Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 Days

In this article, we are going to discuss Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days in a detailed way.

Annapurna Circuit Trek has long been favorite trekking for many hikers, thanks to the jaw-dropping view and comeliness it offers. Its dramatic landscapes, green hills, untamed cliffs, and the seemingly endless trail has charmed travelers from far and wide.

It’s one of a few places in the Himalaya that’s flooded with propelling sceneries. The unending trails that walk- through valleys and mountains provide some impressive views. It also has us traversing a series of pilgrimage paths, where you can see lots of Tibetan prayer wheels and flags.

The trek may embark with an easy walk at lower hills but as the day passes, it gets tougher and tougher. Almost every journey will have us walking uphill which is more distressing and lethargic. The trail has us ascending the cliff to reach Thorong La Pass which lies at an elevation of 5,416 meters.

Our Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days set off with a drive of 6 hours from Kathmandu to Bulbule. We’ll then be moving to Chyamje through a steep trail and make our way to Bagarchhap. In the following days, we’ll pass a lot of delightful villages including lower Pisang and Manang.

As the route gains elevation, we’ll get to see the changes in landscapes and terrains. Moving ahead, our trail makes its way to Annapurna Circuit through Ledar and Phedi which comes with an equally stunning view.

From the crest of Thorong La Pass, we’ll take a quick glance at Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri, and Gangapurna before climbing the way down. We’ll stop over Muktinath to offer prayers and descend the trail up to Jomsom.

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days

• Exploring the highest mountain pass Thorong La
• Gazing multi-colored hills, soaring mountains, and deep valleys
• Navigating the steep trails that walks through dense forests and high cliffs
• Visiting sacred Hindu temple, Muktinath and offering prayers
• Stopping by the natural hot spring Tatopani and taking a quick tour of the village
• A pristine view of shimmering mountains including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri

Outline Itinerary of Annapurna Circuit Trek

1st Day: Drive Kathmandu to Bulbule (923m).

2nd Day: Trek from Bulbule to Chyamje (1400m).

3rd Day: Chyamje to Bagarchhap (2160m).

4th Day: Bagarchhap to Chame (2630m).

5th Day: Chame to Pisang (3300m).

6th Day: Pisang to Manang (3500m).

7th Day: Acclimatization day in Manang.

8th Day: Manang to Ledar (4250m).

9th Day: Ledar to Pedi or High camp (4,600m).

10th Day: Phedi to Mukti Nath (3,710m).

11th Day: Mukti Nath to Tatopani via Jomsom (2750m)

12th Day: Drive Tatopani (1190m) to Pokhara.

Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days – Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Bulbule

Maximum Altitude: 840 meters

Drive Distance: 186.7 km

Drive Duration: 5-6 hours

In particular, the first day of Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days kicks off with 6 hours drive from Kathmandu to Bulbule. We’ll ride through Prithvi Highway, passing lustrous meadows, terrace farms, and valleys. Likewise, the trail runs along the Trishuli river towards Pokhara and heads north to Besisahar. After traveling more than 116 miles, we’ll reach the beautiful town of Bulbule, sitting alongside the Marsyangdi River. Subsequently, overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 02: Trek from Bulbule to Chamje

Maximum Altitude: 1,400 meters

Trek Distance: 13 km

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

After a wholesome meal for breakfast, we’ll retrieve the trek by walking gently to the east bank of the Marsyangdi River. Upon reaching Nyagdi, we’ll ascend a steep hill up to BahunDanda which is a beautiful Brahmin settlement.

From here, we’ll climb down to Lili Bhir and follow the track enclosed by thick verdure. In addition, passing the magnificent waterfall, we’ll head to the Marsyangdi river that comes across through a suspension bridge. From here, we’ll take an uphill walk and come past the cliff face to arrive at Jagat.

Navigating the rugged trail filled with stones, we’ll take a short uphill walk before finally winding up at the village. Afterward, Chamje comes with a splendid view of pouring rivers, fertile fields, and valleys. We’ll spend the night in a lodge at Chamje.

Day 03: Trek from Chyamje to Bagarchhap

Maximum Altitude: 2,160 meters

Trek Distance: 13 km

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

After taking a reposeful nap, we’ll get our trek started with an easy descent to Syange. It’s followed by a walk over the suspension bridge to the west bank of the Marsyangdi River. The path ahead walks downhill and passes a lovely lake before crossing the suspension bridge.

Clocking the astonishing scenery around, we’ll further proceed to the trail that goes all the way to Dharapani. An easy walk from here will provide us access to Manang district which has a lot of stone stairs to climb.

The trip from Dharapani to Bagarchhap is rousing with several Tibetan Chortens and stupas resting on the way. After trekking for almost 6 hours, we’ll finally reach Bagarchhap and call it off a day. Overnight stay is in a tea house.

Day 04: Trek from Bagarchhap to Chame

Maximum Altitude: 2,630 meters

Trek Distance: 15.5 km

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

The arrival destination for today’s Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days is Chame which takes around 4-5 hours. The trek gets underway with a leisurely walk uphill and then down, passing beautiful Tibetan-inspired villages.

As the trek progresses, the trail gets tough, moving through the lush green forest filled with birch, oak, maple, and pine. It also walks beside the glowing Lamjung Himal which offers a soul-stirring view.

After walking an extra mile, we’ll cross the river and keep roving the trail until getting to Kopar. Out of here, the path is plain-sailing and straight, following which we’ll reach Chame in no time. Since it’ll be too tiring for us to make a further walk, we’ll spend tonight in a tea house at Chame.

Day 05: Trek from Chame to Pisang

Maximum Altitude: 3,300 meters

Trek Distance: 13.6 km

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Waking up the next morning, we’ll get cleaned up and have breakfast before starting the expedition to Pisang. The hike sets off by crossing a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River and heading towards Bhartang.

Walking along the cramped trail with pine and hemlock, we’ll end up at Marsyangdi River valley. Trekking above, our trail goes to a serene lake which comes with heart-warming scenery of snow-capped mountains and river valleys in the distance.

Farther and farther away, we’ll see Panguda Danda which is to be traversed to reach Pisang. Scrambling the cliff is strenuous but we’ll also get to witness the imposing scenery till finishing up at the hamlet. Overnight stay in a teahouse.

Day 06: Trek from Pisang to Manang

Maximum Altitude: 3,500 meters

Trek Distance: 15.7 km

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

After having breakfast beside the sublime view of lower Pisang, we’ll return to the trail that gets its way through the deep forest. We then trek along the steep and narrow valley before crossing the river.

The unpaved trail then scrambles the hills to Pisang Danda, gaining an elevation of more than a hundred. It has us climbing a short hill through the alpine meadow to get to Manang, which is a gorgeous town at 3,519 meters.

The village offers a splendid view of mud walls, towering hills, and snow-capped mountains. We can also witness spectral gorges and exquisite landscapes while stopping over the village.

Day 07: Acclimatization day in Manang

It was a long and hard walk yesterday, so it makes much more sense that we take a day off from the trip. Besides, the gain in altitude is likely to have us suffering from acute mountain sickness. That is why we’ll spend our time in Manang by walking to the nearby place to adjust to the changing conditions and temperature.

The day starts with a quick tour of the village, coming before the easy hike up to Khangsar Hill. The sight from the hilltop is absolutely overwhelming with the snapshot of Tilicho Lake and the mountain range.

We’ll also check out the centuries-old Tibetan monasteries during the trip and offer prayers. As soon as we’re done with the exploration, we’ll descend the trail to come back to the village. Overnight stay is in a tea house at Manang.

Day 08: Trek from Manang to Ledar

Maximum Altitude: 4,250 meters

Trek Distance: 10.8 km

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

After the day of rest, we’re all charged up and ready to helm the well-marked trail that walks through the village. Also, the path has lots of ups and downs which can be slightly nerve-wracking but the views are impeccably stunning.

Winding through the barren land alongside deep gorges and soaring hills, we’ll head to Thorong La Pass. Coming across the Marsyangdi River Valley on a suspension bridge and Jarsang Khola, we’ll walk from the edge of the hill.

The walk to Ledar is still 200 meters long from here so we’ll stop at Yak Kharka and have lunch. After re-energizing ourselves, we shall resume the trek that travels across the sparse vegetation to arrive at Ledar. We’ll spend the night in a lodge in the village.

Day 09: Trek from Ledar to Phedi or High Camp

Maximum Altitude: 4,600 meters

Trek Distance: 7.3 km

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

From Ledar, our trail sets out for Phedi with a steep ascent that’s quite hard to beat. Similarly, we’ll spend most of our day walking uphill that’s exhausting but also kind of impressed with the grandiose view. Subsequently, we can see the unspoiled valleys, ravines, and mountains, far from the trail.

En route to High camp, we’ll cross the river and proceed towards the small village at Phedi. The diverse landscapes, surrounding fjords, and charming villages are visible from far and away. Upon covering the trail distance of 7.3 km from Ledar, we’ll arrive at Ledar, a small settlement in Tanki Manang.

Day 10: Trek from Phedi to Mukti Nath

Maximum Altitude: 5,416 meters

Trek Distance: 15 km

Trek Duration: 7-8 hours

For day 10 of Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days, we have a great thing waiting for as well finally traveling to Muktinath. Stretching over 9 miles from Phedi, the route has us walking the zigzagged trail and to the brink above the valley.

We’ll even come across Thorong La Pass at 17,769 ft, which is relatively more strenuous and tougher than any other walk. Moreover, we shall be doing the trek as early as possible because the winds are ferocious in the afternoon.

Traveling beside the sky-scraping mountains, we’ll drop at the trail, heading to Muktinath. Since it gets too late by the time we reach the village, we’ll spend the night here in a tea house.

Day 11: Trek from Muktinath to Tatopani to Jomsom

Maximum Altitude: 2,750 meters

Trek Distance: 16.7 km

Drive Distance: 61.7 km

Trek Duration: 1-2 hours

Drive Duration: 4-5 hours

Early in the morning, we’ll visit Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage to both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple lies at the base of the Thorong La Pass in Muktinath Valley from where the scene is magical. After attending morning prayers, we’ll head back to the rugged trail that walks past rock face, lofty hills, and Chortens.

Depending on the pace, it takes about 1 hour or more to finish riding the trail to Jomsom. From the town, we’ll take a drive to Tatopani that lasts between 4-5 hours. Likewise, we can indeed catch a glimpse of majestic valleys, sweeping hills, and cliff faces while on our way to Jomsom.

From here, we’ll take a quick drive to Tatopani which lasts nearly 4-5 hours. The drive obviously comes with a phenomenal view of snow peaks and terrains. At the village in Sindhupalchowk, we’ll stay in a tea house.

Day 12: Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara

Maximum Altitude: 1190 meters

Drive Distance: 313.2 km

Drive Duration: 8-9 hours

We’ll top off the last day of Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days by taking a scenic drive from Tatopani to Pokhara. In short, the excursion will last somewhere between 7-8 hours and comes with a view to die for. Throughout the voyage, you’ll be stunned by the awe-inspiring vision of green pastures, spectacular landscapes, and outpouring rivers. Once we touch the city, it’ll be an easy ride up to the hotel.

Difficulties during Annapurna Circut Trek 12 Days

Have you been thinking of trekking to the Annapurna Circuit? Do you fear the difficulties of your admired trek? If your answer is yes, I am here to clear out all of your queries regarding the 12 days Annapurna Circuit Trek difficulties.

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderate to difficult trek to do in the Annapurna region. In addition, it is probably the longest trekking routes in the region. So the trek can be a challenge for a beginner trekker without proper physical exercise and training.

Crossing the Thorung La Pass at 5416 meters is the most difficult part of the trek. Likewise, the 12 days Annapurna Circuit Trek has usually walked through counter a clock-wise direction due to the difficulties of crossing the pass. Furthermore, the clockwise direction involves taking longer ascents and shorter descends. So, this might be too difficult for people to manage in a single day.

During the Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days, you will cover a distance of 160- 230 kilometers by walking. So, you should be able to walk 8-15 kilometers a day. The route is quite easier in the lowland regions. But the trails get tricker in the high mountains.

In particular, it involves walking on steep and narrow terrain, downhill and uphill climbs, and even snow. So the Annapurna Circuit Trek route becomes more challenging in the winter season as most of the trails get covered with snow. Likewise, the weather and temperature during winter and monsoon may not be very favorable for trekking. Hence, it only adds to the difficulty of the trek.

The average walking duration during the Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days is 6-7 hours per day. So, you will have to be physically fit to walk such hours continuously. However, people who are not used to trekking might have a hard time during the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Acclimatization is very necessary when trekking to a higher altitude. It helps to adjust your body to the new surrounding. Also, it eventually helps to reduce the problem of altitude sickness too. Therefore, the amount of oxygen is comparatively low in a higher altitude.

In fact, this results in difficulty in breathing. Along with this, it involves problems such as headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Therefore, altitude sickness becomes a barrier when trekking to the Annapurna Circuit.

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Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trekk Difficulty

• Physical preparation before the Annapurna Circuit trek will be very helpful. So, make sure you engage in physical activities such as running, swimming, cycling, etc three weeks before your trek.
• Walking slowly is the key to high altitude treks. So, walk slowly and do not rush to reach the destination sooner.
• Alcoholic consumption during the Annapurna Circuit Trek will only dehydrate your body. So, maintain a high level of non-alcoholic fluid consumption.
• Carry some Diamox tablets to prevent the problem of altitude sickness.
• Carry appropriate trekking gear with you. Do not forget to carry rain gear if you are trekking in monsoon season. You do not have to carry bulky clothes during the autumn and spring season.

Physical preparation before this trek will be surely helpful. As you trek to high altitudes- walking slowly rather than hurrying, wearing sunglasses during the day, maintaining a high level of non-alcoholic fluid consumption, not sleeping during the day, wearing warm enough clothing are all important factors for this trek.

Diamox is commonly suggested to prevent medication for high altitude mountain sickness. Likewise, be aware that many trekkers have no need for such medication.

Accommodation and Meals during Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days – Accommodation

12 days Annapurna Circuit Trek is a teahouse trek. You can find several teahouses and lodges along the route to the circuit. The teahouses and lodges are getting bigger and better in recent years. Similarly, you will find lodges with attached bathrooms too. But, this depends upon the type of lodge you choose and the cost you pay.

An average lodge will serve you with a basic accommodation facility. In sum, you will have a twin sharing room with twin beds, a comfortable mattress, and a pillow. Besides, most of the lodges will have facilities for charging, wifi and hot showers too. But, you will have to pay some extra cost to use such facilities.

The cost of an average accommodation ranges between 6-10 dollars per day per room. Plus, you will find a gradual increase in the cost as you trek to a higher altitude. Similarly, the cost of teahouse accommodation in peak seasons is comparatively higher than in offseason treks.

Food

During your Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days, three times meals are inclusive. Most of the lodges in the Annapurna region provide you with a mixture of local, Asian, and international cuisine.

Most of the people have porridge, eggs, bread, tea, coffee, etc for their breakfast. Trekkers usually have a light snack for lunch and a heavy meal for dinner. Rice, seasonal vegetables, and pickles are the most common food trekkers take for dinner. Along with these, you can find varieties in food such as pizza, pasta, sandwich, burger, noodles, etc.

The cost of food during your Annapurna Circuit Trek is quite reasonable. A complete Nepali Khana Set will cost you around 3-5 dollars. In addition, the meal provides you with enough nutrients required for trekking. However, you will have lesser options in food as you move to a higher elevation. And, the cost also increases gradually.

Best Time to do Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days

Annapurna Circuit trek has the trekkers wrapped around its raw beauty and staggering sceneries for all the years. With every season, the circuit amazes its visitors with the stunningly gorgeous Annapurna, a grandiose look of Thorong La Pass, and a sweeping valley.

However, in regards to weather conditions and climate extremes, Spring is the one that comes as the perfect occasion to ride the trail. Annapurna Circuit turns into a utopia during the month, following a warm atmosphere and refreshing breeze.

In fact, spring is a time for blooming rhododendron in the forest and hills. Likewise, trekkers are likely to spot more wild species in the season than ever as most of them wake up from hibernation. Following the spring equinox, days get longer in spring due to which hikers will have more time to explore the Annapurna region.

Temperatures in the season usually range from 15 to 20 Degree Celsius, except for the first few weeks of March. Nights and mornings are naturally freezing in the circuit which is why trekkers must carry warm clothes with them.

Other than spring, it’s autumn that captivates travelers with its unprecedented grandeur and lovely weather. Also, the seasons bids farewell to the blazing summer and embraces a cool and calm atmosphere which is marvelous for hiking.

Furthermore, the temperature in autumn is normally around 10 to 17 Degree Celsius but it varies sometimes. Similarly, the season puts a picture-perfect display in the backdrop with colorful autumn leaves and angel blue sky.

Winter and Monsoon are quietly infamous for Annapurna Circuit Trek as they endure harsh weather. Moreover, the climate is frigid in winter with the temperature falling as low as -5 Degree Celsius. Moreover, trails are often murky in a monsoon while winter ends up having a snow-covered path which is slippery.

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Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days – Conclusion

In conclusion, Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days is a complete package of stunning trekking experience. Enthusiastic trekkers can experience the closeness with nature and rejoice in the true beauty of the Annapurna region.

The trek is doable in every season with proper physical training. This trek might be quite difficult for beginner trekkers. However, Annapurna Circuit Trek might not be very challenging for an experienced trekker.

The 12 days Annapurna Circuit trek involves 9 days of trekking, 2 days of driving, and 1-day acclimatization at Manang. Hiring a guide for Annapurna Circuit Trek can also be a decent option. He/ she will make your trek more easy and comfortable.

So, if you have any questions regarding your Annapurna Circuit Trek, contact us at Exciting Nepal. Afterward, we have well-experienced representatives who will help you throughout your journey.