Annapurna Circuit Trek
Trek Description
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular and diverse trekking routes, offering stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. This classic trek takes you through lush forests, picturesque villages, and high-altitude landscapes, crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The trek also provides cultural insights into the unique lifestyles of the Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi people. With varied landscapes ranging from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, the Annapurna Circuit Trek offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and cultural experiences. Ideal for trekkers looking for a challenge and those interested in the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.
Destination
Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
Duration
16 days
Trip Grade
Moderate-Difficult
Start/ End
Kathmandu-Kathmandu
Best Season
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November)
Max People
15-20 people
Transportation
Private vehicle, local buses, or jeep
Activities
Trekking/Tour/Hiking
Annapurna Circuit Trek offers a stunning mix of cultural diversity, natural beauty, and high mountain views, passing through forests, rivers, villages, and high-altitude landscapes. It’s one of the most popular treks in Nepal, offering rich experiences.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Facts
| Title | Information |
|---|---|
| Trek Name | Annapurna Circuit Trek |
| Travel Budget | $600–$800 per person |
| Standard Budget | $1,000–$1,500 per person |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult |
| Best Time | Spring(March-May) and Autumn(September-November) |
| Permits | ACAP & TIMS ($30 - $50) |
| Accommodation | Tea Houses, Lodges, and Campinge |
| Best ViewPoints | Thorong La Pass, Poon Hill, Tilicho, and views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgari, Gangapurna. |
Day Wise Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m)
- Pick-up from Tribhuvan International Airport
- Transfer to a hotel in Thamel.
- Trek briefing & last-minute gear shopping
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Full-Day Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
- Visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- Final Trek Preparations
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Drive to Jagat (1,330m)
- The drive duration from Kathmandu to Jagat takes about 7-8 hours.
- Enjoy scenic mountain views through rugged mountain roads.
- Overnight in Jagat.
Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1,860m)
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours.
- Start the trek along the Marsyangdi River, passing Syange Waterfall.
- Trek through Chyamje, crossing suspension bridges and lush forests.
- Continue to Dharapani, where the trail meets the Manaslu Circuit Trek route.
- Overnight in Dharapani.
Day 5: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,670m)
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours.
- Enter the Manang District, trekking through pine and rhododendron forests.
- Pass through Bagarchhap and Danaque, small Tibetan-influenced villages.
- Enjoy magnificent views of Annapurna II (7,937m) and Lamjung Himal (6,983m).
- Reach Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, known for its hot springs and beautiful mountain views.
- Overnight in Chame.
Day 6: Trek Chame to Pisang (3,300m)
- Trek duration: 5-6 hours.
- Continue to Pisang, passing through pine forests, along the river, and enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
- Overnight in Pisang.
Day 7: Trek Pisang to Manang (3,540m)
- Option 1: Pisang to Humde to Manang or
- Option 2: Pisang to Ghyaru to Ngawal to Manang.
- Trek duration: 5-6 hours.
- The first option follows a straightforward route via Humde, while the second option passes through Ghyaru and Ngawal, providing a more scenic and cultural trek.
- Overnight in Manang.
Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Manang
- Rest day to acclimatize to the high altitude.
- Optional hike to Ice Lake for stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
- Overnight in Manang.
Day 9: Trek Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m)
- Trek duration: 4-5 hours.
- Trek through alpine meadows and pastures to Yak Kharka.
- Enjoy views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna peaks.
- Overnight in Yak Kharka.
Day 10: Trek Yak Kharka to High Camp (4,800m)
- Trek duration: 4-5 hours.
- Ascend to High Camp, a small camp located just below Thorong La Pass.
- Overnight in High Camp.
Day 11: Trek High Camp to Muktinath (3,800m) via Thorong La Pass (5,416m)
- Trek duration: 8-10 hours.
- Start early to cross the Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
- Descend to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site.
- Overnight in Muktinath.
Day 12: Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2,710m)
- Trek duration: 5-6 hours.
- Descend to Jomsom, enjoying views of the Kali Gandaki River and the surrounding peaks.
- Overnight in Jomsom.
Day 13: Drive/Flight to Pokhara and Drive to Hotel
- Morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (approximately 20 minutes).
- You can also take bus or jeep from Jomsom to Pokhara.
- Upon arrival in Pokhara, transfer to the hotel.
- Relax and explore the lakeside area of Pokhara.
- Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 14: Full-Day Pokhara Sightseeing
- Visit Phewa Lake, Devi’s Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, Seti River Gorge, and Bindhyabasini Temple.
- Enjoy the scenic beauty of Pokhara and relax in the lakeside area.
- Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 15: Drive/Fly Back to Kathmandu
- Option 1: Drive (6-7 hours) or Option 2: Flight (25 minutes) back to Kathmandu.
- Afternoon free for shopping or relaxing in Kathmandu.
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu
- Drop-off at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your flight.
“Note: For a shorter Annapurna Circuit trek, you can take a vehicle to Chame to begin the trek and return from Muktinath by road, skipping the longer trekking sections.”
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop service by private car.
- Meals on full board during the trekking(Breakfast, lunch,dinner,soup,Tea or coffee).
- Free Trekking map.
- An expert Government licensed holder guide.
- Trekking porter /Sherpa who will carry your bags during the trekking.
- Ground transportation.
- All necessary paper works and Trekking entry permits.
- Unforeseen delay and emergency expenses.
- Personal accident insurance or Helicopter rescue.
- Any kind of Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks.
- All kind of Personal Expenses.
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
- Tips, gifts, souvenirs.
- Helicopter return from Base Camp.
- Private room & meals.
- Extra food/snacks.
Why Choose This Annapurna Circuit Trek ?
- The Annapurna Circuit Trek offers diverse landscapes from subtropical jungles to alpine deserts, allowing trekkers to experience variety in natural beauty.
- Pass through authentic Nepali villages, where you can interact with locals, experience their culture, and learn about the traditions of the region.
- With the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, this trek provides a sense of achievement, offering incredible mountain views.
- Annapurna Circuit Trek offers some of the most spectacular views of the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), making it a photographer’s paradise.
“Annapurna Circuit Trek: A Breathtaking Journey to the Heart of the Himalayas, Where Adventure and Serenity Unite!”
Best Time For Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Spring is considered an ideal time with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and lush landscapes, making it the perfect time to see wildflowers and enjoy unobstructed views.
- Autumn is known for stable weather, dry trails, and crisp air, autumn is the most popular time for trekking with optimal conditions for views and trekking.
- Winter, cold temperatures and snow can make the trail difficult, but fewer trekkers and snow-covered landscapes offer a serene trekking experience.
- Monsoon, the rainy season brings slippery trails and potential landslides, making it difficult and dangerous, but it also offers lush greenery and fewer crowds.
Cost and Planning Facts for Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Budget:
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is affordable with a total budget ranging from $600–$1,500 per person, depending on accommodation preferences, transportation, and guide services. - Accommodation:
Trekking tea houses offer basic rooms with meals, with a cost ranging from $5–$10 per night for lodging, and meals around $5–$10 each. - Food/Meal:
Traditional Nepali dishes like Dal Bhat, noodles, and momos are available along the trek, ranging from $5–$10 per meal in teahouses. - Transportation: A one-way flight ticket costs approximately $100 to $106. Bus tickets are priced between $10 to $20. Renting a jeep for transportation can cost anywhere from $120 to $150.
- Guide/Porter: Hiring a guide costs between $28 to $35 per day. The cost of hiring a porter ranges from $20 to $25 per day.
- Permits:
ACAP and TIMS permits are required, costing around $20–$30 per person for the entire trek.
Packing Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Head
- Warm hat & cap.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Headlight.
- Face Mask or Balaclava
- Footwear
- Trekking shoes
- Hiking boots
- Warm Hiking socks
- Gaiters
- Body
- Base layers
- Waterproof jacket
- Thermal Gloves
- Trekking Trousers and Shorts
- Personal Hygiene Items
- Fleece Jacket
- Thermal Shirts and Pants
- Essentials/ Equipments
- Sleeping bag
- First aid kit
- Trekking poles & Raincoat
- Water Bottles
- High-energy snacks
- Maps & Compass/GPS
Annapurna Circuit Trek By Mardi Himal Treks and Expedition
Mardi Himal Treks and Expedition offers an expertly guided Annapurna Circuit Trek, ensuring safety, comfort, and an unforgettable journey. The team manages all logistics, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in nature without worry. With their experience, trekkers will traverse scenic landscapes, enjoy local cultures, and conquer the challenging Thorong La Pass.
Gallery Section
FAQ's
1. How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The trek is considered moderate to difficult, with the challenging Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416 meters. Proper acclimatization is key to enjoying the trek.
2. How long is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The trek typically lasts 12–15 days, depending on the pace and acclimatization days, making it a flexible and rewarding adventure for all levels of trekkers.
3. Can a beginner do Annapurna Circuit?
A beginner can complete the Annapurna Circuit with proper preparation, acclimatization, and a good fitness level. The trek is challenging due to high altitude and long days, requiring endurance and determination.
4. What is the hardest part of the Annapurna Circuit?
The hardest part of the Annapurna Circuit is crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m) due to its high altitude, steep ascent, and unpredictable weather. The thin air makes breathing difficult, requiring proper acclimatization and endurance.
Want to Trek Annapurna Circuit with Mardi Himal Treks & Expedition?
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