Annapurna Circuit Trek

Transportation
Bus, Airlines
Accomodation
3 Stars Hotels
Maximum Altitude
5,545 metres
Departure from
Kathmandu
Best season
Feb, Mar, Apr & May
Tour type
Eco-Tour, Hiking
Meals
All meals during the trek
Language
English, Spanish, French, Chinese
Fitness level
Easy to Moderate
Group Size
2-15
Difficulty
Moderate
Minimum Age
12
Maximum Age
65
Group Size
1 - 1
Destinations
Annapurna Region
Activities
City Tour, Cultural Tours, Trekking
Trip Type
Budget Travel, Cultural, High Altitude, Home Stay
Difficulty
Medium

Overview

Do you know that the Annapurna Circuit Trek route is one of the classical trekking routes of Nepal? Yes, the trail is the most popular trekking trail to trek in Nepal. Most of the people visiting Nepal used to trek on this trail earlier. It was the longest detour trekking route as well after the Great Himalayan Trail. However, the trial has shortened. It is possible to complete the trekking in less than two weeks’ holiday in Nepal. Therefore, travel planners of Nepal High Trek in Nepal have knitted the best itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 Days package. Relish the chance to walk on Nepal’s legendary trekking trail and learn the culture of multiethnic people living around the route.

The number of days for trekking decreased significantly. The major reasons behind the decrease in the length of the trekking route are the construction of the road. Nowadays, the hilly postal road constructed by Nepal Government has drastically shortened the trekking days. However, trekkers need to be aware of risk-free and altitude-friendly trekking procedures. It is always fascinating and momentous to walk in high-altitude regions without the risk of AMS. The test of the trekking agencies’ mettle and experience in the field of Nepal Trekking is shown while operating the trekking activities considering such factors.

Highlights

Trek to the world-famous Everest Base Camp
Enjoy the amazing view of the Himalayas from Kala Patthar
Travel through the Sherpa villages of Namche, Khumjung, Khunde, and Dingboche
Visit Tengboche the biggest and oldest monastery n the region.
Visit Muktinath Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists
Relax in natural hot springs at Tatopani

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu with transfer to hotel.

On arrival at Kathmandu international airport get transferred to hotels after being received by our guides and staff, at hotel check-in and join in for a group briefing regarding treks and other useful information, with a welcome dinner.

Day 02 :

Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar 760 m – 7/8 hrs.

In the morning drive leads you away and beyond Kathmandu Valley heading to low warmer areas with views of snowcapped mountains to reach at mid Nepal. It lies in the Lamjung district and Besisahar is headquarter of the Lamjung District. Probably, It takes 7- 8 hours by local bus and you can explore the courtyard with the scenic view of the Trishuli river and thrilling mountain ranges.

Day 03 :

Drive from Besisahar to Chame 2670 m – 5/6 hours.

After breakfast, we will drive to Chame. The Chame is the headquarter of the Manang district. The road is unpaved but you can see the stunning sceneries of multi-authentic villages, various landscapes, pine forests, hills, and a delightful view of mount Manaslu. The road goes through the Marshyangdi river and it’s a challenging drive to Chame. From Jagat, the walk begins on a winding path to Chamje. Chame is a small mountain town located at 2670 m above sea level and where you spend a beautiful time.

Day 04 :

Trek from Chame To Upper Pisang 3, 230 m – 7/8 hrs.

From here onward walk gets closer to the mountains heading through a beautiful alpine forest, following the Masrsyangdi River upstream to Bhratang village, as the walk heads uphill into pine trees to Dhukure Pokhari a small place with few lodges and views of Chulu and Pisang Peak, after a lunch stop walk downhill to Pisang village for an overnight stop.

Day 05 :

Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang Village 3,450 m – 7/8 hrs.

Pisang village is situated within Manang valley facing stunning mountain views where altitude gains slowly from here onward, as the walk takes you to a short uphill with views of Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna Chulu, and Pisang peak to reach Hongde village. From here tree lines fades to barren, arid landscapes as the walk leads to Manang village on route visit the old Braga monastery enriched with Buddhist relics, ancient wall painting, frescos, and a superb panorama of Annapurna Himalaya, from here an hour’s walk to Manang village.

Day 06 :

Rest Day at Manang for local hikes and Acclimatization.

Rest day for acclimatization before heading to high altitude and crossing the Thorang La Pass. We would highly recommend the hike to Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake. Even though Ice lake is quite difficult to get it lies at 4430m above sea level. Besides, explore Manang village beneath towering Annapurna and Gangapurna peaks, a nice short hike up for views of Gangapurna Glacier and the Manang glacial Lake.

Day 07 :

Trek from Manang to Khangsar Village (3756 m) – 3/4 hours.

Today we are heading to Khangsar village from Manang village. Probably the Khagsar village is the last village during the trip and where you can immerse the charming culture with beauties of the Annapurna Himalayas. The trial is flat with gradually up and should climb around 3 hundred meters. Along the trail you will have memorizing scenarios with a marvelous valley. It takes a maximum of 4 hours to get at Khangsar village.

Day 08 :

Trek from Khangsar village to Tilicho Base Camp (4050m) – 3/4 hours.

Today’s quite a short walk but strenuous walking day towards the Tilicho Base Camp. In the morning enjoy the marvelous Annapurna peaks and with beautiful valley. The trailhead to through Sirikharka (4050 m) and it’s a brilliant place to discover nature. The trail is sleepy and quite dangerous so you should walk carefully.

Day 09 :

In the early morning visit the world’s highest Tilicho lake and trek to Siri Kharka (4050 m – 7/8 hours.

In the early morning hike to the world’s Tilicho Lake (4919m) and it takes 2/3 hours to get to the lake. Where you can extremely explore the mesmerizing lake with the Annapurna Himalayas. The lake is frozen in the winter season and it looks splendid as well. After completely visiting Tilicho Lake the trail goes to Shrikharka. It’s located between the Tilicho base camp and Yark Kharka.

Day 10 :

Trek from Siri Kharka to Ledar - (4125 m) - 3/4 hours

After having breakfast at Siri Kharka we'll head to Ledar. It's attractive gradually up through with unexpectedly scenarios of diverse peaks with a beautiful valley of Manag. However, you will extremely soak into the diverse sparkling peak of Annapurna with other peaks too. You will reach at Ledar within 3 to 4 hours from Siri Kharka. When you reach at Ledar after the tea break you should climb at least 2 -3 hundred meters and it's very helpful to adjust to high altitudes.

Day 11 :

Trek from Ledar to Thorang High Camp 4850 m – 4/5 hrs.

The morning walk leads closer to Thorang-la as the walk progresses crossing a bridge and then a climb along the Jarjung River. After that, the trail leads to Thorung Phedi where you can have lunch. After lunch a maximum strenuous uphill to Thorong High Camp. It's the best place to test your buddy in high altitude for a night.

Day 12 :

Cross Thorang-La 5,416 m and to Muktinath 3,800 m – 7/8 hrs.

Starting early morning to reach the highest point of the great adventure, after breakfast climbs up to Thorang-la at above 5,416 m marked with Buddhist prayer flags, which offers superb vista landscapes and snowcapped peaks, from here a long descent to Muktinath at 3,800m. Muktinath is a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists, the word Muktinath literally means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation’.

Day 13 :

Drive from Muktinath To Pokhara by local deluxe bus – 10 hrs (810m)

Today you must long drive to Pokhara. It’s challenging with a scenic drive to explore the various views with the magnificent place too. After Muktinath, the rest of the journey is easier with an exciting scenic drive all the way downhill with a big drop of 1,200m to Kaligandaki River valley. The ride leads at Kaligandaki River valley, from here heading past Jomsom, the headquarters town of Mustang area with a small airstrip above Kaligandaki River, through Marpha village, as the drive leads downhill past Lete. The journey enters between Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna forming world’s deepest gorge of the Kali-Gandaki River.

Day 14 :

Drive or fly back to Kathmandu afternoon free at leisure.

Morning from Pokhara an exciting overland journey back to Kathmandu by tourist A/C bus en route to observe farm villages and towns and then reach Kathmandu by afternoon. The rest of the day is free for individual activities and shopping for souvenirs. Except for the tourist bus, you can take a short flight back to Kathmandu.

Day 15 :

Final departure from Kathmandu homeward bound or to respective destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.