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The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a classic trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It takes trekkers through a variety of landscapes, including lush subtropical forests, barren high-altitude deserts, and glaciers. This region is the ultimate beauty that offers a chance to experience the local culture and traditions of the diverse ethnic groups.
This trek is usually within the mountain ranges of central Nepal. The total length of the route varies between 160–230 km depending on where motor transportation is used and where the trek ends. Well, the trek starts in the town of Besishahar and ends in the town of Pokhara, passing through several traditional villages such as Chame, Manang, and Jomsom. Besides, the major highlight of the trek is crossing the Thorong La Pass, which is at an altitude of 5,416 meters. Furthermore, the pass offers spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Annapurna circuit trek will allow you to experience the traditional lifestyle of the people living in the region. Along the way, you pass through beautiful rhododendron forests, cross high-altitude passes and rivers, and encounter a wide variety of wildlife.
Overall, we can say Annapurna Circuit Trek is a challenging yet worthy trek. In this trek you get to soak into the beauty and wonders of the Himalayas. It offers to explore the cultural and spiritual aspects, giving an unforgettable experience for you.
On the first day, when you arrive at the airport, one of our team members will give you a warm welcome and receive you in a tourist vehicle. After that you will safely be transferred to a hotel for overnight stay.
The next day, early in the morning, we will drive to Syange. The drive is around 7-8 hours in a tourist vehicle. On the way we will drive past a beautiful small town Besisahar including stunning landscapes, waterfalls and rivers. And if the weather conditions are good we see a glimpse of Mount Annapurna II, III and Mount Machhapuchhre. Now we spend the night at Syange resting ourselves for the trek.
Be ready as the official trek starts from Syange to Tal. We will be walking for almost 5-6 hours to reach Tal. Along the way we pass the beautiful and famous waterfall i.e Chamje Waterfall. The trail follows the Marsyangdi River Valley, which is surrounded by steep cliffs and impressive rock formations. Thereafter, reaching Tal we spend the night here in a comfy Tea House.
On this day we leave Marsyangdi river behind along with Tal to continue the trek. Our next destination will be Danaque village trekking for 5-6 hours. As we approach Danaque, we get to see stunning views of the Annapurna Range including Annapurna II, III, and IV as well as Tilicho Peak. Apparently, you get to spend a mesmerizing night at Danaque.
We shall start the next morning trekking towards Chame, the headquarter of Manang district. The area around Chame is known for its apple orchards where we get to taste the delicious local apples. After that, we will reach Chame after trekking for 4 to 5 hours; passing the views of mountains and waterfalls. Furthermore, this village is filled with several ethnic groups with their diverse cultures that adds to the perks of trekking. As a result, we get enough time to soak ourselves and learn more about their way of living within the stay.
Day 6 will be a long day as we will be walking around 6 to 7 hrs through several beautiful waterfalls, including the Dhukur Pokhari and the Paungda Danda. As we approach Pisang, the trail enters into pine and juniper forests, offering a refreshing change of scenery. Besides, we can observe the unique Tibetan-style architecture along with other monasteries in the village. Thus, exploring more about the beautiful village with the most welcoming night can be an experience to remember for a lifetime.
The morning view we see from Pisang is the sunrise imposing Pisang Peak rising up in the distance. The trail passes through the picturesque Julu village, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. However, the trek from Pisang to Manang is around 6 to 7 hours.
As we approach Manang, we pass through the stunning views of Annapurna II, III, & IV on top of Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. Likewise, there are several ancient Buddhist monasteries including the Braga Monastery and the Khangsar Monastery. It is where we shall spend a night, meeting the most welcoming locals and savoring local meals in a cozy tea house.
Aiming to acclimatize and explore more of Manang Village, we will again spend a day at this beautiful village by visiting the monastery. On the other hand, going sightseeing around the place to feel the freshness of organic social culture is what brings peace to soul. Apparently, at the end of the day, we rest and prepare ourselves for the next day.
After spending our time at Manang, we get ready to head towards Yak Kharka. The trek time is around 3 to 4 hours on this day that includes trail passes through beautiful forests, streams, and pastures. Along the way, we pass through the small villages of Tenki and Gunsang that offer basic accommodation and food options for trekkers. After reaching Yak Kharka, we finally rest and continue our trek towards Thorong La Pass the next morning.
The trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. Well, Thorong Phedi is a small settlement located at an altitude of 4,600 meters. It is a popular spot for breathtaking panoramic views of the snow capped majestic mountains. Finally, we now spend a night at a simple hotel in Thorong Phedi on the 10th day of our trek.
The challenging day arrives as we have to trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass. The trek span is 7-8 hours taking us through the highest mountain pass in the world, Thorong La Pass. In addition to that, the pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna.
From the pass, we can also see the Kali Gandaki Valley which is one of the deepest gorges in the world. As we descend from the pass, walking through the beautiful landscapes and scenery of the Mustang region, we pass through the famous pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Muktinath happens to be one of the most important and holy site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Adding to the knowledge, Muktinath Temple is the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu surrounded by 108 water sprouts where people believe to get salvation after bathing through all those sprouts. Here, we spend a night at a well-facilitated guest house.
The trek is around 20 kilometers and takes approximately 8 to 10 hours to complete. As we leave Muktinath, we are now on the other side Thorong La Pass. The trail passes through the Lubra Valley, which is one of the most well-preserved villages in the region. Furthermore, as we make our way through the Lubra Valley, we pass beautiful apple orchards and fields of buckwheat and barley.
Descending from the pass, we will enter the Kali Gandaki Valley and reach the town of Jomsom, which is one of the wonders of the Mustang Region. Besides, Jomsom is known for its beautiful apple orchards and traditional Thakali culture. Now, we enjoy the wonderful stay here and rest in between the divine beauty of nature that would keep you awe in the morning when you wake up.
From highs to the lows and passing the sceneric beauty, we now take a drive from Jomsom to Tatopani which is around 4 to 6 hours. The road passes through traditional villages, terraced farmlands, and beautiful landscapes. To your ease, tourist vehicles are used to descend through the Kali Gandaki Valley. Now at Tatopani we encounter natural hot springs that flows naturally. A dip into these hot springs is the best way to relax and rejuvenate the body after the long trek. After that we take a nap until the morning wakes us up for another beautiful day.
As we leave Tatopani, crossing the Kali Gandaki River, we start climbing towards the village of Ghara. The road passes through beautiful terraced farmlands and traditional villages, including the village of Sikha, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Although, it takes approximately 7 to 9 hours to complete, Ghorepani is a popular stop for trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit trek known for its stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Finally, we will rest at Ghorepani in a Tea House on this day.
The hike to Poon Hill starts from the village of Ghorepani. From Ghorepani, we climb to the top of Poon Hill, which stands at an elevation of 3,210 meters. The climb takes around 45 minutes to an hour that offers stunning views of the sunrise over the Himalayan mountains including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
After the hike to Poon Hill, we trek towards Tikhedhunga. The trek descends through the beautiful rhododendron forests and traditional villages. Despite Tikhedhunga is a small village located on the banks of the Burundi River, it is highly known for its rich traditional architecture and beautiful scenery that amazes everyone.
From Tikhedhunga, we can drive to Nayapul, which is the starting point for many treks in the Annapurna region. But we will be ending our trek there. The drive from Tikhedhunga to Nayapul takes around 1.5 to 2 hours as the ride is on a shared vehicle. On the other hand, the drive allows us to pass through traditional villages and beautiful landscapes. Then after reaching Naya pul we will drive back to Pokhara in a comfortable tourist vehicle. Well, the journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Pokhara. Spending a perfect night with the city lights in Pokhara would be the best touch at the end of the trek.
Now, it’s time to end the trek and return back to Kathmandu in our private vehicles.The mountains, forests, challenging treks, most sincere and innocent people, rich culture, and simplest lifestyle are the memories you will be taking back. We will drop you off at the hotel that we booked in Kathmandu. And in the evening, we offer you a cultural farewell dinner before you return back to your destination.
On this day, you will be taken to the airport by our team to bid farewell.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal that circles around the Annapurna mountain range. The cost of the trek can vary depending on the level of comfort and services you choose.
The services that's included in the package are as follows:
Cost of the trekking permits (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and Trekker’s Management Information System) comes under the trekking package.
Accommodation in tea houses and lodges during the route. The rooms are shared with shared bathrooms.
Airport pickup and drop by tourist vehicles.
Welcome and farewell dinner with cultural touch.
Accommodation in 3 star hotels while staying in the cities (Kathmandu and Pokhara).
All your basic meals during the trek (breakfast,lunch and dinner).
All transportation costs during the trek which includes sightseeing, city visit and many more.
Porter’s charge for carrying your luggages.
Experienced, professional and medical-aid trained guides for your assistance.
Government taxes and administrative expenses.
First aid kit for the safety measures.
Cost of International fare to Nepal is not included in the package.
Travel insurance that covers the emergency medical evacuation and other potential issues.
The costs of meals in Kathmandu.
Personal expenses that include snacks, beverages and souvenirs.
Tips for the staff and guides.
Nepal Entry Visa.
Equipment and Gear for your personal use.
Note: After you arrive at the airport visa can be easily acquired at fee of (USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
It is important to carefully read and understand what is included and excluded in your trekking package before booking. Some packages may also offer additional services like hot showers, Wi-Fi, or extra porter services for an additional cost.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular hiking route in Nepal that takes you around the Annapurna mountain range. It's a 160-230 km trek, depending on the route you choose, that takes about 11 days complete.
The best time to go on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is stable and clear, offering great views of the mountains.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered to be the classic yet adventurous trek. The altitude can be challenging for some and the terrains can be rocky in some parts. However, with some training and preparation most of the people can complete the trek.
The highest point on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is Thorong La Pass, which stands at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) above sea level.
You need two permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trek: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits are available at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or at the ACAP office in Pokhara.
The cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek can vary depending on the season, the duration of the trek, and the level of comfort you prefer. On average, the cost ranges from USD 800 to USD 1,500 per person.
Talking about the accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara we facilitate with 3 star hotels. And during the trek there are tea houses that gives organic village vibes with clean rooms.
While it's not mandatory to hire a guide for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, it's highly recommended, especially if you're a first-time trekker. A guide can provide valuable information about the route, culture, and safety precautions.
The entire trek depends upon where you start from. But we can say the Annapurna Circuit Trek’s distance is approximately 160-200 kilometers, making it the most worthy trek.
Since, the guides are experienced and certified in medical aid, they look after you in case of emergencies or any injuries. In case, you want to be self-sufficient; it's better to keep the first aid box, a trekking stick, and a few fast foods in case you feel hungry in between the forest area.
No, you don't have to hire a porter on your own. Saving your cost, we provide experienced porters for the trekkers so that the trek would be easy and cost efficient.
Our local guides carry their cell phones in case you want to make emergency calls. After reaching the accommodation area there will be the availability of Wi-Fi. But, the wifi is not guaranteed in the places where there is poor network.
If you want some extra snacks or want to buy souvenirs, you can carry around 20-25 USD as additional money per day.
We use tourist vehicles depending upon the size of the trekkers. For your convenience we provide the best transportation throughout the journey except for the challenging and adventurous routes.
You must be physically fit enough to trek for hours in order to complete the challenge and gather adventurous memories.
Depending upon the guest houses, the meals are served. But in short we can say that there are various options to choose if it is a guest house. And along the way the tea houses serve delicious and healthy meals prepared from local organic products containing all the essential nutrients.
Not any prior trekking experience is required for any one. The only thing that matters is you must be healthy enough to walk for hours and have enthusiasm for the exploring nature.
The best time to go on the Annapurna Circuit trek depends on the level of difficulty you are willing to accept and the type of experience you want to have. The trek can be done throughout the year but the weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable and can change quickly, so it's always a good idea to be prepared for different conditions, and also consider the level of difficulty of the trek and your own experience.
The best seasons to go are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring (March to May) is considered the peak trekking season when the weather is mild and the skies are clear. The rhododendron flowers are in full bloom, making the trek even more beautiful. The trail is also less crowded at this time. Autumn (September to November) is the second-best season for trekking, with clear skies and stable weather. The monsoon season has ended and the trails are dry.
Winter (December to February)is the cold season as the weather is cold, and the passes can be blocked by snow. This trek is only recommended for experienced trekkers with proper equipment and experience. Monsoon Season (June to August)is the monsoon season as the trails can be muddy and slippery, and the visibility is poor so the trek is not recommended.
The Annapurna Circuit trek is a moderate to challenging trek that can be completed by people of varying fitness levels. However, it is important to be in good physical shape and have some experience with hiking or trekking before attempting this trek.
There is no specific age restriction for the Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal. It is also important to be mentally prepared for the trek, as it can be physically and mentally demanding, with long days of walking, and some strenuous climbs. Children under the age of 18 should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Lightweight and quick-drying trekking pants: These are comfortable and breathable pants that are designed for hiking and trekking. They typically have zip-off legs, so you can easily convert them into shorts if it gets hot.
Long-sleeved shirts: Long-sleeved shirts protect you from the sun and insects while trekking. Look for lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying fabrics.
Fleece jacket or down jacket: A warm and lightweight jacket is essential for keeping you warm at higher altitudes. Fleece and down jackets are good options.
Windproof and waterproof jacket and pants: Weather can be unpredictable in the mountains, so it's important to have a windproof and waterproof jacket and pants to protect you from rain and wind.
Thermal underwear: A good base layer is important for keeping you warm and comfortable. Look for thermal underwear made of synthetic or wool materials.
Hat and gloves: A warm hat and gloves are essential for keeping your head and hands warm at higher altitudes.
Trekking boots with good traction: Comfortable hiking boots with good traction are essential for trekking. Make sure you break them in before your trip to avoid blisters and other foot problems. Waterproof boots are highly recommended.
Socks (wool or synthetic): Wool or synthetic socks are good options for trekking. They wick moisture away from your feet and help prevent blisters. Bring an extra pair of sandals or shoes for your comfort, Comfortable pants for your overnight teahouse stay
Daypack: A daypack is essential for carrying your water, snacks, camera, and other essential items.
Sleeping bag (rated to at least -10°C): A good quality sleeping bag is important for keeping you warm and comfortable at night. Look for a sleeping bag that is rated to at least -10°C.
Trekking poles: Trekking poles help reduce the impact on your knees and provide stability on uneven terrain.
Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries): A headlamp or flashlight is essential for trekking in dark or low-light conditions.
Sunglasses with UV protection: Sunglasses with UV protection protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays.
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF: Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF protect your skin and lips from the sun's harmful rays.
Water bottles or hydration system (at least 2 liters): Staying hydrated is essential for trekking. Bring at least 2 liters of water or use a hydration system.
Water purification tablets or filter
Personal first-aid kit with basic medications and blister care items
Note: Our guides will carry the emergency medicine and first aid kits throughout the trip but highly recommended for you carry your own personal.
Lightweight towel
Matches / Lighters
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