Annapurna Circuit Trek - 14 Days

Tour Info

trip code

EN-021

Starting Point/ End Point

Kathmandu

Accommodations

Lodge/ Tea House

Max Altitude

5416 m(Thorung La Pass)

Duration

14 days

country

Nepal

Trip grade

Moderate

Activities

Trekking

Best Season

March, April, May, September, October, November

Overview

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular classical trekking destinations in Nepal. This trek offers you a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and altitudes. The entire duration of this tourism journey is 14 days. That said, the trek itself lasts only 10 days. During this journey, you go around the beautiful peaks of Mount Annapurna, through the green valleys, alpine forests, and barren highlands. You also go through one of the highest trekking passes in the world - Thorung La Pass as well.

Details

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular trek that you can choose if you want a diverse trekking experience. This trek is rich in scenery, has a diverse culture, and a climate. During this trek, you go from warm valleys and lush forests to the windy zines and high altitude deserts. This constant change keeps you excited and prevents boredom that you might feel if the landscape and culture were similar throughout the journey. Along with the change in landscapes, you also get to experience the mix of cultures as you get to experience the Guring, Manangi, and Thakali cultures within a span of two weeks. At the same time, the trek itself balances between adventure and comfort; the trail is well-established, the teahouses are reliable, and the region is  known for having some of the best food options in the Himalayas.

In addition, the trek itself is also well balanced as the ascent is gradual, allowing the body to acclimatize naturally. You approach the highest point - Thorung La Pass - with a gradual ascent when compared to other routes. Furthermore, the views you get are also varied since you experience glaciers, hidden valleys, rock formations, apple orchards, and the Kali Gandaki Gorge. While descending, you also get to enjoy the spiritual significance at Muktinath, and enjoy the Thakali culture in Marpha and Jomsom.

Highlights

  • Visit famous UNESCO heritage sites such as Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Patan Durbar Square. 

  • Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Chame through green valleys and terraced hills

  • Walk through beautiful local villages such as Pisang, Manang, and Letdar. 

  • Crossing of Thorung La Pass - one of the highest trekking passes in the world

  • Panoramic view of the Annapurna, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Dhaulagiri

  • Visit to the holy Muktinath temple

  • Trekking across the dry and windy landscapes of Mustang 

  • Explore Marpha village 

  • Scenic drive to Pokhara

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

After you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Ever Nepal Adventure will meet you and take you to your hotel. Following this, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing or roaming the alleys of the city. During the day, you can explore nearby shops and restaurants along with local tea houses. Spending the evening roaming the alleyways of Thamel is recommended, as this place fills with activities as the sun goes down. During this time, your trekking guide shall give you a short briefing about the trek and aid you in preparing for the next day. 

Overnight in Hotel,Kathmandu

Max Elevation: 1,350 meters (Kathmandu)

Travel Distance: 6 to 8 kilometers

Travel Hours: 20 to 30 minutes

Accommodation: 3-4 star Hotel

Meal: 

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Trip preparation

After breakfast in the hotel, the tour starts around 8 AM. The private vehicle has been arranged to provide a comfortable, hassle-free day. The tour will be led by a professional who will explain the sites you see. You can enjoy the day in a relaxed way, as you will have ample time at each destination to explore. You will explore some of Kathmandu Valley’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They all reflect the rich culture and history of Nepal, as well as daily life.

A. Pashupatinath Temple:

Pashupatinath Temple was built along the banks of the Bagmati River, and is considered one of Hinduism’s most holy temples. The temple is famous for its spiritual energy and pagoda designs. It also has open cremation sites where Hindu rituals happen. However, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the inner part of the temple, but the area surrounding the temple will enable you to experience the religious activities there.

B. Boudhanath Stupa:

Boudhanath Saintupa is one of the largest and most significant Buddhist monuments in Nepal, as well as a primary center of Tibetan Buddhism. This gigantic white stupa, constructed in the 5th century, has a prominent eye symbol of Buddha on it, representing wisdom and understanding of everything around him. There are small shops and monasteries surrounding the white stupa, which create an aura of peace and tranquility that allows monks to practice there.

C. Patan Durbar Square:

Patan Durbar Square, located in Lalitpur, has an amazing collection of beautiful temples, courtyards, and royal buildings of the Malla period. It is an architectural beauty showcasing exquisite Newari art and is a museum of ancient art and historic statues.

D. Swayambhunath Stupa/Monkey Temple:

Swayambhunath Stupa is an ancient structure situated at the top of a hill overlooking the entire valley of Kathmandu. Monkey Temple, popularly known due to the monkeys around the area, offers sweeping views over the city and is rich in Buddhist symbolism.

During your tour, you get to observe the everyday life of Kathmandu as you pass through busy streets. After finishing your sightseeing program, return to the hotel in the early afternoon. The rest of the time is spent preparing your trek and checking out your gear.

Overnight in Hotel,Kathmandu

Max Elevation: 1,450 meters (Swayambhu Stupa, highest point in the Kathmandu sightseeing tour)

Travel Distance: 25 to 30 kilometers (total driving between sites)

Travel Hours: 6 to 7 hours

Accommodation: 3-4 star standard hotel

Meal: Breakfast

Day 03:Drive from Kathmandu To Chame (2,700m,65 km) via Besisahar (760m,173km)

The travel journey begin after having a breakfast at hotel, we leave the Kathmandu valley early in the morning and drive towards Besisahar (760m) by private car or local & tourist bus on the basis of reserved package trip with Ever Nepal Adventure. During the ride journey, you can witness many small towns, terraced farms, small hills, himalayas,waterfalls and rivers. Once you reach Besisahar, you take a small break and continue the ride on the bank of Marsayandi river toward Chame(2,700m), which is a small-quiet tiny city and headquater of Manang district surrounded by pine forests and snowy mountains range including Annapurna-II  and Lamjung Himal. Reaching the Chame village, You check a personal gears and prepare for next day of trekking.

Overnight in Chame

Max Elevation: 2,700 meters (Chame)

Driving Distance:  240 km (175 kilometers to Besisahar & 65km to Chame)

Driving Hours: 10-12 Hour ( 5-6 hour to Besisahar & 4-5 hour to Chame)

Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Drinks: Tea,coffee and hot water

Day 04: Trek from Chame -Upper Pisang(3,300m/10827 ft)

Having a delicious first breakfast of trek in Chame, officially You will begin a trek toward Pisang today. The path slightly go up to Bharatang (2,850m) well known for apple orchard and wine, passing through a desnse pine forest, the shore of  Marsayandi river with the panoramic view of Annapurna-II(7,937m) and Lamjung Himal.Then continue a journey on the edge of river to supension bridge and ascend gradually to off road and follow a road to Dhukur Pokhari through mixed forest with a surreal view of Paungda Danda ( striking 1,500 meter rocky ridge) which is believed as heaven's gate for demise person from loacal family member.Having a lunch here, trek through the stunted treeline and last suspension bridges as you head towards your destination of Upper-Pisang. As you reach your destination, the terrain becomes drier, wider which provides you with a clearer view of the surrounding mountains such as Annapurna II, Chulu Peak and Pisang Peak then explore tibetan style building, stone mani wall with prayer wheel and Pisang Gompa or monastery on top of village.

Ovenight in Pisang village

Max Elevation: 3,300 meters (Upper Pisang)

Travel Distance: 12 kilometers (Chame to Upper Pisang)

Travel Hours: 5 to 6 hours

Ascent: 600-650 meter

Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Drinks: Tea,coffee,hot water & purified water

Day 05: Trek from Upper Pisang-Manang(3520m/11549f)

Leaving Pisang Village, You will walk through pine forest, stone mani wall  and small pond before crossing a supension bride then you  begin to ascend steep zigzag trail toward Ghyaru village( 3,700m) is traditional tibetan stone building and isolated  buddhist village which offer a splendid view of green valley and the himalayas including Pisang Peak (6,091m), Annapurna-II (7,937m) and Annapurna IV.You will continue a journey to Manang Village(3,520m) passing through Nagwal  village where you will slightly descend to your  destination. As your trek continues, the landscapes become more barren and more arid. Once you reach Manang, you enter a significantly larger village of Manangis with more modern facilities such as lodges, bakeries, and shops for trekkers. 

Overnight in Manang

Max Elevation: 3,520 meters (Manang)

Travel Distance: 15 kilometers

Travel Hours: 6 to 7 hours

Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Drinks: Tea, coffee and hot water

Day 06: Acclimatisation Day/Rest Day

Today is  your exploration  and acclimatization day which is most required additional detour to adopt higher altitude before crossing Thorung La pass, so You must ascend higher and  return to stay at lower place where you begin a journey. Here is major local tourist destination from Manang;

Ice Lake/ Kicho Tal -( 4,620 meter, 16km and 5-7 hour for round trip) 

Today we will begin a journey early after having a breakfast then down hill to Braga Village  and branch off toward our destination. After 30 minute leaving Braga Monastery, we ascend steeply through dried ridge, alpine medeows, pasture of yak and seasonal shelter of sherpherd along the mesmerizing view of open  valley to alpine pasture, pristine river,Pisang, Manang village and the himalayas range including  Annapurna,Pisang,Manaslu, Tilicho peak and Chulu west and east.Upon arrival at first small pond then the path gradual up to Ice lake which is isolated from main route of trek. Afterward descend quickly to Manang village via previous trekked route. 

Milarepa Cave/ Praken gompa -(4 ,100 meters,9km and 3-4 hour for round trip):

Leaving Manang Village ,You need slightly  to descend to Braga Village and cross a supensusion bridge over Marsayandi river then walk through grassland alpine meadow untill the end of edge then ascend steeply through apline dense forest and bush to Milarepa cave is well known buddhist pligrimage site and enshrine with Tibetan buddha Milerpa  believed to be mediatated here on the lap of Annapurna III. 

Braga Monastery- (3,485 meters,1-2:00 hour for round trip)

The historical and ancient oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery under Kagyu lineage tradtion of greatest yogi Milarepa. It offers a chance to encounter with monks and experience the beauty of ancient murals,scriptures, the  statues of thousand buddha and 600 year old monastery.

Chongkor Viewpoint- (3,900m ,2-3 hour for round trip)

Leaving Manang village, You descend to cross a suspension bridge over Marsyandi river  then ascend to the destination through alpine medeow, forest  and lake.This is located above Gangapurna Lake and next to Glacier  which is very famous viewpoint and  classical detour  for panaramic view of  Manang Village, glacier lake and the himalayas range.

Overnight in Manang

Max Elevation: 3,520 meters ( Manang Village)

Travel Distance: 2-

Travel Hours: 3 to 4 hours

Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Drinks: Tea, coffee & hot water

Day 07:Trek from Manang -Letdar (4,230m/13,877ft)

The journey begin with gradual rise up to Tanki village after leaving Manang through mani stone wall and chorten then follow dirt and scree  path route, high pasture of yak, mountain goat and low shrub. After crossing a suspesion bridge over Jarsang Khola, the trekking route will incline gradually through wide high pasture to Yak Kharka (4,050m/13,287fts), very well known as a pasture of Yak offer the surreal view of Gangapurna and Annapurna III. Leaving Yak Kharka, the path ascend further through high alpine terrain along bush then cross the last suspesion bridge to reach in Letdar (4,230m/13,877fts).As you ascend, the air gets noticeably thinner, and it gets progressively harder to breathe, therefore you may need to stop along the way for breathers. At the same time, you may also notice that as you ascend, the treeline also gets thinner. You can find a few lodges in this place, and it is a good place to rest before heading together. 

Overnight in Yak Kharka or Letdar

Max Elevation: 4,230 meters (Letdar, highest point of the day)

Travel Distance: 10 kilometers/6.21 mile

Travel Hours: 4 to 5 hours

Ascent: Approx. 700 meters

Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Drinks: Tea, coffee and hot water

Day 08: Trek from Letdar-Thorung High camp(4800m/15749ft)

Continuing from Letdar, the trek continues doward to river bed then ascend slightly to seasonal teashop.You follow a narrow  steep trail passing beneath the unstable cliff to reaach in Thorung Phedi or Base Camp (4,450m/14,597 fts) where you take a lunch break before heading to our destination. All around you, you can see rough terrain with rocky slopes,massive morraine and snow-covered peaks. Once you reach the destination of the day - Thorung high camp (4,800m), you stop for the day and rest. Now, do note that you only need to trek for roughly 4 to 5 hours. But because of the terrain, the exhaustion piles up rather quickly. So, once you reach the high camp, you are recommended to rest early.

Overnight in Thorung Phedi or High Camp 

Max Elevation:  4,800 meters (Thorung High Camp, highest point of the day)

Travel Distance: 8 kilometers

Travel Hours: 4 to 5 hours

Ascent: 600-730 meters

Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Drinks: Tea,coffee & hot water

Day 09:Trek to Muktinath(3,800m/12,467) via Thorung La Pass(5,416m/17,769fts)

You embark on a long journey  in early the morning around 4-5:00 AM to Rani Puawa, Mustang via Thorung La Pass (5,416m/17,769fts) and begin your trek to reach the destination before the high winds pick up. You  ascend slowly as the  single narrow  and file trails are tough and steep through unpaved rocky ridge  and icy path during winter. After reaching at seasonal tea shop, the path become gradual uphill  to the highest point of whole trip which is the  biggest and widest pass in world. In addition to the steepness of the trial,  the altitude itself makes the journey more challenging. Once you reach the top, you can see colourful prayer flags and view of  Thorung Peak. Afterward You will officialy enter to Mustang region and start to follow very steep, long  and continuous downward slope over scattered stone and high alpine scree to Charabu (4,230m,Base  Camp of Thorung La, Mustang) which is very famous spot for lunch or brunch with hot drinks before heading to destination. The slope and trail finally  level out  into a wider dirt and arid valley of Mustang ,so the trekking route descend steadily downward toward Muktinath Temple which is considered a sacred pilgrimage site by both Hindus and Buddhists, also offer panoramic views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m, 7th the highest), Nilgiri range and barren dusty valley and ridge then downhill to Rani Pauwa (3,700m), Muktinath for overnight. 

Overnight in Rani Pauwa, Muktinath

Max Elevation: 5,416 meters (Thorung La Pass, highest point of the day)

Travel Distance: 14 kilometers/ 8.7 miles

Travel Hours: 7 to 9 hours

Ascent: 535 meters

Descent: 1,600-1,670 meters

Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Drinks: Tea,coffee and hot water

Day 10: Trek to Jomsom ( 2,700m) or Marpha village (2,680m)

Once you get it past the Thorung La Pass successfully, there are two alternatives route to arrive in Jomsom and Marpha village which are  simply  explained route by route below:

1st route: Trek to Jomsom or Marpha Village via kagbeni ( 20km, 6-7 hr )

Once you leave  the busy sacred site of Mukinath, the trekking route begin down hill toward Jharkot and Khingar village that are very well known for an ancient tibetan style traditional stone and mud house, the fertile  terraced oases, and Dzong (fortress ruins) through budhhist mani stone walls, the colorful chorten and orchand fields. Then follow road and the path to Kagbeni Village(2,800m), which is an  ancient, medieval village  of Tibetan ethinic communities and officail entry point of upper Mustang region on the edge of river. The landscape on this descent is fairly dry and windy. As you follow the trekking trial and road  from Kagbeni to Jomsom flows next to  Kali Gandaki River, which is popular for the black stone that surrounds it, you reach Marpha in the afternoon. The entire trek is only around 5 to 6 hours, and once you reach your destination for the day, you can rest and interact with locals and taste the popular apple brandy and ciders. Your trek officially ends on this day. 

2nd route: Trek to Jomsom or Marpha via Lupra village (25 km, 7-8 hrs )

Leaving Rani Pauwa, the trekking trial begin uphill toward the ridge past Dhangladanda  and ascend gradually along an arid ,exposed rideline, alpine meadow and pasture of Yak to reach in Lupra pass (3,950meter) which offer a spectacular view of Nilgiri range ,Dhaulagiri (8,167m, 7th highest ) and  the deep gorges of Mustang Valley. From pass, the trail begin a long ,steep descent down into Panda river through slippery loose dust and rock. As you down hill, the landscapes changes into a hidden canyon flanked by red cliff foramtion then cross a suspesion bridge over river to reah  Lupra Village(2,790m) well known for traditional Bon Po or pre-tibetan buddhist shamantic tradation  and tucked peacefully in a gorge and completely away from main road. Then follow downstream along the dry riverbed of Panda Khola until it connect into the Kali Gandaki river and walk south direction to Jomsom(2,720m) and Marpha village (2,670m) along the edge of river

Overnight in Jomsom or Marpha village

Max Elevation: 3,950m/12,960 fts

Trekking Distance: 19 to 25  km

Trekking Hours: 6 to 8 hours

Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Hot drinks: Tea,coffee and hot water

Day 11:Fly to Pokhara or Drive to Pokhara(850)

You leave the mountains and take a drive to Pokhara on this day. It is a fairly long drive as it takes roughly 7 or 8 hours to reach the capital city of tourism, Pokhara. During the drive, you can see green hills and lakes. At the same time, you can also feel the air getting warmer. Once you reach the city, you can enjoy walking around the lakeside and enjoying the local life. The evening is all about relaxing.

Overnight in Hotel,Pokhara 

Max Elevation: 850 meters ( Pokhara)

Flight Hour: 20-25 minute

Driving Distance: 195 kilometers

Driving Hours: 7 to 8 hours

Accommodation: 3 to 4 star hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Drinks: Tea,coffee &  hot water

Day 12: Full-day Tour in Pokhara

Not every trekking journey is strictly about trekking - some are also about tourism. This is one such journey, as on the twelfth day, you spend the entire day visiting popular tourist attractions such as Phewa Lake, Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, Mahendra Cave, and Seti River Gorge. As this city is surrounded by the mountains, you can enjoy mountain views regardless of where you are in the city. After a peaceful day, you head back to your hotel and rest. 

  • Max Elevation: 900 meters (Pokhara city level)
  • Travel Distance: 15 to 20 kilometers (combined travel between the city)
  • Travel Hours: 6 to 7 hours (including sightseeing, walking, and short drives between locations)
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Drive or fly to Kathmandu

After having your breakfast, you pack your belongings and prepare for departure towards Kathmandu. Now, at this point, you can either choose a flight or drive back to Kathmandu. Both of these options have their own pros and cons. Flight is more convenient and you arrive at your destination quicker. However, you miss out on the road trip experience. On the flip side, the road journey is a bit long, and the roads are not the smoothest. However, it is a bit exhausting, and you miss out on a few hours of enjoyment in Kathmandu. Regardless of which method of travel you choose, you still have enough time to shop for souvenirs in Kathmandu and visit local cafes. 

  • Max Elevation: 1,400 meters (Kathmandu valley)
  • Travel Distance: 200 to 215 kilometers (Pokhara to Kathmandu by road)
  • Travel Hours: 25 to 30 minutes by flight and  6 to 8 hours by road
  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 14:Final Departure

This is the final day of this tourism journey. A representative from Ever Nepal Adventure shall drop you off at the airport as per your flight time. Once at the airport, you proceed to your terminal and head back home with memories of the journey.

  • Max Elevation: 1,400 meters (Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu)
  • Travel Distance: 6 to 8 kilometers
  • Travel Hours: 20 to 30 minutes depending on hotel location and traffic
  • Meals: Breakfast

Trek Route

Annapurna Circuit Trek Route Map | Ever Nepal

What's included

  • Two nights’ hotel stay in Kathmandu and one night in Pokhara with breakfast included.

  • All necessary airport, hotel, and bus park transfers.

  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with tea or coffee.

  • Accommodation throughout the trek in comfortable, family-friendly tea houses or lodges.

  • Transportation from Kathmandu to Besisahar by local or tourist vehicle

  • Drive from Besisahar to Chame by shared jeep.

  • Transportation from Marpha to Pokhara by local bus, and from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus.Licensed English-speaking trekking guide.

  • Guide’s meals, salary, insurance, accommodation, and required trekking equipment.

  • A comprehensive first aid kit is carried by the guide.

  • All required trekking permits (ACAP and TIMS) and necessary paperwork.

  • All applicable government taxes, local fees, and official service charges.

  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at the end of the trek.

What's excluded

  • International and domestic airfare.

  • Nepal entry visa fees.

  • Travel insurance.

  • Medical Insurance

  • Personal expenses,including but not limited to snacks, beverages, hot showers, laundry, and phone calls.

  • Personal trekking equipment and clothing.

  • Additional accommodation or meals in Pokhara.

  • Emergency costs including helicopter evacuation and/or medical rescue.

  • Entrance fees during sightseeing tours in Kathmandu and Pokhara.Additional tips for guides and porters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a long distance trek around the Annapurna mountain range in Nepal. It winds through villages, forests, rivers and high mountain passes such as Thorong La, providing a variety of scenery and cultural activities.

How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

This is a moderate to difficult hike as it is a long day walk and the high altitude crossing above 5000m. It is necessary to ensu

How long does the Annapurna Circuit Trek take?

The journey typically lasts for 12 to 18 days, depending on the route and speed. In some cases the plan for side trips or acclimatization days in key villages may be extended for some trekkers.

What is the best time for this trek?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons. The weather is more consistent in these months, the views are clearer on the mountains, and the weather is also safer for crossing high passes.

Is altitude sickness a risk?

Yes, it can get you high altitude sickness, particularly near the Thorong La Pass. Acclimatization is key, as being hydrating, going slowly, and plenty of rest days, to minimize the risk.

What kind of accommodation is available?

The types of accommodation are primarily teahouses and lodges that offer basic facilities. Rooms are plain and neat, along the trekking route, and generally feature twin beds and shared bathroom facilities.

Do I need a guide for this trek?

It is highly recommended to have a guide for safety, navigation and local support. Additionally, it may be required in certain instances, depending on new regulations of trekking in Nepal.

What food is available on the trek?

There are teahouses which provide you with basic food such as dal bhat, noodles, soups, rice, pasta etc. and also local snacks. Food is fresh; limited food choices in higher areas.

Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek suitable for beginners?

This hike is suitable for beginning hikers of good fitness. But getting ready for long walks and changes of elevation is crucial before setting off on the journey.

What makes this trek special?

Because of its blend of cultures, landscapes and mountain views, Annapurna Circuit is special. A trekking typically takes you through green valleys and in high Himalayan desert.

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