Highlight
- Experience the fabulous views of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and other mountains.
- Start with a scenic bus drive on a winding highway to Besisahar.
- Trek along the bold trail sided by forested areas, several rivers, streams, and waterfalls.
- Explore the distant and rural villages of the Annapurna Region.
- Travel across the natural richness of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Climb the daring Thorung La Pass, one of the most popular passes.
- Be able to do one of the prestigious circuit treks in the world.
- Run into monasteries, gompas, mani walls, prayer flags, and temples.
- Do a hike to Poon Hill for the vast mountain panorama and breathtaking sunrise view.
- Learn about the culture and lifestyle of the minimal life-living locals.
When it comes to the best trekking trails in the world, the list is incomplete without Annapurna Circuit Trek. Yes, you read it right. The Circuit Trek of Annapurna is one of the finest long treks globally.
Annapurna Circuit, the circuit you are thinking of, is a long beautiful path that goes around the heavenly Annapurna Region. One trekking on this circuit encounters and collects the experiences of numerous beautiful things. You will begin by diving into the countryside of Nepal. Then slowly, with every step ahead and increase in altitudes, the happenings change.
The trekkers admire Annapurna Circuit Trek for its adventurous trail that goes through the scenic part of Nepal. The trek is not just about long walks but also about the picturesque Annapurna Region mountains, lush greenery, outstanding landscapes, fresh rivers and streams, lovely people of the region, and more. This trek probably offers more than the trekkers ask for. It is that much worth doing.
Moreover, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is a long journey as compared to other Annapurna Region Treks. Choosing it is like wishing to explore most of the region in one trip. Starting from Besisahar, the trek will go through the scenic terrains of the Manang Region to the dramatic Thorung La Pass(5,400m).
Later, the walk will pass by popular cultural and traditional stops like Muktinath Temple, a sacred Buddhist and Hindu site, Kagbeni, Jomsom, Pisang, Chame, Tatopani, and others. Plus, it reaches Poon Hill, the fabulous place for 360 degrees mountain panorama and sunrise in Nepal, too. All of those make Annapurna Circuit Trek a sound deal.
It is unquestionably the best trekking option to do in Nepal. After knowing about it, you surely cannot keep yourself away from the trail of the trek, can you?
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to the Hotel (1400m- 4657ft)
Day 2: City Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m- 7hours)
Day 4: Trek from Besisahar to Bahundanda (1,310m- 6hours)
Day 5: Trek from Bahundanda to Jagat (1290m- 6hours)
Day 6: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1920m- 5hours)
Day 7: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2630m- 6 hours)
Day 8: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,115m- 5hours)
Day 9: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3,540m- 6hours)
Day 10: Acclimatization Day at Manang
Day 11: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4050m- 5hours)
Day 12: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4525m- 5hours)
Day 13: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass (5416m- 9hours)
Day 14: Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2665m- 6hours)
Day 15: Trek from Marpha to Ghasa (2000m- 6hours)
Day 16: Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani (1160m- 6hours)
Day 17: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2775m- 8hours)
Day 18: Trek from Ghorepani to Tikhe Dhunga via Poon Hill (1480m- 7hours)
Day 19: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara (822m- 5hours)
Day 20: Drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara (7hours)
Day 21: Departure from Kathmandu
FAQ's
How Long is the Annapurna Circuit Trek ?
The length of the Annapurna Circuit Trek varies as per the route and plan. This trek can be as long as 160 to 230Km. As for this itinerary, it is a long itinerary of 21 days from the start to the end. You can shorten the circuit trek to 12 days as well by customizing. For that, you need to inform us.
​When is the best time to do Annapurna Circuit Trekking ?
The best conditions for doing this trek are during Autumn(September-November) and Spring(March-May). However, it is possible to do the trek all around. You will need special trek arrangements and preparation for that. You just reach us and we will find the right time for your trip.
How Difficult is Annapurna Circuit Trek ?
It is graded as a moderate trek that doesn’t involve any hard or technical climbing. But you have to trek through a steep, rugged, and strenuous trail time and again in this trek. The highest point of the trek is over 5000m. The elevation can also create some difficulties. And so will be the native chilly weather of the region.
What are the odds of mountain sickness during the trek ?
The risks are there as you are planning to do a trek that goes over 3500m of altitude. Someone who is not used to the high altitudes can face problems due to the high elevations. But, you can manage to avoid it by having an acclimatization day and slow ascending. Thus, if you know how to minimize the chances of sickness, you can easily cope up with it.
What are the accommodations like on the trek ?
This trek is a teahouse trek so obviously, you will spend nights in those basic teahouses. Each of the rooms has two beds, clean bedsheets, pillows, and other bedclothes. The bathroom will be on a sharing basis. For eating, you will have to use a communal hall.
​What sort of food items to expect during the trek ?
It is not a big deal to get food items from different cuisines like Western, Chinese, and Local. You can also get bakery items too. Yet, the most popular food items throughout the trek are local Dal Bhat, a plate of rice, lentils, vegetable, pickle, etc.
​What are the permits needed to do Annapurna Circuit Trek ?
We will need two permits for the trip, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and Trekker’s Information Management System Card(TIMS). We have to arrange these permits from the office of the Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu. We will need your passport and passport-sized photos to apply for the permits.
Is it wise to hire a porter and guide during the trek ?
Yes, if you are not used to trekking in Nepal, then you must hire at least an experienced guide. The conditions can be a little out of your thinking here, and the guide will be helpful there. Likewise, you can hire a porter if you have a heavy backpack or things to carry during the trek.
​Will I get access to Wi-fi on the trek ?
Yes, you will get the service in most of the teahouses. But the speed and quality may not be as high standard as you expect.