Annapurna Circuit Trek
Trip Duration
14 Days
Group Sizes
2-16 People
Destination
Nepal
Max. Altitude
5416m
Activities
Difficulty
Easy
Meals
Start & End Point
Kathmandu
Accommodation
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a worldwide famous trekking route in Nepal, adored by many adventurers. This hiking area was opened to trekkers in the mid-1980s. Since this very time, Annapurna Circuit has become one of Nepal’s best and favorite trekking destinations in the Annapurna region.
This 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary will take you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey around the Annapurna Massif, providing wonderful memories. You can explore the stunning Himalayas, rivers, waterfalls, enchanting rhododendrons and cypress forests, diverse landscapes, cultures, and beyond.
Similarly, you will witness panoramic vistas of majestic snow-capped peaks like Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna II (7937 m), Annapurna III (7555 m), Annapurna IV (7525 m), Fish-tail or Machhapuchhre (6993 m), Dhaulagiri (8167 m), and others, which will be awe-inspiring.
You will start your 14-day trek of Annapurna Circuit from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule with a long journey. Bhulbhule sits even west of Kathmandu, and there, you will begin your trekking adventure. The trail follows the Marsyangdi River Valley and along this route; you’ll visit panoramic spots like Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, and Upper Pisang, where you will sleep in a new village each night.
You will acclimatize at Manang so that your body can adjust to higher altitudes and prepare for the physically challenging climb to Thorong La Pass, also known as Thorong Phedi. Thorong La Pass (5416 meters) is one of the highest mountains passes in the world and the highest point of your expedition.
After crossing Thorong La Pass, you’ll descend to the holy site of Nepal, Muktinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 108 waterspouts surround the temple, which is also known as Muktidhara. It is believed that bathing these 108 Muktidharas will cleanse a person’s sins.
Muktinath Temple is the symbol of the interconnection between Hinduism and Buddhism, reflecting Nepal’s rich cultural and religious heritage. After worshiping the temple, you will be driven to Tatopani, known for its healing hot springs reputed to cure skin ailments.
This 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek plan will take you to Ghorepani, which features vivid rhododendron, birch, and magnolia trees all along the way. The following morning, you will trek to Poon Hill to witness the sunrise across peaks such as Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, Dhampus Peak, Tukuche Peak, and others.
After relishing the views from Poon Hill, you hike to Birethanti, from whence you will transfer to Pokhara for your final night in the hiking zone. The adventure concludes with a return travel to Kathmandu by tourist bus. This hike will undoubtedly give you with one of the most rewarding experiences in the Annapurna region.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek will provide an insight into Tibetan culture through local customs, traditions, and lively cultural heritage. So, this is more than just a journey through a magnificent tapestry of natural landscape; it also highlights the culture of several Nepalese groups.
So, prepare to plan your trip to Annapurna Circuit to create amazing, one-of-a-kind memories and experience an adrenaline-filled, safe trek over the course of 14 days.
We are going to start our first day with a scenic drive to Bhulbhule from Kathmandu city early in the morning after having a mouth-devouring breakfast. We’ll be riding a tourist bus along the Trisuli River, passing through Besisahar, before reaching our day’s final destination, Bhulbhule.
It will take us 7 to 8 hours from Kathmandu to reach this village. While traveling on the bus, we can see terraced farms, traditional villages, and snowy peaks like Ganesh and Manaslu. You can get tired of sitting for almost a whole day on the bus. So, after reaching Bhulbhule, take proper rest and have a nice nap for tomorrow’s trekking journey.
On this second day of the 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek, we start our hike to Jagat after a nourishing breakfast. We have to stroll the trail through dense forests, terraced fields, waterfalls, and small villages beside the Marsyangdi Khola.
We can also see the beautiful vistas of Mt. Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. We will cover about 16 kilometers in 5 hours from Bhulbhule to Jagat. Tonight, we’ll settle at a teahouse in Jagat while enjoying the scenery of the village.
This is the third day of our 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek. We’ll leave Jagat village after the morning breakfast, following the Marsyangdi River, and climb steeply to reach Tal village, marking our entry into the Manang region.
After walking for some hours, we’ll reach Kontro Village. From here, we’ll descend to cross the suspension bridge. Then, we’ll eventually arrive in Dharapani. We’ll rest here and stay overnight.
We’ll start our beautiful day after eating a delicious breakfast in Dharapani village. We then leave this village and transverse through pine, oak, and maple jungles, which will give you amazing insight, and you can feel the cool air giving relaxation to your body.
The spotlight of today’s 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek journey will be the astonishing views of the Annapurna ranges, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu mountains. After walking for six hours, we’ll reach Chame village, where we’ll spend our night.
This thrilling fifth day sees us trekking fourteen kilometers (from Chame to Upper Pisang) in five or six hours. We’ll depart in the morning following the delicious breakfast. Before we set out on our walk, check your baggage again and make sure you have everything you need.
We’ll travel through several active villages with beautiful waterfalls, thick forests, and breathtaking mountain views. We climb down a steep, narrow valley to see the stunning Paungda Danda Rock, a sacred 1500-meter-high curving rock face.
We then pass through rocky terrain and beautiful forests to reach Dhikur Pokhari. After some time, we’ll reach the picturesque Upper Pisang village at an altitude of 3300 meters above sea level. You can also visit Pisang Gompa, a local monastery, in your leisure time, which has cultural significance. We stay a night here on this 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek.
On this sixth day of our 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek, we hike from Upper Pisang to Manang. We’ll stroll on the upper trails from here after eating breakfast. We’ll have to walk five to six hours to cover roughly 17 kilometers to reach our destination.
During trekking, we can see amazing views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Pisang Peak, and other snow-capped Himalayas. We’ll walk across Tibetan settlements and experience Buddhist culture, including a visit to Barge Monastery, the largest in Manang.
Manang village also serves as a major hub for trekkers and mountaineers undertaking expeditions in the Annapurna region. Our trail will be much more difficult, with some uphill climbs. After reaching here, we’ll stay here for 2 nights to acclimatize for the eighth day of our trekking journey.
This will be our acclimatization day on this 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek. We’ll not waste our time just resting in this place, but we’ll spend our day traveling over Manang Village. We can also go on a short hike to get to the higher elevation and prepare for the trek ahead.
This short hike will take us to Gangapurna Lake, whose crystal-clear waters provide a stunning and serene scene as they reflect the surrounding snow-capped mountains. To record this amazing, picture-perfect moment, you can record a video or take pictures.
After spending some time here, we’ll descend back to our lodge in Manag village. You should take a nap early, as the following day’s trek will be hard and physically demanding. During our time in Manang, we will be experiencing its unique culture and natural scene, and trying traditional dishes.
On this eighth day of our Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary, we’re heading towards Yak Kharka. We start by crossing a stream and climbing to Tenki village, then move out of Marsyangdi Valley towards Jar Sang Khola Valley to the northwest.
Although the journey to Yak Kharka is tough, the terrain becomes easier afterward. We’ll reach Yak Kharka at an altitude of 4050 meters after walking four to five hours from Manang village. We settle here for the night and enjoy delicious food surrounded by the breathtaking Annapurna massifs, Pisang, and other mountains.
Today, we’re moving towards Thorong Phedi at the base of Thorong La Pass. We’ll move after having breakfast in Yak Kharka. We’ll ascend to a ridge, then hike down and cross the Marsyangdi Khola, walking over a wooden bridge.
Following the east bank of the Jarang Khola, the trail offers views of cliffs before we reach Thorong Phedi, which means “foothills.” Additionally, the Lammergeyer, a kind of bearded vulture, resides in Thorong Phedi.
The environment here is rugged and desolate, in stark contrast to the verdant lowlands we went through earlier on our journey. On the ninth day of our 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek, we stop in this village overnight.
We’ll be traveling to Muktinath Temple from Thorong Phedi via Thorong La high pass (5,416 m/17,756 ft) on this tenth day of the 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek. This is also one of the world’s highest mountain passes, with an elevation of 5416 meters, and your highest trekking point.
Today will be the most exciting day as well as the toughest day during this entire 14-day hiking trip. We have to walk a total of around 9 kilometers, covering about 16 kilometers of distance over rough terrain.
After reaching Thorong La Pass, you may enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, and Himchuli. Then we descend to Muktinath, which takes around 3-4 hours along a steep trail.
You can see 108 stone sprouts that continuously flow with water from the Kali Gandaki after reaching Muktinath. Also, you can witness the eternal flame that has burned here for over 2,000 years. We spent our night here.
We’ll wake up early in the morning and visit Muktinath temple to worship before heading to Tatopani on this Annapurna Circuit Trek. You can take a bath on those 108 stone faucets. It is believed that bathing in these stone faucets will clear away the sins of an individual.
After worshipping Lord Vishnu, we’ll have breakfast and catch a bus to Tatopani. The road to Tatopani is rough, winding through some of the deepest gorges globally, transitioning from dry, high-altitude landscapes to lush, green forests.
Along the way, you’ll see lovely villages such as Marpha, Jomsom, and Tukuche. Later, you can unwind in the famous natural hot springs, which are known for their rejuvenating effects after a day of trekking. We’ll stay overnight here.
We’ll hike from Tatopani to Ghorepani village on this twelfth day of the 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek. It will take us six to seven hours to reach this beautiful Ghorepani Village depending on our pace of walk. We will hike through beautiful forests, terraced farmland, and small, charming villages.
We will cross to the east side of the Kali Gandaki River, then ascend to Ghorepani. Finally, when we reach Ghorepani, you can enjoy a stunning sunset. You will be warmly greeted by the local people. You can enjoy traditional Nepalese dishes at lunch. We spend our night in this village and sleep early for the next day.
We’ll get up early in the morning to hike Poon Hill and catch an amazing sunrise. We’ll be climbing for a few hours to get to Poon Hill, which is located at an altitude of 3210 meters. Along the way, we’ll see beautiful Himalayan landscapes, including terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and waterfalls.
On arrival at Poon Hill, the famous viewpoint of the Annapurna region, one can enjoy a lovely sunrise above the Himalayas and witness peaks—Annapurna, Manaslu, Shikar, Lamjung Himal, and many more. The view of the sunrise will be a spectacular moment, which will make your whole day refreshing.
Then, after soaking up the amazing vistas, we’ll descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast. After eating, we hike to Birethanti and then catch a bus to Pokhara. Birethanti will be the ending point of your trekking journey in this 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek. You’ll spend the last night in Pokhara.
After completing our 14-day trip over the Annapurna Circuit, we will head return to Kathmandu via bus. It takes eight or nine hours to travel the 200 kilometers to Kathmandu city. You will pass through quaint towns, breathtaking scenery, and an abundance of vegetation.
After arriving in Kathmandu, we will drop you off at your hotel, marking the conclusion of your Annapurna Circuit tour. You may spend the evening exploring Kathmandu and eating different foods at Basantapur. We hope you make wonderful memories with us and look forward to our next adventure.
1350 US$
For the Annapurna Circuit trek, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the finest seasons. Springtime brings pleasant trekking conditions with moderate temperatures (between 0 and 8 degrees Celsius at higher elevations and warmer in lower regions) and little precipitation.
Most hikers adore this time of year because of the vivid rhododendron blooms and unobstructed views of the mountains. These features make the walk suitable for anyone looking for good weather and breathtaking scenery.
While autumn offers bright skies and breathtaking views, it also has a moderate temperature and little snow and rainfall. During this season, high elevations can see temperatures as high as 20 degrees Celsius, but nighttime lows can be as low as 5 degrees.
Autumnal trekking is particularly lovely, with starry evenings and verdant, orange, and golden landscapes dotted with ripe fields of crops. Such holidays, as well as the community the Nepalese, celebrate between these periods, such as Dashain and Tihar, are also going to be a cultural aspect that will enrich the experience.
The summer (June to August) and winter (December to February) seasons offer unique chances for development and accomplishment and are also thought to be the most adventurous times of year for the 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek.
This is because summertime during this season brings warm temperatures, but it also coincides with the monsoon season, which means summertime showers that cause sloppy trails. Temperatures between 2 and 10 degrees Celsius are predicted at night and between 10 and 23 degrees Celsius during the day.
Despite the rain, the valleys will turn lush and green, which will lead to the presentation of different kinds of beauty. Winter treks are known for their cold temperatures, which can drop to -10 degrees Celsius at higher elevations, but they can offer stunning skies and incredible views of snow-capped mountains.
During the winter and summer/monsoon seasons, the trails are less crowded, which provides trekkers with a peaceful trekking experience, although the cold conditions are best suited for experienced trekkers.
One of Nepal’s most popular hiking treks, the Annapurna Circuit Trek, begins with an 840-meter drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule. Over the next few days, you’ll be walking for 5-7 hours per day while ascending via various settlements. In total, the trek covers approximately 139.7 kilometers from Bhulbhule to Birethanti.
The most significant stages are Manang (3,519 m), where you will acclimate, and Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), the highest point. After passing Muktinath Temple (3,760 m), the trail turns direction and continues to Tatopani and Ghorepani. The trek includes both moderate and difficult stretches, as well as major elevation changes that necessitate more than enough physical fitness.
Our 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek is applicable for both experienced trekkers and first-time trekkers or beginners as well. This trek is mostly moderate; an average individual who has good health and physical condition can join and enjoy the trip. It includes challenging sections that reach high altitudes above 3,500 meters, where altitude sickness will somehow become a concern. To ease this, we have included a rest day in Manang, which is situated at 3,519 meters, for acclimatization.
Starting from Bhulbhule, which is situated at 845 m, we will spend our initial days at lower elevations because it will allow our body to adjust gradually. Our professional guides will be equipped with first aid training and oximeters, allowing them to closely monitor your health for early signs of altitude sickness and assure your safety and comfort throughout the journey.
Our team will include experienced guides and porters from the high Himalayas, which will ensure a smooth trekking experience by carrying your luggage and providing constant support, which you will need during your trek. Our guides have qualifications in intensive wilderness first aid and are hiking guides recognized by the government.
Additionally, they will speak English and other major languages well, so you may easily communicate with them if you need help or have any questions while on the walk. We also place a high priority on the health and happiness of our employees because we know that happy employees mean better trekking experiences for you. Our guides have qualifications in intensive wilderness first aid and are hiking guides recognized by the government.
This is a moderate-level trekking journey. So, you need to hike roughly five to six hours regularly in this Annapurna Circuit Trek. Thus, before planning this trek, you should consider doing some exercises that enhance your stamina and strength so that you can complete this trek with ease.
On most of the trekking days, you will walk for five to six hours, but on the eighth day, you will be walking for only three to four hours when hiking from Manang to Yak Kharka. Similarly, you need to hike for almost nine hours when trekking from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath Temple via Thorong La High Pass.
Accommodations are usually in twin-sharing cottages, which are often equipped with shared showers and toilets; at peak times, you may be with a person from another group. In any case, the added amenities are forgettable due to charging and Wi-Fi limitations, which are also restricted by the higher altitudes in the mountains.
The trek package initially includes 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 13 dinners, some of which are local specialty dishes. Cooking facilities decrease as the altitude increases. Green tea, lemon tea, ginger tea, garlic soup, fresh vegetables, dal (lentils), bhat (rice), tarkari curry, momos (dumplings), and Chow Mein noodles are all recommended.
Please avoid non-vegetarian, dairy, caffeine, and hot chocolates from the provided list, as well as be mindful of potential health risks. Also, the room you’re staying in may require you to purchase your own drinks and non-standard meals, and lunch and dinner in Pokhara are not included because they’re not optional.
Of course, if you are a beginner, you can begin with a 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek as your first trek. Before the walk, dedicate a few hours each day, several days a week, to physical training. This should include leg activities like cycling, climbing, and trekking, as well as muscular, light cardiovascular, and lung workouts.
When you first arrive at a high altitude, it’s crucial to give your body time to acclimate by gradually increasing the degree of the climb instead of hiking at top speed. A person needs to be mentally prepared for long, difficult days at high elevations where the finish is not in sight, in addition to having the appropriate clothing, a cozy backpack with a knapsack, a tent, and a sleeping bag. You will be able to climb the Himalayas and capture photos from the top if your training has been adequate.
The Annapurna Circuit trek, a 14-day journey that is physically difficult, will require a minimum level of fitness. Hiking is the most common sort of physical activity you will engage in during your stay, and you will primarily hike upwards, with a hard fall at the finish. Strengthening your legs through aerobic and weight training should begin at least several months early. Cardio-intensive exercises like cycling, stair climbing, and jogging will help you build stamina.
Moreover, working out the upper body, which consists of pull-ups, pushups, and squats, will be very effective for your overall strength and endurance, but the trek will be more difficult. Trekkers will experience low oxygen levels in the lungs, which will make tasks more challenging and heighten the risk of altitude sickness at higher altitudes. With the right training, you can deal with the physical effort and exert yourself to meet the trek safety standards.
When you go higher in the Annapurna Circuit Trek journey, the network becomes unreliable and sometimes does not work at all. At the same time, teahouses offer Wi-Fi to stay in touch with clients. The only difference is that it is not available at places like Thorong La Pass, where there might be limited internet access for some time. Trekkers can access Wi-Fi by paying a charge, but they also have the option of a local SIM card with data packs for their communication maintenance during the trek.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek requires two permits: the TIMS card and ANCAP permission.
A TIMS card serves as a preventive and personal safety measure and is mandatory for all trekkers. Supporting the joint issue of permits is one of the most important roles that the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) play in the event of a rescue. For non-SAARC citizens, admission is NPR 2000 ($20); for citizens of SAARC countries, it is NPR 600 ($6).
Trekkers must get an ACAP permit in order to enter the Annapurna region, which has been a protected area since 1992. The National Trust for Nature Conservation oversees this license, which supports the long-term social and economic development of the area. The cost, which excludes 13% VAT, is NPR 2000 (about $20) for foreigners and NPR 200 (about $2) for SAARC citizens. Ten-year-old trekkers are not required to purchase these permits.
On the first day, we’ll ride by bus to Bhulbhule, which is in the west of Kathmandu city, covering 200 kilometers to reach here. Then, we’ll again travel by local bus on the eleventh day from Muktinath to Tatopani. We’ll mostly travel on our feet on this fantastic Annapurna Circuit Trek journey.
Similarly, from Birethanti, we’ll ride by private vehicle to our hotel in Pokhara on the 13th day. Finally, we drive back home from Pokhara to Kathmandu, concluding your wonderful hiking journey.
Hiking up to 5,416 m at the Thorong La High Pass is a bit of a strenuous enterprise, not a walk in the park. There is a possibility of altitude sickness, accidents such as injury, illness, or environmental changes. It is important to have travel insurance to secure your own safety.
It reimburses the cost of medical treatment, loss of luggage, theft, flight cancellations, emergency rescues, and high-altitude hazards. Make sure you buy a full-coverage travel insurance policy well in advance of your Annapurna Circuit Trek so that you can have a safe trip and be comfortable.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a well-known and popular lea in Nepal’s Annapurna region, for the reason that in a single hike its visitors can admire the picturesque diversity of the landscape, not only the beautiful mountain views and have close experiences to people from different ethnic groups. This trek helps visitors to know the different terrains and interacts with the local communities which greatly enhances their hiking experiences.
The Annapurna Circuit is a journey that goes around the Annapurna Massif in Nepal and is a well-known hiking trail in the Himalayas. It usually takes 10 to 15 days to complete. That being the case, the real duration may be different from one to the other as a result of several reasons.
It’s best if you bring your medication, particularly if you have allergies. Even though we supply medical kits for altitude sickness and other possible health problems, the usage of the medication you are on is preferable.
Hiring a guide or porter is highly recommended although it is not obligatory. A guide facilitates and shares cultural aspects, thus, making your walk a more enjoyable time. A porter is also there to help you reduce your physical effort, thus, enabling you to fully enjoy it.
Besides the trekking path, we could withdraw money from ATMs located in big towns like Besisahar, Manang, and Jomsom. However, for your own sake, more often than not, there will be no ATM and if there are a few, they can be out of service.
Certainly! You have options for a shorter Annapurna trek. You can choose the “Annapurna Sanctuary Trek” or trek only a section, like from Besisahar to Jomsom.
It is recommended to carry at least 2 to 4 liters of clean water with you when trekking. Taking care of oneself includes drinking Hot Lemon Ginger Tea, Green Tea, Garlic Soup, and Lemon Tea in the morning. Avoid hot chocolate, beer, and caffeinated beverages when you’re at a high altitude to prevent altitude sickness and drylands.
1350 US$
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