The Annapurna Circuit trek is famous treks in the world and for good reason. It is one of the best places to get a view of the beautiful scenery of nature.
During this wonderful trek, you’ll walk via the trail between two of the highest mountains in the world: Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri. You’ll also get a small chance to witness a snow leopard in Yak Kharka along with the blue sheep.
Trekking through the trail of the Annapurna circuit is equally challenging and inspiring. The highest point of this trek is Thorong La which is the highest pass in the world.
The best part of trekking in Annapurna region is you’ll not be returning to any place twice. In this way, you’ll get a chance to explore the more new place and learn about new culture too.
During this trek, you’ll get panoramic sceneries of Himalayas including of the Mt. Annapurna I, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Annapurna South, Mt. Machhapuchhare, Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Lamjung and other sister peaks of Annapurna region.
Actually, in this trek, you’ll encounter with different ethnic communities.
Basically, the lower lands are inhabited by the Hindu communities of Brahmin and Chhetris. The highlands around Manang are inhabited by the Buddhists people including Tibetans, Thakalis, Managis, Gurung, and Magar.
October, November, April, and May are the best months to hike the Annapurna Circuit. During this time, the trail is crowded with a number of trekkers. But if you do advance planning, the accommodation and flight schedule shouldn’t be a problem.
Though it is still possible to trek in other months like September, December, and June, be prepared for extreme weather conditions.
Generally, the classic circuit starts from Besisahar but there are another several starting points for this trip like Bhulbhule, Chame or Syange.
It takes about 21 days to complete the typical route. But if you manage your trekking time efficiently, then this circuit trip can be completed within 12 to 15 days.
If you have a less time and still want to complete Annapurna circuit trek with a few days, then we’ll customize the trip as per your requirements.
Annapurna Circuit trail also provides several side treks that worth your both time and money.
Some popular side treks are Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, Tilicho trek, and Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Enjoy the trek and soak in the natural beauty of the trail !!!
Highlights
- Explore the city of a lake, Pokhara.
- Enjoy the best views of Annapurna I (8,091)- the 10th highest mountain in the world.
- Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit. Also, one of the famous vantage point in the Annapurna region.
- Poon Hill another famous vantage point for an amazing sunrise/sunset view over Annapurna range.
- Get a close insight of the different ethnic Gurung, Thakali, and Magar settlements.
- Visit different traditional villages like Marpha, Jomsom, Pisang, and Manang.
- Visit Muktinath temple, the major pilgrimage destinations for both religions: Hindu and Buddhists.
You might want to consider Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Sanctuary Trek which are very similar trek in Annapurna region.
Welcome to Nepal's capital city, Kathmandu a great reservoir place of culture and traditions.
On your arrival, Himalayan on Foot's representative will pick up you from Tribhuvan International airport and transfer to Maya Boutique hotel.
After checking into the hotel, you'll get some time for refreshment. At evening, you'll attend small group meeting where you'll get introduce with your trek guide and get a brief trip discussion.
In the end, there'll be a dinner program where you can enjoy Nepalese local food with cultural dance. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Traveling Hours: Approximately 8-10 hours
Max Altitude: 1,100 m/ 3,608 ft, Syange
Distance Driven: 207 Km
Distance Trekked: 3.21 m
On the second day, you'll begin your trek from a long drive from Kathmandu to Syange.
The bus ride from Kathmandu to Syange will be so charming, scenic, and offers the best views around.
If you're lucky enough to get a window seat you can get a glimpse of flowing several major rivers including the Trishuli river, a popular rafting destination.
Soon you reach Dumre, the trail turn into the Marsyangdi valley to Besisahar after continuing your drive you'll soon reach Syange. Here you can notice high waterfall even in the monsoon the views look more awesome!!
You'll spend overnight at Syange.
Walking Hours: Approximately 7-8 hours
Max Altitude: 1,960 m/ 6,430 ft, Dharapani
Distance: 21.7 Km
Elevation Gain: +800 meters
On the third day, after having hearty breakfast you'll continue your walk to Jagat. It is a former toll station on the ancient salt-trade route to Tibet. Climbing through rocky forests the trail takes you to the tiny Tibetan village, Chamje.
After that, you'll cross the suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi river and reach another delightful village of Tal. The trail continues via other two beautiful village Kyodo and Karte (Khotro) toward Dharapani where you'll stay for overnight.
Walking Hours: Approximately 5-6 hours
Max Altitude: 2,710 m/ 8,891 ft, Chame
Distance: 15.7 Km
Elevation Gain: +700 meters
On the fourth day, you'll move ahead from Dharapani to Chame. Before you reach Chame, you'll come across Bagarchhap passing via pines wooded area.
Here you'll visit a white-colored Gompa. On the way, you'll get to see the eye-catching view of Mt. Manaslu. Also, you'll see the Dudh-Koshi Khola flowing from the south face of Mt. Manaslu.
The highlight of this day trek is roaring river gorges, subtropical forests, charming villages and a majestic panorama of giant Himalayas
Walking Hours: Approximately 5-6 hours
Max Altitude: 3,300 m/ 10,824 ft, Pisang
Distance: 13.7 Km
Elevation Gain: +600 meters
On the fifth day, you'll cross Chame to Pisang via Talekhu, Bhartang, Dhikur Pokhari and lower Pisang.
Exploring the exotic landscapes via the dense forests of oak and rhododendron. Enjoying the natural taste of yak pastures, beautiful meadows, and deep gorges you'll reach to Marshyangdi valley.
Ascending up the valley, finally, you'll reach the Pisang, upper part of Manang valley. Pisang is the gateway to the upper region of Manang. You'll spend the night in Pisang.
Walking Hours: Approximately 6-7 hours
Max Altitude: 3,500 m/ 11,482 ft, Manang
Distance: 15.9 Km
Elevation Gain: +150 meters
On the sixth day, you'll head towards the Manang. The trail will lead up to a Tibetan-styled village named Braga. In this village, you'll see a unique housing style. The houses in this village are stacked upon each other forming balconies with each other's rooftops.
The highlight of this trek is the Gompa, the largest in the village. From the top, you'll get the beautiful views of the village. Soon crossing this village you'll reach Manang for the overnight stay.
After crossing the certain height of altitude, you must need to take a rest day to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. So that you could store enough energy for the thinning oxygen level.
Thus, on the seventh day, you'll explore Manang. You'll go for a short hike to Gangapurna Lake. From here you'll get a spectacular view of Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Annapurna II, Tilicho peak and the beautiful Marsyangdi valley.
After returning from the hike, the rest of time you can relax. You'll spend overnight at Manang.
Walking Hours: Approximately 3-4 hours
Max Altitude: 4,110 m/ 13,484 ft, Yak Kharka
Distance: 10.4 Km
Elevation Gain: +610 meters
On the eighth day, you'll trek slowly from Manang to Yak Kharka. The trail will leave the large trees behind, now you'll see only vegetation of small alpine grass.
Walking for few hours, you'll see some horses, yak, and blue sheep grazing in the pastures. Soon you'll reach Yak Kharka for the overnight stay. Yak Kharka is a small beautiful town. Here you’ll find several lodges and a safe drinking water station.
Walking Hours: Approximately 3-4 hours
Max Altitude: 4,420 m/ 14,501 ft, Thorong Phedi
Distance: 7.3 Km
Elevation Gain: +310 meters
On a ninth day, you’ll head towards Thorong Phedi from Yak Kharka. Phedi in Nepali means foot of the pass. Indeed, it’s true as Thorong Phedi lies on the foot of the Thorong La Pass.
Leaving behind yak pasture you’ll climb up to a ridge and head down and cross the Marsyangdi river on a wooden bridge.
After climbing little up the mountain path you’ll follow a narrow path and trail descend to Thorung Phedi. Blue sheep, snow leopard, and Himalayan griffons are commonly seen in this area. You’ll spend overnight at Thorong Phedi.
Walking Hours: Approximately 7-8 hours trek, 1-hour drive
Max Altitude: 5,416 m/ 17,764 ft, Thorong La and 3,800 m/ 12,467 ft Muktinath
Distance: 4 km to Thorong La Pass and 10 km to Muktinath
This is the most awaited day of this trip. But at the same time, this is the hardest day of this trek as you'll cross the Thorong La Pass. Since this is one of the highest passes in the world, heavy snowfall can sometimes block the path.
If the weather permits you, then the trek would be more easy and comfortable without the cold and harsh wind.
Thorung La Pass is also one of the best viewpoints for the remarkable pristine mountain views. You'll get some amazing views of mountains including Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Gangapurna, and Khatung Kang.
Soon you'll move downwards hills at a distance with a jaw-dropping view of Mt. Dhaulagiri and reach next destination Muktinath.
Muktinath is one of the famous holy sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. Devotees from different places of the world visit this place in the belief that to achieve salvation. 108 bathing spouts, eternal flame, and complex walled Buddhists monastery are major highlights of this trek.
Exploring the temple after some time you’ll gradually head down to join the Kali Gandaki river valley bottom. Soon after one hour drive, the trail will lead you to Jomsom, district headquarters of Mustang. Overnight at Jomsom.
Flight Hours: 25 minutes
On the eleventh day, you'll fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom.
Since the flight from Jomsom only arrives and departs in the morning due to the weather conditions, you'll board soon after early breakfast.
After 25 minutes you'll reach Pokhara and rest of day you'll explore the city of a lake, Pokhara.
It is famous for lakes, temples, caves, and waterfalls. Also, Sarangkot and World Peace Pagoda are famous for the best vantage point.
The nightlife of the Pokhara in the lakeside area is famous among the tourists. It is a great place to relax and entertain in the pub and club.
This will be the final day of your trek. You'll get back to Kathmandu from Pokhara which approximately takes 6 hours by a tourists bus.
Soon you reach Kathmandu you can just relax in the hotel. Also, if you wish you can stroll around the city and buy souvenirs for your closed one.
You'll spend overnight at Kathmandu.
With a final goodbye, this will be your final day in Nepal.
The Himalayan on Foot's representatives will drop you to Kathmandu international airport for your final flight departure from Nepal.
If you want to extend your vacation in Nepal, then we're happy to serve you with other different trekking packages.
