Trek through the arid landscapes of Annapurna Circuit to explore the unique and captivating experience of the region. Characterized by vast expanses of rugged terrain and sparse vegetation, the scenery here features contrasts of earthy tones, with dramatic rock formations adding allure to the surroundings.
The journey explores a vibrant tapestry of Nepalese and Tibetan cultures seamlessly intertwining with the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Himalayan peaks. Here, you wind through the quaint rural towns of Jagat, to the deserted, isolated settlements of Chame, Pisang, Manang, and Yak Kharka, where echoes of ancient traditions resonate against the backdrop of majestic mountains.
Also, explore the rugged terrain of Mustang, where secret hidden caves and ancient monasteries showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region. It is a journey of a lifetime that is undoubtedly challenging yet offers an immersive experience of a lifetime.
One of our representatives will greet you at the airport upon your arrival in Nepal. They will assist you to the hotel, and you may utilize the rest of the day unwinding. Before our team members depart for the day, we will go through the itinerary before we start the journey the next day.
The following day marks the official commencement of our adventure, beginning with a picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Jagat. While the journey may be rough and bumpy, the breathtaking views along the way will certainly make it worthwhile.
The next day, we take the route to Dharapani, where you will encounter the rich biodiversity of the region. Alongside diverse vegetation, some ascending and descending through narrow paths are required, while crossing suspension bridges and roaring rivers are other highlights of this day. Leaving Dharapani, we make our way to Chame and notice a transition in the vegetation.
Chame, unlike Dharapani, is a bit arid and barren. There aren’t many villages or locals, but it still offers ample amounts of natural scenery along with cultural exposure. It is also the gateway to Manang Valley, a quiet town yet scenic with majestic peaks in its backdrop.
As you walk further, barren and rugged landscapes are noticed, with gigantic mountains in the background. Soaking in the scenery, you reach another eccentric town, Pisang, where you can experience the rich culture of the region. Despite the journey taking place in the Annapurna region, the cultural exposure on this journey is slightly different than in the Annapurna Base Camp.
Here, you are accustomed to the Tibetan cultures, lifestyles, and, in some sort of way, geography as well. The trail is filled with monasteries, stupas, and mani walls, with prayer flags adorning the suspension bridges. Here, as much as natural beauty is prominent, the spiritual essence is also intense. And the same scenario can be seen in the village of Manang, where you'll acclimatize to the increasing altitude while exploring the monasteries and soaking in the stunning mountain scenery.
Leaving Manang, the journey continues to Yak Kharka, which is an alpine pasture mostly grazed by Yaks. It is a remote place; thus, besides the vast meadow fields and the herders, the open sky is the friend of travelers. Here, you can truly reconnect with nature in its truest form. Similarly, the next day is quite an eventful day, so replenish as much energy as you can because you will need it to cross the challenging ascent of Thorong La Pass (5416m). The ascent to Thorong La is both physically demanding and spiritually rewarding, as you push yourself to new heights and overcome the thin air and steep terrain. At the summit, enjoy the unparalleled scenery never seen before.
From Thorong La, the trail descends into the serene Mustang region, where you'll explore ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and the sacred site of Muktinath before continuing your descent into the bustling valleys of Jomsom and Kagbeni. The next day, we take a scenic flight to Pokhara from Jomsom and conclude our adventure in the enchanting lakeside town of Pokhara.
Reminiscing about the memories of the trek, we drive back to the humming city of Kathmandu. The following day marks the conclusion of your 14-day adventure in the arid Himalayas of Nepal. One of our team members will accompany you to the airport with hopes for a future reunion.
The Annapurna Circuit trek is a transformative adventure, weaving through stunning landscapes and vibrant communities. Its rugged beauty and cultural richness leave an indelible mark on every traveler, making it an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. And, if you wish to alter the itinerary to make it convenient for you, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team at World Alpine Treks is more than happy to tailor-make an itinerary that fits you the most.
The first day marks your arrival day in Kathmandu. Clear all the visa requirements and customs clearance, if any, at the arrival section of the airport. As you come out, you will find a representative from World Alpine Treks waiting for you holding a board with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. The representative will shortly inform you about the plans ahead.
In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel for a drive to the lakeside city of Besisahar. Today, we take a scenic drive along the Prithvi highway for around six to seven hours to Besisahar. We pass through some fantastic landscapes throughout the journey. In the first half portion, we will be able to get some stunning views of the Trishuli River along with hills and villages. In the second half, the countryside landscape and the greenery will keep you engaged. At Besisahar, we catch a jeep that will take us to Jagat. Tonight, we stay at a guesthouse in Jagat (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
From Jagat, we start our walking journey of the trip. Early in the morning, after breakfast, we follow a trail that leads us to Chamje. We come across a long suspension bridge over a river there. We cross the bridge and start ascending through the lush forests of oak until we open up to a beautiful valley. On the route, we come across the charming village of Kodo. A few hours walk uphill from Kodo, we reach Dharapani, another lovely village in that region. Tonight, at a guesthouse/ lodge in Dharapani. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
At the entrance gate of Dharapani, there is a stone-built chorten that reflects the influence of the Tibetan Buddhist religion. Ahead of the gate, get ready to get some insights into the villages with Tibetan Buddhist influence. After a few hours of walking, we come across Bargachaap, which is a delightful village with flat-roofed stone houses that resemble Tibetan-style houses. From Bargachaap, the trail ascends through a rough and rocky trail and extends through the forests to Kopar. From Kopar, we continue ahead until we reach our guesthouse in Chame. Chame is the headquarters of the Manang district. As we reach Chame, we can get some fantastic views of the mountains in the region. Tonight, at a guesthouse/ lodge in Chame. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
After breakfast, we continue our journey towards Pisang. With the fantastic views of LamjungHimal and Pisang Peak, we follow a trail that goes steeply into the dense forests. On the way, we pass a waterfall and cross suspension bridges over the river with amazing views of meadows and mountains on sight. We also get some soaring views of PaungdaDanda rock that begins to appear as we climb up towards Pisang. As you open up to the valley of Pisang, you will be blessed with some close views of Pisang Peak and Mt. Annapurna II. After relishing the fantastic views, we stay at a guesthouse/ lodge in Pisang for the night. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Today, we leave Pisang and head towards the upper part of the Manag district which is drier. The route offers some astounding views of majestic mountain peaks in the Annapurna range. With these sight views, we take an upper path to Manag that goes through Ghyaru–Ngawal and Munji. As we move up, we can notice the change in climate, landscape, and vegetation. We come to dry places with a harsh environment. Though sharp, the dry and arid landscape looks very compelling with the close views of mountains in the backdrop. On the way, we come across a large monastery of the region – Barge Monastery. We visit the monastery and continue our walk until we reach our guesthouse/ lodge in Manang. Tonight, at a guesthouse/ lodge in Manang. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
We spend an extra day in Manang as a part of our requirement for proper acclimatization. And, there are so many places around Manang to explore. Manang, in itself, is a delightful village that offers some fantastic views of mountains and rocky terrain. Today, we explore the villages around and hike up to visit Gangapurna Lake. We can even visit a monastery and mountaineering school on the way. In the evening, we return to our guesthouse/ house in Manang. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Today, we leave Marshyangdi Valley and head towards Thorong La pass. At first, we cross a stream and climb up steadily to the village of Tenki lies just above Manang. Then we come out of the valley and turn to the north to climb up the valley of the Jarsang River. We follow the pastures and head towards the north which will take us to the village of Ghunsa. Further, the trail extends through the meadows where we can see some yaks grazing along with the yak herders busy with their stuff. We then cross a wooden bridge over a river and pass some ancient mani walls before we arrive at the village of Yak Kharka. The town is the summer settlement of the yak herders. Tonight, at a guesthouse/ lodge in Yak Kharka. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
We leave Yak Kharka and head towards Thorong La Phedi. Thorong La Phedi is a small settlement in the high altitudinal region that caters to the food and accommodation needs of the trekkers visiting the Thorong La pass. It is a stopping point to cross the Thorong La pass tomorrow. Thorong La pass is the highest pass in the world. It is challenging to cross the path. Its rocky and slippery terrain with ever-changing weather conditions makes it one of the toughest parts of the journey. Today, we stop at Thorong la Phedi for an early walk through the pass tomorrow. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
The pass is prone to sharp and harsh winds after the afternoon. Hence, we wake up early to cross the pass. We walk along the rocky ridges of the past with outstanding views of mountains and glaciers in the Annapurna region. From the pass, we will be able to get 360-degree panoramic views of mountains that extend to Tibetan plateaus in the north. After crossing the path, we descend to Muktinath, which is a trendy spiritual hub of the Annapurna region. The place holds a high value amongst Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Many Hindu pilgrims visit this place early with high dedication and devotion. Tonight, we are staying at a guesthouse/ lodge in Muktinath. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Early in the morning, we walk to Muktinath for amazing views of the mountains in the Annapurna range. After appreciating the glories of the mountains, we descend to Jomsom and complete our circuit walk around the Annapurna. Hence, we accomplish our walking journey of Annapurna Circuit Trek. Tonight, enjoy your time in Jomsom with the warm hospitality of the local people. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Today, we take an early flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. Enjoy your time at the hotel in Pokhara. In the evening, you can walk to the lakeside and enjoy the serenity of the environment. (Inclusive of breakfast).
Concluding our trip, we drive back via the same route along the Prithvi Highway to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. Tonight, we are staying at a hotel in Kathmandu. (Inclusive of breakfast and lunch).
Before a few hours of your scheduled flight, you will be transferred to the international terminal of Tribhuwan International Airport. (Inclusive of Breakfast).
Flights/Transportations
Accommodations
Meals
Required Permits
Guide & Porter
Essential Equipment
Complimentary
Annapurna Circuit Trek takes place in a diverse array of landscapes and weather conditions. Hence, this trail is visited throughout the year. Each season does bring its fair share of challenges, yet the route is available to trek all year. Henceforth, before you choose the best season to trek Annapurna Circuit, take a look at how the trail looks each season.
Spring follows after winter, so it starts to get vibrant and colorful. Flowers start to bloom and bring color to your surroundings. For a good amount of time, you will be trekking through a lush, forested trail. This forest turns red and pink as rhododendron blooms blanket the trail. Besides that, the weather is wonderful, with warm days and cool mornings and nights. The mountain views are simply breathtaking, with clear blue skies. There will still be remnants of winter snow, yet majestic nature and pleasant weather pull large crowds of travelers from all across the world to witness the stunning natural spectacle of the Annapurna region.
Trekking the Annapurna Circuit during the summer is tough but not impossible. As said earlier, the trek showcases diverse landscapes; hence, there’s an arid section of the journey that sees little to no rain at all. Part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek takes place in a rain-shadow area, so trekkers may not worry about precipitation while exploring desert areas. However, the journey also includes walking past rural villages in the lower elevations, which receive a significant amount of rain. While the rain revitalizes the vegetation, it also brings challenges to trekking with muddy and slippery trails. Clouds often obscure the mountain views, but the surrounding setting is no less breathtaking. Due to the monsoon aligning with the summer season, the trail is mostly free of crowds at this time; hence, some adventurers will get to enjoy the lone trail and enjoy the monsoon’s tranquility and beauty.
Autumn is another great time after spring to trek the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It is the post-monsoon season, so the weather is stable, the sky is clear, and the stunning sights of gigantic peaks are more visible and clearer than ever. Similarly, the weather is favorable, as days are mildly warm, and crispy air keeps mornings and nights cool. And because of these stable weather conditions, many trekkers prefer to trek this time around. Adventurers around the world get to immerse themselves in the natural splendor amidst huge mountains.
Winter brings a serene atmosphere to the Annapurna Circuit as the mountains are blanketed in snow, creating a picturesque winter wonderland. Days are cold, especially at higher elevations, and snowfall is common, transforming the landscape into a pristine paradise. Please keep in mind that temperatures can go beyond -20 degrees at night, so one has to be mentally and physically ready to trek at this time. Similarly, trekking during the winter presents its challenges, with cold temperatures and snow-covered trails requiring proper gear and preparation. Despite the challenges, winter offers a unique and peaceful experience for those seeking solitude and breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks against the backdrop of the tranquil winter landscape.
Overall, trekkers should consider their preferences, abilities, and the specific conditions of each season when planning their trek to Annapurna Circuit. We hope the above brief descriptions offer an idea for the traveler to help make their decision.
Meal is an important aspect when trekking in high-altitude trekking areas like Annapurna. It takes a lot of energy to complete a circular journey through the arid Annapurna region. And we try to incorporate nutritious meals for our travelers. We recommend travelers have meals that include all nutritious components like protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients.
Our Annapurna Circuit Trek includes 14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 10 dinners. With this, we also offer seasonal fruit during the trekking days. As per meals, you will get a wide variety of food options while in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but during trekking days, the options are limited.
During trekking days, you can find bakery varieties in many places if not all, and also some international cuisines like pasta, sausages, soups, cereals, noodles, pizzas, and more. For local cuisines, you can find Dal Bhat (lentil soup and rice) with vegetable curries and Nepali pickles, Momo (dumpling), fried rice, omelets, and more to choose from.
Along with meals, various kinds of drinks like tea, coffee, and sodas are also available on the trail. We highly suggest drinking lemon or ginger tea rather than soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks are also available on the trail, but we advise against them. Nevertheless, any additional bills should be catered to by the travelers themselves.
Furthermore, if travelers have any dietary restrictions, we recommend informing us while booking the trip. Travelers with dietary restrictions won’t find it difficult to find their preferred meal while in the city, but during trekking days, it is very important to inform the guide and the teahouse cook about your restrictions. Even with limited options, they will prepare a meal that suits you.
There are several ways you can stay connected while trekking the Annapurna Circuit. You can either purchase a local SIM card at the nearest shops available to you or use WiFi for a fee available at the teahouse. Buying a SIM and its data package usually costs around NPR 2000–2500, and this allows you to have all-time internet and phone access. Mobile network coverage is available in many parts, especially in lower elevations, while coverage at higher altitudes may be limited. Nevertheless, we want to inform you that quality and availability can be inconsistent.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek presents a moderately challenging adventure, encompassing a variety of factors that contribute to its difficulty. In this trek, trekkers need to cross Thorang La Pass (5416 m), one of the highest mountain passes in the world, requiring a careful approach to minimize altitude sickness risks. Besides, this is a 14-day journey, requiring endurance and stamina to navigate diverse terrain, including steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and suspension bridges. Additionally, some sections of the trek pass through remote and isolated areas, where facilities and services are limited. Hence, it is one of the most strenuous journeys in the Himalayas of Nepal. However, despite its challenges, it is a doable journey with proper plans and preparations. To tackle the challenges, trekkers are suggested to engage in cardio, flexibility, and stamina-building workouts. Activities like stretching, running, and hiking occasionally aid in building the strength and flexibility required. Ultimately, with proper planning and readiness, all obstacles can be surmounted.
Our team consists of skilled and experienced guides and porters with diverse backgrounds. They hold official government licenses for mountain trekking, signifying their comprehensive training and authorization. Additionally, they have extensive outdoor and hiking experience and a passion for Nepal’s pristine wilderness. Proficient in intensive wilderness first aid, responsible tourism, effective communication, and professionalism, our guides prioritize your safety and satisfaction. They are renowned for their exceptional care, knowledge, and attentiveness, ensuring that your journey is not only inspiring and enjoyable but also secure. While all walks outlined in the itinerary are guided, our guides are happy to recommend shorter self-guided walks for those seeking additional exploration on certain days.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is approximately 160-230 km (100-145 miles) long, depending on specific route variations and transportation choices. The trek typically takes around 15-20 days to complete, offering diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows and high mountain deserts, showcasing the scenic beauty of the Annapurna region in Nepal.
The best time for the Annapurna Trek is during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to November. These periods offer stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, ensuring optimal trekking conditions and breathtaking views of the Annapurna range in Nepal.
Yes, basic food, water, and tea are available at teahouses and communities along the Annapurna Trek. But options could be scarce, and costs might go up as you go up in height. It is advisable to pack personal supplies, such as cigarettes if necessary, and water purifying equipment. For a more comfortable trekking experience, self-sufficiency is advised as amenities vary even when they are provided.
Yes, a permit is required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal. It is necessary to have a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). These licenses guarantee hiker safety and support conservation activities. Before beginning the hike, get them in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Phone and internet service are available in the Annapurna Region, especially in bigger settlements and hiking centers. While connectivity varies, teahouses and hotels frequently provide Wi-Fi, and mobile networks operate along much of the journey. Keep in mind that transmissions at higher altitudes may be weaker, and satellite phones can be handy in distant regions.
