Annapurna Circuit Trek

based on 6 reviews
Good to Know
  • Duration 15 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Destination Nepal

What To Expect

  • Enjoy the views at the lakeside of Pokhara
  • Get very closer views of Annapurna Ranges including Fishtail, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri
  • Cross the Thorong La Pass
  • Be well experience in Poon Hill Trek
  • Visit the Muktinath Temple
  • Observe the world's deepest gorge i.e. Kaligandaki
  • Discover the Gurung Ethnic Village and its culture
  • Walk along the Ghorepani Trekking Route

Everything you need to know about the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Exploring the rich culture and nature are the major features of the Mt. Annapurna circuit trek.

Annapurna Circuit Trek is an outstanding trekking option in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. It is more isolated and a harsh trek, consisting of a sub-tropical, tropical, and alpine altitude landscape. It includes the tenth tallest mountain in the world and the highest pass of this region i.e. Annapurna I(8019 m) and Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) respectively.

Trekking around the Annapurna region offers wonderful Himalayan views like Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m.), Mt. Annapurna III (7,555m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525m), Mt. Annapurna south (7,219m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,041m), Mt. Machhapuchhare (6,998m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6,986m), Tukuche peak (6,920m), and Tilicho peak (7134m). It also showcases naturally beautiful remote villages and rare floras and faunas of the entire region.

The Annapurna round trek follows the Marshyangdi River Valley in the beginning and goes through several climatic zones like from paddy fields and rural farmland to subtropical forest and the glacial zones. Regarding the altitude, it ranges from almost 800 meters to over 5000 meters.

This trek takes you to the edge of Kaligandaki Gorge and the River. It is the deepest gorge in the world. Poon Hill hiking is another attraction of the Annapurna circuit trek that offers awestruck views of sunrise and sunset over the Himalayan giants. Such as Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna II, Hiuchuli, Dhaulagiri, Machchhapuchchhre, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Gurja Himal, and Dhampus Peak.

This trek leads the trekkers to the beautiful ethnic villages enjoying the surrounding mountain views. It goes along the dense forests and crosses the suspension bridges. The terraced farmlands, waterfalls, and hilly gorges are the basic highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Treks. As trekking goes up, the vegetation becomes shorter and shorter, and one starts to see the grazing yaks and horses in the meadow.

Having a bath in the natural hot spring is another highlight of the Annapurna round trek. This spring is situated in a place, called Tatopani. There is a belief that this hot water relieves skin diseases. Besides, the Hindus dip in this hot spring river for their ritual purposes as well.

Round Annapurna Trek starts from Khudi after having a scenic drive from Kathmandu along the hilly area. The trail reaches Sirung by crossing the suspension bridge and the waterfalls. Chame is a beautiful place from where the Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV can be seen.

Similarly, the way to Manang through the route of Upper Pisang offers stunning views of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and other Himalayan ranges. Manang Village is the extra charm of the Annapurna Round Trekking trail, mainly inhabited by ethnic groups. So, the Annapurna trekkers get the chance to know them and their culture from the worm’s eye view.

Trekking around Mt. Annapurna introduces you to the popular Tibetan lifestyles of the remote regions of Nepal as well. It is renowned, especially in the Mustang district of Nepal, and lies en route to Annapurna Circuit Trek.

The trail rounds around the Annapurna area from the eastern -part with Mt. Annapurna I to the western part with Mt. Dhaulagiri. Thorung La Pass touches the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Crossing over this path is a little bit difficult as the trekkers need to walk on the rocky and icy path. However, our experience guide leads them in a very careful way.

Then the trek goes down to the holy place of Muktinath. It is equally a beautiful visiting site of Mt. Annapurna region. This is a sacred and significant place for both Buddhists and Hindus. Every year, most of the pilgrimage even from overseas come to visit this temple. It is a more mystical and holy feeling to worship in the Muktinath temple, which is a widely appreciated destination.

Furthermore, the scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara over the mountains and the relaxation time at the lakeside of Pokhara are mind-blowing experiences.

Regarding the Annapurna Circuit Trekking difficulty, it is quite hard to cross the Thorong La Pass until reaching Muktinath. So, good acclimatization is required to avoid complications as the trail is moderately strenuous.

Though Annapurna Circuit Trek solo is possible, we strongly recommend every trekker hire at least a porter for finding the route easily. Because it is a bit difficult to find a route even going through the Annapurna Round Trek Map. Besides, it is not an easy job to find a hotel at a higher altitude, especially in the high season.

October to November and March to May are the Annapurna Circuit Trek Best Times. During the monsoon, it is a little bit dangerous as the landslide may occur.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary is the longest itinerary of this region. It requires more days to complete the trekking as the trail includes the whole hidden beauty of Annapurna region sites. This itinerary can be made shorter too.

If you want to do other trekkings in the Annapurna region, you can join like Annapurna Base Camp Trek and so on. For more details, please, feel free to contact us.

List of villages meet during Annapurna Circuit Trek

  • Jagat
  • Dharapani
  • Chame
  • Pisang
  • Yak Kharka
  • Thorung Phedi
  • Muktinath
  • Jomsom
  • Manang
  • Tatopani
  • Birethati
  • Bhulbhule, etc.
Itinerary
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Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary is designed especially concerning acclimatization. It is a long day of trekking in the Annapurna region. The Annapurna Circuit Trekking detail Itinerary includes not only the Annapurna ranges but others like ethnic villages, gorges, passes, and so on.

Besides, Annapurna Circuit Trekking Itinerary can be adjoined with the Manaslu Circuit Trekking if required.

  • Accommodation3 star Hotel
  • Maximum Altitude1350 m

Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by the representative from Rising Adventure at the arrival gate and transferred to the hotel.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude790 m

Today you will reach Besisahar within around 6 hours traveling through the magnificent beauty of hills, rivers, and mountains. So, the roadway will be as same as going towards Pokhara until Dumre and have a U-turn to Besisahar. In order to reach Khudi from Besisahar, you have a choice either to go by bus within half an hour or to have an hour's hike.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1864 m

This is the first day of your trekking. On this day, you will trek through suspension bridges, waterfalls, and up and down hills across the rice, paddy, and subtropical forest. On the way to Sirung, you will come across the village called Taranche full of ethnic groups, especially Tamang. Finally, you will reach the Sirung, a place where you can also enjoy the cultural program organized by the villagers for the visitors.

Typically, Sirung is popular for homestay. As a result, you can get in touch with the local residents and get some more information.

In the evening, a group of females will warmly welcome you with verities of foods and sometimes also perform a group dance in a local folk song.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1430 m

Your trek will continue along the Marsyangdi River via the semi-circular-shaped rice terraces, cliff face to the stone village, etc to Syange at 1100m. From there, you will ascend steeply to Jagat(1300m) and continue ascending to the Chamje.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1900 m

The trail goes through the fertile flat and the forest of bamboo and rhododendron. Then you will reach the first village of Manang district. The trail will continue to Dharapani passing through Khotro and Karte.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2660 m

Today you will trek for almost 6 hours to reach Chame. From Chame, you can see the scenery of the Himalayas such as Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3200 m

The trail will go through the deep forest and the narrow valley. On the way to Pisang, you will recross the brides again and again; and through the wonderful sites, you will reach Pisang.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3540 m

In order to go to Manang, you will have two choices either go from upper or from lower. But Rising Adventure recommends you choose the upper route through the Upper Pisang, where you will have magnificent views of mountain peaks such as Annapurna, Pisang peak as well as many others. Then you will have a short visit to the Barge monastery, the largest in the entire district of Manang will be memorable. 

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3540 m

Today you are going to spend a day in Manang not for rest and relaxation only, but for acclimatization too. So, Rising Adventure will not recommend you to stay idle but rather have altitude during the daytime and come back to Manang for the night only. So, in the daytime for acclimatization, you will have an hour's hike either to Bhojo Gompa or to Grangapurna Glacier.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4050 m

Your trail will go up steadily from Manang to the Tengi village and Marsyangdi Valley and continue along the Jarsang Khola. Then on the way, you will find that the vegetation is shorter as well as you will see the grazing horses and yaks in the meadow; finally, you will reach Yak Kharka.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4450 m

Today you will cross the river at 4310m and reach Thorong Phedi, a place at the bottom of the pass. There is a small number of settlements in Thorong Phedi, but it is a busy area where most of the trekkers spend a night as the point of base camp.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3760 m

Today you are going to reach the climax of your trekking. So, your trek will start early in the morning and ascend steeply for almost 6 hours to reach Thorong La Pass where you can see the stunning views of the high Himalayas. From there, you will descend and reach the important temple of Hindus and Buddhists, known as the Muktinath Temple. You will spend a night there in Muktinath.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2720 m

Today in the morning after visiting Muktinath Temple, your trekking will go down towards Jomsom. It is a beautiful village with full of facilities like in the city areas. You are going to spend your night there for having the next flight to Pokhara.

  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast and Lunch
  • Maximum Altitude800 m

In the morning, you will have a short flight almost of 20 minutes. It is a scenic flight over the gorgeous Himalayas. After reaching Pokhara, you will check in to the Hotel. Then you can take a rest and visit around the city.

  • Accommodation3 star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast and farewell Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1300 m

The leaving time of the Tourist Bus in Pokhara is also at 7:30 am. So, your trekking guide will pick up you at Tourist Bus Park at 7:00 am. Then the roadway will be as different as before until Dumre but from there will follow the previous way to come back to Kathmandu.

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Inclusions
Cost Includes
  • Airport pick-up and drop by private vehicle
  • Bus tickets (Kathmandu to Besisahar and Pokhara to Kathmandu)
  • All necessary paper works, permits, and TIMS cards for trekking
  • Three meals a day during the treks (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) according to your choice
  • Accommodations during the trek
  • English-speaking, experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable trekking guide during the trip (Salary, food, accommodation, and insurance)
  • Flight tickets (Jomsom to Pokhara)
  • One night accommodation in Pokhara on the basis of twin sharing including breakfast
  • All the government taxes
  • Farewell dinner at one of the typical Nepalese restaurants with a traditional dance

 

Cost Excludes
  • Nepal arrival visa fee
  • Travel Insurance
  • Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
  • Hotel In Kathmandu
  • Porter
  • Tips for guide 
  • All your personal expenses and other expenses which are not mentioned in "Cost includes
Things to Know

Annapurna Circuit Trek Accommodation

Speaking of the accommodations type of the Annapurna trek, generally, tea house accommodations are the most common and popular type. They are functioned by the locals, to provide basic facilities and a resting place for the trekkers. The region is dotted with lodges and tea houses so that travelers can rest in tea houses or lodges in most of the villages. While choosing the lodges make sure that they have warm beds, bed sheets, pillows, and blankets. The interesting thing about the house is that they have bathrooms outside the main building and are supposed to be shared by the boarders.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit

Trekking to any part of Nepal is required. Thus, entering the Annapurna region without a permit is illegal. The trekking zone is a restricted area in Nepal so an ACAP which is an Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit and a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card is needed. Similarly, you also have to purchase ANCAP or Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit. Several trekking agencies provide permits so you do not have to worry about hassles. A licensed guide will also be there to guide you on your way. Furthermore, the permit costs around $20 each for individual trekkers. You can get both permits from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in Kathmandu. 

High Altitude Sickness

Every trekker must be conscious of the high altitude sickness. It may happen to anyone though, they are not the first trekker. And only the solution to get rid of high altitude sickness is to be acclimatized properly. Making your body hydrated also plays a key role to reduce the probability of altitude sickness.

So, Rising Adventure always takes care of its valued customers and designs the itinerary with sufficient acclimatization days.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is coverage planned to protect in contradiction of risks and financial losses that could happen while traveling. The dangers range from minor inconveniences such as missed airline connections and delayed luggage all the way to more serious issues including injuries or major illness. Thus, it might not be mandatory to have travel insurance, but having one is a good precaution, especially on such unpredictable and risky trek routes as Annapurna. As the trekking region is extremely remote, high altitude and location will not have too many advanced health centers or medical practitioners. In light of the existing scenario, insurance can provide the necessary financial aid in the face of unforeseen dangers.

At last, please make sure that your travel insurance must cover the Helicopter evacuation in case of emergency, and keep in mind that Rising Adventure does not sell any kind of insurance policy.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost

Different online sources claimed that one must have Rs, 2000 for three basic meals and a room per day. However, speaking of the cost it all depends upon you if you want to live in comfort, then you must have to pay more. Similarly, if you want to buy some additional Snickers bars, have a continental meal for dinner, or drink heaps of hot chocolate, then think of spending up to 3000 NPR per day ($30). Here is the list of the average price of the expenditure that you can do for one day. By calculating the above data the Annapurna trek is for 21 days, thus it costs around $ 50. Remember that the cost is only for the food and lodge. You have to pay extra for flights, transportation, tips, a porter, a guide, and insurance. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek Packing Lists

Before traveling to any place, planning things that you might need during the trip is important. Annapurna circuit trekkers will strongly recommend that you travel lightly as the journey will be arduous. Essential things like layered jackets, both light and heavy woolens, sunglass, waterproof overalls/ponchos/raincoats, and sunscreen will help you a lot during the trip. 
Apart from that, a sturdy pair of trekking boots will take you a long way. Some of the major items that might be helpful things are listed below.
Required documents

  • T-shirts (short/long sleeved) that can dry quickly
  • Clothing depending upon the season
  • Hat/scarfs/cap 
  • Hiking thermals, pairs of underwear, pants, quick-drying towel
  • Trekking boots, light & thick socks, gloves (light/warm)
  • Toiletries & skin care products
  • A day backpack, Raincoat, sleeping bag
  • Jacket (Fleece and Down)
Annapurna Circuit Trek FAQs

  • Talking about the difficulty of the Annapurna Circuit, it is considered to be a moderate and one of the most crowded, longest trekking routes in the region. The exciting and adventurous Annapurna circuit trek offers some of the most spectacular views of a multitude of enormous snow-capped peaks and treks through high-altitude passes, including the famous Thorong La Pass.
     For beginners, the trek might be quite difficult because of its high altitude. During the trek, you must have to walk uneven trails of ups and down for several hours. Sometimes the unpredictable weather of the Annapurna region may bring to the trekkers. To overcome this difficulty, you can take prior training and preparation. 

  • Side by side the Annapurna circuit is as challenging as it is beautiful. The starting point of the circuit itself offers typical ethnic cultures, local people, different trading systems, a plethora variety of food, and so on. Through the eye-blessing paddy fields and into subtropical forests, several waterfalls and gigantic cliffs, and various villages you will reach the giant world’s tenth-highest mountain Annapurna. If you are among one those who love these natural resources, remote trekking, and long-duration trekking then it going to be worth it. 

  • Like other parts of Nepal, the Annapurna circuit also experience four seasons during the whole year.  Autumn and spring season is considered to be one of the best seasons to trek around the Annapurna circuit. During the spring season, the average temperature of the Annapurna circuit is 15°C as the lowest and with a maximum of 25°C during sunny days, while the minimum temperature reaches -15°C in the morning and at night normally for those areas above the 4000m. Meanwhile, during the autumn season, the average temperature during the fall is 15°C with a maximum temp of 20°C during sunny days and a minimum of 05°C in the morning and at night. 

  • Comparing both of the mountain treks, the trek to Annapurna Base Camp is ever so slightly easier than Everest Base Camp. There are a variety of different factors at play here. The route to Annapurna is generally at lower altitudes, with fewer steep climbs. It's generally considered to be a slightly less taxing route. 

  • Trekking through the spectacular Annapurna region will reward a lifetime experience. The snow-capped peaks, mist-shrouded valleys, isolated communities, and remote monasteries will inspire those with a bold spirit and a yearning for a definitive nature experience. The circuit circles the Annapurna Mountains. The total distance of the Annapurna circuit varied between 160 and 230 kilometers (100-145 miles). To trek around the circuit, it will take nearly 12-22 days, and span from 160km-230km. the duration depends upon you and your routes. 

  • During the trek, you will encounter several guesthouses and lodges. Some of them will offer Wi-Fi either for free or for a small charge. Since the Annapurna is at a high altitude, Wi-Fi might not be working on any given day for many reasons, so don’t rely on it. However, the lower region of Annapurna has good coverage of network, internet & WIFI. To get connected with your near and dear ones you will need to purchase a local SIM such as NTC or NCELL once in Kathmandu. However, they may be very limited or nonexistent in some places, especially in higher altitudes.

  • To reach the Annapurna circuit, first, you have to reach Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, or Pokhara. Following that, you have to take a Lukla to head to trek to Everest Base Camp. To reach Pokhara it only takes 25 minutes from Kathmandu, so don’t get too comfy in your plane seat. While on the flight choose the left seat you will be able to see great views of the Ganesh, Langtang Himal, Annapurna, and Manaslu. After a few hours of the drive from Pokhara, you will reach Besisahar, where the trail starts. Besisahar is also the starting point of the Annapurna circuit trek. Following the Besisahar follow the below itinerary that we have done.

  • Unlike other restricted areas of Nepal, trekking toward the Annapurna circuit without a guide is also possible.  While traveling alone you must have to be extra careful than when traveling in a group. However, with a guide, the journey might be more meaningful and easier. They will help you navigate the trails and help to understand the culture better. Also, you will not feel bored while traveling with them. 

  • As we said before during winter the Annapurna region experience heavy snowfall. Thus, during the mid-winter, crampons are needed. You will really not know what conditions you will encounter on the trekking trail until you get there, so it is better to have your crampons and not use them rather than needing them and not having them if required. Carrying just crampons will be helpful. 

  • Getting hot water to shower in the Annapurna is possible but you have to pay extra for it. But we will suggest you not take shower when you are above 4500 M or fewer showers if possible. If you have taken bathed at that high altitude there is a high chance of a cold or getting sick.

  • Annapurna Circuit Trek is also suitable for beginners as well as first-timer hikers. The route of Annapurna Circuit Trek opened for foreign nationals in 1977 AD. This trail starts from less than 1000 meters and goes up to a height of 5,416 m.

  • During the winter the temperature of the Annapurna region reaches below around -6º or -10º. To overcome this cold during the night sleeping bag is most recommended. 

  • Normally, the travel agency will manage you as a porter and guide. In case you are thinking of yourself getting a porter, ensure he has the correct gear and is insured. Similarly, make sure that they are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Makes sure to hire your porter in Kathmandu or in Pokhara. To have them at your side you must have to pay around USD20 per day in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

  • Of course, you need to buy a Permit (ACAP) for entering the Annapurna region. It costs USD 20 per person.

  • Yes, there is the risk of getting high altitude sickness during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. So, you need to be acclimatized properly and drink the plenty of water to make your body hydrated.

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Customer Reviews
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  • S

    Annapurna Circuit Trek in September

    Sylvia Walentin, AustriaTrip Date: September 13, 2019

    Rising Adventure is an excellent company. My wife was so much impressed with the instant response of this company and its offering about the Annapurna circuit trek cost was also cheaper when compared to others. As a result, we decided to book our trip with it. Its owner took care of us on our trek from start to end. It was the most wonderful trip of our life. We had so much fun running across the suspension bridges. Our guide Akal always made sure whether we had enough to eat. He was always concerned about our interests. The trip was perfect and we highly recommend Rising Adventure.

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