Trip Fact
-
Duration 12 Days
-
Activities Trekking
-
Trip Grade Challenging
-
Group Size 2-10
-
Start-End Point Kathmandu-Kathmandu
-
Max-Altitude 5,416 m
-
Best Time March - June & Sept - December
-
Accomodation Teahouse
Trip Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is an exciting adventure that takes place in the Annapurna region. It’s like going on a big circle around the Annapurna mountains. You’ll do cool things like crossing a super high pass called Thorung La Pass (which is 5,416 meters high), walking near the deepest gorge in the world called Kaligandaki Gorge, watching the sun come up over the Himalayas from a place called Poon Hill, visiting a special temple called Muktinath (where people from the Hindu and Buddhist religions go on pilgrimages), and relaxing in hot springs in a place called Tatopani.
While you’re hiking on the Annapurna Circuit, you’ll go to different heights, from 800 meters up to that super high 5,416 meters. This means you’ll experience lots of different climates. You’ll see things like fields where they grow rice, forests that feel like the jungle, farms in the countryside, and even icy, frozen areas called glacial zones.
The best part is the amazing views you’ll get to see. You’ll see giant mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna I, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Annapurna II, Mt. Annapurna III, Mt. Annapurna IV, Mt. Annapurna South, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Machhapuchhare, Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Lamjung Himal, Tukuche Peak, and Tilicho Peak. These mountains are like giants in the sky, and it’s really cool to look at them.
Trip Highlight
- Explore the charming Gurung villages.
- Walk through dense forests filled with beautiful rhododendron and oak trees.
- Cross many never-ending rivers and cool suspension bridges.
- Catch a glimpse of the simple and peaceful Nepalese way of life.
- Savor the delicious taste of traditional Nepalese Daal-Bhat.
- Marvel at the breathtaking sights of Mt. Machhapuchre (also known as Fishtail) and the massive Annapurna mountain range.
- Spend the night in the shelter of Annapurna at the Base Camp.
Gallery
Itinerary
Expand AllWhen you arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport, a special person from our team will be there to greet you. They will take you to your hotel in a comfortable tourist car and help you get checked in. Since you might be tired after your long flight, it’s a good idea to take a little nap. Later, step outside your hotel to see some of the wonderful places in Kathmandu. In the evening, there will be a meeting where you’ll meet the person who will be guiding you on the trek. They will talk to you about the plan for the Annapurna Circuit Trek and make sure you have all the right gear you need.
Early in the morning, you’ll hop on a public bus in Kathmandu. This bus will take you to a place called Bhulbhule, passing through another town called Besisahar on the way. Then, you’ll switch to a shared jeep that will take you to your final destination for the day, which is Dharapani.
On your way, get ready to be amazed by some wonderful things like waterfalls that look beautiful, mountains covered in snow, and cool suspension bridges you’ll cross. As you walk alongside the Marsayangdi River, you’ll pass through small, charming villages such as Ngadi, Bahundanda, Syange, Jagat, Chamje, and Tal before reaching Dharapani.
When you get to Dharapani, it’s important for travelers like you to go to a special place where the police are. They’ll ask for some information from you and make sure you have the right permits for your trek.
-
Max Altitude 1860m
-
Place Dharapani
Weather gets colder. First, you’ll pass through places called Bagarchhap and Danakyu, which are like Tibetan villages surrounded by forests. In these parts, you’ll see tall pine trees, farms, and get amazing views of the Lamjung and Annapurna II mountains. This area is also famous for growing delicious apples.
As you keep walking, you’ll come across lovely villages like Timang, Thanchowk, and Koto. This is where the trail from Naar-Phu joins the Annapurna Circuit trek. Finally, you’ll reach a place called Chame. When you enter Chame, you’ll see a big wall with special rocks and spinning prayer wheels.
Chame is like the main town in the Manang area. It has lots of things you might need, like really nice hotels, places to use the internet, shops where you can buy hiking gear, banks, and places where you can get help if you need it, like for your health or to communicate with others.
-
Max Altitude 2610m
-
Place Chame
The path to Chame takes you through a beautiful forest filled with tall pine trees and colorful rhododendron flowers. It’s like a rocky valley surrounded by nature. As you go up, you’ll see some amazing sights, like the rocky sides of Pangdi Danda and Swargadwari Danda. To get there, you’ll cross the Marshyangdi River on a swinging bridge, which is really fun!
If you keep going on your Annapurna Circuit Trek, you’ll pass through the villages of Talekhu and Bhratang and reach a place called Dhikur Pokhari. From here, you can see lots of mountains, like Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, Chulu Peak, and Tilicho Peak.
After that, you’ll cross another swinging bridge over a river and start walking towards Upper Pisang. Upper Pisang is a special place because you can see fantastic views of the Annapurna Range, with mountains like Kuntu Danda, Longyo Danda, and Pisang Peak. Just keep in mind that the air is thin up there, so some hikers might find it a bit hard to breathe.
-
Max Altitude 3300m
-
Place Upper Pisang
You’ll be taking the most challenging trail, starting from Pisang. This path has lots of steep climbs and twists. You’ll hike up to Upper Pisang through places like Ghyaru and Ngawal. From there, you’ll get to see amazing views of big mountains like Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Gandarbha Chuli, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Glacier Dome, and Khangsar Kan.
As you go higher, you’ll notice that the air gets cooler, drier, and tougher to breathe. Along the way, you’ll pass through Tibetan communities, where you can learn about their Buddhist culture. Before reaching Manang, you’ll go through a pretty town called Munchi and a small village called Braga. In Manang, you’ll visit the biggest monastery, called Barge Monastery, and explore it.
When you finally arrive in Manang, you’ll see that it’s one of the largest settlements along the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It has everything you might need, like places to stay, eat, and get supplies. Plus, the road is lined with Buddhist shrines, which are really interesting to see.
-
Max Altitude 3540m
-
Place Manang
Before we head to the really high places like Thorung La Pass, we need a special day to get used to the high elevation. Today, according to your plan for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, is that important day. It’s called an “acclimatization day.”
On this day, you can make the most of your time by taking a short walk to a beautiful place called Gangapurna Lake and the area around it. The path to this tourist spot might be a bit rocky and have some small pebbles and litter, but the view is absolutely amazing.
Gangapurna Lake itself is calm and gets its water from melting ice on the mountains nearby. It’s surrounded by shiny mountains and rough hills. From the edge of the lake, you can see mountains like Mt. Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, Glacial Dom, and Annapurna.
Some hikers like to go on an extra hike to Ice Lake and Base Camp, which are nearby. These places offer even more incredible views, including Chulu Peak, Tilicho, and Annapurna III. So, today is all about getting used to the high places and enjoying the breathtaking scenery!
On your Annapurna Circuit journey, you’ll leave Manang village and start going up towards a place called Tengi. First, you’ll cross a little stream, and then you’ll keep climbing out of the Marshyangdi Valley. After that, you’ll head northwest and go up the Jarsang Khola valley.
As you go north in this valley, you’ll slowly start going higher up. Along the way, you’ll pass through a few grassy areas and some places with juniper trees. You’ll come to a small village called Ghusang, where you’ll see houses with roofs made of mud.
Then, you’ll keep going and come to open fields where yaks and horses graze, and this area is called Yak Kharka. You’ll cross an old Mani wall, which is like a special wall with rocks and carvings, in a peaceful meadow after crossing a small river on a wooden bridge. Finally, you’ll reach a pretty little village called Ledar.
-
Max Altitude 4200m
-
Place Ledar
Today, you’re going to walk to a place called Thorung High Camp, which is also called Thorung Phedi. It might take you about 4 to 5 hours to get there, depending on how you’re feeling and what the weather’s like.
Up in these higher places, things can get a bit tougher because the air is thinner, and sometimes it gets really windy. If there’s snow on the trail, it can make the walk even longer. So, make sure to follow your guide carefully and take it slow.
As you walk, you might see herds of yaks and blue sheep on the other side of the river, across from where you’re walking. In Thorung Phedi, there aren’t too many places to stop for tea or food, so it’s important to be prepared.
Unlike the green and lush areas you passed through at the start of your hike, this part of the trail is more like a rocky desert. It’s quite different and might seem a bit strange.
Going to the High Camp today will make tomorrow’s journey a bit easier if you’re not too tired and you’re excited to keep going.
You’re going to a really high place called Thorung La Pass, which is 5,416 meters tall. To get there, you’ll have to climb up a steep path from Thorung Phedi or Thorung High Camp. Once you reach Thorung La Pass, you’ll be able to see lots of big mountains like the Annapurna Range, Thorong Peak, Dhaulagiri Range, and Nilgiri, which are all far away but look amazing.
After you’ve taken some pictures and enjoyed the view, your next step on the Annapurna Circuit Trek Route is to go down to Muktinath. The whole way down is the trail from Thorung La Pass to Muktinath. Muktinath is not just a Buddhist temple; it’s also the second-largest Hindu temple. A lot of Hindu pilgrims visit it. In Muktinath, there are two small ponds and 108 water taps. Hindus believe that if you take showers with all 108 taps, it can wash away the sins you might have from your past life.
Nearby, there’s a special place called Dhola Mebar Gompa or the Jwalamai temple, which is for the goddess of fire. There’s a holy natural gas flame that burns behind a grill just above a spring, and it’s not too far from a group of Chorten, which are like big stone structures.
After visiting the Muktinath Temple, you’ll go back to your lodge for breakfast. Then, you’ll continue on your journey to Jomsom. You’ll pass through places like Jharkot Village, Kagbeni, and Ekle Bhatti, which is the main office place for the Mustang District. Jomsom is in one of the windiest valleys in Nepal.
-
Max Altitude 2720m
-
Place Jomsom
There’s a big town called Jomsom that stretches along both sides of the Kali Gandaki River. This town is really important because it’s where people stop before going to Muktinath and Upper Mustang. The Nepalese Army even has a group of soldiers stationed here.
In Jomsom, there’s an airport called Jomsom Airport. It can handle planes from the Nepalese Army Air Service, and it has regular flights to a place called Pokhara. This morning, you’ll head to the Jomsom airport early to catch your plane to Pokhara. It’s your last day of trekking in the mountains, according to your plan for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The flight to Pokhara will take about 30 to 40 minutes, and you’ll get to see the route you took to Tatopani and Ghorepani, plus you’ll enjoy amazing views of the Annapurna Himalaya Range during the flight.
Once you arrive in Pokhara, you’ll have a whole day to relax and rest your tired muscles after the long trek. Pokhara is a great place to explore, and there are lots of cool things to see like Phewa Lake, Tal Barahi, Devi’s Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, World Peace Pagoda, International Mountain Museum, Bindabasini Temple, Mahendra Cave, and more. If the weather is nice, it’s really fun to row a boat on Phewa Lake.
Today marks the end of your Annapurna Circuit Trek adventure. You’ll start your day in Pokhara, and in the morning, you’ll hop on a tourist bus for your journey back to Kathmandu. The distance between Pokhara and Kathmandu is about 205 kilometers. Along the way, you’ll follow two beautiful rivers, the Marsyangdi River and then the Trishuli River.
During the ride, you’ll pass through some charming places like Damauli bazaar, Dumre bazaar, and other lovely villages. You’ll also get to enjoy amazing views of snow-covered mountains, hilly landscapes, and waterfalls.
When you arrive back in the Kathmandu Valley, our team will be there to meet you. They’ll help you get to your hotel so you can freshen up and relax before spending your last evening in Nepal. You can explore Thamel or do some shopping to make the most of your time here.
Final Departure
Depending on when your plane leaves, we usually arrange a ride to the airport about three hours before your flight. If you have extra time, we can plan some fun things for you to do or you can go explore by yourself.
Includes/Excludes
- Cost of necessary trekking permits, including the ACAP permit and the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card.
- Airport transfers to and from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
- A licensed trekking guide and porter to carry a portion of your gear. The guide provides information, ensures your safety, and helps with logistics.
- Essential equipment like sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles.
- Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara (usually at a three-star hotel) before and after the trek. Accommodations during the trek in teahouses or lodges.
- Basic first aid supplies and emergency evacuation arrangements
- Detailed trekking itinerary with information about daily distances, altitudes, and schedules.
- The cost of international flights to and from Nepal.
- Travel insurance, including emergency medical and evacuation coverage.
- Expenses for items like personal snacks, beverages (other than water), souvenirs, and additional meals in Kathmandu.
- Additional Gear: you need to rent or purchase additional equipment like trekking boots, warm clothing, and a daypack.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and teahouse staff.
- Any optional activities, such as helicopter tours or side treks.
- The cost of obtaining a visa for Nepal.
- Personal Medications
Reviews
7UNESCO World Heritage Tour With getnepal
I recently embarked on the 7 UNESCO World Heritage Tour with Get Nepal Treks And Tours and had a truly enriching experience. The tour covered some of Nepal’s most iconic sites, including Kathmandu durbar square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Bhaktpur changunarayan ,patan , pashupathinath and boudhanath each offering a unique glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Our guide, raj was incredibly knowledgeable, providing insightful commentary at every stop. The entire team at Get Nepal Trek And Tours ensured seamless logistics throughout the journey, from comfortable accommodations to well-maintained transportation.
I appreciated their attention to detail and prompt responses to all inquiries, making the planning process stress-free. The tour exceeded my expectations in terms of both quality and value.
Overall, I highly recommend Get Nepal Treks And Tours for their exceptional service and memorable tours. They truly offer an authentic and immersive experience of Nepal’s cultural and natural wonders.
Amazing Kathmandu Full Day City Tour with Raj
Our full day city tour in Kathmandu was nothing short of spectacular, thanks to our knowledgeable guide, Raj. We explored four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Swayambhunath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath stupa.
Overall, Raj’s exceptional guiding skills, combined with his deep understanding of Kathmandu’s heritage, made this tour unforgettable. I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to explore the rich cultural tapestry of Kathmandu.
Unforgettable experience!
I cannot express my gratitude adequately for the exceptional 14-day Everest Base Camp trek organized by Get Nepal Treks and Tours. Our guide, who was both knowledgeable and enjoyable to be around, meticulously explained every aspect of the journey and took great care of us throughout. The guide, along with their lovely assistant, added an extra layer of specialness to our experience. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Get Nepal Treks and the entire team for their remarkable support. The unforgettable farewell party served as the perfect conclusion to this incredible journey. I eagerly anticipate my next adventure with them in Nepal!
Amazing experience!!!
Great Views and Amazing experience. Trek was strenuous, Guides made it easier. They provided us with great guidance, clean water and amazing food. They helped us organize the trip and provided great support. Get Nepal Treksand Tour is the best!!!
Great company to book with
We had an incredible experience on this trek during the off-season. It was important for us to select a Nepali company for our adventure, and they took care of all the logistics, making the entire journey exceptionally smooth. Our guide and porter were not only incredibly skilled but also provided us with unwavering support throughout the entire trek. If you have the option, we highly recommend requesting their services when booking your trek. We are already looking forward to returning for another adventure!