Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek offers challenging hikes in the Himalayas among high mountain scenery and exhilarating experiences. The name is a nod to the goddess of fertility and agriculture, who has the same name.
Highlights
Key trip facts at a glance.
Gallery
Trip photos and moments.
Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek offers challenging hikes in the Himalayas among high mountain scenery and exhilarating experiences. The name is a nod to the goddess of fertility and agriculture, who has the same name. More than half of the people who include trekking on their Nepal vacations spend time on the Annapurna circuit. This region in the western part of Nepal can see some of the highest mountain peaks in the world and a culture that’s been thriving for centuries. While trekking to Annapurna Circuit, you’ll have the chance to visit one of Nepal’s preserved outdoor spaces. Since 1986, the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation has been watching over the Annapurna Conservation Area. Stretching out for nearly 5,000 square miles, the conservation area works towards sustainability for the people who live on the land and those who visit on Nepal holidays. When you spend time here, you’ll experience diversity of culture and nature.
The great trekking trails start from a drive to Jagat via Besishar and wind through lush, subtropical forests and traditional farming terrace villages of west Nepal. Every ridge brings a Himalayan panorama with Annapurna’s Himalchuli soaring above. A trek of the Marshangdi River valley will bring you almost to the base of Gangapurna and into the Manang valley, where you will spend two unforgettable days gazing at the snow-covered peaks above and the beauty of the landscape around. Manang is a Himalayan Shangri-La. We will then proceed to climb the pass Thorong-la (5416 m), which, once on top, has a perfect 360-degree view that is breathtaking and will make you feel proud to be there.
Trip Highlights
- Crossing the Thorong-La Pass at the altitude of 5416 m, the highest point and most physically challenging day. And will see the amazing views as well.
- Explore the two highest Himalayan mountains, Mt. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, during the trials.
- After Throng-la Pass, visit the Muktinath Temple with 108 water taps; it is one of the most important Hindu & Buddhist shrines.
- Natural hot spring at Tatopani to relax your tired muscles.
- Experience traditional Buddhist culture, chortens, prayer flags, and ancient monasteries.
- You can see the wild animals, including mountain tahrs, marmots, peacocks, lopophoros, and sometimes snow leopards.
How Hard is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The Annapurna Circuit trek is a challenging trekking trail in Nepal; however, it is suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 6 to 8 hours a day with a light rucksack. Sometimes you might even need to walk 8 to 10 hours while crossing the Thorng-la pass. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes; however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude, and have strong determination, we may accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. But no previous trekking experience is needed for the Annapurna Circuit trek. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform us before booking the trips. We also recommend that you consult your doctor before your dream trip.
Accommodation and Foods:
We organize the best and most deluxe hotel in Kathmandu as per your requirements, and during the trekking, tea-house lodges will be your accommodation. All rooms are on a twin-shared basis. However, tea houses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking area at lower elevations, but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations. We will provide breakfast only in Kathmandu, but 3 meals every day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are provided during the Annapurna trek. Generally, we recommend to our guests to take typical Nepali traditional foods like Dal Bhat and curry, because they will be fresh and good for your hygiene.
Best Time to Travel
March to May and September to December are the best months for Annapurna Circuit trekking trips. Although this trip can be taken during winter, the cold temperature might not be suitable for everyone
Itinerary
Arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our Nepal Himalaya Tour’s team will be in the Kathmandu airport to receive you without any delay according to your arrival flight schedule. It may take some time, like 30-35 minutes, to collect your luggage and for security checking at the airport. After that, you make your way to the exit from the airport and stuff your name card and our company name, “Nepal Himalaya Tours.” As you see the card, our staff will greet you and transfer you to the hotel by luxury car. After check-in, you can take a rest or visit our office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner with our team member.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will take a long drive to Syange, where your dream trekking begins. You can sit in a car or jeep, sit back, relax, and take in the sights of the changing countryside: rivers and terraced rice fields with mountain views. Evening stay at a guesthouse with all meals included.
Morning after breakfast you will hike through rhododendron, pine, and bamboo forests and follow the trail through the valley before arriving at Tal and its cultivated farm plots of wheat, potatoes, and other grains. After passing through Dharapani, we head in a westerly direction via fir and pine forests until we reach Bagarchhap. Stay overnight at Bagarchhap.
The early morning hike continues to the village of Danaque before climbing to Tamang Village, where you are offered magnificent views of Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), Annapurna, and other mountain views. The trails hike through several local villages, such as Thanchowk and Koto, before reaching Chame. Overnight stay at Chame.
After breakfast, you start hiking through Telekhu, and along the trail, you have scenic views of Mt. Annapurna and Pisang until crossing the suspension bridge on the Marsyangdi River. After crossing the river, you need to hike higher, passing a pine forest as you trek through the upper reaches of the Manang Valley to Pisang. Overnight at Pisang.
Today your hiking trail is quiet longer, so wake up early. The morning after breakfast, hike to the upper Manang area through Braga, a local Mongol village where unique architecture houses can be seen. The main attraction is a Buddhist monastery, the largest in the Manang region. Manang is popular for adventure hikers. You will take acclimatization here because of the high altitude; you need to take rest.
Free day at Manang village. You can explore the area and then head to higher elevations, where trekkers spend some time acclimatizing. They also recommend staying active. You can also climb up to Khangsar Hill (3756 m) as a way to further help us acclimatize. Overnight stay at Manang.
After breakfast you will hike uphill up to Yak Kharka, passing through juniper forests, and you can see yaks grazing in the pastures. It is on the route where you pass the only teahouse at Thorong Khola. It depends on the conditions; you may decide to go a little further and stay the night at Letdar. Overnight at Letdar.
Today you will be climbing higher and gradually getting used to the higher altitude. Then you follow the east bank of the Jarang Khola and, along with the trail, view steep bluffs before reaching Thorung Phedi. Sometimes you can see the wild blue sheep and even a snow leopard as well. Overnight at Throng Phedi.
Today is the hardest day, so you need to hike for 8 to 10 hours at the altitude of 5416 m while crossing the Throng La pass. Along the trail, you can see some sheep and yaks. When you reach Thorong La Pass, you will feel rewarded with the views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and the eye-catching peak. Then walk down to Muktinath Temple. Overnight stay at Muktinath village.
Early morning you will have breakfast at Muktinath, then drive back to Pokhara via Kagbeni, Jomsom, and Beni. It is a long journey, and the road was not so nice, with bumpy roads, so you get tired and need good rest. Overnight at Pokhara.
After the victory of the great trek, you need to have a luxury tour over the Pokhara valley, including boating at Phewa Lake. Gupteshwar Cave and David’s Falls. In the evening, visit the local market and enjoy dinner at the bank of Phewa Lake. Overnight at Pokhara.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. There are many domestic flights operating from many different airlines. If you want, you can take a 30-minute flight to Kathmandu. After arriving in Kathmandu, you will have a rest and an evening farewell dinner with a culture show.
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport 3 hours before your scheduled flight. We hope you enjoyed the tour with us, and we are sure you will be back for a trip to the Nepal Himalaya next year with your friends.
Includes / Excludes
Trip Includes
- Airport pick up and drop.
- All meals during Annapurna trek (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
- All ground transport as per itinerary..
- Everyday breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Trekking guide and porter with their foods and accommodation.
- Annapurna Conservation and National Park fees.
- All guided sightseeing tour in Pokhara and Kathmandu.
- Farewell dinner at final night.
- Equipment clothing for porter & staffs.
Trip Excludes
- International flight tickets.
- Nepal entire visa (available in Kathmandu airport).
- Lunch and dinner during hotel stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason.
- Traveler's insurance.
Route Map
Know Before You Go
- Traveling to Nepal for Trekking; you must need Nepal visa. It is also available at immigration office at Kathmandu airport.
- Your personal expenses, such as extra foods, drinks, and snacks, are not included in the package. It’s advisable to carry extra cash.
- Always carry a reusable water bottle and purification tablets to ensure you have access to safe drinking water.
- Prepare for varying weather by packing clothing appropriate for the season and the regions you plan to visit.
- The rural side can’t accept credit cards, so it is recommended to have enough cash for your expenses.
- At tourist points, maintain a safe distance from wild animals and follow your guide’s instructions to avoid any risks.
- When booking international flights far in advance, be conscious, as weather conditions in Nepal can lead to delays or cancellations.
- The travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover potential emergencies, such as medical care and trip interruptions.