Annapurna Circuit Trek
Duration
15 days
Activities
Tour and Trekking
Max Altitude
5,416m (17,769ft.)
Group Size
02-10
Expedition Overview
Facts of the trip
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Arrival On
Kathmandu
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Departure From
Kathmandu, Nepal
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Accommodation
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Teahouse basis accommodation during trekking
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Meals
BB plan in Kathmandu and All meals during the trek.
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Best Time
October-December, February- May
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Transportation
Car, Domestic Flight
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is a breathtaking adventure that takes you deep into the heart of Nepal’s Annapurna region, offering an unparalleled blend of dramatic landscapes, rich culture, and diverse ecosystems. The journey begins in lush subtropical forests, where rhododendrons bloom vibrantly in the spring, before transitioning into terraced farmlands and picturesque Gurung and Magar villages. As the trail ascends, the scenery shifts to alpine meadows and rugged glacial terrain, leading to the spectacular Annapurna Sanctuary—an amphitheater of towering peaks, including Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m). The trek’s grand finale at Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) rewards trekkers with an awe-inspiring sunrise over the snow-capped giants, making it a dream destination for both seasoned trekkers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
A frequently asked question about the trek is its difficulty level, which is considered moderate and suitable for beginners with decent fitness levels. The journey typically takes 7 to 12 days, depending on the chosen itinerary, with well-established tea houses offering accommodation and meals along the route. Trekkers need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card to enter the region. While altitude sickness is a lesser concern compared to higher Himalayan treks, gradual acclimatization and proper hydration are essential. The best seasons to undertake the trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is stable, and the mountain views are crystal clear. Whether trekking solo or with a guide, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Himalayas.
Highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Thorong La Pass (5,416m): The trek’s main highlight is crossing Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. At 5,416 meters, this challenging pass offers panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges, making it a memorable accomplishment for trekkers.
- Diverse Landscapes: The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes trekkers through a stunning variety of landscapes, from lush subtropical forests and terraced farmlands to alpine meadows and the arid, high-altitude desert of Mustang. The ever-changing scenery makes this trek one of the most diverse and visually appealing in Nepal.
- Cultural Diversity: The trek offers a unique opportunity to interact with various ethnic communities, including the Gurung, Magar, Thakali, and Tibetan people. This rich cultural diversity is reflected in the local architecture, traditions, and festivals, which trekkers will experience while passing through remote villages.
- Manang Valley: The trek passes through the Manang Valley, a picturesque and culturally rich area known for its Tibetan culture. It’s a great place to acclimatize and explore glaciers, monasteries, and hiking routes that offer breathtaking mountain views.
- Muktinath Temple: One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists, Muktinath Temple is situated at an altitude of 3,710m. This sacred site features 108 water spouts and eternal flames, making it a significant spiritual experience on the trek.
- Kali Gandaki Gorge: On the descent, trekkers pass through the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Gorge, situated between the towering peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The dramatic landscapes and powerful river flowing through the gorge offer an unforgettable experience.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a spectacular journey that combines breathtaking mountain views, cultural immersion, and adventure in one of Nepal’s most diverse trekking regions. It is an ideal trek for those seeking a challenge and an unforgettable Himalayan experience.
Itinerary
Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan international airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu (1,400m). After time to get refreshed, evening you will meet and transfer for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu and after meal briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Hours: 30 Min
- Altitude: 1400m
- Meals: Dinner
Today, morning we will ready after your breakfast to head on for our relaxing guided day trip to world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley and visit the highlights of Kathmandu and the surrounding areas. We take you to visit the pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, one of the most important shrine of Shiva temples on the subcontinent which is place of thousand of devotees, Saddhus (holy men/Baba), and can be seen the cremating body most of the times in the holy riverbank of Bagmati. Hundreds of monkeys are giggling with you and take a time to exploring surrounding area and visit Bouddhanath stupa an another pilgrimage centre which is most popular and important place for Buddhist. You can explore with rounding prayer wheel and flattering colorful flag with melodious chanting noise. After your lunch at Bouddha visit Swoyambhunath stupa also known as monkey temple covering wide range of area with highest point of Kathmandu valley and enjoy the 360 degrees of valley view. After exploring the surrounding areas visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square which is old royal palace of Kathmandu and can be seen lot of temple, architectures and Kumari (living goddess) and walk in a freak street and late afternoon back to hotel and evening briefing about your trip, what is your responsibility, what to do and does not in the trek? Introduce with our fellow trekking staff and chances to ask remaining question and simply relax at the hotel
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Hours: 6
- Altitude: 1400m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We will come to pick up at your hotel about 7 AM in the morning then we drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway till Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marsyangdi River to Bhulbhule. Overnight at tea house lodge.
- Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
- Hours: 9
- Altitude: 902m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After the breakfast, we take local Jeep till Dharapani (1943). After lunch at Dharapani we will take easy walk to Bagarchap, we see first Tibetan monastery and you can also see the view of Annapurna II and Lamjung himal. Overnight at tea house lodge.
- Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge
- Hours: 6
- Altitude: 2160m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trail climbs along the mule track through the forest, past a rough trail, hot springs a water fall and a wooden bridge, to arrive at Chame. Overnight at tea house lodge.
- Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge
- Hours: 5
- Altitude: 2670m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk along the riverside, through deep forest to cross the suspension bridge and arrive at Pisang with good views of Pisang peak and Annapurna II. Overnight at teahouse lodge.
- Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge
- Hours: 6
- Altitude: 3200m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We follow the trail that takes us to Upper Pisang via Geru and Ngawal village. It guarantees excellent views of the beautiful landscape and the mighty mountains including Annapurna II, IV, Tilicho and Pisang. We will stop short visit at Braga monastery, oldest and largest in the region. We continue our trek to largest tibetan settlement in the region Manang. Overnight at tea house lodge.
- Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge
- Hours: 7
- Altitude: 3535m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Acclimatization day in Manang. Visit to Ice Lake or Gangapurna Lake and explore around Manang. Overnight stay at tea house lodge.
- Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge
- Hours: 6
- Altitude: 3535
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trail climbs to Latdar along the riverside, passing a village thicket and meadows where horses and Yak graze, at an elevation of 4250m the second to last camp before the pass. Overnight at tea house lodge.
- Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge
- Hours: 5
- Altitude: 4250m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trail climbs north west of the tributary valley of the Jargeng Khola. It is some times possible to see herds of blue mountain sheep along the cliff. Overnight at tea house lodge.
- Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge
- Hours: 4
- Altitude: 4450m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascend steeply for 2 hrs. to a rock ledge high camp at 4890m, then along an undulating trail to the level top of Thorang La 5416m. View of Annapurna range to the south and Mukut Himal bordering Dolpo to the West. Descend in to Mustang, a steep down hill trail for 3 hrs. to Muktinath. This is one of the most important pilgrimage sights for Hindus. The holy water flows from the 108 carved spouts surrounding the Vishnu temple in a grove of secret poplars. Muktinath is also home to many ethnic Tibetans and holy Buddhist as well, particularly for the temple in which fire miraculously burns in a stream of water. Overnight at tea house lodge.
- Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge
- Hours: 8
- Altitude: 5416m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast trek to Kagbeni 2800m. Kagbeni is the Gateway to Upper Mustang. We will visit Buddhist monastery, the monastery supposed to be some 500 yrs old which is situated in the town. After the lunch we continue trek to Jomsom. Overnight at hotel.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Hours: 6
- Altitude: 2700m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today 22 minute morning flight takes us to Pokhara from Jomsom. Once we arrived at Pokhara airport, we then drive to hotel. In the afternoon we will have sightseeing tour around Pokhara valley, which covers Fewa Lake, Devi’s water fall, International Mountain Museum, Tibetan refugee settlement and Gupteshower cave. Overnight at hotel.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Hours: 6
- Altitude: 920m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driver back to Kathmandu. 7 hrs drive. Overnight at hotel.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Hours: 7
- Altitude: 1400m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Drop to international airport for final departure or follow your next adventures trip.
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Cost Details
What's Included
- Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up & drop by private car/van/bus.
- Tourist Standard accommodation in 2/3 star level hotel in Kathmandu breakfast included (4 nights).
- Tourist standard accommodation in star level hotel in Biratnagar including BLD
- Kathmandu City Tours inclusive tour guide, private car/van/bus.
- Full board meal during trekking.
- A local government license holder Trekking Guide during the trek, a cook the required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and a general first aid kit.
- Boiled and purify drinking water for the trek.
- Annapurna Conservation Entry permit
- Trekking Permit TIMS (USD20)
- Domestic Airfare: Jomsom to Pokhara
- Surface Transfer to and from Kathmandu
- All our government taxes.
- Tourist service charge, vat.
- Official expanse.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu.
- Your travel insurance (compulsory).
- Nepal entry visa fee you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport.
- Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry.
- Personal trekking Equipment.
- Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected.)
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.c.
What to Expect
Accommodation
We will be staying at 2/3 star hotel in Kathmandu, and in tea-houses during the trek. All rooms are on twin-shared basis. Single bedroom will be arranged on request and will cost additional. Fourteen Summit will arrange rooms with attached washrooms; however, tea-houses at some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and in trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher altitude.
Meals
All meals will be provided during trekking (On demand, we can arrange only breakfast during the trek and trekkers can order lunch and dinner individually from the tea-house menu). In Kathmandu, breakfast will be available. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners taking place for guests. While on trek, we have breakfast and dinner in the tea-houses/lodges where we spend the night and lunch on our way to next destination. Authentic Nepalese, Tibetan, continental meals and Indian cuisine are common choices in the menu.
Physical Condition & Experience Requirements
Annapurna circuit Trek is a moderate trek. Travelers who can walk up to 5-6 hours a day on an uphill and downhill trail will consider this trip fulfilling and enjoyable. It is a good idea to prepare for the trek by jogging and exercising regularly at least for a month prior to the start. Trekking to the Everest Base Camp should be relatively easy for those who have experience in walking/trekking in high altitudes. Determination, good physical health, positive attitude and average physical fitness are good preconditions for a successful accomplishment of the trek. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Fourteen Summit before booking the trek.
Best Time to Travel
The best time for trekking to Annapurna circuit trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The temperature is moderate and guarantees amazing views throughout the trip. Although this trek can be undertaken during winter, the cold temperature might not be suitable for everyone.
Equipment List
Fourteen Summit has compiled a list of necessary equipment, personal medical supplies and symptoms of medical condition likely to face during trekking / peak climbing. Also, please do understand that items listed below should be considered as an essential summary.
We highly recommend you to be familiar with all of your equipment and basic understanding of medical Conditions related to high elevation.
Your document to travel to Nepal:
Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport)
Dollars in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport
Credit cards, bank/ATM/cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines
Accessories:
Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F
Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
Small pad or combination lock-to-lock trek bag
Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside trek bag
Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
Water bottles
Toiletries
Small wash towel
Rain coat
Personal Clothing items
Head:
Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses with UV protection
Upper Body:
T-shirts
Weight thermal tops
Fleece jacket or pullover
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
Hands:
Lightweight gloves
Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Lower Body:
Underwear
Hiking shorts
Lightweight cotton long pants
Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
Fleece or wool pants
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet:
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
Personal Hygiene:
Personal hygiene supplies;
Two tubes lip sun cream, at least 1 large tube regular sun cream (min. factor 30), some after-sun lotion in case you do get a sunburn
One toothpaste/brush set;
One hand sanitizer gel
1 (fast drying) synthetic towel
Medical Supplies:
Personal prescription medications; Please let your leader know about any medical issues before the climb.
Small personal first-aid kit; (Simple and Light): first-aid tape, plasters (Band-Aids),alcohol-free wipes for cuts, personal medications, etc. (The leaders will have more extensive first-aid kits)
One skin blister repair kit
Anti-diarrhea pills (Imodium) (one regular package)
Anti-headache medication (Aspirin or Ibuprofen) (one regular package)
One small bottle cough and/or cold medicine.
One course antibiotics for chest infection, available locally at chemist shop or pharmacy with no doctor’s prescription.
One course antibiotics for stomach infection, available locally at chemist shop or pharmacy with no doctor’s prescription.
One small bottle anti-altitude sickness medication: Diamox (Acetylzolamide), available locally, for more about this medication, please contact us or your doctor
One small bottle of water purification tablets (needs to contain silver-ions AND chlorine) or a water filter or UV sterilizer.
Earplugs
Extra prescription glasses/contact lens. Contact lens wearers, please bring glasses in case of emergency.
Photo and Video
FAQ
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a world-renowned trekking route in Nepal that circles the Annapurna Massif, typically taking 12-18 days to complete. It passes through diverse landscapes, including subtropical forests, terraced farmlands, high-altitude deserts, and Himalayan mountain passes. Trekkers experience breathtaking views, remote villages, and varying climates as they gradually ascend to the highest point at Thorong La Pass (5,416m), making it one of the most adventurous and scenic treks in the world.
The trek is considered moderately to highly challenging due to its long duration, significant altitude gain, and varying terrain. It requires good physical fitness, stamina, and mental endurance, with trekkers walking for 5-7 hours daily. The biggest challenge is altitude sickness, especially above 3,500m, so proper acclimatization is crucial. Previous trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory, as determination and preparation can make the trek manageable.
The best time for the trek is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is stable, visibility is excellent, and temperatures are moderate. Spring offers blooming rhododendrons and vibrant landscapes, while autumn provides crystal-clear mountain views. Trekking in winter (December-February) is possible but comes with extreme cold and snow, whereas the monsoon season (June-August) brings heavy rainfall, landslides, and leech-infested trails, making it less ideal.
Yes, trekkers need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which grants entry into the conservation area, and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card, which helps track trekkers for safety. Both permits can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and trekkers must carry them throughout the journey as they are checked at multiple checkpoints.
The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit is Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,769 ft), a challenging yet rewarding mountain pass that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Crossing the pass requires an early morning start to avoid strong winds, and trekkers should be well-acclimatized to prevent altitude sickness.
The trek usually takes 12 to 18 days, depending on the starting point, trekking pace, and whether side trips or rest days are included for acclimatization. Some trekkers shorten the trek by taking a jeep or bus to skip certain sections, while others extend it by exploring destinations like Tilicho Lake or the Ghorepani-Poon Hill route.
Yes, altitude sickness is a major concern, especially at elevations above 3,500m, with symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. To prevent it, trekkers should ascend gradually, take proper acclimatization days, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol. Severe symptoms require immediate descent to lower altitudes, and carrying altitude sickness medication (like Diamox) is advisable.
Accommodation consists of tea houses and lodges along the route, offering basic rooms with twin beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. Lower elevations provide better facilities, including hot showers and Wi-Fi, while higher altitudes have simpler accommodations with limited heating and fewer food options. The cost of lodging increases as you gain altitude due to the difficulty of transporting supplies.
Essential gear includes warm layers (down jacket, fleece, thermals), waterproof clothing, trekking boots, trekking poles, a -10°C sleeping bag, gloves, sunglasses, a first-aid kit, altitude sickness medication, water purification tablets, and high-energy snacks. Packing light is important, and hiring a porter can help carry extra weight.
A guide is not mandatory but highly recommended for navigation, safety, and cultural insights, while a porter helps carry heavy loads, making the trek easier. Hiring both supports the local economy and enhances the experience, especially for first-time trekers or those unfamiliar with high-altitude trekking.