Annapurna Circuit Trek - 14 Days

Duration: 14 Days(5)of 70 reviews
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Overview

  • Duration 14 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Max. Altitude 5,416 Meter / 17,769 Ft
  • Trip Start and End Kathmandu
  • Trip Area Annapurna Region - ACAP
  • Best Season Autumn & Spring

Highlights

  • Adventure trekking around the Annapurna massif
  • Cultural sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
  • Cross Thorong La at 5,416m
  • The joy of completing a loop around the classic Annapurna circuit
  • Culture and lifestyle experience of Manang and lower Mustang valleys
  • Incredible Himalayan view and high altitude trekking experience

“A relaxation beneath the majestic Himalayas, worthwhile to live in.”

If you like adventure throughout your journey, Annapurna Circuit Trek is the perfect trekking destination for you. One of the most popular treks in the world, the circuit trek distance is 160 km(100 miles) long and will take you to an elevation of 5,416m, starting from an altitude of 1290m.

Additionally, there is breathtaking scenery of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna IV, Tukuche Peak, and more. These spectacular views alongside crossing Thorong La Pass fascinate many trekkers from all over the world.

The trek starts from Jagat (1290m) where you will begin to experience the natural beauty of the Annapurna region. After you reach your starting point of the circuit through a private jeep, you will see the lush green forests, terraced fields, and the Marsyangdi River flowing nearby.

During the trek, you will reach the highest altitude of 5416m, walking through the Thorong La pass. The pass is formed on the slope of two mountains, Khatung Kang(6484 m) and Yakawa Kang( 6482 M / 21266 F). This is why most travelers find the Annapurna Circuit trek adventurous and challenging.

You can easily hike the Annapurna Circuit trek with proper physical fitness and mental preparation. The Annapurna range waits for your arrival.

Best Time to Hike the Annapurna Circuit

The best and most feasible time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek is in Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-December). As the trail is itself a challenging one, we suggest you avoid trekking during the off-season.

Most travelers avoid trekking during the Monsoon season and Winter because of difficult weather. People may face extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and limited facilities. Moreover, the Thorong La Pass is often closed during winter due to heavy snow and avalanches. The rainy season also faces heavy rainfall in lower altitudes. 

During Spring and Autumn, you can complete the Annapurna Circuit Trial in a full-fledged way. You can experience stable weather, clear skies, stunning views, and blooming wildflowers like rhododendrons. The rhododendron forests are good to be visited during the spring usually. Especially, the Annapurna Base Camp can make the views of these views amazing without the steep climb.

You will also have longer daylight hours during Spring, which means you will have more time to cover distances each day throughout the trail.

Permits and Guide Requirement for Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek lies under Nepal’s largest conservation area, which is why you need special permits and a government-registered guide during the trek.

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card are mandatory. 

The permit fees are your contribution to the development of the local community and different conservation projects of the Annapurna Region.

Permits Required

  • Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP)
    Cost: NPR 3,000 (for SAARC nationals: NPR 200)

  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card
    Cost: NPR 2,000 (for SAARC nationals: NPR 600)

Note: The permit fees will be included in the price provided for the Annapurna Circuit Trek Package. Your travel agency, Himalayan Scenery Treks and Expedition will provide you these permits a day before you start your trek.

Himalayan Scenery Treks and Expedition will also provide you with a government-registered guide, who will help and guide you in difficult situations throughout the trek.

As of 2023, solo trekking in Nepal has been banned in different destinations including the Annapurna Circuit Trail. The government made this decision to decrease accidents in the high-altitude and missing cases of travelers.

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Is it right for me?

Unless you come with proper physical and mental preparation, the Annapurna Circuit is always right for you. Additionally, budget-wise the journey is much more affordable than compared to the hard Manaslu Circuit trek or even the shorter Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.

Keep in mind that the Annapurna Circuit is a long-distance trek. The snow-capped mountains are always beautiful, yet due to harsh climate zones, you need to come in warm clothes and be prepared for the consequences.

Itinerary

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a trek at high altitudes with stunning waterfalls, dirt road, tough trekking routes, and amazing views of snow-capped peaks. Each day the trek distance is around 8-10 kilometres on average and sometimes longer. So, prepare for the amazing 10 days of trekking with your hiking boots and other gear.

Show Detail ItineraryClose Detail Itinerary

Warm welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport by the Himalayan Scenery Treks and Expedition team take you to your hotel.

Exploring the Kathmandu Valley with Himalayan Scenery Treks and Expedition offers you a full-day guided tour of Kathmandu Valley, including sightseeing heritage of Kathmandu Valley i.e. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Syambhunath, Bouddhanath, and Pashupatinath. Enjoy the evening aarti at Pashupatinath.

Early in the morning, we will head ahead towards Jagat through Besisahar along the route of Trishuli valley observing the splendid mountain outlooks of Ganesh Himal and Manaslu. With natural scenery, we will cross many small and large rivers along the thrilling route. After 7-8 hours of stunning ride, succeeding in the different beautiful paths we finally arrive at Jagat. Your licensed guide will take you to the best available guest house in the region.

The next morning, the trail passes towards Dharapani. After overpassing a suspension bridge the way goes uphill through the Oak forest. Continuing the walk for a while the trail emerges into a valley and we reach the village of Tal which is situated on the foot of a mountain range waterfall. After crossing the river again the path goes up to the village of Dharapani. Overnight stay in the guest house.

From Dharapani, we will continue our climb to the village of Bagarchap (2164m) after breakfast for today's Annapurna trail. Ongoing the trek through the forest we will reach Dhanagyu. With the beauty of nature, we will climb to Temang where we will rest for a while to have lunch. Temang offers the attractive sights of Manaslu along with many other snowcapped mountain ranges.

From here the way goes downhill through fir and pine forests to Koto and then to Chame, which is also the administrative capital of the Manang district. Tonight we are staying in Chame. 

Firstly, the trail follows the river closely through a deep canyon, making our way through a number of waterfalls we will arrive at Brathang(2919m). From here the trail goes through a steep narrow valley winding through a deep forest witnessing the magnificent view of Annapurna II. Crossing the river where the extraordinarily curved rock face of Paungda Danda rises abruptly nearly 1500m from the riverbank, the trail climbs to the village of Upper Pisang.

Today, you can have a high route to Manang via the villages of Gyaru and Ngawal or a shorter trekking trip to Manang which goes through a low pass into the valley below Pisang peak. Both options offer an attractive and splendid Mountain View which introduces us to different Himalayan lifestyles and sets up a strong foundation for the hidden geographical variation of the country. The longer walk will take 8-9 hours whereas the shorter takes 5 - 6 hours.

Today we will rest in Manang village, adapted to the rising altitude, and explore the surreal beauty of our surroundings. Most of the visitors ascend to a hill situated behind Manang which offers an astonishing view of the Annapurna massif and the huge icefall that runs into and rumbles down from Gangapurna. Diagonally to the valley, the huge mass of Gangapurna and Annapurna range just above us. The view of sunrise and sunset is seen from here is one of the most beautiful sights seen in the whole country. The trekkers have mentioned that Manang itself is much better than any other hiking route in the Annapurna circuit.

From Manang, we will create our mode towards the base of Thorong La pass. Hiking out of Marshyangdi valley, we turn northwest to the valley of Jarsang Khola. Twisting directly above the forest we pass through arid, alpine land of subtropical forests with scrub juniper and patches of birch to Yak Kharka.

We will reach Leddar by afternoon. There are beautiful views of the couloir of weathered and pointy mountains from Yak Kharka. The highest of all the tops is Syagang (6026 m), which leads the secret trip from the other side of the Thorong High Camp, and during the remaining time, we can explore the neighborhood. 

The Annapurna Circuit trail today from Leddar rises only slowly through Thorong Khola Valley up to the base camp in Thorong Phedi (4538m). Around Annapurna’s this one belongs to the shortest ones. In Thorong Phedi, where every day early in the morning tourists set off to conquer Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek, there is plenty of time to have a rest or an acclimatization trip up to High Camp.

We start after the breakfast trek to Thorong Phedi about climbing 5000mtr. The path is easy but we have to be careful it is above Attitude more than 4000 mete. On the way sometimes we can see blue sheep also.

We will start with an early morning hike to climb the pass. The first phase of the ascent is very steep, but as we approach the peak it becomes completely disordered, but the altitude still makes the walk a thrilling one. After making our way through a few false summits, we finally make it to the top of the pass (5416m). The top offers the unexplainable 360-degree panorama of snowcapped peaks extending northwards into Tibet. Upon looking back, we can view several peaks of Annapurna, and in front of us is the deep gorge of Kali Gandaki. After the pass, the trail descends gradually but becomes steeper, finally making it to a grassy slope, just before easing off to a gradual downhill walk to Muktinath. 

Muktinath is a gateway to Upper Mustang as well. Yet, as your trip continues to Pokhara, you might not experience it.

After visiting the trial's highest point Muktinath, we make our way through the arid landscape with the snow-clad Himalayas in the backdrop. The trail goes down the valley offering an array of beautiful colors to Kali Gandaki Valley at Ekalabatti. The scenery of the way ranges from the forest of bright Rhododendrons to rocky cliffs. 

On this day we will travel back to Pokhara on a shared vehicle early in the morning. The drive will be around 7-8 hours long. However, you can also take a flight back to Pokhara which will only take around 25 mins. Once you reach Pokhara, you can refurbish on the lakeside. This night we will spend in a guesthouse.

Note: If you want to fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom, flight costs will be separately added.

We take a drive back to Kathmandu via the same highway we took earlier to go there. Once in Kathmandu, we spend leisurely time back in the chaos of the city after so many days of serene mountain air and incredible adventure. The rest of the day is free to explore Kathmandu.

Instead of Kathmandu, you can also choose to get involved in other trips like Chitwan National Park Safari.

    On the last day, Our team from Himalayan scenery will be there to send you back from Kathmandu to your country. With your full Annapurna circuit trek, you now head back until next time.

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    Trip Map

    Annapurna Circuit Trek - 14 Days map

    Cost Details

    Included

    • One night’s accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Pokhara
    • Surface transfer to and from Kathmandu
    • Three meals a day during the trek
    • Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
    • One Government-Licensed, highly experienced, helpful, and friendly guide.
    • Porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, and equipment. 
    • Accident insurance for all staff
    • Trekking map/ Company's cap, and trip achievement certificate
    • First aid medical kit and oximeter to check pulse, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at higher altitudes.
    • ACAP Permit & TIMS Fee- Trekkers' Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit)
    • Worst case, help with all rescue and evacuation arrangements.
    • Government taxes & office service charge

    Excluded

    • $200 Single Supplement Fee
    • Personal Travel insurance
    • International airfare and Nepal Entry Visa Fee
    • Your Personal trekking equipment and expenses
    • Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers

    Useful Info

    What to Expect during the Annapurna Circuit Trek

    From the very beginning of the trek, you will start to experience the natural beauty of the Annapurna Region. From the lush green forest to the tranquil sound of the Marsyangdi River the trek continues.

    During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you'll see some of the world's most stunning mountains. Starting from Chame, you’ll catch your first sight of the Annapurna Massif, including Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. As you move towards Upper Pisang and Manang, you’ll see Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak, creating an amazing backdrop.

    The terraced rice fields, basic guesthouses, and less western food grow your trip to get to the wilderness.

    Unlike other hiking routes like Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Circuit is all based on drive and hike. However, you need to be aware of altitude sickness, too. It is not as easy as Poon Hill trek either. So, being a high-altitude trek, you need to be ready to face this challenging trek with steep ascents.

    Hotel and Accommodation

    During your Annapurna Circuit Trekking, we provide you with the basic lodges and tea houses for your accommodation. The hotels and accommodations around the high Himalayan have fewer services and facilities. The hot showers may turn out to be simply a bucket of lukewarm water and the toilet may be a latrine behind the hotel.

    The private room can be a wooden cell with no furniture except a bed, mattress, and curtain in place of the door.  So, while trekking to the mountainous region of Nepal, you need to be ready to stay in the less fancy and minimum facilitated hotels.

    The rooms of these lodges and tea houses are less fancier with just a bed, a pillow, and a blanket. We put our every effort to make your trek as cozy as possible. However, you need to stay flexible in some cases. We will accommodate the groups in the local lodge available each day. We send the porters ahead of us to pre-book the room for the next day (rooms cannot be pre-booked in all places). 

    Food and Beverages

    All the food and Beverages included in the package of Annapurna Circuit Trekking are provided by the company itself. The foods are provided in the tea houses or lodges on the trail. We will have breakfast and dinner at the lodge where we stay overnight. On the everyday trek, our guide will decide on the available place and stop for lunch.

    We highly recommend you bring water purification pills, to cleanse the water and drink during the trek. During the trek, there are options for buying bottled water and hot water as well.

    Transportation

    We at Himalayan Scenery Treks and Expedition provide all the necessary transportation facilities for your trekking to the Annapurna Circuit. We provide private vehicles for airport pick-up and sightseeing tours around Kathmandu. Likewise, we provide tourist bus transportation for your trip. However, you have other options as traveling in private vehicles such as cars or vans.

    Luggage and Backpack

    You should simply convey the thing that is basic for your outing and the rest of the garments and different things can be left in the locker room/safe store of hotels. The hotels provide the locker room / safe deposit for free. So, don’t hesitate to leave the redundant things. While making the backpack or luggage for your trip ensure that the luggage doesn’t exceed more than 15 Kg. Weight allowance at Nepal’s domestic airlines is 15-20 Kg including your handbag. Excess weight is chargeable of USD 1.5 or more which will be the additional cost of our trip.

    Guide and Porters on Trek

    The foreign trekkers do the Annapurna circuit just with an Annapurna Circuit trek map as well. Yet, the natural Annapurna trekking trails are tough and can result in quick altitude sickness as well. Thus, taking a guide alongside is always a wise option.

    We provide you with a well-trained and experienced licensed guide and porter for your trek.  Our guide will assist you in every possible way to make your trips remarkable and memorable. Talking about the porter, we provide one porter for 2 trekkers each. The porters carry 20 Kg of total luggage (10 Kg from each trekker). We provide one guide for the smaller groups and if the group size surpasses 10 individuals; we will provide an additional guide for your trip.

    Personnel Expenses

    Personnel Expenses are largely influenced by your habit of expenditure. We provide you with all the necessary food and accommodation facilities at the cost of your Annapurna Circuit Trekking. So, you only need money to pay for your drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) and snacks while strolling on the trail.

    Note that, tips and gratuities are not mandatory, but it is fine if you wish to. If you feel like the service provided to you is excellent, then you can tip directly to the staff. Of course, there is no obligation to tip if you are disappointed with the service you receive. As a suggestion, we advise you to allocate an amount of 5 - 10% of the total package price for tips. The amount you give depends on your budget and appreciation of their work.

    Rescue and Evacuation

    In some cases, the thrilling experience in the mountains comes up with a serious hazard. Additionally, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the harsh trails in Nepal. While trekking in the high altitude rough terrains may also occur afflictions like a sprained ankle or even broken leg, appendix ruptures, hypothermia, skin infection, and respiratory infection. If any of this misfortune happens to you, then it should be treated on time. If left untreated then you may even lose your life.

    If any of the above-mentioned affliction happens during your trip, we at Himalayan Scenery Treks and Expedition will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital ASAP. However, any occurring charges for rescue and evacuation from the Annapurna Circuit region are not liable to us. We will need your travel insurance to perform those actions.

    So, before departing for your trip, make sure that your travel insurance company has a policy to cover all the expenses in case any misfortune arises during the trip so that you can enjoy the trip to the utmost. If not, be ready to pay on your own once you arrive in Kathmandu. Thus, traveling in Nepal for Solo trekkers is pretty hard.

    Price fromUS $1235US $1500per person
    Total Price:US $2470

    Client Reviews

    Showing 70 reviewsWrite a Review
    • TripAdvisor

      Annapurna circuit

      I had an awesome time trekking the Annapurna circuit with Himalayan Scenery Treks. Our guide Gopal was brilliant, he was super good fun and brilliant at organising and making sure our trek ran smoothly.
      A highlight of the trip was trekking to the ice lake at manang. The weather had been snowy and lots of other guides weren't taking their trekkers up because of this, but Gopal assessed the risk and took us up for one of the hardest but most memorable days of the trek.
      Gopal and our guide Dilip did a great job looking after us when a member of our group got altitude sick. Carrying more gear and adjusting the days to accommodate the sickness, with Dilip taking the sick member of our group on a lower altitude day hike from manang to help him acclimatise even though he was ill. Dilip was also super friendly and did an unbelievable job carrying such weight over the thorong la pass.

      Amazing trip, will remember for a life time!

      E
      Ewan MFrom: Togo,May 12, 2024
    • TripAdvisor

      A great experience 100% experiences

      We did the Annapurnas su rise + 2 daus in Pokhara. The Annapurnas sunrise was fantastic. The views are spectacular. Our guide, Amar Maga, recommended us change the initial itinerary and it was the best idea. We did a very beautifull treck with a fantastic accomplimet, Amar (guide) and Dawa (porter). 100% recommendable (trip + Amar + Dawa)

      C
      cesard0ming0From: Spain,April 15, 2024

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