Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek Photo Bal Hiking Team

Trip Introduction

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular and iconic trekking route in the Himalayas of Nepal. It circles the Annapurna Massif, offering a diverse landscape—from lush subtropical forests and terraced fields to alpine meadows and high mountain deserts. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a long-distance trek that encircles the Annapurna mountain range in central Nepal, typically covering 160–230 km depending on the starting and ending points. It passes through various ethnic villages, valleys, and high mountain passes, most notably the Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters), one of the highest trekking passes in the world.


Annapurna Circuit Trek Package Cost

Standard 12-Days  Package Cost$1200 per person with Private Reserve Transport (Ktm to Dharpani and from Pokhara to Ktm)

Standard 12-Days  Package Cost:$940 per person with Local Transport (ktm to ktm)


 

Cost Includes Package : 

1. Airport Pickup and Drop, All the Transportation accommodation during the trek,

2. full board meals, breakfast , lunch, dinner ,Tea, Coffee, during the treks

3. All necesary permits Annapurna Conservation ACP,

4. one English speaking Government certificate holder trekking guide

5. Two trekkers between one porter they will carry around 2o to 25 kg)

6. Fingertip pulse oximeter (we use every day to check your oxygen level and pulse in your body to avoid high risk.)

7. Guide and porter: food, lodge, transportation, salary, insurance, equipment etc.

8. 13% Government Vat and official expenses.

9. Best available Room and Lodge during the treks.

10. Mocker spike for the ice when you going to over the Thorong La  pass to use for the Shouse.

11. Bal Hiking Team provide Duffel Bag packing your equipment during the treks

12. Seeping bag down Jacket for use during the treks , after you will be refund for Agency ( if you requirement)

13. Trekking Certificates, Staffs first aid kid, for high passes mini crampons,

14. Seasonal fresh fruits and Biscuits etc.

15. From kathamandu to Beshisahar  by provide jeep  Car or Public Bus and Beshisahr to Jagat -Darapani sharing jeep.

16.  Muktinatha or Jomsong drive by Public Bus or sharing Jeep Car, to Tatopani

17. Ulleri -Birethanti- Nayapool  to pokhara by provide Car, sharing Jeep ,Public Bus ,

18. pokhara to kathamandu provide Car or Tourist Bus ,and Pokhara Hotel with breafast and Bed .

 



Excludes Package :
 

1. Coke , Fanta, beer , Whiskey , better changing , wifi, hot shower, water ect.

2. You trekking gears Helicopter, Trekking Equipment

3. International flights,

4. Hotel in Kathmandu – pokhara -Nepal visa, Travel insurance,

5. Guide /Porter trekking staff Tips personal expenses.



Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary details of Bal Hiking Team

Day 1: Kathmandu → Dharapani (1,860 m)

  • Travel: Early morning tourist bus or private jeep to Besisahar (6–7 hr), then jeep or local bus on the winding road up to Dharapani (1–2 hr).
  • Overnight: Trekker lodges in Dharapani.

Day 2: Dharapani → Chame (2,710 m)

  • Trek: ~13 km, 5–6 hr
  • Follow the Marsyangdi River; pass bamboo and pine forest, cross roaring tributaries.
  • Highlights: View of Lamjung Himal.
  • Overnight: Chame.

Day 3: Chame → Pisang (Upper) (3,300 m)

  • Trek: ~12 km, 5–6 hr
  • Trail climbs through forests then opens to views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna and Pisang Peak.
  • Overnight: Upper Pisang village.

Day 4: Pisang → Manang (3,540 m)

  • Trek: ~14 km, 6–7 hr
  • Gain altitude steadily; pass through Ghyaru and Braga with its centuries‑old monastery.
  • Overnight: Manang.

Day 5: Acclimatization in Manang

  • Activities: Hike up to Gangapurna Lake (~4,100 m) or to the Nyesyang Valley viewpoint (~4,200 m), then return to Manang.
  • Overnight: Manang.

Day 6: Manang → Yak Kharka (4,050 m)

  • Trek: ~10 km, 4–5 hr
  • Trail skirts the glacial moraine; Buddhist mani walls and prayer flags line the way.
  • Overnight: Yak Kharka (simple tea‑house).

Day 7: Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi (4,450 m)

  • Trek: ~5 km, 3–4 hr
  • Short day to rest and prepare for the pass; consider extra acclimatization if feeling any altitude discomfort.
  • Overnight: Thorong Phedi.

Day 8: Thorong Phedi → Muktinath (3,800 m) via Thorong La (5,416 m) → Jomsom (2,720 m)

  • Trek: ~25 km total, 10–12 hr
    • Pre‑dawn start to Thorong La summit (4‑5 hr).
    • Descend to Muktinath (~3 hr).
  • After a rest and darshan at the temple, take jeep/bus down the windy road to Jomsom (1–2 hr).
  • Overnight: Jomsom.

Day 9: Jomsom → Tatopani (1,190 m)

  • Travel/Trek: Early jeep ride to Marpha, then cross the Kali Gandaki gorge and descend to Tatopani (~4–5 hr total).
  • Highlights: Natural hot springs—perfect for soothing tired muscles.
  • Overnight: Tatopani.

Day 10: Tatopani → Ghorepani (2,860 m)

  • Trek: ~20 km, 7–8 hr
  • Steep climb through rhododendron forest and terraced fields; reward yourself with a sunset view if time allows.
  • Overnight: Ghorepani.

Day 11: Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Nayapul (1,070 m) → Pokhara

  • Early morning: Hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges (45 min).
  • Return to Ghorepani, then descend steeply via Ulleri to Nayapul (~5–6 hr total).
  • Transfer: Jeep or bus from Nayapul back to Pokhara (1.5–2 hr).
  • Overnight: Lakeside Pokhara.

Day 12: Pokhara → Kathmandu

  • Tourist bus (7–8 hr) along the Prithvi Highway.
  • 25‑minute flight (season and weather dependent).
  • Arrive in Kathmandu by afternoon/evening.

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek

1.Humid Foothills & Rhododendron Forests
– Begin in lush subtropical valleys around Bhulbhule/Ngadi, weaving through terraced rice fields and dense rhododendron and oak forests.
– Birdlife abounds, and you’ll pass through charming Gurung and Magar villages with warm tea‑house hospitality.

  1. Jagat to Dharapani – Entry to High Alpine
    – Cross the Marsyangdi River gorges, pass through quaint villages like Chamje and Bagarchhap.
    – Mountain vistas gradually unfold as you gain altitude, the first real taste of the circuit’s changing landscapes.
  2. Dharapani to Manang – Tibetan‑Influenced Culture
    – Enter the rain‑shadow zone: arid hillsides and expansive views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.
    – Stay in Manang (3,540 m) for an acclimatization day—explore local monasteries, visit the Himalayan Rescue Dog Centre, or take a side trip up to Ginieng or the Indian Kharka for panoramic views.
  3. Crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)
    – The epic, high‑altitude challenge of the trek. Start pre‑dawn from Thorong Phedi/High Camp to reach the pass by sunrise.
    – Celebrate at the stone‑stupa and prayer flags atop the pass, then descend to the temple town of Muktinath—an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
  4. Muktinath Temple & Mustang Valley
    – Experience the serene Muktinath complex, with 108 stone‑tap fountains and the sacred “Fire Temple.”
    – Continue through windswept villages of the Mustang foothills, where arid landscapes resemble the Tibetan Plateau.
  5. Jhinu Danda Hot Springs
    – Enjoy a soothing soak in natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola after several high‑altitude days. Perfect for tired muscles!
  6. Mountain Panoramas & Diverse Ecosystems
    – Every day brings new scenery: tropical jungle, sub‑alpine pastures, high deserts, glacial moraines, and deep river gorges.
    – Across the trek you’ll gaze up at Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre (“Fish Tail”), and the full chain of the Annapurna massif.
  7. Tea‑House Culture & Local Cuisine
    – Stay in basic but convivial tea‑houses: share stories over dal bhat (lentil curry with rice), momo dumplings, and locally brewed barley beer.
    – Immersive cultural exchanges with Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan‑descended communities along the route.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Equipment

1. Clothing

  • Base Layers
    • Moisture‑wicking thermal top & bottoms (e.g., merino wool or synthetic)
    • Lightweight trekking shirts (short & long sleeve)
  • Mid Layers
    • Fleece or light down jacket
    • Insulating synthetic pullover or vest
  • Outer Shell
    • Waterproof, breathable jacket (Gore‑Tex or similar)
    • Waterproof over‑trousers
  • Down Jacket
    • 800–900 fill power, packable (for high camps & evenings)
  • Trekking Pants & Shorts
    • Quick‑dry, convertible pants preferred
  • Underwear & Socks
    • 3–5 pairs moisture‑wicking trekking socks
    • 3–5 pairs synthetic or merino underwear
  • Gloves & Hats
    • Lightweight liner gloves
    • Insulated gloves or mitts
    • Warm beanie or balaclava
    • Sun hat or cap
  • Extras
    • Buff or neck gaiter
    • Sunglasses (UV‑rated; glacier glasses recommended if crossing snow)

2. Footwear

  • Trekking Boots
    • Waterproof, broken‑in, ankle‑supportive
  • Camp Shoes
    • Lightweight sandals or trainers (for evenings in lodges)
  • Gaiters
    • Lightweight (keep dust/gravel out)
  • Optional
    • Microspikes/crampons (if trekking early or encountering snow/ice)

3. Backpacks & Bags

  • Main Backpack
    • 50–65 L capacity with hip belt & rain cover
  • Daypack
    • 20–30 L for water, snacks & layers
  • Dry Bags/Stuff Sacks
    • For organizing clothes & keeping them dry

4. Sleeping Gear

  • Sleeping Bag
    • Rated to at least –10 °C (down or synthetic)
  • Liner
    • Silk or fleece liner adds warmth & keeps bag clean
  • Optional
    • Inflatable pillow or pillowcase (fill with clothes)

5. Trekking Essentials

  • Trekking Poles
    • Adjustable; reduce strain on knees
  • Hydration
    • 1–2 L water bottles or hydration bladder
    • Water purification (tablets, SteriPEN, or filter)
  • Headlamp
    • With spare batteries
  • Navigation & Communication
    • Spare map or guidebook notes
    • Mobile phone + power bank
    • Local SIM or international roaming plan
  • Sun & Wind Protection
    • High‑SPF sunscreen & lip balm
    • UV‑protective sunglasses

6. Health & First Aid

  • Personal Medications
    • Altitude sickness meds (e.g., acetazolamide) if prescribed
    • Painkillers, antibiotics (as advised by a doctor)
  • First‑Aid Kit
    • Plasters, blister pads, antiseptic wipes, bandages
    • Diamox (if using), anti‑diarrheal tablets, rehydration salts
  • Toiletries
    • Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, wet‑wipes, toilet paper
    • Hand sanitizer

7. Electronics & Miscellaneous

  • Power
    • Power bank (10,000 mAh+)
    • Multi‑plug adapter (Nepal uses Type C/D/M)
  • Camera / GoPro
    • Extra SD cards & batteries
  • Travel Documents & Money
    • Passport + 2 copies
    • Trekking permit (ACAP & TIMS)
    • Cash in small notes (for tea‑houses & tips)
  • Optional Comfort Items
    • Earplugs & eye mask
    • Snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolate)

Breakfast in Annapurna Circuit Trek

  • Porridge (suji / oatmeal): Wheat‐ or millet‐based, often served with sugar, butter or honey.
  • Eggs: Boiled, fried or in an omelette, usually with onion and tomato.
  • Pancakes / French toast: Made from white flour, served with jam or honey.
  • Tibetan bread (balep / tingmo): Steamed or fried, great for dipping in tea.
  • Cereal / muesli: Imported, usually with powdered milk.

Lunch & Dinner in Annapurna Circuit Trek

  • Dal Bhat Tarkari: The Nepali staple—lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat) and mixed vegetable curry (tarkari). Refillable rice and dal make it the most economical and energy‐dense meal.
  • Momos: Steamed or fried dumplings filled with vegetables, chicken or yak meat, served with chili sauce.
  • Thukpa & Noodles: Tibetan‐style noodle soup, especially common above 3,000 m where pasta and instant noodles dominate.
  • Pasta / Macaroni: Served with tomato or cheese sauce—popular above Pisang/Manang where fresh veg are scarce.
  • Soups & Stews: Tomato, vegetable, lentil or Sherpa stew (meat + veg).
  • Fried Rice / Chow Mein: Often made with egg, onion, cabbage and carrot.

Snacks & Extras in Annapurna Circuit Trek

  • Tsampa: Roasted barley flour porridge—traditional Sherpa energy food.
  • Yak Cheese: Firm cheese, eaten alone or in momos and stews.
  • Energy bars / Biscuits / Chocolate: Imported snacks for quick calories.
  • Dried Fruit & Nuts: Apricots, raisins, peanuts—good for high‐altitude snacking.

Best time for Annapurna Circuit Trek

  1. Autumn (Mid‑September to Mid‑November)
  • Weather: Generally crystal‑clear skies, stable high‐pressure systems, daytime highs of 15–20 °C at lower elevations and 0–5 °C near Thorong La (5,416 m). Night‐time temperatures can drop below –5 °C at high camps.
  • Pros:
    • Superb mountain vistas (Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare all in sharp relief)
    • Relatively dry trails—minimal mud, landslide risk reduced
    • Fuller range of teahouses/open lodges, plus better food variety
  • Cons:
    • Higher foot traffic—especially late October
    • Prices for rooms and meals may peak as demand rises

 

  1. Spring (Mid‑March to Early May)
  • Weather: Warming trend with daytime highs of 12–18 °C in the mid‑hills, 0–8 °C at high passes. Pre‑monsoon showers begin in late May but are generally light.
  • Pros:
    • Rhododendron and magnolia forests in bloom (especially around Timang, Chame)
    • Trails are less crowded than autumn shoulder months
    • Longer daylight hours for summit pushes over Thorong La
  • Cons:
    • Some afternoon cloud build‑up and occasional rain by late April/May
    • Potential for dusty lower‑trail sections as thaw begins

Detail Itenerary

Expand All
  • Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary details of Bal Hiking Team

    Day 1: Kathmandu → Dharapani (1,860 m)

    Travel: Early morning tourist bus or private jeep to Besisahar (6–7 hr), then jeep or local bus on the winding road up to Dharapani (1–2 hr).

    Overnight: Trekker lodges in Dharapani.


    Day 2: Dharapani → Chame (2,710 m)

    Trek: ~13 km, 5–6 hr

    Follow the Marsyangdi River; pass bamboo and pine forest, cross roaring tributaries.

    Highlights: View of Lamjung Himal.

    Overnight: Chame.


    Day 3: Chame → Pisang (Upper) (3,300 m)

    Trek: ~12 km, 5–6 hr

    Trail climbs through forests then opens to views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna and Pisang Peak.

    Overnight: Upper Pisang village.


    Day 4: Pisang → Manang (3,540 m)

    Trek: ~14 km, 6–7 hr

    Gain altitude steadily; pass through Ghyaru and Braga with its centuries‑old monastery.

    Overnight: Manang.


    Day 5: Acclimatization in Manang

    Activities: Hike up to Gangapurna Lake (~4,100 m) or to the Nyesyang Valley viewpoint (~4,200 m), then return to Manang.

    Overnight: Manang.


    Day 6: Manang → Yak Kharka (4,050 m)

    Trek: ~10 km, 4–5 hr

    Trail skirts the glacial moraine; Buddhist mani walls and prayer flags line the way.

    Overnight: Yak Kharka (simple tea‑house).


    Day 7: Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi (4,450 m)

    Trek: ~5 km, 3–4 hr

    Short day to rest and prepare for the pass; consider extra acclimatization if feeling any altitude discomfort.

    Overnight: Thorong Phedi.


    Day 8: Thorong Phedi → Muktinath (3,800 m) via Thorong La (5,416 m) → Jomsom (2,720 m)

    Trek: ~25 km total, 10–12 hr

    Pre‑dawn start to Thorong La summit (4‑5 hr).

    Descend to Muktinath (~3 hr).

    After a rest and darshan at the temple, take jeep/bus down the windy road to Jomsom (1–2 hr).

    Overnight: Jomsom.


    Day 9: Jomsom → Tatopani (1,190 m)

    Travel/Trek: Early jeep ride to Marpha, then cross the Kali Gandaki gorge and descend to Tatopani (~4–5 hr total).

    Highlights: Natural hot springs—perfect for soothing tired muscles.

    Overnight: Tatopani.


    Day 10: Tatopani → Ghorepani (2,860 m)

    Trek: ~20 km, 7–8 hr

    Steep climb through rhododendron forest and terraced fields; reward yourself with a sunset view if time allows.

    Overnight: Ghorepani.


    Day 11: Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Nayapul (1,070 m) → Pokhara

    Early morning: Hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges (45 min).

    Return to Ghorepani, then descend steeply via Ulleri to Nayapul (~5–6 hr total).

    Transfer: Jeep or bus from Nayapul back to Pokhara (1.5–2 hr).

    Overnight: Lakeside Pokhara.


    Day 12: Pokhara → Kathmandu

    Tourist bus (7–8 hr) along the Prithvi Highway.

    25‑minute flight (season and weather dependent).

    Arrive in Kathmandu by afternoon/evening.

Array

Included in the Cost

Cost Includes Package : 

1.Airport Pickup and Drop, All the Transportation accommodation during the trek,

2. full board meals, breakfast , lunch, dinner ,Tea, Coffee, during the treks

3. All necesary permits Annapurna Conservation ACP,

4. one English speaking Government certificate holder trekking guide

5. Two trekkers between one porter they will carry around 2o to 25 kg)

6. Fingertip pulse oximeter (we use every day to check your oxygen level and pulse in your body to avoid high risk.)

7. Guide and porter: food, lodge, transportation, salary, insurance, equipment etc.

8. 13% Government Vat and official expenses.

9. Best available Room and Lodge during the treks.

10. Mocker spike for the ice when you going to over the Thorong La  pass to use for the Shouse.

11. Bal Hiking Team provide Duffel Bag packing your equipment during the treks

12. Seeping bag down Jacket for use during the treks , after you will be refund for Agency ( if you requirement)

13. Trekking Certificates, Staffs first aid kid, for high passes mini crampons,

14. Seasonal fresh fruits and Biscuits etc.

15. From kathamandu to Beshisahar  by provide jeep  Car or Public Bus and Beshisahr to Jagat -Darapani sharing jeep.

16.  Muktinatha or Jomsong drive by Public Bus or sharing Jeep Car, to Tatopani

17. Ulleri -Birethanti- Nayapool  to pokhara by provide Car, sharing Jeep ,Public Bus ,

18. pokhara to kathamandu provide Car or Tourist Bus ,and Pokhara Hotel with breafast and Bed .

 

 



Excludes Package :
 

 

1. Coke , Fanta, beer , Whiskey , better changing , wifi, hot shower, water ect.

2. You trekking gears Helicopter, Trekking Equipment

3. International flights,

4. Hotel in Kathmandu – pokhara -Nepal visa, Travel insurance,

5. Guide /Porter trekking staff Tips personal expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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