Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Description

Trip Highlights
  • Duration 14 Days
  • Max Altitude 5,416 m
  • Season March-May/September -November
  • Group Size 2-15
  • Difficulty moderate

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the world's most celebrated trekking routes, circling the entire Annapurna massif through an incredible mix of landscapes, cultures, and altitudes. From lush river valleys and rhododendron forests to the arid high-altitude plateau near Mustang, every day brings a new and rewarding experience.

The trek climbs gradually through Gurung and Magar villages before reaching the dramatic crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) — the highlight of the entire journey. The descent into the sacred pilgrimage town of Muktinath is deeply memorable. The western section through Kagbeni and Jomsom offers a stark, Tibetan-influenced landscape before the route concludes in Pokhara.

With Virgin Nepal Treks and Expeditions, you travel with a professional team committed to your safety, comfort, and enjoyment at every step.

Culture of the Annapurna Region

The circuit passes through Gurung, Magar, Thakali, and Tibetan Buddhist communities. Whitewashed monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags become a constant companion as you gain altitude. The warmth of teahouse hospitality and the spiritual atmosphere of Muktinath add a meaningful cultural layer to this Himalayan journey.

Best Season

Spring (March to May): Blooming rhododendrons, clear skies, and pleasant temperatures at all elevations.

Autumn (September to November): Crisp, stable weather with excellent mountain visibility — the most popular season for this trek.

Contact our team to plan your Annapurna Circuit Trek with the right timing and support for you.

Day By Day Itinerary

Arrivals in international airport meet our staff transfer to hotel. Join welcome dinner with staff meeting, introduction with guide and Sherpa, porters and briefing the programs, overnight at Hotel.

1440m

Start at 7 Am from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar by bus. 5/6 hours through narrow tracks, suspension bridges and a deep river gorge over Prithivi High Way. It takes 5 hours drive by bus and then from there by local jeep to Taal, transfer to hotel, overnight Guest house/Lodge.

All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Around 6.30 AM breakfast, 7.30 start trek; the distance is covered within 6 hours. The trail now leads to the west in Manaslu forming a splendid backdrop of Annapurna II appearing occasionally to the south. As we continue Annapurna range offers a splendid view. Today we almost all the way we follow the road crossing the Bagarchhap, Danaque, Late Manang and Koto then reach the Chame which the Manang District head office. There all government office and offices, hot spring, Police and army check post etc. Overnight at Chame in Guest house/Lodge.

2713m
All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Hotel/Lodge

Around 7 AM breakfast time, 8 AM start our trek, Today walking is not difficult walk. We cross the right side of river easy walking through the alpine forest. We pass the Bhratang the small village where is Apple plantation too. May we have some hot tea or coffee than continues walk to cross the Marshyangdi river and climb little bit. We reach in Dhukur Pokhari at altitude of 3060. May be we have hot lunch and continues walk, there are two way either you can go on the left side of river to reach lower Pisang or you can cross the river in right side and gradually climb to reach upper Pisang., overnight at Upper Pisang in Lodge.

3115m
All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Hotel/Lodge

Around 7 AM breakfast, 8 Am start our trek; After a 5-6 hour walk through trails and broad forested valley, climb up and down than reach the Nawal village which is small settlement of Gurung People, where we have lunch today (3-4 hours), After Nawal the trekking path catch road so follow the road to reach a village of about 200 houses and Barge monastery which is the largest in the entire district and reach Manang. Explore Barge Monastery and continues walk to Manang 1 hour. Manang is the beautiful landscape. In Manang is possible explore for few days such as Gangapurna glacier view, Ice lake, hundred rupees monks, monastery etc. overnight Hotel/Lodge.

3450M
All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Hotel/Lodge

We have already above 3500 so that we recommend to our clients rest for acclimatization. On that day, there are many option to spent one day hike, either you can visit Gangapurna Glacier and lake or Ice Lake, or visit 100 rupees monks on hill top of cave monastery. You can talk with your guide and decide whatever you want and how your condition. As well as there are altitude class every 3.30pm by foreigner doctor in season time, Overnight at Guest House.

All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Hotel/Lodge

Descending from old Manang and passing by Chorten reach a Marsyangdi river, cross a suspension bridge over Jharsing Khola (stream It is possible to cross the ridge north of Annapurna IV, II, and Glacier Dome or to descend from village to the glacial lake at the foot of a enormous icefall descending from the northern slopes of Gangapurna.the trail stays close to the river bed and soon we approach Khangsar, superb view of the Great Barrier open up. There you find a small monastery, Chorten, Mani walls, and prayer flags. Stay overnight at camp in Khangsar. Stay overnight at camp in Khangsar.

3734M/12251FT

From Khangsar, the trail climbs steeply past the Gompa and small chortens; the trail goes through juniper and sea buckthorn bushes. Small crystals entirely cover the path, and shrubs can be seen on both sides. Some places along the trail, you cross a few streams. You reach a crest (4650m) with prayer flags after the wearying climb, and then through a series of zigzags down a scree slope bring you to the Tilicho Base Camp Hotel. From here, you can enjoy the closer and panoramic views of Tilicho Mountain and many others. Tilicho Lake is situated at the highest altitude, so we set our camp today here at low.

4150M/13615FT

The trail to the Tilicho Starts up a side valley then traverses onto a moraine, doing a long climb to 4710m. There is an outstanding view of Tarkeghyang, Gangapurna, and the Khangsar Kang. Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world at (4920m), presents a particularly dramatic spectacle. Sometimes its turquoise water reflects the surrounding peaks, but more often, it’s frozen solid. After spending the memorable time at Tilicho Lake, we will trek down to Tilicho base camp via the same way for an overnight stay.

4920M/16142FT

The trail continues to climb out of the Marsyangdi Valley. The trail follows this valley north, passing a Goths as it steadily gains elevation. You have left the large trees below; the vegetation now consists of scrub juniper and alpine grasses. You can keep high and follow a track 400meters or so above Khangsar village passing through the ruins of old Khangsar and follow an unmarked trail which will lead you around and down to cross the river on an old log bridge between Gunsang and Yak Kharka. It’s fun to see large yaks grazing at Yak Kharka. The view of Annapurna III is excellent.

4000M/13123FT

From Yak Kharka, the trail climbs along the east bank of the Jarsang Khola, then descends and crosses the stream on a wooden bridge at 4310m. Blue sheep, and even snow-capped leopards, sometimes magically appear. The crow-like bird choughs, large lammergeiers, and Himalayan griffons circles you overhead. It is sometimes possible to see herds of blue mountain sheep at Phedi. Overnight at Phedi 4400m.

4420M/14501FT

The trail becomes steep immediately after leaving Thorung Phedi, switchbacking up moraines and following rocky ridges as it ascends to the Thorung La pass (5416m). You can see the long Great Barrier ridge, Tibet like region of Manang, as well as the Annapurna, Gangapurna, and the heavily glaciated peak of Khatung Kang (6484m). The trail descends, crossing meadows steeply down to Muktinath. One of the most important pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is also home to many ethnics Tibetans and holy Buddhists.

3800M/12467FT

From Muktinath to Jomsom, we see people from Mustang who comes to sell handicrafts to pilgrims. Among them, merchandise is the highly revered mollusk fossil called Shaligram. We will pass some ancient caves and view the impressive white snow-capped mountains. The trail stroll among meadows, streams, poplar, and fruit trees, finally we arrive Kagbeni, a gateway to Upper Mustang; it has to pose Chortens and ochre-colored Gompa and monastery. After lunch in Kagbeni continues trekking to Jomsom on the windy trail of Kali Gandaki valley, overnight at Jomsom.

2810M/9219FT

Early morning we will take a short picturesque flight to Pokhara. The view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains and the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki, is stunning. Relax the whole day in the hotel or wander around Lake Side with fascinating mountains panorama view and nature charming. Explore the various interesting places like Mahendra Cave, David’s fall, and the numerous lakes, of course.

Drive by tourist bus/Private car to Kathmandu. In the evening, you can have your last night in Nepal, enjoying the Nepali cultural dinner show, taking some beautiful snaps, and making up your mind about the returning journey. You can have greetings exchanging among friends and with all Nepalese people. Pokhara-Kathmandu can go by flight *additional fare will charge,

FINAL DEPARTURE We will take you to the international airport for your convenience. We wish you a happy journey traditionally and culturally of us nepalese and good-bye with a hope to see you again.

1300m

Inclusion and Exclusion

  • Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Domestic transport as per itinerary
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS Card
  • Experienced English-speaking guide and porter
  • Tea house accommodation and all meals during the trek
  • First aid kit and emergency coordination
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
  • Personal travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Snacks, beverages, and laundry
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Any personal expenses not listed above

Gear List & Preparation Notes

Clothing: Base layers, insulated jacket, waterproof shell, fleece, trekking trousers, gloves, warm hat, sun cap

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, camp sandals, trekking socks

Equipment: Trekking poles, headlamp, daypack, duffel bag

Personal Items: Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, water bottles, purification tablets, sleeping bag (-10°C), personal medication, toiletries

Physical: Train 2–3 months before departure with hiking, stair climbing, and loaded pack walks.

Technical: No climbing skills needed, but solid trekking fitness and experience on mountain terrain is recommended.

Altitude: Learn the early signs of altitude sickness and follow your guide's acclimatization advice closely.

Mental: Stay flexible, trust your team, and embrace the pace of mountain life.

Insurance: Cover must include high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation up to 6,000 m.

Gear: Test boots and layers during training before arriving in Nepal.

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