annapurna circuit trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek

17 Days from 830$
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    Region
    Annapurna Region
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    Geography
    Mountain/ Forest/ Village
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    Difficulty
    Moderate
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    Max Altitude
    5416m
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    Accommodation
    Hotel/ Lodge/ Homestay/ Guest House
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    Transportation
    Hotel/ Lodge/ Homestay/ Guest House

The Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal.  A once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the shifting topography, climatic zone, breathtaking landscapes, and extensive ethnic diversity with their unique culture, language, and tradition is provided by the Annapurna Circuit trip.

One of the best trekking routes to explore the mystical scenic charms with great diversity in arts and culture of the Himalayas is the Annapurna Circuit Trek, which is situated in the Annapurna region. Given that it follows a reasonably straightforward track through beautiful scenery, the Annapurna Circuit trip is the most well-liked trek among both foreigners and Nepalese.

In addition to offering breathtaking views of the enormous Annapurna range, the 17 day Annapurna Circuit trip offers a unique chance to discover the area’s cultural diversity as it travels through numerous Gurung and Thakali towns. Following a lovely drive on a rural road out of Kathmandu, the Annapurna Circuit hike begins in Khudi. Thorong La Crossing, Nepal’s highest pass at 5416 meters, offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the enormous mountains Dhaulagiri (8167 meters), Manaslu (8156 meters), Machhapuchhre (6993 meters), and Annapurna (8091m).

The Marsayangdi River and Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, are two significant rivers that the journey follows. The trail also leads to Muktinath Temple, a sacred Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage site. The track travels through stunning, lush forests with the possibility to see numerous wild animals. These woodlands are full of colorful rhododendrons, oaks, and pines.

The Thakali village of Manang, the apple capital of Marpha, the rhododendron forests of Ghorepani, the sunrise from Poonhill, the Gurung village of Ghandruk, and the City of Lakes—Pokhara—is among the trek’s highlights.

Amble Himalaya provides the best services available in the tourism industry in Nepal. We believe in creating and sharing unforgettable memories with our clients. We deliver all kinds of transportation facilities and arrange the finest accommodations for overnight stays.

Trip Highlights

  • Scenic Views: The trek offers stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.
  • Cultural Experience: Trekking through the local villages, interacting with the locals, and experiencing their way of life offers a unique cultural experience.
  • Thorong La Pass: Crossing the Thorong La Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in the world at an elevation of 5,416 meters, is a challenging and memorable experience.
  • Natural Hot Springs: The trek passes through the natural hot springs at Tatopani, providing a refreshing and rejuvenating experience.
  • Poon Hill: Climbing Poon Hill offers breathtaking sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
  • Peaceful Lakes: Visiting the serene lakes of region, provides an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
  • Manang Village: Visiting the beautiful village of Manang, known for its rich culture and stunning views, is a highlight of the trek.
  • Local Cuisine: Trying the local Nepali cuisine, including Dal Bhat and Momos, is a delicious and memorable experience.

Short Itinerary

Day 01: DriveFrom Kathmandu to Khudi (800m/2,624ft): 7- 8 hours

Day 02: Khudi to Siurung (2200m/7216 ft): 6 – 7 hours

Day 03: Siurung to Jagat (1,300m/4265ft): 6 – 7 hours

Day 04: Jagat to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 7-8 hours

Day 05: Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 – 6 hours

Day 06: Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft): 5 – 6 hours

Day 07: Pisang to Manang: 6 – 7 hours

Day 08: Manang: Acclimatization day

Day 09: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft): 3 – 4 hours

Day 10: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft): 3 – 4 hours

Day 11: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) via Thorong La pass (5416m/17764ft): 7 – 8 hours

Day 12: Muktinath to Marpha (2,670m/8,760ft): 4 – 5 hours

Day 13: Marpha to Kalopani (2,530 m/8,300 ft): 5 – 6 hours

Day 14: Kalopani to Tatopani (1,200m/3,937ft): 6 – 7 hours

Day 15: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 7 – 8 hours

Day 16: Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Tadapani (2,700m/8,860ft): 6 – 7 hours

Day 17:  Tadapani to Pokhara (827m/2,789ft) via Ghandruk: 5 – 6 hours trek, 1-hour drive

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

While traveling to Khudi in a jeep along the Trishuli River, we will take in the rural scenery and see the locals going about their everyday lives. Along the roadway, significant locations including Mugling, Dumre, and Besisahar will be passed. It takes an hour to walk from Besisahar to the beginning of our hike in Khudi. Once we reach Khudi, we will be welcomed by Manaslu(8156m) in the distance (8156m). Overnight at a hotel in Khudi.

Early in the morning, we begin our ascent toward Siurung while crossing spectacular waterfalls. On the arduous trail that leads to Siurung, we will travel through agricultural areas and verdant forests. While heading to Siurung, we will stop in the Tamang village of Taranche and again move further to reach Siurung. The mountain range is beautiful up close, and it inspires people to hike. When we get to Sirung village, the Nadi Chuli and Manaslu mountain ranges are closer and more stunning. Overnight stay in Siurung.

Crossing a suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi River, we pass across a few villages inhabitant by Gurung and Magars on our way to Jagat. We walk through lush forests where we have a chance to spot many beautiful birds. Walking on a generally easy trail, we arrive in Jagat. Overnight at lodge in Jagat. Overnight at lodge in Jagat.

The trail has many ups and downs and is a little challenging due to the slippery paths. We hike up to Dharapani walking through some dense oak and pine forest and coming across several water streams as we enjoy the view of Annapurna range throughout the way. Overnight at Lodge.

The trail is a little difficult because of the slick surfaces and has numerous ups and downs. We will hike up to Dharapani while taking in the scenery of the Annapurna range along the way. We will then pass through some lush oak and pine forest and come across various water streams. Overnight stay at the lodge in Chame.

The hike starts and then reaches at an elevation of 3,300 meters (10,824 feet) in Chame, taking 5-6 hours to reach the destination of Pisang. The trail goes through the steep and narrow Marshyangdi Valley, followed by dense rhododendron forests where there may be opportunities to spot wild animals. Pisang is a village with great views of Annapurna II (7937m) to the south and Pisang Peak (6091m) to the north-east. The trekkers will spend the night in a guest house in Pisang.

We will reach Manang after traveling through various towns, a few monasteries, and the Lama School while taking in the breathtaking view of the Annapurna range and the picturesque surroundings. Manang is a lovely Manangi town where we can see the Annapurna range, Chulu Peak (6584m), Gangapurna (7455m), and other mountains in awe-inspiring detail. Overnight in Manang.

This day is set aside for acclimatization. Discovering the Manangi culture and way of life, we tour the Manang hamlet, stopping at historic Buddhist monasteries and chortens. We can also go on a quick climb to Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. Overnight in Manang.

We will then depart from Manang and continue our journey to Yak Kharka while taking in the views of the Annapurna range, Nilgiri Himal (7061m), and yaks grazing in the meadows. To get to Yak Kharka, we will ascend out of Marshyangdi Valley, passing through juniper forests, tiny settlements, rivers, and open pasturelands. Overnight at Lodge.

We will then depart from Manang and continue our journey to Yak Kharka while taking in the views of the Annapurna range, Nilgiri Himal (7061m), and yaks grazing in the meadows. To get to Yak Kharka, we will ascend out of Marshyangdi Valley, passing through juniper forests, tiny settlements, rivers, and open pasturelands. Overnight at Thorong Phedi.

After an early breakfast, we will continue towards the Holy temple Muktinath after passing through the highest point of our trek at Thorong La pass (5,416m) and taking in the breathtaking vista of Dhaulagiri (8167m), the Annapurna range, and Manaslu (8156m). There are 108 water taps all around Muktinath, a holy Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage destination. Overnight at lodge in Muktinath.

Early in the morning, we go to the Muktinath Temple for prayer. The 108 water taps, which are said to wash your sins away, are available for bathing. We keep on walking till we reach Marpha, the apple capital of Nepal. Jomsom and Kagbeni, two charming villages will be passsed as we move along the Kaligandaki River. When you reach to Marpha, you can enjoy the regional apple products. Overnight in Marpha.

Adoring the panoramic view of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna (8091m), Nilgiri (7061m), and Tukuche (6920m) along our way, we trek downhill from Marpha to reach Kalopani. We walk past several Thakali villages and apple orchards to come across a river and join the road to Kalopani. Overnight at lodge in Kalopani.

We trek downhill today entering the sub-tropical vegetation. We walk pass Rupse Chahara and some big settlements in the area, en route to Tatopani. Tatopani is a natural hot spring where you can take a hot water bath to relax the strained muscles. Overnight stay at a hotel in Tatopani.

Walking into the lush green forests filled with colorful rhododendrons, we hike towards Ghorepani. We walk past Shikha and Chitre villages with the terrace farmlands filling up the landscape. In Ghorepani, we can enjoy a stunning panorama of snow-capped peaks like Annapurna (8091m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), and Dhaulagiri (8167m). Overnight at a lodge in Ghorepani.

Early in the morning, we hike to Poon Hill to watch the sunrise. The unobstructed view of Annapurna (8091m) and Machhapuchhre (6993) enveloped in the light of the first rays of the sun, make up a breathtaking view. After taking some photographs, we hike back to Ghorepani for breakfast. Leaving behind Ghorepani, we descend through rhododendron forest to the village of Tadapani. Overnight in Tadapani.

Continuing our trek, we descend downhill towards Ghandruk, a village populated with Gurung people. The trail is even more beautiful in April as the rhododendrons are in full bloom. From the picturesque village of Ghandruk, we can get a close view of Machhapuchhre Himal (6993m). Then we walk down to Nayapul from where we catch our ride to Pokhara. You can hang around lakeside in the evening. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Included

  • Trekking permits and entry fees for the Annapurna Conservation Area
  • TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card
  • Guide and porter services (if you choose to hire them)
  • Accommodation in teahouses or lodges along the trekking route
  • Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Safe drinking water
  • Transportation to and from Kathmandu and the starting/ending point of the trek
  • First aid kit and medical support
  • Emergency evacuation in case of serious illness or injury ( should cover by travel isurance)
  • Trekking map and itinerary

Annapurna Circuit Trek Excluded

  • International airfare to/from Nepal
  • Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
  • Nepalese visa fees
  • Travel insurance (which is mandatory)
  • Personal expenses such as snacks, drinks, and souvenirs
  • Extra accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
  • Tips for the guide and porter
  • Any additional activities or side trips not included in the trek itinerary

Packing List

Here is list of essential gear and equipment for Annapurna Circuit Trek:

  • Backpack: A good quality backpack with a sturdy frame and waist belt is recommended for carrying all your gear.
  • Clothing: Dressing in layers is the key to staying comfortable during the trek. Here are some items you may want to consider packing:
    • Base Layer: Moisture-wicking t-shirts and long underwear made of synthetic materials or wool.
    • Insulating Layer: Fleece jackets, insulated jackets, or down jackets.
    • Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof jackets and pants.
    • Trekking Pants: Lightweight and quick-drying pants for hiking.
    • Trekking Shirts: Lightweight and quick-drying shirts for hiking.
    • Trekking Shorts: Lightweight and quick-drying shorts for hiking.
    • Underwear: Moisture-wicking and quick-drying underwear.
    • Socks: Thick and warm socks made of wool or synthetic materials.
    • Gloves: Waterproof and insulated gloves for cold weather.
    • Footwear: A good quality pair of trekking boots with ankle support and good grip is essential for the trek. You may also want to consider packing a pair of sandals or sneakers for wearing around the lodges.
  • Headwear: A warm hat that covers your ears and a sun hat with a wide brim to protect your face from the sun. Sunglasses with UV protection are also essential.
  • Sleeping bag: A good quality sleeping bag that can withstand sub-zero temperatures is recommended.
  • Trekking poles: Trekking poles can help reduce the strain on your knees and provide balance on uneven terrain.
  • First-aid kit: A basic first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic creams, painkillers, and any prescription medications.
  • Water purification tablets: There are many streams and rivers along the trek, but the water is not always safe to drink. Water purification tablets can help prevent waterborne illnesses.
  • Headlamp or flashlight: Essential for navigating in the dark or in lodges with limited lighting.
  • Miscellaneous: A camera, power bank, sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper.

Annapurna Circuit Trek FAQ's

Anyone who is physically sound can join Annapurna Circuit trek. The trek does not require prior trekking experience. However, we recommend you to do some basic exercises before your Annapurna Circuit trek. If you have any medical condition, you must seek medical advice from your doctor before considering the trek.

If you want Amble Himalaya to pick you at airport, you can let us know during booking and we will be right there to greet you on your arrival.

Accommodation in Kathmandu depends on your preference and budget. You can choose from a budget hotel to luxurious five-star services, as per your choice. However, you will have to forget the luxuries of the city during the trek as you will be staying in teahouses/lodges with basic facilities. The teahouses/lodges, although small, provide clean sheets and blanket with a cozy mattress. We also offer sleeping bags if required (which needs to be returned after the trip), but it’s always a good idea to carry a personal sleeping bag. We provide you with single and double rooms depending on the availability and prior booking. It is quite difficult to get a single room during the peak season; therefore, we usually offer double rooms in our outline itinerary.

Normally, the toilets of teahouses and lodges in the higher Himalayan region are eastern toilets, which are usually neat and clean. The toilet facilities, generally, are common and sometimes space might be cramped. However, the newer teahouses and lodges offer attached restrooms. We will provide you with the best option as far as possible in this regard.

While you can choose from a wide range of food in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will mostly be served local Nepali meals, Daal Bhat, in the teahouses on the upper regions. However, if you have any special food choices, you should let us know beforehand so that we can work on it. Additionally, we can also provide you with cooking staff if that is your preference.

It is best to trek during the spring season from March to May and the autumn season from September to mid-December. It is not recommended to trek in the region during the monsoon season from June to August or during the winter season from mid-December to February.

Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. It is, generally, chillingly cold in nights, whereas, the days are warmer. Since you will be trekking in the spring or autumn season, the weather during the day is comfortably dry and warm. The temperature could be as high as 20-degree c to 15-degree c low, during the daytime.

Yes, all of our staffs including guides and porters are insured to recover any kinds of casualties.

Yes, it is absolutely possible to add some more days to your trek. We can customize your trek according to your preferences with additional costs including accommodation, food, guides, and porters.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Client Reviews

5 / 5 Based on 1 Reviews
  • June 20, 2024

Unreal scenes on Annapurna

With the constant assistance of the female trekking guides, I finished the 5,416 m Thorong La Pass trek in roughly 12 days. From my experience, I can say that it is one of the most exciting and beautiful passes that connects the village of Manang and Manag to the east. Here, you can find tea houses located every 1.5 hours along this trip, but not on the pass.

Furthermore, this trek facilitates the exploration of several valleys, wildlife, birds, and mystical mountain ranges like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, and many others.

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  • sidebar-thumbnails
    Region
    Annapurna Region
  • sidebar-thumbnails
    Geography
    Mountain/ Forest/ Village
  • sidebar-thumbnails
    Difficulty
    Moderate
  • sidebar-thumbnails
    Max Altitude
    5416m
  • sidebar-thumbnails
    Accommodation
    Hotel/ Lodge/ Homestay/ Guest House
  • sidebar-thumbnails
    Transportation
    Hotel/ Lodge/ Homestay/ Guest House
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Samjhana Pokhrel