Annapurna Circuit Trek – 21 Days

The highest point of the Annapurna circuit is the passage of Thorong La at the top of the valley, with a height of 5,416 meters.

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Grade

Challenging

Group Size

1-15(Customize your Trip on Request)

Destination

Kathmandu, Nepal

Max Altitude

5,416 m/17,769 ft

Meals

Full Board During Trek

Accommodation

3-star & Tea House on Trek

Trip Style

Lodge Trek

Activity

Sightseeing and Trekking

$1,485

*All Price are in USD*

Annapurna Circuit Trek – Trip Overview

Annapurna Circuit Trek is an adventurous trekking trail in Nepal’s most popular Annapurna Region. This trek is considered one of the most explorative and enjoyable treks in the mountainside of Nepal. Trekking around Annapurna Circuit allows you to explore the whole Annapurna Region. This trek passes through the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki gorge with Annapurna to the east and Dhaulagiri to the west.

After your arrival and tour in Kathmandu, you will be driven to Besisahar and from there you will hike to Bhulbhule. Ascending through Ghermu, Tal, Bagarchhap, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, and Thorong Phedi you reach the highest elevation of the trek at Thorong La Pass. After enjoying the best views of Annapurna III (7,555 m/ 24,786 ft) and Gangapurna (7,454 m/ 24,449 ft), you ascend to Muktinath and then trail down to Marpha, Ghasa, Tatopani, Ghorepani, with a brief ascend to Poon Hill and then down to Tadapani, Ghandruk, and Nayapul. From Nayapul you will be driven to Pokhara and then back to Kathmandu. This whole trek thus completes in 21 days.

Through this trek, you get to pass one of the highest mountain passes, the Thorong La Pass and cross through two mighty river systems of Nepal, Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki. Crossing Thorong La Pass is the most thrilling experience. It is situated between Khatung Kang and Yakawa Kang Himal and connects the village of Manang and Mustang. The point offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayas. You visit the most beautiful Manang and Mustang villages, enjoying amazing natural and mountain sceneries. As the trip passes through the ancient trade route, you can know about the historical classical path and lots of information related to it. Moreover, you can also capture eye-catchy views of Dhaulagiri Ice- flow and a surprising sunrise view at Poonhill.

You will also gain a vast cultural experience in this trek. During the trek, you get to experience the life of Gurung, Thakali, and Magar ethnic groups. The trails are lined with Gumba and chortens making for a deeply spiritual and peaceful trekking experience. Likewise, you also get to visit Muktinath, a temple of great importance to Hindus and Buddhists and is known to provide salvation from sins of life.

Spring and autumn seasons are considered the best season for this Annapurna Circuit Trek. During these seasons, you can have a comfortable trekking trail that allows you can capture amazing views. Moreover, the season plays an important role in providing the best experience as well as amazing views. Furthermore, Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and a Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card are required to make this trip. ACAP costs USD 30 per person while TIMS for individual tourists is USD 20 per person and for group trekkers, it is USD 10 per person. The trek is a difficult grade and you need to be physically fit to undertake this long journey. Previous hiking experience is highly recommended before tackling this trek.

We are professional in creating the best and most demanding itineraries for making the trip as per the requirements of our valued clients. Himalayan Adventure Treks will prepare you with essential guides and relevant information regarding this trek. Our main motto is to make you happy with the services and offers provided by us.

Trip highlights

Embark on one of the longest and most beautiful treks in Nepal, Annapurna Circuit.
Catch the beautiful sights of Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri, Macchapuchhre, Lamjung, Pisang, and Chuli along the trail
A chance to trek through two river systems – Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki River Valley connected by the Thorong La Mountain Pass, one of the highest mountain passes
Enjoy amazing topographical features with diverse climatic variations.
Visit the most revered Hindu Temple and Mukti-Kshetra in the world, Muktinath Temple.
Embark on a short hike to Poon Hill to catch the beautiful sunrise.

Annapurna Circuit Trek – Outline Itinerary:

Day 01 – Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m). Overnight at a Hotel.

Day 02 –Kathmandu day tour (1400m)

Day 03 – Drive to Besisahar and hike to Bhulbhule (840m) – 6/7-hour ride, 2/3-hour hike

Day 04 – Trek to Ghermu (2187m) – 5/6 hour

Day 05 – Trek to Tal (1700m) – 6/7 hour

Day 06 – Trek to Bagarchhap (2610m) – 5/6 hour

Day 07 – Trek to Chame (2710m)

Day 08 – Trek to Pisang (3060m) – 5/6 hour

Day 09 – Pisang to Manang (3540m) – 6/7 hour

Day 10– Acclimatization day at Manang (3540m)

Day 11 – Trek to Yak Kharka (4230m) – 4/5 hour

Day 12 – Trek to Thorong Phedi (4533m) – 4/5 hour

Day 13 – Trek to Muktinath (3760m) via Thorang La Pass (5416m) – 7/8 hour

Day 14– Trek to Marpha (3500m) – 5/6 hour

Day 15 – Trek to Ghasa (2010m) – 5/6 hour

Day 16 – Trek to Tatopani (1200m) – 6/7 hour

Day 17 – Trek to Ghorepani (1190m) – 7/8 hour

Day 18 – Trek to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani (2590m) – 5/6 hour

Day 19 – Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara (827m) – 5/6-hour trek, 2-hour drive

Day 20 – Drive to Kathmandu in a tourist bus (1400m) – 6/7-hour drive

Day 21 – Departure from Kathmandu (1400m)

Accommodations

We will be staying at 3-star hotels in Pokhara and Kathmandu and teahouses during the trek. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. And Single supplement will be served on request and will have an additional cost. We will have rooms with attached washrooms in most parts of the trek but according to place it can be afforded. In higher elevations, single rooms are not available like in Kathmandu and the lower elevation regions but Himalayan Adventure Nepal will do our best for your happiness.

Meals

All meals will be served during hiking, while Kathmandu and Pokhara only offer breakfast. The hotel will also offer welcome and farewell dinner. The most common dishes on most menus are Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian and the most common Continental.

Is this trip moderate for me?

This is a moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-7 hours a day with a light day pack, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination, we can accomplish this trek successfully and there is not any technical requirement for this trek. If you start to exercise and morning walk regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be better but not mandatory. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip and inform Himalayan Adventure Nepal before booking this trip.

Best Time to Travel

Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the best time for hiking in the Annapurna region. The weather is fine, warm and beautiful. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy your time alone with nature, this winter trip (December, January, and February) is also an option. However, for most guests, the temperature in winter can be hard. Hiking during the summer or monsoon season (June to August) will be affected by rain, but summer hiking can be a blessing for interested botanists.

Additional Information

Himalayan Adventure Nepal has inserted much information on our webpage. However, if you have any query please feel free to contact us any time.

Category
Annapurna Region, Nepal
Location
Nepal
Grade
Challenging
Days
23
Nights
22
Group Size
1-15(Customize your Trip on Request)
Destination
Kathmandu, Nepal
Max Altitude
5,416 m/17,769 ft
Meals
Full Board During Trek
Accommodation
3-star & Tea House on Trek
Trip Style
Lodge Trek
Activity
Sightseeing and Trekking

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Trekking Equipment Checklist - View All

Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash.
Hair brush or comb, hair ties, barrettes/bobby pins.
Deodorant.
Shampoo and conditioner
Sunscreen and face lotion with SPF.
Night time Moisturizer/Lotion.
If under any medication, enough stock ... View All

Day 1

Arrival day in Kathmandu (1400m)

Today you arrive in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Our staff will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel. Today no activities are planned so be sure to take plenty of rest.

Day 2

Kathmandu day tour (1400m)

Early in the morning after breakfast, you will begin your tour with a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square. After enjoying the many temples and shrines in Durbar Square, you will then visit the Pashupatinath temple. You can also enjoy the sight of traditional sadhus around the temple as well, and also take in the temple's architecture. After that, the next stop is the Swayambhunath Stupa. It is located atop a small hill, and the sight of the city is quite marvelous from the stupa’s courtyard. You can also enjoy traditional cuisine at the many restaurants that are located around the stupa as well. The last stop on the tour is the Boudhanath temple. It is one of the best places in the city to sit and take in the ambiance of the temple oasis in the middle of the bustling metropolis which is Kathmandu. Finally, after the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel.

Day 3

Drive to Besisahar and hike to Bhulbhule (840m) – 6/7-hour ride, 2/3-hour hike

Today, a long drive to Besisahar and a short hike to Bhulbhule are planned. The drive is scenic passing along the Trishuli river and you will get to see beautiful terraced farms and traditional villages with Ganesh Himal (7,422 m/ 24,350 ft) and Manaslu (8,163 m/ 26,781 ft) snow peaks teasing now and then. From Besisahar, you hike to Bhulbhule passing along small rivers and picturesque landscape. Upon reaching Bhulbhule, permits need to be registered at the check post for trek entry.

Day 4

Trek to Ghermu (2187m) – 5/6 hour

From today, major trekking starts. As you begin hiking from Bhulbhule, you will pass through rice terraces, small villages, and a couple of waterfalls. After the first 2.5-hour hike, you will arrive at Bahundanda offering a wonderful view of terraced corn, wheat, and rice fields, and small mountain villages down below. After the amazing view, you will follow a beaten track down, passing through Khorikhet village. Then you will cross a river through a suspension bridge until reaching the bottom of the valley. This is followed by another ascent to the opposite hillside until you reach Ghermu.

Day5

Trek to Tal (1700m) - 6/7 hour

From Ghermu you will hike to Tal passing through Jagat. The trek today has some very steep ascends and descends. The path is lined with rice terraces and beautiful views of rivers and waterfalls. Quite a few hanging bridges will also be passed. Once at Jagat, you could stop for some good coffee and then continue your trek. Two km into the road, you will come across a split with a trekking route going uphill arriving at Chyamch. You continue walking till you reach Tal.

Day 6

Trek to Bagarchhap (2610m) – 5/6 hour

From Tal, a hike to Bagarchhap passing through Dharapani is planned. The trail runs alongside the river and between the valley on the sides of the mountain. There is a lot of uphill and downhill trekking today but the scenery makes it well worth it. From Dharapani, you could also take a trail through Odar village taking a steep uphill trek.

Day 7

Trek to Chame (2710m)

Today, we hike to Chame passing through Timang and Koto. You will get to admire the south face of Manaslu along the trail. The trail today is mostly slight up and down with one short steep part where you go upstairs. The roads are very muddy. At Koto there is a checkpoint for permits and TIMS cards. As you approach Chame, Annapurna II (7,937 m/ 26,040 ft) will tower over you.

Day8

Trek to Pisang (3060m) – 5/6 hour

Today is a mostly uphill hike that passes through lush green forests. The trail also passes through the settlement of Bhratang and Dhukur Pokhari until finally reaching Pisang. The views get even better from today as you caught better glimpses of snow peaks, small glaciers, rivers, and forests amongst others. From Bhratang, the trail is uphill but not too steep. Dhukur Pokhari is quite a beautiful village and from here the road splits with one continuing on the road to Lower Pisang and another going uphill to Upper Pisang. You could take either road.

Day 9

Pisang to Manang (3540m) – 6/7 hour

Today’s starting point depends upon where you lodged yesterday. If at Lower Pisang, you could continue to Manang on the road. The trail is adorned with both natural and cultural beauty. Passing through Narodhara, Mugje, and Bhraka and finally crossing a wooden bridge over Marsyangdi you will arrive at Manang. Today, you get to pass many villages which will enrich your local experience. Likewise, at different parts of the trail, you will find Chorten, stupas, Mani walls, and stone tablets with a peaceful message engraved.

Day 10

Acclimatization day at Manang (3540m)

As the altitude has reached above 3500 m, it is a good time to allow acclimatization with a day's rest. At Manang, the attractions include the Gangapurna Lake and Lama Monastery with beautiful views of Annapurna III (7,555m /24,787 ft). You might not have symptoms at 3500 m but it is a necessity that you allow acclimatization as your next day is over 4000 m and it might make you sick attaining such great height that quick. At Manang, you could also buy any missed gear or stock up on medicine if need be.

Day 11

Trek to Yak Kharka (4230m) – 4/5 hour

Today’s hike gradually rises along Thorong Khola crossing Tangki Manang, Gunsang, and Ghyanchang until finally reaching Yak Kharka where you will come across yaks and deer peacefully grazing in the pastures. There will be a stark contrast in the landscape which before consisted of an alpine landscape with quaint villages. But as you reach above the tree line, the landscape appears to be wasteland dominated by grass and bushes. Panoramic views of Annapurna II (7,937 m/ 26,040 ft), Annapurna, III (7,555 m/ 24,786 ft), Gangapurna (7,454 m/ 24,449 ft), and Thorong peak 6,144 m/ 20,160 ft) will provide a feast for the eyes today.

Day 12

Trek to Thorong Phedi (4533m) – 4/5 hour

On this day you hike on the lower part of Thorong La Pass, Thorong Phedi. The trail is flat with gradual ascent and the village is small and beautiful. The whole scenery is much like yesterday with mountains, snow peaks, and a river at the bottom of the canyon.

Day 13

Trek to Muktinath (3760m) via Thorang La Pass (5416m) – 7/8 hour

The hike to Thorang La Pass is difficult as we gain approximately a thousand meters. However, when you get to the top, you will be thankful that you get to enjoy the spectacular views of the high peaks of the Himalayas, especially of Annapurna III (7,555 m/ 24,786 ft) and Gangapurna (7,454 m/ 24,449 ft). Enjoying this view, you descend to Muktinath which is a temple of Lord Bishnu and a special place of worship for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Day 14

Trek to Marpha (3500m) – 5/6 hour

Today your trail down passing through Kagbeni and Jomsom. You will pass through meadows, streams, and fruit trees. Marpha is a scenic settlement. It is beautiful and peaceful with pretty stone-lined settlements and renowned for apples.

Day 15

Trek to Ghasa (2010m) – 5/6 hour

The trail descends to the bank of Kali Gandaki and crosses many suspension bridges to reach the settlement of Ghasa. The sceneries today are lush and green ones as opposed to scenery higher up. Snow-capped mountains lay in the backdrop making for a picturesque hike. Especially, on the way to Kalopani you get to enjoy the view of Annapurna I (8,091 m/ 26,545 ft).

Day 16

Trek to Tatopani (1200m) – 6/7 hour

From Ghasa, the path further descends along the river passing through Kopchepani until finally reaching Tatopani. The first parts of the hike are easy walks with several ups and downs. You pass small local villages through waterfalls on both sides of the river. The later parts of the hike after Narchyang are on a dirt road on the left side of the river. Once at Tatopani, be sure to take a dip in the hot water springs. It is sure to rid your body of any pains and aches.

Day 17

Trek to Ghorepani (1190m) – 7/8 hour

While exiting Tatopani, there is a permit check-point where your permit is checked. From Tatopani, you hike to Ghorepani passing through beautiful rhododendron forest. The views of beautiful snow-capped mountains keep you company. Ghorepani is a traditional Gurung village so it is a chance to know about their culture.

Day 18

Trek to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani (2590m) – 5/6 hour

Today both ascend to Poon Hill and then descend to Tadapani as planned. At Poon Hill, you get to enjoy panoramic views of mountain such as Annapurna South (7,219 m/ 23,684 ft), Macchapuchhre (6,993 m/ 22,943 ft), Hiuchuli (6,441 m/ 21,132 ft), Annapurna III (7,555 m/ 24,786 ft), Dhampus Peak (6,012m/ 19,725 ft). Then you trek down to Ghandruk passing Tadapani during the day after hearty lunch at Ghorepani. Between Ghorepani and Tadapani, so you can rest and eat at a leisurely pace.

Day 19

Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara (827m) – 5/6-hour trek, 2-hour drive

From Ghandruk, you will trek to Nayapul and then return to Pokhara taking a short drive. Pokhara is a vibrant city full of beautiful scenic views and fun nightlife. Be sure to enjoy it as you have rightfully earned it after such a long hike. The views of Annapurna (8,091 m/ 26,545 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/ 26,795 ft), Manaslu (8,163 m/ 26,781 ft), and Macchapuchhre (6,993 m/ 22,943 ft) still makes appearance at different corners of Pokhara.

Day 20

Drive to Kathmandu in a tourist bus (1400m) – 6/7-hour drive

The trip finally concludes with a drive back to Kathmandu through some of the best scenic views of terraced rice fields, eye-catching landscape, Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers, and spectacular views of other mountain ranges. You can enjoy the day leisurely or catch up on exploring any landmarks that you may have missed during our first day in Kathmandu.

Day 21

Departure from Kathmandu (1400m)

After an epic journey, your trip has finally come to an end. You will be escorted by our staff to the airport. Until you make your trek back to Nepal, the experience will serve as pleasant memories.

Cost Included

Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast (3 nights).
Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Pokhara including breakfast (1 nights).
Guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms (18 nights).
All standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Local English-speaking trekking guide having licensed. An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (6 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek. Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
National Park permits, ACAP Permit and TIMS permit for trekking.
Free HAN T shirt, bag and Hat.
Official expenses.
Welcome dinner with cultural program as listed in the itinerary.
Day guided city tour
Bus ticket to Besi Sahr and sharing Jeep to Syange from Besi Sahar.
Deluxe coach tourist bus ticket to Kathmandu from Pokhara
Private transportation to Pokhara from Nayapul at end of the trekking.
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
All government and local taxes

Cost Not Included

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. Depending on your budget, it may cost about USD 15 to USD 20 per person.
Travel Insurance (compulsory!), which covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation
International airfare and airport departure tax
Nepal entry visa - You can obtain the visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days can be obtained by paying USD 25 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days can be obtained by paying USD 40 and 100 respectively. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.)
Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks.
Personal trekking equipment (click on the Equipment tab).
Tips for trekking staff and driver (tipping is expected).
Any others expenses that are not mentioned in the 'Price Includes' section.
Any extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary plan
Cost arising out of landslides, road blockade, and rescue of any form, cancellation of flight or reasons beyond our control
World heritage entrance Fees.