Annapurna Circuit Trek

21 Days USD $2345 Kathmandu Kathmandu

Duration : 21 Days

Grading : Moderate Difficult

Min Pax : 1

Max Pax : 10

Max Altitude : 5,416 meters

Activity : Hiking, Trekking

Starts at : Kathmandu

End at : Kathmandu

Trip Route : Kathmandu-Besisahar-Thorang-La-Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu

Best Season : Mar-May, Sep- Nov

Overview

When it’s about the best trekking trails in the world, the list is incomplete without Annapurna Circuit Trek. Yes, you read it right. The Circuit Trek of Annapurna is one of the finest long treks globally.

Annapurna Circuit, the circuit you are thinking of, is a long beautiful path that goes around the heavenly Annapurna Region. One trekking on this circuit encounters and collects the experiences of numerous beautiful things. You will begin by diving into the countryside of Nepal. Then slowly, with every step ahead and increase in altitudes, the happenings change.

The trekkers admire Annapurna Circuit Trek for its adventurous trail that goes through the scenic part of Nepal. The trek is not just about long walks but also about the picturesque Annapurna Region mountains, lush greenery, outstanding landscapes, fresh rivers and streams, lovely people of the region, and more. This trek probably offers more than the trekkers actually ask for. It is that much worth doing.

Moreover, Annapurna Circuit Trek is a long journey as compared to other Annapurna Region Treks. Choosing it is like wishing to explore most of the region in one trip. Starting from Besisahar, the trek will go through the scenic terrains of the Manang Region to the dramatic Thorung La Pass(5,400m).

Later, the walk will pass by popular cultural and traditional stops like Muktinath Temple, a sacred Buddhist and Hindu site, Kagbeni, Jomsom, Pisang, Chame, Tatopani, and others. Plus, it reaches Poon Hill, the fabulous place for 360 degrees mountain panorama and sunrise in Nepal, too. All of those make Annapurna Circuit Trek a sound deal.

It is unquestionably the best trekking option to do in Nepal. After knowing about it, you surely cannot keep yourself away from the trail of the trek, can you?

TRIP HIGHTLIGHTS

Learn about the culture and lifestyle of the minimal life-living locals.
Do a hike to Poon Hill for the vast mountain panorama and breathtaking sunrise view.
Run into monasteries, gompas, mani walls, prayer flags, and temples.
Be able to do one of the prestigious circuit treks in the world.
Climb the daring Thorung La Pass, one of the most popular passes.
Travel across the natural richness of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Explore the distant and rural villages of the Annapurna Region.
Trek along the bold trail sided by forested areas, several rivers, streams, and waterfalls.
Start with a scenic bus drive on a winding highway to Besisahar.
Experience the fabulous views of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and other mountains.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to the Hotel (1400m- 4657ft)

The staff from Sabbatical Explore Nepal will meet you at the airport as soon as you arrive in Kathmandu. The team will then safely transport you to the hotel for rest. If time allows, we can take a quick tour of the city's major attractions. You will have a welcome meal with the complete hiking crew in the evening. Overnight back in the hotel.

Day 2: City Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

For your trek, the crew will begin preparing trek permits, verifying equipment lists, and making other trek arrangements. We'll travel to the Kathmandu Valley's key tourist attractions. For the city sightseeing, you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable city tour guide.
We will explore UNESCO Listed World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Basantapur Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, etc. As we end our tour in Kathmandu, all of the trek arrangements will be settled by the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m- 7hours)

Today we will have a joyous bus ride to Besisahar from Kathmandu. It will take at least 7 hours to reach there. We will enjoy the ride and the view through the windows. As we reach Besisahar, we will check in a teahouse for the night. Besisahar, a town in the Lamjung District, is the starting point of Annapurna Circuit Trek. Overnight in Besisahar.

Day 4: Trek from Besisahar to Bahundanda (1,310m- 6hours)

We will start our journey today by leaving Besisahar’s streets and moving towards Bahundanda. Shortly after leaving the location, we will run into a suspension bridge in Bhubhule As we go through the rice farm fields, we will get to see some striking vistas of Mt Manaslu.
Then we will move upwards through Ngadi Village by exploring the busy village life. The uphill trek will end eventually in the Bahundanda(Hill of the Brahmins). Overnight in Bahundanda.

Day 5: Trek from Bahundanda to Jagat (1290m- 6hours)

Now we will descend slowly through the green terraces from Bahundanda. The downhill trek will continue through to the stream area before reaching Hani Gaon village. Then we will enter Marsyangdi Valley where we have to trek over a winding steep trail.
Later, we will pass via Syange to take a turn towards the river. Following the river for some distance and joining a steep trail from the bank of the river, we will reach a picturesque hill. And then we will descend from the hill, and we will reach Jagat. Overnight in the Teahouse at Jagat.

Day 6: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1920m- 5hours)

From Dharapani, we will join a steep path that takes us to a dense forest. The time through the woods may allow us to see some of the wild animals. This way we will reach Chamje-another important teahouse village on the circuit.
After Chamje, we will find our way to Sattale by crossing a suspension bridge. Heading upwards from the river and Sattale, we will trace up to Tal prior to descending to reach another village Karte. Just after crossing the river over a bridge, we will start climbing upwards to reach Dharapani. The night in Dharapani.

Day 7: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2630m- 6 hours)

After breakfast, we will leave for Chame by entering a forested trail of pine, fir, and maple trees. The trek will also go along the sides of Marsyangdi river to finally stop in Chame, the headquarter of the Manang Region. More mountain views of Mt Manaslu, Annapurna, and other mountains will be seen today from the village. There are various traditional houses and basic teahouses in Chame. Overnight in Chame’s teahouse.

Day 8: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,115m- 5hours)

Walking through the steep valley, we will be on our way to Pisang. Lots of refreshing views of peaks and landscapes will be observable today. A comfortable day of trekking will sum up in Pisang village. Once in the village, we can view the vistas of Pisang Peak along with Annapurna and Annapurna II. Overnight in a teahouse in Pisang.

Day 9: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3,540m- 6hours)

This day will offer more majestic mountain views as we head up through Upper Pisang. Walking across Geru, we will see peaks like Gangapurna, Tilicho, Annapurna and Pisang Peak. The air also starts to get thinner as we reach Manang in the evening. In the course of reaching Manang, we will pass through several ancient monasteries as well. Manang has enough places to hang out like cafes, bakeries, and teahouses. Rest for the night in Manang.

Day 10: Acclimatization Day at Manang

This will be an acclimatization day in Manang on Annapurna Circuit Trek. We will get enough time to acclimate around Manang before heading any higher. We will spend this day exploring the village of Manang and the nearby places completely.
Gangapurna Lake is quite near to Manang, we will have a day hike to the lake for its views and observe mountains. In the afternoon, we will visit the Himalayan Rescue Association for brief information about mountain sickness. Overnight back in the same teahouse.

Day 11: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4050m- 5hours)

After a good acclimatization day in Manang, we will start gaining more altitudes. Taking an upward track and crossing a stream, we will pass via Tenki Village to move further in the Marshyangdi Valley. Several plain pastures and juniper trees will also come into sight before we arrive in Gunsan. From there, we will cross a river through a wooden bridge to finally reach Yak Kharka, the high pasture land of Yaks. Overnight in Yak Kharka.

Day 12: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4525m- 5hours)

We will set our foot out of the Yak Kharka to reach the bottom of Thorong La Pass, Thorong Phedi, now. The trek will commence as we ascend a ridge to the northern side. We will cross the sounding Marsyangdi River over a bridge before ascending once again. The climb will eventually lead us to do a descent to the Thorung Phedi. Phedi is surrounded by attractive rugged landscapes. We will explore the place until nightfall. Overnight in a teahouse.

Day 13: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass (5416m- 9hours)

Here comes a big day of the trek, the day when we will scale Thorong La Pass. With an excited heart, we will begin ascending from Thorong Phedi. It is also a demanding day where we have to show some patience and hard work. We will gain heights slowly as the oxygen level is low in the area.
As we reach the top of Thorong La Pass(5,416m), we will find a stack of stones and prayer flags. From this point, we will enjoy an incredible mountain show. We will then descend down towards Muktinath after getting our eyes filled with the views. By nightfall, we will already be in the town of Muktinath(3,760m/12,623ft), a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Overnight in Muktinath.

Day 14: Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2665m- 6hours)

With an early morning visit to Muktinath Temple, we will leave the place behind as we now have Marpha to reach. The trail will follow the riverbed of Kali Gandaki just between the lush hills. We will reach Jomsoon at noon and take lunch there. It is one of the famous stops of the Manang Region.
Getting on the trail again, we will trace our ways to a beautiful Himalayan village, Marpha, an excellent place for alley walks, cafes, and cultural exploration. Overnight in Marpha.

Day 15: Trek from Marpha to Ghasa (2000m- 6hours)

Now the path will wind up in the direction of Ghasa from Marpha. We will leave the terraces of the village by choosing to walk further on the riverside. As we keep on trekking ahead, we will also pass stops like Tukuche-a village of a large gompa and Larjung. Throughout the day, we will be able to see mountain views as well. We will finally arrive in Ghase by walking through the forest of Kalopani. Overnight in Ghasa.

Day 16: Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani (1160m- 6hours)

Walking over a beautiful and calm trail of the region, we will reach Tatopani in 5-6 hrs all the way from Ghasa. Tatopani is a place by the Kali Gandaki River known for its healing hot spring. We will refuel our bodies by taking a dip in the hot spring. Overnight in Tatopani.

Day 17: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2775m- 8hours)

After the time at Tatopani, we will trek upwards to the Ghorepani. This day will have lots of uphill climbs for us to do. We will pass via traditional settlements like Sikha and Chitra and their rice terraces. The 6-7 hours of trekking will end up in Ghorepani, a picturesque village. Unbelievable mountain views from the village where we will settle for the night.

Day 18: Trek from Ghorepani to Tikhe Dhunga via Poon Hill (1480m- 7hours)

We will trek from Ghoreapani to Tikhe Dhunga. But before that, we will hike up to Poon Hill(3,210m/10,525ft) quite early for the breathtaking sunrise view and mountain panorama. The whole of the Annapurna Region and its mountains can be viewed from Poon Hill.
After the time in Poonhill, we will get back to Ghorepani to have breakfast before leaving for Tikhe Dhunga. Most of the trek will be dropping one to reach Tikhe Dhunga by evening. Overnight in the village.

Day 19: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara (822m- 5hours)

The trek will continue towards Tikhedhunga by traversing through terraces, villages, waterfalls, bridges, and more. It will take 4 to 5 hours to reach Tikhedhunga. We will have a break in the village and lunch as well.
Later, we will join a jeep ride from Nayapul to Pokhara. It will take an hour to reach Pokhara. The rest of the time will be used to explore Pokhara until late evening. Overnight in Pokhara

Day 20: Drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara (7hours)

After breakfast in Pokhara, we will get ready for a bus ride of almost 200km to Kathmandu. However, you can also opt for a quicker flight option as well. As we finish up in Kathmandu, the trek will get completed finally. And we will have a farewell dinner with the whole team. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 21: Departure from Kathmandu

We will transfer you to the airport as per your departure time. What a thrilling journey it will be. You will fly back to your country with lots of memories of Annapurna Circuit Trek.

What's included

Airport pick up and drop
Transfer to the hotel along with welcome and farewell dinner
Trek permits, verifying equipment lists and making other trek arrangements
Entrance fess for heritages tour in Kathmandu
Trek guide along with porter to carry bags during trek
3 times meal during trek
Government tax and VAT
Transportation facility for reaching the destinations
Guide salary remunerations
Accommodation in Pokhara for overnight stay
All supporting staffs along with their meals and necessary insurance insurances and allowances

What's not included

Bill for alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, cold drinks etc.
Nepal Visa fees
Rescue service expenses during any event beyond our control
Client's personal insurance and expenses for unforeseen situation
Expenses for extra meals which isn't mentioned in itinerary
Medical/travel insurance

FAQ

How Long is the Annapurna Circuit Trek ?

The length of the Annapurna Circuit Trek varies as per the route and plan. This trek can be as long as 160 to 230Km. As for this itinerary, it is a long itinerary of 21 days from the start to the end. You can shorten the circuit trek to 12 days as well by customizing. For that, you need to inform us.

When is the best time to do Annapurna Circuit Trekking ?

The best conditions for doing this trek are during Autumn(September-November) and Spring(March-May). However, it is possible to do the trek all around. You will need special trek arrangements and preparation for that. You just reach us and we will find the right time for your trip.

How Difficult is Annapurna Circuit Trek ?

It is graded as a moderate trek that doesn’t involve any hard or technical climbing. But you have to trek through a steep, rugged, and strenuous trail time and again in this trek. The highest point of the trek is over 5000m. The elevation can also create some difficulties. And so will be the native chilly weather of the region.

What are the odds of mountain sickness during the trek ?

The risks are there as you are planning to do a trek that goes over 3500m of altitude. Someone who is not used to the high altitudes can face problems due to the high elevations. But, you can manage to avoid it by having an acclimatization day and slow ascending. Thus, if you know how to minimize the chances of sickness, you can easily cope up with it.

What are the accommodations like on the trek ?

This trek is a teahouse trek so obviously, you will spend nights in those basic teahouses. Each of the rooms has two beds, clean bedsheets, pillows, and other bedclothes. The bathroom will be on a sharing basis. For eating, you will have to use a communal hall.

What sort of food items to expect during the trek ?

It is not a big deal to get food items from different cuisines like Western, Chinese, and Local. You can also get bakery items too. Yet, the most popular food items throughout the trek are local Dal Bhat, a plate of rice, lentils, vegetable, pickle, etc.

What are the permits needed to do Annapurna Circuit Trek ?

We will need two permits for the trip, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and Trekker’s Information Management System Card(TIMS). We have to arrange these permits from the office of the Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu. We will need your passport and passport-sized photos to apply for the permits.

Is it wise to hire a porter and guide during the trek ?

Yes, if you are not used to trekking in Nepal, then you must hire at least an experienced guide. The conditions can be a little out of your thinking here, and the guide will be helpful there. Likewise, you can hire a porter if you have a heavy backpack or things to carry during the trek.