Exploring the rich culture and nature are the major features of the Mt. Annapurna circuit trek.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is an outstanding trekking option in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. It is more isolated and a harsh trek, consisting of a sub-tropical, tropical, and alpine altitude landscape. It includes the tenth tallest mountain in the world and the highest pass of this region i.e. Annapurna I(8019 m) and Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) respectively.
Trekking around the Annapurna region offers wonderful Himalayan views like Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m.), Mt. Annapurna III (7,555m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525m), Mt. Annapurna south (7,219m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,041m), Mt. Machhapuchhare (6,998m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6,986m), Tukuche peak (6,920m), and Tilicho peak (7134m). It also showcases naturally beautiful remote villages and the rare flora and fauna of the entire region.
The Annapurna round trek follows the Marshyangdi River Valley in the beginning and goes through several climatic zones, from paddy fields and rural farmland to subtropical forest and the glacial zones. Regarding the altitude, it ranges from almost 800 meters to over 5000 meters.
This trek takes you to the edge of the Kaligandaki Gorge and the River. It is the deepest gorge in the world. Poon Hill hiking is another attraction of the Annapurna circuit trek that offers awestruck views of sunrise and sunset over the Himalayan giants. Such as Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Hiuchuli, Dhaulagiri, Machchhapuchchhre, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Gurja Himal, and Dhampus Peak.
This Thorung La Pass trek leads the trekkers to the beautiful ethnic villages, enjoying the surrounding mountain views. It goes through the dense forests and crosses the suspension bridges. The terraced farmlands, waterfalls, and hilly gorges are the basic highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Treks. As trekking goes up, the vegetation becomes shorter and shorter, and one starts to see the grazing yaks and horses in the meadow.
Having a bath in the natural hot spring is another highlight of the Annapurna round trek. This spring is situated in a place called Tatopani. There is a belief that this hot water relieves skin diseases. Besides, the Hindus dip in this hot spring river for their ritual purposes as well.
Round Annapurna Trek starts from Khudi after having a scenic drive from Kathmandu along the hilly area. The trail reaches Sirung by crossing the suspension bridge and the waterfalls. Chame is a beautiful place from where the Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV can be seen.
Similarly, the way to Manang through the route of Upper Pisang offers stunning views of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and other Himalayan ranges. Manang Village is the extra charm of the Annapurna Round Trekking trail, mainly inhabited by ethnic groups. So, the Annapurna trekkers get the chance to know them and their culture from the worm’s eye view.
Trekking around Mt. Annapurna introduces you to the popular Tibetan lifestyles of the remote regions of Nepal as well. It is renowned, especially in the Mustang district of Nepal, and lies en route to the Thorung La Pass Trek.
By choosing Rising Adventure to participate in the Annapurna Circle Trek, you are guaranteed a safe, well-planned, and enriching experience in the Himalayas. With experienced licensed guides and well-thought-out itineraries, we prioritize proper acclimatization, safety, and comfort, and showcase the best scenery and cultural attractions the Annapurna region has to offer.
Rising Adventure is also focused on personalized service and responsible trekking. Guides who possess excellent local knowledge, 24/7 support, and flexible itineraries help us offer great value to our visitors and also give back to the local communities, thus making your experience on the Annapurna Circuit Trek unforgettable and meaningful.
Our representative will welcome you at the Tribhuwan International Airport and transfer you to our hotel shortly after. After you rest for a while, we will have a short meeting at our office to talk about the Annapurna Trek. You will also be introduced to our experienced guide during the meeting. For the rest of the day, you can explore around the vibrant streets of Thamel. You will spend the night in Hotel Vistara, Kathmandu.
We will start our 10-hour scenic drive to Dharapani after having breakfast in our hotel. We will reach Besisahar on a paved road that has incredible views of beautiful forests, terraced farms, and small settlements on the way.
After that, we will set off on an off-road drive that will take us 4 hours or so to Dharapani. On a clear day, you can have spectacular views of Mount Manaslu, Annapurna, Lamjung, and many more.
Our trekking adventure to Chame will commence today, as we start with a gradual climb starting at Dharapani. We will be hiking through the beautiful waterfalls, lush forests, and adorable villages of Timang and Thanchok. On the way, you will be able to see snippets of the Himalayan peaks, such as Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
We will have a hike of 6-7 hours to Upper Pisang along the Marsyangdi River. The path will also go through some small settlements such as Bhratang and Dhukur Pokhari. We have to pass over several bridges today, and on our way, we will see rocky cliffs, such as the Paungda Dada rock face. Upon reaching Upper Pisang, we will be greeted with a spectacular sight of the Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and other surrounding peaks.
The trek will continue as we ascend from Upper Pisang and walk past the Tibetan settlements. We will go through villages like Ghyaru and Ngawal and experience their people’s daily lifestyle as well as the Tibetan culture. We also get the opportunity to visit the largest monastery of Manang, the Barge Monastery. The trail will take us to Manang, a thriving village full of tea houses and shops catering to tourists.
We have scheduled a rest day at Manang for today in our Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary to acclimatize properly to the high altitude. We won’t be just staying at one place; instead, we will visit some attractions near the vibrant Manang village. Movement allows your body to adjust to the thin-air environments. We will travel to the Gangapurna Glacier Lake or go on a hike to Ice Lake (Kicho Tal). After our day’s activities, we return to Manang for the overnight stay.
After acclimatization day at Manang, we will head towards Yak Kharka. The route follows several alpine meadows and juniper forests. The journey today begins with a climb to Tanki Manang village, as we move from the Marshyangdi Valley to the Jarsang Khola Valley. Then, we continue along the path of the Jarsang Khola valley to reach Yak Kharka. True to its name, Yak Kharka is home to grazing yaks across the tranquil meadow.
Today, we will ascend for 2 hours and then make our descent before crossing the wooden bridge over the Marsyangdi River. Further ascending gradually will take us to Thorong Phedi (4,525 m). We will stay overnight in the small settlement of Thorong Phedi.
We will start our journey early in the morning from Thorong Phedi. Today will be a memorable day, as we will cross the Thorong La Pass (one of the highest trekking passes in the world) and head out to the sacred Muktinath temple. This can be a challenging trek, as we will go through the highest point of this trek, Thorong La Pass.
On the way to Thorong La Pass, we will get panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, such as Thorong Peak, Dhaulagiri, and Chulu West, along with the Annapurna range.
Then the trail will descend to the Muktinath Valley. There is a sacred Muktinath Temple in the valley, which holds great religious importance to both Hindus and Buddhists. Situated at an altitude of 3,710 meters, the Muktinath Temple is one of the highest temples in the world. Muktinath is home to 108 stone sprouts, also known as Muktidhara. We can also observe the other significant sites, such as Jwala Mai Temple and the Eternal Flames (believed to have been burning for more than 2000 years).
We will embark on a drive to Tatopani in a shared vehicle after exploring the Muktinath Temple. On the way, we will observe the beautiful villages such as Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Marpha. The drive will also follow through the world's deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Gorge.
Then, after a drive of approximately six hours, we make it to Tato Pani, which is known for its natural hot springs. We will have a rejuvenating bath in the natural hot springs of Tato Pani after a demanding and fulfilling journey.
Our journey continues as we leave Tato Pani and proceed to Ghorepani along the Kali Gandaki River. As we make our ascent to Ghorepani, we will also visit the Thakali villages of Sikha and Chitre. The route winds through the forests of rhododendron, birch, and magnolia. We will have our overnight stay in Ghorepani.
We will hike early in the morning to Poon Hill, where we shall enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Dhaulagiri and numerous other mountain peaks. After enjoying the breathtaking view and taking loads of pictures, we will return to Ghorepani, then walk to Tikhe Dhunga. Finally, we drive our way towards Pokhara.
Today we will take a tourist bus to Kathmandu after having a morning breakfast in Pokhara. The 6-hour journey will pass along the Trishuli River with scenery of green forests, terraced fields, and small settlements near the highway. We are going to have a fun evening in Kathmandu with a farewell dinner and cultural program in commemoration of your successful completion of the Annapurna Circle trek.
This is the day we say goodbye to you and this wonderful adventure of the Annapurna trek. Our representative will drop you at the Tribhuwan International Airport 3 hours before your flight. The whole crew at Rising Adventure is grateful to you for choosing to travel with us. We will be very delighted to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Nepal.
You can take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara or hire a private vehicle for a faster and more comfortable road trip.
Below are the tentative lists of Annapurna Circuit trek equipment.
Food on the Annapurna Round Trek is served mainly in teahouses and lodges along the trail, offering simple, filling, and energy-rich meals ideal for trekkers. The most common and recommended meal is Dal Bhat Tarkari, a traditional Nepali dish consisting of rice, lentils, vegetables, and pickles. You also get a decent amount of options for Western dishes. As altitude increases, food choices become more limited and prices rise due to transportation difficulties. It is important for you to stay hydrated and also try dishes with garlic, as they help for acclimatization to the higher altitude.
The breakfast during the Annapurna trek usually includes Tibetan bread or chapati, coffee, tea, eggs, porridge, and pancakes.
For lunch and dinner you can have Dal Bhat Tarkari (rice, lentils, and veggies), momo (dumplings), garlic soup, noodles, thukpa, potato items, pasta, and rice pudding.
The drinks include tea, coffee, hot water, hot chocolate, fruit juice, hot lemon with ginger/honey, and alcoholic beverages such as beer. The alcoholic beverages are not included in our package, so you need to purchase them at your own expense.
Note: It is not advised to drink alcoholic beverages, caffeine, or hot chocolate at high altitude, as it increases the chances of altitude sickness.
You can also purchase snacks such as biscuits, noodles, and chocolates from shops in the villages for your day’s journey.
Accommodation along the Annapurna Circuit is provided mainly by teahouses and guest lodges, which are mostly twin-sharing rooms for trekkers. Most lodges have a communal dining hall with a stove, creating a warm and social atmosphere in the evenings. You will get rooms with attached bathrooms in places like Dharapani, Pisang, Muktinath, and Tatopani. The room will be basic yet comfortable at stops like Manang and Thorang Phedi.
Facilities such as hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging points are available in most lodges, though these services usually come at an extra cost. During peak trekking seasons, teahouses can become crowded, so early arrival or booking in advance is strongly recommended.
Autumn (late September to November) and spring (March to May) are the most appropriate times to do the Annapurna Circuit. These seasons are characterized by favorable weather and the best mountain scenery.
Autumn is one of the most popular trekking seasons because it has clear skies, dry trails, and excellent visibility. The other ideal time of the year is spring, which is characterized by a warm climate and blooming rhododendron forests. Thorong La Pass may still be covered with snow. Therefore, trekkers are advised to be cautious while crossing the pass (you can also use microspikes for safe walking in snow).
Winter trekking from December to February is possible but more challenging due to cold temperatures and snowfall at high passes like Thorong La, while the monsoon season from June to August/early September is generally not recommended because of heavy rainfall, landslides, and limited visibility.
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Season |
Temperature (measured in °C) |
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Spring |
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| Summer/Monsoon |
(Note: There will be heavy rainfall, especially during July and August.) |
| Autumn |
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| Winter |
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The Annapurna Circle Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek, requiring good physical fitness and stamina. Trekkers typically walk 5 to 7 hours per day on varied terrain, including steep ascents, descents, and rocky paths. Crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) is the most demanding part of the trek. The elevation and cold temperatures further add to the difficulty.
The trek will be difficult for the beginners. But with the help of experienced guides, pre-trek preparation, and good acclimatization, physically fit beginners can successfully complete the trek and enjoy it to the fullest extent.
Visa
Any foreign nationals (except Indians) entering Nepal are required to have a valid visa that is either received upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, or as an e-visa. You must have a passport with at least 6 months of validity.
Currency and additional costs of the trek
In Nepal, the local currency is the Nepali rupee (NPR). In big cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara, cards are accepted. However, you will need cash since the majority of teahouses and stores in the Annapurna Circuit accept only cash. Legal money exchange counters in Thamel, Kathmandu, allow you to readily exchange foreign currency for Nepali rupees. We suggest that you bring 200 to 400 USD to spend on additional personal expenses during the entire trek.
Travel Insurance
The Annapurna Round Trek requires travel insurance. Medical emergencies, evacuation, and trekking at high altitudes (above 5000 m) should be covered by your insurance in case of emergencies. Rising Adventure’s Annapurna Circuit trek package does not include travel insurance. Thus, we recommend that you purchase your travel insurance from a reliable company.
Travel Permit
You will need two main permits for trekking the Annapurna Circle Trek. They are:
All the permits are handled by Rising Adventure for your hassle-free Annapurna region trek.
Trekking with Rising Adventure in Nepal is really hassle-free! From our very first thoughts on doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek to actually planning and doing it - Chandan was there to help us and advise...
Best trip of my life. My friend and I had a blast. The landscapes, the people, the food, the challenges everything will be remembered forever. Namaste
