Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is the highest-status and most famous trekking route in Nepal. Initially, the trail is easy to walk before the track joins the adventurous part of Thorung la pass (5416 m), which is the main climax of the trek. On the route, we see the beautiful scenery and landscape of the High Himalayas. We will have a chance to explore the various cultures, ecosystems, and stunning landscape that is covered with green paddy fields and conifer forests and then Rupse waterfall, the deepest gorge in the world, along with awe-inspiring spectacular views of Annapurna (8091 m), Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Machhapuchhare, and Mount Manaslu, which are the major highlights of the Annapurna circuit trek.

The beautiful landscape and authentic culture make this Annapurna Circuit trek the best quality trekking adventure in Nepal along with world-famous antique rambles. It traces the Marshyangdi Gorge to the northern part and can see a major mountain range before exceeding a 5416m successfully pass.

Afterwards, descend into the impressive desert sand just like, Tibetan-style countryside of the upper Kali Gandaki Valley. The trek goes attractive residence of Gurung, Thakali and also Manangis that provides breathtaking mountain vistas of Annapurna peaks (above 7000 m) and you’ll find some of the most effective trekking tea house lodges in Nepal.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary Nepal

First Day: Drive five to six hours from Kathmandu and from Pokhara, three to four hours to Besisahar, and again drive two and a half hours to Jagat.

Begin your journey by viewing the green mountain hills on the snaky road highway. On the way, you will have lots of time to appreciate the famous Trisuli and Marsyangdi rivers, which are very famous for white water rafting and kayaking. Another is that along the way you enjoy terraced rural areas with farms and even attractive scenes of greenery.

After approaching a juncture at Mugling, proceed right forward in the direction of Pokhara by crossing a bridge above the Narayani river. By Dumre, go away from the former trail again and head off north to Besisahar (BS).

—————-Annapurna Circuit Trek Continue to Jagat via Besisahar. ——————

A place that looks like a well-known area with an amazing view of the mountains. Thereafter, it will be very easy to find a jeep from Beshishar to Jagat. Just by the end of Besisahar town in the small valley below, you will notice a small counter house. Otherwise, you can even ask about any specific hotels in Besisahar.

If you wish to continue by private jeep to Besi Sahar, then the same jeep can continue to Jagat. So, as you reach Besesahar, local jeep takes 2 and half hrs. to Jagat and cost Nrs.1000. In between, you can see a beautiful, gorgeous waterfall. Overnight at lodge.

Note: There are many tea houses along the trail to stay in on the Annapurna circuit trek. But, according to your time frame, you can go ahead a little if you have reached Besisahar early. As you may know, nonstop public bus service to Bulbule is accessible from Kathmandu in the early morning as well.

If you wish to start your trekking from Bhulbhule through Bahundanda, then take a direct local bus from Kathmandu to Bulbule, and if not through Bahundanda, then get off at Besisahar and take or go by a jeep to Jagat.

Second Day: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani for six to seven hours.

Right now you eventually left Jagat first after a timely morning meal. And commence on a wonderful day time of walking, not very much exhausting but predominantly all the way through really lovely atmosphere. In the beginning you stroll out of suspicious, sunlight-dappled jungles via rivers. And then joint with charming dripping waterfalls. You pass by the stream many times across bridges which stimulate various levels of determination with foamy. Pale blue waters hitting over the rocks below. Soon after you come across on steeply staying sizable rocks that created the valley edges.

As you go along you confronted a sizable number of trekkers group plus you appreciate the fantastic climatic condition and approaching the 1st high slopes of the valley. After certain relaxation on the mountain hills, the path descended once again and ended around into an extended open valley surface. After that, you come into the Manang region and then shortly after a wall of prayer wheels. You can actually stop for lunch at Tal. After you step away from Tal, the route is rugged and windy.

Then we simply get to the steeply-forested community of Karte. Winding along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani by afternoon after crossing a suspension bridge. Stay at a pleasant guesthouse. During your stopover in the late afternoon, you can go to sense the environment of the encompassing area.

Third Day: Trek from Dharapani to Chame for five to six hours.

Now today, you arrive at the light-headed heights of Chame. It really is the loveliest area still, definitely provides a Nepalese sense for trekkers. Actually anybody can evaluate by the holiday tea lodges, those who arrive on the scene. In your day, adventure begin from Dharapani at 1900m and Chame is situated up considerably at 2670m. The villages you going path are Bagarchhap at 2140m and also Danaqyu at 2210 m.

After you check out of Dharapani, you commence your walk through breathtaking forested hillsides sprinkled with marigolds. This particular day you will find quite challenging due to the fact that the ascents are steep. From time to time, there are abnormally high stone stairways in the mountain hillside, and at other times there are muddy, sharp trails with a number of plant roots for control. The emotional factor is always that as you are going up section. Just as a trekker you can find that in a couple minutes,’ effort you are giving to going on zigzagging trail directly reverse down and then up again.

——————- The Annapurna Circuit Trek Still Continue to Chame. ——————-

After a short time, you appear beyond the jungles and highlands. Certainly, you experience that you are on a much higher surface, and you arrive at Danaque in due time for an initial lunch break. This area you’ll find silent and peaceful as you approach. The meals are satisfactory both in terms of quality and portion sizes. Afterward, the first thing you meet with the adorned mani stones at the gateway to the village. After strolling past an attractive offering of snack shops, you pass by a swing bridge fluttering with countless prayer flags above the Marsyangdi. After some minutes of walking, you reach Chame, where you can spend the night. highlands

You will find it an incredibly fascinating and gorgeously desired destination. In the late afternoon, you can actually proceed to explore Gomba monastery. The inside of the Gompa is amazing, astonishingly vibrant designs. The ceremonial masks are widely-used at certain festivals to bring significant Buddhist tales to several auspicious occasions. There is a wall structure of 108 golden Buddhas. 108 is genuinely an auspicious digit.

Fourth Day: Trek from Chame to Pisang for five to six hours.

Get up with the beautiful sound of the Marsyangdi stream down the gorge with a monotonous rasping from the swing bridge. Your incredible adventure today takes up from Bhratang (2850m) and Dhikur Pokhari (3060m) to Pisang at 3300m. If the outside weather becomes crystal clear, the mountain vistas will likely be outstanding. The natural environment around offers green forested acres and valleys to an infinitely more alpine atmosphere and also unique fragrance of pine. Now, you walk at the beginning in a bit of the corridors which has been virtually annoying beyond the rock stone. This indicates that, for most part attractive extraordinary scenes.

After this, you enjoy your very first panorama of Pisang Peak (6091m) and Annapurna II (7937m), which are quite stunning. You can incredibly begin to think that you have to be in the Himalayas. The walk in the present day is lovely and uncomplicated across flat terrain, with some steeper parts in the wilderness, although with a great number of peaks, exclusively the Lamjung Himal (6983m) presence as you go along.

————————Annapurna Circuit Trek Still Continue to Pisang ——————–

Today, you think it’s exactly like a pretty fast trekking day. So that you can know when you decide to reach Lower Pisang for a noon-time meal (lunch). Thereafter, you will continue trekking for twenty or so minutes uphill to Upper Pisang (3300m). This really is the mature area of Pisang, far more traditional and also incredibly gorgeous against the high mountain background. This area might be a good village among other remote parts of Nepal. Moving away from outside and keeping an eye out across the valley is wonderful in the genuine feeling of the expression.

The ambiance of Upper Pisang looks awesomely environmental. In the mid-afternoon, you can go to visit the new monastery towards the top. The development of this monastery first began in 1999 after the older one was believed to be beyond maintenance. The property is one of the most exceptional, as opposed to other monasteries that are generally just the inside. A number of younger monks chanting in low, deep-seated, monotone voices so that a bell rang every now and again.

Fifth Day: Trek from Pisang to Manang for six to seven hours.

You will need a bit of time to get going now after a severe cold overnight at Lower Pisang. All over again, one better day of offensive great beautiful places. Imagine you are going to be in the favorite of the Annapurna’s. You have virtually the perfect panorama you have ever had. So what on earth provides today’s preferred spot on this planet? Later in the day, after your evening meal, take a short decision about the following day’s path. You have not one but two alternatives for walking from Pisang (3200m) to Manang (3540m).

One particular trail will go along with a gradually ascending route and take around four to five hours. In spite of this, as you walk along the stream in the valley, you do not enjoy it as much as you want to. The next track normally will bring you up the north point of the valley up till around 3800m. Along this area for a little bit dropping back into the major way for you to get Manang. This upper part of the track will provide surprising vistas of the Annapurna Himal on a visible daytime, even though it will even need around 7 hrs. for the day walk.

Continue with the upper part of the trail. In case there is nothing better, it will be a fine day of acclimatization to trek higher and then restful sleep lower in Manang. The initial half hour of the stroll is a normal, comparatively smooth trek along the waterway. After that, the excitement started.

After going by one minor mani wall structure, you commence a rigorous ascent of about a couple of hours to the small town of Ghyaru (3670m). Not a single relaxation, zero pain relief, only continuous moving encouragement up the mountain for roughly 500m of height. Have a 2-3 break for refreshment and snapshot making. And the pace slows down in the thinner and lighter mountain atmosphere. After two hours of walking, you will reach Ghyaru, a place where you can stop to take a tea-like drink break for half an hour approximately.

Massive scene of Annapurna II, III and IV rise behind. As you reach top then can observe right into the stream valley below and Pisang valley apparent clearly. After the short stop move onto the Ngawal for to have a day meal. Find everywhere charming terraces of vegetation and goats and sheep grazing on the thin grass that found at that altitude. The trekking is even less difficult as previously however, considerably down and up from the valley’s since you will achieve a little more height before descending right back Ngawal (3660m).

From Ngawal, after your noon meal, you begin a descent, returning to the river and the primary track to Manang. It is a beautiful, busy place in the lower part of the Annapurna Circuit trek. The tea houses here are well managed, with more varied menu. In the town, some bakeries make a pastries and cookies. Even cinema hall in the town. On the next day acclimatization, if you like after visiting the major attractions you can go to look at the movie.

Sixth Day: Annapurna Circuit Trek–Manang Acclimatization Day

Today is your acclimatization and exploration day in Manang. As you wake up from the bed, you see the imaginary view that you ever have seen. Gangapurna Himal (7454m) on the west and Chulu in the east (6300m) looks very close and unspoiled white that help you amused deep into the Himalayas. You should always walk at least a 300 m up from where you are staying for the night. Because, next day you have to go higher elevation.

So, a familiarization walk today is important. After having your breakfast, you can go away, taking a hike across the stream to a destination generally known as the Chongkar viewpoint, which lies 305m above Manang. Even more than just that, above the Marsyangdi rivulet, which you can pass by to reach your destination. Your track normally takes you across the valley area and up a good incline to a virtually straight-down view of Gangapurna Lake.

If you are searching for words and phrases, Ganga signifies rivers or water, purna indicates satisfaction, and also Anna represents vegetation. From the vantage point, you can observe the incredible perspective of Annapurna 2, 4, and 3, and also Gangapurna with the glacier park below it. The Chongkar vantage point is straight away below Annapurna III. If you have an effort, you can also take a hike to Braga village, where it is possible to have a look at the Himalayan Rescue Association that may provide you with certain suggestions regarding Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Seventh Day: Trek from Manang to Yak kharka for three to four hours.

Wake up early morning and feel pretty cold of the outside weather. After your breakfast, make more cheerful, lively and interesting a little up and decide to move onwards to the next village of Ghusang (3900 m) which is famous for the wonderful view of Gangapurna Mountain. You can make the Ghusang village comfortably although moving slowly to be sure. Take an enough break at Ghusang to acclimatize your body on the high height by viewing Annapurna massif.

Moving at any speed at a higher altitude brings you tiredness in the Annapurna circuit trek. But, be cool down and drink water from time to time. You will see lots of people heading towards Yak Kharka or above. Now, after your long rest, keep your pace gradually up along the Thorung Khola from side to side, the gasping landscape where only mountain grass and juniper bushes grow. One thing, you will be above the tree line where the landscape is plain. Scrubland, grass, and rock are subjugated.

The ground has a layer of snow, but the trail is still clear. The trek itself is beautiful. You will see a goat herder moving his goats. The route is not too difficult; it mostly widens with some short uphill sections. By the time you reach Yak kharka, the specialty of the place is Yak steak and chips, along with a stunning landscape.

Eighth Day: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi for four to five hours.

This is the day begin with little tough coz, you are going to higher elevation up to 4450 m. After your better night sleep and early morning warm breakfast, start to hit the trail for Thorung Phedi which is the ultimate leading edge before the Thorung la pass. You will climb up may be 100 m up steep trail from the Yak Kharka village.

While you are moving in the upward direction in the Annapurna circuit trek, move very slowly so that it does not cause any serious harm to you. To reach Thorung Phedi, you at least have to climb around 450 m. You must be sure that you can reach the point. And do not take mental pressure about to pass the next morning.

As you arrive at the destination lodge, you will see other friends /people who came via Tilicho Lake. As you make your pace towards the destination, Phedi, along the trail, midway up the ridge, there is a sheer descent.

It will be a situation of rambling in excess of unattached rock and being very sure of your balance. Your breathing will be quite miserable in the direction of the end of the trek. After your three to four hours of walking, you will reach the Phedi. Thorung Phedi is a peculiar place surrounded by the Rocky Mountains.

If you go to the corner, on the other hand, you may see the blue sheep gazing over the slope. The Himalayan crow is one unique bird whose beak is yellow and sounds like a crow. Finally, there are only two lodges in Phedi. For the overnight stay, you can choose any of the lodges. The rooms are basic by standards, and the food is delicious. But, do not expect much like the city’s restaurants and hotels.

Ninth Day: Trek from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath via Thorung La Pass for 8 to 9 hours.

Today is a tough day of the trekking and this is the time to show the power of stamina and proud of happiness to be on the top 5416 m. Thorung la pass is the one which is the longest and highest pass in the world. Actually, to pass the Thorung la have to wake up early morning. Because, if you do late to cross the pass then it will be very tough to cross. Meanwhile, there will be lot’s chances of blowing strong and bitterly cold wind over the pass that makes very difficult and lethargy.

Wake up early morning around 3:30 am and have your light breakfast. I would like to remind you that order your breakfast after last night dinner before going to bed and give a time to prepare what time will be favor for you. Move from the lodge at 4:00 am. Otherwise, ask to the owner of lodge what time will be the best to move or consult with other visitors who are in the dining.

Moreover, be prepared with a cold in the high pass. Put off very warm clothes for the day. The temperature will go below. Most of the time, it would be like -10 to -20 degrees or above.

——————– Continue walking to pass Thorung La (5416 M) ——————–

Your trekking will begin like this: as you move from the Thorung Phedi, you have to head up for 1:30 min to reach the high camp. There you also see the tea house lodges. But, making the decision to stay at home is much better. Normally, at high altitude, every 300 m up to 3000 m is good to stay. As you arrive at Thorung high camp, take a left direction from the stone platform and continue your way towards the narrow trail to the right. See the flags near or far behind and follow the track likewise. Slowly, morning shows the day.

Continue your footing by crossing the iron bridge and narrow trail carefully. Give your eyes a rest and look around. You will see a stunning view of the high Himalayas and you will be near to Thorung Peak. On the way to the pass on the “Annapurna circuit trek”, you will see the first tea shop. Stop there, have a piquant tea or coffee. And again, give your pace slow and steadily to the top, 5416 m. As you arrive at the top, enjoy the moment of success at all, take a photo and a selfie, and move downwards to Muktinath.

This is a very important place for the Hindu deities. Many Hindu people from Nepal and India come to worship Lord Vishnu. A protective god of the earth, as per Hindu mythology. In Muktinath, there are many hotels and lodges. You can prefer to stay wherever you like. If I recommend it, then Bob Marley’s is a very good and popular restaurant there. The mountain views from Muktinath are awe-inspiring.

Tenth Day: Drive from Muktinath to Ghasa for 4 to 5 hrs.

After the long hours of trek on the last day. Some of the people wanted to have a rest at Muktinath for one day to recover the tiredness. But, we didn’t take a rest day at that place. You can reserve the jeep or can go through local bus for up to Jomsom at 8 am in the morning. The road is smooth and black pitched.

So, there is not any bumpy. The view is excellent and impressive. Jomsom is the headquarter of Mustang and this is also the destination for the way to Kagbeni and Upper mustang (The Hidden Kingdom). The apple of Jomsom is very popular, sweet and fresh. There you can get off and have a Lunch and explore the town.

If you need to take the money from ATM machine, then this is the best stop place. After having lunch or exploration, you again can drive to Ghasa in off road so after. It takes only 3 hrs. drive. As you arrive, there are many tea house lodges. You can stay there for rest to night.

Eleventh Day: Trek to Tatopani from Ghasa (Trek 4 hrs. and Drive 2 hrs.)

On this day, if you’d like, you can drive or even trek to Tatopani. If I suggest you then prefer to go by foot, on the way you can see beautiful waterfall called Rupse Chahara and deepest gorge in the world, Kaligandaki Gorge with natural eye catching view.

If you don’t want to walk, then you can drive to Tatopani from Ghasa by following the Kaligandaki river off-road. When you arrive in Tatopani, you can have lunch and relax for a while. In the late afternoon, around 3 pm, go to have a hot spring bath (Tatopani). It will help to heal all your body pain. Have a relaxing and well-rested sleep at Tatopani.

Twelfth Day: Annapurna Circuit Trek from Tatopani to Sikha, 5 hours

After your early morning meal, walk through the off road a bit and cross the suspension bridge from the left side. Head up through the forest and continuing your way up to the Ghara. This is very wonderful place to have a tea break. Again after trekking upward like 2 hrs. through the local village. You will reach at Sikha. This is also good view spot to enjoy the life style of local mountain people and beautiful landscape.

Thirteenth Day: Trek from Sikha to Ghorepani for 4 hours.

Wake up before 7 am and have your breakfast of apple porridge and sunny side eggs. Leave the lodge around 8 am and hike for around an hour. You will reach Chitre. Follow the same trail ahead. You will see the direction board, way to Ghorepani. Continue your path and head up through the Rhododendron forest till Ghorepani.

This is the day when you are going to see the world’s largest rhododendron forest along with a magnificent panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. There are lots of tea houses in Ghorepani. You can stay among them. I recommend, stay at the Hotel Hill Top which is highest point lodge. The view is awesome and wonderful to see the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range. Next morning before going to poon hill also good to see the weather previously heading up to Poon Hill (3210 m).

Fourteenth Day: Annapurna Circuit Trek from Ghorepani to Tikhedhunga for 5 hours.

Wake up one hour before the sunrise time and get ready with warm clothes for the excursion hike to Poon Hill. This trek is very popular for the fantastic view of the sunrise from the Himalayas. Many different countries’ travelers you can see on the top of the hill. All of them are coming to enjoy the sunrise view. This spot on Poon Hill is the major and most popular hill station spot to see the excellent sunrise view. It only takes a maximum of 1 hour to climb up the hill. The trail is almost all stone stairways.

After enjoying the view at the top, including the sunrise, you can come down to the lodge and order breakfast. Go to pack up the belongings and come to have a warm morning meal. After that, descend all the way through the rhododendron and bamboo forest to Tikhedhunga. In between, you can see a lot of beautiful landscapes and colorful tea houses that are ready to serve you food. Even you can see the mule who is transporting goods to the upper hill and mountain. Cross the suspension bridge and see the beautiful waterfall. You will pasture at Tikhedhunga. There are very good lodges to stay in with fresh organic foods.

Fifteenth Day: Annapurna Circuit Trek from Tikhedhunga to Nayapul for 3 hrs. and drive back to Pokhara for 1:30 hrs.

Start early morning around 7 am after the breakfast. Your day will be a pleasant walk up to the Nayapul by following the Burungdi River and Modi Khola. As you arrive in Nayapul, you can see the lot of taxi parking behind. Ask for the charge up to Pokhara and drive back to the magnificent seven lake city. Actually, drive towards lakeside where there are hundreds of restaurants, hotel, pubs and bar with western and traditional music.

Packing list for Annapurna Circuit Trek

• warm down jacket or any other warm clothing.
• Thermal underwear
• Windproof or water-proof jacket
• A pair of warm gloves and a scarf.
• Hiking trousers
• 2-3 pairs of woolen socks.
• 3–4 T-shirts
• Proper trekking boots
• Lightweight walking boots or slippers when you arrive at the lodge
• Polarizing sunglasses
• Sleeping bag
• Toiletries
• Sunscreen or Sunblock Cream
• Toilet paper

Others use your own judgement of travelling other area. If you have any question regarding stuffs just contact or comment below.

Do I need to hire a Guide or Porter for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

This is almost all people asking question before planning trekking. Actually, for hiring a guide and porter is very essential when you are travelling to higher altitude. For the short trek you don’t need them. You can travel yourself. But, for the Annapurna circuit I think you need to hire. If possible both, otherwise guide is very essential for you. Because guide play a vital role in your serious condition; like, Rescue or getting trouble or sick or in emergency situation.

Hiring a guide can be done at any of the trekking agencies in Nepal. You can even get extra knowledge from them about the locality and also have no problem in booking the lodge. If you need a porter, then your guide can help you. He will bring the person to whom he well known and experience since year. Porter will help in carrying your belongings and help make the trek pleasant, homely environment and fulfilling.

Another is that they will get employment opportunities that can help to uplift their lives. Sometimes we see on the trail some of the solo trekkers going on a trek without a guide and porter. When they get a problem, they do not get success and descend back. So, at last would like to suggest you to take a Guide if you don’t need carrier and can carry your stuff yourself.

Do I need a trekking permit to do this Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Yes! You need a trekking permit to do this trek. Actually, for the foreigner those who intended to trek any part of the country Nepal should obtain the trekking permit from the department of Immigration at Nepal Tourism Board lies in Kathmandu or in Pokhara.

For this trek, you need two types of permits: one is a Trekkers Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card and the second is a National Trust for Nature Conservation permit provided by NTB (Nepal Tourist Board) in association with the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).

Finally, you need to provide a photocopy of your passport details and two passport-sized photographs and fill in the form. Cost for TIMS: $10 per person, and for ACAP Permit: $30 per person.

In Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed learning about the trek and our tips for taking it on. Remember that trekking is an activity that is best enjoyed in the outdoors and can provide the perfect escape for anyone! As always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for reading. We would love to hear from you!