Annapurna Circuit Trek
Highlights
- Crossing the Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet)
- Visit the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath
- Witness stunning views of some of the world's highest mountains
- Explore charming villages along the trail
- Experience a remarkable variety of landscapes
Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is an unforgettable adventure through the stunning landscapes of the Annapurna region, nestled in the Himalayas. This classic trek offers a journey around the iconic Annapurna Massif, taking trekkers through diverse terrains, from lush forests to high-altitude deserts, with encounters in traditional villages and ancient monasteries. One of the highlights is conquering the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, offering breathtaking mountain views, and the trek continues to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.
- Day 1 - Arrive In Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.
Transfer to your hotel and check in.
Rest and relax after your journey.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu. - Day 2 - Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar.
Take a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar.
Enjoy views of green hills, rivers, and rural settlements along the way.
Overnight stay in Besisahar.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the teahouse. - Day 3 - Drive Continue the journey from Besisahar to Chame.
Continue the journey from Besisahar to Chame.
Experience the changing landscape as you ascend higher into the mountains.
Overnight stay in Chame.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the teahouse. - Day 4 - Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang
Start the trek and walk through pine forests and small villages.
Enjoy views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal along the way.
Reach Upper Pisang, a beautiful village with traditional architecture.
Overnight stay in Upper Pisang.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the teahouse. - Day 5 - Trek from upper pisang to Manang.
Trek through the upper part of the Manang district.
Pass through the village of Nawal and enjoy panoramic mountain views.
Reach Manang, a picturesque village surrounded by mountains.
Overnight stay in Manang.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the teahouse. - Day 6 - Rest Day At Manang
Take a day to rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude.
Explore Manang and enjoy the views of Gangapurna Lake and Annapurna III.
Optionally, take a side trip to visit Bhojo Gompa and the Ice Lake.
Overnight stay in Manang.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the teahouse. - Day 7 - Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka
Continue the trek and ascend towards Yak Kharka.
Enjoy the alpine landscape and yak grazing pastures.
Overnight stay in Yak Kharka.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the teahouse. - Day 8 - Trek From Yak Kharka to Thorang High Camp
Trek to Thorang High Camp, the last settlement before Thorang La pass.
Prepare for the challenging pass crossing the next day.
Overnight stay in Thorang High Camp.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the teahouse. - Day 9 - Trek from Thorang La High Camp to Muktinath
Start early to cross the Thorang La pass, the highest point of the trek.
Enjoy spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
Descend to Muktinath, a significant pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Overnight stay in Muktinath.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the teahouse. - Day 10 - Drive From Muktinath To Tatopani
Take a scenic drive from Muktinath to Tatopani.
Relax and soak in the natural hot springs at Tatopani.
Overnight stay in Tatopani.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at the teahouse. - Day 11 - Drive from Tatopani To Pokhara
Continue the drive to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city.
Enjoy the scenic journey through lush landscapes.
Overnight stay in Pokhara.
Breakfast and Lunch at the teahouse.
From Here you can stay your own at Pokhara or back to Kathmandu. - Day 12 - Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Continue the drive to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city.
Enjoy the scenic journey through lush landscapes.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
- A day three meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) on your choice from the menu during the treks.
- An excellent government licensed holder guide including all his meals, accommodation, salary, transportation, insurance & many more…
- Equipment as like (sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags, walking poles, crampons) to be returned after the trip is complete.
- Standard tea house during the treks.
- All needed permit & national park fees.
- Government tax & service charge.
- All needed ground transportation mention on the itinerary.
- Personal expenses as like the phone & camera charging, hot shower, wifi.
- All kind of drinks as like mineral water, beer, tea, coffee, juice, Coke, Fanta, and hard drinks.
- Lunch & dinner during stay in city.
- Tips to guide & porter
Important Information
Essential Tips for a Successful Annapurna Circuit Trek
Be in good physical condition and start preparing for the trek in advance, as it involves long and challenging days of hiking.
The best time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons for pleasant weather and clear mountain views.
Take your time to acclimatize properly to higher altitudes to avoid altitude sickness. Plan rest days at higher elevations.
Obtain the necessary permits, including the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Pack appropriate trekking gear, including warm clothing, a comfortable backpack, sturdy hiking boots, and a good-quality sleeping bag.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially at higher altitudes.
Respect the local customs and traditions while interacting with the communities along the trail.
Carry a basic first aid kit with essential medicines and personal medications.
Follow responsible trekking practices to preserve the natural environment. Avoid using single-use plastics and dispose of waste properly.
Stay informed about weather forecasts and be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially during the monsoon season.
Be prepared for basic teahouse accommodations along the trekking route. Booking in advance during peak seasons is recommended. Know your physical limits and trek at your own pace.
Carry emergency contact numbers and share your trekking itinerary with someone back home.