Important Information

Region
Annapurna Region Treks
Duration
14 Days
Max Altitude 5400 meters
Best Season Sprinf/Summer/Fall
Activity Per Day
5-6 hours
Grade
Level 4
Group Size
2 - 12 people
Transportation Bus/Jeep

“Unlike the most treks, Annapurna circuit classic is an ancient trade route which is rewarding and something you will always remember.” 

Annapurna circuit trek is the most diverse trekking route in Nepal where it connects with four different districts and two different zones. It was opened for foreigners in 1980 for tourism purposes. In this trek, you will have a stunning glimpse of Annapurna massif along with Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Langtang Himal, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.  And the Thorang la pass is a popular Pass in the Annapurna region which is located at the height of 5,416 meters marking a border between the Manang and Mustang district.  Unlike other trekking routes, it is not only for those giant mountains but also the best in terms of the diversity in climate, altitude, landscape, trail, multi-religion, pristine little settlements, and culturally prosperous tribal groups; their culture, tradition, festival, food, dance, and dialect.

An Annapurna circuit enables you via some of the most beautiful landscapes that Nepal has. The trail passing through the lush green forest, field, barren, yak pasture, moraine, alpine forests, and arid cliffs which leads toward Thorang la Pass.

Himalayan Wander Walkers had prepared shorter itineraries for the Annapurna circuit trek because of road construction has changed the nature of this trek over the years (pushing as far north as Muktinath in the west and Manang in the east), but it still remains a beautiful trek that can be done in many different ways according to availability of your time spend in Nepal.

Furthermore, if you are interested, please check our other Annapurna itineraries which we had made according to availability of time, and let us know if you want to amend any itineraries because we also provide tailor itineraries also.

If you are looking for different itinerary than the itinerary here please Customize Your Trip 

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek

  • Explore two rivers (Gandaki & Marshyangdi)
  • Challenging  Thorung La pass at 5,400m
  • Visit Hindu and Buddhist holy site (Muktinath Temple where you will see amazing fire-flame produced by natural gas from soil, water, and rock)
  • Vistas of Annapurna massif along with Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Langtang Himal, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak
  • Visit Buddhist one of the oldest monasteries in the Annapurna region (Braga)
  • Explore the lifestyle and culture of Manang and Mustang people
  • Muscle relaxing bath in hot springs
  • Walking through lush green forest

Outline Itinerary ( 14 Days )

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by a representative of the Himalayan Wander Walkers. You will be checked into your hotel. You will meet our trekking operator for a briefing about the entire trek on this day. If your arrival is in the morning time then you can either rest or hang out around a famous tourist area in Kathmandu, Thamel.
Overnight: at the hotel set with BB plan.

Day 2

Drive from Kathmandu to Chamje (1,410m/4,626ft): 8-9 hours

We drive to Chamje via Besisahar. Following the Prithvi Highway that leads to Mugling Bazaar and Dumre Bazaar. A short drive brings us to Besi Sahar. From here we follow the east bank of the Marsyangdi River to our destination. The trip offers us the first experience of a Gurung village and some good views of Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli.  
Overnight at Teahouse.  
[Included meals: Bed and Breakfast]  

Day 3

Trek from Chamje to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 5 - 6 hours

It takes you through Marshyangdi river valley enjoying a variety of climate, scenery, culture, and lifestyle of locals. Following the Annapurna circuit trail, the eye-popping panorama of unique Trans Himalayan plateaus, flourishing valleys, dramatic rock cliffs, serene lakes, striking snowcapped mountains, and swift rivers unfolds to soothe all the weariness and apathy involved.
Overnight at teahouse
[Included: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner] 

Day 4

Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 - 6 hours

We continue along the riverbed to Siraltaland, cross the Marsyangdi, and then reach Kodo(1850m). From here the trail passes over varying terrain until we reach Chame(2710m).
Overnight at teahouse
[Included: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner] 

Day 5

Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft): 5 - 6 hours

We trek past Mani Walls, memorial sites, typical picturesque villages, and alpine type forest trails. Our journey offers us great views of Annapurna, Pisang Peak, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli. Gradually we reach Dhukur Pokhara. A further short walk brings us to Pisang. It is a fabulous spot to explore typical village life, monasteries and it offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
Overnight at teahouse
[Included meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner] 

Day 6

Day 6: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3519m/11545ft): 5 - 6 hours

The tour offers us views of the entire Annapurna range. We also have the chance to observe sacred objects of Tibetan Buddhists – Chorten, Mani walls and in Braga, we will visit the 500 years old fascinating gompa. Finally, a short walk brings us to the dramatic setting of Manang.
Overnight at teahouse 
[Included meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner] 

Day 7

Rest Day / Acclimatization Day.

Today is the day for acclimatization rather than going any further. Being active is the best way to acclimatize. We can visit different places, caves, Ice Lake, Glacier Lake, monasteries, or simply explore the settlement of Manang. We can choose any option for an acclimatizing day and spend the day at Manang.
Overnight at teahouse 
[Included meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner] 

Day 8

Trek to Yak Kharka (4018m), 3-4 hours.

Today we trek to Yak Kharka which means Yak Pastures in Nepali. The trail begins its ascent of nearly 200 meters toward Thorang la. Passing through the Marsyangdi valley and crossing the suspension bridge of Gunsang teahouse. After leaving the large trees behind and gradually the landscape turn to scrub juniper and pasture land. You will see Yak grazing below the Chulo west and Gundang peak.  Finally, reach Yak Kharka.
Overnight at teahouse 
[Included meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner] 

Day 9

Trek to Thorung Phedi (4450m), 3 hours.

Today, we trek to Thorung Phedi. The traditional houses are made of clay and stone and joint to each other. The path keeps on going up slowly by crossing the innumerable tiny streams, which come from the Chulu east and Chulu west peak. We pass through Letdar (4200m) and reach Thorung Phedi.
Overnight at teahouse
[Included meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner]

Day 10

Trek, Thorung Phedi – Thorung-La (5416m) -Muktinath (3800m), 7- 8 hours.

Thorung-La Pass is a long day trek which is why we trek at around 3 am morning. Due to the weather condition, we have to walk early. After the clear weather, there is a magnificent view of the Himalayas and will be a breathtaking day as you gaze at the high peaks of the Himalayas. The day is cold as we pass at high elevations which will offer incredible views of the mountains. We pass through Thorung La and descend to Muktinath, a sacred spot to both Hindus and Buddhists, there exist many important temples, and it's really good for our evening sidewalk.
Overnight at teahouse 
[Included meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner] 

Day 11

Muktinath to Jomsom (2,743m) via Lubra 5-6 hours.

As we begin the final day’s hiking, Dhaulagiri glows orange and yellow in the early morning sun. Today we take a side trip to the Bonpo monastery in Lubra, before returning to Jomsom for the flight back to Pokhara. From a small hill, the views of Muktinath valley are used for agriculture. We soon reach the Panga Khola valley and the track follows the course of the river, but high upstream. After an hour and a half, we will reach the settlement of Lubra consists of about 20 houses where the Bonpo monastery was established in the 12th century. This is one of the rare Bon monasteries remaining in Nepal. After Lubra, the trail leads to the Kali Gandaki and we will cross the Panda Khola which joins the main trail of tourists going to Jomsom.
Overnight at teahouse
[Included meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner] 

Day 12

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (810m/2657.48ft) 6-7hrs

We take an early morning 20min flight from Jomsom to Pokhara; the guide will transfer you to the Hotel there in BB Plan. The day we give you a chance for exploring the beautiful Pokhara valley with its natural and cultural beauty.
Overnight at Hotel with BB basis.

Day 13

Drive Pokhara-Kathmandu, 7-8 hours.

Drive back to Kathmandu on this day. The evening is free time.
Overnight at Hotel.
[Included meals: Breakfast] 

Day 14

Departure

We are saying goodbye as your journey to Nepal comes to an end today. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Wander walkers will take you to the airport for an outbound flight back to your home country. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

 

Include

All airport pick-up & drop by private vehicle (international and domestic)
Welcome dinner in an authentic restaurant in Kathmandu
National Park entrance fee and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS card)
English speaking, government licensed guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance
Twin/double shearing accommodation in the mountain during the trekking
Three meals a day; breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek
First aid kit
Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company)
Trekking route maps
All necessary government taxes and service charges
Porter (For two-person)

Exclude

Your Nepal visa fees and 2 passport size photos
All the International airfare from and to Kathmandu
All meals and accommodation in Kathmandu
Food and accomodations in case of early arrivals from the trek or late departures from the airport
Your extra personal expenses during trek such as (laundry, baggage charge, phone calls, battery recharge, bar, and beverage bill, boiled or bottled water, hot and cold shower, extra porter, etc)
Tips for the trekking crew
Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control
The given price is for a minimum of two pax. For a single trekker, a 20 % supplementary charge will be applied.

Important Information

CHECKLISTS

  • Valid passport (valid for six months from the date of your trip)
  • One other picture ID, such as driver’s license (in case of emergency and for use as a substitute of passport or in case of loss of your passport) Photocopy of passport page to carry in a wallet
  • Air tickets (Make a copy of flight tickets which may be helpful, in case of loss)
  • Visa Clearance (Make a copy of visa clearance which may be helpful, in case of emergencies)
  • MasterCard, Visa Credit, and Debit Cards are accepted in Nepal. However, traveler's cheques and some cash are highly recommended.
  • Mobile (if your cell phone is from CINGULAR USA or ATNT (USA) operators then your cell phone will work in Nepal.)

Guiding, Food, and Lodging
In Nepal, all trekking supplies - Teahouse trekking means staying and eating in local lodges. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow, blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We eat at teahouses and, although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, the menu is not extensive. They offer a variety of potatoes, rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. Beers and local spirits are often available, but that will be at your own cost. A variety of cereals, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There are also snacks available such as basic biscuits, chocolate, and soft drinks and in some areas, you will find fresh fruit in season. It is normal to meet your porter in the teahouse where you will stay overnight. So, pack your necessary things in your own day pack.

DRESS CODE FOR VISITING MONASTERIES, AND TEMPLES IN NEPAL

  • Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
  • Full pants/long skirts
  • Any type of shoes with socks
  • No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt, and No half-pants
  • Photographs allowed in the courtyard only.

Note regarding itineraries
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan; their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Himalayan Wander Walkers has led till now. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is successful.

Frequently Asked Question

Although trekking gear is available in Nepal, you are advised to bring your own gear.

Trekking or running shoes, Camp shoes or thongs Socks (polypropylene)

Down or fiber-filled jacket, Jumper or piled jacket, Hiking shorts, Waterproof jackets, poncho or umbrella, Hiking pants, T-shirts or blouses, Underwear, Sun hat

Rucksack, Self Inflating Sleeping Mattress (optional), Water bottle, Torch, batteries, and bulbs