Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the best ways to delve into the beauty of the Annapurna region. From having 360 views of the mystic mountain peaks like Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna I, II, III, Dhaulagiri, and Himchuli to experiencing the remote lifestyle, you will cherish every moment during the trek. If you are keen to travel in remote and rich areas like Annapurna Circuit but have very limited time, we have brought a perfect package for you, 10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek.
The trek takes you from the Pokhara Valley’s lowlands to Thorong La Pass’s high altitude of 5416 meters above sea level. The natural richness, cultural diversity, and warm and hospitable communities are some of the major attracting factors of this trek. The pristine river, waterfalls, lush green forest, yak pastures, and adventurous routes will take your breath away. Here are some of the things to know before you plan to embark on this beautiful journey. Let’s explore!
Highlights of 10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek
- 360 View of the mountain peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Himchuli, and many others.
- Explore vibrant and remote landscapes and local settlements
- Reach Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters above sea level
- Explore Jomsom And Muktinath
- Explore 108 Sprouts and Eternal Flame in Muktinath
- Visit the Tibetan Monasteries in Manang
Best Time To Go On The 10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek
The best time to go on the 10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek depends upon your choice and preference. It relies on what type of weather conditions you like to explore. But if you see the people’s choice, Spring and Autumn’s seasons are the most popular times to go on this trek. Here is why:
Annapurna Circuit Trek in Spring
If you want crystal clear views of the Himalayas and the surroundings, what can be a better option than traveling in the Spring season in Annapurna Circuit? Spring season has many friendly features, including stable weather and climate conditions, lesser clouds, and a dry environment.
Similarly, the moderate temperature will be a plus point for a convenient hike through the Annapurna region. Besides that, there are several festivals during this season – you can delve into the festivals like Holi, Shivaratri, and Nepali New Year and make your trip more enjoyable.
Its colorful environment is the most exciting part of trekking to Annapurna Circuit during Spring. The forest goes green with new budding leaves and blossoming flowers. You can have perfect views of the full-bloomed Rhododendron forest, which will be breathtaking to watch.
Annapurna Circuit Trek in Autumn
The Autumn season also features friendly characteristics like stable weather, mild temperatures, lesser clouds, and clear sky.
During the Autumn, major festivals like Dashain and Tihar are celebrated, and you can be a part of them. You can know the Hindu culture and norms in deep through this.
See more: Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Trek
Preparation And Permits Required For Annapurna Circuit Trek
If you are setting off for the 10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek, you should be fully prepared with everything necessary. Since this trek is moderately challenging, you should be physically and mentally prepared. Similarly, you should pack the necessary gear and equipment for the trek.
What To Pack?
Before starting the journey, you must be mindful of the difficulty of the 10 Days Annapurna Circuit trek. Some of the necessary items are a pair of sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, warm clothes, windproof/waterproof jackets, sleeping bags, warm gloves, socks, and hats.
Besides that, remember to pack first-aid kits and sunscreens to get rid of sunburn.
How to Prepare Physically and Mentally?
We recommend you take light hikes and gain experience before embarking on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The routes to this region are sloppy and treacherous, so you must have basic technical climbing skills for a handy trek.
You can also work out at gyms and elevate your physical fitness. Besides, we suggest you expose yourself to the high altitudes and train your lung, or it will lead you to trouble like altitude sickness in the Annapurna region, especially in Thorong Phedi and Thorong La Pass.
See more on: Prepare for Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Permits Required for Annapurna Circuit Trek
To embark on Annapurna Circuit Trek, you need to obtain several permits. Some are Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System). To obtain these licenses, you can visit Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu, where you have to pay certain fees.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit costs around NRs. 3,000 per person per entry for foreign trekkers. The price of the permit is NRs. 1,000 per person per entry for SAARC Nationals, while Nepalese trekkers have to pay only NRs. 100 per person per entry. If you are taking your children under 10, they don’t have to get these permits.
Similarly, TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System) costs NPR 2,000 for foreign trekkers and NPR. 1,000 for SAARC (Citizens of South Asian countries).
See more on: Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit Cost
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu Chame by Jeep
Day 2: Trek from Chame to Pisang
Day 3: Trek from Pisang to Manang
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Manang
Day 5: Trek from Manang to Yak kharka
Day 6: Trek from Yak Kharka to Throng Phedi
Day 7: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Thorong La– Muktinath
Day 8: Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara by local bus or Jeep
Day 9: Half Day sightseeing in Pokhara
Day 10: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu Chame by Jeep
Location: Chame
Chame Altitude: 2,650 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
The 10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek starts from Kathmandu. You will ride to your first-day destination, Chame, at 2,650 meters above sea level. From Kathmandu, first, you will head towards Besisahar in Lamjung district. You will drive in a private jeep, and reaching Besisahar takes 4 to 5 hours from the capital city.
From Besisahar, you will continue your ride for the next few hours to reach Dharapani. Dharapani sits at 1,860 meters, and you will be there after around 3 to 4 hours of the ride.
From Dharapani, you will directly head towards Chame. You will pass across the beautiful Danaque village and Thanchowk Kolo during the ride.
Day 2: Trek from Chame to Pisang
Location: Pisang
Pisang Altitude: 3,240 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
On the second day of your trek, you will start your hike from Chame to Pissang at 3,240 meters above sea level. You will climb uphill to Telekhu, and from there, you will follow the remote trail through the dense forest and reach Brathang.
You will continue your journey through the banks of the Marsyangdi River and the uphill forest before you get to Pisang. Getting to Pisang from Chame takes 5 to 6 hours of the trek - you will stay at a tea house overnight.
Day 3: Trek from Pisang to Manang
Location: Manang
Manang Altitude: 3,540 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
On the third day of your 10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will wake up early in Pisang and then begin your hike to Manang. Manang is a beautiful place that lies 3540 meters above sea and is rich in Buddhist culture and Himalayan traditions. You can reach Manang after 5 to 6 hours of hiking from Pisang.
Your route takes you to Braga Village first, where you can find an old Buddhist monastery rich in Buddhist culture and norms. You can find the large statue of Lord Buddha, mani walls, and chortens around the monastery.
From Braga Village, it takes a few hours to reach Manang Valley.
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Manang
Location: Manang
Manang Altitude: 3,540 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
Activity: Acclimatization
By the fourth day of your journey, you already would have elevated thousands of meters of altitude. You will be 3540 meters above sea level, and your body and mind will be exhausted by a long walk. So you will acclimatize to adjust to the altitude.
Acclimatization helps you eliminate altitude sickness and other related health hazards. You should stay hydrated, eat nutritious food, and rest sufficiently for proper acclimatization. While you will be on a full day's rest, you can visit the nearby places in Manang and explore the local settlements and monasteries.
You can also hike to the Ice Lake, known as Kicho Tal. It is a frozen lake located at a high altitude of 4620 meters.
Day 5: Trek from Manang to Yak kharka
Location: Yak Kharka
Yak Kharka Altitude: 4,120 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
From Manang, your next destination will be Yak Kharka, 4,120 meters above sea level. The trail takes you through the rhododendron and juniper forests, rich in natural vegetation and wildlife.
Similarly, you will pass through the wide area of Yak Pastures and walk for around 4 to 5 hours before reaching Yak Kharka. You will stay at a tea house overnight.
Day 6: Trek from Yak Kharka to Throng Phedi
Location: Thorong Phedi
Thorong Phedi Altitude: 4,560 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
On the sixth day of your 10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will begin your hike from Yak Kharka. You will leave the Yak Pastures behind early in the morning and set off through the Jharang Khola trail. The route is sloppy and rocky, so we recommend you have a pair of sturdy boots and other essential gear for safety.
Reaching Thorong Phedi from Yak Kharka takes 6 to 7 hours, and the trekking will be memorable as you pass through the lush green forest and the views of the Himalayas in the north. This region is also very rich in wildlife and natural vegetation. You might get a chance to encounter some of the endangered animals like Blue sheep and snow leopards.
Day 7: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Thorong La– Muktinath
Location: Thorong La Pass/Muktinath
Thorong la Pass Altitude: 5,416 Meters
Muktinath Altitude: 3,802 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
The seventh day of the journey takes you to one of the holiest places in Nepal and the high-altitude pass. First, you will head towards the high-altitude pass, Thorong La Pass. It sits at 5416 meters above sea level, and it is one of the most strenuous activities to reach there. Since it lies at a great height, trekkers are most prone to altitude sickness. The treacherous route and the weather conditions might not be what you expected. So it will be wise to prepare with all you have, from physical and technical needs to acclimatization and safety.
From Thorong La Pass, you can have 360 views of the mystic mountain ranges, including peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Himchuli, and many more.
Afterward, you will head toward Muktinath Temple at 3802 meters above sea level. It is considered a holy temple for both Hindu and Buddhist people. You can participate in the rituals in the temple and take a bath in the 108 sprouts, and explore the eternal flame. People believe you can wash off your sins if you bathe in the 108 sprouts.
Day 8: Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara by local bus or Jeep
Location: Pokhara
Pokhara Altitude: 820 Meters
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge
After wrapping up your activities in Muktinath, you will prepare to return to Pokhara on the eighth day of 10 days Annapurna Circuit Trek. You will catch a bus or a jeep from Muktinath leading to the beautiful city of Pokhara.
Reaching the destination takes around 6 to 7 hours of drive from Muktinath. During the journey, you will enjoy the greenery around you, which includes the lush forests, green terraced fields, and remote settlements around the Annapurna region. Tonight you will stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
Day 9: Half Day sightseeing in Pokhara
Location: Pokhara
Pokhara Altitude: 820 Meters
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge
Activity: Sightseeing
The ninth day is a full day of leisure. Your motive in Pokhara city is to explore famous destinations like Davis Falls, Phewa Lake, and International Mountain Museum.
You will start your day early on the ninth day and briefly hike to Sarangkot Hill. It is at the hilltop, meaning it is a perfect viewpoint to have a spectacular view of Pokhara city and the mystic mountains like Macchapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and others.
You can find multiple shop vendors selling local products in Sarangkot Hill. Besides, it is also a place from where adventurous Paragliding takes off. If you are interested, you can be part of this activity.
You can then head towards the Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) at the next hilltop. Besides, the places like Mahendra Cave, Tal Barahi Temple, Begnas Lake, and Phewa Lake are must-visit places. You will stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
Day 10: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
Location: Kathmandu
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,324 Meters
Accommodation: Hotel
The tenth day is the last day of the 10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek. You will ride from the Pokhara bus stop early in the morning. You will get to the capital city of Nepal after 6 to 7 hours of ride from Pokhara.
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● Hire a guide and porter for Annapurna Circuit Trek
Trip Cost US$ 950 Per person
Cost Includes:
- Pick up from the airport and Final drop to the airport by private vehicle.
- Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast ( Twin Sharing )
- All your standard meals like, Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner, during the trek with A cup of tea or coffee during the breakfast.
- Seasonal fruits.
- Tea house Accommodations during the trek.
- Equipment like sleeping bag, Down Jacket & needed things etc if you do not have your own. To be returned after the trip completed.
- All ground transportation as per the itinerary, Sharing Bus/ Jeep.
- Well English speaking guide, friendly, experienced, with government license holder.
- A Strong Porter among the two trekkers ( one porter sharing among two member ) including all his expenses including full insurance during the trek.
- A Guide his , food, Transport, Accommodation, Salary, equipments, e.t.c. All paid.
- Monastery fees.
- A Trekking route map
- Emergency helicopter rescues service arrangement. pay by your travel insurance.
- Insurance of Guide.
- Conservation area park fees.
- TIMS (trekkers’ Information Management System.)
- First aid box with normal medical supplies, including Oximeter and pulse meter checker.
Cost Excludes:
- All kind’s of Drink’s like Mineral water, beer Juice, Coke, fanta, other alcoholic hard drink’s, ETC.
- Sweet things like chocolate and others
- Your personal expenses.
- Extra hotel night and activities in Kathmandu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The total distance of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is around 160 km-230 km (100-145 miles), depending on the route.
How many days does it take to complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
We have 10 days of the itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit trek. During this time, you will reach every major destination of the Annapurna Circuit.
What is the best time of year to trek the Annapurna Circuit?
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best time for the 10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek. During this time, the weather is stable, clear, and dry.
What is the level of difficulty for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The 10 Days Annapurna circuit trek is challenging and features sloppy and rocky terrain. Multiple challenging sections of steep inclines and high-altitude places like Thorong La Pass exist.
Do I need a guide to trek the Annapurna Circuit?
Annapurna Circuit Trek can not be embarked on without a guide. Effective April 1, 2023, you must hire a professional guide for your safety to trek to any destination within Nepal.
What is the maximum altitude reached on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Thorong La Pass is the highest altitude you will reach during the trek. The pass is at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet).
What is the accommodation like on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Most of the time, you will stay at a tea house. But during the initial and later phases of the trek, you will accommodate in hotels and lodges with attached bathrooms and hot showers.
Is there electricity and Wi-Fi on the trek?
Since the Annapurna region is developing, you can expect to find electricity. But not all places might have this amenity when it comes to Wi-Fi services. But some tea houses feature internet services and 24/7 electricity.
What type of food is available on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The traditional Nepali cuisine, including Dal, Bhaat, and Tarkari, is the most common dish you will find during the trek. Similarly, you can taste the famous Thakali Khana Set while trekking in Manang.
What are permits required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
You should obtain Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) for the trek.
Is travel insurance necessary for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
It’s good to have travel insurance for the 10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek since it will cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unpredicted circumstances.
What should I pack for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
You should pack essential things like hiking boots, trekking poles, sleeping bags, warm clothes, and sun-blocking items.
Can I extend the Annapurna Circuit Trek to include other destinations?
Yes, you can extend your trek to include other destinations. You can include other popular destinations in Nepal, such as Pokhara, Poon Hill, and Ghandruk Village near the destination.
10 Days Annapurna Crcuit Trek
