Annapurna Circuit Trek

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit trek is probably the most elegant and iconic trekking trail found in Nepal. The trip starts with a long drive from Kathmandu to Chame. Within a short distance of trek you can see the significant changes in the climate, vegetation, forest and almost everything. The trail rises to the maximum altitude of 5416m which crosses two different river valleys. All in all this will be your most thrilling vacation one that will go deep down into your memory. Please find more details about the annapurna circuit trekking in our detailed itinerary section.

Overview of Annapurna Circuit Trek

The majority of the trek is in Annapurna range which covers a total distance of 250 to 300 KM of trails, depending upon how itinerary is prepared. Almost all of the trails fall in ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) region which is strongly supported by UNESCO (United Nations Educational Science and Cultural Organization). During peak season of the trek, this region is the highest receiver of trekkers who comes to have some wonderful and unforgettable memories and that is why it is, by many trekkers regarded as one of the gems of trekking trails. The exotic landscapes, profound beauty, breathtaking view of Mt. Annapurna and its ranges and unimaginable hospitality of the people living in this region are the ingredients that make this unique trail so special that you just can’t help exploring yourself.

Annapurna is rich in history; the most memorable one is the French Expedition in June 1950 led by Maurice Herzog along with his crew member. It was then the first successful ascent of the peak above 8000m until another successful ascent of Mt. Everest three years later. However there is a bit of controversy over whether that was the first successful attempt to reach the highest point at that time. Along with record breaking history also comes the dark side of the truth, Annapurna has claimed many lives compared to any other peak above 8000m. There have as much as 61 registered deaths as of now and possibility of claiming more deaths in future cannot be neglected. And most recently in October 2014 more than 200 people were either injured or dead as a result of snowstorm. This was the worst trekking disaster that ever occurred.

Basically Annapurna circuit trek is done in an anticlockwise direction. In this way the altitude gain is slower compared to clockwise, as a result it gives more time to get acclimatize with high altitude. This trail is one of the longest in Annapurna region with a magnificent view of Mt. AnnapurnaI-IV, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt.Tilicho and may more. You will walk through the highest pass of the world Thorang la(5416m). You can see the sheer beauty of Tilicho Lake(4919m) “ the world’s highest lake with one hell of a view of Annapurna and its neighboring peak.

Set out on 20 days Annapurna Circuit Trek which circumambulatesaround the entire Annapurna massif reaching the highest point at ThorongLa Pass (5,416m/17,769ft). Experience the thrill of walking through world's deepest river valley Kali Gandaki Gorge, with Annapurna I rising to 8091m to the east and Dhaulagiri standing at 8167m to the west. Traverse the highest pass, Thorong La on the way from Manang to Muktinath,savor the fabulous mountain views from the summit of Poon Hill at 3,210m (10,531ft). Get in mix with more than ten different culturally rich ethnic groups that reside in different climate zones of Annapurna Circuit. We travel from a height of 800 meters to the high altitude of 5, 416 meters passing through a diverse geographical and cultural variation with an amazing range of flora and fauna in between.

This trek start from Besishahar 6 hours’drive by bus from Kathmandu.The trek follows the route of Kathmandu- Synge- Dharapani- Chame- Pisang- Manang- Yak Kharka- TorangPhedi- Muktinath and jomsom. Along the way, you get to see the crimson red rhododendron forest, majestic high mountains Annapurna, Machhapuchre and Dhaulagiri, chilling waterfalls, diverse culture and people, wide variety of flora and fauna.

Trip Facts
Itinerary
Include / Excludes

Total duration of trek: 20 days where 3 would be accounted for sightseeing and arrival.
Trek category: Difficult
The highest altitude: Thorang la (5416m).
The lowest altitude: Nayapool (1093m).
The best time to visit: Between October and December or between March and May
Major attraction: Native flora and fauna, Diversified cultures and religions, Natural hot springs, life styles of indigenous Gurung and Magar people etc.
Mountains: Mt. Annapurna 1-4 Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Nigiri, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt.Gangapurna

Day 01 arrival in Kathmandu International airport

You will be picked up from the airport and will be transferred to the hotel. Our guide will be there to give you the brief you about your trek. You are free in the evening and will spend the night in the hotel.

02 Kathmandu city sightseeing Day

After an early breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel for a guided tour in private transfer. You will be going to visit some of the famous landmarks of Kathmandu city such as Pashupatinath, Swyambhu, Kathmandu Durbar square, Patan Durbar Square etc. After you finish you city tour you will be dropped off to the hotel to spend the night.

Day 03 Drive from Kathmandu to Chame(2713m)

You will have an early breakfast and start your drive towards Chame along the Shore of Trishuli River for about 3 hours. Just after reaching Munglin you will see another river Marshyangdi. It is like 7-8 hours drive to reach Chame. You will be staying the night at the lodge.

Day 04 Chame to Pisang(3185m)

The first day of your trek starts with a slow uphill trek through the paddy fields and thick green forests. First day will be relatively easier one without any physical difficulties.

Day 05 Pisang to Manang(3500m)

Today it will take 5-6 hours to reach Manang. First part of today’s trek is on a flat trail until you reach Humde. From there you can see the beautiful view of the valleys with lots of mountains just behind this spectacular view.

Day 06 acclimatization day in Manang

Before you continue further higher it is better for you to get acclimatize to avoid the risk of altitude sickness. You will spend the day getting along and learning the ways of villagers. In the afternoon you will have a short hike to gangapurna lake and some monasteries in the region. Overnight at lodge.

Day 07 Manang to Yak kharka(4195m)

After your rest day you will have much more energy reserved for today’s trek. You will steadily gain altitude as you go through marshyangdi valley. On your way you can see some of the yaks and horses grazing in the fields. Your total trek will be 4-5 hours when you reach Yakkharka. On your arrival you will be guided to a lodge to spend the night.

Day 08 Yakkharka to Thorang phedi(4600m)

You will continue your trek towards Thorang phedi before your big day and probably the most important and exciting part of your entire trek. It will be a short trek and you will be spending less energy and keep it in reserve for tomorrow. Overnight at lodge.

Day 09 Thorangphedi through Thorang la(5416m) towards Muktinath(3802m)

Today is the biggest and most important and probably the most difficult day of the trek. Today you will wake up rather early than usual. You will carry a packed lunch because there will not be any hotels along the trials. Today you will reach the highest point of your trek where you can rest for a while and have some photo sessions. After reaching the highest altitude you will then slowly descend towards Muktinath where you will be spending the night at the lodge. After 8-9 hours of trek you might be eager to go to bed.

Day 10 Muktinath to Kagbeni(2845m)

You will follow the same pattern like yesterday ascending almost 1000m. Now you can see the greenery and big juniper and pine trees all along the trails. It is 5-6 hours of trek to Kagbeni. Our crew member will arrange a lodge for you to spend the night.

Day 11 Kagbeni to Marpha(2667m)

Today you descend further from Kagbeni which is also a famous pilgrimage for hindus. Within a short period you will see Kaligandaki river along the trails and finally you reach Marpha where you can see lots of Apple trees. The apples found here are purely organic and rich in nutrients. Our guys will arrange a lodge for your night stay.

Day 12 Marpha to Ghasa(2013m)

You can see wonderful view on your trail towards Ghasa. The view of Mt.Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna and many other peaks will probably make your day. After 5-6 hours of trek you will reach Ghasa where you will spend the night.

Day 13 Ghasa to Tatopani(1189m)

Today will come face to face with the world’s deepest gorge at Kopchepani as you continue walking along the shore of kali Gandaki and its valley until you reach tatopani. Overnight at lodge.

Day 14 Rrest dayat Tatopani

Today you can relax all day. You can probably have a bath at the natural hot springs. Many people believe that having a bath in natural hot springs will help you ease your stress and cure many skin diseases. After your relaxation day you will head back to lodge to have a blissful sleep.

Day 15 Tatopani to Ghorepani(2856m)

After your relaxation day you will feel much stronger physically and mentally. Today you will go little uphill towards Ghorepani. It would take you 5-6 hours to reach there. On your arrival your guide will arrange a lodge for you to spend the night.

Day 16 Ghorepani to Tadapani(2600m)

You will be waked up very early in the morning to see the sunrise view in Poonhill(3210m). it will be a hike for about an hour before sunrise. Poonhill is the best place to see sunrise and all of the mountains including AnnapurnaI-IV Dhaulagiri, NIlgiri etc. After the sun finally rise you will head back to lodge to have a breakfast and then head straight towards Tadapani.

Day 17 Tadapani to Ghandruk(1951m)

Your exciting trek is almost to an end. Today you will be ascending downhill all the way to Ghandruk, the legendary little town in Annapurna region. By early afternoon you will reach Ghandruk and grab a lunch over there. After having lunch your guide will be taking a little tour of Ghandruk. Overnight at lodge.

Day 18 Ghandruk to Nayapool(1093m) to Pokhara(950m)

Finally the end of your trek has arrived. It is a short trek from Ghandruk to Nayapool for about 2-3 hours. After reaching Nayapool you will be then driven to Pokhara to spend the night.

Day 19 Pokhara to Kathmandu

So today you will be heading back to Kathmandu. It is normally 6-7 hours of drive.

Day 20 farewell day in Kathmandu

Your exciting journey ends right where you began it. The final moment to say goodbye for the very last itme. You will be dropped off to the airport precisely 3 hours before your scheduled time.