Annapurna Circuit Trek: Affordable Cost and Package

Trip Overview


Annapurna Circuit is one of the best trekking trails in the world in terms of its outstanding scenery. This trail lies in the northwestern Himalayas of Nepal. Annapurna Circuit Trek is also called Annapurna Round trekking because it circles the Annapurna massif/ Himalayan Range. The Annapurna Circuit trek offers an amazing panorama of snowy Mt. Manaslu (8187 m), Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Gangapurna, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and many other Himalayan peaks.

Annapurna Circuit RouteThe 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. It passes through distinct regional scenery of rivers, flora, and fauna, and above different mountains. It passes through lowland Brahmin and Chhetri villages to the remote village of Manang and also descends via the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.

The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit is the Thorong La (5416m/17769ft). Thorong La is also considered the longest mountain pass in the world. It is a dream of all trekkers to look over the magnificent Himalayan peak with their own eyes just sitting down on the top of that pass.

In Annapurna Circuit Trek the trekkers pass through four regions: Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi. Lamjung and Myagdi are at a lower altitude with lush green subtropical valleys with villages and terraced farming. Manang and Mustang are at a higher altitude with an arid Tibetan-style landscape. The majority of people in Manang and Mustang are Buddhists whose culture is predominantly influenced by Tibetan people. Mustang also is one of the few places in the world to view the ancient Bonpo Religion in action. Life in this region has remained almost unchanged throughout the centuries.

Annapurna Circuit Trek starts counter-clockwise from Besisahar following the Marsyangdi River upstream and to its source near the village of Manang. Then it goes to reaches its summit in Thorung La (pass) at the height of 5416m, or 17,769 feet. The route goes past the views of mountains in the Annapurna range,  Mt Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, and also passes through the world’s deepest gorge in between two 8,000-plus meter peaks: Mt. Annapurna I and Mt Dhaulagiri. A side trip from Manang offers the icy Gangapurna Lake and the incredible natural paradise surrounding Gangapurna Glacier. Poon Hill, at the end of the trek, provides magnificent views of Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Macchupucchre “Fishtail Mountain.”

Annapurna Circuit Trek altitude map

The trek also goes through Buddhist and Hindu villages and also holy sites of both religious groups. Muktinath is one of the most sacred temples for both Buddhists and Hindus. On the route from Dharapani to Kagbeni you will be walking the Annapurna section of The Great Himalaya Trail, a long-distance trekking route that links Nepal from East to West.

People in reasonably good health can do the Annapurna Circuit trek comfortably. Trekkers slowly ascend the trail to allow for full acclimatization and optimum enjoyment of the Annapurna Circuit trek.

In summary, the major highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek are as below:

• Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the best trekking routes in the world.
• Enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Dhaulagiri, and more.
• Cross the Thorong La pass (5416 m)- the widest pass in the world.
• Challenge yourself to cross Throng La Pass which is an amazing and great hiking achievement.
• Explore Manang Village at an altitude of 3800 m.
• Discover the oldest Buddhist monastery in Braga/ Manang.
• Visit Muktinath Temple, the holy shrine of Buddhists and Hindus.
• Pass through villages occupied by diverse ethnic groups and experience vibrant local culture.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Duration

The classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is 18 days trip. It is also called round Annapurna Trek. It covers Poon Hill. Some trekkers due to their time constraints want Short Annapurna Circuit Trek which is 15 days trip skipping Poon Hill. Find below for the day-to-day itinerary of 18 days and 15 days Annapurna Circuit Trek and its Price detail.

ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK (18 Days)

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu International airport. You will be welcomed by our Tour officer at the airport & transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Morning drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule, 186 km west of Kathmandu by bus. Driving 7/8 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 03: Trek from Bhulbhule to Jagat (1300 m/4265 ft). Walking 6:30 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 04: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1860 m/6102 ft). Walking 5 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 05: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2725m/8940ft). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 06: Trekking from Chame to Pisang (3190m/10466ft). Walking 5 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 07: Trekking from Pisang to Manang (3500m/11483ft). Walking 5 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 08: Rest Day in Manang for acclimatization. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 09: Trekking from Manang to Yak Kharka (4090m/13418ft). Walking 4 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 10: Trekking from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4441m/14570ft). Walking 3 to 4 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 11: Trekking from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath via Thorang-la passes (5416m/17769ft). Walking 8 to 9 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 12: Trekking from Muktinath to Marpha (2670 m/8760 ft). Walking 7 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 13: Trekking from Marpha to Kalopani (2530 m/8301 ft). Walking 7 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 14: Trekking from Kalopani to Tatopani (1110 m/3636 ft). Walking 7 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 15: Trekking from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2834 m/9298 ft). Walking 7 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 16: Early morning hiking to Poon Hill then back to Ghorepani. Trekking from Ghorepani to Nayapul. Walking 7 hrs. Drive to Pokhara. Drive for 1:30 hrs. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 17: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus. Driving 7/8 hours Evening farewell dinner with Nepali Cultural show. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 18: Departure to your home country. Our tour officer will drop you at Kathmandu International airport and see you off. End of Service.

SHORT ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK (15 Days)

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu International airport. You will be welcomed by our Tour officer at the airport & transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Morning drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule, 186 km west of Kathmandu by public bus. Driving 7/8 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 03: Trek from Bhulbhule to Jagat (1300 m/4265 ft). Walking 6:30 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 04: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1860 m/6102 ft). Walking 5 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 05: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2725m/8940ft). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 06: Trekking from Chame to Pisang (3190m/10466ft). Walking 5 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 07: Trekking from Pisang to Manang (3500m/11483ft). Walking 5 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 08: Rest Day in Manang for acclimatization. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 09: Trekking from Manang to Yak Kharka (4090m/13418ft). Walking 3/4 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 10: Trekking from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4441m/14570ft). Walking 4 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 11: Trekking from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath via Thorang-la passes (5416m/17769ft). Walking 8 to 9 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 12: Trekking from Muktinath to Jomsom (2743 m/ 8778 ft). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at Tea House.
Day 13: Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara (823m/2700ft) by public bus. Distance 158 km. Driving 8/9 hrs. O/n Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 14: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus. Driving 7/8 hours Evening farewell dinner with Nepali Cultural show. Overnight Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 15: Departure to your home country. Our tour officer will drop you at Kathmandu International Airport and see you off. End of Service.

In Annapurna Circuit Trek if you want Tilicho Lake (4919 meters) can also include. For its detail please click on this hyperlink: Tilicho Lake Annapurna Circuit Trek.

ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK COST 2024, 2025

Trip Name Silver Package Price Gold Package Price
Annapurna Circuit Trek (18 Days) USD 895 Per Person USD 995 Per Person
Short Annapurna Circuit Trek (15 Days) USD 795 Per Person USD 895 Per Person

The Services included in the above Packages:

Services Name Silver Price Gold Price
On your arrival day airport pickup By Car/ Van By Car/ Van
2-night Hotel in Kathmandu Tourist Standard Hotel Tourist Standard Hotel
1-night Hotel in Pokhara Tourist Standard Hotel Tourist Standard Hotel
Meal in Kathmandu Breakfast Breakfast
Meal in Pokhara Breakfast Breakfast
Accommodation in Trekking Tea House/ Mountain Lodge Tea House/ Mountain Lodge
Meal during Trekking Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience Trekking Guide Yes Yes
Porter No Yes
Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule By Public Bus By Public Bus
Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara (Only 15 days Trip) By Public Bus By Public Bus
Drive from Nayapul to Pokhara Drive (Only 18 days Trip) By Car By Car
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu By Tourist Bus By Tourist Bus
Trekking Permit Fee (TIMS) Yes Yes
Annapurna Conservation Permit Fee (ACAP) Yes Yes
Trip Certificate (If needed) Yes Yes
First Aid Medicine Yes Yes
Trekking Map for Group Yes Yes
Meal, Salary, Accommodation, Insurance of Trekking Staff Yes Yes
Farewell Dinner with Cultural Show on the last night of the Trip in Kathmandu Yes Yes
Local Taxes Yes Yes

The Services do not include in the above both Packages:

• Airfare for your international flight.
• Nepal Visa Fee
• Your travel insurance (As the Annapurna Circuit trek is high altitude journey it is advised to do travel insurance which covers medical & helicopter evacuation from a high altitude, 5500 meters.)
• Alcoholic beverages, hot and cold drinks, hot water, bottled water, dessert.
• All kinds of personal expenses like phone calls, internet use, laundry, battery charge, hot shower during trekking, excess baggage charge, etc.
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara except for farewell dinner on the last night of the trip.
• In case of emergency helicopter rescue/ evacuation & its cost.
• Tips for Trekking Staff.
• Any expenses arising due to unforeseen situations like flight cancellation, personal sickness, natural calamities, political strikes, COVID-19, etc.
• Cost of any extra services if you use which are not mentioned in the above package includes section.

Notes:

I. Porter will be provided only in Gold Price. As usual, a porter will be provided on the basis of 1 porter for 2 trekkers. 1 porter carries the baggage of two trekkers with a maximum total weight limit of 25 kg.
II. The above cost is on a Per Person basis for a minimum group size of two persons.
III. If you are single and want to Solo Trek. We also organize Annapurna Base Camp Trek for solo trekkers. For the solo trekker, we have a separate special price. Please contact us for the price of Solo Trekking.

Why Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition Pvt Ltd is the leading trekking and tour company authorized by Nepal Government Tourism Ministry based in Kathmandu Nepal. We are managed by Nepalese tourism experts, local guides, and Sherpa. Our team is engaged in the Nepalese tourism industry since 2002.  We are also associated with different tourism organizations like TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal), NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association), etc.

Our further features are as below by which people around the world trust us as the authentic organizer of Annapurna Circuit Trek:

Team of Local Experts and Guides: As this company is managed and run by well-trained, experienced & competent local experts, and guides, we know well about the mountain trail, ecology, culture, etc. of the trekking routes. We know the best way of trekking and also we get you the same way.

Trustworthy: Trust is something that comes from commitment. Hence, being a legally registered company, we commit to providing the best, most satisfactory trekking, tour, and expedition. We are operating all trekking, and climbing tours in Nepal based on reality, integrity, and honesty.

Focus on your needs: We highly value all the clients. We always move according to your interest and requirements. Because your satisfaction is our goal. Thus, all our trekking, tour, and mountaineering packages are customizable.

Fair Price: As we are a direct operator, not an agent, our price is always competitive that does not have any middle and hidden fees. We provide the value of what you are buying of our services at least equal to the amount you are paying.

Safety: Your safety is our first priority. The trekking to the Himalayas is both exciting and adventurous. So we provide you with all the safety materials needed, along with motivational counseling.

Friendly, and Professional Staff: We have highly friendly, helpful, and professional staff. Our staff looks after you right from the moment of your arrival to the time of your departure. They are able to cope with most emergency situations including those requiring evacuation and hospitalization.

Real Cared Services: Our one travel consultant or our local trekking guide keeps in touch with our clients every time. We make sure their protection is guaranteed so that they will have peace of mind while trekking with us.

Please contact us by email at [email protected] or WhatsApp/ Viber at +977 9851203181 for any further information about Annapurna Circuit Trek, need any changes in the above itinerary, or if any questions. Once we receive your message, we get back to you within 24 hours.

IF YOU ARE ALSO INTERESTED IN ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK (ABC TREKKING), PLEASE CLICK  HERE.

Travel Tips


The best season and most favored time of Annapurna Circuit Trek (Round Annapurna) is autumn (From September to November) and spring (From March to May). During this period day time is sunny and warm with outstanding views. At this time the temperature in the day is between 10 C to 30 C. The nights are often cold with a temperature between 5 C to -20 C.  Trekking to Round Annapurna in winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also possible but the temperature during winter could be harsh for most people. Trekking in the summer season (June, July, Aug) will be affected by rain/monsoon but the Summer trek could be an advantage for a keen botanist.

All foreign nationals except Indian Nationals are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese Visa can be obtained either prior to your arrival at a Nepalese embassy abroad or on arrival time in Kathmandu at the airport. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can be also taken at entry points at Nepalese borders. For Nepalese Visa it requires your passport with at least six months validity, recent digital photo (size: 1.5″ x 1.5″) and the following fees either in USD dollars cash or the equivalent local currency:

Visa Facility Duration Fee
Multiple entry 15 days US$ 25 or equivalent Nepalese currency
Multiple entry 30 days US$ 40 or equivalent Nepalese currency
Multiple entry 90 days US$ 100 or equivalent Nepalese currency

We would offer you the meeting and greeting service in Kathmandu International Airport on your arrival time. For this, you need to pass us your International flight details at least 2 days before your arrival date in Kathmandu. After you get down from the aircraft you just pass on the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see our tour officer standing with your name card. He will greet and welcome you with auspicious garland and escort you to the hotel.

In Annapurna Circuit Trek it does not require tremendous logistics in terms of accommodation as you will find plenty of clean and friendly lodges along the trail. Lodges typically offer a room with a wooden bed with a simple mattress or foam pad, a cotton pillow, and a blanket or quilt. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We will accommodate you and your group in local lodge available each day. We send a porter ahead of us to book the required rooms for you (here rooms cannot be booked in advance).

In the case of Kathmandu and Pokhara, we offer you tourist standard hotel under 3-star categories unless it is mentioned otherwise or clients have a special choice.

In the trail of Annapurna Circuit it’s commonly available of Authentic Nepali meal: Dal Bhat (rice with lentils soup and seasonable vegetables), noodles, pasta, chapatis, eggs, French fries, porridge and muesli. The restaurant of lodges also serves Tibetan foods like momo, thukpa, chowmein, along with pizza, spring rolls, pancake and other continental as well as Indian foods.

Tea and hot lemon are traditionally the main drinks on the trail though coffee is found everywhere. Bottled soft drinks, bottled water and even beer are common along the route but price of each bottle rises each day when you move upward.

The trekking team who will go with you is the most significant thing that makes your Annapurna Circuit trekking successful, enjoyable and memorable. We would provide you skilled, experienced, courteous, knowledgeable and helpful trekking guide and porters. The trekking guide leads you on the trail and brief you all the about this route and porters carry your luggage. Our all trekking guides are carefully selected in terms of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and their knowledge about local culture, ecosystem, geography, flora and fauna, and history. With aim of sustaining local communities, we only employ local people as trekking guide and porter. Our all trekking guides are certified by Nepal Government, Ministry of Tourism. We manage trekking team such a way that one trekking guide in each group and porters like one porter for two trekkers.

During the trek, your main luggage will be carried by porters or pack animals (usually yaks or cross-breeds). You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sunscreen, spare jacket, etc. – a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotel’s locker room in Kathmandu for free of charge.

Every morning, first of all, packing your bags and then have a hearty breakfast at the lodge restaurant. Then set off on the day’s walk. After walking for 3-4 hours you all stop for lunch in local restaurant. Then continue walking to your destination. After lunch, it’s the only a couple of hours walking. You usually arrive at your destination in the time of afternoon tea. Check in at the lodge. The rest of the day is at leisure. At the free time, you may explore surrounding village, do a bit of washing or simply relax by reading books and writing a diary. On some days you will arrive at your destination by lunch time and entire afternoon will be free. Most people also spend free time by playing cards and other games reliving the day’s adventures. Then in the evening have a dinner and you will be briefed by your trekking guide about your next day’s walking and then go to your bed for well-earned sleep.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking is moderate trek suitable for any passionate walkers who able to walk at least 5-7hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes; however, if you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination, you can do this trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no compulsorily required for this trip. It is vital for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip.

We believe casualty and a serious sickness will not happen on the trip. If it happens we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since all the expenses incurred in evacuation liable to you please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.

We strongly advise you to take travel insurance before joining a tour which should cover medical expenses, emergency repatriation and helicopter evacuation at high altitude places and loss of your luggage. We would request you to bring your insurance documents when you come to Nepal.

This is a basic checklist of the essential items that you are advised to pack for your Annapurna Circuit Trek:

• A sturdy pair of trekking boots with good ankle support
• Rucksack (5o to 65 liters) with waterproof cover
• Trekking pants and waterproof trousers
• T-shirts or shirts
• Down jacket*
• Wind/ waterproof light jacket
• Fleece jumper or jacket
• Inner Thermal (top and trouser)
• 4 to 6 pairs of Socks and underwear
• Sunglasses, sun hat, woolen cap, or balaclava
• Inner and outer gloves
• Headlamp, power bank, and extra batteries
• Sun protection cream, lip balm, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
• Towel, flip-flop or rubber sandal, toiletries
• Water bottle and water purification tablets
• 4 season Sleeping bag (good to -20 degrees C or 28 degrees F); *
• Hiking poles, if you need
• Your daily medicine if any, small personal first aid kit, aspirin, plasters (band-aids), anti-diarrhea pills, anti-headache pills, cough or cold medicine, anti-altitude sickness pills, etc.
• A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables

*Down jacket and sleeping bag you can rent/hire from Trekking gear shops in Kathmandu.

The itinerary for each trip should be taken as a guideline only. Depending on the situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of trip ending should always coincide with the original itinerary.

Kindly keep in mind that sometimes unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.

Naturally Annapurna Region is so beautiful but equally, it is fragile as well. Increasing population density and numbers of trekkers threaten the very beauty of this area. We at Silver Himalaya Adventures are extremely conscious about protecting its beautiful natural environment and preserving the fascinating local culture. We are doing our level best to minimize our impact as much as possible. Our all trekking guides and porters are well trained and motivated to following guidelines of responsible tourism and eco-friendly tourism. In trekking, they also advise you do’s and don’ts to minimize your impact on the local environment.

In addition to your Trekking trip, you can join in various side Trips in Nepal like a cultural tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Jungle Safari in National Park,  White Water Rafting in Himalayan Rivers, Golfing, Adventure activities like Bungee Jumping, Altra Light Flight, Paragliding, Jeep flyer etc. You also can extend your trip to neighboring Himalayan Countries: Bhutan, Tibet, Sikkim (India) which seems more appealing to you. On your request, we will give you the detail of the side trips.

Trip Reviews

Shilan I finished Annapurna circuit trek including Poon Hill last November 2017. It was the awesome trekking that I had ever done in my life in terms of perfect Himalayan views, beautiful villages, nice local people and several sceneries. My trek was organized by Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition.  Before the start of the trek, Mr. Suman, the team leader of this company, briefed me overall about this trip. He introduced my guide Lhakpa and porter Hari. With these two people, I started my trek from Besisahar. I took our time, spending two days in Manang for acclimatization purpose. But it was not a free day. My guide took me to visit glacier and lake. After Manang, we moved up to cross Thorung La Pass. It was my dream to cross this world’s longest pass and I achieved it with my good guide and porter. After Thorung La via Muktinath, Tatopani I also trekked to Poonhill. This is also very nice place. To my opinion everybody who go for Annapurna Circuit they also should include Poonhill for the more exciting experience. Finally, I am very much thankful to the whole team of Excellent Himalaya for organizing me this best trekking. See you guys again for next great trekking.

Shilan

Australia

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