Trip Highlights
- Savor some of the best views of mighty ranges of Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri. Moreover, you will get to witness more than 20 peaks over 6,000m+ and 7,000m+.
- Diverse geography: ranging from sub-tropical to alpine and snowy barren landscape to the world’s deepest gorge.
- Enthralling old Buddhist religion, traditional villages with rich culture.
- The crossing of Thorong La Pass, at 5,416m.
- Famous Hindu temple Muktinath.
- Apple garden and local product items of there.
- Charming woodlands of tall rhododendron, pines, and oak trees.
About This Trip
Annapurna Circuit Trek of Nepal (5,416m) is the jewel of walking holiday destinations. The trekking trail of Annapurna Circuit is opened in 1977, and this route is also one of the most sought after ever since. Multi-ethnic community, dense forest, and mesmerizing Himalayas are the main features of this trekking. You will be able to view the Annapurna Ranges, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri Massif, Manaslu Range, Pisang Peak, Thorong Peak, and many more. Wandering through the snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, high passes, hot springs, farmlands, and charming villagers make this trek memorable.
Overview
Annapurna Circuit Trekking is also called the Annapurna Round Trek, is encircles the Annapurna massif. This trek takes you through ancient central Nepal’s ancient trade route. This trek covers about 203 km and is one of the satisfying ones in the Himalayas. Upon compilation of this trek, you capture your attention and make you want to return again and again.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the diverse and spectacular teahouse treks in the Himalayas of Nepal. You can experience everything one could ask for a scenic trek to Annapurna Circuit. You will experience the colorful forests, snow-capped mountains, numerous charms along the way. You will walk under the shadow of the world’s highest mountain in the world, which is quite overwhelming. There are dense forests decorated with colorful rhododendrons, wild animals, canyons, and full of local surprises. Trekking to Annapurna Circuit Trek leads us to the highest altitude of this trek called Thorong La (5416m), which is a great sense of achievement. From the top, you can see the magnificent panorama of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,172m), Manaslu (8,163m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Fishtail (6,993m), Lamjung (6,983m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and the Nilgiri range.
Finally, you will descend to the spiritual center for both Hindu and Buddhists, called Muktinath. You will find the barren landscapes beyond the Annapurna mountain chain while descending. Pay homage to Muktinath Temple, a temple of liberation, before making your way through the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge to lush Ghorepani Poon Hill.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Route
Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary follows the recently constructed road route; in an anti-clockwise direction behind 55km long Annapurna massif. Trek to Annapurna CIrcuit trial starts with the scenic and adventurous ride from Kathmandu to Dharapani via Besisahar, following Marshyangdi River Valley. Passing through the Chame and Pisang, we will reach the beautiful village of Manang. You will be amazed to see the amazing landscape, towns, and people along with the trial. Passing through this village, you will see the beautiful Manaslu range, Tibetan-like Buddhist village, and woodlands through Marshyangdi valley. From Manang, we then continue the trial and head to Yak Kharka and the next day hike up to Thorong Phedi.
And finally, you will reach your ultimate destination, Thorong La Pass (5,416m), a host of mountains that come into view, including the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Tilicho Peak. After crossing the pass, we head down to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindu and Buddhists. This holy temple with 108 waterspouts is also a form part of the cultural history of Nepal. Just a short hike down brings you the villages of Jomson plunges you back into a Buddhist culture of monasteries and prayer flags. Upon reaching Jomsom, you will then transport back to Pokhara by flight and then drive to Kathmandu.
With the varied landscapes, exotic villages, and friendly local peoples along the route, and of course, majestic mountains, this trek is a paradise for photographers. It is also the best way to discover the different aspect of local peoples, their day-to-day lifestyle, and culture while rotating the Annapurna Range.
Best Weather for Annapurna Circuit Trek
Weather is an important factor when you are trekking to a high altitude like Annapurna Circuit. People travel throughout the year but then are ups and downs in every season. Although trekking can be done throughout the year, each season has several attractions and adventures. Below is the complete information about the climatic situation of Annapurna Circuit every quarter of months.
Autumn Season (September-November)
The autumn season in Annapurna Circuit will be the best trekking season in Nepal. You can experience the better visibility of tantalizing mountains, decorated green hills, and amazing weather. Weather is generally clear with mild during the days and cold at night. This trekking season is safe as there will be less chance of natural disaster. You will also get an opportunity to experience the most significant Hindu festivals called Dashain and Tihar.
Wither Season (December-February)
During the winter in Annapurna Circuit, the region will freeze over and the snowfalls. Trekking will be more challenging in every step as you reach higher. The trial will be covered with snow when you get over 3500 above. The temperature will reach up to -10 degrees Celsius. So if you are willing to trek Annapurna Circuit, be prepared with proper gear and strong willpower.
Spring Season (March-May)
Spring season in Annapurna Circuit is another best time to trek. You will be welcomed with the blooming flower, lush greenery, and the dazzling White Mountains, which make your trek memorable. Weather is this season will be mild at lower elevation but slightly cold at the highest elevation. Generally, you will witness the best view of mountains in the morning, but there may be clouds in the afternoon.
Summer Season (June-August)
During the summer in Annapurna Circuit, you will experience the cloudy morning rain in the afternoons and evenings. Trekking will be uncomfortable as there will be a slippery and muddy trail. There will be a high risk of landslides and floods in hilly reason because of the rainy season. If you are willing to trek, then do not forget to carry the insect repellants. The temperature will reach from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius depending upon the region. This is not a good time to trek, but if you are fond of botanists and wanted to do research in forests and higher altitude, this will be the best time for you. However, places like Manang and Mustang lie under rain shadow, which may be the best opportunity to explore these reasons.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty
Tourist who is planning to trek Annapurna Circuit will have frequent question on Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty.
Annapurna Circuit is a moderately difficult trek for those who are planning to trek this region because of high latitude terrains and passes. Trekking in the lap of the Himalayas with varied terrain means there will be an adventure waiting for you in every step. During the trek, you will experience various altitudes with rocky, steeps, or slippery trials. There is also a lot of stairways which will add more difficulty.
At high altitudes, the weather is also another unpredictable aspect that will affect your trekking experience. Depending upon the weather situation, you will encounter the difficulty and challenges. Annapurna Circuit trip is exciting with full of challenges that will add up to the adventure in your trekking.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost
The cost of Annapurna Circuit Trek will be determined by the type of trek you are planning, your trekking route, time on the trail, and by the season you choose to trek. Overall, the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost for 10-13 days is about USD 850 to 1000. Annapurna Circuit Trek's price is relatively low than other trekking because of the accommodation's low transportation costs and price.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary usually includes hotel accommodation, domestic flights, trekking permits, meals, professional trekking guides, porters, accommodation, entry fees, etc. The cost of this trek also depends upon traveling as private or in a group. For the Annapurna Circuit Trip, you need to have two kinds of permits:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
You will be entering Annapurna Conservation Area during this trek, and you need to pay the entrance fee to visit this national park. Your trekking provider will help you to acquire the national park permit.
The permit fee for SAARC country is USD.10, per person, and for other nations, USD30, per person per entry.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Trekking permit for Annapurna Base Camp Trek is important for every trekker willing to travel in Nepal Himalayas. The costs for TIMS costs USD 30, per person.
Outline Itinerary
Day01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) and transfer to the hotel
Day02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek preparation
Day03: Drive- Kathmandu – Besisahar – (800m/2,624ft) – 8 – 9 hours
Day04: Khudi – Siung (2,200m/7,216ft) – 6 – 7 hours
Day05: Sirung – Chamje (1,410m/4,626ft) – 5 – 6 hours
Day06: Chamje – Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft) – 5 – 6 hours
Day07: Dharapani – Chame (2,710m/8,891ft) – 5 – 6 hours
Day08: Chame – Pisang (3,300m/10,824ft) – 5 – 6 hours
Day09: Pisang – Manang – 6 – 7 hours
Day10: Manang: Rest and acclimatization day
Day11: Manang - Yak Kharaka (4,110m/13,484ft) – 3 – 4 hours
Day12: Yak Kharka – Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft) – 3 – 4 hours
Day13: Thorong Phedi – Thorong La (5,416m/17,764ft) – Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) – 7 – 8 hours
Day14: Muktinath – jomsom (2,670m/8,760ft) – 4 – 5 hours
Day15: Flight to Pokhara or drive to Pokhara.
Day16: Drive or flight back to Kathmandu.
Day21: Final Departure