Annapurna Circuit Trek - 15 Days

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  • Duration 15 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Country Nepal

If you want to experience the mountains in Nepal and you are in good shape, then the Annapurna Circuit trek is a great option. This trek is famous for its diverse landscapes, immersive adventure, and wilderness. The trekkers explore various climatic zones, which leads to a variety of landscapes and biodiversity.

Crossing beautiful paddy fields, you will trek through lush rhododendrons and pine forests and gradually ascend above the tree line to the alpine zone. Traveling from Jagat to Jomsom, you will meet with many Nepali communities, such as Gurung, Magar, Thakali, etc.

The journey is packed with Hindu and Buddhist cultural heritage. Not only that, but you will also come across the BonPo religion. Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/17,756 ft) and Muktinath Temple (3,760 m/12,623 ft) are two popular points on the Annapurna Circuit.

The Thorong La Pass is the highest mountain pass in Nepal. You have to cross it. The pass connects the Annapurna Circuit trail to the Lower Mustang. Crossing the pass, you will descend to Muktinath Temple, a significant pilgrimage site.

The trail then goes to Lupra village, where you will explore a BonPo gompa. An alternative route goes via Kali Gandaki Gorge and Kagbeni village.

The final stretch of the Annapurna Circuit trek route leads you to Jomsom, offering arid scenery, unique rocks, and farming field views. You will fly out of Jomsom and spend one night in Pokhara before returning to Kathmandu.

Highlights

  • Experience beautiful mountains, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage
  • Traverse through a range of climatic zones, each offering a unique landscape and diverse biodiversity
  • A fantastic trekking program for individuals who are in good shape and looking for adventure
  • Explore paddy fields, rhododendrons and pine forests, rivers, streams, waterfalls, gorges, and moraine
  • Meet with various Nepali communities, such as Gurung, Magar, Thakali, etc.
  • Cross the Thorong La Pass, the highest mountain pass in Nepal
  • Visit one of the significant pilgrimage sites in Nepal, Muktinath Temple
  • Explore a Bonpo Gompa in Lupra village
  • Take a fantastic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, enjoying breathtaking aerial mountain views
  • Push your limits and challenge yourself to complete this world-famous circuit trek

The trekkers' paradise- Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit trail is called the trekker's paradise. The trail winds within the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is home to many flora and fauna. You will trek around the tenth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m/26,545 ft).

Likewise, trekkers also see Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), the seventh-highest, and Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m/ 26,781 ft), the eighth-highest mountain in the world.

Apart from these three mountains, many others are visible throughout the way, such as Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), Hiunchuli (6,441 m/21,132 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,459 ft), Fishtail (6,993 m/22,943 ft), Lamjung Himal (6,983 m/22,910 ft), Pisang Peak (6,091 m/19,984 ft), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m/23,406 ft), etc.

Leaving the city's noise and polluted air, you will travel in the remote and pristine nature. Spend time with locals and explore authentic Nepali villages. Have fresh, delicious meals made from organic ingredients. Meet with fellow trekkers from around the world and make memories worth creating forever.

Preparation for Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Annapurna Circuit trekking involves rugged terrain and many ascends and descends. The participants have to be fit to walk several hours a day at varying altitudes. Likewise, mental fitness is also required because you will push yourself a lot.

While crossing the Thorong La Pass is definitely the toughest part of this trek, you still need to put in a lot of effort to get here. Therefore, exercise and build your core strength and stamina. Get involved in strength training and aerobic workouts. We also recommend going on a few day hikes.

Annapurna Base Camp trek 2024/2025 bookings are open with Himalayak Trekking

Trekking in the Himalayas becomes much more meaningful if you travel with the right local travel partner. We, Himalayak Trekking, offer many years of expertise, a safe space for travelers of all ages and genders, and high-quality services at the best price.

Our Annapurna Circuit trek costs start at USD 950 per person and can go up to USD 1,250 per person.

Number of participants

Package cost per head

1

USD 1,250 per person

2-3

USD 1,200 per person

4-5

USD 1,150 per person

6-8

USD 1,100 per person

8+

USD 1,050 per person

At this price, you will get all the basic services, including transportation, permits, a guide and porter, and accommodation and meals during trekking. All the services will be provided according to the itinerary.

We also customize the Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary according to our guests' requirements. If you do the Annapurna Circuit trekking with us, you do not have to worry about anything.

Our team will manage all the logistics, answer your queries, and help you with all your needs. As the next trekking season is right around the corner, it is the best time to book your Annapurna Circuit trek 2024 autumn departure and start preparing.

If you want to know more about this trek, check out our Annapurna Circuit trek guide blog.

Itinerary
Trip Plan
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For a smooth start to your journey in Nepal, we will provide pick-up from the Tribhuvan International Airport on your arrival day. Our representatives will welcome you and drop you off at the hotel. Relax and later spend the remaining day attending trek briefing and packing.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

The trek starts from Jagat. It takes a long ride from Kathmandu to reach here. You will follow a well-made highway for the first few hours of the ride. Once you reach Arughat, the road will be bumpy for the next two hours. You will see stunning scenery on the way.

Mountain views: Annapurna range, Langtang range, Ganesh Himal, Boudha Himal, Nagadi Chuli, Himalchuli, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 1,300 m/4,265 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 219 km/136 miles

From Jagat, you will walk following the Marsyangdi River. The trail gradually ascends to Tal settlement and passes by beautiful waterfalls. Soon, you will trek across terraced fields and cross a suspension bridge to reach Kani. From here, you will trek to Dharapni.

  • Max Altitude: 1,860 m/6,200 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 15 km/9.3 miles

Leaving Dharapani, you will trek via oak, fir, pine, and rhododendron forests. Follow the Marsyangdi River and enjoy the greenery as you walk to Chame. The mountain views are also superb on the way. Before reaching Chame, you will trek past villages like Danaqu, Timang, Khanchowk, and Koto.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, Nagadi Chuli, Manaslu, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 2,610m /8,890ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: : 6 hours
  • Distance: 15.5 km/9.6 miles

On this day, you will trek to Manang. From Chame, follow a steep, narrow uphill route to Paungda Danda Rock. It is a huge rock rising 1,500 meters from a river. The trail then descends to the Manang valley floor and ascends to Upper Pisang village. You will pass by a beautiful Bratang village on the way.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Pisang Peak, Chulu East, and Tilicho Peak.

  • Max Altitude: 3,115 m/10,200 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 13.2 km/8.2 miles

After breakfast, start trekking to Ngawal village. The trail goes to Gyaru. You can see the daily lifestyle of the locals as you trek past small villages. Follow a rugged terrain that gradually ascends to Ngawal village.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Pisang Peak, Chulu East, and Tilicho Peak.

  • Max Altitude: 3,650 m/11,975 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: : 5 hours
  • Distance: 8.4 km/5.2 miles

The trail from Ngawal to Manang is stunning. You will follow the upper route and trek, enjoying stunning mountain vistas. As it is a short trekking day, you can hike to the century-old Braga monastery and the Gangapurna Lake. You can also visit the hidden Ice Lake.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Pisang Peak, Chulu East, and Tilicho Peak.

  • Max Altitude: 3,540 m/11,300 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 8.9 km/5.5 miles

As you trek from Manang onwards, the landscape drastically changes and the terrain gets steeper and more rugged. Cross a stream and ascend to Tenki village. The trail then emerges from the Marsyangdi River Valley and enters Jarsang Khola Valley. You will pass by juniper trees and reach Gunsan. Further, follow the uphill route and reach Yak Kharka. From here, you will ascend to Ledar.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Chulu East, and Tilicho Peak.

  • Max Altitude: 4,200 m/13,779 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 9.1 km/5.6 miles

You will trek to the base of the Thorong La pass on this day. It is called Thorong Phedi. From Ledat, follow a narrow, steep route and trek to Thorong Phedi. You can spend the night here or ascend to High Camp for the night stay. Another option is to hike to the High Camp and return to Thorong Phedi for the night. This will help you acclimatize.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 4,600 m/15,092 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 7.3 km/4.5 miles

Start walking uphill before sunrise to reach the top of the Thorong La pass before the late morning hours. The wind gets crazy once late morning hours/afternoon hits. The mountain views from the top of the pass are incredible. Further, you will descend to Muktinath Temple, navigating a landslide debris.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Thorong Peak, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 5,416 m/17,756 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6-8 hours
  • Distance: 15 km/9.3 miles

This is your final day of walking. From Muktinath Temple, follow the Kali Gandaki gorge (the deepest gorge in Nepal) and trek to Lupra village. The landscape is arid. You will see unique rocks, meadows, and barren cliffs. Lupra is a Bon religion village. From here, you will walk up to Kagbeni and continue to Jomsom.

Mountain views: Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Thorong Peak, Yakwa Kang, Nilgiri, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 2,743 m/8,999 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 23 km/14 miles

Early in the morning, take a short, scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The guide will drop you off at the hotel. The following day is free in the city. Rest and explore the tourist sites.

  • Max Altitude: 822 m/2,697 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 25 minutes

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu after a delicious breakfast. Depending on the group size, you will use a standard tourist bus or a private car. Upon reaching Kathmandu, the guide will drop you at your hotel. The remaining day is free.

  • Max Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Distance: 201 km/125 miles

Today is your last day in Kathmandu. You have a full day free. Spend as you wish. You can visit tourist sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Monkey Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. Likewise, explore the local markets and try Nepali food. Do not forget to buy souvenirs.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

On this day, you will depart for your home. Our team will take care of your airport departure. They will pick you up from your hotel and drop you at the international airport departure gate on time.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
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Add-ons and Options
  • Single room while trekking: If you want a single room during trekking, add this upgrade to your package.
  • Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu: Explore the historical sites in Kathmandu with an experienced tour guide and get to learn deeply about Nepali history and culture.
  • Combine Tilicho Lake: From Manang, you can extend the trek to Tilicho Lake before continuing to Thorong La pass. It takes only 3 extra days.
  • Everest Experience Flight: A one-hour commercial flight with a guaranteed window seat to enjoy the eastern Himalayan mountain, including Mt. Everest.
  • EBC Helicopter Tour: 4-5 hours day trip. Fly to the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar and have breakfast at the Everest View Hotel. Breakfast expenses are not included in the package cost.

Availability

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Departure Date
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We will strictly follow the proposed itinerary. However, if the weather gets poor or unforeseen circumstances arise, there could be changes. Be flexible and open to changes. You can customize the Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary and services in the package according to your requirements and budget. Contact us to customize the trek.

Essential Info

Annapurna Circuit trek difficulty

The offbeat terrain, high altitude, and Thorong La pass make the Annapurna Circuit trek challenging. It is not beginner-friendly, so previous experience and good physical and mental fitness are required. Overall, the Annapurna Circuit trek is achievable with proper preparation, guidance, and support.

  • Trek distance: You will cover around 135 kilometers on the Annapurna Circuit trek, following our 14-day itinerary. The total distance may differ depending on the itinerary.
  • Daily walking hours: The daily walking hours are 5 to 6. On the day you cross the Thorong La pass, it will be an 8 to 9-hour walk.
  • Tourist infrastructure: The tourist infrastructure along the Annapurna Circuit trail is excellent. It is one of the oldest trekking routes in Nepal and is very famous. Hundreds of tourists go on this trek every year, which has commercialized the trail. Still, in the peak seasons, finding accommodation can get difficult if you have not booked in advance.

Altitude Sickness

The Annapurna Circuit trek starts from 1,300 meters and ascends to 5,416 meters. It is quite a high elevation gain, so your body must adapt to different climatic zones and elevation.

Every 1000-meter increase in elevation makes the trek 10% more difficult because of thin air pressure and low oxygen levels. Every person's tolerance to high altitude is different. You may or may not get altitude sickness.

  • Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, bad headache, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, insomnia, etc.
  • Preventive measures: To avoid altitude sickness, you have to acclimatize. Walk slowly as you ascend and maintain a gradual pace. Listen to your body and inform your guide if you feel discomfort. Most importantly, keep yourself hydrated. Drink at least 2 liters of water daily.

Travel insurance for the Annapurna Circuit trek

Travel insurance is a necessary document to join the Annapurna Circuit trek. It should cover helicopter evacuation and medical bills. Without proper travel insurance, we do not allow foreigners to trek with us. You have to give us the insurance documents before the trek starts.

Annapurna Circuit trek permits

You will need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS Card for the Annapurna Circuit trek. Both permits are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Our team will obtain the permits on your behalf, saving you a few hours of leg work.

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) permit cost: USD 30 per person
  • TIMS Card cost: USD 20 per person

The best time to do the Annapurna Circuit trekking

The best time to do the Annapurna Circuit trekking is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These are the top trekking months because of favorable weather and a moderate climate. Other months are off-season because of poor trail conditions and weather.

  • Spring (March to May): Spring boasts very colorful scenery. The lower part of the trail is covered with rhododendrons and many other flowers. You will see rich biodiversity and clear mountain views. The climate is moderate, with cold nights and mornings.
  • Summer/monsoon (June to August): Heavy rain falls in the Annapurna region from June to August. The trail is not in good condition in most parts, and the risks of landslides increase. You have to walk on muddy and slippery paths. However, the vegetation is fantastic in these months, and the trails are empty.
  • Autumn (September to November): September to November brings another peak trekking period. Rain falls occasionally till the 3rd week of September. With the start of October, trekkers get one of the best trekking times of the year. Long daylight hours, stunning mountain views, bright days, and Nepalese festivals are all factors that make Annapurna Circuit trekking fantastic.
  • Winter (December to February): Winter is off-season for the Annapurna Circuit trek because of unfavorable weather. Snow falls in many parts of the trail, and the Thorong La pass closes once heavy snow hits it. However, winter trekking is possible with proper preparation and the right time.

Accommodation & food during the trek

The accommodation during the Annapurna Circuit trekking is a tea house. It is simple shared accommodation. Likewise, the meals are given according to the tea house menu. You will get to choose from a good variety of dishes. Some common dishes are fried rice, stew, dal bhat, thukpa, thenduk, momo, chowmin, porridge, soups, pancakes, French fries, etc.

  • Rooms: Rooms are twin-shared. Single rooms cost additional money. You should carry a sleeping bag during the Annapurna Circuit trek.
  • Washroom: Common washrooms are available in the tea houses. Western-style toilets are available in many tea houses. However, you will also come across squat toilets. Carry paper soap, toilet paper, and other essential toiletries.
  • Services in the lodge: Hot showers, charging, and WiFi services are available at an additional cost of USD 1 to USD 5. A power bank, solar charger, local SIM, and wet tissues are recommended for backup.
  • Drinking water: Trekkers get boiled drinking water everywhere along the Annapurna Circuit trek route.
  • Snacks: Pack ample snacks for the trek. If you plan to buy snacks in the teashops, note that the prices will be much higher.
FAQs

This is a guided Annapurna Circuit trek program. You will trek with knowledgeable and experienced mountain guides, which ensures your safety in the mountains. Other than that, the trail is not very complex or risky.

Yes, trekking without a guide makes the Annapurna Circuit trek more difficult. You have to arrange the logistics yourself, obtain the permits, and reserve the lodges. The lodges are mostly packed in the peak trekking seasons, so getting accommodation is a bit tough. Likewise, crossing the Thorong La pass without the help of a guide is not recommended. This part of the trail is tricky, and guidance is required.

Yes, the Annapurna Circuit trek is worth doing. It is a very adventurous and scenic trek. Trekkers get to explore beautiful villages, witness stunning mountain vistas, discover diverse landscapes, and enjoy nature. The journey is life-changing.

Our office staff will pick you up from the airport on your arrival day. You can see him with your nameplate. Likewise, we will drop you off at the airport on your departure day.

Yes, you can store your extra luggage before going on the trek. You can store the luggage in our office or your hotel's locker room for free.

Because of its elevation, the Annapurna Circuit is cold throughout the year. The average temperature ranges between 5°C and 10°C, and in the lower part of the trail, it rises to 30°C.

The Annapurna Circuit trek can get very demanding for beginner trekkers. This trek is not suitable for beginner trekkers. However, if you are physically fit and can walk 6 hours daily, you may consider doing this trek. Previous high-altitude experience is a must for this trek.

Yes, you can customize the Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary. To customize the package, get in touch with us. You can start the trek from Kathmandu or Pokhara, extend the trek to Tilicho Lake or other destinations in the Annapurna region, etc. We have many options.

The WiFi and network facility along the Annapurna Circuit trail are fine. However, the upper part of the trail does not have a good network because of altitude and terrain. Likewise, the network may be unavailable if you are in a deep valley or dense forest.

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