Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a legendary adventure spanning 18-21 days through Nepal's diverse landscapes. Starting in Besishahar, this trek takes you through charming villages, lush forests, and terraced fields, leading up to the iconic Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. Along the way, trekkers are treated to breathtaking mountain views and the rich cultural heritage of the Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali communities. This trek is a challenging yet enriching journey, offering a blend of natural beauty and local hospitality.
Ascend and Cross Thorong La Pass: At 5,416 meters, Thorong La Pass is one of the highest trekking passes in the world, offering spectacular views and a sense of accomplishment.
You will experience the vibrant cultures of Nepal, from the bustling capital of Kathmandu to the serene Muktinath Temple after crossing Thorong La Pass.
Along the trek, you will pass by the terraced rice fields, rhododendrons, and oak forests, immersing yourself in the diverse flora and fauna of the Annapurna region.
Trekkers get the opportunity to stay in teahouses within small villages, where you can learn about the traditions and lifestyles of the Nepalese mountain people.
After your trek, unwind in the peaceful city of Pokhara, enjoying the tranquility of Phewa Lake with your group.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a dream for many trekking enthusiasts, offering an incredible blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and physical challenge. From the lush forests and terraced fields of Besishahar to the lofty heights of Thorong La Pass, this trek is an unforgettable journey through some of Nepal's most stunning landscapes. Whether you choose to trek with a guide or embark on this adventure independently, the Annapurna Circuit promises an experience that will stay with you forever.
Itinerary
Expand AllUpon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
Transfer to hotel
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel
Have breakfast and then you have the whole day to explore the best Kathmandu Sightseeing spots with your guide. You can visit and explore one of the most famous Shiva temples, Pashupatinath, recognized as the monkey temple; Swyambhunath, the largest Stupa in the world, also called Boudhanath Stupa; and finally the Royal Palace, Kathmandu Durbar Square. The next day, you will begin your trek on the Annapurna Circuit, so you have to check your equipment to make sure that you are ready for your adventure and climb.
Have dinner and stay overnight in the same hotel in Kathmandu
Day tour
Final altitude: approximately 13,50 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: night in the hotel
Early in the morning, we departure from Kathmandu by Tourist bus / private vehicle towards Bhulbule; from there, we change vehicles and, along the Marsyangdi River, cross the rice fields and the first traditional Nepalese villages; nice views of traditional houses and terraced crops of corn and millet. Arrived in the village of Ngadi for our first night in the lodge.
Number of hours of driving: about 9 h
Final altitude: approximately 1,300 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Transfer from Jagat to Dharapani following the motorable track. We start trekking at Dharapani. After an hour's walk, we arrive at the village of Bagarchap; a little further, we discover our first "8000"; prayer walls and gompas. In Koto, Annapurna II and Manaslu are in focus. Lodge in Chame, the capital of the Manang district, many shops and breathtaking views of the Lamjung Himal. We follow the wide and comfortable track that leads to Tal, a tiny village stuck under huge cliffs. The mountain architecture reflects the climate: stone walls, slate roofs, and wooden balconies. The evening stage is in the village of Chame.
Number of hours of driving: about 1 h and 5hrs walking
Final altitude: approximately 2,600 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Walk in a forest dominated by impressive rock cliffs, at least until about 3000 meters, where, at a bend in the river, the rock lies down in a huge spectacular inclined plane and the valley opens up. This is the valley of Manang. We sleep in a Tea house in Pisang, a Tibetan influence's village, where there is a building made up of 152 prayer wheels! Visit of the old village and its monastery which dominates the valley 150 meters above, unfortunately, deserted in favor of the new village frequented by trekkers.
walking: about 9 h
Final altitude: approximately 1,300 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Panorama of this day: the enormous glacial barrier of the northern slopes of Annapurna IV, II, III, Gangapurna, and Tarke Gyang. One of the most famous mountain landscapes in the world! The path climbs to reach the perched village of Ghyrau (3670 m). The absolutely exceptional landscape alone justifies the trek. Balcony trail to Ngawal (3600 m), one of the beautiful villages on the route
walking: 6hrs
Final altitude: approximately 3600 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge, Tea house
From the hamlet of Ngawal, the descent is via an often dusty path that weaves its way between junipers and rose hips. Continue to Braga, a very beautiful village built in a horseshoe at the foot of chiseled rocks. It is a beautiful site and ideal for photos. Visit of the hamlet, built between fairy chimneys, and the 13th century monastery, one of the oldest in the region (provide headlamps because some of the old frescoes are located in very dark areas). After strolling through this magical place, there are a few kilometers left at the bottom of the valley (about an hour) to reach Manang, the last real village in the Marsyangdi valley. Manang is also a kind of base camp before the climb to Thorung La and the world of high altitude.
walking: 6hr
Final altitude: approximately 3500 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge, Tea house
Rest day in Manang. For those who wish, hike to Kicho Tal (Ice Lake) round trip. We retrace our steps to reach the typical village of Braga. From the village we take a steep and continuous path toward Ice Lake. At the top, the efforts are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Annapurna with the lake in the foreground. Descent by the same path to reach Manang (3500 m).
After a steady climb through the immense mountain pastures where the big altitude yaks graze; a sense of isolation begins to set in. The panorama is exceptional over the entire Annapurna chain. Stop at Leder for the night. This short stage is particularly conducive to good acclimatization. However, those who wish and who feel in good shape will have the opportunity to climb in the afternoon on the slopes located under the Chulu west and the beautiful panorama of the Gangapurna. With a little luck, they will also be able to see some bharals, these Himalayangoats called "blue sheep".
walking: 6hrs
Final altitude: approximately 3600 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge, Tea house
The path rises in meadows with short vegetation before descending to cross a small torrent tumbling from the peaks forming the border with Tibet. Then, the ascent resumes in a more and more mineral universe until the base camp of Thorung Phedi which we reach after 3h or 3h30. The night is either at the Thorung Phedi lodge (4500 m) or at the High Camp lodge (4800 m) depending on availability. To reach the High Camp, it is necessary to count another good hour of walking to cross the steep slope which climbs in laces in the middle of an immense screen
walking: 6hrs
Final altitude: approximately 4800 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge, Tea house
For the success of our day, the departure in the direction of Thorung La is very early (between 3h30 and 5h of ascent) in order to reach the pass before 9h to enjoy the view and avoid a sometimes violent wind. The ascent is slow and regular; it's a good idea to take your time thinking about staying well hydrated. The sun rises and warms us while depositing superb lights on the 6000 meters which surround us... From the pass, the view is extraordinary on the massifs of Annapurnas, Chulu, and Daulaghiri, and on the desert foothills of Dolpo and Mustang. It is a great reward for the efforts made over several days… After admiring this exceptional panorama, a long descent (where the view continues to dazzle us) leads us to Muktinath, located at the gates of Mustang. It has been a great place of pilgrimage since the dawn of time… Visit the sanctuaries raised between willows and poplars, where Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims meet.
walking: 9hrs
Final altitude: approximately 3760 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge, Tea house
From Muktinath, we join the Dangla pass before descending towards Lupra. The view is exceptional on the North face of the Nilgiri, on the Dhaulagiri (8167 m), and on the Tukuche peak. Arrived at the village of Lupra with one of the last Bon monasteries in the region (an ancient religion that prevailed in the Himalayas before the arrival of Buddhism). The peaceful life of this still authentic village contrasts with the modern world located just 2 hours walk away. From Lupra, the path descends into the bed of the river to join the track and Jomosom, a large administrative, lively, and commercial town on the banks of the Kali Gandaki.
walking: 6hrs
Final altitude: approximately 2700 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge, Tea house
Morning transfer to Jomosom then Marpha. We leave the track to reach the east bank of the Kali Gandaki through charming villages and numerous bridges spanning the torrents coming from the Nilgiri massif. In front of us, the Tukuche Peak and the Dhaulagiri get closer as we go. The coniferous forests and the ambient freshness contrast with the desert and arid landscapes of the previous days. We cross the Kali Gandaki again to reach the villages of Kalapani and Tatopani (hotspring)
Drive: 6hrs
Final altitude: approximately 1200 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge, Tea house
From Kalapani, we are transferred by vehicle to the village of Tatopani (1190 m). The route follows the course of the tumultuous Kali Gandaki, housed between the flanks of the two giants the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs. This village is known for its hot springs. Possibility to swim in one of the pools (local color and organization...). Lunch at Tatopani. We then hike towards Ghorepani to reach Shikha (1935 m) where we will spend the night. Crossing villages in the heart of cereal crops and “terrace” fields and very beautiful rhododendron forests.
Drive : 3 hrs and walking: 4 hrs
Final altitude: approximately 1900 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge, Tea house
We continue our hike towards Ghorepani to Phalante (2270 m). From there, we leave the busy path that joins Ghorepani to follow a more intimate path that crosses beautiful rhododendron forests and mountain pastures with exceptional panoramas on the peaks. We reach the Nakako Bisaune pass (2670 m), then Phulbari (2925 m). We have lunch in the small hamlet of Phulbari. Last efforts to reach the ridge that connects Poon Hill to Mohare Danda (3320 m). We enjoy magnificent views of the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas. We follow this ridge and keep the Dhaulagiri in sight. Arrival at the community lodge of Mohare Danda, from where the view, once again, is breathtaking: Mardi Himal, Lamjung Himal, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli, and the Annapurnas on one side.
NB: Given the overcrowding of tourists in the "village" of Ghorepani and especially the Poon Hill belvedere, we have decided to reorganize our program to offer a more "intimate" itinerary, allowing us to preserve the magnificent panoramas of the surrounding mountains. The Mohare Danda belvedere has nothing to envy to that of Poon Hill, minus the crowd!
Walking: 6hrs
Final altitude: approximately 3600 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge, Tea house
Depart after admiring the sunrise: we follow a magnificent ridge, first in the open than in the forest, up to a small pass and down to a clearing. A gentle climb to the small pass of Hampal Pass (2990 m). Beautiful view overlooking the deep valley carved by the Kali Gandaki between Baglung and Beni. Descent to the village of Lespar. Free time to soak up the atmosphere of the village
Walking: 6hrs
Final altitude: approximately 2100 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge, Tea house
Early departure for our last day of the trek. We walk "on a balcony" first in the heart of forest landscapes than from hamlet to hamlet we descend along the Patikhola river to Patichaur. Transfer to Pokhara. Evening rest and a comfortable night at Phewa Lake.
Walking: 4hrs and driving 2 hrs
Final altitude: approximately 3600 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch
Accommodation: night in a Hotel
Morning drive Pokhara to Kathmandu. flight is optional
Drive: 6-7 by tourist bus vehicle
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: night in a Hotel
Free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.
Included & Excluded
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AIRPORTORT PICK-UP & DROP :
Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
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ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU :
3 nights sharing twin bedroom at the hotel (3-star category) in Kathmandu – Sharing twin Bedroom on BB Plan.
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ACCOMMODATION IN POKHARA :
1-night sharing twin bedroom at the hotel (3-star category) in Pokhara on a bed & breakfast basis.
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WELCOME DINNER :
One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office’s Staff.
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PERMITS :
All necessary paper works: Annapurna Conservation area permit, TIMS Card & conservation entry fee.
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STAFF INSURANCE :
Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
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MAP :
Annapurna Region Trekking map.
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TRANSPORTATION DURUING TREK :
As per the itinerary. Land Transportation: Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat and while returning from Pokhara to Kathmandu (by tourist vehicles). Drive-by tourist Bus: Jomsom to Tatopani village.
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MEMBER LUGGAGE :
Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carrying by porters.
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FOODS & LODGING :
Food 3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge during the trek.
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GUIDE :
Local government-licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sight-seeing in Kathmandu valley.
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PORTER :
Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
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STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE :
All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
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VALLEY SIGHTSEEING :
Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley [ Swoyambhu (Monkey temple) and Kathmandu Durbar Square] by a profession
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COMPLIMENTARY SERVICES FROM ALPINIST CLUB :
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INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE :
International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
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NEPAL VISA FEES :
Nepal Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
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LUNCH & DINNER :
Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu & Pokhara (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
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EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU & POKHARA :
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
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INSURANCE :
Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
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RESCUE EVACUATION :
Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation cost if required. (Rescue, Repatriation, Medication, Medical Tests, and Hospitalization costs.)
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PERSONAL EXPENSES :
Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT :
Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
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TOILETRIES :
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
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FILMING :
Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee. |
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INTERNET SERVICE :
Internet facility during the trek is not included.
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TIPS :
Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.
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EXTRA :
Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section. Note: For unforeseeable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, form or deformity of the participants or others (state of the roads, traffic, case of force majeure). Your guide or guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another. |
Trip Organization
Your Guide and Team
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
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Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
The Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
The Assistant Guide is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
The Porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person: Lodge (tea house) Accommodations:15 kg maximum; Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg.
In addition, the Alpinist Club takes care to take out insurance for the Guide and porters. Specific equipment is allocated to them for crossing passes at altitude (even if wearers often refuse to put on shoes due to lack of habit).
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
Hotel Ramada: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation during the Khopra Ridge
For lodge accommodation: meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken from the lodge's dining room.
Here is a typical one-day menu:
Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included.
Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
Water: provide tablets (Hydroclonazone, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price) but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that required short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
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Trip Map
Trip Gallery
FAQ's
Expand AllThe perfect seasons for this trek are during Spring ( March to May ) and Autumn seasons( September to November ). These months have favorable weather conditions and clear skies which enhance the trekking experience throughout the trail.
The trek is moderate but it depends upon the trekkers’ health, pace, and prior experience in trekking. If you have completed Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek then it’s an easy trek for you. If this is your first trek then it might be a challenging trek for you but with the proper preparations and planning the trek can be easily done by all levels of the trekkers.
Since the entire trekking trail lies under the Annapurna Conservation Area, you must acquire an Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit. You can acquire a permit through the help of a government-certified trekking agency in Nepal. You also need to acquire a TIMS ( Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card.
You can find hotels, lodges, and tea houses with basic facilities throughout the trek. These accommodations offer basic facilities with more than two single bedrooms. Most of the lodges that have the squat toiles have less chance of paper rolls. Considering the factors of remoteness, the rooms are comfortable and clean. The accommodations have a cold shower facility but if you want to have a hot shower you have to pay extra for it.
Meals available in the trek are simple local dishes. There are options ranging from rice, local veggies, lentils, momo, pasta, and curry. Beverages include tea, coffee, and hot lemon. As you go to higher altitudes, you will find the price of the food is higher due to remote access.
Usually, it takes 20 days to complete the trek depending on your pace.You have to walk approximately 7- 8 hours a day.
Even though the trek is considered to be a moderate trek, it is highly recommended to hire a guide and a porter. They’ll help you in the navigation, take you through the best route, and also help you in case of emergency during the trek. The porter will help you to carry your gear and bags. They have the capacity to carry up to 20 kg throughout the trek.
Trekking poles, a rucksack, a nice sleeping bag, warm clothes, and strong hiking boots are all necessary pieces of equipment. A simple first-aid kit, rain gear, and a filtered water bottle are strongly advised.
As the trail reaches high altitudes, altitude sickness is a possibility. It is essential to properly acclimate, drink plenty of water, and be mindful of any symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, or lightheadedness. By taking days off and increasing gradually, altitude-related problems can be avoided.
It requires a moderate degree of fitness. Trekking entails walking for extended periods of time, frequently across rough and hilly terrain. The trip will be more comfortable and pleasurable if you prepare with strength training, hiking practice, and cardiovascular workouts.