Annapurna Circuit Itinerary
Duration
12
Group Size
Max Elevation
5,146m
Difficulty
Medium
Start & End Point
Jagat-Pokhara
Accomodation
Tea houses and lodge
Permit
Discount
Best Time
Highlights
- Thorong La Pass: The trek's highest point at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
- Annapurna I: Marvel at the majestic sight of Annapurna I, the 10th highest mountain in the world, towering at 8,091 meters (26,545 feet).
- Cultural Diversity: Encounter diverse ethnic communities along the trail, each with its unique traditions and hospitality, including Gurungs, Magars, Thakalis, and Tibetans.
- Kali Gandaki Gorge: Traverse through the dramatic landscapes of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, known as the world's deepest gorge, providing awe-inspiring vistas.
- Natural Hot Springs: Relax and unwind in the natural hot springs of Tatopani, offering a soothing retreat for tired muscles amidst the mountainous terrain.
The Annapurna Round Trek is one of Nepal's most iconic and celebrated trekking routes, renowned for its stunning scenery, rich cultural diversity, and challenging yet rewarding trails. Situated in the majestic Annapurna region of the Himalayas, this trek offers adventurers an immersive experience through diverse landscapes, from lush rhododendron forests to high-altitude desert plateaus, and from traditional villages to breathtaking mountain vistas.
The Annapurna Round Trek typically spans around 160 to 230 kilometers (100 to 145 miles) and takes approximately 12 to 13 days to complete, depending on the specific route taken and the pace of the trekker. The trek usually starts and ends in the bustling town of Besisahar, gradually ascending through a series of picturesque villages such as Chamje, Pisang, Manang, and Jomsom, before descending through the Kali Gandaki Valley, renowned as the world's deepest gorge.
Overview
Embark on the fantastic Annapurna Circuit Trek with our hand-picked itinerary that takes you around the entire Annapurna massif reaching the zenith at Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft). We will walk on the Annapurna circuit trek, regardless the difficulty level, through the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki gorge with Mt. Annapurna I rising to 8,091m (26,545ft) to the east and Mt. Dhaulagiri hovering at 8,167m (26,795ft) to the west!
We savor the fabulous mountain views from various destinations during our Annapurna circuit trek in the best season during spring and autumn and discover the diverse region. Furthermore, Annapurna Circuit Trek also takes us to Manang, Jomsom and the Muktinath regions that allow you to get acquainted with the diverse Nepalese landscape
Typical Itinerary
The first day driving from Kathmandu to Jagat, which takes approximately 8-9 hours. Depart from Kathmandu in the morning and follow the Prithvi Highway. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Nepal, passing through lush valleys, terraced fields, and charming villages along the way. Arrive in Besisahar and drive towards Jagat, ready to explore the beautiful Annapurna region and unwind after the long drive. Overnight in Jagat.
Continue your trek from Jagat to Dharapani, as the trail gradually gains altitude. Pass through dense forests of rhododendron and pine, catch glimpses of towering peaks, and experience the warm hospitality of the local communities along the way.Overnight in Dharapani.
Embark on a scenic hike from Dharapani to Chame, a lively town nestled amidst towering mountains. Witness breathtaking views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal as you traverse through a mix of lush forests and terraced fields, arriving at the gateway to the Manang Valley.Overnight in Chame.
On the fourth day of your Annapurna Circuit trek, you will trek from Chame to Upper Pisang. Leaving the charming town of Chame behind, you will traverse through dense forests, cross suspension bridges over the Marsyangdi River, and pass by picturesque villages. As you ascend, be prepared to witness awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks, including the magnificent Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Overnight in Upper pisang.
On day five, you will embark on a scenic trek from Upper Pisang to Manang, situated at an elevation of 3,540 meters. The day's journey will offer breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna mountain ranges. You'll pass through charming villages, lush forests, and cross the Marsyangdi River, immersing yourselves in the natural beauty of the region as you make your way towards Manang. Overnight in Manang.
As you ascend to the higher altitude, it is very important to have a day to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness. On that day, you will visit the local village, chortens and gumba. Overnight in Manang.
You trek for at least four to five hours from Manang to Yak Kharka. Today walk past through Tanki Manang. Descending in the Thorong Khola Valley, cross the river then hike up to a plateau. On the way, the Annapurna range is stunning against the blue sky. You may also encounter the beautiful Blue sheep however they are not literally blue in colour. Overnight at Yak Kharka.
Start your day with an early breakfast at Yak Kharka and begin the trek to Thorong Phedi. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and snow-capped peaks. After approximately 5-6 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Thorong Phedi, a small settlement at 4525m. Rest and acclimatize in preparation for the challenging Thorong La Pass crossing on the following day. Overnight in Thorong Phedi.
Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass and it takes about eight to nine hours. You start early for your crossing of Thorong La [5416m]. The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving the camp but as this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of years the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around four hours of steady climbing you reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. The descent to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m, but it's compensated for with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple. Overnight in Muktinath.
While returning from your trip have breakfast at Muktinath, take a slightly different route via Lubra village to Jomsom. Lubra village is a hidden village located in Panda Khola gorge in between Kagbeni and Jomsom. The trail here is free from crowds as Lubra is rarely visited by the tourists doing the Mustang and Annapurna Circuit trail. You can visit the ancient Bon Po monastery here which can be seen in very limited places of Upper Mustang and Dolpo region. Bon Po is believed to be older than Buddhism and is not represented by many monasteries these days. After spending some quality time in Lubra village, continue your trail to Jomsom. Overnight in Jomsom.
After completing the majestic trek of Annapurna circuit, you drive four to five hours from Jomsom to Tatopani. Tatopani is famous for its natural hot water spring. You enjoy rest of your day at hot water pool and relax. Overnight in Tatopani.
After breakfast, you bid farewell to the beautiful Annapurna region and drive from Tatopani to Pokhara. Upon arrival, you check in to your designated hotel and rest of the day is free as the trek ends here.
Inclusion
- Round trip domestic flight tickets to Lukla, including drive to Ramechhap.
- 11 nights’ accommodation in trekkers lodge/tea house during the trek.
- Three vegetarian meals along with one coffee/tea during the trek. (Non-veg meal can be arranged upon request at additional cost), One item from the menu.
- Basic English speaking local trekking guide along with two porters (one porter for every two members) during the trek.
- All necessary paper work and permits (Community Permit / Everest National Park permit).
- All Government taxes and service charges.
Exclusion
- Nepal entry visa.
- International flight to and from Kathmandu.
- Lunch and dinner or any other meal not specified above.
- Personal Travel Medical Insurance.
- Personal expenses such as bar, beverages, tips and gratuities, bottled water, laundry, telephone, battery recharge, etc.
- Personal belongings (shoes/clothes) and trekking equipment’s.
- Hot showers during the trek.
- Any extra cost incurred due to changing the itinerary, like early return from the trek.
- All other personal expenses not listed in the inclusion section.
Map
