The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most iconic treks, offering a diverse journey through lush valleys, alpine forests, and high mountain passes. A typical itinerary spans 7 to 18 days, depending on your pace and acclimatization needs.
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 detailed Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 Days itinerary.
From Besisahar in the Lamjung district to Jomsom or Nayapul near Pokhara, the "Annapurna Circuit Trekking routes" makes a breathtaking loop around the Annapurna Massif. The trail begins in the verdant Marsyangdi River Valley and travels through traditional Gurung and Tamang villages, terraced farmlands, and subtropical forests. Trekkers acclimate to the culturally rich town of Manang as the trail ascends higher, when the scenery changes to pine forests and alpine meadows.
From Manang, the path proceeds to Thorong Phedi and Yak Kharka before climbing to the Thorong La Pass (5,416m), the highest point of the trek.
This area features rough terrain and stunning snow-capped peaks. The trail leads to the holy pilgrimage site of Muktinath after traversing the pass and descending into the windy, dry Mustang valley.
The path then passes past villages like Kagbeni and Jomsom as it traverses the Kali Gandaki Valley, which is regarded as the deepest valley in the world. While some hikers continue toward Tatopani, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill for sunrise views, many trekkers end their journey in Jomsom. One of Nepal's most famous treks, this varied path combines topographical contrasts, cultural legacy, and scenic beauty.
From Besisahar in the east to Jomsom or Nayapul in the west, a standard Annapurna Circuit Trek map shows a loop around the Annapurna Massif. The path descends into the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest valley in the world, after following the Marsyangdi River valley and traversing the high, snow-capped Thorong La Pass.
Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, Muktinath, Kagbeni, and Jomsom are among the important villages depicted on the map. It also points out detours to Tilicho Lake, one of the world's highest lakes. The trail will have markers indicating altitude rises to aid hikers in managing acclimatization. Apps like Maps.me and Gaia GPS provide offline digital representations of the route, even if paper maps are fantastic to carry.
Depending on where you start and finish, the Annapurna Circuit Trek can be anywhere from 160 to 230 kilometers (100 to 145 miles) long. Trekkers often finish the journey in 8 to 21 days, but they can prolong it by including side trips to places like Tilicho Lake or Tatopani hot springs.
The greatest challenge in the trek is altitude, not distance. In Manang, proper acclimatization helps avoid altitude sickness. Although some hikers take jeeps to Chame or Manang to cut the journey short, walking the entire trail provides a more comprehensive experience.
The route, which alternates between rice fields, rocky cliffs, pine forests, and Mustang landscape resembling a desert, not only calculates distance in kilometers but also in memories. Walking the entire Annapurna Circuit or combining parts with transportation still results on an adventure filled with resiliency, stunning scenery, and friendly cross-cultural interactions.
For trekkers with limited time but reasonable fitness and past trekking experience, the 8-day Annapurna Circuit Trek offers a fast-paced schedule. In order to avoid the lower paths, this variation takes a shorter route, typically beginning with a drive from Kathmandu to Chame or Manang. Trekkers then go toward Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi after following the high-altitude trail through Manang and taking a short break to acclimate.
The trek's high point, Thorong La Pass (5,416m), which provides stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks, is the main highlight. The path descends to the holy pilgrimage site of Muktinath after traversing the pass.
Driving or flying from Jomsom to Pokhara marks the end of the trek. To save time, this Short Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary skips the lower village trails, the entire circuit, and the cultural stops. Trekkers looking for adventure on a tight schedule can benefit from it, but it calls for a high level of physical stamina and appropriate acclimatization.
Annapurna Circuit Trek 10 Days itinerary is also called short Annapurna Circuit 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, Short Annapurna Circuit 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.
Here is Annapurna Circuit Trek 10 days 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 trekking. 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.
Trekkers with limited time who wish to see the Annapurna Circuit will find this short plan and Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days Itinerary is ideal. Bypassing the lower, less picturesque parts, the trip begins with a jeep ride from Kathmandu to Dharapani or Chame. The journey to Pisang, which offers the first expansive views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal, starts at Chame and winds through pine forests and traditional villages.
The trek continues to Manang, where your body can acclimate to the altitude with a day of relaxation and acclimatization. You can go to the Himalayan Rescue Association or explore Ice Lake. Hike to Yak Kharka after acclimating, and then on to Thorong Phedi.
The crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416m) is the most rewarding and difficult day. Go down to Muktinath, a revered Himalayan pilgrimage place, after crossing the pass. The following day, take a vehicle to Jomsom rather of walking the lengthy, dusty trail.
To comfortably finish your walk, take a jeep or a quick flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. In order to minimize exhausting walking days and optimize Himalayan views, this 12-day program combines hiking experience with vehicle transportation.
The traditional and most well-liked way to do the Annapurna Circuit is with a 14-day itinerary. This classic Annapurna Circuit Trek route starts with a picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar and proceeds along the Marsyangdi River Valley, passing past settlements like Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang. A stop for acclimatization helps trekkers avoid altitude sickness as they progressively rise to Manang. Before ascending the strenuous Thorong La Pass (5,416m), a key highlight providing breathtaking vistas of snow-covered peaks, the route continues through Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi.
The trail descends to Muktinath, a significant Buddhist and Hindu religious site, after traversing the pass. The road then travels through the Kali Gandaki Valley to Jomsom. Many hikers take a plane from Jomsom to Pokhara, while others trek to Tatopani to enjoy the natural hot springs before continuing on to Ghorepani and Poon Hill to see the dawn. This 14-day itinerary is perfect for most hikers with mediocre fitness levels since it strikes a balance between hiking, acclimatization, and cultural encounters.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek 21-day Itinerary provides a thorough and deep exploration of the hidden valleys, civilizations, and landscapes of the area. Starting at Besisahar, this lengthy tour travels the ancient path through subtropical forests, lush rice fields, and quaint Gurung and Tamang villages. Before spending enough time in Manang for acclimatization and cultural exploration, trekkers visit Chame, Pisang, and Braga. The trip continues across the famous Thorong La Pass (5,416m), toward Thorong Phedi and Yak Kharka. Trekkers travel the winding paths of Lower Mustang, stopping at Kagbeni and Jomsom after descending to Muktinath.
In contrast to shorter itineraries, this version rises to Ghorepani and Poon Hill for breathtaking sunrise views of the Himalayas after continuing to Tatopani, where trekkers can enjoy natural hot springs. Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, is a stop on some itineraries. In Pokhara or Nayapul, the journey comes to a conclusion. Adventurers who wish to see the Annapurna region at their own leisure, immerse themselves in the native way of life, and take in the varied landscapes of high alpine deserts and lowland fields will love this 21-day trek.
With a daring detour to one of the highest lakes in the world at 4,919 meters, the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake blends the traditional circuit route. Typically, the trip starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, followed by Chame or Dharapani. From here, you go through pine trees, waterfalls, and historic settlements like Pisang and Manang as you follow the Marsyangdi Valley. The trail passes through Khangsar village on its way to Tilicho Base Camp after acclimating in Manang, rather than continuing straight to Yak Kharka.
Surrounded by majestic peaks like Tilicho, Gangapurna, and Annapurna II, trekking to Tilicho Lake is a strenuous but worthwhile experience. Trekkers return to Sri Kharka or Yak Kharka and re-join the main Annapurna Circuit trail after exploring the lake. After that, the path continues to Thorong Phedi and crosses the renowned Thorong La Pass (5,416m), which is the trek's highest point. The trail descends to Muktinath, a revered temple region, after traversing the pass, and then continues on to Jomsom.
A picturesque drive or quick flight to Pokhara typically marks the conclusion of the trek. Trekkers looking for Himalayan adventure and high-altitude lakes would love this route.
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.
A gradual ascent is the best route plan for the Annapurna Circuit Trek since it allows you to take in the landscape and culture while also assisting your body in acclimating. To save time, begin by driving from Kathmandu to Besisahar and then take a jeep to Chame. For breathtaking views of Annapurna II and III, trek to Upper Pisang and then take the picturesque path through Ghyaru and Ngawal to Manang. Take a day to acclimate to Manang. Early in the morning, proceed to Thorong Phedi and Yak Kharka before crossing the 5,416-meter Thorong La Pass. For a seamless conclusion, descend to Muktinath, then go to Jomsom and drive or fly to Pokhara.
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 in 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.
Since Annapurna Circuit trek doesn’t have any restricted area, a solo trek is also possible. You can do Solo Annapurna Circuit 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.
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.
Many first-time hikers consider the Annapurna Circuit to be their ideal trek, and novices can safely enjoy it with a well-paced itinerary. To conserve energy and skip the exhausting lower paths, begin your tour by driving from Kathmandu to Besisahar and then continue by jeep to Dharapani or Chame.
Enjoy stunning forests, river crossings, and your first glimpses of the Annapurna peaks as you stroll from Chame to Pisang. Proceed to Manang, one of the trek's most significant destinations. To help your body acclimate to altitude, spend an additional acclimatization day in Manang hiking to Ice Lake or Gangapurna Lake.
As the air grows thinner after Manang, take your time trekking to Yak Kharka and finally Thorong Phedi. Crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m), the trek's highest point, is the hardest but most rewarding day. Go down to Muktinath, a Buddhist and Hindu holy place, from there.
Beginners can take a vehicle to Jomsom instead of walking the lengthy, dusty routes, and then drive or fly to Pokhara to finish the journey.
For beginners seeking their first high-altitude experience, this route is ideal because it is safe, doable, and ideal.
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.
Annapurna Circuit Trekking 15 Days 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.
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