Annapurna Circuit Trek - 18 Days

based on 4 reviews
  • 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 the highest and longest pass, Thorong La (5,416 m) in Nepal. 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, which allows you to gain elevation as 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 the trek.

Major highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek 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

Annapurna Circuit Trekking vs Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

Annapurna Circuit Trekking and Annapurna Base Camp Trekking are two separate treks in the Annapurna Trek. These treks are in the same region but explore different parts of Annapurna.

Annapurna Circuit Trail takes you to explore the low-land village to high-altitude landscape. The views of the high mountains are magnificent, with surrounding greenery. You get to visit ancient monasteries, trading routes to Tibet, and the holy shrine of Muktinath for Hindus and Buddhists. If the time allows, you can add Tilicho Lake to your Annapurna circuit trek to make a more mesmerizing trip. Tilicho Lake is situated at 4,916 m, and it is the highest lake in the world. Overall, the Annapurna Circuit Trek offers phenomenal views of high, snowcapped mountains and natural beauty with a diverse landscape.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most famous and best trekking trails in Nepal. It is also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. It is moderately strenuous and shorter than the Annapurna Circuit route. The route to Annapurna base camp takes you through deep rhododendrons and rain forests to 360-degree views of mountains. You get the best sunrise views from Poonhill and get an encounter with Gorkhas’ Village Chhomrong. Being at the base camp of Annapurna I is a big achievement in life. Annapurna I (8,091 m) is the first climbed peak over 8,000 m. It was climbed by Mr. Mourice Herzog, a French climber, in 1950.

Best Time for Trek to Annapurna Circuit

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to trek to Annapurna Circuit.

Spring has a good temperature with a clear sky for the views. If you are a flora lover, spring is the best time to come to see the flowers in the Himalayas.

Autumn is another best and busiest time to trek in Nepal. The autumn season is right after the end of 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.

You can also do a trek in the monsoon, which is from June to August. For trekking in the monsoon, you have to 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. It is very cold, and you may not complete the journey due to the icy conditions on the trails. Although you can do with proper winter gear.

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 venture. Going to the gym and working on your core strength doing cardio activities is also good.

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 a three-star hotel in Kathmandu, three meals, and a common twin-sharing room along the trekking route. One expert trekking guide and required porter permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, transportation, and necessary taxes too. We always provide top-notch services to our clients and do not compromise. We know the value of clients’ satisfaction.

There are options for doing the Annapurna Circuit Budget Trip or the Annapurna Circuit Luxury Trek. We are always dedicated to designing the perfect trip for our customers per their interests and requirements.

Itinerary

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

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

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

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

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

After the first hot breakfast in the Himalayas, the trek begins to go 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 comfortable walking pace. F

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

The trail follows lush forests 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 walk is a blissful as you see the stunning views of Gangapurna, Annapurna range, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak. The air gradually gets cold and dry, and gain more elevation too. On the way, you pass by Tibetan settlement village and also 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. It is needy for everybody to adjust with thin air in the atmosphere and elevation. For acclimatize, you hike to the Gangapurna hill from where you 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 by yourself 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 Yak Kharka. The trail goes gradually up to Tenki Village by crossing a stream. Afterward 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 Altitude4,200 m

Today, you reach to Thorong Phedi. Phedi means the bottom of the hill. You have morning meal at Yak Kharka then ascend to a ridge and follow a downhill route. The trail crosses the Marsyangdi River by a wooden bridge. Continue ascending through a narrow trail and 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 head torch and encounter strong cold air. From Thorong Phedi, you climb an hour steep up to reach high camp of Thorong La. The trail leads gradually up to the top of Thorong La from high camp. 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 with 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 Altitude3,800 m

Today is one of the easy day 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 nice paved but somewhere rough. It is 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 short trekking day after relaxing at 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 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 a uphill route to reach Ghorepani, a beautiful village to see the Dhauulagiri and Annapurna range. You walk along the cliffside, passing by locals along the way. The trail goes through lush rhododendron forests and leads you to a beautiful Ghorepani village. The village will welcome us with mesmerizing views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,780 m

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

Then you trek to Tapapani. You climb first to reach around the same elevation of Poonhill, then descend down to Banthati village through deep lush rhododendron forest. Continue walking through forest and rough trail to get 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 one of the famous village in 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 beautiful town to seen the mountains.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast & Lunch
  • Maximum Altitude820 m

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

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast & Farewell Dinner
  • 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 also customize the trip accordingly clients' 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 in Kathmandu inclusive breakfast.
  • One night accommodation in Pokhara inclusive breakfast.
  • Your three times meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) and accommodations during the trekking.
  • A highly experience well trained government license holder English speaking trekking guide and required porters and their meals, accommodations, salaries, insurance and equipment.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit
  • TIMs card (Trekkers information management system)
  • Annapurna Circuit Trekking map
  • Nepal Gateway Trekking company T-Shirt 
  • First Aid kit.
  • Fresh local 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 obtain at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu upon arrival.
  • Your personal first aid kit, equipment and items of personal nature.
  • All kinds hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverage.
  • Hot shower, internet and snacks.
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected)

Dates & Price

Date StatusPrice 
Start DateStart: SaturdayApril 27, 2024End DateEnd: TuesdayMay 14, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1280

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 Trek to Annapurna Circuit

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.

 

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

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