Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Best Months: March April May October November

Overview

 

  • Located in the Nepal Himalayas, circling the spectacular Annapurna massif.

  • Famous for Thorong La Pass, Tilicho Lake, and Muktinath.

  • Passes through diverse landscapes, from forests and river valleys to high-altitude deserts.

  • Offers views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machapuchare, and Gangapurna.

  • Includes traditional Himalayan villages, monasteries, suspension bridges, and rich local culture.

  • A 15-day difficult trek covering approximately 158 km and reaching 17,750 ft.

  • Best months: March–May and October–November.

About Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most legendary long-distance Himalayan treks. The route circles the Annapurna massif and passes through a dramatic range of landscapes, from subtropical valleys and forests to dry high-altitude deserts near the Tibetan Plateau.

The trek is famous for:

  • Crossing Thorong La Pass
  • Diverse mountain cultures
  • Remote Himalayan villages
  • Tilicho Lake side trip
  • Muktinath pilgrimage site
  • Huge panoramic mountain views

Trekkers experience changing ecosystems, ethnic communities, monasteries, rivers, suspension bridges, and high mountain terrain across the journey.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival and hotel stay in Kathmandu.

Day 2 — Kathmandu to Dharapani

Long drive via Besisahar into the Annapurna region.

Day 3 — Dharapani to Chame

Forest trails and mountain village scenery.

Day 4 — Chame to Pisang

Views of Annapurna and changing Himalayan terrain.

Day 5 — Pisang to Manang

Enter higher altitude landscapes and Tibetan-influenced villages.

Day 6 — Acclimatization in Manang

Rest and short acclimatization hikes around Gangapurna Lake and glacier region.

Day 7 — Manang to Sirikharka

Trek toward Tilicho region.

Day 8 — Sirikharka to Tilicho Base Camp

Rocky high-altitude trails and alpine terrain.

Day 9 — Visit Tilicho Lake and Return

Long day hike to Tilicho Lake and back.

Day 10 — Sirikharka to Yak Kharka

Gradual ascent through dry Himalayan landscapes.

Day 11 — Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

Preparation for Thorong La crossing.

Day 12 — Thorong La Pass to Muktinath

Most difficult day involving the high-pass crossing.

Day 13 — Muktinath to Jomsom

Descend into Mustang region landscapes.

Day 14 — Fly to Pokhara/Kathmandu

Scenic mountain flights and transfer.

Day 15 — Departure

End of journey.

Eligibility

Trekkers should prepare with:

  • Cardio training
  • Stair climbing
  • Long-distance walking
  • Strength exercises
  • Endurance building

Preparation several weeks before the trek is highly recommended.

How to Reach

The Annapurna Circuit generally begins from the Besisahar region and moves through:

  • Dharapani
  • Chame
  • Pisang
  • Manang
  • Tilicho region
  • Yak Kharka
  • Thorong Phedi
  • Thorong La Pass
  • Muktinath
  • Jomsom

The trek finally concludes with travel toward Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Trek Essentials

Backpack & Hydration

  • 50–60 L backpack with rain cover

  • 20–30 L daypack with rain cover if opting for offloading

  • 2 × 1 L water bottles or 1 hydration pack + 1 L bottle

  • Thermos flask

  • Small lunch box

  • Energy bars, dry fruits and ORS/electrolytes

  • Trekking pole/walking stick

  • Personal medical kit as advised by your doctor

Clothing

  • 2 full-sleeve + 2 half-sleeve quick-dry T-shirts

  • 2 fleece T-shirts

  • 1 fleece jacket

  • 1 windproof jacket

  • 1 down/hollow-fibre jacket

  • 1 pair thermal innerwear

  • 3 quick-dry trekking pants

  • 1 fleece pant

  • 1 pair waterproof gloves

  • 1 pair fleece/woollen gloves

  • 1 poncho or waterproof jacket and pants

Head & Sun Protection

  • Headlamp with spare batteries

  • Sun cap

  • Woollen cap

  • Balaclava

  • 1 synthetic and 1 woollen neck gaiter/buff

  • UV-protected sunglasses with side coverage

Footwear

  • 1 pair water-resistant, high-ankle trekking shoes with good grip

  • 1 pair floaters/flip-flops

  • 8 pairs cotton socks

  • 3 pairs woollen socks

  • 1 pair gaiters, if required

  • 1 pair microspikes, if required

Personal Essentials

  • Sunscreen

  • Moisturiser

  • Lip balm/chap-stick

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Toilet paper and wet wipes

  • Soap/hand sanitiser

  • Antibacterial powder

  • Quick-dry towel

Cancellation Policy

Refund percentages vary depending on cancellation timing:

  • Earlier cancellations receive higher refunds/vouchers.
  • Emergency situations may qualify for special refund consideration.

FAQs

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