Hike the Annapurna circuit for amazing landscape and exciting cultural experiences

Annapurna Circuit Trek

The classic Annapurna Circuit Trek in the Annapurna Region is among the world’s top ten longest hikes, with distances ranging from 160 to 230 kilometers (100 to 145 miles) depending on whether cars are utilized and where the journey ends.

It passes across two river valleys, encircles the Annapurnas, rises to the highest altitude (5,416m/17,769 ft) on Thorung La, and reaches the Tibetan Plateau’s edge.

The trek is steeped in culture, passing Hindu villages at the low foothills up to Tibetan villages in Manang and lower Mustang; it provides an excellent perspective of the Himalayas and a Tibetan-like high-altitude desert environment.

For better acclimatization, it is good to undertake this circuit in an anti-clockwise direction. Top1Trekking Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary start from Chame as the road are being built allow to cut the trail shorter.

Difficulty

Hard

Duration

15

Elevation

5416

Start

Chame

Place You'll See!

Highlights

Reviews

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Itinerary

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you can meet with one of the team members of Top1Trekking at the airport terminal gate holding your nameplate. He will greet you on behalf of us and take you to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is yours to unwind for a few hours and get used to your new time zone as well as altitude.

You may also visit the nearby streets of Thamel and indulge in some cuisine.

Spend the night at the hotel.

Included:

  • Airport Pickup and transfer to the hotel

Average Driving Distance: 6.5 km / 4 mi.

Begin your day with a delicious and hot breakfast. Then, get in the van/jeep to go to Besisahar, a lovely little town. On the road, you will pass by rivers, lush green hills, dense forests, terraced farms, beautiful villages with stunning views of the mountain range, and much more.

Upon reaching Besisahar, you will have lunch and begin your drive towards Chame. Driving along the countryside along with gorgeous landscape view, you will reach Chame where you will stay overnight.

Spend the night in a guest house.

Included:

  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Private vehicle

Average Drive Duration: 8 – 9 Hours

After having breakfast, you will ascend up to Telekhu (2,840 m). From here, you will trek on a long trail and go through a lush forest to reach Brathang (2,950 m). Further, the trail will present the first view of Paungda Danda, which is a huge rock rising 1,500 meters above a river.

Crossing the south bank of the Marsyangdi River on a suspension bridge, you will ascend gradually over a ridge through a lovely blue pine forest. The trail from here will be easy and take you from the upper part of Manang Valley to Upper Pisang.

Spend the night in a guest house.

Included:

  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Average Trekking Duration: 5 to 6 Hours

Waking up with a beautiful surrounding view, you will have your breakfast, and begin trekking towards Manang village through the upper trail via Geru.

Today, you will get to see stunning views of Annapurna Range (8,091 m), Mt. Tilicho (7,134 m), Mt. Gangapurna (7,455 m), and Pisang Peak (6,091 m). With an increase in elevation, the atmosphere shifts to more dry and cold. Passing by Tibetan settlements on the way, you will reach Manang village. You will visit the largest monastery of Manang, Barge monastery after freshen up.

Spend the night in a guest house.

Included:

  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Average Trekking Duration: 6 to 7 Hours

Today is your first rest day at the Manang village. It means you will explore the region and get to know the locals better. Beginning your day early, you will hike up to Gangapurna Lake to enjoy superb views of Mt. Annapurna III (7,555 m), Pisang Peak (6,091 m), Chulu Peak (6,584 m), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m), and several other peaks.

You will then return back to your tea house and have lunch. Later, if you want, you can also visit the Himalayan Rescue Association in Vraga village where we will be briefed about Acute Mountain Sickness.

Spend the night in a guest house.

Included:

  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Today, you will trek to Khangsar village. From Manang, you will head out of the western gates and continue trekking down to a river. You will come across Khangsar Khola and cross it through an old bridge. Further, you will ascend on a slope towards a Tibetan-style village, Khangsar village, which is also known as the last village of Nepal.

Spend the night in a guest house.

Included:

  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Average Trekking Duration: 5 to 6 Hours

You will begin trekking on a wide path and pass by a gompa. Further, the trail follows a recently constructed path up towards a high ridge.

You will come across an intersection where two routes continue further. Among both routes, one is an old trail and another one is a new path. The old trail is more difficult and includes a steep screed whereas the new route is relatively easier. Following the new route, you will reach a high crest and descend through the slope to join the main valley trail. From here, the trail will take you to Tilicho Base Camp where you will spend the night.

Spend the night in a guest house.

Included:

  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Average Trekking Duration: 6 to 7 Hours

Today, you will hike up to Tilicho Lake. Trekking along the side of a huge mountain on a steep path, you will reach a watershed. On the way, you will get to see yaks & deer grazing in a few different spots.

You will soon come across beautiful Tilicho Lake nestled at the foot of the north face of Tilicho Peak. Moreover, this lake has significant value for Hindus as it was also the part of holy Ramayan. Spending some time at the lake, you will descend down to Siri Kharka for the night stay.

Spend the night in a guest house.

Included:

  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Average Trekking Duration: 6 to 7 Hours

Leaving Siri Kharka behind, you will descend down to Yak Kharka. The trail will be short and easy today. Passing by Tare Gumba, a thousand years old monastery, you will reach Khangsar Village.

Further, trekking along a rock wall out of Khangsar, you will come across the seasonal bridge in the Thorang Khola valley. Crossing the bridge over a river, you will ascend to a plateau and walk furthermore to reach Yak Kharka for the night stay.

Spend the night in a guest house.

Included:

  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Average Trekking Duration: 3 Hours

After having breakfast, you will begin ascending towards Thorong Phedi. On the way, you will cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village.

From here, you will ascend and pass by towering cliffs before reaching Thorong Phedi. Thorong Phedi is the last village before Thorong La Pass. The trail will present you with impressive views of Thorong Peak, Mt. Khatungkan, Mt. Syagang, and Mt. Gudang.

Spend the night in a guest house.

Included:

  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Average Trekking Duration: 5 to 6 Hours

You will wake up early today and begin your trek towards one of the highest passes of Nepal. Ascending all the way up to the Thorung La Pass on a rugged path, you will get to witness the irresistible view of the surrounding. Crossing the pass from east to west, you will descend down to Muktinath located at the foot of the Thorung La Pass. Muktinath is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites of Hindus. You will get to see hundreds of devotees during the festival time here.

Spend the night in a guest house.

Included:

  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Average Trekking Duration: 8 to 9 Hours

Today, the day is going to begin early. Giving your visit to Muktinath Temple early in the morning, you will come back to your tea house and have breakfast. After that, you will begin trekking towards Jomsom.

The trail will take you to Kagbeni where you will take a small break and have lunch. From here, you will descend down to Jomsom for the night’s stay.

Spend the night in a guest house.

Included:

  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Average Trekking Duration: 5 to 6 Hours

Today, you will fly to Pokhara early in the morning. Upon reaching Pokhara airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.

You can rest for the day and traverse on your own. If you want, we can also arrange a guided city tour. In the evening, you will visit the famous Lakeside and do boating on the tranquil Fewa Lake under the shadow of Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,693 m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m). You will end your day relaxing in one of the restaurants of Lakeside enjoying delicious food and watching the sunset.

Spend the night in a hotel.

Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Private vehicle

Average Flight Duration: 30 Minutes

After a quick breakfast, you will hop on the bus and drive to Kathmandu following the Trishuli River. The drive will present you beautiful landscape view including lush green hills, small villages, dense forests, rivers, and terraced fields.

Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will be taken to your hotel. You will rest and prepare for your leave as well. In the evening, you will stroll on the colorful streets of Thamel and end your day attending a farewell dinner organized by the company.

Spend the night in a hotel.

Included:

  • Breakfast & farewell dinner
  • Private vehicle

Average Driving Distance: 204.9 km / 5 to 6 hrs.

Today is the last day of yours in Kathmandu. You are free to explore the city or take Kathmandu Day Tour to discover a hub of Hinduism & Buddhism culture.

As per your flight time, one of the representatives from the company will drop you at the international airport gate. With a bag full of memories, you will fly back to your home.

Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Transfer to the Tribhuvan International Airport

Average Driving Distance: 6.5 km / 4 mi.

Payment conditions

Trip Information

THE ROUTE

Start the trek at Chame, it takes two days to reach Manang village. you get to see the pine forest with increasingly the glimpse of giants Himalaya including Annapurna II, Lamjung. 

From Manang, the classic trail towards the Thorung La or Tilicho Lake gains elevation rapidly therefore take a rest day in Manang to properly acclimatize.  

A side trip to one of the top destinations in Nepal, a visit is Tilicho Lake which costs 3 days is added to the itinerary which is a highlight of this trek.

Spend your time admiring the Tilicho Lake, you trace your step back to Shri Kharka and be ready for an ascent of nearly 2,000m to the highest elevation of the trek with an overnight stay in Yak Kharka (4,050m) and Thorung Phedi (4,525m), the last accommodation before the pass.

Phedi means “foot of the hill” and that is the foot of the 5,416m of the Thorung La from there start a long climb with several false summits before the prayer flags appear on the horizon ahead. 

The descent from the pass is steep before reaching the temple complex at Muktinath. Stay the night in Muktinath, watching Hindus bathing in the 108 taps inside the temple, from there the Jeep takes you through several Mustang-style villages of Jharkot & Kagbeni before reaching Jomsom where you fly out. 

ALTERNATIVE

If you have more time, and you don’t mind some part of the trail on the jeep track you can continue the long walk down the Kali Gandaki River which cost 6 days more, we recommended you to continue walking to Ghorepani to hike to Poon Hill to catch first dazzling rays of orange sun over Himalaya mountain range.

DIFFICULTY

Hard

The Annapurna Circuit Trek has been classified as difficult. On trekking, we will walk 4–10 hours each day on uneven, steep mountainous terrain with ascents and descents that range from 1,070m/3,510ft to 5,416m/17,769 ft. Some days with demanding high passes and some rest days with optional hikes to properly acclimatize.

Maximum Elevation

Thorong-La (5,416 m/ 17,769 ft)

BEST SEASON

It’s better to trek the Annapurna Circuit during the autumn (September-November), after the monsoon, when the route between Pokhara and Manang is refreshed, clean, and vibrant. You may see magnificent views of Annapurna II and other mountains. Tilicho Glacier Lake is not completely frozen. There’s a greater chance of crossing the Thorung La pass.

Another excellent time to go is in the spring (Mar-May), when rhododendrons start to bloom. The lake may be partially frozen in early spring.

It’s possible to trek through the monsoon, but the Jeep track might be muddy, which may cause you delays.

It can be extremely chilly at night in the winter, and Thorong La is frequently covered with snow.

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