Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Annapurna region, and it encompasses the Annapurna Conservation Area. Trekkers pass through the diverse flora and fauna near this region. Annapurna Circuit Trek is also listed in the Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 destinations and in other travel media platforms. Throughout the trail, pass through dense forests in the lower regions and diverse vegetation as the elevation rises. Manang and Mustang districts border the Tibetan Plateau to the north, covering most of the Annapurna region.
Annapurna Circuit Trek duration has been shortened due to the construction of roads. Now, it takes 10 days to complete following a standard itinerary, whereas earlier, it used to take 3 weeks to complete. Annapurna Circuit trek commences from Besisahar and ends in Nayapul. It is also possible for trekkers to extend this trek to the world’s highest Tilicho Lake (4,919m) or the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Poon Hill trek, Upper Mustang Trek as the trekkers’ preferences. We recommended following a standard itinerary to avoid altitude sickness and get a proper acclimatization rest during the Annapurna Circuit trek.
Table of Contents
10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary
| Day | Point to Point | Distance | Duration |
| 1 | Kathmandu to Dharapani | 221 km/ 137 miles | 10 hrs. |
| 2 | Dharapani to Chame | 15 km/ 9.3 miles | 5-6 hrs. |
| 3 | Chame to Pisang | 13.7 km/ 8.5 miles | 5-6 hrs. |
| 4 | Pisang to Manang | 20 km/ 12.4 miles | 7 hrs. |
| 5 | Manang Acclimatization | – | – |
| 6 | Manang to Chauri Lader | 12 km/ 7.45 miles | 5 hrs. |
| 7 | Chauri Lader to Thorang Phedi | 5.1 km/ 3.17 miles | 4-5 hrs. |
| 8 | Thorang Phedi to Muktinath | 16 km/ 10 miles | 7-9 hrs. |
| 9 | Muktinath to Pokhara | 175 km/ 109 miles | 9 hrs. |
| 10 | Pokhara to Kathmandu | 200 km/ 124 miles | 8 hrs. |
Attractions of Annapurna Circuit Trek
Manang Valley
Manang Valley, at an elevation of 3,519 m, lies in the broad valley of the Marshyangdi River in the east and Thorong La Pass in the west. Manang Valley consists of several villages, such as Upper Pisang, Ghyaru, Ngawal, Braka, Khangsar, and Tanki Manang Villages. During the Annapurna Circuit trek, trekkers pass through these beautiful settlements.
Manang Valley is the acclimatization stopover during this trek. Explore around the beautiful places such as Gangapurna Lake, Milarepa Cave, and Ice Lake. An entry fee of NRs.100 is required to enter the cave above Manang. During monsoon season, expect less or no rainfall as it is a rain-shadowed area. During winter, too, the least snowfalls are expected here. With the construction of motorable roads, it is possible to reach there earlier.
Cross Highest-Thorong La Pass (5416m)
Thorong La Pass, at an elevation of 5,416 m, lies in the Damodar Himal, which is nestled on a trail connecting Manang and Mustang districts. During the Annapurna Circuit trek, Thorong La is the highest point. Crossing the highest Thorong La Pass is very demanding, but it offers trekkers outstanding panoramic views of the Annapurna ranges and numerous other peaks.
Muktinath Temple
Muktinath temple, at an elevation of 3800 m, is termed one of the highest-altitude temples in the Muktinath Valley. This temple is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists and is also one of the Char Dhams (pious sites) in Nepal. This holy site is also as popular as Mukti Kshetra. Buddhists call it Chumig Gyatsa, which in Tibetan means ‘Hundred Waters.’ In the vicinity, there are 108 stone taps, and it is believed that all sins will be cleaned up if people shower in them. Another attraction here is the everlasting natural burning flame.
Phenomenal Himalaya views
Annapurna Circuit trek treats trekkers with phenomenal views of snow-capped peaks such as Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, IV, III, Pisang Peak, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Chulu West / East, Thorong Peak, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak and many more. Throughout the trek route, adore these amazing towering peaks in the backdrop. While crossing Thorong La Pass, witness these peaks along with the surrounding sceneries.
Annapurna conservation area
Annapurna Circuit trek route expands across the Kaski, Myagdi, Lamjung, Manang, and Mustang districts of Nepal. It covers an area of 7,629 sq. km, making it one of the largest protected areas. This conservation area was established in 1985 and includes the Annapurna Sanctuary Area, which is popular for numerous trekking routes. Trekkers traverse this Annapurna Conservation Area, abundant with diverse flora and fauna, during this Annapurna Circuit Trek.
10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Map
Best time for Shortest version Annapurna Circuit trek
Annapurna Circuit is a challenging trek due to high elevation gain and rough terrain. Thus, the best seasons for the Annapurna Circuit trek are spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov) due to stable weather and temperature, which offer bright days, clear views, and availability of accommodation and facilities.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
10 Days
Adventure Treks
USD675 per person
Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek
17 Days
Trekking
USD999 per person
Summer in Nepal brings Monsoons (Jul-Aug) where trekkers can experience rainfall and lush greenery but not-so-clear views, mostly in the lower regions. Since Annapurna Circuit treks, some routes come under rain-shadow areas, and these routes expect less or no rainfall. Trekking is possible on these routes, and they can enjoy beautiful scenery.
Winter months (Dec-Feb) are colder and expect snowfall, but views are clear, and trails are less crowded. The monthly weather chart with attractions during the Annapurna Circuit trek is tabulated below:
| Months | Weather | Attractions |
| January | Very Cold | High chances of Snow, Less crowded, good views |
| February | Cold | Blooming Rhododendrons flowers, Light Snow |
| March | Warm | Blooming Rhododendrons flowers, clear views |
| April | Warm | Peak season, Nice weather, and views |
| May | Sunny | Bright day, good views |
| June | Warm, Slight Rain in the lower region | Lush greenery, nice views in rain-shadow areas |
| July | Warm, Slight rain in the lower region | Lush greenery and lovely scenery in rain-shadow areas |
| August | Mostly cloudy, heavy rain in the lower region | Lush greenery but clear views in rain-shadow areas |
| September | Warm, Light Rain | blue skies, clear views, light rain |
| October | Warm | Perfect views, clear visibility, highly crowded |
| November | Warm | Perfect views, clear visibility, crowded |
| December | Cold | Cold but clear views |
Annapurna Circuit Trek video
Conclusion
Annapurna Circuit Trek in the Annapurna Region is the second most popular trekking destination after the Annapurna Base Camp. Encircling Mount Annapurna, with this adventure, you will trek through diverse landscapes, rugged terrain, and many remote villages with stunning Himalayas in the backdrop. For those who have limited time, the shortest version, i.e., 10 days Annapurna Circuit Trek, can be the ideal choice for you.
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
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 2023However, the limitation of time requires you to be physically fit and prepared. As the trek involves a similar 14 to 15-day itinerary distance, which is to be completed in shorter days, this increases your daily hiking distance. Hiking continuously for 7 to 8 hours can be quite a challenge if you are not fit and do not have proper acclimatization in your itinerary. Completing this trek in shorter days is generally recommended for experienced trekkers.
