Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary
Updated on September 04, 2024

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary ranges between 10 days and 22 days. The itinerary of this trek can be revised in mutual consent between you and the agency. Nepal Trekking Routes is always careful to provide you the best lifelong memory.

To modify this trekking itinerary, you can consult with us prior to or even during the trek. We won’t mind it revising this as your satisfaction is our first concern. The professional trekking guide of our agency attempts his best to give you the quality services.

You can find hundreds of Annapurna Circuit trek blog in the Internet. They suggest different itineraries as per their experience for your comfort. To make your trip fabulous, we highly recommend you the following Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary.

  • Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
  • Day Tour in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
  • Drive to Syange (1,100m) -8/9 Hrs
  • Trek to Dharapani (1,810m) -7/8 Hrs
  • Trek to Chame (2,725m) -5/6 Hrs
  • Trek to Pisang (3,190m) - 5/6 Hrs
  • Trek to Manang (3,500m) - 5/6 Hrs
  • Acclimatization Day
  • Trek to Letdar (4,090m) -3/4 Hrs
  • Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,441m) -3/4 Hrs
  • Trek to Muktinath (3,802m) via Thorung La Pass (5,416m) -7/8 Hrs
  • Trek to Jomsom (2,743m) via Kagbeni (2,665m/ -5/6 Hrs
  • Fly to Pokhara (910m) – 25 Minutes
  • Drive Back to Kathmandu- 6/7 Hours
  • Final Departure

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary Highlights

  • Travelling along the three valleys: the Marsyangdi River, Manang and the Kali Gandaki River
  • Wildlife and vegetation of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
  • Typical Thakali cuisine (daal, Bhat and fermented green vegetables pickle)
  • Thorung La Pass (5,416m), one of the high passes of the Himalayas
  • Snowcapped peaks of Annapurna (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Himalayan ranges
  • Muktinath Temple as a shrine equally revered by Hindus and Buddhists
  • Exploration of the Lake City Pokhara
  • Cultural villages of Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Managese, Labo, Chhetri and Brahmin ethnic communities

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary 10 Days

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary 10 Days itinerary is also called Annapurna Circuit Short Trek. It is most appropriate for those who have short vacation in Nepal. Besides, those who want to explore other trekking regions of Nepal can also do this trek.

There are many benefits of this trek. You can explore Annapurna region for its cultural and natural wonders in short time. Besides, the cost of this trek is lower than Annapurna Circuit trek as duration is one of the determining factors of trekking cost.

By spending low amount, you can get the lifelong memory of visiting Annapurna region. Similarly, you can visit other places in the saved time that your Nepal visit becomes more memorable.

Despite the advantages, Annapurna Circuit Short Trek has a few disadvantages as well. One of them is that you don’t have acclimatization day in the middle of the journey. Next, you have to walk quite longer than in full-fledged itinerary every day.

No rest while walking in the high altitude place means there is probability of different health problems. First of all, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) are likely to attack you. Sometimes, altitude sickness may worsen that you have to even cancel the trek, too.

However, if you have a good physical condition and habit of regular walk, it is not a big problem. Walking slowly by taking enough rest, drinking enough water and having hygienic food can save you from this hazard.

Likewise, taking sound sleep for good rest is another technique to avoid AMS. You have to follow the instructions given by the team leader. Finally, you have to consult with the trekking guide when you feel any of the symptoms of AMS.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

  • Drive to Beshisahar (760m/ -6/7 Hours
  • Trek to Chame (2,710m/ -4/5 Hours
  • Trek to Pisang (3,300m/ -5/6 Hours
  • Tek to Manang (3,500m/ -5/6 Hours
  • Rest Day in Manang
  • Trek to Yak Kharka (4,110m/ -3/4 Hours
  • Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,800m/ -3/4 Hours
  • Trek to Muktinath (3,800m/ via Thorung La Pass (5,416m/  and Drive to Jomsom (2,700m/ -5/6 Hours + 3 Hours
  • Morning Flight to Pokhara (950m/ -25 Minutes
  • Drive Back to Kathmandu -6/7 Hours

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

Annapurna Circuit Trek is the most popular trekking package in the Nepalese Himalayas. The largest number of international tourists prefer Annapurna region to other regions. It takes you to the Himalayan region located quite closer to Pokhara City.

While walking along this region, you can have the stunning view of the snowy peaks and forests. The presence of the glittering peaks of the snowcapped peaks of Annapurna (8,091m) Massif and Dhaulagiri (8,167m).

Mt. Fishtail (Machhapuchhre: 6,993m) is one of the highest virgin mountains in the world. You will also see Nilgiri Peak (7,061m), Mt. Gangapurna (7,454m), Lamjung Himal (6,983m) and Hiunchuli (6,441m).

Pisang Peak (6,091m) is a popular trekking peak of Annapurna region. Annapurna Circuit trek is also combined with Pisang Peak climbing is kept in their bucket list by hundreds of avid trekkers every year. The distant view of Mt. Manaslu (8,163) and Himalchuli (7,895m) are also seen while trekking in this region.

The trail goes along Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). ACAP is one of the Himalayan conservation areas of the nation established in 1986. This protected area preserves 1,226 plant species, 105 mammals, 518 birds, 40 reptiles and 23 species of amphibians.

Likewise, cultural villages of diverse ethnic groups are visited while doing Annapurna Circuit trek. Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Manangese, Loba, Brahmin and Chhetri are the major inhabitants of this belt.

More importantly, you come to go across one of the highest Himalayan passes of Nepal. Thorung La Pass (5,416m) is the highest pass of Annapurna region. Sometimes, you need to use the climbing gears to cross successfully.

Why Most Tourists Prefer Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary?

Nearly one third of the total international visitors to Nepal visit Annapurna region every year. One of the reasons behind this is that it is close to the Lake City Pokhara. Well-defined and maintained trekking trails is another reason for this trek gaining publicity.

Most of the tourists prefer Annapurna Circuit trek to Everest Base Camp trek or Manaslu Circuit trek. First reason is the beauty and accessibility of this trek is the main reason behind it. The wonderful cultural and natural diversity is another cause that makes them visit this belt.

The biodiversity of Annapurna Conservation Area Project makes this trek more memorable. The diverse culture and tradition of various ethnic groups add up to the meaning of this trek. The lifestyle and typical cuisines of these ethnic communities also draw the attention of the tourists.

One of the highest valleys of the Himalayas, Mustang Valley is an abode for cultural diversity. Similarly, you go through the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki Gorge in the course of this trek.

Although climbing Thorung La Pass is quite challenging, the views are rewarding. From the top, you can see the breathtaking view of the snowcapped peaks and lush valleys. You go along the Marsyangdi River Valley and the Kali Gandari River Valley during Nepal trek.

The spellbinding vistas of the snowcapped peaks of Annapurna Massif and Dhaulagiri Massif are the rewards of Annapurna Circuit trek. Except Thorung La Pass, the other sections of the trails are comfortable.

Last but not the least, Muktinath Temple is a pilgrimage site visited in this trek. You reach there by crossing Thorung La Pass. This temple is a shrine equally revered by the Hindus and Buddhists. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from India and South Asia visit this holy site.

Free Individual Trekking (FIT) and Restricted Area Trekking (RIT)

You can either do a solo trek or an organized trekking in Nepal. A solo treks in Nepal has to pay higher amount of cost while s/he gets more time of the guide. An organized trekking is cheap and more interesting as well.

The entire trekking region of Nepal is divided into two categories: Free Individual Trekking (FIT) and Restricted Area Trekking (RIT). The government of Nepal has declared some of the places of the nation as restricted areas.

A particular region is declared a restricted area not to let the intervention of outer factors into its natural and cultural diversity. If there is probability of negative influences upon the local culture and nature due to free trekking.

The Government of Nepal has announced the higher Himalayan region to be restricted area. Some of the restricted area treks are Upper Mustang trek, Upper Dolpo trek, Manaslu Circuit trek, etc.

If you to explore these areas, you need a special permit that costs extra amount. Moreover, you must be in a group of two members for restricted area trekking. There must be a registered trekking guide for your support.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary Solo

Since Annapurna Circuit trek doesn’t have any restricted area, a solo trek is also possible. You can do Annapurna Circuit Solo trek by arranging everything by yourself. Trekking individually can customize the cost of this trip.

Travelling alone along the unknown zone may not be quite safe. You may miss the right trekking trails that you may meet with an accident. There are some cases that a few solo trekkers to different regions of Nepal have gone missing as well.

Hence, we recommend you to consult with a local tour operator located in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The agencies provide you a professional guide who can help you in different situations.

As the guide is familiar to the trekking trails and region, you can accomplish this trek without any mishap. He tells you all about the important landmarks of the region. You get help in case of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) as well.

In the peak season, there may be difficulty in reserving the hotel or lodge for food and accommodation facilities. As the guide has good public relationship with the teahouse or hotel owners, he can manage it easily.

Guided Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

Although FIT is possible, Annapurna Circuit Guided Trek is more suitable. There are hundreds of local tour operators in Kathmandu and Pokhara to provide you proper guide. The long experience of these agencies can be beneficial for successfully accomplishing this trek.

Yes, it is true that the cost of guided trek is costlier than independent trekking to Annapurna region. You have to manage all the necessary arrangements by yourself to do independent trekking.

The arrangements refer to trekking permits, food and accommodation facilities, transportation and trekking gears. The independent trekker is responsible for managing all these things by themselves.

To gather information about the locations for getting these things, it takes a long time. Most important time of your vacation goes waste in such management. As a result, you may not be able to explore the place of your choice as much as you want.

If you book a guided trek to Annapurna Circuit, everything is managed by the local trekking agency. You don’t have to worry about getting permits, booking hotels or teahouses and other trekking gears.

You can just focus on how to make Annapurna Circuit trek more memorable. What you have to worry about is manage the required budget. Also, there is no worry of missing the right trekking trails during the journey.

Annapurna Circuit Guided trek is cheaper, more reliable and more interesting than a solo trekking. Besides, you can customize the trekking package even in the middle of the trip. You will get the detailed information about the natural and manmade landmarks of the trekking region.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary Cost

The cost of any tour or trekking package in Nepal is determined by various factors. Specifically, the duration, trekking region, number of guides and porters, facilities of food and accommodation are some of them.

You have to pay higher cost for longer duration, difficult trekking region, large number of guides and porters. Besides, large amount of the cost you pay should be spent on food and accommodation facilities.

ACT Trek Itinerary cost ranges from USD 1,200 to USD 1,600 depending upon the itinerary. The cost covers the charge of domestic transportation, trek permits plus food and accommodation facilities.

However, it doesn’t include the additional expenses in it. International flight cost, beverage items, insurance, visa and personal equipment are excluded. You yourself are liable for the cost of these topics.

In case you want to have standard quality of food and accommodation services, you have to pay high amount. In case of emergency evacuation due to some unavoidable circumstances, you have to bear this cost. Or, if possible, we can coordinate with your insurance company.

 

Annapurna Circuit Trek
18% OFF
FromUS$1275US$1550
Manaslu Circuit Trek
16% OFF
FromUS$1275US$1520
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
26% OFF
FromUS$1140US$1540
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
FromUS$1890US$1890

Shailesh

Shailesh Pokharel is young tourism entrepreneur as well as passionate traveler writer, who thrives on meeting new people and exploring the world. I love to share Captivating stories and insights from my global adventure inspiring other to embark on their own journey. Through my blog and travel service I will brings to life the diverse cultures, landscapes and experience I encounters making accessible and exiting for my reader and clients.

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