Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular treks, not only in Nepal but in the world. Since the trail was first opened to foreigners in the 1980s, it has been a top destination for trekkers around the world. It offers a truly unique trekking experience. This adventurous trail connects the Annapurna region and the Mustang region, providing several culturally famous destinations and infinite natural beauties along the way.
The trail begins from the lower Annapurna region. The Annapurna Circuit Trek has a diverse set of landscapes of landscapes that begins with lush rhododendron and pine forests. Trekkers are immediately enchanted by the scenery and full of excitement and energy for what is ahead. Guided by the Marsyangdi River Valley, we follow cascading waterfalls, dense sub-tropical forests and raging rivers. The fascinating terraced rice fields and local villages increase the charm of the trek.
As the trek leads you through the Manang district, Tibetan Buddhist settlements begin to appear. Finally – slowly – the snow-topped Himalayan peaks begin to appear. At Phedi, we find ourselves in awe at the desolate, yet tantalizing landscape. Crossing the Thorong La Pass(5416m) is an absolute thrill, and one must use caution when coming into contact with the slippery rocky slope. The high pass offers views of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Manaslu (8156m), AnnapurnaII (7937m), AnnapurnaIII (7555m), AnnapurnaI (8090m), Annapurna South (7219m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), Tilicho (7134m), and Hiunchuli (6441m) to name a few. Encompassed by a choppy sea of Himalayan peaks, we are full of joy. The trek then leads you to the famous Muktinath Temple, a pilgrimage destination of both Hindus and Buddhists. Here, devotees bathe in the fountains, ring bells, anoint one another’s’ foreheads, or simply be there with intentions of reverence.
Our Annapurna Circuit Trek then passes through the Kali Gandaki Gorge and ends in Nayapul after stopping atPoon Hill(3210m) for yet another panoramic view of the awe-inspiring peaks in the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions. Finally, we can end the trek with a stop at Jhinu Hot Springs, which helps relieve the muscle aches from the trek. From here, we return to Pokhara and head back to Kathmandu.
At roughly 130 miles, the trail is for trekkers with experience, or at least a strong sense of determination. Trekking is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather. During the Spring, there is a bit more color and the rhododendrons are blooming, and in the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer. The Annapurna Circuit Trek requires fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. Breeze Adventure arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.
Trip Highlights
Thrilling Thorong La Pass- 5416 meters
Cultural beauty of local villages
Religious experience at Muktinath Temple
Kali Gandaki Valley
Views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapucchre, Hiunchuli and numerous other high peaks
Lovely rhododendron forest
Remarkable hospitality
Diverse landscapes – from sub-tropical forests to desolate alpine wilderness
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
- Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
- Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Chamje (1430m), 8-9 hour drive.
- Day 04: Trek from Chamje to Dharapani (1860m), 5-6 hours.
- Day 05: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2670m), 4 hours.
- Day 06: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3300m), 5 ½ hours.
- Day 07: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3540m), 5 hours.
- Day 08: Rest day in Manang for acclimatization & exploration.
- Day 09: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4050m), 5 hours.
- Day 10: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4450m), 4 hours.
- Day 11: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorong La Pass (5416m), 7-8 hours.
- Day 12: Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2670m), 6 hours.
- Day 13: Trek from Marpha to Tatopani (1189m), 4-5 hours.
- Day 14: Trek from Tatopani to Sikha (1935m), 5 hours.
- Day 15: Trek from Sikha to Ghorepani (2835m), 4½ hours.
- Day 16: Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3210m) then trek to Tadapani (2520m), 5 ½ hours.
- Day 17: Trek from Tadapani to Syane via Ghandruk (1920m), 5 ½ hours, then drive to Pokhara.
- Day 18: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Day 19: Departure from Nepal
Trip note
Accommodation
All our packages include accommodation in the cost. This accommodation is included during the set itinerary. While in Kathmandu, we provide a 2-3 Star hotel for you. During the trek, our guides will pick the best lodge for you to stay in based on their experience as well as room availability. All the accommodations will be twin-shared basis. In the mountain, Shower and toilet will be on Sharing basis. During high trekking season, you may have to share a room with a same-sex trekker from another group.
Food
Nepal has a wide variety of food and it is easy to cater to your needs. If you are a vegetarian/vegan, gluten or lactose free, we are able to work around that if you let us know ahead of time. During your time in the hotel in Kathmandu, your breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner must be covered on your own. On the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided. For teahouse treks, we can order typical Nepali food, continental ,Italian , Tibetan and Indian at teahouses. While camping, we will prepare the meals for you. After our trek, we will have a celebration/pre-departure traditional Nepali meal in Thamel.
Guide & Porters
A government-licensed guide will lead the trek. All our guides have tremendous experience on the trails and are passionate about the trekking industry. Our guides and porters are dedicated to making your experience of trekking in Nepal a memorable one. If there is any worry during your trek, our guides will address it. Your safety is our number one priority. For groups of more than six people, there will be two guides. For teahouse treks, there will be one porter for every two trekkers. For camping treks, we will need more porters in order to carry the food, kitchen equipment, tents, etc.
Acclimatization/Fitness/Experience
As many of our treks lead us high into the Himalayas, it is necessary to let our bodies sufficiently get used to the altitude. Our treks have acclimatization days built into the itinerary. It is best to take it slow to prevent altitude sickness. The level of fitness necessary for our treks varies depending on the trek. On average, expect to walk an average of 5-6 hours per day while on the trial. Generally, the treks can be done with an average level of fitness. More important than fitness or experience is one’s personal determination and positive attitude toward finishing and enjoying the trek.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend having travel insurance before going on a trek. We do our best to take care of you, but something can happen that is out of our control. In case of medical emergency, leading to a helicopter evacuation, it is best to have insurance. You are unable to obtain medical insurance in Nepal and must do so in your home country. Be sure that your insurance covers accidents abroad and high in the mountains.
Best Time to Travel
The peak seasons for traveling in Nepal are during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (September to November). These times provide the best scenery and clearest skies, but of course they are a little more crowded than the off-season. It is possible to trek during the Winter (December to February), but you will face cold temperatures. It is also possible to trek during the monsoon season (June to August), though the views will likely be covered by clouds and there is a high chance of rainfall.
