Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Trip Code: N-AT-121
- Destination: Nepal
- Season: Sept/Oct/Nov/Mar/Apr/May
- Max Altitude: 5416 meters/ 17769 feet
- Trip Starts/Ends: Kathmandu/Kathmandu
- Transportation: Private Car and Coach
- Accomodation: Standard hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara & Tea-house in Trekking
- Trip Grade: Moderate/ Streneous
Trip Overview
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the topmost incredible trekking trails in the world. It extends into the northwestern part of Nepal. Annapurna Circuit Trek is also famous for the name of Annapurna Round trekking because it circles the Annapurna massif. Annapurna I is the world’s tenth-highest mountain in the world. It is 8091 meters/ 26545 feet tall above sea level. The trail of Annapurna circuit trekking opened for foreigners in 1977 AD.
The highest place 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 Buddhist 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.
Annapurna Circuit Trek starts with counter-clockwise from Besisahar. It is a small town 172 km west of Kathmandu city. From Beshi Sahar it follows the Marsyangdi River upstream and to its source near the village of Manang. It is the region of Tibetan migrants called Manangis. Manang is graced with a beautiful unique landscape. After Manang, it climbs the Thorung La at the top of the valley at 5,416m. Thorang La is also considered as the longest high mountain pass in the world.
Crossing this pass it descends into the dramatic Kali Gandaki valley where it lays the world’s deepest gorge named Kali Gandaki Gorge. Muktinath is a famous temple worshiped by both Hindu and Buddhist people. Further, the trail traverses the beautiful villages of Kagbeni, Jomsom, Marpha, and Tatopani. In this exciting trek, the famous viewpoint ‘Poon Hill’ can also be included. Poon Hill provides magnificent views of Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Macchupucchre “Fishtail Mountain.”
The Annapurna Circuit Trail also goes through Buddhist and Hindu villages and also holy sites of both religious groups. 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.
To sum up, the Annapurna Circuit trek is an exciting trip of diverse geography accompanying cultural variation with different flora and fauna.
Annapurna Circuit Trek can be customized on different days. The popular are 14 days, 16 days, and 17 days. You may choose your favorite days’ Annapurna Circuit Trek.
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK (14 Days)
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. You will be met by our Tour officer at the airport and he will escort you to the hotel. In the hotel, briefing of the trip. O/n Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar, 172 km west of Kathmandu by public bus. Driving 6 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 03: Drive from Beshi Sahar to Dharapani (1860m/6102ft) by jeep in sharing. Driving 4:30 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 04: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2725m/8940ft). Walking 6 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 05: Trekking from Chame to Pisang (3190m/10466ft). Walking 5 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 06: Trekking from Pisang to Manang (3500m/11483ft). Walking 5 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 07: Rest Day in Manang for acclimatization. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 08: Trekking from Manang to Yak Kharka (4090m/13418ft). Walking 3 to 4 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 09: Trekking from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4441m/14570ft). Walking 3 to 4 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 10: Trekking from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath via Thorang-la passes (5416m/17769ft). Walking 8 to 9 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 11: Trekking from Muktinath to Jomsom (2743 m/ 8778 ft). Walking 5 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 12: Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara (823m/2700ft) by public bus. Distance 158 km. Driving 8 hrs. O/n Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 13: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus. Evening farewell dinner with Nepali Cultural show. O/n Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 14: Departure to your home country. Our tour officer will drop you at Kathmandu International Airport and see you off. End of Service. Or you may take optional side tours.
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK INCLUDING TILICHO LAKE (16 DAYS)
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. You will be met by our Tour officer at the airport and he will escort you to the hotel. In the hotel, briefing of the trip. O/n Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar, 172 km west of Kathmandu by public bus. Driving 6 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 03: Drive from Beshi Sahar to Chame (2725m/8940ft) by jeep in sharing. Driving 5 to 6 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 04: Trekking from Chame to Pisang (3190m/10466ft). Walking 5 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 05: Trekking from Pisang to Manang (3500m/11483ft). Walking 5 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 06: Rest Day in Manang for acclimatization. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 07: Trekking from Manang to Shri Kharka (4050m/13284ft). Walking 5 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 08: Trekking from Shri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m/13615ft). Walking 3 to 4 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 09: Trekking from Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake (4919m/16138ft) and back to Shri Kharka (4050m/13284ft). Walking 7 to 8 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 10: Trekking from Shri Kharka to Yak Kharka (4090m/13418ft). Walking 5 to 6 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 11: Trekking from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4441m/14570ft). Walking 3 to 4 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 12: Trekking from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath via Thorang-la passes (5416m/17769ft). Walking 8 to 9 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 13: Trekking from Muktinath to Jomsom (2743 m/ 8778 ft). Walking 5 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 14: Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara (823m/2700ft) by public bus. Distance 158 km. Driving 8 hrs. O/n Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 15: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus. Evening farewell dinner with Nepali Cultural show. O/n Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 16: Departure to your home country. Our tour officer will drop you at Kathmandu International Airport and see you off. End of Service.
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK INCLUDING POON HILL (17 DAYS)
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. You will be met by our Tour officer at the airport and he will escort you to the hotel. In the hotel, briefing of the trip. O/n Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar, 172 km west of Kathmandu by public bus. Driving 6 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 03: Drive from Beshi Sahar to Chame (2725m/8940ft) by jeep in sharing. Driving 5 to 6 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 04: Trekking from Chame to Pisang (3190m/10466ft). Walking 5 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 05: Trekking from Pisang to Manang (3500m/11483ft). Walking 5 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 06: Rest Day in Manang for acclimatization. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 07: Trekking from Manang to Yak Kharka (4090m/13418ft). Walking 3 to 4 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 08: Trekking from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4441m/14570ft). Walking 3 to 4 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 09: Trekking from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath via Thoroung-la passes (5416m/17769ft). Walking 8 to 9 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 10: Trekking from Muktinath to Jomsom (2743 m/ 8778 ft). Walking 5 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 11: Drive from Jomsom to Tatopani (1110m/3636ft) by public bus (56 km). In Tatopani, hot spring bath. Driving 4 to 5 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 12: Trekking from Tatopani to Shikha (2020m/ 6116ft). Walking 5 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 13: Trekking from Shikha to Ghorepani (2834m/9298ft). Walking 4 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 14: Trekking from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3210m/10531ft) then to Tadapani (2520m/8316ft). Walking 6:30 hours. O/n in Mountain Lodge.
Day 15: Trekking from Tadapani to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara by car. Walking 7 hours and driving for an hour. O/n Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 16: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus. Evening farewell dinner with Nepali Cultural show. O/n Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 17: Departure to your home country. Our tour officer will drop you at Kathmandu International Airport and see you off. End of Service. Or you may take optional side tours.
Please contact us by email at [email protected] or WhatsApp at +977 9851203181 for the updated cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Once we receive your message, we will get back to you within 24 hours.
The above Package Cost Includes:
1. Your arrival airport pickup & your departure airport drop by private car.
2. Two-night accommodation in Kathmandu at a tourist-type hotel with breakfast.
3. One-night accommodation in Pokhara at a tourist-type hotel with breakfast.
4. Mode of all ground transport as mentioned in the above itinerary.
5. During trekking accommodation in Mountain Lodge/ Tea House during the trekking.
6. Three meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) in a day during trekking.
7. An Experienced English-speaking friendly trekking Guide for the entire trekking.
8. Expenses of food, accommodation, insurance, transport, and the wages of the Guide.
9. Trekking Permit (TIMS Card) fee.
10. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Fee.
11. Comprehensive first aid medical kit carried by the guide.
12. A Trekking Map of this route for a Group.
13. Trip Achievement Certificate after completion of the trek.
14. Necessary paperwork, government, and local taxes tourist and service charges.
15. Complimentary farewell dinner in Kathmandu with a cultural show at a typical Nepalese restaurant.
The above Package Cost Excludes:
1. Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days/ USD 50 for 30 days period). You can easily get a Nepal visa on your arrival time at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
2. Airfare of your international flight.
3. Porter (Porter’s Cost varies according to the itinerary you will select. Generally, one porter carries the baggage of two trekkers with a maximum total weight limit of 25 kg).
4. Your travel insurance which includes evacuation.
5. Alcoholic beverages, hot and cold drinks, bottled water, boiled water, dessert.
6. All kinds of personal expenses like phone calls, internet use, laundry, hot shower during trekking, etc.
7. Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara except for farewell dinner on the last night of the trip. (Cost around USD 8 to 10 per lunch/per dinner)
8. Tips for Trekking Staff.
9. Any expenses arising due to unforeseen situations like personal sickness, natural calamities, political strikes, etc.
10. Cost of any extra services you use which are not mentioned in the above package includes section.
About the Trip Date of Annapurna Circuit Trek
The best time for Annapurna Circuit Trekking is from mid-September to the end of November and from March to the end of May. During this period the daytime is sunny and warm with outstanding views. Trekking to Annapurna Circuit in winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is likely to be difficult because of the bitter cold and the snow will possibly cover the higher part of the trail like around Thorong La Pass. Annapurna Round Trekking in the summer season (June, July, August) is also possible but will be affected by rain/monsoon.
The trip departure date of Annapurna Circuit Trekking will be on any date on which you feel comfortable. We organize this trekking mostly as a private trip.
Travel Tips
The best season and most favored time of Annapurna Circuit Trek (Round Annapurna) are autumn (From Mid September till November end) and spring (From the beginning of March until mid-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 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$ 30 or equivalent Nepalese currency |
Multiple entry | 30 days | US$ 50 or equivalent Nepalese currency |
Multiple entry | 90 days | US$ 125 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 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.
At high elevations, the combination of reduced oxygen and lower atmospheric pressure can produce a variety of unpredictable effects on the body, known collectively as Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is also commonly known as Altitude Sickness. Everyone who treks over 3500 m experiences some mild symptoms of AMS like slowness, dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, racing pulse, disturbed sleep and swelling of the hands and feet but serious cases are very rare. The golden rule of prevention from Altitude Sickness doesn’t walk too fast at altitude, drink plenty of liquids, eating well, getting plenty of sleep and avoiding alcohol. If in case you feel any mentioned symptoms the simple cure is to move down (descend) and you shouldn’t ascend further until you start feeling better. To treat AMS there is also available medication Acetazolamide (better known under the brand name Diamox). The dosage is 250 mg every twelve hours. Diamox improves respiration at altitude and can, therefore, accelerate acclimatization. Some doctors recommend a preventive dose (125 mg twice a day) for people trekking at high elevations. At the time of trekking our trekking team always guides you to prevent from Altitude Sickness and they always have Diamox along with first aid kit.
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.
The following list is a guideline to help you pack for your trekking. The weight limit for your luggage is 15 kg or 33 pounds. Remember that your luggage will be carried by our porter. However, you are required to carry a small day- pack with your valuables or anything important. We advise you pack only what is necessary.
Important Items : Airline tickets; Valid passport; 2 extra passport size photos; Photocopy of your passport; Insurance paper; Dollars, Pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying at restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks and to purchase your own drinks and gifts; Credit Card (Visa/ Mater Card) for withdrawing cash from cash machines if needs.
For Head: Sun Hat; Bandana or head scarf; Headlamp with extra batteries; Sun Glasses with UV protection.
For Upper Body: Shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves); Lightweight thermal tops; Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater; Wind Cheater jacket; Down Jacket
For Lower Body: 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms; 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers; 1 pair of waterproof shell pants and 1 pair of hiking trousers.
For Hands: 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves and 1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.
For Feet: 2 pairs of thin inner socks; 2 pairs of poly or wool socks; 1 pair of Hiking boots (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support); 1 pair of running shoes and/or sandals.
Other Useful Items: 1 sleeping bag (good to -20 degrees C or 28 degrees F); Rucksack and Travel Bags; 1 large duffel bag *; A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables; Small padlocks for duffel- bags; 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional).
Medical: Your daily taking medicine if any; small personal first aid kit; Aspirin, plasters (band-aids); Sunscreen; lip balms; Anti-diarrhea pills; Anti-headache pills; A cough and/or cold medicine; Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide; Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin.
Digital camera; 2 water bottles (1 liter each); disposable rubbish sacks; Toiletries: 1 medium-sized quick drying towel; Toothbrush/paste; Multi-purpose soap; Deodorants; Nail clippers; Face and body moisturizer; Tissue /toilet roll; hiking poles, snack food (chocolate/ biscuits); umbrella; reading book or pack of cards (for leisure time during trekking).
Note: * mark item we will provide you in service. If any items are not available in your hometown you can buy in Trekking Store in Kathmandu before you embark for trekking.
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
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.