Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most legendary long-distance treks in the world, often called the "classic Himalayan adventure". Circling the majestic Annapurna Massif, the route covers a dramatic variety of landscapes—from subtropical valleys and terraced fields in the Marsyangdi River basin to high alpine passes, arid Tibetan-style plateaus, and the windswept Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge on Earth.
Starting from the lush lowlands around Besisahar, the trail ascends through rhododendron forests, waterfalls, and traditional Gurung and Magar villages before entering the culturally rich Manang region, influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. The highlight is crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 ft), one of the highest trekking passes in the world, which offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
After the pass, the trail descends to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath and continues through Jomsom, Marpha, and Tatopani, famous for apple orchards, monasteries, and natural hot springs. Depending on the itinerary, trekkers can end in Pokhara via Ghorepani–Poon Hill or return from Jomsom by road/fligh
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Highlights
- Cross the Thorong La Pass (5,416m), the highest point of the trek.
- Stunning views of Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Tilicho Peak.
- Visit Muktinath Temple, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.
- Experience diverse landscapes: rice terraces, pine forests, alpine meadows, and arid Mustang valleys.
- Explore Tibetan-influenced villages like Manang, Pisang, and Braga.
- Natural hot springs at Tatopani (if following road option).
- Scenic drive along Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki river valleys.
- Flexible return options: Flight from Jomsom or overland via Tatopani & Pokhara.
Basic Information
- Destination
- Duration
- Start / End Location
- Accommodation Type
- Difficulty Level
- Max Altitude
- Age Limit
- Transportation Mode
- Annapurna
- 12 days
- Kathmandu / Kathmandu
- Teahouses/Lodges during trek,Hotels in KTM & Pokhara
- Strenuous
- 5,416m
- -
- -
Best Season
Autumn (September – November) → BEST Clear skies after the monsoon → spectacular mountain views (Manaslu, Annapurna, Tilicho Peak, Thorong La). Pleasant temperatures: warm days (10–20°C lower altitudes), cool nights at higher altitudes (0–10°C). Stable weather → minimal risk of landslides or trail closures. Most popular trekking season → lodges in Manang and Thorong La region can be busy. Spring (March – May) → SECOND BEST Rhododendron forests bloom beautifully in lower Manaslu and Annapurna valleys. Long daylight hours, moderate temperatures, and mostly clear skies. Afternoon haze possible; some pre-monsoon showers may occur. Winter (December – February) Clear skies → excellent mountain photography. Cold nights at high altitudes (down to -15°C near Thorong La). Some high trails may be snow-covered or icy; suitable for experienced trekkers only. Monsoon (June – August) Green valleys, waterfalls, fewer trekkers. Not recommended → muddy/slippery trails, risk of landslides, limited mountain visibility.
Inclusions
Tour Plan
- Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
- Explore Thamel or nearby cultural sites (optional)
- Dinner at a local restaurant or hotel
- Overnight in Kathmandu
- Breakfast at hotel
- Drive to Besisahar (~6–7 hrs), continue to Dharapani by jeep (~3 hrs)
- Lunch en route (e.g., Dumre/Besisahar)
- Scenic drive along Marsyangdi River
- Dinner and overnight at Dharapani
- Breakfast
- Trek through pineforests and rocky trails (~5–6 hrs)
- Lunch in Timang or Koto
- Views of Lamjung Himal & Annapurna II
- Dinner and overnight in Chame
- Breakfast
- Trek through Bratang and Dhukur Pokhari (~5 hrs)
- Lunch on the trail
- Views of Annapurna II, IV, and Pisang Peak
- Dinner and overnight in Upper Pisang
- Breakfast a
- Scenic trek via Ghyaru and Ngawal (~6–7 hrs)
- Lunch in Ngawal
- Panoramic views and Tibetan culture
- Dinner and overnight in Manang
- Breakfast
- Optional hikes to Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake
- Lunch and rest
- Light exploration and altitude adaptation
- Dinner and overnight in Manang
- Breakfast
- Gradual ascent (~4–5 hrs)
- Lunch on the trail
- Stunning mountain views
- Dinner and overnight in Yak Kharka
- Breakfast
- Trek to Phedi (~3–4 hrs) or push to High Camp (add 1.5 hrs)
- Lunch at Phedi
- Rest and prepare for pass crossing
- Dinner and overnight
- Early breakfast
- Long ascent to Thorong La Pass (~4–5 hrs), descent to Muktinath (~3 hrs)
- Lunch after pass
- Visit Muktinath Temple (sacred to Hindus and Buddhists)
- Dinner and overnight in Muktinath
- Breakfast in Muktinath
- Drive to Jomsom (~1.5 hrs)
- Flight to Pokhara (~20 mins)
- Drive/fly to Kathmandu
- Dinner and overnight in Kathmandu
- Shopping or optional sightseeing
- Dinner and overnight in Kathmandu
- Final departure from Kathmandu