Annapurna Circuit Trek

Transportation
Bus, Airlines
Accomodation
3 Stars Hotels
Maximum Altitude
5,416 metres
Departure from
Kathmandu
Best season
Feb, Mar, Apr & May
Tour type
Eco-Tour, Hiking
Meals
All meals during the trek
Language
English, Spanish, French, Chinese
Fitness level
Easy to Moderate
Group Size
2-15
Minimum Age
12
Maximum Age
65

Overview

Embark on the legendary Annapurna Circuit Trek, a world-renowned 18-day Himalayan journey that transcends ordinary adventure. This classic tea-house trek is a spectacular traverse through diverse landscapes, from lush subtropical valleys and terraced farmlands to the arid, high-altitude desert of the Tibetan Plateau. The ultimate challenge and highlight is crossing the formidable Thorong La Pass (5416m), a breathtaking achievement that rewards you with unparalleled panoramic views.

This carefully crafted itinerary ensures proper acclimatization with a dedicated day in Manang, allowing you to safely enjoy the majestic sights of the entire Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). The journey is as culturally rich as it is visually stunning, taking you through traditional villages of the Gurung, Thakali, and Magar people, and concluding with a spiritual visit to the sacred Muktinath Temple.

The adventure culminates with a thrilling flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, offering a bird’s-eye view of the Himalayas you’ve just conquered. Perfect for seasoned trekkers seeking a moderate-to-strenuous challenge, the Annapurna Circuit is more than a trek—it’s the journey of a lifetime.

Highlights

Conquer Thorong La Pass: Stand triumphantly at 5416m, the highest point of your trek.
Complete Himalayan Panorama: Witness close-up views of Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and more.
Optimal Acclimatization: A dedicated rest day in Manang (3440m) with optional hikes to Ice Lake for safe altitude adaptation.
Rich Cultural Immersion: Experience the diverse cultures of Gurung, Thakali, and Magar communities in traditional villages.
Diverse Landscapes: Trek through every climate zone, from rice paddies and pine forests to a high-altitude desert.
Sacred & Scenic Finale: Explore the holy Muktinath Temple and enjoy a scenic mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

Touch down in Nepal's vibrant capital and transfer to your hotel. This day is for you to recover from your journey and soak in the initial excitement of your upcoming Himalayan adventure.

Day 2 :

Drive from Kathmandu to Beshi Sahar

Embark on a scenic drive by bus or private vehicle through the Nepalese countryside. Your journey begins as you arrive at the official starting point of the trek in Beshi Sahar.

Day 3 :

Beshi Sahar to Bahundanda

Begin your trek, walking through subtropical forests and traditional villages. Your first stop is the Brahmin village of Bahundanda, perched on a ridge at 1311 meters.

Day 4 :

Bahundanda to Jagat

Descend through terraced fields and cross several streams on suspension bridges. You will reach Jagat, a charming stone village that marks your entry into the Manang district.

Day 5 :

Jagat to Dharapani

The trail leads you deeper into the Manang Valley, with the landscape becoming more rugged. Overnight in Dharapani at 1943 meters, a key village on the circuit.

Day 6 :

Dharapani to Chame

Hike through dense pine and fir forests with occasional views of towering peaks like Lamjung Himal. Chame, the administrative capital of Manang at 2713m, is your stop for the night.

Day 7 :

Chame to Pisang

When she reached the first hills of the Italic Mountains, she had a last view back on the skyline of her hometown Bookmarksgrove, the headline of Alphabet Village and the subline of her own road, the Line Lane. Pityful a rethoric question ran over her cheek.

Day 08 :

Pisang to Manang

Trek into the arid heart of the Manang Valley, with landscapes resembling Tibet. Settle in Manang at 3440 meters, a major hub for trekkers to acclimatize.

Day 09 :

Acclimatization Day in Manang

This crucial rest day includes an optional hike to Ice Lake or Gangapurna Lake for panoramic views of Manaslu, Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna. This helps your body safely adapt to the high altitude.

Day 10 :

Manang to Yak Kharka

Continue your ascent, leaving the tree line behind as you enter alpine meadows grazed by yaks. The short trek to Yak Kharka at 4210m is essential for safe acclimatization.

Day 11 :

Yak Kharka to Thorung High Camp

A steady climb brings you to Thorung Phedi and then to the final stop before the pass. Rest early at Thorung High Camp (4800m) in preparation for your very early start tomorrow.

Day 12 :

Cross Thorong La Pass (5416m) to Muktinath (3802m)

Start before dawn to cross the challenging Thorong La Pass at 5416m, the highest point and ultimate highlight of your trek. After celebrating, descend steeply to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath.

Day 13 :

Muktinath Excursion & Trek to Kagbeni

Explore the revered Muktinath Temple, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Afterwards, trek down to the ancient, windswept village of Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang.

Day 14 :

Kagbeni to Jomsom

Follow the Kali Gandaki riverbed, the deepest gorge in the world, on an easy and scenic trek. Reach Jomsom at 2720m, the bustling regional headquarters of the Mustang district.

Day 15 :

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (915m) & Sightseeing

Take a spectacular morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, with incredible close-up mountain views. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with sightseeing around the beautiful lakeside city.

Day 16 :

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Travel by tourist bus or private vehicle from the serenity of Pokhara back to the bustling capital. Enjoy a final evening in Kathmandu, perhaps enjoying a well-deserved celebration dinner.

Day 17 :

Full-Day Kathmandu Sightseeing

Embark on a full day of sightseeing to explore Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Immerse yourself in the rich history, architecture, and spiritual culture of the valley before you depart.

Day 18 :

Final Departure from Nepal

Enjoy one last Nepalese breakfast before your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Depart with a lifetime of memories from your incredible Annapurna Circuit adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Expand all

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

The Cost Includes

The Cost Excludes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Map

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Trip Info

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Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

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The Cost Excludes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Map

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Trip Info

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