Duration
15 days
Max. Elevation
5416m
Group size
2+ Above
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most amazing adventures where one can experience all types of climates and unique landscapes. The journey leads from warm sub-tropical farmlands to cooler Himalayan hills, then a high cold zone within the scenic Manang valley.
A delightful walk that includes all the charms of the Himalayas, exploring lovely villages lined with interesting prayer monuments. As the trek progress where views of snow-capped mountains follow you throughout the trip, with ever-exciting moments to experience.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is listed as the world’s top ten adventure destination due to its dramatically varied bio-diversity on daily walks. Besides Spectacular Mountain views of Annapurna, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal, Chulu’s peaks with Dhaulagiri, the local culture is equally fascinating.
An adventure that one will never forget throughout their lifetime, as the region around offers more than one can expect. The outstanding scenery of high peaks in the harmony of local impressive traditional heritage, staying in lovely inns and lodges. Annapurna Circuit Trek leads to ever-present views of the Snow Mountains from the beginning to the end of an adventure.
Throughout the delightful walks, one will never get tired of overlooking the beautiful scenery that surrounds it. Starts with a long interesting drive from Kathmandu towards Nepal North Mid-East to reach around Lamjung district at Besisar town. Drives continue taking a local vehicle suitable for the mountain road to reach Dharapani village the starting point of the trek.
A lovely place within the Manang district, as the walk follows towards Manang valley, past the nice villages of Bagarchap, Danque, and Timang. Where one can catch super views of Manaslu, Lamjung with Annapurna peaks, entering a cool forest of pine and rhododendron.
Then reaching Chame, a headquarter town of the Manang area, a walk follows the Masrsyangdi River. As climb takes you up above Pisang village facing the grand vista of Annapurna II and A-IV with Chulu’s and Pisang peaks. From here on within the scenic Manang high valley, walk on a nice wide path to reach Braga. Herewith time to visit its old impressive monastery and then at main Manang village, enclosed between high peaks.
Spend an extra day in Manang at 3,550 m high, a perfect place for acclimatization and a short hike around. From Manang adventure continues heading far end of the valley to reach the foot of the high Thorang-La Pass. Rising early morning for the Big Day! the toughest walk of the adventure to reach the highest point of the trip.
A steep climb of a few hours leads you atop Thorang-La Pass at 5, 416 m high, facing a fantastic panorama of the Himalayas range. Views include from Manaslu to Dhaulagiri Himalayas with Annapurna, Chulu, and Damodar Himal in the north direction. After achieving great success, head downhill to the Mustang area around Muktinath Temple premises, a nice village with views of the Dhaulagiri mountain range.
Muktinath is a holy temple and an important pilgrimage spot for Hindu and Buddhist followers. From here our trek completes on reaching Jomsom, a large town and headquarters of Mustang district.
Staying for final overnights, the next morning taking an exciting drive to Pokhara city, or one can take a short flight. At Pokhara, our wonderful adventure completes, after a memorable time and experience on Annapurna Circuit Trek.
When days are longer with sun-light hours, warm and pleasant days but late afternoon can get cloudy and cold till night time to morning time.
Can expect snow sometimes during the trek around higher altitudes from Pisang village onward to Jomsom.
Next, the best time is in autumn from September to November, a fine and clear day for walks and views, but a shorter day with sunlight hours. Can be much colder evening, night, and morning. Expect snowfall sometime above 2, 500 m onward.
Still, beginners can complete this walk if they have taken physical training before the walk. Cycling, swimming, acrobatics, hiking, jogging, and aerobic exercise are all great ways to prepare your body for hiking in the Himalayas.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, your hotel includes breakfast, while all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. The staple foods of the Manang and Mustang regions are potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Thakali and Gurung locals food, and Tibetan bread.
locals started cultivating potatoes in the early '90s when the first seeds came to the area. There is a limited choice of food at high altitudes and except for many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates - an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (approximately USD 30)
TIMS permission: 1,000 NPR (approximately USD 10)
Important Items: Airline tickets; Valid passport; 2 extra passport size photos; Photocopy of your passport; Insurance paper; Dollars, Pounds, or Euros in cash for purchasing a Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying at restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks and to purchase your own drinks and gifts; Credit Card (Visa/ Master Card) for withdrawing cash from cash machines if needs.
For Head: Sun Hat; Bandana or head scarf; Headlamp with extra batteries; Sun Glasses with UV protection.
For Upper Body: Shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves); Lightweight thermal tops; Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater; Wind Cheater jacket; Down Jacket
For Lower Body: 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms; 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers; 1 pair of waterproof shell pants and 1 pair of hiking trousers.
For Hands: 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves and 1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.
For Feet: 2 pairs of thin inner socks; 2 pairs of poly or wool socks; 1 pair of Hiking boots (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support); 1 pair of running shoes and/or sandals.
Other Useful Items: 1 sleeping bag (good to -20 degrees C or 28 degrees F); Rucksack and Travel Bags; 1 large duffel bag *; A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables; Small padlocks for duffel- bags; 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional).
Medical: Your daily taking medicine if any; small personal first aid kit; Aspirin, plasters (band-aids); Sunscreen; lip balms; Anti-diarrhea pills; Anti-headache pills; A cough and/or cold medicine; Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide; Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin.
Digital camera; 2 water bottles (1 liter each); disposable rubbish sacks; Toiletries: 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel; Toothbrush/paste; Multi-purpose soap; Deodorants; Nail clippers; Face and body moisturizer; Tissue /toilet roll; hiking poles, snack food (chocolate/ biscuits); umbrella; reading book or pack of cards (for leisure time during trekking).
Note: If any items are not available in your hometown you can buy them in Trekking Store in Kathmandu before you embark on trekking.
Important Note
Day
1Upon reaching Kathmandu via various international airlines, at the airport our guide and staff for a short transfer to the heart of Kathmandu city. Where is your hotel located, after checking into your rooms, and then meeting other members of the trip at the hotel lobby for a briefing?
Regarding Annapurna Circuit Trek, information includes other useful information to make your holiday in Nepal more enjoyable.
Meals: Breakfast, Accommodation: Three-star category Hotel in Kathmandu, Distance: 5 kilometers From Airport to Thamel
Day
2We can organize a half-day tour of some of the monuments like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath. The half-day sightseeing is organized so that you receive enough leisure time for rest and prepare for the following day’s trip to Annapurna Circuit.
We will be meeting our trekking guide the same evening briefing them about the entire trek at the hotel. The evening group welcomes dinner in a lovely Nepalese Restaurant with an introduction to the culture of Nepal with folk dance and music. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner, Accommodation: Three-star category Hotel in Kathmandu
Day
3After early breakfast, a scenic drive leads towards the scenic highway. This is an interesting drive through the foothills of the Himalayas. The road has been greatly improved in recent years. As our route diverts from Dumre town towards north to Besisar from the main highway.
A large town and headquarter of the Lamjung region. From here drive continues on a rough track following the Masrsyangdi River, as the road follows upstream to reach Syange village. The drive continues high above the river valley to reach Jagat and then at Chamche village for an overnight stop, after a long exciting overland journey from Kathmandu.
Transfer into a nice local lodge and get rest for the next morning's walks towards Bagarchap.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse Chamche, Distance: 207.9 Kilometers
Day
4Morning from Chamche, a walk leads to cross a suspension bridge over the raging Masrsyangdi river, after the bridge climb for another 2-3 hours till Tal Besi is reached, the village situated on a wide valley by the side of the Masrsyangdi River.
From here on into Manang district, on leaving Tal walk gets easier on the gentle path till to a bridge, from here a short climb to a small place with few teahouses, the walk winds on the up and downhill path coming to a large bridge, after the bridge another hour of great walk brings to the village of Dharapani.
From Dharapani the vegetation, people, and landscapes changes, and the air get cooler, the trail then climbs through forests to Bagarchap, the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture, facing views of Annapurna peaks. Transfer to a nice lodge, around this quaint village with strong Tibetan culture of Buddhism religion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse Bagarchap, Distance: 14 Kilometers
Day
5Today our trekking destination is Chame, which is the Headquarters of the Manang District, we will walk through of forest with amazing views of Massif Annapurna, Annapurna IV, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal. On this day we will cross the local village and some small hot springs as well. Overnight Lodge in Chame.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse Chame, Distance: 13.5 Kilometers
Day
6After breakfast, we start our trek negotiating a steep and narrow path through the lush forest. Eventually, we reach a dramatic curved rock face soaring 1,500m above the river.
This is probably the steepest section of Marshyangdi valley. As we cross the rock, the valley opens up with incredible views. We continue walking until we reach Lower Pisang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse Pisang, Distance: 13.6Kilometers
Day
7Today we have trekking options to Manang but we follow the Upper Pisang route via Geru. This trekking route ensures majestic views with stunning landscapes and mountains including Annapurna and Pisang.
Gradually we start noticing a change in landscapes and vegetation. The climate becomes rough and dry as we reach Manang. On the way, we visit Bagre Monastery – the largest monastery in the Manang district.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse Manang, Distance: 13.7 Kilometers
Day
8An important rest day for acclimatization before reaching high altitude and up to Thorang –la, here with a short hike exploring Manang village beneath towering Annapurna and Gangapurna peaks, a nice short hike up for views of Gangapurna Glacier and the Manang glacial Lake.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse Manang, Distance: 3-4 Kilometers
Day
9After a good rest at Manang, walk towards after breakfast leader, an interesting high-altitude walk with views of mountains, crossing small streams to reach Yak Kharka, a small settlement with incredible views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Chulu Peaks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse Ledar, Distance: 9.2 Kilometers
Day
10The morning walk leads closer to Thorang-la as the walk progresses crossing a bridge and then a climb along the Jarjung river, then leading to Thorung Phedi for short rest, and then climbing the last hour uphill to Thorang High Camp for an overnight stop.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse High Camp, Distance: 4.9 Kilometers
Day
11Today, another highlight of the adventure as the walk starts after an early breakfast is a long climb to Thorang-la with a steep and winding path to reach atop Thorang La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,700 feet high.
The highest spot of the journey enjoys the spectacular panorama high mountain range of Annapurna, Chulu, and Damodar Himal with Dhaulagiri snow-capped peaks. The pass festooned with Buddhist prayer flags, and from here a long downhill to Muktinath around the Lower Mustang area.
After an easy walk from the bottom of Thorang-La reach Muktinath for an overnight stop, a holy spot for both Hindus and Buddhists the word Muktinath means a place for Liberation from the present life to Nirvana.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse Muktinath, Distance: 16 Kilometers
Day
12You will start your trek from Muktinath toward Jomsom. The final leg of the trek via Kagbeni offers fine Himalayan scenery and glimpses of the restricted and highly secluded region of the Upper Mustang.
Kagbeni itself, situated in peaceful surroundings by the Kali Gandaki River, is also sacred to Hindus. The trail leads on by the river all the way to Jomsom, a sizeable town that serves as the central administrative and transport hub for the region.
You will pass through the bank of the Kali Gandaki passing through the Eklebhatti. After the walk of 7 hours, you finally reach Jomsom. Jomsom is the headquarters of Mustang and it is split into two towns between these two towns and passes through the Kali Gandaki river. You can enjoy the magnificent views of Nilgiri and Tilicho peaks from Jomsom. Overnight in Jomsom.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse Jomsom, Distance: 20 Kilometers
Day
13A perfect day to rest your feet without missing out on the stunning views. Climb in, grab a seat and enjoy this breathtaking drive on mountain tracks and across riverbeds with unforgettable views of Nilgiri peak, an impressive 6995m high. We'll stop en route at natural hot springs. The perfect way to indulge your tired muscles after trekking. Further drive to Pokhara, overnight at Pokhara.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Accommodation: Teahouse Muktinath, Distance: 159.4 Kilometers
Day
14After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes around 6 hours. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you can opt to take a rest or go for a half-day sightseeing tour to UNESCO world heritage sites.
In the evening, attend a farewell dinner hosted by Adventure Great Himalaya to celebrate the successful completion of the trip.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Accommodation: Three-Star Category Hotel, Distance: 200 kilometers
Day
15Your adventure holiday in Nepal comes to an end today. An airport representative from Adventure. Hiker Himalaya will transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure.
We trust you made some incredible memories with us. Thank you, and have a safe journey home.
Meals: Breakfast Included.