Transportation

Overland
Accomodation

Teahouse / Lodge / Hotel
Maximum Altitude

5,416 metres
Departure from

Kathmandu
Best season

Spring (Mar-may) & Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Tour type

Trekking Hiking
Meals

All meals during the trek
Group Size

1-20

Overview

One of the most popular and amazing treks in the world, the Annapurna Circuit Trek leads you through some of the most breathtaking and varied scenery on earth. For those who enjoy the outdoors and the natural world, this journey in Nepal’s Annapurna region is a real treasure.

Typically taking 15 to 20 days to complete, the 160-230 km (100-145 mi) Annapurna Circuit Trek is a demanding but worthwhile adventure. The route begins with lowland settlements and terraced farms and gradually climbs past picturesque villages, gorgeous forests, and cascading waterfalls. As you ascend, the scenery dramatically shifts, revealing breathtaking snow-capped peaks, narrow canyons, and desolate high-altitude deserts.

Among the highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the 5,416-meter (17,769-foot) Thorong La Pass crossing. This exciting and strenuous walk stretch offers amazing views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain peaks. There’s no feeling quite like crossing the pass and realizing your accomplishments.

You will travel through traditional Nepalese villages, home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including Thakalis, Tibetans, Magars, and Gurungs. You can take advantage of their friendly welcome, savor some of the regional cuisine, and discover their own traditions and customs.

A wide variety of plants and animals are protected in the Annapurna Conservation Area. You may witness the Himalayas’ pristine beauty by trekking across this area. It’s possible to spot birds, butterflies, musk deer, and snow leopards, among other threatened species.

Beautiful teahouses and hotels with basic amenities can be found along the route, allowing hikers to enjoy the adventure without having to bring heavy camping equipment. The nice environment that the other trekkers and kind individuals create makes the trip even more enjoyable.

Highlights

Thorong La Pass at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet)
Visit the beautiful Manang district
Magnificent lakes, glaciers, deep gorges, and stunning waterfalls
Travel through the Annapurna Conservation Area, a protected area famous for its varied flora and fauna
Visit Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists
Spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West, and Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV
Discover picturesque apple farms and the settlement of Marpha
Natural hot springs at Tatopani where you can choose to take a dip
Poon Hill Viewpoint (3,210 m)

Day 1 :

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)

On the first day of your Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will arrive in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal. When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by the sights and sounds of this energetic metropolis.

One of our representatives will greet you after you pass immigration and customs and take you to your hotel.

Day 2 :

Drive from Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft) to Jagat (1,100 m / 3,069 ft)

On this day, you will leave Kathmandu and travel by car to Jagat, which is where the Annapurna Circuit Trek begins. The lovely trip provides breathtaking views of the terraced fields, charming cities, and the valley of the Marsyangdi River along the way. Along the route, you'll travel via Besisahar, where you can get into a local jeep. Eventually, you will come to Jagat.

Day 3 :

Trek from Jagat (1,100m/3,069ft) to Dharapani (1,960 m / 6,430 ft)

The journey begins at Jagat and passes through the picturesque Manang Valley. On your way, you'll travel through the charming village of Tal. You'll traverse many suspension bridges over rivers and steep valleys as you go, giving you a chance to get up close and personal with nature.

The route offers views of local life as it passes by settlements like Kodo and Kani. At last, you will reach Dharapani, concluding your journey for the day.

Day 4 :

Trek from Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft) to Chame (2,630 m / 8,629 ft)

From Dharapani, the walk begins in the direction of Chame. You'll pass through beautiful woods with oak, fir, and pine trees. Along the way, you will see the Marsyangdi River, which adds to the area's breathtaking natural beauty.

As the journey continues, you'll pass through quaint towns with unique charms like Bargarchhap, Timang, and Koto. The breathtaking views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV during the walk will astound you. Eventually, this portion of the adventure will come to an end when you reach Chame.

Day 5 :

Trek from Chame (2,630 m / 8,629 ft) to Pisang (3,300 m / 10,827 ft)

You will be rewarded with amazing landscapes, verdant forests, and majestic mountains, making today's journey worthwhile. The excursion starts with a hike through Paungda Danda, a place whose breathtaking scenery will astound you.

Along the way, you'll be greeted with up-close views of Pisang Peak and the mighty Annapurna II, which are sure to leave an impression. Following that, you'll descend into the picturesque Manang Valley and experience its serene surroundings. You will eventually reach Pisang.

Day 6 :

Trek from Pisang (3,300 m / 10,827 ft) to Manang (3,370 m / 11,056 ft)

Set off from Pisang and proceed through the villages of Ghyaru, Ngawal, and Mungji. Along this gorgeous path, you will be treated to breathtaking views of Tilicho, Gangapurna, Pisang Peak, Annapurna II, III, and IV, which will simply blow your mind.

You'll note as you go on that the air is getting drier and colder, which enhances the natural beauty of the area. You will soon be living in a Tibetan hamlet and experiencing its unique way of life.

See the magnificent Barge Monastery, the biggest monastery in Manang, before this tour part ends at the bustling Manang Bazaar.

Day 7 :

Acclimatization day at Manang (3,370 m / 11,056 ft)

On this day of acclimatization, you can explore the charming town of Manang and get used to the higher altitude. Spend some time taking in the local atmosphere and appreciating the unique charm of this Himalayan village.

A trip to Gangapurna Lake is among the highlights of the day. In addition, the breathtaking vistas of Pisang Peak, Tilicho, Annapurna III, and Chulu will astound you. After a day of sightseeing and acclimatization, return to your Manang lodging.

Day 8 :

Trek from Manang (3,370 m / 11,056 ft) to Yak Kharka (4,110 m / 13,484 ft)

Start your hike by climbing up to Tenki village. You'll travel through the charming Marshyangdi Valley and enter the captivating Jarsang Khola Valley along the way. Along the route, you'll pass through breathtaking fields that are sprinkled with juniper trees.

When you get to Ghunsa, you'll observe yaks and horses grazing in peace. You'll cross a wooden bridge as you climb higher and keep going until you reach Yak Kharka, the goal for the day.

Day 9 :

Trek from Yak Kharka (4,110 m / 13,484 ft) to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m / 14,600 ft)

You will reach the well-known Thorong La Pass base on today's climb. Start by making your way to a ridge, then descend and cross the Marshyangdi River.

Following that, you'll ascend the mountain by using a small path that goes to Thorong Phedi. This region mostly functions as a base camp for hikers getting ready to cross the Thorong La Pass.

Day 10 :

Trek from Thorong Phedi (4,450 m / 14,600 ft) to Muktinath Temple (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) via Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 ft)

Take an early hike that involves a strenuous climb to start your day. The trail will lead you over steep hills till you arrive at the top of the breathtaking Thorong La Pass.

From this vantage point, you'll be treated to amazing views of enormous peaks and the magnificent Kali Gandaki Gorge. Continue your journey to Muktinath, a holy pilgrimage site, by descending steep trails after admiring the breathtaking surroundings.

Day 11 :

Drive from Muktinath (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) to Jomsom (2,743 m / 8,999 ft) and Tatopani (1,190 m / 3,904 ft)

Visit the esteemed Muktinath Temple first thing in the morning to start your day. Once that's over, take a local bus to Tatopani. Prepare yourself for a journey through scenic gorges on uneven roads.

The landscape will suddenly shift as you go, going from desolate hills to rich verdant forests. Eventually, you'll reach Tatopani, which is renowned for its natural hot springs. Take some time to soak in the tranquil hot springs and rejuvenate yourself.

Day 12 :

Trek from Tatopani (1,190 m / 3,904 ft) to Ghorepani (2,810 m / 9,216 ft)

Proceed to Ghorepani after leaving Tatopani. You'll start by crossing the Kali Gandaki River and admiring the natural splendor of the region. You'll get a glimpse of the native way of life as you go through Thakali villages like Sikha and Chitre.

You can continue on the walk and be rewarded with spectacular views of terraced farmlands encircled by towering mountains. In addition, you'll pass through verdant forests that are home to birch, magnolia, and rhododendron trees—a breathtaking sight.

At last, you will reach Ghorepani, which signifies the conclusion of this section of the voyage.

Day 13 :

Morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m / 10,532 ft), then Trek to Birethanti (1,039 m / 3,409 ft) and Drive to Nayapul, Pokhara

The Annapurna Circuit Trek concludes with this section. Climb to Poon Hill to witness a breathtaking sunrise across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges to start the day.

Poon Hill is a popular spot for taking pictures of the surrounding peaks and is well-known for its expansive views. When the sun rises, head back to Ghorepani for a well-earned breakfast.

Travel onward in the direction of Birethanti, enjoying the view as you go. Once your hike in Birethanti is over, you will drive to Nayapul, which has a connection to Pokhara. Here, you can relax and take in the amazing experience you've had.

Day 14 :

Drive from Pokhara (820 m / 2,690 ft) to Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)

The distance by car between Pokhara and Kathmandu is about 200 kilometers. As you head toward the capital, you'll pass through picturesque towns and breathtaking scenery. As you travel across the picturesque highways that link these two busy locations, unwind and enjoy the ride.

Day 15 :

Final Departure

We are happy to have completed this amazing and thrilling journey today. Our agent will go with you to the international airport so you can immediately begin your next journey. May the joy and excitement of this journey remain ingrained in your spirit, encouraging you to go on even more ambitious travels in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.