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Annapurna Circuit Trek Guide
Annapurna Circuit Trek Guide is a popular circuit trek in Nepal renowned for its stunning natural beauty and cultural diversity. Trek near the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and walk past diverse flora. If lucky, get some glimpses of some wild animals. Traverse through prominent settlements of Gurung, Thakali, Manangi, and Magar ethnicities and immerse in their culture. Enjoy authentic local foods and be pleased with their warm hospitality.
Trek past attractive villages that connect the Manang and Mustang districts. These districts are termed as ‘Districts beyond the Himalayas.’ These districts receive less rainfall and are rain-show areas. Trekking is also possible here during monsoon season. Traversing the highest Thorong La Pass at an elevation of 5,416m is an exhilarating experience. Witness the spectacular views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Tukuche, and others from the top of the pass. Then, trek down to Muktinath, Visit the sacred Muktinath temple, and conclude this amazing journey.
Highlights of the Annapurna Circuit trek
- Trek in the vicinity of Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP)
- Traverse the highest Thorong La Pass (5,416m)
- Local people, their unique culture, and hospitality
- Visit Sacred Muktinath Temple
- Traverse through prominent settlements of Gurung, Thakali, Manangi, and Magar ethnicities
- Spectacular views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Tukuche and others
10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Map
10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary
- Day 01: Drive Kathmandu – Besisahar – Dharapani
- Day 02: Trek Dharapani – Chame
- Day 03: Trek Chame – Pisang
- Day 04: Trek Pisang – Gyaru – Ngawal – Manang
- Day 05: Rest day in Manang
- Day 06: Trek Manang – Yak Kharka – Chauri Lader
- Day 07: Trek Yak Kharka – Chauri Lader – Thorong Phedi or High Camp
- Day 08: Trek Thorong Phedi or High camp – One of the hardest days and highest altitude Thorong La Pass 5416m – Muktinath
- Day 09: Drive Muktinath – Jomsom – Tatopani – Pokhara
- Day 10: Drive Pokhara – Kathmandu
Annapurna Circuit Trek
10 Days
Adventure Treks
USD 675 per person
Annapurna Circuit Trek With Tilicho Lake
12 Days
Trekking
USD 749 per person
Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty level
Thorong La Pass at an elevation of 5,416 m is the highest point of this trek. The difficulty level assigned for this trek is hard as it is a Grade 4 trek.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Duration
The trek duration for the short Annapurna Circuit Trek varies, but a standard duration is 10 days, including ground transfers to and from Dharapani and Muktinath – Pokhara – Kathmandu.
Note: There is a flexibility to customize the itinerary.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Guide
Our licensed guides are experienced and have depth knowledge of the region. They provide deep valuable insights which enhance your trekking experience. Likewise, our dedicated porters ensure a comfortable trekking experience by carrying your luggage (maximum of 20-25 kilograms of baggage for two individuals).
Annapurna Circuit Trek Route
Chame – Pisang – Gyaru – Ngawal – Manang – Yak Kharka – Chauri Lader – Thorong Phedi or High Camp – Thorong La Pass – Muktinath
Note: The trek commences with a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar. The trek ends with a ride to Pokhara from Muktinath.
Trekking permits
1. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) costs:
- For Foreigners: NRS. 3000 (Approx. USD 30)
- For SAARC Nationals: NRS. 1000 (Approx. USD 10)
2. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) costs:
- For Foreigners: NRS. 2000 (Approx. USD 20)
- For SAARC Nationals: NRS. 1000 (Approx. USD 10)
Best time to visit Annapurna Circuit Trek
Spring (March-May):
- An ideal time for trekking
- Warm temperatures, stable weather, and clear views
- Blooming Rhododendron flowers in the lower regions
- Minimum temperature: around -10 Celsius
- Maximum temperature: around 25 Celsius
Autumn (September-November):
- Second-best time for trekking
- Fresh, clean weather, and clear views
- Warm temperatures
- Minimum temperature: around -10 Celsius
- Maximum temperature: around 20 Celsius
Summer (June-August):
- Monsoon season in Nepal
- Expect rainfall in the lower regions
- Unpredictable weather and temperature in the lower regions
- Slippery trails
- Upper regions like Manang and Mustang are rain shadow areas
- Experience good weather in Manang and Mustang
- Carry a Rain poncho or rain jacket
Winter (December-February):
- Trekking difficult, high chance of trek closure
- Heavy snowfall
- Slippery trails
- Coldest weather
- Limited availability of accommodation and facilities
Preparation and fitness For Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Round Trek is a Grade 4 level trek and is very demanding. The highest elevation is 5,416 m and trekking trails are rugged and steep. The trek requires to walk daily for 6-7 hours. It is essential to be physically fit and prepare well in advance. We suggest going for short hikes and participating in exercises (jogging, cardiovascular, running, swimming, etc.). Do necessary health check-ups and consult a doctor if necessary.
Accommodation and Internet facilities Annapurna Circuit Trek
Basic teahouses or lodges with one twin bed private common room for 2 people are accommodation types. Mostly toilets and bathrooms are outside the teahouses and must be shared. An extra cost is required for additional facilities like Wi-Fi, charging devices, laundry, hot shower, and boiled water. Internet is stable in the lower regions and unstable in the higher regions.
Meals During the Annapurna Circuit trek
Full board 3-course meals are served from teahouses/lodges during the trek. There is a meal option to select from the menu but choices are limited. The foods are hygienic and recommended to stick to vegetarian food. Some food options are Eggs, Pancakes, Muesli, Nepali Thali Set, Macaroni, Spaghetti, Potato items, seasonal fruits, etc.
Drinking water during Annapurna Circuit Trek
Natural spring water is easily available. Trekkers can also buy bottled water or boiled water at teahouses/lodges for drinking. We advise always carrying a water bottle and water purifying solutions for safe drinking water. Staying hydrated is the key to preventing altitude sickness.
Mode of transportation at Annapurna Circuit Trek
The best mode of transportation for this trek is via roadways.
- Kathmandu to Besisahar (by Tourist bus)
- Besisahar to Chame (by Jeep)
- Muktinath to Pokhara (by Public bus)
- Pokhara to Kathmandu (by Tourist bus)
Note: There is also a flight option from Jomsom to Pokhara.
How hard is Annapurna Circuit trek?
The highest point of this trek is Thorong La Pass at an elevation of 5,416 m which makes this trek challenging. Besides this, the high elevations, daily 6-7 long hours of walking, altitude sickness, and basic availability of accommodation can play a vital role. Despite these factors, the Annapurna Round Trek is possible. The trekkers must be in a good physical and mental state before starting this trek journey.
our 10-day ACT trekking journey
This late October, I went back to Nepal and once again experienced its wonderful people, things, and the magnificent snow-capped mountains.
Harka and Ramesh picked the three of us up at the hotel early in the morning, and we started our 10-day ACT trekking journey.
From Day 1 to Day 3, we followed the original itinerary, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way, the kind and friendly Nepali people, and hikers from all over the world.
On Day 4, we were very excited at first to see the snowfall, but because the snow was too heavy, High Camp was closed, so many people could not continue and had to head back down.
The weather was really bad, with strong wind and heavy snow, and the snow on the ground was very deep, so Ramesh was very worried about our safety and was planning to arrange for us to retreat on Day 5, but we did not want to give up.
After many discussions with Ramesh and his team, they tried their best and offered several route options so that we could still try to continue up to High Camp.
On Day 5, we set off for Yak Kharka; it was still snowing heavily, and since most people had already gone down, the 5 of us could enjoy the stove in the tea house and a very quiet night all to ourselves.
On Day 6, we really had to retreat, because the snow still had not stopped, the snow on the ground was extremely thick, and the mountain remained closed, so everyone could only stop at 4,450 m.
Although we were not able to reach the final destination, Thorong Phedi (5,416 m), there were no regrets.
On the contrary, it was amazing to personally experience this heavy snowstorm, the biggest snowfall I have ever seen in my life.
Throughout the 10 days journey, we deeply felt how Ramesh, Markus, and Umesh did everything they could to take care of us and to make sure everyone could complete the trek safely.
So grateful that they were willing to accompany us moving forward in the strong storm and playing in the snow together.
In Nepal, within 10 days, it felt like going from summer to winter, and from lush green mountains to a world of pure white snow; it was truly magical, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Himalaya Trip (Harka / Ramesh / Markus / Umesh), thank you so much for your warm hospitality and thoughtful care.
We will definitely be back—see you again ???????
Annapurna Circuit Tripping
Annapurna Circuit Tripping the book was super easy and explained every step of the way. The staff were always responsive and great at answering questions.
The guides and porters where absolutely fantastic! They were very knowledgeable of the area and trails, always giving bits of knowledge about our surroundings.
They also made us feel very comfortable at every stage and I can’t recommend them enough!!!!
Second time with Harka and his team
For the second time we booked a trek with Himalaya Trip (after Langtang in 2024). This time we chose the Annapurna Circuit Trek, again with Ramesh dai as our guide. We also opted for a porter as we knew it was going to be a more difficult and long trek, so Sandeep bai joined us as well which was great. Both Ramesh and Sandeep were amazing, they helped us throughout the whole trek and kept us smiling. Also, despite the monsoon season, we have been blessed with clear views on some mornings. We would definitely recommend the ACT trek (off season) but especially with the guidance and expertise of Ramesh, Sandeep and Harka/Himalaya Trip!
I have just completed ACT with my friends
I have just completed ACT with my friends from Hong Kong. Jay is our guide and he is super experienced. He is calm and we feel so secure with his guidance on trekking, even in such high altitude (over 5000m). Sandip and Masak are our porters, who are so kind and even prepare fruit for us every night. If you are going to Nepal for hiking, Himalya Trip is your only choice .
my second trek with Himalaya Trip
This is my second trek with Himalayan trip. Last year 16 day to Manaslu Circuit with my daughter, and this year 20 day Annapurna Circuit and side trips with my wife and friend. Harka and his amazing team delivered an unbelievably enjoyable product. Many highlights. They include partially: Exposure to the Gurung culture. Most fascinating. Mountain scenery beyond belief. Patient, caring porter/guides-Bassu/Deep on Annapurna/Harry/Soroz on Manaslu, all of whom continually assessed our health and well-being, bent over backwards to make this journey a fantastic experience. Dahl baht! Momos! Yaks! Water buffalo. Chang beer! Super pleasant Nepali people en route. Turning 60 en route. Memorable birthday. Challenging altitudes. A very interesting menagerie of fellow Trekkers. Great villages loved Ghandruck, a special Gurung village.
If you are considering a trekking adventure, this family-run company has the experience and knowledge to make it memorable. This year, our porter/guide, Bassu, was incredible. Totally flexible, patient, never without a smile, totally cognizant of our needs, we felt so fortunate.
Deep our porter also never stopped smiling, most contagious. Many great laughs on the trails, such an awesome rich and rewarding experience with these two gentlemen.
Canada, October 2016
Annapurna trek with Harka
In October 2007 we did the Annapurna trek with Harka, which was a fantastic experience. In 20 days Harka guided us from one magnificent place to the other. During the trek Harka provided us with a lot of information about the region and the people we met. Harka’s experience made it a challenging but safe and feasible trek, by keeping the pace to a level that suited our physical condition. In the evening we rested and played many card games with Harka surrounded by the worlds highest peaks, drinking tea and eating cookies. It was an unforgettable experience, which we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
For any further reference please don’t hesitate to contact us via
Netherlands., August 23, 2016
Outstanding service. It was like having a VIP experience with Jay and Harka. Our porter, Meshak, never stopped smiling!
Jay, Harka, and Meshak were outstanding. My friend and I were treated like VIPs throughout the experience. Everyone was a professional, polite, courteous, organized, patient, and extremely friendly. I would recommend all of them in heartbeat.
USA, November 2023Packing List for Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Trekking boots (If new boots are purchased, “break them in” to avoid blisters) and spare laces
- Hat (Warm), scarf and gloves
- Trousers (Warm trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.
- Running shoes, sandals, or thongs (To wear in the camp at night or when your boots are wet).
- Shorts and trousers
- Wool-blend socks, liner socks, and underwear (three pairs)
- Thermal underwear
- Sunhat
- Fleece jacket
- T-shirts (two or three) and a long-sleeved shirt with a collar (a long-sleeved – shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sunburn.)
- Laundry soap powder or bar
- Toilet paper
- Sunscreen (SPF 20+) and lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Pocket knife
- Iodine, water-purification tablets, or filter
- Insect repellent (for lower elevation)
- Stuff sacks
- Earplugs
- Backpack
- Sleeping back and silk liner
- Water bottle
- Torch (flashlight), spare batteries and bulbs
- Duffle bag
- Crampon
- Down jacket or down vest
- Camera, memory card, and battery charger (spare batteries)
- Books and magazines
- Trekking poles
- Quick-drying camp towel
- Day pack (This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirements for the day e.g. toilet items, cameras, towel, soap, chocolate bar, etc.)
- 2-4 large plastic bags: to separate clean clothes from dirty ones
- Personal medical supplies
Conclusion
Annapurna Round Trek is a phenomenal journey that is an amalgamation of nature and culture. The terrain and the highest pass Thorong La are challenging but totally worthwhile. Traversing through ACAP and beautiful settlements witnessing surrounding landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and interacting with locals is an unforgettable experience. This trek is full of challenges but the natural wonders, towering peaks, monasteries, and temples along the way make this trekking journey remarkable.
