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Overview
Overview

Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT) is one of the classic trails in Nepal scenery and cultural diversity. Annapurna circuit trek length is approximately 100-mile plus. It is circumnavigation of the Annapurna Range offering the best natural scenery and indigenous cultures of Nepal. The trail takes you along the Marsyangdi Valley up to the North of the main Himalayan range. The trail then crosses a 5,416 m pass to descend into the dramatic desert-like, Tibetan-style scenery of the upper Kali Gandaki Valley. 

Diversity in the Terrain:

The route of ACT brings varying sights, from about 100 waterfalls to pine forests. This lush landscape changes to arid slopes with shrubs, scattered here and there, just as you reach Manang. Now, Manang is an interesting place. Cliffs on one side of the Marsyangdi River are forested, while on the other, these are almost barren. From Manang, the terrain becomes a bit rough as you are required to make a somewhat steep ascent across grasslands and past juniper trees. You could utilize your acclimatization day in Manang with a trek to a glacial lake nearby.

Trek to Muktinath

This trek also gives you the opportunity to trek to the sacred Muktinath Temple. Located in the Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass in Mustang, Nepal. It is one of the world's highest temples (altitude 3,800 m). The Muktinath temple is also considered to be one of the 108 Shakti Peetha. 

Annapurna Range in full glory

The Annapurna Circuit trail is home to the Gurungs, Manangis, and Thakalis. It also offers spectacular mountain views of the numerous 7,000 m-plus Annapurna peaks and boasts some of the best trekking lodges in Nepal.

16-Days of Himalayan Bliss

During this incredible Annapurna circuit trek tour that lasts for 16-days, you traverse through isolated hamlets, mountain villages, lakes, Rhododendron forests, and beautiful stupas. The highest Annapurna circuit trek altitude is of 5,416 m (17,769 ft) at Thorung La pass. This challenging trek also introduces you to some of the most isolated monasteries of Nepal, temples, and breathtaking landscapes. 

14 Nights 15 Days 27 Apr, 11 May, 14 Sep, and more Pokhara
Highlights
Highlights of the Trek
  • Get far from the bustling city life into peaceful and pristine nature
  • Witness stunning views of Annapurna, Lamjung Kailash, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and more
  • Stay in teahouses of small villages
  • Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)
  • Visit Muktinath, other holy temples, and monasteries
  • Explore beautiful villages of Braga, Manang, Kagbeni, Jomsom, and Marpha
  • Gaze at the breathtaking Annapurna range from Poon Hill
  • Natural Hot spring at Tatopani
  • Enjoy sightseeing in Pokhara
  • Paragliding in Pokhara
Itinerary
Short Itinerary

Short Itinerary:

  • Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and stay at a hotel
  • Day 02: Drive to Besi Sahar (760 m) by van and stay at a lodge
  • Day 03: Drive to Chame by 4WD jeep (2,670 m) and stay at a lodge
  • Day 04: Trek to Pisang (3,190 m) and stay at a lodge
  • Day 05: Trek to Manang (3,540 m) and stay at a lodge
  • Day 06: Acclimatization day in Manang, continue staying in the lodge
  • Day 07: Trek to Letdar (4,250 m) and stay at a lodge
  • Day 08: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,420 m), and stay at a lodge
  • Day 09: Trek to Muktinath (3,800 m) via Thorong-La pass (5,416 m) and stay at a lodge
  • Day 10: Drive to Tatopani (1,200 m) & visit natural hot spring water. Stay at a lodge
  • Day 11: Trek to Ghorepani (2,850 m) and stay at a lodge
  • Day 12: Early Morning Hike to Poon Hill and Trek down to Ulleri and drive to Pokhara by Jeep. Stay at a hotel
  • Day 13: Exploration day in Pokhara visit Santi stupa and international mountain museum, paragliding etc. Stay at hotel
  • Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Stay at hotel.
  • Day 15: Final Departure transfer to TIA airport 3 hours before your flight schedule

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu

Annapurna circuit trek length is approximately 100+ miles and takes around 16 days to complete the trek. Arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport & check in to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until the evening when you'll enjoy a welcome drink with your guide and introduce each other. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Drive to Besi Sahar / Chamje

Attitude: 760 m (2,493 ft) / 2,140 m (7,021 ft)

Travel Distance / Duration: 184 kms / 7 hours

We drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then following the rough route by the Marsyangdi River, we pass through the low-lying villages and rice fields. If the annapurna circuit trek map is followed correctly, it will take 6 hours.  After 6 hours long drive, we finally reach Besi Sahar, which is the capital of Lamjung District. Based on the time we reach Besi Sahar, we can further travel to Chame and stay overnight.

Day 03: Drive to Chame

Attitude: 2,670 m (8,759 ft) 

Travel Distance / Duration: 70 kms / 6-7 hours

From Bagarchap the trail climbs through forest to Dhanakyu (2290m), crosses several landslides and travels uphill through the forest to Lattemarang (2360m). The trail climbs and then descends to Thanchok and to Kotho (2590m), a meadow surrounded by huge pine and spruce trees. Walking about half an hour you will reach to Chame, the administrative headquarters of the Manang district. From here you have an excellent view of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV on the annapurna trek. Overnight stay at Chame.

Day 04: Trek to Pisang (3190m)

Attitude: 3,190 m (10,465 ft)

Trek Distance / Duration: 13 kms / 6-7 hours

From Chame, you will reach Bhratang after walking through the pine forest and huge apple orchard which is surrounded by a stone wall. The Annapurna trek offers admirable views of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, Mt.Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli and reaches to Pisang, part of Manang Valley. Overnight stay at Pisang.

Day 05: Trek to Manang

Attitude: 3,540 m (11,614 ft)

Trek Distance / Duration: 17 kms / 8 hours

The trail makes a long climb with excellent views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7,134 m), before reaching to the Manang airstrip at Humde (3,280 m). Crossing to the north bank of Marshyangdi on a bridge the trail reaches Mungji (3,360 m) and then climbs to Bryaga (3,550 m), a Tibetan-style village. Finally, after leaving Bryaga, you will reach Manang. Overnight stay at Manang.

Day 06: Acclimatization day in Manang

Attitude: 3,540 m (11,614 ft)

Trek Distance / Duration: 5-6 kms / 3-4 hours

After having breakfast you will climb the ridge to the north of the village for excellent views of Annapurna IV, Annapurna II and Tarke Kang (7,193 m). If you descend from the village, you will see the glacial lake at the base of the huge icefall that drops from Gangapurna (7,454 m). Back to Manang. Overnight stay at Manang

Day 07: Trek to Letdar (4250m)

Attitude: 4,250 m (13,943 ft)

Trek Distance / Duration: 12 kms / 5-6 hours

From Manang, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to Tengi, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi valley before reaching the small village of Gunsang (3,930 m). The trail passes through a sparse forest of juniper, rose, and barberry and crosses a large stream to reach Yak Kharka (4,090 m). Walking about an hour further you will reach Letdar. Overnight stay at Letdar. If you wish to get access to a comprehensive Annapurna circuit trek guide, reach out to us today!

Day 08: Trek to Thorung Phedi

Attitude: 4,420 m (14,501 ft)

Trek Distance / Duration: 7 kms / 6-7 hours

From Letdar the trail continues to climb along the east bank of the Jar sang Khola then descends and crosses the stream on a bridge. Then making a short descent you will reach Thorung Phedi. Overnight stay at Throung Phedi.

Day 09: Trek to Muktinath

Attitude: 3,800 m (12,467 ft)

Trek Distance / Duration: 16 kms / 10-12 hours

From Thorung Phedi, the trail becomes steep; following rocky ridges you will reach Thorung La (5,416 m), which is the highest point of this trek. From here the views are outstanding. The trail descends steeply and during the decent there you can see sights of Mt.Dhaulagiri. You will reach Chabarbu (4,290 m). The trail crosses a meadow and leads to Muktinath where you can visit on the temple of Lord Vishnu, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Overnight at Muktinath.

Day 10: Drive  to Tatopani (1200 m)

Attitude: 1,200 m (3,937 ft)

Travel Distance / Duration: 85 kms / 5-6 hours

From Muktinath, the trail descends to Jharkot and ends at Khingar. Beyond Khingar you will meet the junction of two routes. The first one goes to Kagbeni (the entrance of upper Mustang) and another is to Jomsom. Then the trail proceeds to Eklebatti following the Kali Gandaki River. You will finally reach Jomsom where you can see the Annapurna Conservation Project check post, hospital, airport, and army camp. Then you drive down to Tatopani via Ghasa and Lele. The trail has ups and downs but most of the time we drive through a bumpy road through the riverside during the dry season. By the time you reach Tatopani, the Kaligandaki River has become a wide and wild stream. Tatopani has hot springs where you enjoy a bath after the exhausting days of the trip . Overnight stay at lodge. Annapurna circuit trek best time is considered to be from April to June.

Day 11: Trek to Ghorepani (2850 m)

Attitude: 2,850 m (9,350 ft)

Trek Distance / Duration: 17 kms / 7-8 hours

The trail follows through beautiful enchanting forests of rhododendrons, oaks, and pines with constant views of the Annapurna & Dhaulagiri mountain range. From Tatopani, you climb up to Ghorepani through wonderful misty forests. Literally, ‘Ghora’ means horse and ‘Pani’ means water, which translates to ‘a place where horses are stopped for rest’. You take an overnight stay at Ghorepani and enjoy the magnificent view of the mountains - Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, Machhapurchhare and Tukuche peak.

Day 12: Early Morning Hike to Poon Hill Trek to Nayapul via Birethanti and drive back to Pokhara

Attitude: 1,040 m (3,412 ft)

Trek Distance / Duration: 20 kms / 7-8 hours

After an overnight stay in Ghandruk village, we trek down all the way to Nayapul via Birethanti. Nayapul is the ending point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and we drive back to Pokhara. Stay overnight at a hotel. 

Day 13: Pokhara Sightseeing

Exploration day in Pokhara visit Santi stupa and international mountain museum, paragliding etc

Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Drop to the hotel in Kathmandu. Leisure day at your convenience to explore the city. 

Day 15: Departure

Final Departure transfer to TIA airport

 

Fitness Criteria:

This trek requires a good level of fitness.

To register for this trek you are required to complete any of the below-mentioned fitness criteria.

5K run in 35 minutes or Cycling 10kms in 40 mins or Swimming 1 km in 40 mins or Stair climbing 50 floors (10 floors up and down 5 times) in 30 mins.

Once you do register, please share the proof of fitness criteria with your Trek Captain anytime 30 days before departure.

If you're not already following a fitness regime, you would need to follow the regime that will be shared with you. The training routine is spread over four months and you would be expected to work out at least 4 times a week. The regime is designed to help you climb smarter even in higher altitudes. The regime consists of a good combination of exercises that works on all parts of your body including - Upper Body, Core, Endurance, Lower Body, Shoulder strength and improving your breathing pattern. When followed religiously, you can be assured that you will be ready for the trek. Not only does this regime help you with the trek, but it will also help you inculcate a sense of fitness in your day-to-day life. 

NOTE:

Trekkers who have already trekked in the same route or have trekked at a similar altitude (highest altitude of this trek) or even higher, automatically get qualified. However, they would have to get both the Medical Certificate and Indemnity Bond singed as a mandate.

Trekkers who do not qualify the fitness criteria or fail to share the fitness criteria proof have to get both the Medical Certificate and Indemnity Bond singed with the same mentioned in the documents respectively. 

Trekkers will not be allowed to join the group if the duly filled, signed and sealed copies of the Medical Certificate and Indemnity Bond are not shared. 

Trek Insurance:

Trekking in the Himalayas comes with its own set of risks. While adventure is fun and can be extremely thrilling, nature can be unpredictable, and to help secure you during your trek, it is of utmost importance that you are covered with insurance.

We've gone a step ahead and made sure that you don't have to worry about scouting for the best insurance option out there. When you trek with us, your insurance comes as a part of your inclusions.  

Risk and Liability: 

We will endeavor to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstances and natural disasters such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snowing, cancellation of flight and delay, any type of sickness including altitude sickness.

 

 

Inclusions
Inclusions & Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • Arrival and departure transfer to the international and domestic airport in a private vehicle
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu domestic airfares
  • Land transportation Kathmandu - Beshisahar in a Jeep or TT or Bus 
  • Beshisaher to Chame travel via local 4WD jeep 
  • 02 Nights accommodation at Kathmandu at deluxe category hotel with breakfast on twin sharing basis 
  • 02 Nights accommodation at Pokhara at deluxe category hotel with breakfast on twin sharing basis 
  • 10 Nights accommodation in TeaHouses/Lodges during the trek on twin sharing basis
  • Muktinath to Tatopani travel via local 4WD jeep
  • Pick up from Ulleri / Nayapul and drive to Pokhara
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit fee 
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Fee
  • Pokhara sightseeing in a van and with a guide
  • Three meals in a day along with three times tea or coffee during the trekking period (open menu to choose any one item per meal from the menu)
  • Three times tea or coffee in a day during the trekking period
  • 2 litres of mineral water or hot water
  • 10 days trekking with an experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek guide and assistant trek guide
  • 1 porter for every 2 persons’ luggage (max 10-12 kgs per head allowed)
  • Insurance, meals, transportation daily salary of guide & porter
  • 3 litres oxygen cylinder with mask regulator for emergency
  • All government, local taxes and service charges
  • TrekNomads Fee, Trek Captain support and expertise
  • 10% discount on Fast&Up products
  • 25% discount on BMore products 
  • Personalized Dri-Fit T-shirt
  • Expedition Grade Duffle Bag
  • TrekNomads goodies

What is NOT included in the tour

  • International airfare
  • Nepal Visa fee
  • Lunch and dinner at Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Any personal expense
  • Personal Adventure Insurance
  • Excess baggage charge(s), if it exceeds 15kg
  • Insurance Fee
  • Any type of soft drinks
  • Boiled hot water, shower, etc, during the trek 
  • Extra meals apart from inclusions
  • Tips to porters and guides (calculated per person at 10$ per day per person)
  • Any other activity such as Bungee Jumping/River Rafting
  • Helicopter fares
  • Extra days at the hotel in Kathmandu apart from the schedule
  • Any other expenses incurred apart from inclusions
  • All personal, medical, evacuation and emergency expenses like extra day stay out of itinerary, helicopter services and vehicle charges due to delays, landslides, evacuation
  • Expenses incurred for guide or porter during extra days stay, transport, flight, helicopter service, etc (divided amongst the group which utilises the services of guides/porters on extra days)
Type of Trek
Himalayan Treks, International Treks
Trek Gradient
Tough
Treknical Details
Treknical Details

Altitude Map:

  • Kathmandu: 1,400 m (4,593 ft)
  • Besi Sahar: 760 m (2,493 ft)
  • Chame: 2,670 m (8,759 ft)
  • Pisang: 3,190 m (10,465 ft)
  • Manang: 3,540 m (11,614 ft)
  • Letdar: 4,250 m (13,943 ft)
  • Thorung Phedi: 4,420 m (14,501 ft)
  • Muktinath: 3,800 m (12,467 ft)
  • Kalopani: 2,530 m (8,300 ft)
  • Tatopani: 1,200 m (3,937 ft)
  • Ghorepani: 2,850 m (9,350 ft)
  • Thorung La: 5,416 m (17,769 ft)

Other Details:

  • Trek Gradient: Difficult
  • Trek Distance: 100+ Km
  • Assembling Point: Kathmandu
  • Trek Duration: 60 + hours
  • Average Temperature: 20°C to -10°C
  • Best Months to trek: April, May, October, November
FAQ's

 

Annapurna Circuit Trek FAQs

 

How long is the Annapurna circuit trek?

 

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most sought-after treks in Nepal that offers beautiful scenery and cultural diversity. ACT is a 108+ Km circumnavigation of the Annapurna Range offering the best natural scenery. With us, you will be completing the trek in 16 days. You also get to experience the indigenous cultures of Nepal. The trek starts from Pisang and ends in Ghorepani, followed by Pokhara sightseeing. We also do a sunrise trek to Poon Hill towards the end of the trek.

 

When is the best time to go for an Annapurna circuit trek?

 

Autumn (September to November) and summer (April to June) are the best seasons for trekking in the Annapurna region. The skies will be clear, and you can enjoy spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks. Even though it is no longer the monsoon season, the lower regions (jungle) will be much warmer and more humid, and you may encounter an unexpected shower or two. It will also be much cooler above 3,500 m (11,482 ft). Even though it is not technically winter, you will need warm clothing along with you.

 

Check out our blog here.

 

Is the Annapurna Circuit trek difficult?

 

The Annapurna Circuit trek (ACT) is moderately difficult. It doesn't involve any technical climbing, but having some trekking experience would make the trek easier for you. The trail goes through various terrains, and the roads keep changing. You may encounter muddy roads after rainfall, rock steps, snow, steep ascents and descents full of loose rocks, and heavy water crossings on the trail in the most unexpected places. The higher you climb, the more difficult the trek will become due to altitude, so you must rest when necessary and remember to acclimatize properly. The only difficult part of the trek is the day we cross Thorung La pass as we will be starting the trek early in the morning and reaching by late evening. So easily it will be a good 10-12 hours of trek day. 

 

Is there a risk of getting altitude sickness on the Annapurna circuit trek?

 

You will be trekking above 3,000 m (9,842 ft), so there is a risk because the oxygen levels will be low at high altitudes. The maximum altitude you will reach would be at Thorung La pass (5,416 m). Different people react differently to altitude regardless of their fitness level or mountaineering experience. That is why you should first learn about altitude sickness and its symptoms. You can speak to your doctor before embarking on the journey. 

 

Some of the symptoms you can experience when you have AMS are:

  • Headache

  • Disturbed sleep

  • Loss of appetite/nausea

  • Shortness of breath

  • Cough

  • Swelling on the hands and face

 

What is the accommodation like on the Annapurna Circuit trek?

 

While on the Annapurna Circuit trek, you will stay in teahouses or guesthouses based on the package you choose. These guest houses/lodges are basic but well-maintained and come with a mix of both private and shared washrooms. Blankets/Quilts will be provided. There are no heating systems inside the guest houses, however, the common dining areas will have heaters in place. Some places may charge a fee for hot water showers, so take advantage of them while you can because, after Manang, you won't be able to shower until you reach Muktinath on the other side of the pass. 

 

Where does the Annapurna circuit trek start, and where does it end? What is Annapurna circuit trek length?

 

The original route starts in Besisahar and ends in Nayapul. Even though this is the longest option, it allows you to acclimatize properly and enjoy plenty of different landscapes and climate zones. That's why the ACT is considered one of the world's most beautiful treks. With us the Annapurna circuit trek length is about 17 days.

 

At Treknomads, we start the Annapurna circuit trek by driving to Chame in a jeep. Next, we trek to Pisang, followed by an acclimatization day at Manang. We then proceed towards Thorung Phedi, Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), Muktinath, and jeep drive to Tatopani. Next, we trek down to Ulleri from Ghorepani/Poon Hill and drive to Pokhara by Jeep. 

 

Should I hire a guide/porter on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

 

The ACT can be completed without the assistance of a guide or porter, but you should be aware of your options. If you are entirely new to trekking or are travelling alone, having a guide may be beneficial. Porters can make the trek easy for you by carrying your luggage. If you have a medical condition like back problems, bad knees, etc., you should strongly consider hiring a porter.

 

As part of the TrekNomads package, we will provide a guide and porter to the group.

 

Is there Wi-Fi on the Annapurna circuit trek?

 

Internet/Mobile network/Satellite Wifi is available throughout the route up to Manang and then available again from Muktinath. Most guest houses will provide Wi-Fi for a fee. However, since you will be in the mountains, the wi-fi network will be intermittent. In any case, taking a break from the internet can be surprisingly beneficial! 

 

Where is the Annapurna Circuit trail located?

 

The trail is located in Nepal's central region i.e in the major regions of Manang and Mustang. The Thorong La Pass, at 5,416 m (17,769 ft), is the highest point on this trek.

 

Are there ATMs on the trail of Annapurna Circuit Trek?

 

No, there are no ATMs on the trail. You must withdraw enough cash from Pokhara or Kathmandu before commencing the trek. You have to carry Nepali currency with you during the trek. Generally, cash may be required for personal expenditures, tips, medicines or evacuations. It is better to carry around Nepali Rs 16,000 (US$ 125) for any emergencies. Please make sure that you take proper care of your cash, personal belongings and valuables during the trek.

 

How long do we trek every day when doing Annapurna Circuit Trek?

 

On average, you have to walk around 6-8 hours daily. On some days, your walking hours can be as low as 4-6 hours a day as well. However, there would be days (especially while crossing Thorung La pass), you may be required to walk for up to 10-12 hours. The time taken is entirely dependent on many factors like walking distance, speed, injuries, weather conditions and such.

 

How fit do I need to be to do the Annapurna Circuit trek?

 

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderately difficult trek. Any healthy individual with good fitness can do this trek, and also you need to have prior trekking experience. You have to be mentally prepared to go on this trek. The most difficult part of this trek is when you will cross Thorong Phedi and Thorong La Pass.

 

What is the highest altitude reached in this Annapurna Circuit trek?

 

The highest altitude reached on the Annapurna circuit trek is 5,416m/17,769ft. This is the elevation of Thorong La Pass.

 

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities? 

 

You can bring your charger and charge your batteries en route. There is a hot water facility but, you may have to pay an extra $1-$2. However, you can find hot water facility for free at a lower altitude.

 

What if I am a solo traveler? Is there a supplemental for singles? 

 

No problem. Many of our Nomads travel solo. It may also be an option to join a small group or another solo traveler, let us know if this interest you. Yes, there is a supplemental cost if you are traveling alone, please contact us to find out more.

 

What is the weather like in May?

 

The temperature during this season is 15°C as lowest and with a maximum of 25°C during sunny days, a minimum of -10°C in the morning and at night normally for areas above 4,000 meters.

 

Do you have a Annapurna Circuit Trek guide?

 

Yes, we do have Annapurna circuit trek guide. To access Annapurna Circuit Trek Resources, visit here.

 

Pickup
Location
Pokhara, Nepal View on Map