The Annapurna circuit trek is one of the favorite destinations among trekkers in Nepal. This trek includes encircling the Annapurna Massif and walking alongside the beautiful Marsyangdi River. You also get to cross the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, which is one the most intriguing parts of the trek. The trip also allows you to get closer to the Himalayas of the Annapurna range. Along with that, you also can find other peaks like Machhapucchre (Fishtail), Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri in your vicinity. This trek is an excellent opportunity to explore the remote Himalayan trails of Nepal.

We at Exciting Nepal propose an excellent package for this trek called 12 days Annapurna Circuit trek. In this package, we aim to take you trekking throughout the trails of the Annapurna circuit in 12 days.

Our trek will begin from Kathmandu and will end at Pokhara. We will kick off the journey by leaving Kathmandu to head to Ngadi. From Ngadi, our trek officially begins as we begin trekking towards Chamje. We will then enter the alpine trails, passing through a few streams upto Chamje. From Chamje, we climb up to Pisang, making overnight stops in Bagarchap and Chame.

Then, we continue our journey up to Upper Pisang and enter the Tibetan settlement at Manang. The trail then continues toward Yak Kharka and then finally to the main attraction point of the trek, Thorong Phedi. We will then cross the Thorong La pass to get to the revered location of Muktinath. Then, we will trek to Jomsom via Kagbeni, which will be the end of the hiking part of our journey. After that, a local drive from Jomsom to Pokhara to mark the end of the trip

The package includes all the necessary amenities you might need to complete this trek. Trekking in foreign lands is tricky. So, we make this job easier for you by arranging the necessary tools for the trek. Your transportation, guides, porters, permits, accommodation, food, etc., are included in the package.

Here, we have compiled the extensive details of all this info. Stick with us to know it all!

Highlights

• Get amazing vistas of peaks, including Annapurna ranges, Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, etc.
• Cross the challenging Thorong La pass, one of the highest altitude passes in the world.
• Trek through alpine trails alongside the Marsyangdi River.
• Explore the Tibetan settlements of Manang and Kagbeni.
• Observe the depths of the world’s deepest canyon, Kali Gandaki Gorge.
• Visit the Hindu and Buddhist revered shrines at Muktinath.
• Relax in the natural hot springs of Tatopani.

12 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Outline Itinerary

Day 1 - Drive from Kathmandu to Ngadi
Day 2 - Trek from Ngadi to Chamje
Day 3 - Trek from Chamje to Bagarchap
Day 4- Trek from Bagarchap to Chame
Day 5 - Trek from Chame to Pisang
Day 6 - Trek from Pisang to Manang
Day 7 - Acclimatization and Exploration in Manang
Day 8 - Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka
Day 9 - Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Day 10 - Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong la Pass
Day 11 - Trek to Jomsom via Kagbeni.
Day 12 - Jomsom-Pokhara on Public Transportation.

Detailed 12 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

Day 1 - Drive from Kathmandu to Ngadi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge

Place: Ngadi

Altitude: 890 Meters

Time taken - 6 to 7 hours drive

We will kick off our trek by leaving Kathmandu and heading for a long drive. Our first destination will be to drive to Ngadi via Besisahar. Ngadi is a beautiful settlement area in the Annapurna circuit with remote hilly landscapes. The ride will be lengthy and bumpy for the most part. However, it will be a great way to anticipate the adventure and challenges that the trek has to offer.

We will travel around 185km to reach Ngadi for most part of the day. Some stops will be made for lunch within the highway. After around 6 to 7 hours of drive, we will arrive at our destination. Check into a local tea house or lodge of the region and get ready to kick off the trek tomorrow.

Day 2 - Trek from Ngadi to Chamje

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge

Place: Chamje

Altitude:1385 Meters

Time taken - 4 to 5 hours trek

The second day of our 12 days Annapurna circuit trek aims to head to Chamje. It is a quaint and simple settlement area in the Annapurna circuit. We will leave early in the morning and come across the busy village area among the rice fields of Bahun Danda. Then, we continued our walk uphill, heading to the hamlets of Ghermu and Syange. During our trek, we will pass through a massive suspension bridge across the rivers connecting the roads of these hamlets.

The trek today will be quite magical. You will pass through several water streams on your way. The walk will consist of walking through trails forested with alpine trees. You will also enjoy magnificent views of snow-covered mountains on your way. The natural diversity of the region will be peaking.

After around 4 to 5 hours of such mesmerizing walk, you will arrive at Chamje. We will check into a local lodge for our overnight stay. This will mark the end of day two.

Day 3 - Trek from Chamje to Bagarchap

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge

Place: Bagarchap

Altitude: 2160 Meters

Time taken - 4 to 5 hours trek

The next stop in our 12-day trip is Bagarchap. We will leave Chamje early in the morning and walk uphill to beautiful trails with amazing landscapes to Tal. We will cross Tal through a suspension bridge. It will be quite an adventurous experience. Then, we pass through various waterfalls and enter Manang. The trails in Manang consist of stone-made stairs that lead us to Dharapani.

From Dharapani to Bagarchap, you will encounter several religious sites. Many ancient chortens and stupas can be encountered. Some of these are even more than a century old. After a total of 4 to 5 hours of trek, we enter Bagarchap from Dharapani. You will find the day’s destination to be a beautiful Buddhist community. Tibetan-influenced culture and lifestyle can be observed with various stone houses. We will check into a hotel in Bagarchap and call it a day.

Day 4 Trek from Bagarchap to Chame

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge

Place: Chame

Altitude: 2630 Meters

Time taken - 5 to 6 hours trek

The next stop of our trek will be Chame. It is the headquarters of the Manang district. The trek will be a beautiful journey with a mixture of both ascents and descends. We will walk through the lush green forest surrounding trails. The horizon will be covered with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Chame specifically is popular for its views of the Lamjung Himal.

Reaching Chame requires around 5 to 6 hours of trekking of around 14km distance. During this trek, you will also cross a river to reach Kopar. Then, a trail straight ahead will lead to the day’s destination of Chame. Get mesmerized by the welcoming vistas of the Lamjung Himal and the quaint market of Chame.

We will be located in the local lodge for our overnight stay. This marks the end of day four of our trip.

Day 5 - Trek from Chame to Pisang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge

Place: Pisang

Altitude: 3330 Meters

Time taken - 5 to 6 hours trek

We will head to Pisanga on our fifth day of the trek. We will leave Chame, walk toward Bhartang, and cross the Marsyangdi River en route. There are short breaks in between, and we will head through some narrow trails. This will lead us to the Marsyangdi River valley through thick alpine forests filled with pine trees and Hemlock.

You will find mesmerizing meadows and mountain views as we continue our walk to Bhartang. The walk is mostly uphill and takes you to a place called Dhukkur Pokhari. Then, you will encounter a rock-shared bowl which is popularly known as Paungda Danda Rock. After a straightforward walk from Paungda Danda, you will reach Pisang. The place is a small hamlet that accommodates tourists.

A short hike from Pisang to upper Pisang is also possible. You can get amazing vistas of Annapurna II if you hike upto Upper Pisang. For the fifth day’s end, however, we will check into a local lodge at Pisang for the night. This will be the end of day five.

Day 6 - Trek from Pisang to Manang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge

Place: Manang

Altitude: 3519 Meters

Time taken - 7 to 8 hours trek

We will leave Pisang for Manang today. The journey starts early in the morning as we walk through the trail, enjoying the beautiful vistas of the Himalayas. You can find glimpses of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Pisang peak during this journey. The region is rich in flora and fauna that can be noticed during this trek.

We’ll first pass through a trail with lush jungle, and then the trail leads to a dry region of Manang. You will find a Lama school and also various stupas during this part of the trek. As you head further, you’ll find a crossroad that both leads to Barga. The southern route is a shorter one, but the northern route is more beautiful. A 900-year-old stupa is placed in the hamlet of Barga. From Barga, we head straight to Manang. After a long day of around 7 to 8 hours of trekking, we will finally reach Manang. We will transfer to a local teahouse in Manang for the day. A sweet supper after a long day of trek and a good night’s sleep. This will mark the end of day six.

Day 7 - Acclimatization and Exploration in Manang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge

Place: Manang

Altitude: 3519 Meters

Time taken - 7 to 8 hours trek

Today’s day is separated for acclimatization. This is a practice to accommodate your body to the higher altitude places. We will have reached an altitude beyond 3500 meters. As we go higher, the risks of altitude-related sicknesses will increase. So, we will try to adjust ourselves to the altitude of Manang for today.

Just because we will be in Manang does not mean we will stay idle. Many activities are available to do within the area. However, if you wish to stay in and rest your body, that is fine too.

If you wish, you can explore various places in Manang. One of the major tourist attraction sites is the hike to Khangsar. The Khangsar hill is a great destination to get vistas of the Tillicho lake. You can also visit the Milarepa cave or the glacier lake of Gangapurna during this day.

Day 8 - Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house / Lodge

Place: Yak Kharka

Altitude: 4200 Meters

Time taken - 3 to 4 hours trek

After a day of acclimatization, we will resume our trek today. The next destination of our trek will be Yak Kharka or Ledar. We will begin our journey by passing through the terrains of Manang. Then, we will traverse through the ancient region of Manang, including a place called Ginseng. After around 3 to 4 hours of walking, you will arrive at Yak Kharka. It is a Pasture land with amazing vistas.

Yak Kharka has landscapes of a Tibetan Plateau surrounded by various mountain views. The place itself is a region with semi-deserted hills and quite unique. Alongside that, it is surrounded by mountains, including Annapurna, Tilicho, Gangapurna, etc., which will look quite ethereal from the region.

Upon arrival at Yak Kharka, we will check into a local tea house for the night. This marks the end of day eight.

Day 9 - Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camp / Tent

Place: Thorong Phedi (High Camp)

Altitude: 4525 Meters

Time taken - 4 to 5 hours trek

We get closer to the highest point of the trek by day. Today, we will leave Yak Kharka to reach Thorong Phedi. The walk will be quite uphill yet aesthetic. The trek will include many challenging landscapes today. We will have to walk for around 4 to 5 hours. Kicking off our trek, we will leave Yak Khakra, which lies at the river beds.

We ought to cross some beautiful suspension bridges to reach the Thorong Phedi. Some narrow trails will be on the way that passes through some amazing landscapes, including a landslide area. From the region, you will make a steady ascent to reach Thorong Phedi. The Thorong Phedi (High Camp) is a great stop for acclimatization. So we will stop here for the night. This will be it for day 9 as we await the biggest part of our trek.

Day 10 - Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong la Pass

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge / Tea house

Place: Muktinath

Altitude: 5416 Meters

Time taken - 8 to 9 hours trek

Today will be a significant part of your 12 days Annapurna circuit trek. We will cross the Thorong La Pass from Thorong High Camp to reach Muktinath. The Thorong La Pass is the most anticipated part of the Annapurna Circuit trek.

We will leave early in the morning and ascend towards the Thorong La pass, walking through steep and challenging routes. Although the trek will be challenging, the views at the top make it worth it. Snow-covered peaks look mesmerizing from the height. You will get views of the entire region.

Then, we continue our trek downhill, heading to the revered location of Muktinath. Muktinath is the religious center for Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims. The place is named after the Muktinath temple. It houses around 108 stone water taps and small kundas(ponds) on its premises. Around 3 to 4 hours of downhill walk from the peak of Thorong La Pass will bring us here.

Upon arrival, you can explore the temple and observe its significance firsthand. The natural landscapes of the area are also impressive. You can find the mesmerizing Kali Gandaki River in the area. Later, after the exploration, we will check into our tea house of the day. This will be the end of the second last day of trekking.

Day 11 - Trek to Jomsom via Kagbeni.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge / Tea house

Place: Jomsom

Altitude: 2700 Meters

Time taken -

Today will be the official end of the trekking part of our journey. Today, we will make a swift downhill walk to reach Jomsom. The route includes take off from Jomsom and then hike to reach Kagbeni. From Kagbeni, we head straight to Jomsom. During the trek, we will pass through various apple-farming regions. Many apple products like apple juice and apple wine are available.

Jomsom is a popular area for traveling and trekking due to its unique landscapes. You find barren land that resembles desserts in the foothills of the Himalayas. The region is also quite windy in Jomsom. You can explore the area for the rest of the day after we check into our lodge or tea house. We will spend the night here and officially end the trip tomorrow.

Day 12 - Jomsom-Pokhara on Public Transportation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Place: Pokhara

Altitude: 820 Meters

Time taken - 6 to 7 hours.

Today, we will bid farewell to the Annapurna circuit trek and the Jomsom region. We will catch public transportation to reach Pokhara from Jomsom. The drive will be quite bumpy and pass through the rugged terrains of the Nepali Hills. After around 6 to 7 hours, we will arrive at Pokhara.

Upon arrival, the 12 days Annapurna circuit trek officially comes to an end. We will bid you farewell, and you are free to explore the beautiful city of Pokhara.

You may also like:

• Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 13 Days Trek
• Annapurna Circuit Trek - 16 Days Round Annapurna Trek
• Annapurna Panorama Trek
• Annapurna Base Camp Trek Return Back by Helicopter

Trip Cost US$ 990 Per person

Cost Includes:

Cost Excludes:

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days does it take to hike the Annapurna Circuit?

It takes anywhere from 10 to 22 days to finish the Annapurna circuit. We have proposed an optimal 12-day trek to ensure acclimatization as well as a quick trip.

Can a beginner do the Annapurna Circuit trek?

Yes, if you are a beginner in your trekking journey, you can start with this trek. But we suggest you prepare yourself and get fit before the trek.

What is the hardest part of the Annapurna Circuit trek?

Crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m is the hardest part of the Annapurna circuit trek.

What is the highest point of the Annapurna circuit trek?

The highest point of the trek will be at the peak of the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m.

Is the Annapurna Circuit trek difficult?

The Annapurna Circuit trek is moderately difficult to challenging in some parts. The difficulty increases with altitude and lack of fitness. Get fit and practice acclimatization to ensure an easier trip.

How fit do I need to be to complete this trek?

You need to be fit and strong enough to walk at least 4 to 5 hours a day for more than 10 days.

Can you do the Annapurna Circuit trek without a guide?

No, you cannot do the Annapurna circuit trek without a guide. The government has imposed the compulsion of hiring a licensed guide for remote trail treks. So you need to get a guide with you to check in through various posts and complete this trek.

Are porters necessary for the trek?

It is not a compulsion to hire porters like it is to hire guides. However, they do make your trek easier and more comfortable.

Do you need crampons for the Annapurna Circuit trek?

You don’t need crampons if you are trekking during spring or autumn. But carrying it during snowfall season or monsoon treks might be necessary.

How much does the 12 days Annapurna circuit trek cost?

The 12 days Annapurna circuit trek will cost you a total of USD 990.

Is the Annapurna circuit trek the same as the Annapurna Base Camp trek?

No, the Annapurna circuit trek takes you around the Annapurna massif to several hamlets of the Manang region. On the other hand, ABC trek takes you to the literal base camp of the mountain.

Difficulty level of the 12 days Annapurna circuit trek

The Annapurna circuit trek is considered moderately difficult to some extent. Some parts of the trek are also considered to be challenging. So overall, the difficulty scale is moderate to challenging. The difficulty level of the Annapurna circuit trek depends on the place and altitude of the day. Some days, you will be trekking through lower altitudes with less gain in altitude. Such treks with lower inclines are much easier. Trekking to cross the Thorong La pass will be the most challenging part of the trek. It is the highest point of the trek at a height of 5,416 m.

Other than that, most parts of the trek are moderately challenging. People of all ages and experiences can partake in it. However, we do suggest you exercise and prepare yourself physically beforehand. Hitting the gym and developing your stamina is a good practice to ensure you sustain physically during the trek.

Best Time for the 12-day Annapurna Circuit Trek

The 12 days Annapurna Circuit Trek is possible throughout the year. However, there are certain times of the year that are optimal for an easy and comfortable trek. People consider spring and autumn months as the best time for this trek. In Nepal, the months of March, April, and May bring spring. On the other hand, September, October, and November are considered autumn months. However, records of monsoon lasting till September have also been found recently. So make sure you plan your trek during the time during these seasons for the best trip.

Spring and autumn months are the best times due to their stable weather and temperate climate. The environment isn’t very hot or frigid; you can exclude heavy clothing, and you wil be fine. Moreover, trails will be dry and best for trekking, which reduces the chances of accidents. Along with that, you will also get amazing vistas without blockage due to heavy clouds. The spring and autumn skies are radiant and clear and best for mountain vistas.

Permits needed for the 12 days Annapurna circuit trek

There are two major permits that you will need for the Annapurna circuit trek. They are the TIMS and ACAP permits.

TIMS - TIMS stands for Trekker’s Information Management System’s permit. This is a general permit needed for any foreign trekker traveling in Nepal. It ensures one’s safety while trekking through remote trails of the Annapurna circuit.

ACAP - ACAP stands for Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. This permit is imposed within the protected area in the Annapurna region. It ensures the longevity and sustainability of the wildlife and vegetation of the region.

Things to consider for the trek:

Physical fitness

The 12-day Annapurna circuit trek will be quite taxing physically. You need not be an athlete or experienced trekking to finish it. But you still need to be strong enough to walk for hours on end for more than a week. Trekking through several steep, uneven roads is necessary. If you are not physically fit, you might get sick or be too exhausted to complete the trek. So make sure you get fit before heading for this trek.

Altitude Sickness

During our trek, we have to travel to places that are as high as 5416 m. This brings high risks of altitude-related sicknesses. The sickness could range from minor symptoms like blocked sinus, nausea, nose bleeding, etc, to dangerous illnesses like HACE or HAPE. But you can avoid all these just by being more precautionary. Make sure you take slower steps and stay hydrated. Stray away from caffeine and alcohol to ensure you’re well hydrated.

We also suggest you carry electrolytes and diamox tablets for precaution. During your trip, in case such symptoms occur, take help from your guides, as they will be your medical help, too. Also, make sure your treks are not rapid but smooth and slow. Make practices of acclimatization to accommodate your body to the remote altitude you’re trekking to.

Packing list:

The packing list for your trek should cover various items, including clothing, accessories, gadgets, etc. Make sure your luggage is optimal for trekking and not too heavy. However, options to hire a porter to help with your luggage are also available.

We suggest you carry luggage with warm thermal wear with both inner and outer layer clothes. A waterproof or windproof jacket is essential. Also, make sure you wear sturdy hiking boots and carry some trekking poles. A sleeping bag is always an essential item in long-duration treks. Other clothing items like gloves and hats can also be on your list.

Carry your medicines, some essential first aid kit items, SPF, sanitizer, etc. as well. Make sure you pack all your necessary gadgets along with their chargers. We also suggest getting a solar-powered battery charger as electricity might be scarce in remote areas.

In case some necessary items are missed during your packing, fret not. Some items can be bought in Nepal itself, or our team can manage to get it to you.

Timing:

Make sure you decide on when you want to do this trek. The timing of the trek is a determining factor for so many arrangements needed for the trek. The packing list varies, and the cost of the permit varies based on when you trek. The availability of transportation, accommodation, and food also differs based on season.

Weather

Before you head for your trek, make sure you are updated with the weather forecast for the duration of the trek. The weather is comparatively stable during peak spring and autumn months. However, if you travel off-season, the weather might be erratic, and chances of rain and road blockage are high.

You also ought to be cautious during the early autumn months as monsoon withdrawal has been late in recent years. There might be rainfall even during September. So, plan your treks accordingly based on the weather and climate.

Amenities covered in the 12 days Annapurna circuit trek

Food and accommodation

Our package will include food and accommodation needed for all 12 days. These services will vary for you based on the day of the trek and the location. The less remote city areas will have a wider range of food options and well-facilitated hotels. On the other hand, remote high-altitude places have limited options for food and local tea houses for overnight stays.

Food options during the trek will be mostly Nepali staples. You will get meals like rice, lentil and vegetable curry, momo, thukpa noodles, chowmein noodles, etc. A wide range of options with international cuisine will be available in city areas.

Accommodation for the trek in places like Kathmandu or Pokhara will be well-facilitated hotels or resorts. However, in remote hamlets of the Annapurna circuit, local tea houses and lodges are available.

Guides and Porters

Guides and porters are essential parts of the Annapurna circuit trek. The government of Nepal does not allow you to do remote trail treks without licensed guides. Hence, hiring a guide is a compulsion for this trek. We make this task easier for you by assigning these guides ourselves. Guides will be your helping hand throughout the trek. They make emergency decisions, alter schedules when necessary, act as a nurse, navigate your journey, etc, for you. Guides are also crucial for communication and to bridge the language barrier with locals.

Along with guides, we will also manage necessary porters for you. Trekking continuously for days is exhausting on its own. When you add heavy luggage to the trek, it becomes more exhausting. So, to ensure the trek is less exhausting, you can hire porters. Porters are usually locals who have long-time experience traveling the trekking trails. A porter can help you carry around 25 kg worth of load for a day. They will also be able to help you bridge the communication gap with locals.

Transportation:

You have to travel via road or take a few flights to start your trek. Most of the transportation of the trek will be managed by us. You will have to book your flights to and back from Nepal on your own. However, the transportation to receive you from the airport and drop you off to get back home is on us. Similarly, we will drive you from Kathmandu to Ngadi to kick off the trek. Flights from Jomsom to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu are also managed.

Permits

As we’ve already mentioned, you will need two major permits to complete this trek. The TIMS permit and the ACAP permit are required. There is a specific process to obtain these permits. We will make sure you get them without having to research or exhaust yourself. Processing documents for such permits and obtaining them is our regular task. Just make sure you hand your documents to us after contacting us. We will get the permits needed for the trek for you.