Introduction to Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek (13 days) is one of Nepal’s most iconic journeys, offering a complete Himalayan experience filled with changing landscapes, cultural encounters, and breathtaking mountain views.

The trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Tal (1,700 m / 5,577 ft), where the actual walking starts. From there, the trail follows the Marsyangdi River through beautiful Gurung and Manangi villages such as Dharapani (1,860 m / 6,102 ft), Chame (2,670 m / 8,760 ft), Upper Pisang (3,300 m / 10,826 ft), and Manang (3,540 m / 11,614 ft).

After a rest and acclimatization day in Manang, the route gradually ascends to Yak Kharka (4,050 m / 13,287 ft) and Thorong Phedi (4,540 m / 14,895 ft) before reaching the trek’s highest and most challenging point — the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 ft). Standing at this elevation, trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

The descent then leads to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3,760 m / 12,336 ft), continuing through Kagbeni (2,800 m / 9,186 ft) and Jomsom (2,720 m / 8,924 ft), where the trek concludes with a drive or short flight to Pokhara.

This 13-day Annapurna Circuit Trek covers elevations ranging from 1,700 m (5,577 ft) to 5,416 m (17,769 ft) and is considered moderate to challenging.

It’s suitable for trekkers with a good level of fitness and an interest in both natural beauty and cultural diversity. The trail offers striking contrasts — from lush valleys and pine forests to dry, windswept Himalayan plateaus.


    Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights

    Visit two distinct Himalayan regions – Manang and Mustang.

    Cross the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world.

    Experience traditional Buddhist culture, chortens, prayer flags, and ancient monasteries.

    Witness Hindu pilgrims at the sacred Muktinath Temple, home to 108 water spouts and an eternal flames

    See the magnificent Mt. Manaslu, the world’s 8th highest mountain, and the mighty Annapurna range.

    Stand above the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest river gorge on Earth.

    Visit Pokhara, the scenic lakeside city with vibrant nightlife and tranquil mountain reflections.

    Stay overnight in Jomsom, a windswept market town and air gateway to the Annapurnas.

    Trek to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, nestled beneath towering ice cliffs.

    Taste fresh apple pie in Marpha and Tukche, villages known for their apple orchards and brandy.

    Soak in the natural hot springs at Tatopani, a rejuvenating stop on your descent.

    Explore diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to high alpine deserts.

    Encounter wildlife like Himalayan tahrs, marmots, pikas, and maybe even a snow leopard.

    Enjoy hearty meals in cozy teahouses, with warm dining rooms and fire-lit evenings.

    Acclimatize in Manang, with access to panoramic hikes, bakeries, and cultural sites.

    Annapurna Circuit Trek

    $9862026
    • Best Price

    Why Book with Himalayan explores Treks

    Local Experts, Authentic Treks – Trek with locals who know Nepal inside-out.

    1) Top Guides & 24/7 Support – Licensed experts with constant backup from our Kathmandu team.

    2) Included Gear: Trekking essentials such as sleeping bags and down jackets are provided.

    3) Additional Gear Cost: An extra $15 will be added for micro spikes and $10 for other gear.

    4) Fair Pricing, No Hidden Costs – Transparent rates with no middlemen or surprise fees.

    4) Custom Itineraries, Your Way – Flexible treks tailored to your pace and style.

    5) Eco-Friendly & Responsible Travel – Trek sustainably and support local communities.

    6) Safety First, Always – Trained teams, altitude protocols, and emergency preparedness.

    7) Star Rated & Trusted – Thousands of happy trekkers who return and recommend us.

    8) Seamless Travel Logistics – We handle everything so you can focus on the journey.

    9) Fueled by Passion – Crafted by trekkers, storytellers, and mountain lovers.

    10) More Than a Trip, It’s Magic – Come for the trek, leave with lifelong memories.

    Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

    TAAL Village

    Start our first day of the trek early in the morning. After breakfast in Kathmandu, we get on a bus and drive to a village called Tal.

    The road is long but very pretty. Throughout the ride, you will see green hills, rivers, farms, and little villages. You might even see waterfalls and snow mountains far away.

    First we reach Besisahar. From there we take a jeep ride to Tal village. As you enter the village, your Annapurna trekking permit has to be checked at the check post.

    DANAKYU

    Today we start our real trekking! After breakfast in Tal, we walk along the river and pass pretty villages like Dharapani.

    You’ll see green hills, waterfalls, and big mountains in the distance. The trail goes up and down but it’s not too hard.

    We will stop for lunch on the way, then keep walking through pine forests until you reach Danakyu, a small, quiet village.

    Tonight we sleep in a cozy teahouse and rest your legs for tomorrow’s adventure!

    CHAME

    Today we keep trekking from Danakyu to Chame. After breakfast, we start walking through green forests and see tall pine trees all around us.

    We will pass small villages like Timang and Thanchok. The trail goes up and down but you get amazing mountain views.

    Sometimes you will see snow peaks like Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. You can stop for lunch on the way and enjoy the view.

    After a few hours of walking, we reach Chame, the main town of the area. Chame has shops, teahouses, and great views of the mountains.

    Tonight we sleep in Chame and rest well for tomorrow’s trek!

    UPPER PISANG

    Today we trek from Chame to Upper Pisang. After breakfast, we walk along the river and through beautiful pine forests.

    You will see big rocky cliffs and maybe some eagles flying above. The trail goes through small villages like Bhratang and Dhukur Pokhari.

    You’ll also see snow-capped mountains like Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. The views are amazing!

    After lunch on the way, we keep walking up to Upper Pisang, which is higher than Lower Pisang and has better views of the mountains.

    In Upper Pisang, we stay in a cozy teahouse, eat warm food, and watch the sunset on the peaks.

    MANANG

    Today we trek from Upper Pisang to Manang. After breakfast, we start walking with amazing views of big snow mountains all around us.

    The trail goes through pretty pine forests and small villages like Ghyaru and Ngawal. You will see old stone houses, fields, and prayer flags.

    This part of the trek is a little longer but the views are beautiful. You might see yaks or mountain goats on the hills!

    After a nice lunch on the way, we keep walking until we reach Manang, a bigger village with lots of teahouses, bakeries, and shops.

    We rest here tonight, eat warm food, and get ready to explore more tomorrow

    Today is your rest day in Manang! You stay here to help your body get used to the high altitude.

    We don’t just sit, we do a short hike to get used to the thin air. Many people walk up to Gangapurna Lake or visit the Braga Monastery. For those with more energy, a longer but amazing side trip is the hike to Ice Lake (Kicho Tal). It’s a tough climb, but at the top you’ll see two crystal-clear alpine lakes reflecting the snowy Annapurna peaks, truly unforgettable!

    You can see beautiful views of snow mountains and glaciers. Then we come back to Manang to relax, eat food, and maybe visit a bakery for a treat.

    Rest well today, this will help you feel strong for the higher part of the trek!

    Day 7: Manang to Tilicho Base Camp Tilicho Base camp – 4,150 m / 13,615 ft – 7 hrs

    15 days
    from 1 800 USD/person
    Best season: March–May, September–November

    Khangsar

    Today we leave Manang and walk towards Tilicho Base Camp. This is the base for visiting beautiful Tilicho lake

    First, we walk through small villages like Khangsar and Shree Kharka. The trail has amazing views of big snow mountains and rocky cliffs.

    You may see blue sheep or yaks on the hills! The path goes up and down and can be narrow in some places. so walk carefully.

    After a few hours of trekking, we reach Tilicho Base Camp, a small place with teahouses where we will sleep tonight.

    Rest well — tomorrow you will visit the stunning Tilicho Lake!

    Shree Kharka,

    Today is an exciting day! we wake up early and hike from Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world.

    The trail goes uphill and can be a bit tough, but the views are amazing. You will see big snow mountains, rocky cliffs, and maybe blue sheep on the hills.

    After visiting the lake, we walk back down to Shree Kharka, a small, quiet village where we rest for the night.

    We eat warm food, relax, and get ready for more trekking tomorrow!

    Yak kharka

    Today we walk from Shree Kharka to Yak Kharka.

    The trail goes up and down through green hills and open fields. You see big snow mountains, rivers, and maybe yaks or blue sheep along the way!

    After a few hours of walking, we reach Yak Kharka, a small, quiet village with a few cozy teahouses.

    Here you can relax, eat warm food, and sleep well to get ready for the higher trails tomorrow!

    Thorong Phedi

    Today we leave Yak Kharka and walk higher up to Thorong Phedi or High Camp.

    The trail goes through rocky hills and you may see yaks and blue sheep on the way. We cross a small bridge and pass landslide areas, so we walk slowly and carefully.

    When we reach Thorong Phedi, we can rest there if we feel tired. Some trekkers stay at High Camp, which is a bit higher up. Staying at High Camp makes crossing the big pass tomorrow a little easier.

    Tonight you eat warm food, rest well, and get ready for the big day — crossing Thorong La Pass!

    Thorong La Pass (5,416 m

    Today is a big day! We wake up very early and start walking from Thorong Phedi to cross Thorong La Pass, the highest point on the trek.

    The trail is steep and snowy, so we walk slowly and carefully. You will see amazing views of big snow mountains all around us.

    At the top, we reach Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). You can take photos with the famous sign and colorful prayer flags. You feel proud because you crossed one of the highest passes in the world!

    Then we go down, all the way to Muktinath, a beautiful village and holy place. We stay in a teahouse, eat warm food, and rest after a long, exciting day.

    Pokhara

    Today we say goodbye to Muktinath and start our drive to Pokhara.

    First, we drive down through dry hills and small villages like Jomsom and Tatopani. You will see apple orchards and rivers along the way.

    The road can be bumpy but the mountain views are beautiful. We stop for lunch on the way.

    After a long but fun drive, we reach Pokhara, a lovely city with a big lake and nice cafes. Here you can relax, eat yummy food, and rest after your big trek!

    Yes, you did it—your Annapurna Circuit trek is finally completed!

    Karhmandu

    Ghorepani Poonhill trek

    Today we say goodbye to Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu.

    The drive takes about 6 to 8 hours. We pass green hills, rivers, little villages, and farms along the way.

    We stop for lunch and snacks during the ride. You can look out the window and see how people live in the countryside.

    After the long drive, we reach busy Kathmandu again. You can rest at your hotel, eat good food, and think about your amazing trek!


      Kanchanjanga circuit treks,
      Manager

      Annapurna Basecamp (6Days) Treks,

      Kanchanjanga circuit treks,
      Manager

      Include

      11 nights’ accommodation in mountain teahouses

      Guide for 12 days

      Annapurna conservation area permit

      Kathmandu Pokhara Kathmandu Tourist Bus

      Trekkers information management system card

      13 x breakfast, 13 x lunch and 12 x dinner while on the trek

      One Porter for 13 days USD 299 (Optional)

      Personnel expenses of any kind and travel insurance

      Private Jeep USD 440 (Optional)
      Any hot or cold drinks

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      Annapurna circuit treks
      Annapurna circuit treks

      Packing List for Annapurna Circuit Trek

      Daily Wear

      Layered Clothing: Lightweight moisture-wicking base layers, thermal layers for warmth, and insulating layers.

      Trekking Pants: Comfortable and quick-drying.

      Shirts: Long-sleeve for sun protection and short-sleeve for warm weather.

      Warm Hat and Gloves: For colder evenings and high-altitude areas.

      Sturdy Hiking Boots: Waterproof and comfortable for trekking.

      Casual Shoes: For town and indoor activities.

      Socks: Wool or synthetic, including a few pairs of thicker hiking socks.

      Scarf/Buff: For warmth

      Gear

      Daypack: For day hikes and excursions.

      Trekking Poles: Helpful for uneven terrain.

      Sleeping Bag: Can be rented in Kathmandu

      Water Bottle: Reusable, preferably insulated

      Headlamp/Flashlight: For early mornings and evenings.

      Power Bank: To keep devices charged during treks.

      Daypack: For day hikes and excursions.

      Trekking Poles: Helpful for uneven terrain.

      Sleeping Bag: Can be rented in Kathmandu

      Water Bottle: Reusable, preferably insulated

      Headlamp/Flashlight: For early mornings and evenings.

      Power Bank: To keep devices charged during treks.

      Hygiene and Safety

      • Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and any personal hygiene items.
      • Arrow Right PrimarySunscreen: High SPF for sun protection.
      • Arrow Right PrimaryLip Balm: With SPF to prevent chapping.
      • Arrow Right PrimaryInsect Repellent: Especially in warmer months.
      • Arrow Right PrimaryFirst Aid Kit: Include any personal medications, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and blister treatment.

      Electronics

      Read before your book your Annapurna Circuit Trek

      Planning your Annapurna Circuit Trek is easy with our guide! We help you know everything — how to get there, how hard the trek is, and the best time to go. You can also watch our videos that explain each part step by step. Still have questions? Just send us an email or WhatsApp message. We will answer you within 24 hours!

      ✈️ Arrival in Nepal: Your First Step into the Himalayas

      When you arrive in Nepal, your adventure begins!

      You will land at Kathmandu Airport, When you arrive, our guide will wait for you at the airport. They will greet you with a warm smile and help you with your bags and take you safely to your hotel. If you haven’t booked a hotel yet, we can recommend one to suit your needs.

      Where to Stay in Kathmandu: From Boutique to Budget

      In Kathmandu, you can find many places to stay. Most hotels and guesthouses are in Thamel, a fun area with shops, cafes, and music. There are fancy hotelscute boutique hotels, and cheap guesthouses too.

      You can choose what you like — comfy, stylish, or simple. No matter your budget, you will find a nice place to stay in Thamel to sleep and relax!

      Explore Kathmandu: A City of Culture and Contrasts

      Kathmandu is a busy and colorful city full of amazing places to see. You can visit Swayambhu Stupa, also called the Monkey Temple, where you see monkeys and a big stupa on a hill.

      You can go to Boudhanath stupa one of the biggest stupas in the world. It has colorful prayer flags and peaceful vibes.

      Pashupatinath Temple is a famous Hindu temple by the river. You can see holy men and ancient shrines here.

      Besides temples, you can walk around Thamel for shopping, eat at nice cafes, or see old palaces like Kathmandu Durbar Square.

      Nepal Tourist Visa: Quick, Easy, and On Arrival

      Good news! Most nationalities can get a Nepal visa on arrival. Here’s how to do it smoothly:

      Visa Options & Fees:

      • 15 Days – $30 USD
      • 30 Days – $50 USD
      • 90 Days – $125 USD

      You’ll breeze through immigration and be out exploring in no time.

      round arrow right icon

      Notes

      • Airport pickup available – pre-book via form
      • Stay in Thamel – best for access & support
      • Visa on arrival – apply online, bring USD cash

      Rooms

      Typically small and basic with two single beds.

      Provided: thin mattress,pillow, and blanket (bring a sleeping bag for warmtRooms often have wooden walls with minimal insulation.

      Electricity is limited — charging phones/power banks may cost extra.

      No heating — higher altitude rooms can get very cold at night.

      Meals

      • Meals are served at teahouses in every village along the trail.
      • Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables) is the go-to meal — often with free refills.
      • Vegetarian food is safest, especially at higher altitudes like Manang or Thorong Phedi.
      • Meat is best avoided above lower villages (e.g., after Chame) due to poor refrigeration.
      • Food variety is better in lower areas like Besisahar, Chame, and Jomsom.
      • Hot drinks and snacks are available throughout but become pricier as altitude increases.

      Pro Tips

      Basic lodges found in every village along the trail.

      Rooms are small with two single beds, thin mattress, pillow, and blanket.

      No heating in rooms; dining area may have a central stove (evenings only).

      Shared toilets – squat style common, Western style at lower elevations.

      Hot showers available in some places for an extra fee (solar/gas-heated).

      Meals served in the teahouse – Dal Bhat, noodles, soups, pancakes, tea.

      Electricity is limited – charging devices may cost extra.

      Higher altitude = fewer amenities and higher prices.

      Bring essentials: sleeping bag, toilet paper, headlamp, power bank.

      Wi-Fi may be available in some villages (for a fee), but it is often slow or unreliable.

      Toilets and Showers

      • Shared toilets — mostly squat-style, some Western-style in lower areas
      • Toilets may be outside the main building, especially at higher altitudes
      • Hot showers available in some teahouses for an extra fee (solar or gas-heated)
      • At high elevations, water may freeze in pipes — limited availability
      • Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer — often not provided

      Heatings

      Rooms are not heated — expect cold nights, especially at higher altitudes.

      Dining areas often have a central stove (wood or yak dung) used in the evening.

      Heating is limited to common areas — no personal room heaters.

      Carry a warm sleeping bag and dress in layers for comfort.

      Fuel is scarce at high altitudes, so heat is conserved and used sparingly.

      Practical Tips for Teahouse Living

      Hot showers are not free.

      Expect to pay $2–$5 USD per shower.

      Always notify staff in advance.

      Power sockets for charging devices are usually found in the dining room and cost $2–$5 USD per use.

      Wi-Fi is not free and varies in strength. In some areas, it may not be available at all.

      Avoid entering the kitchen even if you see guides in there, guests are expected to remain in the dining area.

      Order as a group if possible, this helps the kitchen prepare meals faster, especially during busy seasons.

      By planning ahead for clean water and cozy nights, your Annapurna Circuit Trek becomes less about logistics and more about the mountains. After all, it’s not just the peaks you’ll remember, but the warmth of a fire-lit dining room, laughter shared over dal bhat, and that first sip of safe, cold mountain water after a long day’s hike.