Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the most sought treks in the Annapurna Region which takes us around the entire Annapurna Massif. From the beautiful Manang valley to the Thorang La (5,416) to the holy temple of Muktinath to Poonhill, this trek combines the artistic and picturesque view of the entire Annapurna region. Kali Gandaki gorge which is recorded as the world’s deepest gorge can also be witnessed in this amazing journey.

Throughout this journey, trekkers will be able to explore the elegance of the western Himalayas and particularly, the Annapurna region. As we move through the lush oak and Rhododendron forests and into the deep valleys with the view of ice giants like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna ranges to Lamjung Himal we can’t help but be enamored by the natural beauty. Along the way, we will also pass through many of the friendly villages and get acquainted with the Hindu, Buddhist as well as the Tibetan culture making this a combination of natural and cultural ride that you will remember for a lifetime.

The highest point of the trek is Thorang La which connects Muktinath and Manang. The high altitude makes this entire trek a challenging one, yet the landscape and scenery make every moment worth it.

Trekkers will not only be enjoying the Annapurna area but also contributing to the people who are deprived of basic needs. These are the marginalized people who don’t have access to food, employment or education and the portion of your expense will be contributed to making someone’s life better.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

The 21 days’ trek in the Annapurna region combines some of the best backdrops that nature has to offer. Considered as the most sought trekking destination in the Annapurna region, this trek has gained more and more popularity from the trekkers due to its challenging nature and also the view of the majestic mountains and deep valleys.

Opened to the trekkers in 1977, this trek has attracted thousands of trekkers from inside and outside the nation. The path will take you to the winding hillsides, the ethnic villages, the foothills of the Annapurna Massif and the wilderness of the region. The diverse landscape that converts from rocky terrain to plain lands to open field to dense forests makes this trek even more worthwhile. The abundance of nature along with the diversity in the culture that we witness and to the religious Muktinath temple makes this a complete package of sightseeing, observing, learning and experiencing the nature, culture, and religion of the country.

We start off our journey by driving to Khudi from where we will continue by foot. Entering the great Kali Gandaki valley, we will enjoy the thick forests and the lush vegetation. Manang is our next stop. From there we trek through the Thorang La- the highest point of our journey with the majestic view of the surrounding mountains and reach Muktinath. We trek to Jomson and reach Ghorepani. Then it’s another stretch to Poonhill from where we can see the dazzling sunrise. Finally, we return to Pokhara via Ghandruk and end our journey.

Talking about the difficulty, this trek is no joke. Annapurna Circuit trek is labeled as moderate to difficult trek due to its diverse landscape, harsh climate, rocky terrains and relentless uphill climbs, which at points will push you to the limits. Another reason is the high altitude sickness that gets many of the trekkers as they will be trekking above 4,000m. The thin air makes it hard to breathe and may result into some hindrance in continuing the journey. As such, acclimatization is a must. We will take a day off in Manang and try to adapt to the rising altitude. Trekkers are expected to be high of endurance and stamina. Good physical condition is a must to take on this journey. Similarly, prior trekking experience is an asset as this trek is not favorable for the novice trekkers. So, if you are planning to take this as your first trekking experience, although it’s not impossible, we recommend you to reconsider.

The best time for Annapurna Circuit trek, as with every other trek in the Annapurna region is Spring (March-May) and Autumn (November – December). This is a perfect time as the weather is suitable and compliments your trek. During the winter, the cold climate will hinder your progress and during the rainy season, it gets cloudy and obstructs your view of the mountains.

Volunteer’s Initiative Nepal is a social organization. The major objective of VIN is to contribute towards the social wellbeing of the society. As such, VIN channelizes the portion of your expense and contribute it to the people who are in the dire need of it. Those funds spent in Annapurna Circuit trek will be used to provide the basic facilities like food, clothes, shelter, education and employment to the marginalized community. So, this is your chance to not only enjoy the serenity of nature but also become a socially responsible trekker. Indirectly you will be aiding some people who are socially backward and make their life more sustainable and worth living.

Highlights

Trek to the world-famous place in Nepal and world
One of the most popular trekking destinations globally.
Winters are extremely cold and harsh, making trekking challenging.
Witness lush meadows, thick rhododendron forests, and vibrant valleys.
Immerse yourself in natural beauty, culture, and unique traditions.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

After your arrival via Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Rest your luggage and the briefing about the trek will take place after which you can have the rest of the evening off. This is a good chance to stroll around the city and enjoy the nightlife of the capital city.

Day 2 :

Kathmandu – Khudi (800m)

After our breakfast, we drive through the winding roads. Through the windows, we can observe the green hills and Trishuil river. Reaching the highway city of Muglin, we continue further until we reach Dumre from where we take a path to the right and reach Besi Sahar and finally to the village of Khudi from where the majestic Manaslu range can be seen at its full might. We stay overnight at a lodge. 6 hours of drive.

Day 3 :

Khudi – Bahundanda (1,430m)

This day we start out trek on foot and will be an easy walk through the rice paddies and sub-tropical forests. A steep climb and we will cross few suspension bridges on our way. We walk alongside the Marsyangdi River and reach Bhulbhule village. There’s another suspension bridge over the Ngadi Khola which takes us to Bahundanda. The view from the hill is breathtaking as it shows the view of the ice giants like Mt. Manaslu even closer. 7 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 4 :

Bahundanda – Chamje (1,410m)

The trail is flat and there’s not much climbing to be done. Initially, we will descend down to the small natural hot spring. We walk through the cliff and reach the stone village of Jagat in the heart of the Marsyangdi Valley. After a few upward stretch we will reach Chamje where we stay overnight at a lodge. 6 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 5 :

Chamje – Bagarchap (2,160m)

We take our breakfast and continue through the lush Rhododendron and Bamboo forests and reach the village of Tal (1,700m). Crossing another suspension bridge we climb uphill and reach Bagarchap. This is a Nepalese village with Tibetan architecture including mani wheels, chortens and prayer flags which makes is a unique village to be in. From here, the view of the Annapurna II becomes even more visible. 7 hours of walk. BLD included

Day 6 :

Bagarchap – Chame (2,170m)

Early morning breakfast at the lodge and we continue to ascend through the rocky trails after which we reach the dense oak and pine forest. Crossing the forest, we reach Danaque (2,201m). After a brief break, we continue on our path. Crossing the wooden bridge and descending through the rocky terrain we reach the village of Timang situated at the foothill of Lamjung Himal (6,893m). We carry on reach Chame. 7 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 7 :

Chame – Pisang (3,190m)

We continue through the dense forest alongside the Marsyangi River. The trail is very steep and the vertical rock will test your endurance and stamina. Crossing the steep ascend we will reach the vast open lands from where the view of the Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II can be seen. At the dusk, we reach lower Pisang where we stay for the night. 7 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 08 :

Pisang – Manang (3,540m)

There is two alternative route, however, we will go through The Sabje Khola valley. Climbing the steep ridge opens up to the view of the Tilicho Peak (7,145m). Then, there’s an open grassland with the view of Annapurna III and IV. We reach Sabhe Khola Valley. After a steep climb, we reach the valley of Manang. The cold and dry wind makes this a harsh environment. This is where we stop for the night. 6 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 09 :

Exploration and Acclimatization in Manang

Since we will be above 3,500m we will use this day as a means to acclimatization to the harsh altitude to avoid any altitude sickness. However, we will utilize it by taking a short trip to the Bhojo Gumba. There’s also Gangapurna glacier at the foothills of the Gangapurna mountain that we can look into. Another option is to visit Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) to learn about high altitude sickness that is rampant in the mountains. BLD included.

Day 10 :

Manang – Yak Kharka (4,110m)

We ascend through the rocky terrains and cross the stream leading us to Tenki village. We trek out of Marshyangi Village and journey northwest to Jarsang Khola. The trail is much more plain as we walk through the grass pastures. Reaching the Ghusna village we will rest for a bit. We again continue up and reach wide meadows. The view of horses and yak grazing the meadows is marvelous. We cross a small wooden bridge and reach Yak Kharka. 5 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 11 :

Yak Kharka – Thorang Phedi (4,600m)

We ascend the hill and reach a long suspension bridge taking us to the village of Letdar. Climbing up the east Jaran river we descend to the bank of Marsyangi river. We move along the mountain path with the view of the mountains like Mt. Syangang, Mt. Khatungkan, Thorang Peak and reach Thorang Phedi (Phedi translates to Foothill/base). 5 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 12 :

Thorang Phedi – Muktinath (3,600m)

This will be a tough day as we reach the higher point of our trek- The Thorang La (5,416m). After a steep ascend from Thorang Phedi we will reach the Thorang pass which paves the way to the holy Muktinath temple. There are many prayer flags and stone monuments along the way as we reach closer to Muktinath. Reaching the Muktinath valley we descend down to the temple. The view of the giant and gorgeous Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m) on the backdrop of the rocky landscape makes it a scene to behold. 7 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 13 :

Muktinath – Marpha (2,670m)

We start our day by visiting the Vishnu temple and Muktinath temple and pay respect to the gods and goddesses. Then, we descend through the barren hillside alongside the Kali Gandaki Gorge and reach he Kagbeni. The Tibetan culture flourishes in the place with prayer flags and artistic mud houses. Passing Jomsom, it’s a downhill trek until we reach the village of Marpha – famous for the apples. We stay overnight. 7 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 14 :

Marpha – Kalopani (2,530m)

This will be an easy walk through the numerous villages with the Thakali inhabitants. We trek through the grasslands until we reach Chokhopani village. From here, we can see the panoramic view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri as well as the Annapurna ranges. Crossing a small river, we reach the village of Kalopani where we stay for the night. 6 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 15 :

Kalopani – Tatopani (1,200m)

This Annapurna Circuit trek has reached its climax. Descending gradually through the hills, we cross a bridge at Ghasa. Through the beautiful Rhododendron and Oak forest, we pass through waterfalls and grasslands and rach Narchyang Besi. We continue through the hillside and reach Tatopani. This place is hot spring famous for its that is bound to relieve you of all the stress accumulated these past days. Overnight at the lodge. 6 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 16 :

Tatopani – Ghorepani (2,850m)

Leaving behind the Kali Gandaki valley we reach the edge of the Annapurna circuit. Relentless ascend towards the Ghar Khola valley from where we trek through the terraced farm land and through the lushness of the verdant red Rhododendron forest and reach the village of Ghorepani- one of the major tourist destination in Annapurna region. We stay overnight at the lodge. 8 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 17 :

Ghorepani – Tadapani (2,700m)

We wake up before the sunrise and trek to Poonhill (3,210m). The sunrise from Poonhill is considered to be one of best views in the region. With the sun rays reflecting upon the western Himalayas, the view is absolutely eccentric. The 360-degree view of more than 20 mountains from the top is spellbinding and worth some great pictures. Then, we climb down to Ghorepani for the breakfast. Trekking east and climbing a ridge we descend downhills. The Rhododendron forests and the sound of birds chirping make it an easy and pleasant trek. Along the way we encounter waterfalls and rivers, and finally reach Tadapani. 7 hours of walk. BLD included.

Day 18 :

Tadapani – Pokhara (827m)

Early morning breakfast at Tadapani and we continue our trek downhills through the thick forests. The Rhododendron and cherry blossoms make it an interesting and eye-catching view. Trekking for a while and we reach the Gurung village of Ghandruk where we end our trek. We drive to Pokhara- the tourist hotspot of Nepal. Depending upon the time of arrival and stamina you have, it is possible to stroll around the beautiful Lakeside and enjoy the live music in the pubs and bars. 5 hours of walk. 2 hours of drive. Breakfast and Lunch included.

Day 19 :

Pokhara – Kathmandu

It’s a long drive back to the capital city. We can enjoy the view of the hills and rivers, the countryside and villages on our way back. However, it is likely that you will sleep the entire way through due to the fatigue on your body. We stop by various town and villages on the way for lunch and toilet. Depending on the traffic we may reach Kathmandu by late afternoon. Reaching the hotel, you will rest all your stuff and go stroll around the city or just get a well-deserved sleep. You can also catch some souvenir to take back home. 8 hours of drive.

Day 20 :

Departure

Depending on the time of your flight you will be transferred to the Tribhuvan International Aiport where you might have to wait for few hours to board the plane.