Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most classic trekking trails of the world and easily one of the most popular trekking destinations not only in Nepal but the whole world. The trail comprises some of the most beautiful scenery and the translucent beauty of Annapurna massif has been a gravitational pull for millions of trekkers worldwide.
Known for providing an uninterrupted view of the snow-covered behemoths, it offers a grand view of the three 8000m mountain ranges like Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Mt. Manaslu, and many other over-6000m snow-capped peaks. The trek follows the river Marsyangdi all the way to its source and then crosses the highest pass of Thorong La Pass elevation at 5416m, touching the edges of the Tibetan plateau. Apart from this, the other major place that is passed during the circuit trek is Manang. Within this expedition, we will pass through rural farm villages and terraced farm fields from subtropical climates to the arctic landscape and on into rain forest and alpine woodlands.
It is one of the best trekking packages that we have in our Soul Himalaya Trek library and we will be hell-bent to make your trip as exceptional as it can get without compromising your safety and security.
Destination
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Duration
16 Days
Max. Altitude
5416m
Trip Difficulty
Moderate
Itinerary
This trek combines many different landscapes and brings you close to the base of 7,000m and 8,000m peaks in a short period of time.
For Meals: Breakfast nclouded
For Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge
Altitude: 1350m
Our representative will pick you up from the airport after your landing and escort you to the Hotel.
You can complete the checking-in procedure and enjoy a night’s rest.
For Meals: Breakfast Included
For Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge
Altitude: 1400m
After breakfast, you will be taken for a full-day tour of Kathmandu Valley where we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Listed landmarks like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath.
In the evening, a meeting will be held with the tour guides and a discussion about the necessary equipment, clothing, trek routes, and other guidelines will be briefed.
You can also do last-minute shopping for any personal items or important gear for the expedition.
For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge
Altitude: 820m
Our expedition begins with an early morning drive towards Besisahar.
Make a stop at Besisahar for a quick lunch and drive again towards Jaghat.
Overnight in Jaghat.
For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge
Altitude: 2160m
Continue our road travel from Jagaht towards Dharapani.
Drive forward steadily from Marsyangdi and we will see the first village of Manang district. Further drive will reveal some Buddhist temples (Chorten) and typical Tibetan architecture.
The village is full of beautiful flat-roofed homes, apple orchards, and maize fields.
Overnight in Darapani.
For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge
Altitude: 2710m
Trek starts from dharapani and passes through the Tyangja forest and parallel to a river on the way to Kopar.
Trek further to reach the village of Chame where the fascinating fusion of Nepal’s and Tibet’s culture can be witnessed. The beautiful view of Annapurna can also be seen from Chame.
Overnight in Chame.
For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge
Altitude: 3300m
Trek through a deep gorge from Chame then past the great sweeping slope of Paungi Danda.
Today will be a relatively easy trek as the trail towards Pisang generally straightforward with very few steep ascents.
Overnight in Pisang.
Trekking hour: 4 hours.
For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge
Altitude: 3540m
Starting from Pisang, the landscape will be higher and drier. Walking along the way, gorgeous peaks of Pisang and Chulu will come into view.
After reaching the top, we make a stop at the ridge from where we can get the perfect view of the Manang Valley, a ‘U’ shaped valley that sits tucked between the two lines of snow peaks.
Explore the valley, experience the hospitality, and the unique way of living of the people in the region.
Hike for about an hour to reach the Manang district.
For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel/lodge
Altitude: 3540m
Take a day’s rest in Manang to properly acclimatize to the high altitude.
Explore the unique villages of Manang which is home to about 500 flat- roofed houses. The village is full of wonders and picturesque spots that will leave an everlasting impression.
The village also provides magnificent views of mountains like Annapurna (7555 m), Gangpurna (7454m) to the south – Tilicho (7132m) and the Grand Barriers to the west – Chulu West (6583 m) and Chulu East (6059m).
Overnight in Manang.
For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge
Altitude: 4050m
We begin our steady climb from Manang and climb a strenuous trail that takes us more than 500m above the sea level from the Manang Valley.
Hike up to the Tenki Manang from where we exit the Marsyangdi Valley.
Continue our trek towards Jarsang Khola Valley and reach Yak Kharka.
Overnight in Yak Kharka.
For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge
Altitude: 4450m
Our trek presumes with a tiring trail towards Thorong Phedi. This trek will require a lot of stamina, energy, and determination.
However, the view from the trail is one to behold and it will easily take away your fatigue.
Upon reaching Thorong Phedi, we will make a stop in a local lodge for a night’s rest.
Overnight in Thorong Phedi.
For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel/lodge
Altitude: 3800m, 5416m
Start our day early, at around 4 am, to reach the pass before 10 am because of the unpredictable weather in the region.
Upon reaching the top of the pass, the view of the sacred Muktinath temple is one of the best things one can witness.
There is a belief that upon visiting the temple, all your worries, sorrow, and pain will be over. Thus, the name of the temple translated in English is “Nirvana/Enlightenment.”
Overnight in Muktinath.
For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Two night hotel in Kathmandu local guest houses during the trek.
Altitude: 2800m
Leave the holy site of Muktinath for our early morning trek towards the beautiful town of Jomsom.
Our trail for the day is a beautiful pathway between Kagbeni and Muktinath, via Jhong.
The jaw-dropping landscape of gigantic hills, and snow-peak on the north will make the journey worthwhile.
Small sets of stupas, settlement, and distinctive houses are scattered throughout our trek.
Overnight in Jomsom.
For Meals: Included BL
For Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge
Altitude: 827m
Take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and after checking in at a hotel, we can head out for a in-depth tour of the beautiful city.
Hike towards the Chinese Gumba from where we can admire the beautiful 360 degree panoramic view of Pokhara city, surrounding pristine lakes, and other attractions.
Calming boating in Phewa Lake in the evening.
Overnight in Pokhara.
For Meals: Breakfast Included
For Accommodation: Hotel/lodge
Altitude: 1400m
Bid farewell to Pokhara and head back to your hotel in Kathmandu.
In the evening, our guide will take you around the city and take you to tour some other famous places around the valley.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
For Meals: Breakfast Included
For Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge
Altitude: 14oom
For your last day in Kathmandu, you are free to roam around the city and explore the bustling metropolitan by yourself.
You can also do some souvenir shopping of authentic Nepali products for you to take as a gift or token of remembrance.
Final dinner with Soul Himalaya Family to immortalise your wonderful expedition.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
For Meals: Breakfast Included
For Accommodation: Hotel/lodge
Altitude: 1400m
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel (approximately three hours prior to your scheduled flight) for you departure.
Inclusions
The Annapurna base camp trek is one of the most popular treks in the mighty
Himalayan region of Nepal and it is the most visited trekking region in Nepal.
What’s Included?
Airport pickups and drops
Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
Teahouse accommodation during the trek
Meals during the trek
Farewell dinner
Ground transportation as per the itinerary
Tourist Bus/car/jeep (Kathmandu- Jhagat)
flight from Jomsom to Pokhara to Kathmandu
Guided city tour in Kathmandu
Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits
English-speaking and government-licensed guide (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
TIMS card and trekking permits (National Park Permit)
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
All government and local taxes
What’s not Included?
Personal equipment for trekking
Personal Insurance for travel to Nepal
Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
Emergency Rescue evacuation
Personal expenses
Tipping (Tips) staffs; guides & porter
Bar & Beverage bills
Map
This trek combines many different landscapes and brings you close to the base of 7,000m and 8,000m peaks in a short period of time.
Travel Gear List
Adventurous activities are always filled with adrenaline and risks. Here are some mandatory tools and equipments to keep you safe and necessary for the trip.
Trekking boot(1pair): well worn and comfortable with proper ankle support.
Sock(3 pairs): good and warm enough; worth spending money on quality socks.
Flip flop/Camp Shoe(1 pair): light weighted for evening use.
Water bottle(2): Nalgene/ sig style and a bladder bottle with the capacity of 1/2 liter water. Bladders are preferred.
Water Purification Drop(1): Affordable and easily available for purchase in Kathmandu (Pious Water Drop).
Lip Balm(1): Proper moisturizing containing SPF.
Sunglass(1): Actual UV rays safeguarding glasses.
Sun Cream: SPF 30+ recommended.
Bandana (1): Useful for various purpose.
Baseball Head/ Cap(1): Protects face from direct expose of sun during the hiking.
Warm Woolen Hat(1): Prevents from wind and cold above 3500m.
Flash Light / Head Torch(1): Leaves your hands free. Extra batteries are also necessary for head light.
Private First Aid Kit(1): Include prescribed medications/ personal medications. Some personal medicine might not be available in Nepal.
Travel towel(1): light weighted and compact.
Wash Kit (1): Appropriate and suitable for your skin/body
Instant Hand Sanitizer: Alcohol bases, enough for trek/on the basis of necessity.
Camera(incase you carry): Along with charger and enough battery to capture scenarios and memories.
Book/ Journal: Depending on interest.
Pack of Cards/Travel Board Games(if interested): Evening entertainment.
Trekking Snacks: Base on consumption; enough for trekking (can be purchased in Kathmandu).
Toilet Roll & Rubbish Bag: to make sure we don't leave waste materials in the mountains.
Trekking Poles(optional): recommended to anyone with knee issues.
Gloves(2 pairs): Thin in low altitude & thick warm enough in high altitudes.
Neck Warmer \Buff(1): Protection of Neck from direct wind and cold.
Walking Stick(1): Light weighted and comfortable for walking support.
Walking T-shirt(2): Merino wool, Capilene/Synthetic Fiber for quick dry.
Sleeping t-shirt(1): can be cotton or fabric.
Thermal base layers Top(1): mid weighted long sleeved t-shirt of merino wool/polyester, capilene power dry.
Insulating layers(1): mid weighted fleece that can be worn over other layers
Fleece Vest(optional): advisable for those who catches cold easily.
Rain jacket (1): Wind proof and rain proof for safeguard.
Down jacket(1): very essential for trekking above 4,000 meters.
Hiking trousers(2): lick weighted and quick dry trousers( not cotton).Zip offs are preferred.
Sleeping trousers(1): light weighted yoga style for comfort sleep( no jeans).
Trekking short (1): in case of no zips off trousers. Low knee shorts are preferred.
Rain pants(1): Protection from rain and wind.
Thermal long Johns(1): To warm by in the evening or while sleeping.
Underwear: Depending on necessity; enough for trek ( can be washed and dried along the way)
Duffle Bag Pack(1): to store excess luggage at hotel. Our agency provides duffel bags during the trek. These are easier for the porters to carry.
Day pack with rain cover(1): to carry your personal items during the treks i.e. camera, private snacks, water bottles, etc.
Sleeping bags with inner: To have a warm and satisfying sleep in high altitude. Recommended for 3 season(Oct-Feb).
Some Glimpse
The Journey and the adventure has to end someday but the memories stay. Here are some of our favorite moments from previous travel experiences.
FAQs
Adventurous activities are always filled with adrenaline and risks. Here are some mandatory tools and equipments to keep you safe and necessary for the trip.
Annapurna Circuit trek takes you at the height of 5,416 meters from sea level.
In context to the level of difficulty, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is a short moderate level trek. The maximum walking hour of this trek is about 7-8 hours a day.
Soul Himalaya Treks & Tours has well-experienced and certified guides/leaders with over 10 years of working experience in the field. All our guides are fluent in English. You can also hire guides who are fluent in French, German, and Hindi.
Everest is situated towards the eastern part whereas Annapurna Circuit is situated towards the western part of the Himalayan range. Therefore, you will not be able to view Mt. Everest from ABC. So far, you will be able to have a beautiful scenario of mount Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and various other Annapurna Ranges.
The best season for the Annapurna Circuit trek is pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. Late September, October, November, and December is the most favorable season recommended for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
The weather differs with the season you choose to trek for. The maximum temperature reaches 25°C during the day and falls up to -20°C at night. Observing the overall trekking climate, the weather of Annapurna Circuit is mild during the trekking seasons. Yet, the weather of the lower region is hotter than that of higher altitudes
Altitude sickness is predictable if you are at a High altitude for the first time. However, Altitude sickness can be coped with easily since there are no major risks of it. Our itinerary is maintained in such a way that you will adapt to the altitude of this region easily. Your assigned guide/leader will slow down ascend and provide you healthy diet. You also require to be hydrated throughout the trek and avoid the consumption of alcohol/cigarettes. Most importantly, you should build a strong mindset and be prepared for the trek.
We strongly recommend you carry a reusable bottle along with water purifying tablets and agents to purify stream water. Waste disposal is not well organized in the Mountains so to maintain an environment-friendly trek we appreciate it if you can make minimum use of plastic bottles. However, if make you use plastic bottles we request you dispose of the bottles at a proper place.
Proper shower is managed for you throughout the trek. Hot /Bucket shower is made accessible in the lodges. However, a certain amount of charge for the hot/bucket shower is taken in some of the lodges. While taking showers in the natural sources, you are sincerely requested to slip into comfortable clothes to uphold social values in public space.
You will be able to recharge your gadgets in pretty much every cabin and hotel. However, at a higher altitude you will be charged with a certain amount; probably from 200 to 300 NRS (1.5 - 2, 5 €).
The organization isn't great always, and in some cases it is inexistent. You’d rather not rely on the network in some areas. However, you will have Wi-Fi in few lodges; not necessarily all of them but some lodges charge you extra for Wi-Fi.
We assure you a secured trek. Even so, we never can predict what might take place. Hence, in case of any emergencies, you will be rescued by air ambulance as long as the weather is favorable for evacuation.
You are strongly prohibited from distributing any kind of stuff to children on the way to your trek. Children stay on roads for hours waiting for tourists rather than attending schools. Hence, this has created a very bad influence on the children in the tourism areas. If you are genuinely intending to help them you can consult with respective guardians.
The people of Nepal are very religious. Hence, when you are visiting the historical and religious area in Nepal especially monasteries; you are not allowed to sit/stand on the tables since the tables are marked very scared.
You can observe many street dogs in Nepal. So, you should be aware before you approach any of them as they are not well-vaccinated. If you are followed by a pet during your trek we suggest you not take them along with you.
You will not be allowed to take a snap of any individuals without their approval. In some specific monasteries, you are forbidden to carry a camera. However, you can freely capture the image of glamorous nature.
Tipping is not mandatory. However, it has been a common trait, so the guides and porters expect a small amount of tips from you. A small amount of tips can hold a great essence in their life and can go a long way to help them and their families. Feel free to ask us for a suggested standard amount.