Overview for Annapurna Circuit Trek In Nepal
- Trip Code: CT-10034
- Package: Annapurna Circuit Trek In Nepal
- Duration: 16 Day(s)
- Max Alt.: 5,416m/ 17,764ft
- Trip Level:
ModerateRequires some level of experience in trekking with basic physical ability.
- Start At: Kathmandu
- Ends At: Kathmandu
- Transportation: Tourist Bus | Private Vehicle | Domestic Flight
- Accommodation: Guest House | Hotel
- Best Season: March- April- May- Aug- Sep- Oct- Nov
- Trip Route: Besi Shahar-Chyamje -Dharapani- Chame- Pisang- Manang- Thorung Phedi- Thorung La – Muktinath- Tatopani- Ghorepani- Pokhara
Trip Highlights
- Exploring the picturesque Manang valley enclosed within high snow peaks.
- Crossing Thorang La Pass, the highest point of the adventure
- Enjoy walk to beautiful Kagbeni village adorned with age-old culture.
- Refreshing Hot spring pools at Tatopani lovely village
- Scenic Ghorepani village and stunning sunrise views from high Poon Hill.
Annapurna Circuit Trek, is one of the complete trekking packages in whole Himalayas. The trek offers great diversity and uniqueness which makes the walk pleasant and enjoyable throughout the journey. Annapurna Circuit, listed as world’s top ten adventure destinations by various travel magazines and guide books. Due to its amazing variation of climate change, dramatic landscapes and vegetation on daily walks, along with cultures.
Trekkers will certainly enjoy the delightful moments that Annapurna Circuit trek offers, including the warm hospitality of the local villagers. Where walk leads from low warm sub-tropical farm areas to cooler green hills, and then reaching the arctic cold terrain.
Such a vast changes and difference during the whole trekking and reaching the highest point on top Thorang-La Pass. Which is at the height of 5,416 m. During the trek where route lead through beautiful coniferous and deodar forest. Then reaching dry windswept scenic valley of upper Manang, the villages adorned with ancient Tibetan Heritage of Buddhism cultures.
A great adventure to experience from Lamjung, Manang to Mustang region within the close backdrop of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas. Where walk leads to holy Muktinath temple premises, the holiest of holy pilgrimage sites for all Hindu and Buddhist followers.
On leaving Manang valley crossing high Thorang-La towards Mustang region, past Muktinath and Jomsom. Walk follows the ancient Trans-Himalaya Salt Trade route of Nepal and Tibet through charming villages of Marpha and Tukuche.
As the adventure heads down to low warmer country of Kali Gandaki valley and walking through world’s deepest gorge. Sandwiched between great giant peaks of Annapurna-I and Dhaulagiri Himalayas then reaching at nice village of Tatopani.
A place with natural hot-spring to enjoy refreshing bath and a dip in a warm pools, enjoying time at Tatopani. Adventure continues heading for big climb towards cooler forested hills reaching Ghorepani village, a popular and scenic spot. Located amidst beautiful rhododendron forest surrounding, where early morning hike takes you Poon Hill for stunning sunrise views.
Along with 360° wide panorama of world’s three high mountain range from Dhaulagiri, Annapurna to Manaslu. The snow peaks extends from far west to eastern horizon, slowly our great adventurous walks comes to an end. From Ghorepani walk towards a road-head around low warm farm villages, then taking a drive to beautiful scenic Pokhara. Where our most overwhelming and mesmerizing adventure and experience on Annapurna Circuit Trek concludes.
Altitude Chart
Annapurna Circuit Trek In Nepal Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Our staff from Core Treks will receives you at the airport on arrival for short transfer to your hotel. The hotel accommodation of three-star standard or above based on the preference of the clients. We will have a short briefing session at our office or in the hotel lobby and meeting rooms, regarding the trip and travel details. Please feel free to ask questions during the briefing session. After a bit of walking around the streets of Thamel, we will wrap up for the day.
Kathmandu to Besi Shahar
Having breakfast, get ready for trek departure where our guide and trekking staff accompany you. The drive leads beyond Kathmandu valley and interesting journey on the main Nepal busy highway. From the junction town of Mugling Bazaar, our route diverts then leaving the main Pokhara / Kathmandu highway. Heading north to Besisar, the major headquarters town of Lamjung district, after a great overland journey. Check into a nice lodge or guest house, with time to explore the town of Besisar.
Besi Shahar to Chyamje to Dharapani
Morning drive for near 2 to 3 hours or more towards Syange, Jagat and Chamje villages from where begins our trekking. On reaching at Chamje a small village next to Masrsyangdi River, our walk follows the old trekking trail. Reaching Tal Besi for lunch, this village the entrance to Manang District. After lunch a pleasant walk of few hours to Dharapani village for overnight stop. Dharapani a nice looking village, where routes of Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit joins.
Dharapani to Chame
The walk today is interesting around Manang area, morning walk follows through lovely forest of pines and rhododendron. Reaching a nice village Bagarchap, where Tibetan Buddhism culture begins, heading past Danque with apple orchard. Then a steep climb to Timang village for lunch stop facing wonderful views of Annapurna, Lamjung and Manaslu Himalayan peaks. Afternoon walk leads close to Masrsyangdi River, reaching Kodo village, where route branches to Chame and Nar-Phu areas.
From Kodo heading west with short climb to Chame, a large town and headquarters district of Manang. Chame provides many good lodges and guest-house, as well shops, restaurants with views of Lamjung Himal towards south.
Chame to Pisang
From Chame town cross a bridge over Masrsyangdi River, as walk follows the river upstream through dense woods. Covered in rhododendron, pines and fir trees, then reaching Bhratang village, after a short rest walk to cross another bridge.
After the bridge a slow gradual climb within tree lines reaching a high ridge at Dukure Pokhari. A small settlement with few tea-shops and lodges with grand views of Pisang Peak, Chulu range of peaks. Includes Annapurna-II, III and IV, having lunch, then downhill to a flat area to reach Pisang village for overnight halt.
Pisang to Manang
A short day walk of few hours or more, but exciting from Pisang onwards walk leads to a high ridge. A climb of an hour, from the top views of scenic Manang valley surrounded by array of peaks. Overlooking Chulu’s, Pisang peaks with Annapurna range with Tilicho peak and Gangapurna Himal, after a grand view downhill to Hongde. A nice village with a small airstrip, from here walk to Braga, a place with an old monastery. Having time for short visit of the monastery perched on a high ridge above the main trail of Manang.
An interesting old monastery, enriched with ancient religious precious artifacts, from the monastery enjoy grand views of Annapurna Himalayas. After an impressive tour of the monastery a short walk to main Manang village for two overnight stops.
Rest of the day enjoy exploring the Manang village of great cultural interest and marvel the views of snow peaks.
Acclimatization Day at Manang
After continues walks of few days, enjoy and immerse within the beautiful surrounding of Manang scenic landscapes and traditional village. A perfect place for rest and acclimatization day, before heading towards high Thorang-La Pass. Manang offers various scenic places for good short hike to support acclimatization procedure.
The best options, walk down to Masrsyangdi River and cross a bridge.
Then a short climb to Gangapurna Himal Ice fall and glaciers with close views of Annapurna III and II. Includes views of Gangapurna Himal and Manang small glacial pond, a wonderful view-point, and then walk back to Manang. Afternoon, get quite windy enjoy rest and marvel the marvelous surrounding scenery.
Manang to Yak Kharkha
From Manang village, after a pleasant rest day, morning another short walk to Yak Kharka located west of Manang valley. Set off after breakfast on gradual trail past few smaller settlement and towards windswept dry terrain. Walk continues on gradual ups facing close views of Gangapurna and Chulu West Peak then reach Yak Kharka. Arriving by lunch time as well for overnight stop, afternoon free at leisure for short walks and rest.
Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi
Today another short walk of few hours, can be strenuous due rise in altitude and dry, arid terrain. Morning walk leads further west on leaving Yak Kharka, past Ledar a place with few lodges. Which is on route to Chulu West base camp, walk leads further north-west and down to Jarsang Khola / stream. After crossing a small wooden bridge a short steep climb and then on gradual rocky gravel path to Thorang Phedi. A small settlement with number of lodges tucked on a corner at the end of Manang Valley.
Thorang Phedi to Muktinath via Thorang-La pass
Enjoy the main highlights of the adventure although a long tiring and strenuous climb to the pass. But well worth the views and excitement being on highest point of the journey at 5,416 m facing tremendous views.
The walk is not difficult, but can be in snow deep condition follow the guide and taking its slow stride. Having rest in between, then finally reaching on top of Thorang-La Pass adorned with thousands of prayer flags. As well with stone cairns as respect to mountain spirits phase of the whole trek. Enjoy the spectacular panorama of snow mountain range of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Damodar Himal as far towards Manaslu range.
After an amazing scenery surrounded by towering snow peaks, heed slowly downhill towards Mustang areas reaching the bottom. Where a nice gradual walks leads you to Muktinath, which is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindu and Buddhist followers.
Overnight in a nice lodge at Rani Pawa village, close to Muktinath temple premises facing grand views of Dhaulagiri Himal.
Muktinath to Kagbeni
After a tough long walk of previous day to Thorang-La and swift descent to Muktinath, surely makes your muscle tired. Nevertheless, today a short easy walk downhill to lovely old village of Kagbeni, the entrance of Upper Mustang area. As well to the border of Nepal / Tibet-China, where old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade follows through Kali Gandaki valley.
Start the morning downhill to a small windswept village and then avoiding the motorable road, head down towards Kagbeni. Kagbeni is a village on the border of Lower and Upper Mustang, located close above Kali Gandaki River valley. It is an old and ancient village with strong Tibetan traditional style mud house and stone houses. Provides several good lodges with magnificent Gompa / Monastery. Check into a nice lodges, with time to explore the interesting Kagbeni village steeped with ancient cultures.
Kagbeni to Tatopani
Since the motor road has reached all over Mustang areas, walking can be quite disturbing.
So taking a drive to Tatopani village, around low warm farm country of Mygdi district, a lovely large village. The name Tatopani means hot-water, a place with natural hot spring to enjoy at Tatopani village. Having breakfast, board in a four wheelers or similar vehicles for exciting drive
through Jomsom. A big town and a headquarters of Mustang district, as ride leads past lovely villages of Marpha and Tukuche. Famous as apple country and its products, then reaching world's deepest gorge of Kali Gandaki gorge. Situated in between giant peaks of Annapurna-I and Dhaulagiri Himal, forming a deep river gorge.
The drive leads past beautiful waterfall of Rupse Chhara next to the road, then reaching at Tatopani village. Afternoon after getting organized in the best lodge enjoy the amazing experience having a dip in natural hot water pools.
Tatopani to Ghorepani
Morning from Tatopani village after a refreshing time, walk starts early as possible for long climb heading towards Ghorepani village. Leaving the low warm areas of Tatopani, crossing a bridge, and then our route diverts heading for a steep climb. Taking an hour to reach a ridge around farm areas, from the top a gradual uphill walk to Sikha. Following the trail within lovely forest reaching at Chitra village, and then few hours of steep climb to Ghorepani village. Check into a nice lodge for overnight stop, after a long tiring day walk and climb. Located amidst beautiful rhododendron forest at the base of scenic Poon Hill our next day early morning adventure.
Ghorepani to Hille to Pokhara
Rising early at the break of dawn, start the hour climb to the top of Poon Hill. Where you can catch the morning glory of stunning sunrise over array of snow peaks.
Enjoy the spectacular panorama of world three highest peaks at one glance with series of snow-mountain range. From Dhaulagiri, Annapurna to Manaslu with majestic Machhapuchare Himal the famed Fish-Tail. After a cool morning with alluring views, head down to Ghorepani for breakfast and packing your gear. For the last day trek of the adventure, leaving Ghorepani walking amidst beautiful rhododendron and pine forest. Slowly walk heads downhill past large village of Ulleri to Tirkhedhunga a place with lovely water-falls. Soon walk reaches at the end of the road at Hille small farm village, here our trek completes. From Hille taking an interesting drive of few hours reaching a beautiful city in Pokhara by the serene Phewa Lake.
Where most good hotels and resorts located, a great place to complete the overwhelming adventure on Annapurna Circuit.
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Depart from the hotel after breakfast, for return drive to Kathmandu, on the same scenic and interesting highway. After more than 5-6 hours reaching Kathmandu and then back to your hotel. After getting refreshed, the company provides a farewell dinner party for our fellow guests in nice traditional Nepalese restaurants.
Departure
The day has come to bid farewell to our guides and staff, as time for international flight Core Treks staff transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport at least 3 hours ahead before your international flight back homeward bound.
Annapurna Circuit Trek In Nepal Cost Mentions
Trip Includes
- Airport transfers by Private Vehicles.
- Standard twin- sharing accommodation in a three starts hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara, breakfast included. (3 Nights).
- Twin sharing accommodation during trek. (12 Nights).
- Kathmandu – Besi Shahar & Pokhara – Kathmandu by Luxury tourist bus (If you want both ways private vehicle & flight also available on additional cost).
- Besi Shahar to Chymje (Trekking start Point) & Kegbani to Tatopani by local transport.
- Hile to Pokhara by private vehicle.
- Three daily meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
- TIMS Fee- Trekkers' Information Management System & Annapurna Conservation area permit (Please bring 2 passport size photos).
- One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide. Porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary and equipment. Accident insurance for all staff
- Farewell dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant with cultural performances.
- Personal care & attention.
- Local and government taxes.
Trip Excludes
- All kind of beverage including mineral water, Phone calls, laundry, hot shower during Trek
- Travel and Rescue Insurance
- Tipping to crew.
- Personal mountaineering gears
- Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
- International airfare and airport departure tax
- Visa fee, you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu
- Do not mention the services apart from the services mentioned in "Cost Included services"
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal is considered as a moderate level trek. The trekking requires some level experience and a brief training session before beginning the trip. Our mountaineering experts will take you through the guidelines during the training session and inform you about the precautions that could be taken in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Yes, it is completely safe to trek to the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. It helps if you have past trekking experience but possible even with no experience at all. In case this is your first trek ever, be sure to attend the training in order to be aware of the consequences during acclimation.
Expect 5-7 hours of hiking per day on average. Some of the most beautiful sceneries of Nepal such as Manang valley, Thorang La Pass which is the highest point of the trek, Kagbeni village, hot spring at Tatopani and sunrise view from Poonhill hill station.
The food is generally our traditional Nepali lunch which is Dal (Lentil Soup), Bhat (Boiled Rice), Tarkari (Veggies), and Achar (Pickle).
For the accommodation there are specially Hotels & Lodges, Tea houses, and Camping facilities. However due easy accessibility of hotels & lodges throughout the trial, camping is usually avoided during the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal.
To book the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal, CoreTreks offers you a number of booking options including:
- Online booking,
- Wire transfer OR,
- Cash on arrival
We recommend you to go through our booking policy before you head to the payment. In case of further inquiries please feel free to contact us.
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Additional Information
Useful Links:
Here are some links to useful information to help you plan your trip better:
- Travel Insurance
- Trek Packing List
- Responsible Tourism
- Free Travel Guide (New)
CoreTreks is always striving for customer satisfaction and quality services. At the same time, we do not compromise on our responsibilities. We discourage any activities that harm the surroundings as well as the people. Nepal is a country of respect, hence we encourage travelers to greet people and show respect to the culture and traditions.
Altitude Sickness:
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness may start once you reach 1500-2000 meters and upwards. If you gain altitude rapidly without letting your body adapt to the thin oxygen at higher altitudes, you are most likely to suffer from Altitude Sickness. But if you plan for acclimatization days to your itinerary, you are good to go.
The itinerary includes acclimatization days to avoid Altitude Sickness. The sickness is common at high altitudes. Please note that sickness is a topic to be taken very seriously. Here are some few extra preventions:
- Avoid climbing rapidly, give your body some time to adjust
- Drink more water, not less than 5 liters a day
- Eat more, eat often, and eat healthily
- Listen to your body, do not ignore symptoms
- Do not skip acclimatization days
- Be prepared in case of an emergency
Safety and Security
A comprehensive Travel Insurance is mandatory while trekking with CoreTreks. However, there are a few measures that you can implement to ensure safety:
- Secure your belongings
- Do not flash cash or jewelry
- Have an emergency plan
- Do not trek alone
- Only choose authorized trekking agencies
Trekking Equipment
CoreTreks will provide you with the essentials such as a Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bags, a duffle bag, a t-shirt, a trekking map, a self-sufficient medical first aid kit, and more. These are to be returned after completion of the trek.
Personal mountaineering gears are not included but we will provide you with a list of equipment necessary for your trek.
Walking Hours
On average, walking time per day is 5-6 hours below 3,000m. For altitudes higher than 3,000m the average walking time is 3-5 hours per day. The walking hours may vary according to conditions but do not exceeds 6 hours mark per day.
Hiring a Porter/Guide
An experienced guide will be provided for a group of 1-5. A group consisting of 6-12 individuals will be provided with 2 professional guides. The package also includes a porter for every 2 individuals.
All our guides are licensed and well-experienced. They have been guiding with CoreTreks for almost a decade. Guides come in handy whenever you need some quick information, and to enhance overall trekking experience.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Best 16 days of my life
From: Swaziland | On: 11 May, 2019
This trip was literally the best trip of my life. I love Nepal and all the people there. I was planning to trek to Annapurna Base Camp for almost a year and finally got a chance to pack my bag up and book a flight to Nepal.
All the credit goes to CoreTreks and the whole team. The guides were so calm to explain everything and I loved it. I have nothing to complain. Highly recommended if you are looking to trek in Nepal.
Thank you Nepal
From: United States | On: 11 Oct, 2019
Annapurna was amazing. As a travel enthusiast, I can say that Nepal is a great travel destination for trekking and hiking. Sadly I could not experience many other adventure activities that Nepal had to offer but no problem, I will visit again.
Thanks Nepal and the CoreTreks team for guiding us through the trials and helping us transfer our luggage including booking the hotels and food. Thanks again.
Delicious meal with luxury stay
From: Australia | On: 23 Apr, 2018
I would consider the trek to be easier than I thought it would be. Being among the Himalaya range at the base of Annapurna is something that I will forever admire.
I am a big fan of different food all around the world. I loved the Nepalese cuisine. Also I did not expect our stay to be that much luxurious at all, thanks to CoreTreks and the guiding team.
One small suggestion would be to offer some more items on the package like spa, swimming pool, and more. Thanks.
One of my best trips
From: Canada | On: 05 Oct, 2016
Annapurna Circuit Trek is the best trip I have ever had. The trekking was tiring but worth every step. I’m an active trekker myself and had always wanted to visit Nepal for trekking.
Thanks to CoreTreks for making my dream come true. I can frankly say that I enjoyed my time in Nepal.
Thanks to the team at CoreTreks for helping us through our journey and providing us with the best accommodation and food. Highly recommended for travelers.
