The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most renowned trekking routes in Nepal and is often considered one of the best long-distance hikes in the world but now no more, as motor road build over the trekking trail and trekking days are getting shorter. This trek offers a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and natural beauty, taking you through lush subtropical forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes. Ascending to elevations of 5416 meters at Thorong La Pass, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped Mountains, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu, 8000 meters peaks.
Annapurna circuit trek starts from the bustling city of Kathmandu by drive, trekkers get on a multi-day adventure that goes around the Annapurna massif, surrounding valleys, terraced fields, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes. The trail goes to ancient trading routes, passing through picturesque villages inhabited by diverse ethnic communities such as Gurungs, Thakalis, and Manangis, each offering unique insights into their rich cultural heritage.
Thornag la pass 5416m is one of the major highlights of the Annapurna circuit trek. Along the way, serene Buddhist monasteries, chortens, and prayer flags dot the landscape, adding to the spiritual allure of the journey. Whether it’s routing steep ascents, crossing suspension bridges over roaring rivers, or relishing the warmth of tea house hospitality, the Annapurna Circuit Trek promises an unforgettable adventure, engaging trekkers in the raw beauty and cultural richness of the Himalayas.
Kathmandu
The Annapurna Circuit is a classic trek in the Himalayas of Nepal, renowned for its diverse landscapes, stunning mountain views, and cultural experiences. Trekking through lush forests, terraced fields, charming villages, and high alpine meadows, you’ll encounter dramatic scenery and towering peaks like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, where you’ll be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel. Spend the day resting and preparing for the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Start your journey early in the morning from Kathmandu and head towards Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit. The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours covering a distance of around 175 kilometers. Besisahar sits at an altitude of 760 meters above sea level.
Today, you’ll continue your journey from Besisahar to Chame by jeep or bus. The drive usually takes around 4-6 hours, covering a distance of approximately 65 kilometers. Chame is situated at an elevation of 2,670 meters.
You’ll begin your trek from Chame, ascending through forests and crossing suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River. The trek today covers about 19 kilometers and takes around 6-7 hours to reach Pisang, located at an altitude of 3,200 meters.
Today’s trek offers stunning views of the Annapurna range as you make your way to Manang. The distance covered is approximately 15 kilometers, and it takes about 5-6 hours to reach Manang, situated at an altitude of 3,540 meters.
Take a rest day in Manang to acclimatize at higher altitude. You can explore the village, visit monasteries, or take short hikes to nearby viewpoints.
Leaving Manang behind, you’ll trek towards Yak Kharka today. The trail gradually ascends, passing through yak pastures and crossing a small stream. The distance covered is around 10 kilometers, and it takes about 4-5 hours to reach Yak Kharka, situated at an altitude of 4,050 meters.
Continuing your ascent, today’s trek takes you to Thorong Phedi, the base camp for the Thorong La Pass. The trail climbs steadily, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The distance covered is approximately 5 kilometers, and it takes around 3-4 hours to reach Thorong Phedi, located at an altitude of 4,450 meters.
This is the most challenging day of the trek as you cross the Thorong La Pass, standing at an altitude of 5,416 meters. Start early in the morning to avoid the strong winds that usually pick up later in the day. After crossing the pass, descend to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The total distance covered today is around 15 kilometers, and it can take anywhere from 8 to 10 hours to reach Muktinath, situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters.
After exploring Muktinath, you’ll drive back to Pokhara. The drive takes around 7-8 hours, covering a distance of approximately 160 kilometers. Enjoy the scenic views along the way as you descend from the high mountains to the picturesque city of Pokhara. Pokhara is located at an altitude of around 820 meters.
Traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu, everyone has the option of either taking a scenic but long bumpy drive or a short flight, both offering unique perspectives of Nepal’s diverse landscapes.
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you memories of the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality of Nepal.
The Annapurna Circuit trek is considered moderately challenging. It involves walking for several hours each day over varied terrain and at high altitude. While no technical climbing is required, trekkers should be prepared for steep ascents, rocky trails, and changes in weather conditions.
The best time to trek to Annapurna Circuit is during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to December. These periods offer stable weather, clear skies, and favorable trekking conditions.
While a good level of fitness is recommended, trekkers of varying fitness levels can undertake the Annapurna Circuit trek. Regular cardio exercise and hiking preparation are advisable to ensure physical fitness for the demands of the trek.
Sufficient acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness. Trekkers should ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness. It’s recommended to include rest days in the itinerary for acclimatization and to descend if symptoms become severe.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
I did the Annapurna Circuit Trek in November of 2013 with Saligram. It was tough picking a guide with so many options out there. I’m glad I choose his company, since we were in good hands. When I was there the country was going through elections, so Saligram had to account for strikes and unrest. Having someone that was confident and knowledgeable came in handy in this situation.
He handled my bags with care and guided me through the airport on this adventure. I spend about 4-5 on the trek with him as a guide and his porter who did a great job. I felt that he would do whatever was needed to make sure I was happy. I plan on going back to Nepal and wouldn’t hesitate to use his services again.
My first trek in Nepal Annapurna circuit
My first trek in Nepal, Annapurna circuit Tilicho Lake Thorang la pass with my friend organige by Sali trek (Mountain world treks) . Sali and his team were perfect, helpful, well taken care, thanks to suresh and Milano . And trek was aweaome, clear weather sunny days and stunning mountain views highly recomended to all to do annapurna trek and go with sali and his team 10stars
Annapurna circuit trek with Tilicho Lake
This is my second trip with Sali and his team . I did Mardi himal first trek and this time Annapurna circuit, everything well managed and guide and porter were so helpfull. We completed the trip without any issues. Thanks sali suresh and Milano. See you guys again for another trip. Namaste
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The exceptional service from the tour operator to the guide to the supporters for every part of the trip. Mountain World Trek paid attention to every detail to make sure our experience was amazing. Sudip our guide was an expert, friendly and supportive. Santosh our supporter was an asset that was invaluable. Unforgettable experience. Mountain World Trek is highly recommended.
Annapurna Circuit
This was my first trekking experience & I was apprehensive about the trip coz it could be tough for a newbie. However, Santosh, Raz & Rom (guide & porters) were patient & caring towards us 4 petite ladies, & we eventually made it to Thorong La Pass as planned. We also went paragliding & river rafting to end off an unforgettable 14 days of adventure. Many thanks to Sali and his team, they did a fantastic job & we’ll definitely recommend Mountain World for any Nepal treks 🙂