Trip code | |
Package name | Annapurna Circuit Trek |
Duration | 14 |
Max. elevation | 5416 m |
Level | Moderate |
Transportation | <p>Public Bus, Private Car, and flight<br></p> |
Accomodation |
|
Starts at | KATHMANDU |
Ends at | Kathmandu |
Trip route | Kathmandu-Beshisahar-Manang-Thorong-La-Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu. |
Cost | USD 1,085 per person |
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most exciting treks in the world. Before heading to the Annapurna Circuit trek, you need to learn about the Annapurna Region and its popularity. The Annapurna Circuit trek is a trip around the beautiful Annapurna massif. This excellent trek includes the dry to arid north to the lush green south of the Annapurna Himalaya range. The Annapurna Round Trek from the lower altitude to the higher elevation of Thorang-la Pass is a lifetime adventure.
Annapurna Circuit Trek leads you to a mind-blowing experience overlooking the jaw-dropping scenery of giant snow-capped peaks. Exciting scenery to enjoy, dramatic landscapes, and local immense cultures, from the start to the end of the trek. Annapurna Circuit Thorong-la is one of the most popular Himalaya regions among wide-world travelers and is listed as the world’s Top Ten adventure destinations. An amazing adventure to choose from other famous trekking areas like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp.
Although the Nepal Himalayas offer various exciting and exotic adventures, the Annapurna Circuit is the favorite of all trekkers. The journey leads from moderate to adventurous walks from low, warm sub-tropical to cooler alpine hills, then reaching the arctic zone. Fascinating scenery and overwhelming views make Annapurna Circuit, an exciting trek, soaking in the harmony of the local colorful Buddhist culture.
The toughest and highest point of the trek is a climb to Thorang-La Pass, which stands at an altitude of 5,416 m. Thorang-La is marked with thousands of colorful Buddhist prayer flags, and rock cairns as offerings and tribute to the holy mountain spirits After this you will reach the Mustang district known as Lower Mustang Trek. Round Annapurna trek is an adventure, a traverse from one scenic valley of the Manang district to magnificent Mustang areas.
Trekkers can enjoy both sides of the beautiful region, walking from lovely green forests to arid and barren windswept landscapes. Annapurna Circuit is a perfect high-altitude adventure for all types of people who want to enjoy walking around the massif Annapurna Himalaya Region.
This wonderful Nepal Himalayan journey with several options to start and end the trek, from 2 weeks to a week. Depending upon the starting point of the walks, at present, most trekkers begin from Dharapani village. The route follows towards scenic Manang Valley through the lovely Chame town, the headquarters of Manang district. After Chame to Pisang village, the starting point of Manang Valley is enclosed by an array of snow peaks. Towards the north, views of Chulu’s and Pisang peaks, these peaks are used to climb in the Annapurna region, in the south direction facing Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Annapurna IV with Gangapurna Himal. En route to the main Manang village, enjoy a short visit to an old Braga Monastery, adorned with ancient Buddhist artifacts. An impressive Gompa to gather knowledge of the Buddhist religion and customs. From the monastery, a grand panorama of the Annapurna Himalaya range and the Chulu and Pisang peaks.
Manang village, located close to the old Braga monastery, is the main and important hub of the Manang district after Chame. Most trekkers spend an extra day at Manang village, a perfect height of 3,519 m / 11,545 feet for acclimatization.
The closest and best is a short hike of a few hours down to the Marshyangdi River. From the bridge, an hour's climb to a lovely viewpoint, standing close to the massif of Gangapurna Himal ice-fall and glaciers. Includes views of Manang village and its small turquoise-colored pond, overlooking an array of snow peaks including Chulu Peak. The view extends southeast, facing Annapurna III, II, and IV with Tilicho Peak in the west. The next exciting place is a long hike up to Ice Lake at 4,620 m / 15,157 feet high. A tough, steep climb, but worth the spectacular views and the added heights to acclimatize.
Trekking to Thorang-La pass and Muktinath. Enjoying a pleasant acclimatization day, the adventure continues to the end of Manang Valley. Reaching Phed,i the base of Thorang-La pass, an early morning climb of a few strenuous steps up to the top. The highest point of the adventure at 5,416 m, for every hard effort is rewarded with an excellent panorama of Himalayan peaks.
After Thorang-La a long descent to Muktinath a sacred Hindu temple known as the lower Mustang trek and a famous Himalayan pilgrimage. The journey continues heading down to Kaligandaki River valley through Jomsom the headquarters town of Mustang district.
The route for the Annapurna circuit has Various means of transportation to reach the starting point and complete the trek. The standard itinerary and trekking route are as follows: drive from Kathmandu to Nepal's high Himalayas and Mid-West towards Lamjung district at Bhesisahar town. The drive follows uphill to enter Manang district at Chamje, a 1400-meter 8/9 8/9-hour exciting overland journey. From Dharapani to Chame 2,710 m and then to Pisang village 3,115 m, walk to the main Manang village 3,550 m. Having a rest day for acclimatization at Manang, and then to Thorang Phedi or high camp 4,900 m. Cross Thorang-La pass to Muktinath in the Mustang district, 3,800 m - 07 hours walk.
From Muktinath, our Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary ends at Jomsom. So you can skip a few days if you don't have time. If you have sufficient time Then continue the trek down to Tatopani at 1400m.. where you can enjoy with Hot Spring pool and the next day uphill to Ghorepani at 2,880 m, next morning hike to Poon Hill for views of sunrise and panorama of the Himalayas peaks. This Ghorepani Poonhill trek is a popular short and sweet trek near Pokhara. After that, walk to Thikhedhunga at 1,440 m, and the next day walk to Bhirethati and drive to Pokhara at 860 m.
One of the best high-altitude adventure, the walk start with a gentle uphill most of the way to Manang village. The rest of the walk is on a gradual trail with a short climb to Manang village. After Manang, the trail winds uphill to Phedi, the bottom of Thorang-La Pass. The hardest and longest day walk is to climb to the top of Thorang-La Pass with a long downhill to Muktinath, and the trek starts from there down to lower Mustang. Overall, the trek is not difficult, except for the rise in altitude. Taking it slowly with short, refreshing stops will overcome the difficulties.
Annapurna Circuit trekking is best to venture in the springtime from March to May. The next right season is autumn/fall, starting from September to November. Most days are fine and clear for views and walks, but short days are due to sunlight hours. Cold in the morning, late afternoon, and nighttime, with chances of snowfall sometimes. Spring is another bright season for trekking around the Nepal Himalayas, days are bright and clear with longer sunlight hours.
Cold mornings and late afternoons can get overcast with cooler air and cold nights. Chances of rain in the lower areas and snowfall above 3,000 m sometimes. The best season when wildflowers are in bloom makes the hills and valleys lively with flowers in flaming colors. Especially the rhododendron the national flower of Nepal, Ghorepani Poon Hill is the best place to be to enjoy the natural garden of wildflowers.
The total Annapurna Circuit Trek Distance on walks is between 160 k.m. to 230 k.m, or 100 to 145 miles. Depending upon the length of the itinerary, the days chosen from the start to the end of the trek. The motorable road extends to Manang village and from Muktinath to Tatopani and beyond. After crossing the Thorang-la, you will reach to Lower Mustang Trek route. Most trekkers skip the trek from Muktinath for a few days, heading to Tatopani village and taking a drive on a rough dirt road. Then the trek uphill to Ghorepani and downhill to a road head for a drive to Pokhara.
The trek cost for the Annapurna Circuit varies as per the itinerary days chosen, depending on the number of trekkers. The trip cost for a minimum of 2-3 people for 12 days includes a drive from Muktinath to Tatopani. Then drive to Pokhara from Bhirethati is approx. It starts from $1050/ in 2024 and 2025, up to your needs and luxury services. It depends on your stay in Kathmandu Hotel, Pokhara Hotel, and trekking area hotels, as available more luxury.
The above-mentioned package cost includes trekking full board with 3 times meals that are breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation is included throughout the trek and at Pokhara on a sharing basis. For a single supplement at extra cost on top of the trip cost, while at Pokhara on a bed and breakfast basis.
The trek also includes trekking permits, TIMS (Trekking Information Management Systems), and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project).
The trek is accompanied by an Adventure One expert and Licensed guide with strong and healthy porters to carry the heavier baggage. The trip cost includes transfer to and from trekking Kathmandu-Chamje-Pokhara-Kathmandu on public vehicles as per the group size can be private also.
The cost does not include hotel and meals at Kathmandu, extra cost for hot showers, and recharging electronic items on each lodge. Including personal expenses on extra snacks, drinks, and tipping of guide and porters.
Upon arriving at Kathmandu International Airport, one of our representatives will traditionally welcome you. Then you will be transferred to the hotel. In your free time, you can take a good rest or explore the local market.
Activity:
After breakfast, you will start the beautiful journey of the Annapurna trek. Take the Nepal mid-west highway to Besisahar first. Then the drive continues on the dirt road of Khudi, Bhulbule, and finally to Chyamje. It is the place where you will be spending your night.
Activity:
The first day of your trek starts from Chamje towards Dharapani. The trail will take you through Lush Green Forest, along the Marshyangdi River, and across the Suspension Bridge. Take the stunning views of waterfalls and terraced fields along the way to reach Tal. Tal is a beautiful village with a small market, and from this place, the Manang District starts. After Tal, the trail gradually ascends, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains till Timang village.
Timang village will be the best place to stop for lunch. After lunch, resume your hike towards Dharapani. The trail passes through the pine forests and charming villages, offering glimpses of Local Culture and lifestyle. Evening, you can enjoy walking around the Monasteries and the Marshyangdi River bank.
Activity:
The trek resumes after an early morning breakfast. Taking the wide, winding trail through rhododendrons and pine forests, you will first pass the small yet beautiful village of Bagarchap. You will then gradually get to Danque and then to Timing. You are now officially entering the area with a rich Buddhist culture. In the final section, you will be passing Koto before getting to Chame village.
Activity:
From here onwards air gets cooler and fresher as the walk leads close to the mountains, a morning walk through an alpine forest of rhododendrons and pine trees, following the Marshyangdi River upstream with a few short ups and down hills to Bhratang village. Overlooking views of Chulu’s and Pisang peaks, a possible lunch break here, and then an afternoon walk descend to reach lower Pisang village for the overnight stop.
Activity:
Start the day with breakfast. You will then start the trek with incredible views of mountains and the surrounding landscapes. The route slowly starts gaining altitude and offers greater views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Chulu, and more. From Hongde village, the tree lines disappear, and the cold weather welcomes you. Along the way to Manang. You will get a chance to visit the Braga monastery. Then get to Manang village for the overnight. Manang village is a village with a rich culture and traditions.
Day Activity:
On a free day, exploring the beautiful village of Manang. You can enjoy the greater views of Annapurna II-III and the Gangapurna mountain range. Additionally, a nice walk uphill for views of Gangapurna Glacier and the Manang Emerald Lake would be a good fit for the day.
Day Activity:
After two wonderful days in Manang, you will start the trek after breakfast. Leaving Manang, you will be trekking towards Ghunsang village. Then the uphill route takes you to Yak Kharka. Yak Kharka is a wonderful village with superb views of the mountains. The mountains that can be seen here are Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Chulu Peaks.
Day Activity:
Leave Yak Kharka after breakfast. The route heads towards the Thorang High Camp, crossing the bridge and climbing along the river bank of Jarjung, and then to Thorang Phedi. Thorang Phedi is an alternate overnight place at Thorang High Camp. From Thorang Phed, you will be walking further to Thorang High Camp for the night.
Activity:
One of the hardest and biggest days. Start the journey early morning with a packed breakfast. The first section is a steep climb to reach Thorang La. The top offers excellent views of snow-capped mountains and great landscapes. Spend some time at Thorang La before making the final descent to Muktinath. Muktinath is a sacred place to Hindus and Buddhists. Whereas, the literal meaning of Muktinath is salvation.
Day Activity:
Explore the Muktinath temple in the morning. Then you will be taking a downhill route to get back to Jomsom followed down to the road and Kaligandaki rover. Jomsom is the headquarters of the Mustang region. You can explore the local village in your free time and enjoy watching mountains like Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and many more.
Day Activity:
With an early morning flight, you will be getting to Pokhara. In Pokhara, you can do a half-day sightseeing to explore Phewa Lake, Devis Falls, and Gupteshwor Cave. In the evening, you can collect a good sunset view from Phewa Lakeside.
Day Activity:
Collecting the great memories of the Annapurna circuit trek, you will be driving or flight back to Kathmandu. if you have some leisure time you can explore around Thamel or Kathmandu Durbar Square Area.
Day Activity:
Today you will be flying to your next destination with all the finest memories. Our representative will be transferred to Kathmandu airport. With the hope of seeing you again in Nepal, we will be saying bye this time.