Annapurna Circuit Trek

Key Information
  • Duration14 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max Altitude 5416m
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu-Pokhara
  • Best Season Autumn (Mid september-Mid december) Spring (Mid March-Mid May)

Trip Highlights

  • An adventurous 14-day trek in Nepal, ideal for experienced trekkers
  • Explore Kathmandu and Pokhara, the two big cities in Nepal
  • A trekking route that offers everything from rich cultural heritage to lush forests, terraces, and diverse landscapes
  • Spend nights in picturesque villages and get to see the unique lifestyle of the locals
  • Come across beautiful waterfalls, suspension bridges, rivers, and lakes
  • Cross the challenging Thorong La pass and explore one of the significant pilgrimage sites in Nepal, Muktinath
  • Walk along the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki gorge
  • Witness breathtaking mountain panoramas

Trip Overview

Annapurna circuit trek is the best of all the trekking routes in the Himalayas. You will experience everything on this trek, whether it be adventure, rich cultural heritage, mountain lifestyle, diverse landscapes, lush rhododendron forests, terraces, and stunning mountains.

The Annapurna circuit was opened in 1980, and since then, hundreds and thousands of travelers from around the world have explored it. The beauty of this trekking route is mesmerizing. From the dense forests to the top of Thorong La pass and beyond it, the Annapurna circuit trek offers a lot to discover.

If you have 3-4 days extra, we highly recommend extending the Annapurna circuit trek to beautiful Tilicho lake (4,919 m/16,138 ft).

The locals and mountain views along the Annapurna circuit trail

Many different communities exist along the Annapurna circuit trail. You will meet Gurung, Magar, Chhetri, Brahamans, Thakali, etc. The culture, tradition, and beliefs of all these communities are different from each other. There are temples, stupas, and prayer flags throughout the trail to keep you hooked on the religious richness of the area.

Likewise, the trail is also dotted with numerous beautiful mountains like Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft, Manaslu (8,163 m/26,781 ft), Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), Hiunchuli (6,441 m/21,132 ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m/22,943 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,459 ft), etc. From verdant valleys and picturesque villages, the trail offers views of arid landscapes and apple orchards.

Annapurna circuit trek itinerary

The Annapurna circuit trek 14 days begins in the bustle of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. From here, drive to Besisahar and follow the rugged cliffside to Chame (2,610m /8,890ft). The trek starts from Dharapani and ascends through rhododendron and pine forests to Upper Pisang (3,115 m/10,200 ft). The route is very scenic from Upper Pisang to Manang.

You will take an acclimatization break in Manang (3,540 m/11,300 ft) and hike to the stunning Ice Lake. From here, gradually ascend to Thorong La pass (5,416 m/17,756 ft) via Ledar (4,200 m/13,779 ft) and Thorong Phedi (4,525 m/14,525 ft). Crossing the Thorong La pass is challenging, however the sense of huge achievement that comes with it is worth all the pain.

The trail then descends to one of the significant pilgrimage sites, Muktinath (3,760 m/12,623 ft), and follows the Kali Gandaki gorge to Jomsom (2,743 m/8,999 ft). From Jomsom, fly to Pokhara (820 m/ 2,690 ft) and spend the night here, enjoying the tranquility of Phewa Lake. The following day, drive or fly back to Kathmandu.

A teahouse trek

Annapurna circuit trek is a teahouse trek. It is a simple accommodation with basic facilities. The teahouse mostly offers twin-shared rooms and a common washroom. Some places have single rooms and private washrooms.

All the meals will be provided as per the menu of the teahouse. The food options are good ranging from dal bhat, momo, chapati, and curries to burgers, pasta, pizza, porridge, soups, etc. Likewise, boiled drinking water is available for the trekkers. You can carry snacks and bars of your choice.

Is Annapurna circuit trek 14 days right for you?

Annapurna circuit trek is for experienced trekkers. It is a long trek in the mountains and demands good health, fitness, and endurance. If you are a beginner trekker, this trek may get quite difficult. We have Ghorepani Poon Hill trek and Khopra Danda trek for the beginner trekkers. Similarly, if you wish to push yourself a little more, then join our Everest Base Camp trek.

Booking open for Annapurna circuit trek 2025

Our Annapurna circuit trek 2025 booking is open. We are offering the best Annapurna circuit trek cost for 2025. All the major services are included in our cost. Joining us for this adventurous trek, you will be following a well-designed itinerary with ample acclimatization days.

If you have any questions regarding the Annapurna circuit trek or want to customize the Annapurna circuit trek itinerary, feel free to contact us.

 

Itinerary

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These are our regular itineraries; if it doesn't suit your time duration, feel free to inform us; we will be happy to customize it. 

An Annapurna Circuit is a teahouse trek. You will be staying at a local guesthouse, and they serve you food and drinks as well.

One of our company representatives will be waiting for you to welcome and receive you from the airport. Outside of the exit gate, he will be standing with your name written on a board. You will easily find him; he will greet you, and then he will take you to the hotel by private vehicle. Our hotel will be located in Thamel, which is in the heart of Kathmandu city. In the evening we will take you for a welcome dinner at a Nepali restaurant where you will test Nepali cuisine and observe Nepali cultural shows.

Today is your preparation day. You will meet with your guide, who will brief you about the entire trip and check your gear to make sure you have enough equipment for the entire journey. If you don't have proper gear, then the guide will advise you to purchase enough. You can buy or rent from the trekking shop nearby the hotel.

We will take you on a short Kathmandu city tour. The tour guide will take you to Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, which is situated at a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will get an opportunity to engage with locals and witness Nepalese customs, culture, religion, and tradition during the tour. 

This morning you need to wake up early at 5 am and get into the bus or car depending on the group size. The vehicle will pick you from your hotel. You will drive through villages, farms, fast-flowing River and glimpses of mountain ranges. On the way, you will stop for your lunch. When you reach at Besisahar, you need to change vehicle because of off-road. Jeep road will take around 3 hours, and you will reach at your destination of the day.

  • Distance from kathmandu to Dharapani: 218.1 km

Today's trek takes us through a forest with pine, oak, and maple trees, eventually taking us to Chame, the district headquarter of Manang district. You will find yourself surrounded by the green forests, and over you, you will see remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, Manaslu and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We will also be able to go small hot springs and relax for a while, and if you want, you can take a dip in those hot springs.

  • Distance: 15 km

Today you will trek along the Marshangdi River and cross a few suspension bridges. Mostly you will walk into the pine forest, and lunch stop will be at Dhukur Pokhari. You will ascend around 415 m. Pisang has a two different villages, one is in the lower and one is in the upper. You will be staying at lower village because lower village has good hotels, but we will hike up to upper pisang by the Afternoon. There is a beautiful monastery where we will visit, and from there we will see beautiful Annapurna mountain ranges then we will return to our hotel.

  • Distance: 13.2 km/8.2 miles

We leave Pisang behind and trek on the upper trails of Pisang via Geru. This path offers outstanding north face views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho, and Pisang Peak. Since we are ascending, you will feel the air turn cold, dry, and harsh. Even in this harsh environment, you will find Tibetan-style settlements, and we will not miss visiting the Barge Monastery - the largest monastery in Manang. You will pass through another beautiful village Ngwal where you will stop for lunch.

  • Distance: 17 km/10.6 miles

Today is your acclimatization day. Most of the tourists like to explore the village and visit Ngarchang for an acclimatization hike by the Gangapurna Lake and return to the hotel and relax. Some tourist who are fit and interested in hiking a bit higher then they visit the ice lake, which is 7-9 hours of trek. By reaching Manang, we will have gained a lot of elevation, and our body needs time to adjust to high altitudes, so we will stop at Manang for a day.

Today is a short and easy day. You will be walking above the tree line, so you will feel a bit more altitude. You will be surrounded by breathtaking views throughout the trail. You will ascend through a gentle, easy trail by passing mani walls, villages, and yak grazing fields where you can encounter yaks and sometimes blue sheep. You are reaching Yak Kharka by lunchtime, so you will have lunch at the hotel. Keep your bags, and after lunch you will be taken for a short hike to acclimatise. While you return to your hotel, just relax, drink, eat, and spend overnight. 

  • Distance: 9.1 km/5.6 miles

Today is another short walk; the paths are gentle up and down, not very steep, and the vistas are breathtaking. Trekking can be hard owing to the thin air, but we urge you to walk slowly and methodically. Before you arrive at the Thorong Phedi, you will have to traverse two suspension bridges and a large section of landslide. After assessing the landslip section's condition, our guide will allow you to cross with caution. When you arrive at Thorong Phedi, you will store your belongings in your accommodation, have a lunch, then go for a short hike for acclimatisation.

  • Distance: 8.5 km/5.2 miles

Today's trek will be the most highlight and challenging part of this whole trip, as we will be crossing Thorong La Pass - one of the most popular and highest trekking pass in Nepal. It is also the highest point of the trek. Late afternoon can be too windy so to avoid the afternoon wind, we wake up early at 3 am and push ourselves through high altitude and icy wind.

When you concore the Thorong La Pass, just by seeing the incredible scenery, you will feel that nature and you desearve it. From the pass, you can see the Himalayan peaks extending to Tibet in the north, and if you look back, you will see stunning Annapurna ranges you will feel proud of yourself.

We descend from Thorong La Pass to reach Muktinath! it will take approx 3 hours and before reaching your hotel you will visit Hindus temple  and Buddhists monestery. The Buddhist name for Muktinath is Chumig Ghasa which means Hundred Waters in Tibetan. And, of course, Muktinath hosts 108 stone taps through which flows the spring icy cold water of Kali Gandaki. In addition to the water sprouts, you will also see the eternal flame into the noon monestery, local believe that has been burning there for more than 2000 years.

  • Distance: 15.6 km

We have now crossed and arrived on the other side of Thorong La Pass. The landscape is different from other parts of the trek. We will be surrounded by barren landscapes and stunning Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

In the beginning, we will descend along the typical local villages, passing several stupas and monasteries. After walking for 2 hours, we will reach the beautiful village of Kagbeni, where we will have a tea break. The valley between Kagbeni and Jomsom is renown as a wind valley; we will experience strong wind. 

  • Distance: 10.6 km/9.6 miles

Your journey will start after breakfast. Embarking on a road trip from Jomsom to Pokhara is an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences. The journey, which covers approximately 180 kilometers, Road condition: The road from Jomsom to Pokhara involves a mix of well-paved roads and bumpy paths. Due to off-roading, the first portion of the route is rather uneven; however, as you reach Beni, the road becomes smooth and pleasant. There will be several breaks for tea, coffee, foods, and loo

On our thirteen day, after breakfast, we will take a private vehicle from Pokhara to Kathmandu. You may also choose to return by a 25-minute flight (not included in the package) for an extra cost. Our trek package completes at Kathmandu. Ascent Adventures Nepal will also host a farewell dinner at Kathmandu later in the day.

We hope, by completing this trek, you will have formed lifelong memories.

You may also choose to return by a 25-minute flight for paying extra cost

  • Meals: Breakfast only

 Ascent Adventures Nepal representatives will transport you to the airport by private vehicle for your smooth departure around three hours prior to your scheduled flight. 

Cost Details

Includes
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
  • 3 night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu in a 4-star category hotel on a BB plan, sharing basis (twin bed room). Unless private is required.
  • All the ground transportation by private vehicle.
  • Guide & porter with their salary and insurance. 
  • Three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.
  • Drinks such as tea, coffee, and treated drinking water.
  • Accommodation during the trek in a local guest house.
  • All the necessary trekking permits.
  • First aid/medical kit.
Excludes
  • Nepal entry fees or visa fees.
  • International flight.
  • Personal trekking equipment or trekking gear.
  • Food & Drinks during the stay in Kathmandu or in case of early return from trekking.
  • Extra night Accommodation in Kathmandu or in case of early return from trekking.
  • Travel Insurance covering (Travel & high altitude insurance for any accident, emergency helicopter evacuation or hospital medication).
  • Hard drinks, Soft drinks, bottle of hot water and mineral water & other beverages.
  • Internet service and Mobile battery charging.
  • Hot shower during the trek.
  • Any other service or activities which are not mention.
  • Tips and Gratuities for Guide and Porter.

Dates & Prices

Select a Departure Month
Starts: ThursdayApr 24, 2025
Ends: WednesdayMay 07, 2025
PriceUS$1500
StatusGuaranteed

We have a fixed departure group for the Annapurna Circuit Trek in April, which is one of the best trekking routes in Nepal. Our groups are arriving on the 22nd of April, and the trip departs on the 24th. The price might be a little expensive, but the price includes a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu and private accommodation during the trek and a private vehicle. If anyone is looking for the Annapurna Circuit Trek on this date, please feel free to contact us.

Client Reviews
Write a review
  • rating starFriendly and competent guide for Annapurna Circuit.

    We have fond memories of our group trek with Bigraj. We did Annapurna circuit and all loved it.

    Bigraj had meticulously planned everything. He is a very experienced guide. When we faced bad weather just before our passage through Thorang la , Bigraj altered the plan to add wait days near Manang so we were comfortable during our wait for bad weather to subside. He prioratises safety and takes confident decisions when situation presents.

    Bigraj has a calming presence , always joking and keeps the group motivated. Any requests or complains ftom group members are promptly resolved. We were fussy eaters and Bigraj also arranged great food for us along the way.

    I would highly recommend Bigraj and would happily join him for my future expeditions.

    Imran
    ImranUnited Kingdom, January 12, 2024
    TripAdvisor
Price Per PersonUS$1500
rating starbased on 1 review
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