Annapurna Circuit Trekking, trekking in Nepal, Annapurna region

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Region

Excellent

4/5

Duration

Max. Altitude

5416 m

Difficulty

Challenging

Transportation

Private Vehicle

Best Season

Spring | Autumn

Accommodation

Lodge During Trek

Starting Point

Kathmandu

Ending Point

Kathmandu

Overview

Overview of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. It is located in the Annapurna Conservation Area in the mid-western part of Nepal. This trek is a paradise for hikers, offering not only incredible Himalayan scenery but also diverse wildlife. Along the way, you may spot musk deer, leopards, jackals, and mountain Thar. In addition, birds like pheasants and long-tailed species are common. Furthermore, the trek offers stunning views of peaks like Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m), and Mt. Manaslu (8163m).

Unique Features of the Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is distinct due to its diverse landscapes and rich culture. Trekkers will experience the unique cultures of Brahmin, Chhetri, Gurung, Magar, and Thakali communities. Moreover, the Annapurna Circuit is one of the world’s classic treks, following the Marsyangdi River in the east and the Kaligandaki River in the west. As you trek, you will be captivated by the ever-changing landscapes.

Thorong La Pass: A Key Highlight

One of the main highlights of the trek is crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m), which lies between the two river valleys. The Kaligandaki Gorge, in fact, is the world’s deepest, surrounded by the towering Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. As you trek further, the scenery changes dramatically, offering new landscapes, flora, and fauna along the way.

What to Expect: Trekking Details

The trek offers moderate challenges, but it is suitable for many trekkers. Typically, it lasts 16 to 22 days, depending on the chosen route. The best trekking seasons are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Additionally, accommodation is arranged in tea houses or lodges, and most groups start with a minimum of two people. Some of the trek’s highlights include Thorong La Pass, Jomsom, Muktinath, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Ghandruk, Dhampus, and Pokhara.

Starting and Ending Points

The trek begins in Besisahar, which is a 5-6 hour drive from Kathmandu, and ends in Jomsom or Pokhara. Since its official opening in 1997, Good Taste Treks & Expedition Nepal has arranged numerous trips, ensuring that trekkers have a memorable experience. In addition, our experienced guides make sure your journey is safe and enjoyable.

Conclusion: A Journey of a Lifetime

In conclusion, the Annapurna Circuit Trek offers an extraordinary journey through the Himalayas. Not only will you experience a mix of adventure and culture, but also breathtaking landscapes. Therefore, it’s a perfect trek for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding adventure.

Departure Dates 2026 (Autumn):

Sep 14 | Sep 22 | Oct 06 | Oct 14 | Oct 22 | Oct 29 | Nov 04 | Nov 12 | Nov 23 | Nov 28

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Difficulty: Moderate | Transport: Private vehicle and local jeep | Duration: 8–10 hours

Begin your journey from Kathmandu towards Dharapani via Besisahar.
Enjoy scenic views of beautiful hills, rivers, waterfalls and traditional villages along the way.
Continue the journey from Besisahar to Dharapani by local jeep along a rugged mountain road.
Experience the changing landscapes as you enter the beautiful Annapurna region.
Arrive at Dharapani and settle into your teahouse.

Overnight: Teahouse in Dharapani

Day 02 :

Difficulty: Moderate | Transport: Trekking | Duration: 5–6 hours

Enjoy breakfast in Dharapani before beginning your trek.
Follow beautiful forest trails through traditional mountain villages.
Pass through Bagarchhap, Danaque and other charming settlements.
Enjoy impressive views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II along the trail.
Continue towards Chame, the administrative centre of the Manang district.
Explore the village and relax after your first day of trekking.

Overnight: Teahouse in Chame

Day 03 :

Difficulty: Moderate | Transport: Trekking | Duration: 5–6 hours

Enjoy breakfast in Chame before setting off towards Upper Pisang.
Walk through beautiful pine forests and cross suspension bridges over the Marsyangdi River.
Pass through scenic mountain landscapes and traditional settlements.
Enjoy spectacular views of the impressive Paungda Danda rock face and Pisang Peak.
Continue along the trail towards Upper Pisang.
Arrive at the village and enjoy the peaceful Himalayan surroundings.

Overnight: Teahouse in Upper Pisang

Day 04 :

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging | Transport: Trekking | Duration: 6–7 hours

Enjoy breakfast while taking in the beautiful mountain views from Upper Pisang.
Follow the scenic upper trail through Ghyaru and Ngawal.
Experience traditional Himalayan villages and impressive landscapes along the route.
Enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and surrounding peaks.
Continue towards Manang through beautiful alpine scenery.
Arrive in Manang and settle into your teahouse.

Overnight: Teahouse in Manang

Day 05 :

Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Transport: Walking | Duration: 2–4 hours (optional hike)

Spend the day resting and allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude.
Explore the traditional village of Manang and experience its unique Himalayan culture.
Take an optional hike to Gangapurna Lake or a nearby viewpoint.
Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
Visit the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) if its altitude-awareness session is available.
Return to your teahouse and prepare for the next stage of the trek.

Overnight: Teahouse in Manang

Day 06 :

Difficulty: Moderate | Transport: Trekking | Duration: 4–5 hours

Enjoy breakfast in Manang before continuing towards higher elevations.
Follow a gradual uphill trail through beautiful alpine landscapes.
Pass through small mountain settlements and yak grazing pastures.
Enjoy impressive views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Continue at a steady pace to support proper acclimatization.
Arrive at Yak Kharka and relax at your teahouse.

Overnight: Teahouse in Yak Kharka

Day 07 :

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging | Transport: Trekking | Duration: 4–5 hours

Start the day with breakfast at Yak Kharka.
Follow rocky mountain trails towards Thorong Phedi.
Cross suspension bridges and navigate the rugged Himalayan landscape.
Enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and deep valleys.
Reach Thorong Phedi, the base camp for crossing the famous Thorong La Pass.
Rest, prepare your equipment and get ready for an early morning start.

Overnight: Teahouse in Thorong Phedi

Day 08 :

Difficulty: Challenging | Transport: Trekking | Duration: 8–10 hours

Start very early in the morning to begin the challenging journey towards Thorong La Pass.
Ascend gradually along steep and rocky mountain trails.
Reach Thorong La Pass at 5,416m, one of the highest trekking passes in the world.
Celebrate this incredible achievement while enjoying magnificent Himalayan panoramas.
Begin the long descent towards Muktinath through the dramatic mountain landscape.
Arrive in Muktinath and enjoy a well-earned rest after this challenging day.

Overnight: Teahouse or hotel in Muktinath

Day 09 :

Difficulty: Easy | Transport: Private vehicle or local jeep | Duration: Approximately 8–10 hours

Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Explore the temple surroundings and experience the spiritual atmosphere of the area.
Begin the drive towards Pokhara through Kagbeni and Jomsom.
Pass through Marpha, a charming traditional village known for its apple orchards and beautiful architecture.
Enjoy spectacular scenery along the Kali Gandaki Valley.
Continue towards Pokhara and check in at your hotel upon arrival.

Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara

Day 10 :

Difficulty: Easy | Transport: Tourist bus or private vehicle | Duration: Approximately 6–8 hours

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Pokhara.
Begin the scenic drive back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway.
Enjoy views of beautiful hills, rivers, terraced fields and traditional countryside villages.
Stop along the way for lunch and refreshments.
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel or onward departure point.
Celebrate the completion of your unforgettable Annapurna Circuit adventure.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu or onward departure

About the above itinerary

This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be customized based on your preferences and fitness level. It is always advisable to trek with a licensed guide and to have a proper trekking permit before embarking on any trekking adventure in Nepal.

Included

Hotel at Kathmandu and Pokhara
An experienced English speaking guide trained by government of Nepal.
Highly experienced trekking staffs.
Staffs food, clothing, salary, insurance, equipment, flight etc.
Transpotation from Pokhara to trekking starting point and ending point to Pokhara
All governmental procedure permits fees and local taxes.
Accommodation during trekking period.
Medical kit

Excluded

Visa fees/ international airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Meal in Kathmandu and Pokhara (Lunch & Dinner)
Travel and Rescue insurance
Personal trekking equipments/ gears.
Personal expenses (Phone calls, Laundry, Bar bill, Extra porters cost, Dessert, Chocolates, Camera battery charges).
Tips for Guide Porter and other staff.
All others expenses not mentioned on price includes section.