Annapurna Circuit Trek
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Trip Duration 14 Days
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Max, Altitude 5416m
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Type Trekking
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Best Season Sept - May
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Meals Included
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Accommodation Guest House
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Activity Trekking
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Difficulty Easy
- A trek start through low elevation to Higher elevation ( 5416m)
- Explore the best view Annapurna ranges from Ngawal and Manang
- Experience the local culture in Manang village
- Roaming around Manang and Surroundings
- Observe the best of Thorong La (5416m)
- Visit Muktinath Temple and Jomsom Local Market
Introduction to the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in the world. It spans approximately 140 to 160 kilometers depending on the chosen trails. Annapurna Circuit Trek takes trekkers through different landscapes, beautiful villages, and jaw-dropping views of the Annapurna mountain range.
The journey typically begins in the lively town of Besisahar, where trekkers register and obtain the necessary permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. From here, the trail gradually ascends through terraced fields, calm villages, and dense forests. It provides a real taste of the cultural richness of the Annapurna region. The trek is allows participants to interact with local communities and see y themselves the daily lives of the Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali people.
One of the highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the crossing of the Thorong La Pass. Thorong La Pass is situated at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet). It is a really challenging ascent and requires careful acclimatization. And ultimately, trekkers are fully rewarded with amazing panoramic views once they reach there. The pass serves as a gateway between the Manang and Mustang districts. It creates a dramatic transition from dense green landscapes to the arid, windswept terrain of the rain shadow region.
As trekkers descend from Thorong La, the trail takes them through the ancient trading route of the Kali Gandaki Valley. This region has the world’s deepest gorge. It showcases a great contrast between the mountain peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The trail turns through peaceful villages like Jomsom, where apple orchards bloom, producing some of the finest apples in the region.
The sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath is another significant stop on the Annapurna Circuit. Here, trekkers can explore the Muktinath Temple which is a revered site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple’s eternal flame and 108 water spouts are the major highlights too. It is believed to have the cleansing properties thus, attracting pilgrims from across the region.
Annapurna Circuit trek has a very varied ecosystems. Trekkers can see actual transition from subtropical forests to alpine meadows and arctic tundra. This variation in terrain also means encountering an different wildlife, including Himalayan blue sheep, marmots, and eagles, adding an element of wilderness to the journey.
Accommodations along the trail range from teahouses in quiet villages to more basic lodges at higher altitudes. Trekkers will be receiving great hospitality from the locals too.
The completion of the Annapurna Circuit trek is not just a physical achievement but a spiritual one too. The trek challenges trekkers, both mentally and physically. But the rewards are phenomenal! Trekkers will thereafter have a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Himalayas of Nepal for sure.
The Best Time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek:
Annapurna Circuit Trek is best undertaken during the pre-monsoon time which is the spring season. The months starting from March to May and the post-monsoon season of autumn time with months starting September to November are the best for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. These seasons provide the best weather conditions with clear skies. It therefore gets easy and comfortable trekking in the region.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty:
Annapurna Circuit Trek is graded as a moderate to challenging trek. It is due to the high altitude of Thorong La Pass. Thus, this Annapurna Circuit Trek is recommended for trekkers with a good level of physical fitness and some prior trekking experience is recommended. Please note that proper acclimatization is very important for a safe and enjoyable journey in the Himalayas.
Meals during Annapurna Circuit Trek:
During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, meals typically include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, provided at teahouses along the route.
Breakfast during Annapurna Circuit Trek
Common breakfast options include:
- Porridge
- Toast with eggs or jam
- Pancakes (plain, banana, or chocolate)
- Tibetan bread
- Chapati or paratha
Lunch and Dinner during Annapurna Circuit Trek
For lunch and dinner, you can expect a variety of dishes such as:
- Dal Bhat: A staple meal consisting of lentil soup, rice, and vegetables, often with meat.
- Noodles: Fried noodles or noodle soup, including thukpa.
- Momos: Dumplings filled with vegetables or meat.
- Curries: Vegetable or meat curries served with rice or chapati.
- Pizza and Pasta: Simple versions made with local ingredients.
Accommodation during Annapurna Circuit Trek:
The Annapurna Circuit Trek provides a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. The most common types of lodging along the route are teahouses and lodges. Teahouses are family-run establishments that provide simple but comfortable rooms with basic amenities like beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. These are the most affordable option. Teahouses also have communal dining areas where trekkers can enjoy meals together.
For those seeking more comfort, lodges are a step up from teahouses. They put forward private rooms with attached bathrooms and can also give additional amenities like hot showers, Wi-Fi, and heating. Lodges are generally more expensive than teahouses.
It’s important to note that while teahouses and lodges are widely available along the Annapurna Circuit Trek, it is still highly advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak trekking seasons (spring and autumn), to avoid the risk of limited availability. During busy times, trekkers may need to share rooms if accommodations are fully booked.
Conclusion:
Begin the great journey on the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Himalayan Trekking. Experience the amazing mix of natural beauty along with the cultural diversity, and personal accomplishment.
Let the majestic Annapurna Massif and its surrounding landscapes forever be there in your finest memories.
Join us in exploring the best of the beauty in the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Your adventure awaits!
Itinerary of Annapurna Circuit Trek
After landing at the Tribhuwan International Airport, you will be picked up by our representative who will drop you off at the hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
- 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu
- No Meal Included
We make our way to Besisahar. After about 5-6 hours into the drive we reach the town of Dumre from where we steer right leaving the highway towards Besisahar.
- Local Guest House
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Breakfast and take local jeeps to Syange and star hike to Jagat 2-3 hours. Alternatively, you candirectly drive to Jagat from Besishahar.
- Local Guest house
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
We begin our journey with a fulfilling breakfast needed for a good day’s walk. On the first part of the trail, we descend onto a river, cross a bridge, and then into a lush forest. We now climb a steep cliff overlooking the riverbank. On our journey towards Chamje, we see great views of the Annapurna mountain ranges. After Chamje, the trail becomes challenging as we make our way through a steep and slippery path to Sattale. We make our way further through a rocky trail soon descending to a grassy riverbank leading to Tal. From here we move further rugged and winding trails towards the village of Karte.
- Local Guest House
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
This days’ walk is one of the most rewarding as we get tremendous views of the LamjungHimal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft) and to top it all off we encounter small hot springs too where we canrelax and chill for a bit.
- Local Guest House
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
We embark on a challenging journey this day. We walk throughsteep narrow paths, a dense forest towards, and steep slope rising 5000 ft. We are welcomed by fantastic views as soon as we make it through the narrow path.When the valley widens we see the PaungdaDanda, a giant of a rock rising 5,000ft (1500m) above the trail. We continue until we reach upper Pisang. Overnight in Upper Pisang.
- Local Guest house
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
After a nice breakfast, we start making our way to Manang today. Manang can be reached through two ways. We choose to take the one that takes us to Upper Pisang via Geru since the route is filled with beautiful views of Annapurna and Pisang along with the stunning landscape. Visitors will notice the change in landscape and vegetation this day;the green vegetations give way to desert like arid landscape. At Manang we will visit the largest monastery in Manang -the Barge monastery. Overnight at Manang.
- Local Guest House
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
As the altitude picks up we must take a day solely just to acclimatize. So, we will spend he day going on a short hike to either BhojoGumba or Gangapurna Lake. If there is some spare energy left in us we would make a visit to the Himalayan Rescue Association atVraga Village. There we can have more information about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Overnight in Manang.
- Local Guest House
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Today’s journey is going to be a short but a fulfilling one. The first part of the trail has us crossing a stream, ascending toTenki and further out of theMarshyangdi Valley into the valley of JarsangKhola. We continuefurther northwards passing near the small village of Ghunsa and then through pastures where horses and yaks graze. At this point we are at the last part of today’s trail. We cross a small wooden bridge; thenpass an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow to finally reach Yak Kharka. Overnight at Yak Karka.
- Local Guest House
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Today’s walk is steep but filled with beautiful views! We climb all the way to ThorangPhedi which is the last village before Thorong La pass.The first part of the journey has us crossing a suspension bridge to reach Ledar village. We climb further passing through high cliffs to reach ThorangPhedi. We get brilliant views of Mt. Khatungkan, Thorung Peak,Mt. Syagang, and Mt. Gundang. Overnight in ThorangPhedi.
- Local Guest House
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Today’s challenge is the Thorong La pass- one of the highest passes in the world! It is a challenge, but we don’t want to make it that hard, do we? So, we will take the easy, safe route which is crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath). All your hard work will be paid off at the end of the day as the views at the top is breathtaking! After reaching the top we descend towards the Muktinath Valley. Overnight in Muktinath.
- Local Guest house
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Today’s journey is going to be a spiritual one! Holy for Buddhists and Hindus, Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site. We visit a temple and a monastery at the first part of our walk for today. Then we make our way to Jomson via Ranipauwa village and Kagbeni.We walk along a plateau above Kali Gandaki River, the world’s deepest gorge for today’s journey! Alternatively, You can take a local jeep to Jomsom.
- Local Guest House
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Morning take a domestic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, it takes about 30 minutes flight and you will be staying a night in Pokhara. After checked in hotel, rest and take delicious lunch then excursions in the valley.
- 3 star hotel in Pokhara
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
After a night of celebration, we prepare to leave for Kathmandu for some packing and more celebrations. We say goodbye to Pokhara and get on a 6-7 hours’ drive to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu you will have some spare time to do some last-minute souvenir shopping and resting. A dinner party is arranged to celebrate your successful journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.
- 3 star hotel in Kathmandu
- Breakfast and Dinner Included
Information
The Itinerary can be changed from Jomsom to Pokhara with walking to Poonhill via Tatopani.
Price includes
- All the transportation between airport and hotel
- 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
- One way flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
- Transportation from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Three meals ( Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) During the Trek
- Farewell dinner at the end of the trek
- All accommodation and meals during the stay in the trek
- An experienced English speaking guide and one porter for 2 persons each of the group
- All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS)
- All government and local taxes
Price Excludes
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal Visa fee ( US$ 30 for 15 days and US$ 50 for 30 Days)
- Lunch and dinner at Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Any personal expense
- Travel Insurance (Must purchase your home country)
- Any type of soft drinks, Boiled hot water, shower, etc, during the trek
Extra meals apart from inclusions - Tips to porters and guides
- Extra Nights hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- All personal, medical, evacuation and emergency expenses
Have any Questions? Check out FAQ'S
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Annapurna Circuit Trek normally takes between 12 to 18 days to complete, depending on the specific route and pace of the trekker. The standard itinerary takes the total of 15 days if starting from Bhulbule and finishing at Nayapul, covering a distance of approximately 260 kilometers (161 miles).
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered a moderately difficult trek, suitable for trekkers with a good level of physical fitness and some previous hiking experience.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is definitely worth it. It is a trek filled with breathtaking scenery, including amazing mountain views, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Trekkers who have completed the Annapurna circuit many times describe it as one of their most rewarding experiences.
Yes, the Annapurna Circuit can be completed in 10 days, although this is a condensed itinerary that requires a good level of fitness and prior trekking experience.
While it is definitely possible to complete the trek in this shorter timeframe, it is very important to note that doing so may limit acclimatization opportunities, increasing the risk of altitude sickness.
The Annapurna Circuit is generally considered to be slightly easier than the Everest Base Camp trek. Both treks are classified as moderately challenging, but the Annapurna Circuit has a lower maximum altitude, reaching 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) at Thorong La Pass, compared to 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) at Everest Base Camp.
Yes, beginners can undertake the Annapurna Circuit Trek, as it is considered suitable for first-time hikers. The trek is classified as moderately challenging, which means that while it involves some steep climbs and high altitudes, it does not require technical climbing skills.
However, preparation is key. Beginners are advised to engage in aerobic exercises and hiking practice prior to the trek to build stamina and strength.
No, you cannot trek the Annapurna Circuit without a guide as of April 2023. The government of Nepal has banned solo trekking and made it mandatory for all trekkers, whether solo or in a group, to be accompanied by a licensed guide.
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