Annapurna Circuit Trekking
Trekking to Annapurna Circuit
Trek to Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna Circuit Trek

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

Trip at a Glance
Duration18 Days
Trip GradeModerate
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DestinationNepal
Maximum Altitude5,416 m
AccommodationHotel/Tea House
Starts/EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesTrekking
Best TimeMarch to May and September to Novembe

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.

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.

The Significant 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 the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Spring has a good temperature and a clear sky, which is ideal for viewing the views. If you are a flora lover, spring is the best time to see the flowers in the Himalayas.

Autumn is another good time to journey to the Annapurna Circuit Trail. It is right after the monsoon season. The sky is usually straightforward for sunrise and sunset views. The temperature is cool, not too hot or too cold. You can also explore the most significant Hindu festivals, Dashain and Tihar, which are always celebrated in the fall. Autumn is busier and more crowded than springtime for trekking in Nepal.

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

The winter season (December to February) is not recommended. 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 standard twin-sharing room along the trekking route. One expert trekking guide and required porters, as well as 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

This is our standard and recommended Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary.

Trip PlanExpand all

Our team picks you up from the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. After the warmest welcome from our crew, you drive to the hotel to rest from jetlag. In the evening, you participate in the briefing program. The tour manager explains the trip and your necessities in detail. We introduce your trekking guide, who will assist you in buying or renting anything you need. After that, you have free time to settle your packing for the beautiful hike. 

Accommodation: Hotel

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

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.  

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAccommodation: Tea House

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

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAccommodation: Tea House

The trail follows a lush fir, oak, pine, and maple forest. 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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAccommodation: Tea House

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

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAccommodation: Tea House

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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAccommodation: Tea House

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

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAccommodation: Tea House

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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAccommodation: Tea House

Today, you reach Thorong Phedi, 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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAccommodation: Tea House

Today is the primary highlight day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It is a big day as you 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 robust and cold air.

From Thorong Phedi, you climb an hour steep up to reach the high camp of Thorong La. The trail gradually leads to Thorong La's top from Thorong High Camp (4,880 m). You will see outstanding mountain panoramas 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. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAccommodation: Tea House

Today is one of the easy days because you don't do a trek. You drive to Tatopani, a natural hot spring on the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. The road to Tatopani from Muktinath is nicely paved but rough.

It is an excellent 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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAccommodation: Tea House

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 towns to reach Shikha. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAccommodation: Tea House

Today, you follow an uphill route to reach Ghorepani, a beautiful village where you can see the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. 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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAccommodation: Tea House

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

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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAccommodation: Tea House

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

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerAccommodation: Tea House

After enjoying the morning views from Ghandruk village, you descend to Syauli Bazar, 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 where you can see the mountains.

Meals: Breakfast and lunchAccommodation: Hotel

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. After checking in at the hotel, you have a free afternoon. 

Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel

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

Meals: Brekfast
If the above itinerary doesn’t meet your needs, we can design a Tailor-Made Program based on your travel plans and requirements,Reach our travel experts.
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Begin: 21 Dec, 2024Finish: 07 Jan, 2025
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Cost Includes
  • All grounded transportation as per the program.
  • Two nights' accommodation at Hotel Woodapple in Kathmandu, including breakfast.
  • One night accommodation at Hotel Splendid View in Pokhara, including breakfast.
  • Your three times meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) and accommodations during the trekking.
  • A highly experienced, well-trained government license holder English 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 license).
  • 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. 
Cost Excludes
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Travel insurance.
  • International flight tickets to and from Kathmandu.
  • Upon arrival, the Nepal entry visa fee can be obtained at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu.
  • Your first aid kit, equipment and items of a personal nature.
  • All kinds of hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverages.
  • Hot shower, battery charing, internet and snacks.
  • Tips for trekking staff and drivers. (Tipping is expected).
Route Map
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Good To Know

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 best trekking trail in Annapurna, 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 suffer from this illness.

How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trekking?

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

How do you prepare for the trek to Annapurna Circuit Trail?

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

Annapurna Circuit Trek for Solo/Group

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

Permits for Annapurna Circuit Trek Route

You must obtain the ACAP permit and TIMS card for 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, booking the Annapurna Circuit Trek at the last minute is possible. Please choose the date and send us your request. For confirmation, you have to pay 10% of the package cost. 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 Route

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

Food: During the Annapurna Circuit Trekking, you can choose from various dishes. 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 that you prepare yourself in Kathmandu. 

Charging: Charging facilities are available throughout the trek, but they may cost 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. Tips, travel insurance, and international flights are also personal expenses. Do carry additional money with you.

Travel Insurance: The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a high-altitude trek, so 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 journey's end. 

FAQs

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 an 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.

Traveler’s Experience with Us?
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...

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Andrew Edwards- United States
August 10, 2024
Andrew Edwards
Best one You can find !

What an amazing experience !
Due to the airline problem I had a very rocky beginning in Nepal my luggage was lost and I...

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Patrycja K- Poland
May 28, 2024
Patrycja K
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...

read more +
Mr. Rick Dindemans- Netherlands
June 07, 2022
Mr. Rick Dindemans
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