Annapurna Circuit Trek - 18 Days

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Annapurna Round TrekkingAnnapurna Round Trek
  • Duration 18 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Type Lodge Based Trek
  • Best Season March - May and Sept - Nov
  • Group Size 1 to 16
  • Maximum Altitude 5,416 m

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. This trail is famous for its natural beauty, diverse landscape, and towering mountain views. This is a highly adventurous and rewarding trip for once in a lifetime. Annapurna Circuit Trekking has Nepal's highest and longest pass, Thorong La (5,416 m). This trek is a little strenuous because you walk along the lush green foothills to traverse rugged, high-altitude terrain. It is a perfect trip for those who love nature.

Annapurna Circuit Trek is the ultimate trek in the Annapurna region that touches the top of Thorong La (5,416 m). The best package to explore the picturesque villages, the holy temple Muktinath Temple, and breathtaking panoramic views of mountains and landscapes.

Our 18-day Annapurna Circuit Trek lets you escape from city life into the Himalayas’ tranquillity. The trek starts with your arrival at Kathmandu Airport. We pick you up and arrange everything needed for this beautiful hike. Our experienced guide and support crew will lead you to accomplish the goal of crossing the highest pass. You go with our well-designed itinerary, allowing you to gain elevation per the attitude principle, going slowly through villages, rivers, and forests in low land to alpine meadows at high altitudes. The picturesque scenery always encourages you to continue, cross the highest pass, and complete one of the best treks in Nepal.

Major highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Route

  • Explore the beautiful villages in the Annapurna region
  • Trek through the Annapurna Conservation Area Project
  • Walking through dense forests, gorges, suspension bridges and pastures
  • Visiting ancient monasteries and learning about local cultures
  • Cross Thorong La Pass, 5416 m, the highest and longest pass in Nepal
  • Visiting Muktinath Temple, a religious tolerance shrine for Hindus and Buddhist
  • Dive through the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki gorge
  • Witness spectacular landscapes and magnificent high mountain

When is the best time to do Annapurna Circuit Trek?

There is no doubt that Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to do Annapurna Circuit Trek. Spring has a good temperature with a clear sky for the views. If you are a flora lover, spring is the best time to see the flowers in the Himalayas.

Autumn is another best time for the journey to Annapurna Circuit Trail. The autumn season is right after the monsoon season. The sky is usually clear for the sunrise and sunset views. The temperature is cool, not so hot nor so cold. You can also explore the biggest Hindu festivals, Dashain and Tihar. These festivals are always celebrated in the fall. Autumn is a busier and more crowded time to trek in Nepal than in the springtime.

You can also do a trek in the monsoon, which is from June to August. For trekking in the monsoon, you prepare yourself with rain gear. You also have to prepare mentally regarding the views. It can be visible, or maybe not.

The winter season (December to February) is not recommended because it is cold, and you may not complete the journey due to the icy conditions on the trails. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek Package & Cost for 2024

Our Annapurna Circuit Trek Package for 2024 is 18 days. The price starts from USD 1280 per person. The cost depends on group size, hotel in Kathmandu, accommodation standard at the teahouse, and transportation you use.

Nepal Gateway Trekking offers the Standard Annapurna Circuit Trekking Package and costs for 2024. It covers accommodation at a three-star hotel in Kathmandu, three-time meals, and a common twin-sharing room along the trekking route. One expert trekking guide and required porters,  and permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trekking, transportation, and all necessary taxes are also included in the package. We are always dedicated to providing top-notch services to our clients because we know the value of clients’ satisfaction.

The other options are the Annapurna Circuit Budget Trip or the Annapurna Circuit Luxury Trek. 

Itinerary

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Our team pick you up from the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. After the warmest welcome by our crew, you drive to the hotel to take a rest from jetlag. You participate in the briefing program in the evening. The tour manager explains the trip and your necessities in detail. Your trekking guide will be introduced and he will assist you to buy or rent anything you need. After that, you have free time to settle your packing for the wonderful hike. 

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

In the morning, your trekking guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to the bus station. It is a 5-6 hours drive journey to reach Besi Sahar by local express bus. You see the mountains, villages, rice terraces, rivers and forests on the driving.

From Besi Sahar, you change into a local sharing jeep to Chamje for the first night in the mountain. It is around a 3-hour drive on a rugged path.   

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1,410 m

After the first hot breakfast in the Himalayas, the trek begins to go to Dharapani. You follow the path somewhere steep and somewhere gradual to Tal village. Then the route ascends through bamboo forests and goes along the cliffside. We reach Dharapani in the afternoon with a comfortable walking pace. 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1,860 m

The trail follows a lush forest of fir, oak, pine, and maple. Today, you walk mostly alongside the Marsyangdi River to reach Chame. The route offers fantastic views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Lamjung Himal. Chame is the headquarters of the Manang district.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,670 m

The trail continues through a steep and narrow valley to the massive rock wall. It is called the Paungda Danda Rock, which has holy values for locals. In the south, we can see Annapurna II and Pisang Peak in the northeast. You continue walking through the Manang Valley to reach Pisang village.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,200 m

The trail to Manang from Pissang village ascends through Upper Pisang via Geru. Today's walk is blissful as you see the stunning views of Gangapurna, Annapurna range, Tilicho Peak, and Pisang Peak. The air gradually gets cold and dry, and gains more elevation too. On the way, you pass a Tibetan settlement village and visit the ancient Barge monastery.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,540 m

Today is acclimatization day in our trekking as we reached 3,540 m altitude. Everybody must adjust to thin air in the atmosphere and elevation. To acclimatize, you hike to the Gangapurna hill from here you can see Gangapurna & Ice lakes. The views of Chulu Peaks, Pisang Peak, and Annapurna III are magnificent. You may visit the Himalayan Rescue Association and explore Manang village in the afternoon.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,540 m

After an acclimatization day in Manang, you leave the town after breakfast to go to Yak Kharka. The trail goes gradually up to Tenki Village by crossing a stream. Afterwards, the trail heads out of Marshyangdi Valley and joins Jar Sang Khola Valley. You walk through pastures and juniper forest to Gunsan, a small town with flat muddy roof houses. Further, crossing a wooden bridge, you ascend to Yak Kharka.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,050 m

Today, you reach to Thorong Phedi. Phedi means the bottom of the hill. You have a morning meal at Yak Kharka. The trail ascends to a ridge and follows a downhill route. The trail crosses the Marsyangdi River by a wooden bridge. Continue ascending through a narrow trail and a little drop away to Thorong Phedi.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,450 m

Today is the main highlight day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. A big day as we cross the famous and challenging Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). Thorong La is the highest and longest pass in Nepal. You start the trek in the early morning, probably in the dark with a head torch and encounter strong cold air. From Thorong Phedi, you climb an hour steep up to reach the high camp of Thorong La. The trail leads gradually up to the top of Thorong La from Thorong High Camp (4,880 m). You will see outstanding panoramas of the mountain from the top of the Thorong la Pass. The trail then descends to Muktinath, a pilgrimage site of great importance to Hindus and Buddhists. The route gets rugged and slippery. You visit Muktinath Temple before entering the tea house. 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,710 m

Today is one of the easy days because you don't do a trek. You drive to Tatopani, a natural hot spring place on the bank of Kali Gandaki River. The road to Tatopani from Muktinath is nicely paved but somewhere rough. It is a nice and thrilling drive through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. Leaving the arid highlands behind, you join the lush forests to Tatopani.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1,190 m

Today is a short trekking day after relaxing at a hot spring in Tatopani. The trail to Shikha involves a climb. Passing by a checkpoint, you walk on the bank of the river and cross a river. After that, the trail goes a steep climb to Ghara village. You walk through rice-terraced fields and villages to reach Shikha. 

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,130 m

Today you follow an uphill route to reach Ghorepani, a beautiful village to see the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. You walk along the cliffside, passing by locals along the way. The trail goes through lush rhododendron forests to a beautiful Ghorepani village. The village will welcome us with mesmerizing views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Nilgiri.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,860 m

Today, you hike Poonhill, one of the famous vantage points to see the gorgeous sunrise over the mountains. You start a hike in the early morning. It is an hour steep climb from Ghorepani to Poonhill. You trek down to the tea house after enjoying the spectacular panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri range, and Annapurna range including Mount Fishtail.

Then you trek to Tapapani. You climb first to reach the same elevation as Poonhill, then descend to Banthati village through the deep lush rhododendron forest. Continue walking through the forest and rough trail to reach the bottom of Tadapani Hill. One more climb around 45 minutes to get the Tadapani, a beautiful site to see the Annapurna South and Fishtail.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunhc & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,685 m

Ghandruk is a famous village in the Annapurna region, inhabited by Gurung and Magar community. From Tadapani, you trek mostly down through the forested path to reach Ghandruk village. The guide takes you to visit the museum and village in the afternoon.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1,950 m

After enjoying the morning views from Ghandruk village, you descend to Syauli Bazar. It is a local marketplace with teahouses. The trail leads completely flat to Nayapul via Birenthati. Today you mostly walk on the road. From Nayapul, you drive to Pokhara, a city of lakes and a beautiful town to see the mountains.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast & Lunch
  • Maximum Altitude820 m

After breakfast, you drive back to Kathmandu in a comfortable tourist bus. The ride will be fantastic with wonderful views of lush green hills, mountains, and rivers. You have a free afternoon after checking in at the hotel. 

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

Our airport team helps you to check out the hotel and drops at the international airport.

  • MealsBreakfast

This is our standard and recommended itinerary.
We customize the trip according to the client's requirements and time frame. Click for Tailor-Made Program. 

Map

Annapurna Circuit Trek - 18 Days map

Includes

  • All grounded transportation as per the program.
  • Two nights' accommodation at Hotel Woodapple in Kathmandu inclusive of breakfast.
  • One night accommodation at Hotel Splendid View in Pokhara inclusive of breakfast.
  • Your three times meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) and accommodations during the trekking.
  • A highly experienced well trained government license holder English speaking trekking guide
  • Required porters (1 Porter between 2 Trekkers). Porter is not included for solo trekker. 
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit (Please, bring two passport-size photos for the permit)
  • TIMs card (Trekkers information management system)
  • Annapurna Circuit Trekking map
  • Nepal Gateway Trekking Company T-Shirt 
  • First Aid kit.
  • Local Fresh Fruits.
  • All government taxes.
  • Office service charges 

Excludes

  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Travel insurance.
  • International flight tickets to and from Kathmandu.
  • Nepal entry visa fee, which can be obtained at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu upon arrival.
  • Your first aid kit, equipment and items of a personal nature.
  • All kinds of hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverages.
  • Hot shower, internet and snacks.
  • Tips for trekking staff and drivers. (Tipping is expected)

Dates & Price

Date StatusPrice 
Start DateStart: WednesdayJuly 31, 2024End DateEnd: SaturdayAugust 17, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1240

This is our set fixed departure date. The arrival and departure date to/from Kathmandu, Nepal. The date and price are specified for group joining. 
For Private Trip

Useful Info

Altitude Sickness during Best Trekking Trail in Annapurna

Altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness is something that you have to be extremely careful of as it can ruin the trip if not handled properly on time. During 18 days of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, there is a drastic change in altitude. However, as we have designed our Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary with ample rest days and maintaining the increase in altitude each day, you will be less likely to be suffering from this illness.

How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trekking?

Annapurna Circuit Trekking is a moderate trekking trail in Nepal. The trail is steep and rugged, walking on icy slopes and through gorges and narrow alleyways. The trek involves 6–7 hours of walking each day. Moreover, the trail is remote, and modern comforts are limited too. You have to be in good physical shape to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

How to prepare for Trek to Annapurna Circuit Trail?

As we know the Annapurna Circuit Trail is moderately level and walking on the rugged path, some exercise at home is recommended. We recommend you do long-distance walking, running, cycling, and swimming to get your body ready for the trek to Annapurna Circuit Trail. Going to the gym and working on your core strength doing cardio activities is also good.

Annapurna Circuit Trek for Solo/Group

If you want to trek to Annapurna Circuit solo, then we will help you organize a solo trip assisted by our expert guide and porter. Similarly, you can also join our group departure or trek with your group. For more information contact us.

Permits for Annapurna Circuit Trek Route

You have to obtain the ACAP permit and TIMS card to do Annapurna Circuit Trek.
ACAP permit costs NPR 3000 per person
TIMS card costs NPR 1000 per person

Last Minute Booking for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Yes, it is possible to book the Annapurna Circuit Trek at the last minute. Please, choose the date and send us your request. You have to pay 10% of the package cost for confirmation. Arrive in Kathmandu one day before the trek begins and join the group. Our representative helps you with booking and preparation.

Travel Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Accommodation: During the trek, you stay in the teahouses. The accommodation is basic with a shared room and washroom.

Food: You can choose from a range of dishes during the Annapurna Circuit Trekking. There are different varieties of food available, so don't worry. You will find something everywhere to suit your taste.

ATM: There is an ATM in Besi Sahar, Jomsom and Pokhara. We recommend you to prepare yourself in Kathmandu. 

Charging: The charging facilities are available throughout the trek but may cost you a few extra bucks. Get spare batteries or a solar charger.

Luggage: During the trek pack your stuff in the duffle bags. You have 10 kgs of the weight limit. Our porters will carry the duffel bag.

Personal Expenses: You might need to buy drinks and snacks, shop for souvenirs, etc, which are not included in our Annapurna Circuit Trek package cost. Other things like tips, travel insurance, and international flights are also personal expenses. Do carry additional money with you.

Travel Insurance: Annapurna Circuit Trek is a high-altitude trek, therefore travel insurance is needed. Get travel insurance with medical coverage and an emergency airlift up to 6000 meters.

Tipping: We have not included tipping in our package cost. So, feel free to tip our crew members at the end of the journey. 

FAQs

  • Q1. How long does it take to trek the Annapurna Circuit?

    Annapurna Circuit Trek can be 12 to 21 days long, depending upon your itinerary. Our Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary is 18 days long, which also includes your arrival and departure.

  • Annapurna Circuit Trek can get challenging to moderate as per the previous trekking experience and physical fitness of the trekker. In general, this trek is considered one of the difficult treks in the Himalayas.

  • Yes, Annapurna Circuit Trek is still worth doing. The trekking route offers impressive mountain views and a satisfying trekking experience. Better avoid the road and hit the rugged trail for the best experience.

  • Yes, you can do the Annapurna Circuit Trek on your own because you can obtain the permits by yourself. However, Annapurna Circuit Trek is not easy like other treks and involves tricky, steep ascend, which can be tough to do alone. Moreover, trekking on your own can be a hassle to book accommodations and other things. So, trekking through agency is recommended. 

  • Yes, make sure to carry a warm sleeping bag during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The nights and mornings get quite chilly, and the blanket provided by the lodges will not be enough.

  • Annapurna Circuit Trek is around 160 km to 230 km. It depends on your itinerary.

  • Teahouse is available throughout the Annapurna Circuit Trekking route to cater to the trekkers. Therefore, you do not need to camp. However, if you want to do Annapurna Circuit Trek in a camping style, then it is up to you. Camping trek is usually more expensive.

Client Reviews

tatp

  • 17 day Annapurna Circuit Trek - Outstanding expedition!

    The 17 day Annapurna circuit trek – Outstanding expedition! I am more than pleased to have gone with Nepal Gateway Trekking to provide such an incredible experience. The management team Ram and Raj are both extremely professional with their business and also have practical experience on the circuit obtained previously as guides. Their communication with me, the customer, in both planning and execution of the trek was top-notch. The assigned NGT guide Krishna who accompanied me the entire time was experienced, knowledgeable, respectful, accommodating, calm and friendly, making my experience more than enjoyable. I appreciate the entire NGT teams attention to detail and flexibility in delivering this truly amazing adventure. I will definitely book with NGT again for my next Himalayan vacation. Once again, outstanding expedition!

    A
    Andrew EdwardsUnited States, Travel Date: 17/03/2024

  • Awesome Annapurna circuit hike, great company

    My girlfriend and I did the Annapurna circuit hike in May with Nepal Gateway Trekking. It was awesome!

    When organizing the trip we had the chance to ask anything we wanted and make sure everything was okay. Once we arrived in Nepal, we were received very well. They took the time to inform us about the itinerary and make sure that we could change whatever we wanted. They also made sure we had everything we needed. So we felt very much in control, even though they made great suggestions.

    Once the trip started our guide (Ramchandra Godar) took care of everything. He gave great advice about food, clothing, and anything else, and made sure we were alright every step of the way. We also enjoyed playing card games and just talking a lot with him!

    All in all this was definitely one of the coolest experiences that we've ever had. And Nepal Gateway Trekking played a very important part in this. Thanks so much!!

    Rick Dindemans
    Rick DindemansNetherlands, Travel Date: 07/06/2022
FromUS$1220
See Group Price
No. of peoplePrice
1 - 1 PaxUS$1240
2 - 4 PaxUS$1180
5 - 10 PaxUS$1140
11 - 16 PaxUS$1120
Total PriceUS$1240
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