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Guide for 10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek
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 challenging, but it gives trekkers amazing wide views of the Annapurna ranges and many 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
USD 675 per person
Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek
17 Days
Trekking
USD 1,050 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.
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 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.
