Annapurna Circuit Trek - 12 Days

Trip Facts
  • Duration:12 Days
  • Difficulty Level: Strenuous
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Max. Altitude: 5416 Meters
  • Start at: Kathmandu
  • End at: Kathmandu
  • Group Size: 1 - 14
  • Best Season: Spring - Autumn

Highlights

  • Close observation of Tibetan and Thakali culture & traditions.
  • Century-old Buddhist Gumbas and Hindu Temples.
  • Muktinath - One of the most revered shrines for Buddhists and Hindus alike.
  • Home of wildlife – Blue Ship, Himalayan Thar
  • Roaring river and eye-catching waterfall
  • Stunning view of Mt. Annapurna, Gangapurna, Through peak, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri, and many other mountains.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Overview

Trekking in Nepal is a dream for so many travelers across the globe and Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the defining treks to materialize this dream. Trek around the Annapurna region if you are looking for a thrill, ecstasy, or adventure and to discover the ancient culture of Buddhist and Hindu booths.

The adventure journey beings with an exhilarating drive along the banks of the Trishuli and Marshangdi rivers from Kathmandu to Dharapani. From here, we begin our trek to Throng-La, one of the high mountains passes (5416 meters). The hallmark of this Annapurna Circuit Trek is the diversity of the scenery, culture, and people's way of life.

Annapurna Circuit: Major Attraction

The 12 days Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary brings you up close to the native cultures and lifestyle of the Gurungs, Sherpas, and Thakali people. During the trek, you can visit the spectacular temples and monasteries that reflect an impressive mix of architecture, unspoiled peasant villages at the foot of tall, snow-capped mountains, and dense subtropical and alpine vegetation that lines the trail.

The Round Annapurna Trek is a truly awe-inspiring adventure that offers stunning views of some of the most magnificent mountains in the world, including Dhaulagiri, Thorung Peak, Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tukuch Peak. Trekking through the arid terrain of the Mustang region is an entirely different experience than anything you've ever done before. You'll be amazed by the beauty of the landscape, the friendly people you meet along the way, and the sense of accomplishment you feel when you reach the top of Thorung La Pass, the highest point on the trek.

Trekking in Reclusive Settings

The Annapurna circuit Trek package brings you to one of the most reclusive tourist destinations – Manang, one of the highest passes in the Himalayan range – Thorang La Pass, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Buddhists and Hindus in Mustang- Muktinath Temple and across one of the deepest gorges around- the Kali Gandaki River gorge. If you love trekking in a silent and welcoming natural and social setting with plenty of nature around- this is the best trekking route for you. Read our itinerary for further details or get in touch with us if you have any queries.

Trek Difficulty: Who Can Do This Trek?

The high pass trek around the Annapurna Himalayan range is never easy. The Annapurna circuit trek is strenuously Challenging. People who have some prior trekking experience and carry some load (5-6 kilogram) can encounter this high pass trek and take up the task on condition. People who are in good physical shape and do not suffer from any serious illness, then they can prepare themselves for this Himalayan adventure.

As preparation, one must work out and do one hour of hiking a day with some load months before the trip starts. This training will make you feel easier to accomplish the trek in Annapurna. Give oneself for the mountain journey and explore more.

Itinerary
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We can Customize the trip to suite your interest and help you make it fit your budget.

Kathmandu is one of the most picturesque valleys that is full of lively people, culture, religion, and diverse ways of life. Right at the airport, you will find the simple yet hospitable smiles of Nepalese. We treat guests as a god, and those smiles convey that. Our guide will pick you up and will start being a bridge between you and Nepal. During the short drive to your hotel, we ensure that you get as much information about Nepal and Nepalis. At your hotel, we ensure that you are in good hands and avail every information you will need to make your way around.

  • Max. Altitude:1320m/4329ft
  • Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel
  • Meals:Welcome Dinner

Dharapani, a town near the foothills of the alpine forest in Manang, is famous among trekkers along the Annapurna Circuit. After 8 hour drive from Kathmandu, we will reach to the trekking starting point. The drive through the numerous mountain bends and caverns with the Trishuli River raging below is exhilarating. This trip also introduces you to the diverse lifestyles of the people – as the highway is full of roadside shops and settlements. After having a sumptuous lunch in Mugling, a riverside town, we will continue our journey amid the lush green terrace farms and forests, and the villages are hidden in-between Dumre, Besisahar, and finally to Dharapani- our seat for the night.

  • Max. Altitude:1950m/6338ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trek to the hospitable hill-town of Chame is an adventure-packed walk-through steep forest ridge along with several landslides on a route on the west. One of the most exciting parts of today’s leg is the exhilarating view of the snow-capped Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7525m/24668ft) mountains and chilled air in the trailing mountains. At the end of the day, Chame has a surprise welcome for its guests: hot water natural spring to soak all the fatigue and local delicacies.

  • Max. Altitude:2630m/8626ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have been through rhododendrons and bamboo-packed jungles so far, but today we enter the tundra region where the vegetation thins out and gets us closer to the less-moisture thin air of the Himalayas. After a short trek along a steep and narrow path through rock forest, our trail opens into a panoramic view of the Himalayas and the amphitheater of Manang valley. We trek through this majestic valley gradually and rest out the night at Pisang at the end of it.

  • Max. Altitude:3300m/10824ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

To reach today’s destination- Nawal, the center of Manang, – you will face the prince’s dilemma. Choosing between a longer and adventurous route and a shorter route. Both routes take us to the same destination but as said the longer route is demanding. Trekking through upper Pisang via Gey and Nawal offers astounding head-to-head views of Annapurna II and III, Tilicho Peak, and Ganga Purna mountain peak. It feels that we see these majestic peaks eye-to-eye as if we are equals. Towards the end of the day, we pay homage to the Bhraga Monastery- the oldest and largest monastery in this reclusive region and enjoy the Tibetan-influenced delicacies and lifestyle of the locals.

  • Max. Altitude:3450m/11316ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Manang is beyond the Himalayas and to move any further it is essential to acclimate to the thin air. For the day we will rest in Manang and tour around the alleys of this ancient town, learning about their day-to-day life which in itself is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and culture. The town is also home to the Himalayan Rescue Association’s office and we will visit the center where professional mountain rescuers will provide us with basic guidelines for trekking along high-altitude mountains. We enjoy the night with the locals.

  • Max. Altitude:3450m/11316ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we set out for Yak Kharka (Yak’s resting place)- a town full of low-lying mud houses buried in crevices of high mountains at 4000 m from sea level. As we set out from Manang, we set out for Tenki, the first leg for today. Tenki is a steady climb from Manang. On the way, we pass through the beautiful valley of Marsyangdi and Jarssang Khola. On this spectacular trail, the caravans of horses and yaks carrying goods are one of the most serene views that we come across. After passing through Gunsa village, an ancient wall called Mani Wall is embedded in the rocks and after crossing many streams we reach our resting place – Yak Kharka.

  • Max. Altitude:4110m/13480ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to Thorangla Fedi meaning the bottom of the Thorangla pass is a short trek compared to other days. The trek is kept short for three reasons: First, as the altitude has increased, staying at Thorangla Fedi helps in acclimatization, secondly, this place has good amenities and lodges to rest here and thirdly because it makes it easier to get across Thorangla Pass next day. It is one of the interesting parts of trekking in Nepal-, especially in the Annapurna region

  • Max. Altitude:4600m/15092ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

With plenty of rest and good hospitality at Thorangla Fedi – today we set out in the dusk to cross the famous Thorang La high pass. This is the pinnacle of the Annapurna Region Trekking package and has been a lifetime experience for trekkers who have passed through it. Compared to other days- the trail today leads through an icy high-altitude trail. But the struggle is worth it. Along with the sunset, we will reach Muktinath – a sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists alike. Adorned with ancient Buddhist Gumbas, Temples, and 108 water sprouts, it is a pilgrimage for emancipation among believers. For nature lovers, this is the place that serves the best of Himalayan sceneries.

  • Max. Altitude:5416m/177764ft
  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After going through major attractions of the Muktinath Temple including the nearby Jwalla Mai Temple that has an eternal flame fed by natural gasses, we head for Jomsom – the capital city of Mustang, either on foot or by vehicle. Trekking takes you through the captivating trek of Kaligandaki valley, home to one of the deepest gorges in the world, the beautiful village of Ranipauwa village down to the steep and barren hillside we walk down towards Kagbeni- a valley famous for its structure – and finally Jomsom.

  • Max. Altitude:2720m/8921ft
  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Jomson we fly to Pokhara- the city of lakes. Throughout the day we tour some of the major landmarks of this silent and serene town. In the evening we enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the popular restaurants.

  • Max. Altitude:820m/2690ft
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast

Our Himalayan journey ends today and we drive back to Kathmandu. Share our experiences and photos of the tour and arrange for fly out of Nepal or if you have other plans – we discuss them.

Note: Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu is available at an extra cost.  

  • Max. Altitude:1320m/4329ft
  • Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast, Welcome Dinner
Cost Details
Includes
  • All Airport and hotel transfers as per itinerary in private vehicle
  • Accommodation in Deluxe hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on twin sharing Basic, with breakfast.
  • Welcome and farewell dinner
  • Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and accommodation during the trek.
  • All transportation according to itinerary and flight fare from Jomsom to Pokhara.
  • An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
  • Down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • All necessary paperwork, ACAP permits & TIMS.
  • A comprehensive medical kit.
  • All government and local taxes.
Excludes
  • Nepalese visa fee
  • International airfare
  • Excess baggage charges.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • All bar bills along the trek.
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.
  • Tips for guides and porters.
Departure Dates
PLAN TRIP
Client Reviews
  • C
    ConnieUnited KingdomOctober 13, 2015

    Team Das Trekking on the Annapurna Circiut Trek

    Our Team Das (10 friends) had an experience of a lifetime trekking in Nepal with Green Society Adventure, and Hira -- is one of the best guides you can find! A native of Nepal who is super knowledgeable about the mountains and their history, flora, fauna and culture of the region -- and also very accommodating and fun! We had the trip of a lifetime--which Hira was responsible for making trouble-free and spectacular!

    TripAdvisor
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