Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Look no further than the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal! This trek has it all - stunning landscapes, challenging passes, cultural immersion, and even a religious pilgrimage site. It's no wonder that National Geographic has listed it as the world's best walk.
As you make your way along the trekking trail, you will be greeted with breathtaking views of towering mountains like Annapurna (8091m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), and Manaslu (8156m). Be prepared to have your camera at the ready as you won't be able to resist capturing the incredible beauty of these peaks.
But the Annapurna Circuit Trek is more than just a scenic hike. It's a journey that will take you through rural communities where you can witness firsthand the difference between having and have-nots. You'll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions of the Thakali villages, an experience that is rarely seen outside of Nepal.
And let's not forget about the challenge of the trek itself. The highest pass of the Annapurna Region awaits you, making for a thrilling and adventurous journey. But don't worry - our experienced guides will be there every step of the way to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
So what are you waiting for? Take the leap and embark on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of nature and the richness of different cultures.
Itinerary
day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Welcome to the Land of Himalayas. Our company representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel in a private vehicle. If your arrival is in the morning or day time, you can spend some time exploring Thamel, which is a tourist hub of Nepal. One of the company representatives will meet you and explain your trip details.
day 2: Kathmandu to Besisahar (820m)
We start the Annapurna Circuit Trek with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, which takes about 6-7 hours. Along the way, we pass through beautiful countryside and small villages, giving us a taste of the local way of life. We spend the night in Besisahar, a small town in the Lamjung district.
day 3: Besisahar to Chame (2,710m) 5-6 hours of driving
Today, we begin our scenic drive towards Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. The trail takes us through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests, with stunning views of the Annapurna range in the background. We cross the Marshyangdi River several times before reaching the village of Tal, where we stop for lunch. After lunch, we continue our trek to Chame, where we spend the night.
day 4: Trek to Pisang (3300m) Duration: 5 hours
After breakfast, we depart for Pisang. Our first stop is at the abandoned Tibetan refugee camp Bhratang. Continuing our trek towards Pisang, we take the Dhulkur Pokhari, the gateway to heaven. Amazing scenery can be viewed from here that will take your breath away. After passing Paungda Danda, we have an easy valley trail towards Pisang, our overnight stay of the day.
day 5: Trek to Manang village (3540m) Duration: 5 hours
Today we trek towards Manang village. After a strenuous steep ascent, we reach Garyu from where we are rewarded with amazing views of the Mighty Annapurna II, III, and IV. Continuing, we have some scenic views of the Pisang Peak and Chulu Mountain. Hiking up and down through gullies, we reach the main trail to Manang, our final destination of the day. Manang is a slightly more active village than others, and we will stay here for the night.
day 6: Acclimatization at Manang
Altitude sickness is no joke, and we take it very seriously. So, we have a rest day in Manang for acclimatization. Enjoy this beautiful city, explore the surrounding valleys, and enjoy this resting day.
day 7: Trek to Yak Kharka (4018m) Duration: 4 hours
Trekking to Yak Kharka offers us great views of the Annapurna III and the Gangapurna Mountains. After leaving Manang, we can view the pristine Gangapurna Lake laying majestically in the rocky valley. Passing through various rocky valleys and the villages of Tengi and Gunsang, we finally reach the humble village of Yak Kharka for our overnight stay. From here, we can see amazing views of the Muktinath Himal.
day 8: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,450m) Duration: 4 hours
Early breakfast and we are ready for our departure towards Thorong Phedi. We have a hard day ahead of us and we start by crossing the suspension bridge towards Ledar Village. After descending we cross a small wooden bridge over the river and ascend back on small trails through the rocky valley. The views here are amazing but safety is warned here due to landslides of rocks, we advise strongly to walk in a distance of a few meters. Depending on how early we left Yak Kharka we plan to reach Thorong Phedi in the early afternoon. After a short rest we climb up to the Thorong High Camp to get used to the high Altitude as tomorrow we cross our highest point of the trek the mighty Thorong La Pass. In Thorong High Camp we can see amazing views of what to expect tomorrow. Overnight stay at Thorong Phedi.
day 9: Trek to Muktinath (3760m) via Thorong-La pass (5416m) Duration: 8 hours
Today will be the most difficult as we have a very steep climb towards snowy trails up to the Thorong La Pass at 5,416m! After our early breakfast, we go for High Camp and continue towards a massif canyon. Climbing over the canyon can prove tricky as the ground below is loose and the ground up is unstable. But we are rewarded with amazing views of the Annapurna range. The climb becomes steeper now as we reach close to Thorong La Pass. The trail is covered in snow and we have to walk in a single line which means a slow pace with regular breaks to catch our breath. After a good climb, we can celebrate upon seeing a small teahouse which means the Thorong La Pass. We take some time to take pictures at the Thorong La signboard and enjoy a well-deserved victory. Now it’s time to continue our trek towards Muktinath. Descending the Thorong La is not to be underestimated as the trail is tricky and slippery. We leave the snow behind and traverse barren plains with a few bushes here and there.
day 10: Drive to Tatopani (1190m) Duration: 5 hours
Early breakfast and we hit the road again leaving Muktinath behind us. On a clear day, we can enjoy the views of Annapurna I, Nilgiri, and the mighty Dhaulagiri. Reach the hot springs of Tatopani, a clear sign we reached our end destination of the day.
day 11: Trek to Ghorepani (2860m) Duration: 8 hours
Early breakfast and departure. We have a mostly uphill hike through beautiful valley landscapes. Upon reaching a small but much-welcomed tea house. A short break and we continue our valley hike towards Shika for our lunch. After Shika, we can follow a road that will lead us directly to Ghorepani our overnight destination for today.
day 12: Sunrise trek to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani (2630m) Duration: 6 hours
Rise and shine! Today we have an early start as we hike up to Poon Hill for a breathtaking sunrise and panoramic views of the Annapurna range. After breakfast in Ghorepani, we will descend towards Tadapani through lush rhododendron forests. This will be a day to remember!
day 13: Trek to Ghandruk (1940m) and drive to Pokhara Duration- 4 hours of trek and 2 hours drive
Today is an easy day as we conclude our trek. We will trek towards Ghandruk village, a typical Gurung village with stone roofs and traditional Nepalese architecture. After exploring the village, we will drive towards the beautiful city of Pokhara, with stunning views of the Mighty Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Mountain. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu Duration- 7 hours
After breakfast, we will drive back to Kathmandu on a tourist bus and drop you at your hotel. In the afternoon, we will meet for a review of your trek and enjoy a special dinner with a Nepali live culture show to celebrate the end of your vacation. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
day 15: Trip concludes
Your trip concludes today as the company representative drops you off at Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle. We hope you had a wonderful time in Nepal and look forward to seeing you again!
Inclusion
- Airport pickup and drop off in a private vehicle for your convenience and comfort
- Twin sharing accommodation at a hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara, where you can relax and prepare for your trek
- Lodge/Mountain Teahouse accommodation during the duration of your trek, where you can experience the local hospitality and culture
- A public bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar, followed by a shared 4WD vehicle from Besisahar to Chame, and finally a tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu, ensuring a safe and reliable journey
- Daily breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara, providing you with the energy needed for your trekking adventure
- Full board meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with tea/coffee during the time of trekking, to ensure you are well-nourished throughout your journey
- A certified and experienced English-speaking local trekking guide, who will provide you with valuable insights about the local culture, customs, and environment
- A porter for every two trekkers, to carry your luggage and relieve you of any physical burden during the trek
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permit card for trekking, ensuring your safety and compliance with local regulations
- All necessary official paper documents, government taxes, and local fees, so you can focus on enjoying your trekking experience
- A farewell dinner in a Nepali restaurant, where you can celebrate and reflect on your incredible journey through the majestic Annapurna Circuit.
Exclusions
- International flight tickets are not included in the package and should be arranged separately by the traveler.
- Travel and rescue insurance is not included, and we highly recommend obtaining comprehensive insurance before embarking on the trek.
- The Nepal entry visa fee is not included in the package and should be arranged by the traveler.
- Personal trekking equipment, such as hiking boots, warm clothing, and a backpack, are not provided and should be brought by the traveler. Additional personal expenses like laundry, phone, and bar bills are also not included.
- If you arrive in Kathmandu early or depart later than the scheduled itinerary, you may need to pay for additional night accommodations in Kathmandu. Expenses caused by unavoidable events like flight cancellations, strikes, and other unforeseen circumstances are also not included.
- Tips for the trekking guide, porter, and driver are not included in the package cost and are at your discretion.
- Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the "cost include" section are not covered and should be arranged by the traveler.
Reviews
Expedition Information
$1,280
Q1, Q2, Q4
Annapurna Circuit ,
Pisang ,
Poon Hill ,
Thorong
Trekking
Fitness Level
3
Technical Level
2
Group Size
2-8
Continent:
AsiaCountry:
NepalLocation:
Annapurna CircuitElevation:
5,416 m / 17,769 ftGPS:
28.7936 N°, 83.9372 E°