Duration
16 Days
Difficulty
Easy-Moderate
Location
"Annapurna Region"
Max. Altitude
5416 M
Best Season
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
Accommodation
Hotel and lodges / local tea houses
Meals
During Trekking (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
The Annapurna Circuit Trek, one of Nepal’s most iconic trekking routes, takes you on an incredible journey around the Annapurna massif. This trek reaches a maximum elevation of 5,416 meters at Thorong La Pass, offering breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges. It is a journey through diverse terrains, from subtropical forests and lush valleys to arid highlands and dramatic mountain passes. Along the way, trekkers encounter charming villages, ancient monasteries, and a rich tapestry of cultures, including those of the Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan communities. The trek’s highlights include the stunning sunrise at Poon Hill, the sacred Muktinath Temple, and the thrilling crossing of the Thorong La Pass.
Our Annapurna Circuit Trek begins in Kathmandu, with an overnight stay in Pokhara either at the start or end of the trek, depending on your itinerary. Accommodation along the trail is arranged in comfortable lodges or guesthouses, ensuring a warm rest after each day’s adventure. An experienced trekking guide will accompany you, providing valuable insights into the culture, landscapes, and history of the region. The package includes all necessary permits and entry fees, so you can fully immerse yourself in the journey without worry. Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided throughout the trek, keeping you energized for the trail. Porters will assist with carrying equipment and personal belongings, and safety measures, including a first aid kit and emergency evacuation arrangements with the client travel insurance or payable by client, are in place. The itinerary is fully customizable, allowing trekkers to adapt the trek to their preferences and schedule. This ensures a unique and personalized adventure through the stunning Annapurna region, one of the most remarkable trekking experiences in the world.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After hotel check-in, take some time to rest and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the nearby surroundings, local markets, and vibrant streets of Kathmandu at your leisure.
Spend the day exploring the cultural highlights of Kathmandu Valley, including guided visits to Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan. In the evening, our trekking guide will meet you for a detailed briefing, providing all essential information about the route, safety guidelines, and the overall itinerary. After the briefing, you will have time to organize and check your trekking gear with assistance if needed. Later, return to your hotel and relax, preparing comfortably for the adventure ahead.
Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat (1,290 m / 4,232 ft), covering approximately 200 km in about 6–8 hours depending on road and traffic conditions, marks the beginning of your trekking journey. During the drive, you will pass through scenic countryside landscapes, river valleys, small towns, and terraced farmlands, offering a gradual introduction to rural Nepal. Starting from Kathmandu at around 1,400 m, you descend slightly to Jagat at 1,290 m, resulting in a total altitude loss of approximately 110 m. Jagat is a charming gateway village to the upper Annapurna region, where you will settle in for the night and prepare for the trekking days ahead.
Begin your trek from Jagat to Dharapani along the scenic Marsyangdi Valley trail, covering approximately 15 km in about 6–7 hours as you walk through lush forests, traditional villages, waterfalls, and suspension bridges while following the river upstream and gradually ascending into the upper Annapurna region. This beautiful journey offers a steady and comfortable climb, allowing you to experience both natural landscapes and local culture as you gain altitude from Jagat (1,290 m / 4,232 ft) to Dharapani (1,830 m / 6,003 ft), with a total altitude gain of approximately 540 meters.
Leaving Dharapani behind, the trail gradually climbs toward Chame over a distance of about 16 km, taking approximately 6 hours of trekking through peaceful alpine forests, river valleys, and traditional mountain villages that reflect the authentic lifestyle of the region. As the altitude increases, the surrounding scenery becomes more dramatic, revealing magnificent views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal along the way. The journey ends at Chame (2,710 m / 8,891 ft), a lively yet serene mountain town and the district headquarters of Manang, where trekkers can relax in teahouses and prepare for the higher sections of the Annapurna Circuit.
Today’s trek begins from Chame as you make your way towards Pisang, covering approximately 14 km in about 5 hours through the beautiful Marsyangdi Valley. The trail gradually ascends, passing through pine forests, open valleys, terraced farmlands, Mani walls, and traditional stone-built villages that reflect the rich Himalayan culture of the region. As you continue gaining altitude, the scenery becomes more dramatic, offering breathtaking views of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II along the way. The day ends at Pisang (3,300 m / 10,826 ft), a peaceful mountain village known for its stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere.
After breakfast in Pisang, the trek continues towards Manang, covering approximately 17 km in about 6 hours as the trail gradually ascends into a more alpine landscape with fewer trees and more rocky, open terrain. Along the way, you will pass through traditional villages, open valleys, and dramatic Himalayan scenery with stunning views of the surrounding peaks, making the journey both challenging and visually rewarding. The route offers a true transition into high-altitude terrain before reaching Manang (3,540 m / 11,614 ft), an important acclimatization stop on the Annapurna Circuit, where you will find comfortable teahouses, local shops, and breathtaking mountain views ideal for rest and recovery.
Today is an acclimatization day in Manang, designed to help your body adjust to the higher altitude before continuing further into the Himalayas. After breakfast, enjoy a short and scenic hike to Praken Gompa, covering approximately 5 km round trip in about 3 hours, where you can explore the peaceful monastery, interact with monks, and soak in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The gentle hike is ideal for gradual altitude adaptation while still allowing you to experience the beauty of the region. After the excursion, return to Manang (3,540 m / 11,614 ft) for rest, relaxation, and an overnight stay, ensuring proper acclimatization for the journey ahead.
After breakfast in Manang, the trek continues towards Yak Kharka, covering approximately 9 km in about 4 hours as the trail steadily ascends into the high-altitude alpine zone with increasingly sparse vegetation and open landscapes. Along the way, you will pass through scenic grazing fields where yaks roam freely, small seasonal teahouses, and panoramic mountain views that reflect the raw beauty of the Himalayas. The journey offers a gradual and steady climb, helping your body adjust to the altitude before reaching Yak Kharka (4,110 m / 13,484 ft), a quiet high-altitude settlement ideal for rest and overnight stay.
From Yak Kharka, the trail makes a short but challenging ascent to Thorong Phedi, covering around 6 km in approximately 3 hours as the landscape shifts into a rugged, high-altitude terrain with rocky paths and very limited vegetation. The climb is steady but demanding due to the increasing elevation and thinner air, offering striking views of the surrounding Himalayan slopes along the way. The trek concludes at Thorong Phedi (4,600 m / 15,091 ft), the essential base camp before crossing Thorong La Pass, where you will spend the remainder of the day resting, acclimatizing, and preparing for the early morning push over the pass.
The journey begins early in the morning from Thorong Phedi as you make the challenging ascent towards Thorong La Pass, covering approximately 13 km in total as you cross one of the highest trekking passes in the world at 5,416 m (17,769 ft). The climb is demanding due to the high altitude and steep terrain, but it rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas stretching across the horizon. After successfully crossing the pass, you begin a long descent towards Muktinath (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), a sacred pilgrimage site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, where you will rest after an unforgettable and achievement-filled day.
From Muktinath, the trek continues towards Jomsom, covering approximately 16 km in about 6 hours as the trail descends through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Valley, known for being home to the world’s deepest gorge. The route offers stunning landscapes with dry, windy terrain, traditional villages, and panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks as you move lower in altitude. The journey concludes at Jomsom (2,643 m / 8,759 ft), a lively mountain town featuring guesthouses, shops, and a small airport, making it an important hub in the Mustang region for rest and onward travel.
From Jomsom, you will drive back to Pokhara, marking the end of your Himalayan journey, with the drive covering approximately 155 km in about 8 hours through the scenic Kali Gandaki Valley and winding mountain highways. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful landscapes of deep valleys, terraced fields, and flowing rivers as you descend to lower elevations. The journey concludes in Pokhara (822 m / 2,696 ft), a peaceful lakeside city known for its comfortable hotels, relaxing atmosphere, and stunning views of the Annapurna range, perfect for rest and celebration after completing the trek.
After breakfast in Pokhara, you will begin your journey back to Kathmandu either by scenic drive or short flight. The road journey takes approximately 6–8 hours covering around 200 km through winding hills, rivers, and countryside views, while the flight takes about 25 minutes offering breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft), you can spend the remaining day at leisure, with options to explore the city’s cultural highlights, enjoy shopping, or visit famous heritage sites such as Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath before ending your trip.
Enjoy a free and relaxing day in Kathmandu, where you can unwind after your journey at your own pace. This day is perfect for leisure activities such as visiting cozy cafés, enjoying a spa session, shopping for souvenirs in local markets, or exploring any remaining cultural sites around the city. You may also choose to simply relax at your hotel and reflect on your trekking experience.
At the scheduled time, our representative will transfer you from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your onward flight. This marks the end of your memorable journey in Nepal, concluding your trek and tour with wonderful Himalayan experiences and lasting memories of the adventure. We sincerely hope to welcome you again in Nepal very soon for your next unforgettable adventure in the Himalayas.
The Annapurna Circuit trekking package can be customised to suit your preferences, including itinerary, duration, budget, and comfort level, ensuring a flexible and personalized travel experience.
TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card:
The TIMS card is mandatory for all trekkers in Nepal. It helps authorities keep track of trekkers for safety and security purposes during their journey. The TIMS card costs NRS 2,000 per person, which is approximately 17 USD or 15 EUR. Trekkers must obtain the TIMS card before starting the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):
Since the Annapurna Circuit trek falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area, trekkers are required to obtain an ACAP permit. This permit is essential for the conservation and management of the region's natural resources. The cost of the ACAP permit is NRS 3,000, or about 25 USD per person.
No economic pricing available.
No deluxe pricing available.
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The Annapurna Circuit is one of Nepal’s most famous trekking routes, circling the Annapurna Massif and offering dramatic landscapes, diverse cultures, and high Himalayan passes, including Thorong La Pass.
The trek combines Himalayan scenery, diverse landscapes, ancient villages, and spiritual sites such as Muktinath Temple, making it one of the most complete trekking experiences in Nepal.
This trek is considered moderate to challenging. It includes long walking days, steep ascents and descents, and high-altitude crossing at Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). Good physical fitness and prior hiking experience are recommended, but no technical climbing skills are required.
The standard itinerary takes around 12–18 days depending on route variations, acclimatization days, and side trips.
Yes, altitude sickness can occur above 3,000 meters, especially near Thorong La Pass. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and a slow ascent are essential for safety. What should I pack for the trek?
Essential items include trekking boots, warm layers, down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking poles, sunscreen, water purification tablets, first aid kit, and personal hygiene items.
You will need the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS card to enter the trekking region.
The cost typically ranges from USD 1300 to USD 2,300 per person depending on services included such as guide, porter, accommodation, meals, transport, and itinerary length. Luxury or private packages may cost more.
ATMs are only available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. There are no reliable ATM facilities along the trekking trail, so carrying enough cash is necessary.
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