Find Your Tour

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek
  • Small group adventure
  • Guaranteed Departures
  • Best price guaranteed

Overview And Highlights

TRIP FACTS

curve line
Accommodation Tea House
Max Altitude 5,416 m / 17, 872 ft
Best Season Spring / Autumn
Trip Duration 15 Days
Trip Grade Adventurous.
Meals All inclusive

Since its opening to trekkers in 1980, the Annapurna Circuit Trek has gained recognition as one of the most iconic trekking experiences in the world. This renowned route takes you through enchanting Rhododendron forests and the foothills of the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of peaks such as Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Dhaulagiri, Machchhapuchhre (Fish Tail), Annapurna South, and Manaslu.

Why Choose the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

At Annapurna Encounter, we are dedicated to crafting experiences that leave lasting impressions. The Annapurna Circuit Trekking adventure is ideal for trekkers with moderate fitness levels and offers an unparalleled journey through breathtaking landscapes. Highlights include traversing the Kali Gandaki Gorge—the deepest gorge in the world—and visiting the serene world's highest lake. Additional treasures along the trek include:

  • Over 100 species of orchids and vibrant Rhododendron blooms.

  • Diverse ecosystems ranging from sub-tropical marshes to alpine meadows.

  • Encounters with unique wildlife like Martens, deer, Langur monkeys, and even the elusive Snow Leopard.

Beyond its natural beauty, this trek allows you to experience the warmth and traditions of local mountain communities. A highlight for many trekkers is crossing the Thorong La Pass, standing proudly at 5,416 meters above sea level.

What Makes This Trek Special in 2025 and 2026?

  • Jaw-dropping views of the Himalayan peaks, including some of the highest in the world.

  • Immersion in the rich Buddhist culture of traditional mountain villages in Manang.

  • Serene trails through Rhododendron, magnolia, oak, and pine forests.

  • A captivating journey from warm, lush paddy fields to icy, high-altitude zones.

At Annapurna Encounter, our expert guides ensure that your trek is not only safe and enjoyable but also tailored to your unique preferences. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or exploring these trails for the first time, we’re here to provide unmatched support.

Packing for Your Adventure

Having the right equipment can make all the difference. Here’s a helpful checklist:

  • Clothing:

    • Half-gloves

    • Woolen socks and a warm jacket or pullover

    • Windproof and waterproof outerwear

    • Long-sleeve T-shirts and comfortable trekking pants

  • Footwear:

    • Durable, water-resistant trekking boots and sandals

  • Accessories:

    • Rain-covered backpack

    • Headlamp or flashlight

    • Trekking poles

  • Other Essentials:

    • First aid kit and medications

    • Reusable water bottle

    • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat

    • Sleeping bag

    • Lip balm

    • Camera, batteries, and chargers

    • Compact travel towel and toiletries

Not sure about your gear? Reach out to us at Annapurna Encounter for expert advice and recommendations.

When to Plan Your Trek

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the peak season for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, with its clear blue skies, mild temperatures, and awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna range. Due to the popularity of this season, we recommend booking accommodations well in advance.

Spring (March to May)

Spring transforms the trails into a vibrant tapestry of blooming Rhododendrons and wildflowers. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise, with migratory birds in full activity. Although the days are warm, expect cooler temperatures as you ascend.

Winter (December to February)

Winter offers crystal-clear views of the mountains, but snow can make higher passes, like Thorong La, impassable. For trekkers prepared with the right cold-weather gear, this season offers a serene and less crowded experience.

Monsoon (June to August)

While the monsoon season brings lush greenery and a chance to experience local culture without crowds, trails can be slippery and visibility limited. Landslides are also a risk in some areas, so caution and planning are key.

Experience the Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Encounter

At Annapurna Encounter, we believe that trekking is more than just a physical endeavor. It’s a journey into nature’s heart, a deep dive into local cultures, and an opportunity to uncover your own resilience and spirit. Whether you trek during autumn’s crisp, clear days or spring’s colorful bloom, our goal is to make your adventure seamless, personalized, and unforgettable.

From crafting the perfect itinerary to offering the expertise of our seasoned guides, Annapurna Encounter is here to turn your trekking aspirations into reality. Let us help you embark on this transformational journey.

Itinerary Expand All Close All

Starting wonderful Annapurna Circuit Trekking adventure with an interesting overland drive towards Nepal mid west, leading to Besisar town (headquarter of Lamjung district). From here transfer to another vehicle and continue drive on dirt road passing villages of Khudi, Bulbule and Ngadi following the Marsyangdi River upstream.

Drive continues through rice terraces fields and villages to Dharapani a small village for overnight stop in the comfort of nice lodge.

Dharapani a nice village with Buddhist culture, situated on the junction of Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trekking trail.

Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1920

Start the morning walk a into cool rhododendron and pine forest passing villages of Bagachap and Danque, then to Timang village from here onwards into more Buddhist area, with super view of Mt. Manaslu 8,163m / 26,781ft, from this village few hours trek leads to a large town at Chame for overnight stop, a major town and headquarter of Manang district.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2670

From here air gets cooler as the walk leads closer into mountains through beautiful forest of rhododendron and pine trees, following Marshyangdi River upstream to Bhratang village.

From this village an uphill into pine trees to Dhukure Pokhari a small place with few lodge and views of Chulu and Pisang peak, after a lunch stop walk downhill to Pisang village for overnight stop.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3230

Pisang village located within Manang valley with stunning mountains views as altitude gains for here onwards.

Walking into forest with short uphill with views of Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna Chulu and Pisang peak, then reaching Hongde village with a small air strip, from here tree lines fades to barren, arid landscapes.

On route Manang village visit old Braga monastery with Buddhist relics, ancient wall painting, frescos and super panorama of Annapurna Himalaya, from here an hour walk to Manang village.

The houses here are of traditional Tibetan style with culture and traditions.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3450

An important rest day for acclimatization before reaching high altitude and up to Thorang –la, here with short hike exploring Manang village beneath towering Annapurna and Gangapurna peaks, a nice short hike up for views of Gangapurna Glacier and the Manang glacial Lake.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3450

After a good rest at Manang, walk towards Yak Kharka, an interesting high altitude walk with views of mountains, crossing small streams to reach at Yak Kharka, a small settlement with incredible views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
4110

Morning walk leads closer to Thorang-la as the walk progress crossing a bridge and then a climb along the Jarjung River, then leading at Thorang Phedi for short rest and then climb the last hour uphill to Thorang High Camp for overnight stop.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
4600

Start the early morning walk on this Big Day! A thrill and highlight of this great adventure, after breakfast a long climb up to Thorang-la with steep haul to reach at 5,416 m / 17, 872 ft on top of Thorang-la decorated with Buddhist prayer flags.

Highest point of our adventure, offers superb vista of beautiful landscapes and snowcapped peaks, from here a long descend to Muktinath at 3,800 m.

Muktinath a holy place for both Hindu and Buddhist the word Muktinath literally means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation’.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Tented Camp
Elevation
5416

After Muktinath, rest of the journey is easier with moderate walks all the way with a big drop of 1,200m downhill to Kaligandaki river valley, this pleasant walk leads to Kaligandaki river valley, from here walk to Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang area with a small airstrip above Kaligandaki River.

After Jomsom walk to Marpha, one of the most charming village with white painted houses, paved streets and well kept lodges. At Marpha celebrate with local apple products cider, brandy and juice this area from Kagbeni to Larjung is famous for delicious apples.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2715

From Marpha onward, walk is enjoyable following Kaligandaki river downstream with views of Tukuche peak, Dhaulagiri and Mt. Nilgiri walk to Larjung village, after few hours walk getting back into tree lines of pine, oaks and rhododendron forest and then reaching at Kalapani village, another lovely village with grand views of Mt. Annapurna I, Nilgiris and Dhaulagiri, a short downhill brings at Lete village for overnight stop.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2480

Walk from Kalapani and Lete onward leads to dramatic change in vegetation and climate, as walk leads between two giant peaks of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna forming world deepest gorge.

First two hours of trek leads through Ghasa village with view of snow capped peaks into forest.

After Ghasa a southern end of Mustang area mostly dominated by Thakali people ethnic tribe till Tatopani village.

This pleasant walk continues leading back to paddy fields in warm sub-tropical climate to Tatopani passing beautiful waterfalls of Rupsi.

Tatopani (Hot Spring) village the valley is quite constricted and it is quite warm with sub-tropic climate and vegetation, Tatopani is another nice village with large hot spring pools just by the bank of the River Kaligandaki.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1190

After a wonderful time at Tatopani, trek continues on the nice winding trail for an hour, our route diverts heading uphill with steep climb then with gradual up all the way through dense forest to reach at Chitre, from here an hour climb to Ghorepani village with fantastic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South with Vara-Shikar known as Annapurna Fang.

Ghorepani famous and popular for hike to Poon Hill a view point offering super wide views of world’s three highest peaks and range of other mountains with striking sunrise and sunset.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2750

Morning an hour hike up to Poon-Hill at 3,210m, offers fantastic sunrise views over array of mountains from Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu to Annapurna and as far to Ganesh Himal in the far eastern horizon including the majestic Mt. Machhapuchare “The Fish Tail”.

From here walk through lovely rhododendron forest, and then with long descend from Ulleri village to Tirkhedhunga for last overnight stop in the hills of Annapurna Himalaya.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1500

After Tirkhedhunga, last day walk of this adventure leads downhill most of the way through farm villages, then finally reaching a nice village at Bhirethati by the river Modi, from here a short walk to Nayapul ending the final walk of this great adventure with a drive of two hours to Pokhara for the overnight stop by the Lake Phewa.

Pokhara, a popular touristic city, where the peaks of Annapurna Mountain range reflects on its beautiful serene lakes of Phewa and Begnas.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1500

Morning a drive to Kathmandu after a wonderful experience on Annapurna Circuit trekking, on reaching Kathmandu transfer to your hotels with the afternoon free at leisure for individual activities and shopping.

(Flying options 30 minutes of scenic flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara)

Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1350

What Is Included ?

 

  • Private transfers to and from the international airport on arrival and departure dates.
  • Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • Services of a professional, experienced, and friendly Annapurna Encounter's government-licensed guide, covering meals, flight, insurance, accommodations, and equipment for 14 days.
  • All trekking documentation, including:
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permits (ACAP) Fee
  • Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Card
  •  Provision of trekking equipment, including a sleeping bag, down jacket, and duffle bag.
  • Accommodation in the best available mountain tea houses during the trek.
  • Supply of enough water purification tablets to ensure safe drinking water throughout the trek.
  • Assistance guides for the group.
  • Transportation arrangements: Kathmandu to Besishar, Chame to Jonson, Tatopani to Pokhara, and back to Kathmandu by local shared bus or Jeep.
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu transfer by tourist bus.
  • Snacks (crackers) and seasonal fresh fruits available during the trek.
  • Annapurna Encounter’s Certificate of Appreciation upon successful completion of the trek.
  • Farewell dinner at the best Restaurant
  • Annapurna Encounter’s complimentary free route map.
  • Oximeter to monitor your oxygen and pulse at high altitudes.
  • Basic first aid kit, including Diamox for high altitude sickness.
  • Coverage of all government, local taxes, and official expenses.

What Is Excluded?

  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for the guide and porter(s)
  • Any additional costs incurred during the trek, such as hot showers or extra nights in guesthouses.
  • Other costs not mentioned in 'Cost Includes' section

Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude Profile

Route Map

route map

FAQs

The trek usually takes around 12-21 days, depending on the route and pace of the trekker.

The best time to go is during the months of September to November and March to May, when the weather is clear and the views are the best.

The trek is considered strenuous and requires a good level of physical fitness. It involves a lot of uphill and downhill hiking at high altitudes, and can be challenging for those who are not used to strenuous activity.

You will need proper hiking boots, warm clothing, a good backpack, sleeping bag, and a good quality down jacket. You should also bring a first aid kit and a water purification system.

The cost can vary depending on the route, the duration of the trek, and whether you hire a guide or porter. The average cost is around $1000 to $2000 USD.

Accommodation during the trek is available in the form of teahouses or lodges. The teahouses are basic but provide a comfortable place to sleep, hot meals, and basic facilities such as toilets and showers. Some teahouses may also have electricity and Wi-Fi.

The trek can be done during the winter, but it is important to note that the trail may be covered in snow and the weather can be very cold. It is also important to be well-prepared with the right equipment and clothing, and to have a guide who is familiar with the trail during the winter months.

Phone signal and internet access can be limited during the trek, but it is possible to find signal in some areas, particularly in the lower elevations. It is recommended to bring a local SIM card for better connectivity.

It is recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations and to consult a healthcare professional for advice on additional vaccinations and preventive measures. It is also important to be aware of common illnesses such as altitude sickness and to take necessary precautions.

 

Some teahouses along the trail have electricity, but it may be limited and not always reliable. It's a good idea to bring a portable power bank to ensure that you have a reliable source of power for your electronic devices.

Annapurna Circuit trekking routes are in the Annapurna Conservation Area, which has implemented a rule to reduce the use of single-use plastics. Trekkers are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles and to avoid buying products packaged in single-use plastics.

Teahouses along the trail provide meals, but if you have specific dietary needs or prefer to bring your own food, it is possible to do so. It is recommended to bring lightweight, non-perishable food items such as instant noodles, energy bars, and dried fruits.

ATMs and money changers can be found in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but are limited in the trekking areas. It is recommended to bring enough cash to cover your expenses during the trek, as not all teahouses accept credit cards.

There are no official age restrictions for the Annapurna Circuit trek, but it is a physically demanding trek and may not be suitable for children or older adults. It is important to consider your own physical fitness level and to take necessary precautions.

Yes, it is possible to shorten the Annapurna Circuit trek by taking alternative routes or by hiring a helicopter or jeep to cover some of the distance. However, it's important to note that the shorter routes may not offer the same level of scenic beauty and cultural experiences as the full circuit trek.

Yes, there are several cultural and religious sites to visit along the Annapurna Circuit trek, such as the Muktinath Temple and the Braga Monastery. These sites offer a glimpse into the local culture and religion of the region, and provide an opportunity to learn about the history and traditions of the local people.

There are no official restrictions on photography during the Annapurna Circuit trek, but it is important to be respectful of the local culture and customs, particularly when visiting cultural and religious sites. It's also important to be mindful of the environment and avoid disturbing wildlife and plants.

Yes, it is possible to combine the Annapurna Circuit trek with other treks in the Annapurna region such as the Annapurna Base Camp trek or the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. It's important to plan your itinerary and consider your own physical fitness level before embarking on multiple treks.

There are no official restrictions on music during the Annapurna Circuit trek, but it is important to be respectful of the local culture and customs, particularly when staying in teahouses and villages. It's also important to be mindful of the sound level and avoid disturbing other trekkers and the local residents.

Client Reviews

Rupak Neupane

Rupak Neupane

Nepal

Great Experience !

7th May, 2023

We booked our Annapurna circuit trek with Annapurna Encounter in Thamel and had an amazing experience. Knowing that our guide, Bishnu Lammichane, had done this route more than 25 times was very reassuring from the beginning and his experience was obvious when we saw during the trek other guides were consulting with him. We explored many Buddhist monasteries and temples along the way and Bishnu was well versed on them or was quick to ask locals to get us the information. I highly recommend Annapurna Encounter and Bishnu. We are already planning other treks with Bishnu for our next visit as he has done many other routes such as Everest, and Manasalu circuit.

Amit K

Amit K

United States

Annapurna Circuit trek

9th May, 2023

We booked our Annapurna circuit trek with Annapurna Encounter and had an amazing experience. Since this was my first trek around Annapurna, there were many unknowns for me in terms of terrains, food and accommodation. We were lucky to have a guide like Bishnu Lammichane who was well versed with this trek having done it a few dozen times. He not only knew the terrain extremely well but was also very familiar with the lodges at different locations, knew the people there and was able to get us well set up with food and accommodation. In addition to guiding us, Bishnu was also our dedicated photographer and knew exactly which shots to take and where.

This was one of the best trek I have done and I highly recommend using Annapurna Encounter. We are planning for more treks in future and will definitely book it through this company with Bishnu as our guide.

  • Small group adventure
  • Guaranteed Departures
  • Best price guaranteed

Similar Trips

Enjoy the popular trekking and tour packages in Nepal Himalayas. 2025.

Upper Mustang Trekking
Upper Mustang Trekking

Nepal , Annapurna Trekking

$1475
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek

Nepal , Annapurna Trekking

Ghorepani Poonhill trek
Ghorepani Poonhill trek

Nepal , Annapurna Trekking

Short Annapurna Trekking
Short Annapurna Trekking

Nepal , Annapurna Trekking

$275
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Nepal , Annapurna Trekking

Annapurna Panorama trekking
Annapurna Panorama trekking

Nepal , Annapurna Trekking

$300
Royal Trek to Syaglung Hill
Royal Trek to Syaglung Hill

Nepal , Annapurna Trekking

$250
Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek

Nepal , Annapurna Trekking

$549
Annapurna Circuit trek 12 days
Annapurna Circuit trek 12 days

Nepal , Annapurna Trekking

Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Jomsom Muktinath Trek

Nepal , Annapurna Trekking

Mohare Danda Trek
Mohare Danda Trek

Nepal , Annapurna Trekking

$525
rosemary-restaurant

WE ACCEPT

  • payment
  • payment
  • payment
  • payment