Annapurna Circuit Trek 2025 | Himalayan Diversity
Overview
The Annapurna Circuit is a renowned trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is considered one of the world's most popular and classic trekking destinations. The trek encircles the Annapurna Massif, a series of peaks in the Himalayas, and offers stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and a wide range of altitudes and terrains to explore. Be sure to plan your trek thoroughly and consult with experienced trekkers or local guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
The Annapurna Circuit trek encompasses a wide range of elevations as you traverse the diverse landscapes of the Annapurna region. The highest point of the traditional Annapurna Circuit trek is the Thorong La Pass, which is situated at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) above sea level. This pass is the most challenging and highest point of the trek, and it's a significant achievement for trekkers to reach this altitude.
However, the trek starts at a much lower elevation, typically around 800 to 1,000 meters in places like Besisahar or Syange, depending on the specific starting point. As you progress through the trek, you'll gradually ascend in altitude, passing through various villages and terrain, and then descend as you reach lower elevations like Jomsom and Tatopani.
The Annapurna Circuit offers opportunities for various side trips and detours. For example, you can visit the Tilicho Lake, one of the world's highest lakes, by taking a side trek from Manang. You can also explore the beautiful village of Manang itself or venture to ice lakes or other nearby attractions.
Why Choose This Trek?
- Diverse Landscapes: From rice paddies to alpine deserts.
- Cultural Richness: Visit Muktinath Temple (sacred Hindu/Buddhist site).
- Challenge & Reward: Conquer Thorong La Pass, the trek’s pinnacle.
FAQs
Q: Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek harder than Everest Base Camp?
A: It is Similar difficulty, but Thorong La Pass adds a steep 1-day challenge.
Q: Are roads affecting the trek?
A: Roads exist in sections, but we follow traditional trails where possible.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
- Highlights: Welcome dinner, gear check, and briefing with your guide.
- Stay: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
- Tip: Visit UNESCO sites like Boudhanath Stupa if time permits.
Day 2: Drive to Besisahar (760m) → Chame (2,670m)
- Drive: 8–9 hours through scenic foothills.
- Landscape: Terraced farms and Trishuli River views.
- Stay: Teahouse in Chame, gateway to the Annapurna region.
Day 3: Chame → Upper Pisang (3,300m)
- Trek: 5–6 hours | 15km | Pine forests and apple orchards.
- Cultural Stop: Visit the Tibetan-style Braga Monastery.
- Stay: Teahouse with views of Annapurna II and IV.
Day 4: Upper Pisang → Manang (3,540m)
- Trek: 6–7 hours | 18km | High trail via Ghyaru (best mountain vistas).
- Highlight: First views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna.
- Stay: Manang, the largest village on the circuit.
Day 5: Acclimatization in Manang
- Activity: Hike to Gangapurna Lake (3,900m) or visit the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic.
- Culture: Watch a documentary on altitude sickness at the local cinema.
- Tip: Hydrate well and avoid alcohol.
Day 6: Manang → Yak Kharka (4,050m)
- Trek: 3–4 hours | 10km | Gradual ascent into arid terrain.
- Wildlife: Spot blue sheep on rocky cliffs.
- Stay: This basic teahouse with yak dung heaters!
Day 7: Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi (4,450m)
- Trek: 3–4 hours | 7km | Short but steep climb.
- Preparation: Rest early for the Thorong La Pass ascent.
- Stay: Simple lodge at the base of the pass.
Day 8: Thorong Phedi → Thorong La Pass (5,416m) → Muktinath (3,800m)
- Trek: 8–10 hours | 15km | The toughest day!
- Thorong La Pass: Celebrate at the summit with prayer flags and Himalayan panoramas.
- Descent: Steep trail to Muktinath, a sacred Hindu/Buddhist site.
- Stay: Teahouse in Muktinath.
Day 9: Rest Day in Muktinath
- Activity: Visit Muktinath Temple and Jwala Mai (eternal flame).
- Culture: Explore nearby villages like Jharkot (ancient monasteries).
Day 10: Muktinath → Marpha (2,670m)
- Trek: 5–6 hours | 12km | Enter the Kali Gandaki Valley (the world’s deepest).
- Highlight: Taste Marpha’s famous apple brandy and pies!
- Stay: Charming teahouse in the “Apple Capital.”
Day 11: Marpha → Ghasa (2,010m)
- Trek: 6–7 hours | 18km | Descend through lush forests.
- Wildlife: Look for langur monkeys in the treetops.
- Stay: Teahouse in Ghasa.
Day 12: Ghasa → Tatopani (1,190m)
- Trek: 6–7 hours | 16km | Soak in natural hot springs!
- Reward: Relax sore muscles in Tatopani’s riverside pools.
- Stay: Teahouse with hot spring access.
Day 13: Tatopani → Ghorepani (2,860m)
- Trek: 7–8 hours | 18km | Steep climb through rhododendron forests.
- Culture: Pass through Magar and Gurung villages.
- Stay: Teahouse in Ghorepani.
Day 14: Ghorepani → Poon Hill (3,210m) → Tadapani (2,630m)
- Sunrise Hike: 1-hour climb to Poon Hill for iconic Annapurna/Dhaulagiri views.
- Trek: 5–6 hours | 12km | Descend to Tadapani.
- Stay: Teahouse with fireplace.
Day 15: Tadapani → Ghandruk (1,940m)
- Trek: 3–4 hours | 8km | Explore Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village.
- Culture: Visit the Gurung Museum and interact with locals.
- Stay: Teahouse with mountain vistas.
Day 16: Ghandruk → Nayapul → Drive to Pokhara (820m)
- Trek: 4–5 hours | 12km | Final descent to Nayapul.
- Drive: 2 hours to Pokhara. Celebrate with a lakeside dinner!
- Stay: 3-star hotel in Pokhara.
Day 17: Drive/Fly to Kathmandu
- Option 1: Scenic 6–7-hour drive.
- Option 2: 25-minute flight (mountain views included!).
- Stay: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 18: Departure
- Transfer: Airport drop-off.
- Optional Extensions: Chitwan jungle safari or Kathmandu Valley tour.
What's included
- Two-night accommodation at Hotel Kantipur Village Kathmandu (https://kantipurvillage.com.np/)
- One-night accommodation at Hotel Elegant Pokhara (https://hotelelegantnepal.com/)
- Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (trek start) by local deluxe bus(7-8 hours)
- Pokhara to Kathmandu by private transport
- Accommodation in Standard Hotels on a twin-sharing basis during the trek
- Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners during the trek
- Government-licensed, experienced trek guide, assistant trekking guide (for a group of 10 or more trekkers), and porters to help trekkers' luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers, combined porter weight limit -18kg.)
- First Aids Kit.
- Duffel Bags for porters to carry your main luggage
- Guides' and porters' expenses - meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee.
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee.
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses.
- Rescue operations arrangement in case of complicated health conditions (funded by your travel insurance).
- Farewell dinner at the end of the trek in Kathmandu.
What's not included
- All accommodation and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
- Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
- Extra night accommodations and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek.
- Personal expenses - shopping, snacks, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, bar bills, bottle or boiled water, shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone call, battery recharge costs, extra porters, etc.
- Personal clothing and gear
- Travel insurance that has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation compulsory
- Additional costs or delays are caused by circumstances beyond our control, like landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policy, strikes, mass movements, etc.
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