The Annapurna Circuit Trek is widely regarded as one of the world’s most stunning and diverse trekking expeditions. This legendary track, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, offers trekkers a captivating blend of lush woods, charming villages, high mountain passes, and stunning views of snow-capped peaks. We will go into the Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary in this blog post, walking you through its breathtaking beauty, challenges, and why it should be at the top of your adventure bucket list.
Table of Contents
Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a teahouse trek, which means you can stay and eat in local teahouses and guesthouses along the way. This avoids the need to bring heavy camping equipment and allows you to enjoy the warm welcome of the local villages.
Thorung La is the maximum elevation point at 5,400 meter.
New Update from Nepal tourism board
According to the Nepal Tourism Board’s updated rules, no trekker may hike alone. All trekkers must hire a licensed trekking guide. It goes into effect on April 1, 2023 and applies to all treks in Nepal. Individual trekker can not obtain the permits for any trek. If any trekker is found hiking on designated trails without guide and permits, forces 12,000 NPR.
Note: To avoid fraud, ensure that the trekking guide has an authorized license.
Permits and Costs
You will required two types of permits for trekking in the Annapurna region.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), Cost – 1000 NPR per person for SAARC citizens and 2000 NPR for rest of the world.
- Trekker’s Information Management System (E-TIMS Card), Cost – 3000 NPR per person for all nations.
- Required Documents: A copy of passport and two passport size photographs for each permit.
where to get Annapurna circuit trek permits
There are lot of travel agency offer permits for this trek but on higher cost. Better You obtained these permits from Nepal tourism offices at following places –
- Kathmandu: Nepal tourism office is located on Pradarshani Marg street in Kathmandu. Opening hours is 10:00 to 16:00.
- Pokhara: Here office is closed to lake’ shore and can find easily on google map. It is 15 min walk from Pokhara’s true center.
Best time for Annapurna Circuit trek
- Spring (March to May): This period is known to be the best time for the Annapurna Circuit trek. The weather is compatible during these months, and the skies are crystal clear, providing excellent views of the surrounding mountains. You can witness stunning views of blooming rhododendron forests and lush green landscapes during this time.
- Autumn (September to November): This is the post-monsoon time and a very popular period for trekking in Nepal. Trekkers from all over the world come to Nepal for hiking in the autumn. Pleasant temperatures make it perfect for hiking. You can enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas with bright skies.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary
Note: Generally it takes 14-21 days to complete this trek but Trekkers may customize the route and duration based on their preferences and experience. If you don’t want to complete the entire circuit, you can shorten it by choosing routes.
Here I am gonna to tell about an 18 days Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary. This trek starts and ends in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Your adventure begins in Kathmandu, the bustling metropolis of Nepal. Spend the day resting, exploring the lively streets, and preparing for the journey ahead. Immerse yourself in Nepali culture by visiting ancient landmarks such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupati Nath Temple and Durbar Square.
Note: Beware of going to night pub alone. You may be cheated.
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Day 2: Drive to Besi Sahar
Next day, Take a bus or private 4×4 jeep to Besi Sahar, the official starting location for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The road trip provides glimpses of rural Nepali life as well as breathtaking vistas. Spend the night in Besi Sahar to acclimate.
Day 3: Besi Sahar to Bahundanda (1,310 m)
Begin the trip with a slow hike to Bahundanda, a lovely hilltop settlement. You’ll pass through terraced fields and lovely Gurung and Magar villages along the way. The name “Bahundanda” translates to “Brahmin Hill” in Nepali, signifying its historical association with the Brahmin community.
Basi sahar to bahundanda distance is 19 km and it takes 1.5 hours to walk.
Day 4: Bahundanda to Chamje
Descend to Syange and then follow the Marsyangdi River to Chamje. The trail winds through beautiful woodlands and passes suspension bridges, making for an exciting start to your tour.
Day 5: Chamje to Dharapani (1,860 M)
Continue along the Marsyangdi River, passing through bamboo forests and charming villages. Dharapani is a Tibetan-influenced settlement with spectacular views of the Manaslu mountain. YOu will also pass by magnificent chamche waterfall too.
Day 6: Dharapani to Chame (2,600 m)
Hike through rhododendron trees and lovely villages to reach Chame, Manang’s district headquarters. Enjoy the incredible views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II (7937m).
here you will actually feel being in high mountains of Himalaya. It is 6-7 hours of trek.
Day 7: Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300 m)
The trail ascends through pine forests to Upper Pisang. The Marsyangdi Valley narrows and steepens here, with the trail dug right into the vertical rock wall. As we approach this point, the valley opens up to display a breathtaking mountain panorama, with the Paungda Danda rock face. Explore the historic monastery and delight in the stunning panoramas of Annapurna II and III.
Day 8: Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540 m)
Trek to Manang, a lovely village with a rest day for acclimatization. Explore the local culture, pay a visit to the Himalayan Rescue Association, and go on short excursions to higher heights. People in this region herd yaks and grow crops such as corn.
If you feel tired, you can spend one more day here for acclimatization.
Day 9: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,000 m)
Continue your rise amid yak farms and alpine scenery. Stay the night at Yak Kharka, a little village with stunning mountain views.
Day 10: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,400 m)
Another short day to help with acclimatization. Trek to Thorong Phedi, the Thorong La Pass base camp. As we continue ascending the valley, the view becomes more wild. This difficult day will prepare you for the high pass crossing.
Day 11: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La pass
Begin your trek to Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters), the highest point on the expedition. The breathtaking vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri (8,100 m) ranges make the effort worthwhile. Descend to Muktinath (3,800 m), a sacred pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Day 12: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,743 m)
Visit Muktinath temple in the morning and see several Hindu and Buddhist rites. Hike to Jomsom, a breezy town known for its apple orchards. Explore the local culture and take in the spectacular scenery of the Kali Gandaki Valley.
Note: You can finish your trek in next three days from here by taking the route from Muktinath to Marpha to Kalopani to Pokhara. But I will take you via another beautiful route which will take two extra days.
Day 13: Jomsom to Tatopani (1,190 m)
Trek to Tatopani, which is famous for its natural hot springs. Soak in the pleasant thermal waters to relax your muscles after the difficult pass crossing.
Day 14: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,874 m)
Hike through rhododendron forests and beautiful villages to Ghorepani, which is famous for its panoramic vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
Day 15: Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,600 m) via Poon Hill
Get up early to climb to Poon Hill (3,200 m) for a spectacular sunrise across the mountains. Continue on to Tadapani, a beautiful village surrounded by thick nature.
Day 16: Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,940 m)
Descend to Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountains. Discover the local culture and experience true local hospitality.
Day 17: Ghandruk to Nayapul, Drive to Pokhara
Finish your trek by descending to Nayapul and heading back to Pokhara. Relax and celebrate your accomplishment in this lakeside city.
There are lot of activities to do in Pokhara. You can explore them by staying here or back to Kathmandu next day.
Day 18: Return to Kathmandu
Here you have two options to reach Kathmandu either bus or flight. Rememeber that Buses depart from Pokhara early in the morning and it will take 7-8 hours to reach Kathmandu. Do reach bus stand accordingly. It is advisable that you book your ticket one day in advance.
Conclusion:
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime excursion that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and the exhilaration of crossing high mountain passes. This trek provides something for everyone, whether you’re an expert trekker or a newbie. It’s an opportunity to push yourself, connect with nature, and experience the great welcome of the Nepali people. So lace up your hiking boots, pack your backpack, and prepare for an incredible trek across the stunning scenery of the Annapurna region.
I hope this 18-day Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary will help you plan a comfortable expedition.
Read more: Top 5 Best Himalayan Treks
Book your accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara at Hotels.com.
FAQs:
What should I pack for thе Annapurna Circuit Trеk?
Essеntial itеms includе sturdy trеkking boots, warm clothing layеrs, a good-quality slееping bag, a first aid kit, watеr purification tablеts, and a comprеhеnsivе trеkking map. It’s important to pack light and carry only nеcеssary itеms.
Arе thеrе ATMs and intеrnеt facilitiеs along thе trеkking routе?
ATM facilitiеs arе limitеd, and it’s advisablе to carry еnough cash (Nеpali Rupееs) for thе еntirе trеk. Somе lodgеs offеr Wi-Fi for a fее, but thе connеction might bе slow and unrеliablе duе to thе rеmotе locations.
Is it nеcеssary to hirе a guidе and portеr for thе Annapurna Circuit trеk?
Yes, As per the new rules of the government of Nepal, hiring a guide is mandatory for all treks in Nepal. No permits will be issued for individual trekkers. If someone is found without permits and a guide, then there is a penalty sum of 12,000 NPR. The rule is effective April 1, 2023.
What cultural еxpеriеncеs can I еxpеct during thе Annapurna Circuit Trеk?
Thе trеk passеs through divеrsе еthnic communitiеs such as Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi, providing opportunitiеs to еxpеriеncе thеir uniquе culturеs, traditions, and cuisinе. Trеkkеrs can visit monastеriеs, tеmplеs, and intеract with friеndly locals, еnriching thеir cultural еxpеriеncе.
What is thе accommodation likе along thе standard Annapurna Circuit Trеk Itinerary?
Accommodations rangе from basic tеahousеs to lodgеs with varying lеvеls of comfort. Tеahousеs providе dormitory-stylе rooms or privatе rooms with sharеd bathrooms. Lodgеs in largеr villagеs offеr privatе rooms with attachеd bathrooms, providing morе comfort.
Can thе Annapurna Circuit Trek itinеrary bе customizеd basеd on fitnеss lеvеls and timе constraints?
Yеs, thе itinеrary can bе customizеd. Trеkkеrs with limitеd timе or diffеrеnt fitnеss lеvеls can opt for shortеr or longеr routеs. It’s important to consult with trеkking agеnciеs to plan an itinеrary that suits individual nееds.