Annapurna Circuit Trek - 23 Days

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About Annapurna Circuit Trek

Nestled in nature's lap, in the center of Nepal, Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular trekking trails in the Himalayas of Nepal. The trail is full of lush green pasture, arid desert terrain, challenging passes, beautiful forest, picturesque valleys, and stunning views of massive mountains. The breath-taking view of the Himalayas from Thorong La Pass will amaze your mind and eyes. This trek will offer you panoramic views of Annapurna Range (8,091 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Mt. Gangapurna (7,455 m), Mt. Tilicho (4,920 m), and many more. You will reach the challenging and thrilling Thorong La Pass, located at an elevation of 5,416 meters.

This trip will also present to you the culture, tradition, lifestyle, and history of local communities like Gurungs, Tamangs, Brahmin, Manangie, Thakalis, Chhetris, and Magars. The Annapurna Circuit Trekking will further take you to Manang, Jomsom, and Muktinath, where you will get to witness gorgeous landscapes and experience the traditional, culture, and lifestyle of people living in this region. Manang and Jomsom are one of the most beautiful and isolated regions of Nepal, and Muktinath is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites of Hindu.

Variation & Custom Itinerary

If you have extra time on hand and want to extend your trip, then we highly suggest you Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Nar Phu Valley Trek. Both of the packages are adventurous and offer spectacular landscape views. We also custom made the itinerary for travelers who want to create their dream adventure in the Himalayas. Feel free to contact us anytime for more information.

 

Highlights

  • Scenic drive to Besisahar and Chamje
  • Trek through picturesque valleys, lush forests
  • Witness panoramic views of the high Himalayan mountains and stunning landscape
  • Visit ancient monasteries
  • Explore the picturesque Lo Manthang
  • Experience rich culture and lifestyle of locas
  • Cross world's largest and thrilling pass, Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/17,764 ft)
  • Visit the most sacred temple of Hindus, Muktinath

Itinerary

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Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will get greeted by one of our team delegates. He/she will take you to the hotel that we have already booked for you. You can rest and explore the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the late evening, you will join the welcome dinner organized by the company.

  • Hotel
  • Welcome dinner

The day begins early with a delicious breakfast and a warm cup of coffee. You go on a guided sightseeing tour, where you will visit ancient temples, shrines, palaces, and courtyards. We have arranged a professional guide with you who will brief you about all the places you will visit. In the late afternoon, you prepare for the trek.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast only

From today your adventurous journey to Bhulbhule begins. You drive from Kathmandu along Trishuli River to Pokhara. From here, you continue driving in the north to Besisahar and then to Bhulbhule. During the ride, you get to witness wonderful views of a lush green hill, snow-capped mountains, colorful terraced fields, and small villages.

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

Today is the first day of your trek. Following a beautiful trail, you trek through lush forest and terraced fields. The trail moves along Marsyangdi river, and further, passes through many small villages to take you to Jagat. 

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

Leaving Jagat behind, you descend to a river and walk through a lush forest. Further, the trail ascends to a sharp-edge cliff from where you trek enjoying a superb view of towering Annapurna range. You cross a suspension bridge and ascend on a steep trail. The trail then passes through Sattale and Tal. From here, you walk on a rugged and winding path that slowly leads you to Dharapani crossing a suspension bridge.

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

The trail goes through forest ridges and takes you to Chame. It is the headquarters of the Manang District. While trekking, you get to see stunning views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Lamjung Himal, and other mountains.

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

From Chame, you begin walking on a steep narrow path that passes through a dense forest. You will reach a dramatic curved rock face. It will be tough to pass this path. The valley soon opens up and climbs to Pisang. Before reaching Pisang, you get to see a huge rock face (1,500 m).

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

From Pisang, two routes lead to Manang. You will follow the route that passes through Geru as it is very scenic. As you will get the elevation, the climate becomes cold & dries with the difference in vegetation. Manang is a beautiful village with kind locals. You will visit the ancient Barge monastery.

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

This day is extra in Manang village for rest. Having a rest day in between the trek will give time to your body to adjust to the altitude and keep you away from the altitude sickness. Today, you will explore the village and interact with the locals. You also go on a short hike to Bhojo Guma or Gangapurna Lake.

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

The trail from Manang heads towards Khangsar, crossing a river. The trail ascends and passing by many mani walls until you reach Khangsar. Here, you will visit an ancient Tibetan monastery and superb views of snow-capped mountains.

  • Camp
  • BLD

From Khangsar, you walk on an easy trail that leads to the middle of the landslide-prone area. You can see dramatic rock formations and gradually ascend towards Tilicho Base Camp.

  • Camp
  • BLD

The day begins early, and you hike up to gorgeous Tilicho Lake. This lake is known as the highest ice lake in the world. The sparkling beauty of the lake with surrounding Himalayan mountains offers a breath-taking view. After spending some time at the lake, you descend to the base camp retracing the previous path.

  • Camp
  • BLD

The trail descends through the Khangsar village. You pass by a thousand years old monastery called Tare Gumba and continue walking following a rock wall. Crossing a bridge over Thorong Khola, you ascend to Yak Kharka. On the way, you might get to see wildlife like blue sheep and snow leopard. 

  • Camp
  • BLD

Leaving Yak Kharka behind, you head towards Thorong Phedi, the base of Thorong La Pass. It is a small yet crowded village. From here, you can see excellent views of Thorong Peak, Mt. Gundang, Mt. Khatungkan, and Mt. Syagang.

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

Today is going to be the most challenging and longest day on your trek. You wake up early and begin ascending towards the Thorong La Pass. It is the highest pass in Nepal. The route to this pass is steep and full of boulders. Upon reaching the pass, you get to see the breath-taking landscape. Further, you descend to one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Nepal, Muktinath Temple. 

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

You will begin the day visiting Muktinath Temple early in the morning. After that, you descend and join the Kali Gandaki river valley. Trekking through small villages, you reach Marpha, the apple kingdom of Nepal.

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

After having breakfast, you descend through small villages. The trail also passes by lush forests of rhododendron and pine and leads you to Kalopani for a night stay. 

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

From Kalopani, the trail moves to Tatopani. The trail goes through dense forests and small settlement areas. At Tatopani, you get to enjoy natural hot springs. Likewise, the trail offers a stunning landscape.

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

After having a delicious breakfast, you ascend through lush forests. Further crossing a suspension bridge, you pass by small villages inhabited by people from several communities. You reach the beautiful Ghorepani village surrounded by lush rhododendron forests and snow-capped mountains.

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

You wake up early in the morning and hike to Poon Hill to witness gorgeous sunrise. After that, you descend back to Ghorepani and continue trekking towards Tadapani. Most part of the trail descends through forested paths. 

  • Teahouse
  • BLD

Today, you pass by another beautiful village called Ghandruk. From here, you drive back to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, you spend the day relaxing in a hotel.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast & lunch

You have both options to fly/drive to Kathmandu. Either way, you get to witness wonderful views. After reaching Kathmandu, you move to the hotel. You can use the left day to do shopping and rest. In the evening, you will have a farewell dinner organized by the company.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast & farewell dinner

You wake up early and prepare to leave. As per your flight departure time, our team representative will take you to the Airport and wishes you a safe flight back to your home.

Cost Details

  • Airport pick-up & drop-off transportation by private vehicle
  • 3 night Twin /Double sharing deluxe accommodation in 2-3 star hotel with breakfast at Kathmandu
  • 2 night Twin /Double sharing deluxe accommodation in 2-3 star hotel with breakfast at pokhara
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu/pokhara Escorted with English speaking guide. Private transportation. Entrance fees
  • Kathamandu/pokhara/Kathamandu flight for clients and guide
  • Accommodation in normal tea house during trek
  • Meals - Breakfast with 2 cups of tea/coffee, lunch, dinner - during trek
  • Annapurna trekking map for group
  • All necessary paper work & permits
  • Conservation entrance fee
  • Tims card fee
  • Government licensed English speaking guide
  • One porter between each two members during trek
  • Accommodation, meals, salary, equipment, transportation & Insurance of trekking staff
  • Travel & rescue arrangement
  • All government taxes
  • International Airfare
  • Nepal Entry Visa fee (US$ 50 per person for 30 days)
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Lunch/Dinner in Kathmandu
  • Drinking Water, Electricity bills & hot shower during trek
  • Medical evacuation in case of emergency
  • Personal gear & clothing - these may be available for hire
  • Tips, any expenses of personal nature, clients insurance
  • Soft/hard drinks
  • Expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. In such case extra will be charged as per actual
  • Anything not specified in the Cost Include section

Departures & Dates

Please, feel free to contact us for private and customize trip.

FAQs

TIMS card is a trekking permit you need for all treks in Nepal. so you need a trekking permit to go Annapurna Trek.

Useful Information

Annapurna Circuit Trek route

Annapurna Circuit Trek begins with a long drive from Kathmandu to Chamje. From here, you trek through villages like Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, etc to reach Manang. The trail then gradually ascends to the Thorong La Pass via Yak Kharka and descends to the holy pilgrimage site, Muktinath Temple. Further, passing the apple capital, Marpha, you drop down to Tatopani. The trail continues to Ghorepani village and passing through lush forests, you reach Ghandruk and drive to Pokhara.

Annapurna Circuit Trek map

Annapurna Circuit Trek map is designed to present you with the pictorial views of the route. The map is designed following our Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary. On the map, you can see all the villages and major highlights around it. It is easy to understand the trail with the help of the map.

Annapurna Circuit Trek difficulty & Altitude Sickness

Annapurna Circuit Trekking is regarded as a difficult trek. The trail includes steep ascends and descends on a rugged path. Likewise, you have to walk 6 to 7 hours a day. The trail can get steep at some places. Therefore, good health, physical fitness, and stamina are needed to go on the trek. If you have prior trekking experience, then the trek will be endurable for you.

The chances of getting altitude sickness during Annapurna Circuit Trek 23 Days is, of course, high as you will be trekking above 4,000 meters. If you are following the guidelines and have enough acclimatization day in between the trek, you can avoid altitude sickness. We, Adventure Small World Treks and Expedition, have designed our Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary including enough acclimatization days in between the journey to make sure you are not having any problems. Drink enough water during the trek to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid alcoholic drinks as they dehydrate the body and chances of getting altitude sickness becomes higher.

Best time to go on Annapurna Circuit Trek

Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March-May) is the best time to go on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The views are clear and the climate is also pleasant. Likewise, the weather remains constant, which is needed for successful trekking. Similarly, you get to see numerous species of floras during the spring, whereas autumn will offer you to be part of many Nepali festivals.

Accommodation & Meals

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a tea house/guest house trek. Rooms are generally small in size with a few pieces of furniture and mostly common washrooms. You also have to share your room with fellow trekkers during the peak season.

You will get served food as per the menus of the teahouse/guest house. You can find Tibetan and local Nepali cuisine easily everywhere. They do offer a few western dishes like mash potato, pizza, sandwich, however the taste will be different because of the spices as well as price will also be expensive.

Communication & Electricity

You will find internet access and cellular network at many places during the Annapurna Circuit Trekking. However, the connection might not be stable due to the high elevation and poor weather. Keep in mind, you have to pay extra bucks to use WiFi service unless you are using a cellular network. Likewise, solar electricity is generally available. Even though you will get a place to charge your devices, it might cost you a few extra bucks. Therefore, we highly encourage you to carry extra batteries and not depend on charging.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended to have while going on any high altitude journey in the remote areas. Annapurna Circuit Trek 23 Days is also a high altitude journey and travel insurance is needed to go on the trek. As you are not allowed to take out travel insurance in Nepal, make sure to get one in your home country. Also, travel insurance must include things like air evacuation, medical bills, hospital bills, flight cancellation, and property loss or theft.

Guide & Porter

While trekking with us, we will offer you an experienced and licensed Sherpa guide who will accompany you throughout the journey. Our guides and porters are well-trained and have years of experience in the field. Likewise, our guides are also certified in various outdoor activities from rock climbing, safety & first-aid to climbing. You will be in safe hands with our guides.

Environmental Contribution

We have designed our Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary keeping sustainable tourism in mind. We only run eco-friendly tours and treks. To preserve the environment, we have adopted many measures like collecting our wastage on the trail and cleaning the base camps before returning. Likewise, we discourage the use of plastic water bottles on the trail. We also have our small organization that supports education for kids who come from underprivileged families. While trekking with us, you will be only leaving your footprint behind.

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