Duration: 12 Days
Destination: Nepal
Trip Grade: Challenging
Starts at: Kathmandu
Ends at: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner During Trek
Accommodation: Tea House or Lodge
Max. Altitude: Thorong La Pass (5416 Meters)
Activity: Trekking
Group Type: Any
Group Size: 1 to 10
Best Season: Spring and Autumn

Highlights

• Along the Annapurna Circuit Trek, climb to the elevation of 5416 meters at Thorong La Pass.

• By trekking through woods of oak, rhododendron, and rice fields, you can discover the various facets of the Himalayas.

• Obtain information about the Nepalese mountain culture as you pass through small villages along the trail.

• Visit historical sites and temples while exploring Nepal’s capital city.

• After the trip, spend a day exploring Pokhara, Nepal’s haven city. Boating on Fewa Lake and the Pokhara Valley Tour is wonderful.

• Visit the 108 stone faucets at the Muktinath Temple, which is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.

• Visit the largest monastery of Manang in Braga.

• Fly to Pokhara from Jomsom while admiring the breathtaking panorama of the Annapurna Himalaya Range.

• Magnificent lakes, glaciers, deep gorges, and stunning waterfalls.

• Stunning views of Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, and Annapurna.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Overview

The 12-day Annapurna Circuit Trek is a famous trekking route in Nepal. This trek is located in the Annapurna Region in Nepal, which is protected by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Another amazing trekking route recently gaining popularity is the Annapurna North Base Camp Trek, so why not take part in the newly crafted itinerary for a unique trekking flavor?

The 12-day Annapurna Circuit Trek starts through altitudes of 800 m and ascends to 5,416 m (Thorong La Pass) through rice paddy fields, subtropical forests, rural villages, and glacial zones. Panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091 m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m), Mt. Annapurna III (7,555m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525m), Mt. Annapurna South (7,219m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,041m), Mt. Machhapuchhare (6,998m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6,986m), Tukuche Peak (6,920m), and Tilicho Peak (7134m) are the major attractions of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

On day one of the Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary, we drive to Chamje from Kathmandu by public bus and shared jeep. On day four, we will reach Chame (2630m), headquarters of the Manang district, where we can visit a small natural hot spring as well. On day six of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, we hike to Manang via Gheru and Nawal, from where you could see panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalaya Range, including the valley and glacier. In Manang, we spend one extra day for acclimatization, and we continue the hike to Thorong High Camp by spending one overnight in Letdar (4250m). We leave early morning from Thorong High Camp to cross Thorong La Pass on day 10 of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Thorong La Pass (5416m) connects Manang village and Muktinath Temple. After lunch in Muktinath town, we visit Muktinath Temple.

After spending an overnight night in Muktinath Village, we continue the hike to Jomsom (headquarters of the Mustang district) via the windy valley of Kali Gandaki River.

The next day early morning, we fly to Pokhara with magnificent panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalaya Range. After reaching Pokhara, you could visit Fewa Lake and explore the city. Pokhara is the second-biggest city in Nepal and is a natural beauty. Green Valley Nepal Treks offers other different trekking packages in the Annapurna Region which are similar to the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Benefits of Booking Annapurna Circuit Trek with Us

• Free international airport pickup and drop facility

• Map of Annapurna Circuit Trekking

• Medical kits might be necessary in certain cases

• Free excess luggage stored at Green Valley Nepal Store during the trek

Preparation for Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Annapurna Circuit trekkers must devote enough time to physical preparation and exercise to build endurance and strengthen core strength. They should concentrate on aerobic workouts like jogging, cycling, running, and squat jumps to improve joint muscles. Aerobic training can be incorporated into the fitness routine to improve balance and provide a more stable foundation for navigating uneven terrain. To complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek, trekkers need to be physically fit in addition to being able to walk on various terrains. Before traveling to Nepal, you can begin with a short hike and then go on longer hikes as you get more comfortable. Trekkers need to be emotionally charged since a lack of confidence can frequently result in unease and anxiety. Research on the weather and timetable for the Annapurna Circuit Trekking is essential. It will provide you with tips on how to manage the situation and assist you in getting ready for the trip.

Day to Day Itinerary

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• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

• Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu (1400m) to Dharapani (1860m)

• Day 3: Trek from Dharapani (1860m) to Chame (2610m)

• Day 4: Trek from Chame (2610m) to Upper Pisang (3300m)

• Day 5: Trek from Upper Pisang (3300m) to Manang (3540m)

• Day 6: Acclimatization at Manang (3540m)

• Day 7: Trek from Manang (3540m) to Ledar (4200m)

• Day 8: Trek from Ledar (4200m) to Thorung Phedi (4525m) or Thorung High Camp (4925m)

• Day 9: Trek from Thorung Phedi (4525m) to Muktinath (3760m), then drive to Jomsom (2720m)

• Day 10: Take a bus from Jomsom (2720m) to Pokhara (822m)

• Day 11: Drive from Pokhara (822m) to Kathmandu (1400m)

• Day 12: Final Departure

Cost Includes

• Pickup from Kathmandu International Airport as per your arrival date and time

• 2 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu on a BB basis

• All necessary permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Public bus ticket to Bhulbhule from Kathmandu

• Shared Jeep ticket to Dharapani from Bhulbhule

• 8 nights’ tea house accommodation during the trek

• Three meals per day (8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, and 7 Dinners) during the trek

• Bus ticket from Jomsom to Pokhara

• Taxi to the hotel from Pokhara airport

• One English-speaking guide (including salary, accommodation, meals, transportation, insurance, etc.)

• 1 night’s accommodation in Pokhara on a BB basis

• Tourist bus ticket to Kathmandu from Pokhara

• Duffel bag to carry your belongings (if you take a porter, you can give your items to them)

• Purified drinking water (Ef-Chlor water purification tablets)

• Free luggage storage at Green Valley Nepal Store during the trek

• Airport transfer for final departure as per your schedule

Cost Excludes

• International airfare, insurance, Nepal Visa Fee

• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara

• Personal expenses during the trek such as hot showers, all kinds of drinks, extra meals, Wi-Fi/data, battery charging, upgraded accommodation, and staff tips (expected)

Add-ons & Options

Join Green Valley Nepal Treks on a remarkable journey! With decades of expertise in Annapurna adventures, we offer exclusive add-ons to enhance your trek:

• Porter Services – USD 250: Let an experienced porter carry your gear (up to 25 kg, shared between two trekkers)

• Private Jeep to Dharapani from Kathmandu – USD 300: Comfortable 4×4 vehicle to the trek starting point

• Extra Night in Kathmandu – USD 40: Stay at Surya Heritage Hotel or a similar category hotel

• Extra Night in Pokhara – USD 35: Stay at Hotel Crystal Palace or a similar category hotel

Useful Info

Best Seasons:

• Spring (March – May): Clear skies, mild temperatures, vibrant rhododendrons, and ideal trekking conditions

• Autumn (October – November): Excellent weather and scenery; busy trail due to festivals and high demand

Meals During Trek

• Local dishes: Dal Bhat, Sherpa stew, boiled potatoes with chili sauce, and curry with rice

• Breakfast: Fried/scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, Tibetan bread, muesli, porridge, tea, coffee, hot chocolate

• Lunch/Dinner: Soups, veg fried rice, curry with rice, noodles, macaroni, spring rolls, momo, pizza, fried potatoes, chips, buff steak, and lasagna

• Advice: Avoid dairy, alcohol, caffeine, and hot chocolate; opt for green tea, lemon tea, garlic soup, and fresh vegetables

Accommodation

• Standard hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara

• Teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses along the trail

• Basic rooms with twin beds, blankets; toilets vary from flush to long-drop styles as elevation increases

Trek Difficulty

• Level: Severe

• Altitude: Max elevation of 5416m at Thorung La Pass

• Challenges: Steep, rocky terrain and extreme weather conditions; high-altitude exposure throughout

Altitude Sickness & Remedies

• Symptoms: Nausea, headaches, fatigue, appetite loss, insomnia

• Prevention: Gradual acclimatization, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol/smoking, inform your guide immediately if symptoms appear

• Response: Immediate descent if symptoms worsen; don’t hide your condition

• Tip: Garlic soup and proper pacing help acclimatization

Travel Insurance

• Mandatory: Must cover emergency helicopter rescue, medical expenses, and trip cancellations

• Check: Ensure your provider includes coverage for high-altitude trekking and all activities in the itinerary

Trek Guide & Safety

• Experienced guides with wilderness first aid training

• Safety prioritized: hygiene checks, proper gear, first aid kits

• In emergencies, helicopter evacuations are arranged (insurance required)

Packing List

• Backpack

• Sleeping bag and sleeping pad

• Layered clothing for warm and cold weather

• Rain gear (waterproof jacket/pants)

• Headlamp

• Trekking poles

• Broken-in hiking boots

• Water bottle

• High-energy snacks (nuts, trail mix, bars)

• Basic first aid kit

• Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)

• Personal hygiene items

• Passport and travel documents

• Small denomination cash

• Camera

We hope this packing list helps you prepare for your Annapurna Circuit Trek!