copy of your passport and passport sized photo for the permits.

You have to bring your own charger to charge your devices. Charging facilities are available in teahouses. However, some lodges may ask a small electricity fee. In some lodges, there hot water shower facility is available but, you may have to pay an extra $1- $2. Usually the hot water shower is free of charge at lower altitude.

Most guest houses on the Annapurna Circuit trail offer WiFi, either for free or a small charge. However, since you are in the mountains, the WiFi might not work on a given day for many reasons. So don’t rely on it. Anyway, being offline for a while can be surprisingly beneficial!
No, not really. In fact, it completely depends on you if you want to go solo on this trek or through an agency. You can hire a guide and a porter by yourself or not even hire them at all. However, if you are trekking during the offseason, it will be tough and little dangerous as well. Before you go on the solo trek to the Annapurna Circuit don’t forget to ask yourself these questions:
Is it your first time in Nepal?
How confident are you of being able to find your way around?
How much time do you have?
Remember going through an agency will save you time and nerves. Most agencies arrange an experienced guide and will make all the arrangements for you necessary for the trekking beforehand.
Map of Annapurna Circuit trekking route 2021
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