Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 Days
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a classic trek of Nepal. It offers you the incredible views of the mountain ranges such as Mount Annapurna, Mount Manaslu, Mount Dhaulagiri, and many other snow-capped mountain peaks. It is also known as the most popular trekking route of the Himalayas.
The Annapurna circuit trek 15 days is perfect for all types of trekkers. The first time trekkers can also do this trek with some basic fitness training. There will be a lot of time to acclimatize and rest so that the stress of the trek won’t get to you. The unique aspect of the trek is that we reach the base camp of Tilicho and also visit the Tilicho Lake.
The trek starts from a drive from Kathmandu to Beshisahar and Chamche. The trekking journey starts from Chamche, passing through Dharapani to reach Chame.
We then make our way to Pisang and move towards Manang. We take a day to acclimatize in Manang and move towards Tilicho Base Camp.
Then we pass through the trails of Yak Kharka and towards Thorong Phedi. We cross the highest pass Thorong La Pass and ascend to Muktinath on a challenging trail.
We trek to Jomsom from Muktinath as the trails merge with the motorways. From Jomsom, we take a drive back to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu.
Major Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 Days
- Incredible sunrise overlooking the entire Annapurna range from viewpoint
- Breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains including Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Tilicho Peak, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, and others.
- Crossing the majestic Thorung La Pass (5,416m) which is one of the highest passes in the world
- Exploring the heritage, culture, and lifestyles of the Gurung and Thakali community
- A fantastic aroma flora and fauna of the Annapurna region
- Observing the Kali-Gandaki Gorge which is the deepest gorge in the world
- Amazing hospitality of the local people
- Exploring the magnificent Tilicho Lake
- Relax in a natural hot spring.
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Itinerary of Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 Days
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar towards Chamche
Early in the morning we drive from Kathmandu for about 6-7 hours to Besisahar. You will see stunning villages, flowing rivers, farms. We can also get a glimpse of gorgeous mountain ranges. We might not get the bus easily from Beshisahar to Chamche. So we will hire a car/jeep and continue our journey towards Chamche. Overnight in Chamche.
Day 2: Trek from Chamche to Dharapani (1,860m/6,430ft)
After breakfast, we start our trek from Chamche to Dharapani. We cross a bridge and enter the section of the Manang region at Tal. you can see waterfalls forming a river by the sandy beaches. We follow the path and go through the village of Kodo. Kodo is also known as one of the largest villages in the Manang valley. We cross a suspension bridge, and after a brief climb, we reach Dharapani.
Day 3: Trek Dharapani to Chame (2713 m)
Today we follow the path through the forest with fir, oak, pine, and maple trees by a river to reach Chame. Chame is also the district headquarter of the Manang district. We can see outstanding views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We will stop by a little hot spring where we will relax for a moment. Overnight in Chame.
Day 4: Trek to Pisang (3185 m)
Early in the morning, we walk through a steep and slender valley towards Pisang. On our way we can see the view of Paungda Danda rock face, a curved rock face rising 1500m from the river. From here, we can see clear views of Annapurna, a pair of at the south and Pisang Peak in the northeast. Overnight in Pisang.
Day 5: Trek to Manang (3540 m)
We trek on the upper path through upper Pisang via Geru. We decide on this path because it offers outstanding views of north face Annapurna II, III, IV, Tilicho and Pisang Peak. As we ascend well feel the air flip cold, dry and harsher. We also get an opportunity to explore Buddhist culture as we visit Barge monastery, largest in Manang.
Day 6: Acclimatization at Manang
This is a rest day to acclimatize our bodies. We spend these days exploring Manang. Early morning we hike up to Gangapurna Lake and visit Chonkor’s viewpoint. We spend the rest of the day exploring Tilicho, Pisang, Annapurna III, and Chulu Peaks roll around Manang Village and Monasteries. During the afternoon we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association in Vraga village where we will be briefed regarding acute altitude sickness. We can know more about sickness, its symptoms, and prevention.
Day 7: Trek to Khangsar (3760 m)
On this day, we continue our journey to Tilicho Lake from Manang. We head out through the western gates and follow the trail right down to the stream. We ascend our way towards Khangsar after crossing the Khangsar Khola on the bridge below Khangsar. Khangsar is a village still in the previous Tibetan style and is known as the last village of Nepal.
Day 8: Trek from Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp
We will continue from Khangsar on an oversized path. We will pass a Gompa on our way. The route ahead goes on a path up towards a high ridge. As we step up we reach Tilicho Base Camp. We maintain the altitude as we move forward. After we reach base camp, we can a building referred to as Tilicho Base Camp at an elevation of 4200 meters.
Day 9: Trek to Tilicho Lake (4919 m) & back to Base Camp
On this day we start our journey early in the morning around 6 AM. It takes 3 to 4 hours from base camp to Tilicho lake. Tilicho Lake is claimed as the highest lake in the world. The place might be a cold barren place in the afternoon. We will spend the rest of our day in the lake and return back to base camp. There are no accommodation facilities around the lake. Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp.
Day 10: Trek to Yak Kharka (4000 m)
On this day you will move from Tilicho Base Camp to Kharka. Passing through the ruins of Khangsar and crossing the river on a previous log bridge you will reach Yak Kharka. Yak Kharka is located at 4000m. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
Day 11: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi / High Camp
Early in the morning, you climb step by step to a ridge before the downhill to the headwaters of the Marsyangdi. After following a slender path across an unstable scree slope and you descend to Thorung Phedi. Thorong Phedi is located at an elevation of 4500m.
Day 12: Trek to Muktinath after crossing Thorong La
This is a big day as we induce ourselves to the High Camp and climb up to the Thorong La Pass. The pass has several memorials, prayer flags, and a tea house. We will get to see bird’s-eye views of the Damodar and also the Annapurna Peaks. After crossing Thorong La we descend on a steep path to induce to the Holy Land of Muktinath. Overnight at the tea house.
Day 13: Trek to Jomsom (2720 m)
On this day we follow a peaceful path from Muktinath to the massive city of Jomsom. Jomsom is also the headquarters of the Mustang region. It takes 2 hours from Muktinath to reach Jomsom. This place has a tiny low runway just over the Kaligandaki River.
Day 14: Drive to Pokhara (720 m)
We take a scenic drive from Jomsom to Pokhara through the deepest canyon of the globe lying between two large mountain ranges of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri with several snow-capped peaks.
Day 15: Drive back to Kathmandu
Early in the morning we drive all the way through the hanging countryside and reach Kathmandu. It takes 7 hours drive from Pokhara to reach Kathmandu. This is the final day of our 15 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek.
When can we go to Annapurna Circuit Trek?
It is possible to trek to Annapurna Circuit for most of the year. However, there are certain difficulties you might face if you go there at the wrong time.
September, October and November i.e Autumn is generally considered to be the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit. The trails are dust-free and monsoon has cleared the air. The tea houses will be busy during the peak trekking season.
February, March and early April are the alternatives to the busy autumn trekking season. As they bring warmer, longer days and awash the trails with pink rhododendrons in full bloom.
May is warm but brings the risk of pre-monsoon rainfall. So you’ll need to be well prepared with rain gear during this time.
In June, July and August the monsoon hits full force and brings the risk of flooding the rivers in the circuit’s lower sections and landslides. It doesn’t rain every day but the scenery becomes lush and green, views of the Himalayas will be mostly obscured behind the cloud. It is better to avoid the trek during this season.
November and December offer a welcome breathing space from the autumn trekking crowds. You must be prepared for cold days and even colder nights. However, the possibility of delays or detours due to snow are always there.
Heavy snowfall in January makes for dangerous conditions over the Thorong La pass and many trekkers will find the route blocked.
How Difficult are Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 Days?
Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 Days is a moderately challenging trek in the Annapurna region. This trek is the longest trek in the Annapurna region. So, It is a bit challenging for a beginner trekker without proper physical exercise and training.
The most challenging part of the trek is crossing the Thorung La Pass at 5416 meters.
You should be able to walk 8-15 kilometers a day on this trek. As you will cover the distance of 160- 230 kilometers during the trek by walking.
Going on this trek involves walking on steep and narrow terrain, walking on snow and even going for downhill and uphill climbs. So the Annapurna Circuit Trek becomes more challenging in the winter season. Most of the trails get covered with snow and some routes even get blocked due to heavy rainfall. Likewise, the temperature and weather during winter and monsoon are not favorable for trekking. It only adds to the difficulty of the trek.
The average walking duration during the Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 days is 6-7 hours per day. You will be walking for 10 days on this ratio during the trek. In order to complete this trek, you should be physically fit to walk. However, people might have a hard time during the Annapurna Circuit Trek if they are not used to trekking.
Another necessary thing when trekking to a higher altitude is acclimatization. It helps your body to adjust to the new surroundings. It also helps to reduce the problem of altitude sickness. The amount of oxygen is comparatively low at the higher altitude. This results in difficulty in breathing. Along with this, it involves problems such as vomiting, headache, nausea, diarrhea, etc. Therefore, altitude sickness might become a major obstacle when trekking to the Annapurna Circuit.
Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty
- Doing physical preparation before the Annapurna Circuit trek will be very helpful.
- Make sure you engage in physical activities such as swimming, running, cycling, etc three weeks before your trek.
- Walk slowly and do not rush to reach the destination sooner as walking slowly is the key to complete the trek.
- Try to avoid alcohol and maintain a high level of non- alcoholic fluid consumption. Alcoholic consumption will only dehydrate your body.
- Carry some Diamox tablets to prevent the problem of altitude sickness.
- Always 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 autumn and spring season
Cost for Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 Days
The total cost for Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 days ranges from USD 950 to 1100. This cost includes your complete meal, all the bus transfer for 15 days. Your trekking accommodation, guides, permit fees, taxes and service charges are also included in this package.
However, all your personal expenses, your flight tickets, shopping, porters services, and any tips are not included.
You can also customize your trek according to your choices. However, it might vary the cost more or less according to the places you visit. Booking a package trek is an advantage as everything will be taken care of for your visit. You will not have to go through the hassle of planning and organizing a trip.
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FAQs
Is there any physical requirement for Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Anyone who is physically fit can join the Annapurna Circuit trek. The trek does not require any expert trekking experience. However, it will be helpful if you do some basic exercises before your Annapurna Circuit trek. You must seek medical advice from your doctor before considering the trek if you have any medical condition.
Who will receive me at the airport on my arrival?
Our team representative will be there to welcome you outside of the Arrival section of Tribhuvan International Airport. He will be waiting with the name card with your name on it. You will be transferred to the pre-chosen hotel after that.
What kind of accommodation can I expect while trekking?
Accommodation depends on your preference and budget. We can accommodate you according to your choice as you can choose from a budget hotel to luxurious five-star services but usually we offer three-star hotel services in our itinerary. However, you will be staying in tea houses/lodges with basic facilities during the trek. We also offer sleeping bags if required, but it’s always a good idea to carry a personal sleeping bag. Depending on the availability and prior booking, we provide you with single and double rooms. It is quite difficult to get a single room during the peak season so we recommend you book early.
Can I extend my trek later?
Yes, it is possible to add some more days to your trek. We can customize your trek according to your preferences with additional costs including guides, accommodation, food, and porters.
What is the temperature like during the trek?
The weather in the mountains is very difficult to predict. The nights are colder whereas, the days are warmer. The weather during the day is comfortably dry and warm if you will be trekking in the spring or autumn season. The temperature could be as low as 15-degree Celcius and high as 20-degrees Celsius during the daytime.
Note: This is a full itinerary of Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 Days designed for you to make your trek easy. You can customize your trek according to the places you want to visit. Exciting Nepal provides you with a complete plan of your trek and organizes a hassle-free trip.