Annapurna circuit trek is one of the highly ranked trekking trails in Nepal. This spectacular trek leads you to the mountainous villages, jungles, and to the lap of snow-covered peaks. Annapurna circuit trek was opened to foreign trekkers in 1977.

It takes you to diverse villages in the mountains. You can witness the lifestyle, culture, and traditions of different tribes. Walking through the village of Gurung, Tamang, Magar, Brahmins, etc is a different experience. Their way of living, their hospitality, and their cheerful nature are inspiring.

The trek equally rewards you with natural beauty also You can enjoy the most beautiful Himalayan vistas during this splendid trek. The views of Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri Himal from Poon Hill are out of the world similarly You can also enjoy the astonishing views of the Manaslu and Himal Chuli peaks.

The enchanting white Himalayas, the rushing Kali Gandaki river, gorge, plain meadows, etc add attractions to the trek. The arid valley of the upper Manang, the Muktinath Temple, Kali Gandaki river valley are the highlights of the trek further more you will love trekking around the Manang, Jomsom and Muktinath region.

The highest point on the trek is Thorung La pass, 5416 meters as a result crossing this pass is a thrilling, yet satisfying experience hence  the views from the top of the pass are equally breathtaking.

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley and in Pokhara.
• Witnessing the lifestyle and culture of diverse ethnic groups in the Annapurna region.
• The beautiful Marshyangdi River valley and the Kaligandaki valley.
• The mesmerizing views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna Himal.
• Crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5416 meters.
• Visiting the religious pilgrimage at Muktinath Temple.
• The villages and apple yards at Kagbeni and Jomsom.
• Bath in natural hot springs at Tato Pani.
• Viewing the best sunrise view from Poon Hill.

Best Time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is doable all around the year.

However, the best time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek is during Autumn (September, October, and November) and Spring (March, April, and May) seasons. During these times, the Annapurna circuit experiences the best weather and climatic conditions.

Annapurna Circuit Trek in winter and monsoon can be hard. During these times, the temperature and weather are not stable from long. Thus, unpredictable weather can hit the region at any time.

But with appropriate and adequate preparations, one can do the Annapurna Circuit Trek at any time of the year.

Elevation and Altitude Profile

During the Annapurna Circuit trek, you will meet the highest altitude at Thorung La Pass, 5416 meters. We will start from Kathmandu, 1300 meters. From Kathmandu, the altitude drops to 800 meters at Besi Sahar. This is the lowest elevation on the trek.

Starting point Besi Sahar, the trail ascends  through Bahun Danda (1300 meters), Chamje (1410 meters), Dharapani (1960 meters), Chame (2710 meters), Upper Pisang (3310 meters), Manang (3450 meters), Yak Kharka (4110 meters), Thorang Phedi (4450 meters) to the highest elevation at Thorung Pass (5416 meters).

After the  Thorung-la  Pass, the trek descends through Muktinath (3800 meters), Kagbeni (2800 meters), Marpha (2665 meters), Jomsom (2720 meters), Kalopani (2530 meters) to Tatopani (1200 meters).

From Tatopani, the trek goes above to Ghorepani (2870 meters) and the most famous view point Poon Hill (3870 meters). From Poon Hill, the trek descends to Tadapani (2710 meters), and finally to Naya Pul (1070 meters).

Trip Difficulties During the Annapurna Circuit Trek

• The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you to the highest altitude of 5416 meters at the Thorung Pass finally  at this altitude, the risk of altitude sickness is high so Go slow! Drink plenty of water.

• Crossing the Thorung Pass is hard for the reason that It requires lots of physical strength as you will have to walk over sharp and steep inclinations. The rugged trails add more difficulty on this day.

• The total length of this trek varies between 160 to 230 km depending on where you take the motor transportation. You must walk for 5 to 6 hours on average per day during the Annapurna Circuit  trek. Train your body for the walks in remote trails.

• This trek is a long duration trek of 16 days. There are some trekkers who feel exhausted in the middle of the trek so Make sure that you train your mind positively so that you could keep yourself boosted throughout the trek.
• While trekking in off seasons, (winter and monsoon), the trek can be hard due to inappropriate gears also Make sure you pack your backpack proper and light.

Day 01: Land in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Free and arrangement day

Day 03: Drive to Bulbule (923m).

Day 04: Bulbule to  Chyamje (1400m).

Day 05: Chyamje to Bagarchhap (2160m).

Day 06: Bagarchhap to Chame (2630m).

Day 07: Chame to Pisang (3300m).

Day 08: Pisang to Manang (3500m).

Day 09: Acclimatization day in Manang.

Day 10: Manang to Ledar (4250m).

Day 11: Ledar to Pedi or High camp (4,600m).

Day 12: Phedi to Mukti Nath (3,710m).

Day 13: Mukti Nath to Jomsom (2750m) Via Kagbeni.

Day 14: Jomsom  drive to Tatopani(1190) Natural hot spring.

Day 15: Trek down to Ghorepani (2850m).

Day 16: Trek to Poonhill – trek down to Ghorepani and Nayapul – back to Pokhara.

Day 01: Land in Kathmandu.

When the jet you are flying on lands at the Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu, our staffs will receive you. They will escort you to your hotel. The hotel will be comfortable and well facilitated.

Take some rest at your room. During the evening, you can enjoy walking around the touristic destinations in Kathmandu. Thamel is a popular touristic center where you can enjoy the night-life.

Or you can simply take rest to relax your body. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Free and arrangement day

Today is your second day in Nepal. This day is a free day. On this day, we will invite you to our office. We will demonstrate our trek. You can meet with your guide and your entire trekking team. Also, you can get ideas from us on the packing lists and trekking gears. We can also help you buy or rent your trekking gears.

On this day, you can also visit some beautiful natural and cultural sites in the Kathmandu valley.

There are many UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu. You can make a visit to some of those places also.

You can visit the renowned Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. At these places, you can see the ancient cultural monuments. You can take a sight of the inimitable structures and architectures of ancient times.

There are two famous Buddhist pilgrimages in Kathmandu. They are Swoyambhunath and Bouddhanath, the biggest Stupa. You can also visit the historical temples like the Pashupatinath Temple and the Changu Narayan temple.

After the free day, prepare for the next day. You will go on the trek the next day. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Drive to Bulbule (923m)

Estimated time: 10.5 hours

Ride Time: 7.5 hours

Hiking Duration: 3 hours

Maximum Altitude: 932 meters

Get ready to go after early morning breakfast. Our hotel representative will pick you from your hotel and will escort you to the bus station. From there, you will get on a vehicle. It will drive you from Kathmandu to Bulbule. Starting the drive from Kathmandu, you will reach to Besisahar over the comfortable highway.

The driving point is at Besisahar and to Bhunule , Besisahar is a place with a big market. From Besi Sahar, you will begin your real trek. The drive  from Besisahar to Bulbule is rough road  takes nearly 2.5  hours. The road  from Besisahar to Bulbule is beautiful. Driving  past a series of natural waterfalls. Also. Past the green fields of rice feels amazing you’ll reach Bulbule.

From Bulbule, you can see beautiful views of Himalchuli and Manaslu 2 towards the north. Overnight in Bulbule.

Day 04: Bulbule to Chyamje (1400m)

Estimated Time: 5 to 6 hours

Today’s trek begins after having a warm and filling breakfast in Bulbule. Today, you will set off on the trekking trail towards Chyamje. The trek starts with an easy trek. Later you will make an ascent towards the Bahun Dada. Bahun Dada is a beautiful village of Brahmin inhabitants. The village sits over a impressive ridge.

From Bahun Danda, the trail descends down. You will trek across the beautiful terraces and streams. Now, you will rejoin the Marshyangdi river. You will continue trekking past some waterfalls and cultivated lands. On the way, you will cross various suspension bridges over the Marshyangdi river.

On walking for some time, you will reach a cliff in Jagat. Standing over the cliff, you will see the beautiful Marshyangdi river streaming below. You can also enjoy the views of the surrounding hills from there.

After walking for a short while, you will reach Chamje. Overnight in Chyamje.

Day 05: Chyamje to Bagarchhap (2160m)

Today, you will begin to trek after having a nice breakfast at Chyamje. The trail begins with a climb uphill. Following the rushing Marshyangdi river, you will walk towards Tal, 1710 meters. Today’s walk is wonderful. You will witness a lot of changes in the scenarios while trekking.

Setting off towards Tal, you will again follow a steep uphill climb. After climbing the steep, you’ll find yourself on the top of a splendid ridge. You will continue to trek by crossing a suspension bridge. The trail continues uphill through a narrow and beautiful valley. If you are trekking in Summer, you will see beautiful waterfalls there.

Now, it’s now time that you officially enter the Manang district. The camp at Tal is the gateway to Manang district. From there, you will climb a long stone stairway. You will continue to trek uphill and downhill till you reach Dharapani, 1890m. At Dharapani, there are many chortens, some of which are centuries old.

From Dharapani, you will walk uphill to reach the village of Bagarchhap. The village has typical stone houses with flat roofs. The locals are Buddhist. In the village, you can see the influence of Tibetan culture.

Overnight in Dharapani.

Day 06: Bagarchhap to Chame (2630m)

Today, you will be walking over the rocky trails. Most of the trekking trail is rough and rocky. You will start to trek from Bagarchap. The trail from Bagarchap climbs up to a place called Tyanja. From Tyanja, the trekking trail continues through a forested area.

Walking across a river, you will reach Kopar, 2590m. From Kopar, you will again continue trekking towards Chame. After walking for a certain time, you will reach Chame. Chame is the headquarter of Manang. It is a beautiful place in some markets.

From Chame, you can see the splendid views of the beautiful Annapurna II. You can also make a visit to the two small hot springs nearby.

Overnight in Chame.

Day 07: Chame to Pisang (3300m)

Estimated Time: 5 to 6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 3300 meters

After a nice breakfast in Chame, we continue our trek towards Upper Pisang. Leaving Chame, you will cross a bridge over the Marsyangdi river. You will trek towards a place called Bhartang. The trail passes along the narrow Marshyangdi river valley through the beautiful forests of Hemlock and Pine trees.

On the trail, you will see beautiful meadows. The views of the distant mountains are refreshing. On walking over the splendid trekking trails, you will reach Bhartang. From Bharthang, you will ascend uphill through the forests of firs, pine, and hemlock. After some time, you will reach a place called Dhukur Pokhari.

During the walk, you will get the first sight of the bowl-shaped Paungda Danda rock face. On continuing further, you will reach Pisang. You will see lots of lodges at lower Pisang. A short uphill climb from lower Pisang will take you to Upper Pisang. Upper Pisang offers majestic views of Annapurna II towards the south. You can also visit a gompa at the upper Pisang.

Overnight in Pisang.

Day 08: Pisang to Manang (3500m)

Estimated Time: 6 to 8 hours

Maximum Altitude: 3500 meters

Wake up early if you want to see the mesmerizing sunrise view. The vista when the first ray of sun shines upon Annapurna II is astounding. After having breakfast at Pisang, you will start to trek.

You will start trekking towards Manang. On the trail, you can enjoy the floral and faunal diversity at high altitude. You will also see the beautiful gorges and some alluring peaks including Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Pisang Peak.

You will continue to trek through the beautiful hills, lush jungle, and wetlands. Today, you will walk towards the dry regions of Manang. You will see varying landscapes, beautiful stupas, and a lama school en route.

There are two routes that diverge at lower Pisang. Both the routes are the trek routes to Manang. Both of them meet at a village called Barga. The northern route is a longer one. It takes an additional two hours if you trek through this route. This route is quite demanding but offers much better sceneries than the other route.

Barga is a big village with many inns and shops. There is a 900-year-old monastery in the village. After resting for some time at Barga, you will trek towards Manang. After one hour walk from Barga, you will reach the village of Manang.

Overnight in Manang.

Day 09: Acclimatization day in Manang

Today is your acclimatization day in Manang. Acclimatization is a rest day where you will adjust your body with the thin air and higher altitudes. During this day, you will hike to some places around Manang for sightseeing.

There are many places to visit. You can make a visit to the Milarepa cave. Also, you can go on a hike to Khangsar. There is this spectacular view of Tilicho peak which you will enjoy during this hike. You can also visit the Gangapurna Glacier Lake.

Overnight in Manang.

Day 10: Manang to Ledar (4250m)

After spending a splendid time at the Manang district, you will walk towards Ledar. You will start to trek after having a nice breakfast in Manang. From Manang, the trail passes uphill. You will follow the trail uphill to the Thorong La pass.

You will again follow the trail continuing the steady uphill climb through Tenki. On trekking further, you will leave behind the alluring Marshyangdi Valley. You will continue walking along a river called the Jarsang Khola. Walk along the Jarsang Khola river valley. You will finally reach Ledar.

Ledar is a beautiful place. While trekking towards Ledar, you will see the greenery and vegetation getting steadily more sparse.

Day 11: Ledar to Pedi or High camp (4,600m)

Today, you will be walking from Ledar to Pedi. Pedi is also called as the high camp. You will set off towards Pedi after having a warm breakfast at Ledar.

The trekking route dips down to a river. After crossing the river, the trail passes uphill towards Pedi. You will continue walking uphill till you reach Pedi. There are some guesthouses at Pedi. They are good and they provide basic facilities. You will stay for the overnight at one of the lodges.

Day 12: Phedi to Mukti Nath (3,710m).

Estimated time: 7 to 8 hours

Maximum Altitude: 5416 meters

Today is a long and a tough day on the trek. You must start early before it’s sunrise. You will be crossing the Thorung La Pass, 5416 meters. While walking at average speed, it takes around 5 hours to reach the pass from Manang. You must reach there before 10 am. After 10, the strong wind might add difficulty while trekking at the Thorung La Pass.

Crossing the pass is tough. You will climb steeply over the regular trekking route. Be careful! Watch out for the symptoms of altitude sickness while crossing the pass. You must descend down to lower altitudes if you see any signs of it. Also, there might be some snows on the trail. Watch out for the iced rocks.

Few hours after climbing (4 hours appx.), you will reach the highest point on the pass. There you will see the chortens and prayer flags dancing with the chilly wind. You will also see the magnificent views of the surroundings from the top of the pass.

On continuing to trek along the descending trail, you will reach Muktinath. Trek from Thorung La Pass to Muktinath is around 4 hours walk. The ‘district behind Himalaya’, Mustang is a beautiful place.

Overnight in Muktinath.

Day 13: Mukti Nath to Jomsom (2750m) Via Kagbeni.

Estimated time: 4 to 5 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2750 meters

Muktinath is a place of religious and aesthetic significance. It is the home to the Muktinath Temple and several other monasteries. This makes Muktinath a famous pilgrimage of Hindus and Buddhists.

Today, you will visit the holy shrine. Local people at Muktinath believe that visiting the temple will relieve all our sorrows and pains. The 108 water sprouts around the temple are one of the major attractions. People take bath on the iced water coming from the water sprouts.

Hindus worship a fossil image at the temple as Lord Vishnu. Buddhist worship the same image as Bodhisattva Aalokitesvara. The Jwala Mai Temple and the natural spring are the several attractions of the place. There is an eternal flame that gets fueled by the natural source of gas.

After visiting the holy shrine at Muktinath, you will trek towards Jomsom via Kagbeni. From Muktinath, you will descend down to a place called Jharkot. On the way, you will come to a place where there are ruins of a palace. The palace belonged to the King of Mustang.

You will continue descending further towards Jharkot. At Jharkot, you will see a fortress. The fortress sits over a hill. You will also see some chortens and gompas on your way down. On descending further, you will reach Kagbeni village.

The Kagbeni valley sits at the confluence of two rivers: Kali Gandaki and Jhang Khola. At Kali Gandaki river, you will find some black stones. Hindu worship these stones (Saligram) as a form of Lord Bishnu.

You will trek further towards Jomsom. On the way, you will walk past the Pandha Khola valley and Lubra. After walking for around an hour, you will reach Jomsom.

Overnight in Jomsom.

Day 14: Jomsom drive to Tatopani (1190m) Natural hot spring

Jomsom is a beautiful place. After having a nice breakfast at Jomsom, you’ll ride from Jomsom to Tatopani. The ride is exciting. You can enjoy the beautiful landscapes around.

After riding for some time, you will reach the Tatopani. Tatopani is a place that is famous for natural hot water spring. Lots of trekkers take bath at the spring. A bath at the place relieves your pain and stresses in the muscles.

Overnight in Tatopani.

Day 15: Trek down to Ghorepani (2850m)

Estimated Time: 7 to 8 hours

From Tatopani, we will trek to the beautiful village of Ghorepani. This day is one of the most beautiful days on the trek. You can see the inspiring Himalayan ranges while trekking. Also, the route is rich in unique culture, traditions, and diverse tribes.

On your way from Tatopani to Ghorepani, you will walk across beautiful villages of Gharkhola, Ghara, Shikha, Phalante, and Chitre. You will witness different people of different ethnicities. The culture and traditions of the locals are inspiring.

Ghorepani is a beautiful village of typical Magars and Gurungs. At Ghorepani, there are several lodges and homestays where you can stay for an overnight.

Day 16: Trek to Poonhill – trek down to Ghorepani and Nayapul – back to Pokhara

Wake up early in the morning. Today, you will be hiking to Poon Hill to see the sunrise view. It takes 45 to 60 minutes to reach the Poon hill from Ghorepani. The sunrise view from Poon Hill is the best one. The early rays of sun shining over the glittery Himalayas look wonderful.

After enjoying the sunrise view, trek down to Ghorepani. From Ghorepani, trek to Nayapul. Nayapul is the place where you can find buses to drive back to Pokhara. The drive from Nayapul will take you around 1.5 hours.

You can stroll around the streets of Pokhara and enjoy the nightlife. Overnight in Pokhara.

Are you worried about trekking amidst COVID-19?

Don’t be! Traveling to Nepal and trekking in the country have been safer and more manageable now with all sorts of safety precautions. Following the safety measures, you can be a part of Annapurna Circuit Trek even when there is Corona Risk. There is no ongoing lockdown in the country currently; everything has started to come to normal.

Moreover, Nepal has already opened tourist visas to start the new session of tourism activities which was paused since the arrival of COVID-19. That means you can fly to Nepal for trekking. All you have to do is contact us, and we can make all of the arrangements for trekking in Nepal. Our very much experienced team will take care of you from the start to the end of the trip. The team will keep the risks of COVID-19 at the top. All of the safety measures are being practiced throughout the journey. So, don’t be worried about COVID-19; just join us and enjoy the fantastic and safe Annapurna trekking experience.

We guarantee you:

• An experienced team of friendly and humble guides and porters
• All of the safety kits like masks, gloves, and sanitizers available throughout the trip
• Sanitized and well-maintained accommodation
• Hygienic food and water arrangements
• Essential medical support for emergencies

Difficulties of Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a challenging trek to do, especially for beginners. The experienced ones can do the hike anyhow as they already have done similar challenging tours. But trekking in the Annapurna Region can be a difficult task for novice ones. Let’s discuss what difficulties do they have to face

The four main difficulties of Annapurna Circuit Trek are:

High Altitude

Thorung La Pass is the pinnacle point of Annapurna Circuit Trek that stands at the height of 5,416m. The number clearly shows how high this trek can take you. Usually, any altitude above 4000m is considered a high elevation. The oxygen level in such heights is comparatively lower than in the low areas. As of that, people from lower regions have to deal with the high altitudes. They need enough time to acclimatize to the heights. If not acclimate on time, people can get into the grip of mountain sickness. In such times, the situations can get worse and may need emergency evacuation or descending.

Trekking Distance

Another possible challenge of Annapurna Circuit Trek is its trekking distance. As per the starting point and route, the trek can be any longer between 160 to 230KM. The tour will cross many valleys, terrains, plains, and several mountain passes as well. In that process, you have to trek via a difficult trail. The trail is steep and sometimes rough also and sometimes manageable also. You have to experience all sorts of tracks and give your best walk.

Weather and Conditions

The Annapurna region’s weather is very much like other Himalayan regions of Nepal, cold and extreme. You are sure to experience a cold climate up in the mountains. If you are not used to high altitude climates, you may face problems there. The higher you go, the lower the temperature will be. Plus, you cannot expect the higher place’s conditions to happen your way; it’s quite uncertain. That is the reason the weather can challenge you at any time.

Physical Requirements for the trek

You surely have realized by now that Annapurna Circuit Trek 16 Days is not the easiest. Instead, it is a severe, long, and challenging one. This sort of trek demands a healthy and sound trekker with previous trekking experience in similar trails. As you know, you have to walk at least 3 to 6 hours daily. The trails throughout the trek are steep, rough, elevated, and tiring. If you can manage to walk that much on such a track with a backpack on the back, you are most welcome to do this trek. Likewise, the altitude figures should not bother you at all. If you can manage all of those challenges like trekking distance, altitude, and weather and condition, you are a right fit for the trek.

If you have done similar treks either in Nepal or any other part of the world, that is a blessing for you. The prior experience gives you the knowledge and energy to do the trek conveniently. To sum it all, you do not have to be a superhuman. A healthy person who can take on the Himalayan trials successfully with a positive attitude and determination is acceptable for the trek. However, we do not recommend this trek to the trekkers who have pre-existing medical problems; it’s hazardous for those. Make sure you do a health checkup and consult your doctor before planning this outing.

Acclimating to the altitudes

You have to acclimate with the altitudes properly in a peak trek like Annapurna Circuit Trek. Not adapting to the heights results in unprecedented situations in the expedition. The highest point of this trek is at Thorong La Pass, located at an altitude of 5,416m. When you are in surroundings above 5,000m+ height, your body has to be comfortable with the elevation. Otherwise, you will get caught by acute mountain sickness, which is not a regular sickness. That can cause some severe consequences. So, Altitude is not a joke.

To avoid the sickness caused by the altitudes, you’ll spend a full acclimatization day in Manang. You will get ample time to get used to the newly gained heights by spending a day around there. A rest day in Manang is enough to keep you going up on the trek. However, you will not do many hours of walk on this day, just several hours of hike and exploration around Manang without gaining altitudes. It will be a day well spent as you will reach for the historical caves and lakes around Manang. By the end of the day, you will be ready to ascend ahead.

Do you need Travel Insurance for the trek?

Lots of travelers do have this question while planning a trek in Nepal. That is obvious when you are traveling in a new country and circumstances. Well, travel insurance while trekking in Nepal is not a compulsion. It is for your safety against the unpremeditated happenings in a trek. So, it is always great to have something other than nothing. The insurance will safeguard you through the tour.

Travel insurance becomes handier, especially when you are doing a challenging trek like Annapurna Circuit Trek. As you know the length, duration, and difficulty of the expedition, anything can happen in the journey. You’ll spend at least 16 days around the trail of this trek. Who knows, you might get injuries, altitude sickness, and other unpleasant things. In such cases, travel insurance keeps you insured for all kinds of difficult situations. For example, if you got hit by mountain sickness and need an emergency evacuation. The travel insurance will cover the costs of emergency health support. You’ll be so happy to have travel insurance in your pocket during your difficult times in the trek.

Still, it is your choice to have one of these or not. If you are confident enough that you can endure the trek, you do not need one. But if you are not sure, it is good to have safety.

Supreme Time for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Doing a trek in its righteous time is the best decision to make. If you make a specific journey at its perfect time, you’ll be bestowed with the best things only. The best timings for Annapurna Circuit Trek are Spring and Autumn. These two seasons are the busiest and most picked ones for this or any other treks in Nepal. The weather is calm and pleasing during these months, and trekkers can have nothing but a happy trekking experience.

On the other side, Monsoon and Winter are known as the low times for the trek. However, Annapurna Circuit Trek is doable throughout the year. It is just that you have to face the unpleasant and unstable weather of the Monsoon and Winter season. Let’s discuss all of the four seasons down below:

Spring

Spring is the supreme time for trekking in the serenity of Nepal. March, April, and May in Nepal are the Spring months. It is the time when people from across the world come to Nepal to do trekking and climbing. It is like a festive season for trekkers in Nepal. People are very much affectionate about the conditions of this season. Warm temperature, clear & blue skies, excellent visibility are some of the perks of Spring.

Planning Annapurna Circuit Trek in Spring is a worthy decision. You’ll experience the most popular trekking trail in the world in the loveliest season. Through the months of Spring, the possibility of rainfall is almost zero. The lower regions remain warm to trek around, but the temperature starts to fall as you gain altitude. Through La Pass, the highest point of the expedition is also the coldest place. However, the weather is sustainable if you have essential trekking clothing and gear. Spring is also a time of the red Rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal. You’ll trek through the reddish woods of Rhododendron during this time. Plus, the mountains of the region are always visible throughout the season, you’ll have enough views.

Summer

Summer is not the most preferred time for trekking in Nepal. Nepal’s trekking trails are almost empty during the three months of summer, i.e., June, July, and August. It is a time of humidity and rainfall; the trails are slippery and wet most of the time. Because of all those unfavorable conditions, trekkers do not like to trek in this season. However, you can see people around the trails in the early and late summer months when the monsoon is less active.

The temperature during this season is a little hotter than usual. But the higher regions are still cold as always. Due to rainfall and clouds, the mountain tends to remain hidden. But once the rain is over, the clouds open, and you can enjoy the surreal views of Annapurna region peaks. It is possible to trek in this period only if you are okay with unstable and rainy weather. It is also the right time for those people who like to walk in a peaceful vicinity. If you opt for Annapurna Circuit Trek this season, aim for the days when the monsoon is less active. You will not be bothered by the rainfall and other problems.

Autumn

More like Spring, Autumn is another best time to do trekking around the Himalayas. September, October, and Number are the three superb months of Autumn to plan your Annapurna Circuit Trek. You’ll experience warm temperatures, low precipitation levels, and clean surroundings at this time of year. This season gives all of the things that are there for trekkers. That is why you will see lots of people around the popular trekking routes of Nepal.

Some people pick Autumn over Spring which is as perfect as Autumn. You can guess that there is something special in the air of Autumn. It is the most delicate time to witness the clear and snowclad mountain views, greenery of the terrains, and more. The months will provide you the ideal trekking conditions to do Annapurna Circuit Trek. It is also a time of celebration in Nepal when the locals celebrate their grandest festivals like Dashain and Tihar. You’ll experience that too, the cultural importance of the country. Once you are on Nepal’s trails in Autumn, you only have to think of sharing the right things. Very few chances of rainfall and snowfall make it a time of the year to travel. We highly recommend this time for doing Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Winter

It is another low trekking time in Nepal. The temperatures during this season hit the floor, and there is a reasonable probability of snowfall in the higher areas. That is why many people do not feel like coming to Nepal across December, January, and February. Still, you’ll meet some adventurous trekking spirits who love to do it in Winter on the trekking trails. This coldest time is worth doing if you find it difficult to trek in crowds. You’ll have a group less and on your own trekking experience. To do so, you have to equip yourself with the right Winter gear. A quick note from our side, do not go trekking when Winter is at its best. The early and late winter months can be a better alternative.

You’ll experience negative temperatures in the higher areas through this season. But that is worth enduring when you’ll see the Himalayas under the snow blankets. Annapurna Circuit Trek in Winter is doable, but it has its challenges. The snowfall and extreme weather can be the problems. If you are good at dealing with such situations, you are the right fit for the Winter trek.

Which season to pick?

If you are still confused about which season to pick, here is our suggestion. As you have read, Spring and Autumn are the two supreme times for doing Annapurna Circuit Trek. The climatic and weather conditions are always in favor of trekkers in those two seasons. You’ll have a beautiful trekking experience.

But you may get disappointed by the crowds of trekkers in these times. Being the best times, the region receives lots of trekkers; sometimes, it gets overly crowded. However, it can be an excellent opportunity to make dozens of new friends. Or else, you can choose the Summer and Winter seasons which are comparatively less crowded.

Packing List for Annapurna Circuit Trek

If you have made up your mind to do Annapurna Circuit Trek already, you’ll want to know the packing list for the trek. Well, the packing list for this trek depends upon the time you are traveling in. The plan that we will list down here is workable for Annapurna Circuit Trek in Autumn and Spring. For Winter and Summer, you have to include extra season-specific clothes and gear. The standard packing list for trekking in the Annapurna Circuit Area goes like this:

Head

• Sun hat or cap
• Sunglasses(U.V protected)
• Headlight with spare batteries
• Woolen cap
• Scarf or Buff

Body

• Trekking shirts
• Full-sleeved shirts
• Fleece Jacket
• Down Jacket
• Rain and windproof jacket.
• Light trekking pants/joggers
• Insulating Layers
• Breathable undergarments

Hands

• Lightweight gloves
• Warm gloves(Winter’s trek)

Footwear

• Durable and comfortable trekking boots
• Trekking breathable and warm socks
• Gaiters(winter)
• Slippers or sandals.

Toiletries

• Quick-drying towel
• Hand towel
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hand sanitizer
• Sunscreen/moisturizer
• Cold cream
• Wet tissues.
• Toilet rolls
• Hygienic and Feminine products
• Lip balm

Medics

• First-aid kit
• Water purification tablets
• Paracetamol
• Diamox
• Imodium
• Insect repellent
• Bandages and pain relievers

Miscellaneous

• Water thermos bottles
• GPS
• Lighter
• Book
• Trekking sticks
• Bluetooth speakers

(Note: You can pack as according to your choice, it is not necessary to follow the list entirely)

Luggage Limit for the Trek

There is a luggage limit for the trek. You can just take everything with you on tour. A porter will be assigned for two trekkers, which will move luggage of not more than 18 kgs combined. You will carry your frequently needed clothes and things in your day backpack; the rest of your luggage will be in safe hands. A tip for you to maintain luggage limits, leave the less important things at your hotel in Kathmandu. If not in the hotel, you can keep your belongings at our store for free of cost. For any confusion related to luggage limit, contact us, the Exciting Nepal team.

Information about Nepalese Visa

A Nepalese visa can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Other than that, you can also get Nepalese visa access from several Nepal-India Border entry points like Kakadvitta, Nepalgunj, Birgunj, Bhairhawa, Gadda Chauki, and Kodari, a Nepal-China border. For outside of Nepal, you can apply for a visa through the Nepalese embassy of your country. For more and detailed information, go to this official website, immigration.gov.np.

The basic requirements for getting a Nepalese visa are: you will need a valid passport, one clear passport-size photo with white background. Your visa should be at least six months away from expiration. The visa fee for 30 days is USD 50, and you will have to pay through cash for it. The currencies like Euro, US Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Singapore Dollar, Swiss Franc, and Japanese Yen are only accepted while paying for the visa fee. You cannot make the payment through Credit-cards, Indian currency, and Nepal Currency. For detailed information about the Nepalese visa fee, check this website, www.immigration.gov.np/post/notice-regarding-visa-fee-updates.

Nepalese Money Exchange

The local and official currency of Nepal is Nepalese Rupee(NPR). To exchange your country’s cash, you can visit one of the banks and legit money exchanges in Kathmandu. As you know, the exchange rate keeps changing; make sure you are getting the ongoing rate while exchanging the currency. The banks and money exchange firms charge around 4% of the money exchanged as the exchange charge.

You can also withdraw money(NPR only) from one of the ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara. But the limit for foreign cardholders is 35,000 Nepalese Rupees, and you’ll be charged 500 NPR as a processing fee. Do remember that you do not get ATMs in the trekking trails. So, withdraw the needed money while in the cities of Nepal.

(Note: You can have problems while exchanging in Nepal if your currency notes are torn, old, or erased. Therefore, avoid such notes while traveling in Nepal)

Your Arrival in Nepal

Our representative from the Exciting Nepal team will be there at the airport for your warm welcome in the country. After all of the arrival and visa works are done, the team will board you to your hotel via hotel transfer for a deserved rest after long and hectic air time. It will be a free-of-cost service from Exciting Nepal.

How will your Annapurna Circuit Trek start?

Once you land in Kathmandu, Nepal, you will be under the guidance of our team. As said before, your journey with our team will start with a warm welcome at the airport. You will well spend the first and second day of the trek in Kathmandu by making arrangements and sightseeing. There are several UNESCO-listed heritage sites in Kathmandu valley which are worth visiting. Plus, you’ll need some time for arranging things and shopping for the trek. For that reason, you’ll spend two days in Kathmandu.

Once all things are arranged, you will leave Kathmandu. To kick off the trek, you will join a scenic bus ride to Bulbule. Here onwards, you will be on the trail of Annapurna Circuit Trek, moving from one place to another. And this is how your Annapurna Circuit Trek will start.

A routine day of Annapurna Circuit Trek with us

You might be wondering what it will be like on a day of Annapurna Circuit Trek with us. Well, you should expect excitement, joy, and adventure in a beautiful trek like Annapurna Circuit Trek. It will be an experience for a lifetime. Your typical day on tour will start with the breathtaking morning views outside the window of your room. Waking up to such a view is something you cannot get forever. You’ll try to experience that thoroughly. After getting fresh up, you’ll join breakfast to have delicious food and beverage.

Then you leave the place to move ahead on the trail. Every day will be a new experience, the new route, the new people’s new views, and everything will be unique. But do not forget that the track is not easy to walk. They are steep, rough at times, and plain and straight at times. Most of the time, you’ll be ascending heights through steep trails. You will be pushing yourself with all you have got to keep moving. After trekking for 3 to 4 hours in the morning, you will stop at a place for lunch. Eating and resting enough, you’ll get energy recharged to hit the trail again. Likewise, you’ll move towards your next destination, where you’ll reach by or before nightfall after trekking for two to three hours. Your dinner will happen around 6 PM to 8 PM every day; you will join that at the end of the day.

You’ll get enough time to explore the reached destination and know the people there.

While dining, you can interact with the other trekkers from other parts of the world. You can use this time to share your experience and receive others. And after that, you will finally move to your room’s bed to get sleep before you leave a place once again. So, this is how a typical day of Annapurna Circuit Trek moves.

Accommodation during the Trek

We will arrange the accommodations during Annapurna Circuit Trek, and their cost will be covered by the package cost you will pay. You’ll spend nights in several places both rural and urban. You’ll get to stay at deluxe hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with a wide range of facilities.

But once you are on the Annapurna Circuit Trek trail in a rural place, you will get a basic place to rest as accommodation. These accommodations are famous as teahouses with essential services that serve hygienic food and lodging service to the trekkers. Most of these tea houses are on twin sharing basis with public toilets. But you can get single rooms with attached bathrooms in some places. That is why It is better to be ready to accept whatever is on your way in the trek. Moreover, extra services like Wifi and hot shower are also available, but you have to pay extra money to have those services.

Food and Water during the Trek

Food and water are the two most important factors that will keep you moving on the trek. The food and water you intake in the expedition have to be clean and hygienic. While you are in the cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can get food and beverage across different menus. As you leave the urban areas and head into the Annapurna region’s rawness, you will have limited food menus.

The most popular and easily gettable food item is the Nepali cuisine Dal Bhat( Mixture of Rice, lentils, and vegetables). Other than that, you can order food items like dumplings, sandwiches, macaroni, noodles, pizza, pancakes, omelets, etc. Likewise, beverages like tea and coffee are also available through the trek. The food and drinks you will get on the tour are as organic as possible. So, make sure you eat enough every day to keep you healthy and energetic throughout the journey. You’ll get protein-enriched and hygienic food and drinks to intake. Do not worry about this.

Water is not a problem in Annapurna Circuit Trek. You can get processed mineral water through the trek. Or you can eat the tap’s water, which is drinkable, by using a water purification pill. This way you can save some money.

Communication during the Trek

During Annapurna Circuit Trek, you can stay connected with your close ones through the Internet. Almost all of the lodges and teahouses have Wifi facilities but at extra costs. You can also get a local sim card to use the Internet through mobile data. We will arrange a legal sim card for your need on the trek. As you ascend more heights, the communication facilities get limited, and you may have to remain grounded for some days. It is good to stay contactless for some days; you get to connect with yourself. In case of emergencies, our team will arrange communication to your near ones via satellite phones.

Electronic Charging Availability on the Trek

Electronic charging is quite convenient in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You get to charge your electrical appliance in your room. But in the trek’s rural places, you have to charge your things in a communal area, probably a lodge hall. Remember, you have to pay for the charging in most of the Annapurna Region lodges.

Our Guiding Team for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Exciting Nepal is a trekking agency led by a highly experienced team. We have been helping the adventurer to satisfy their souls through adventures in Nepal. You do not have to worry about things when you are under the assistance of our team. For Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will be joined by our exceptionally trained trekking guides and porters. All of them do possess licenses from the government and are very good at their fields.

The guides and porters you will have by your side during the trek are local and know everything about the region. They have lots of experience in this field that they will come up with the best decisions in any problematic situation. That is why you should feel safe and insured when you are with the team of Exciting Nepal. They have been working with us for a long time and are nicely paid by our management. The guides and porters are very much participating and friendly, you will have no problem with them. And chatting with them is easy as they are good at several International languages, mostly English. They will make this Annapurna Circuit Trek a comfortable and happy trek for you. You just book with us and do this trek under the proper guidance of our guides and porters.

Our guides and porters are:

• Highly experienced.
• Licensed by the trekking agency of Nepal.
• Fluent at English communication.
• Completed trekking and mountaineering training.

Safety of Trekkers

The safety of our trekkers is the primary concern of Exciting Nepal. The team guarantees a safe, reliable, hassle-less, and timely trekking experience to our future customers. The guide will be there on the trail along with you to look after you. If anything like mountain sickness or injuries happens to you, you will get assistance from the guide. The guide will make the right decisions for you in such situations. You will trek in a team that will look after one another.

About us

Exciting Nepal Pvt. Ltd is an authorized and licensed trekking agency in Nepal that has been guiding trekkers since 2005. Been in the tourism and trekking industry for more than 15 years, Exciting Nepal is the right pick for your thrills in Nepal. For your information, Exciting Nepal is rated 5 out of 5 by Tripadvisor.com. Likewise, it was awarded a certificate of excellence for four consecutive years from 2015 to 2019. We also won the travelers choice winner award 2020.

For Booking and Payment

For booking a trip with us, you have to deposit at least 30% of the total package. The remaining payment has to be pa before you start the trek. You can use various online payment methods like bank transfer, online payment, and western union to book and make payments. If you want to cancel the trip, you should inform the management at least two weeks before the trek’s departure date. For detailed payment details, follow this link, https://excitingnepal.com/payment-details/.

Trip Customization

You may have different preferences and plans for trekking in Nepal. Taking that into consideration, we allow our customers to do easy trip customization. You have to inform us about your goals and preferences. Looking at your requirements, we suggest the best and comfortable itinerary for you. We try to maintain a win-win situation. Once you have informed us, we will reach back to you within 24 hours with a customized trip plan.

You can submit us your plans and details here at this link, https://excitingnepal.com/customize-trip/.

Trip Extensions

If you want some more adventures after doing Annapurna Circuit Trekking, we can arrange other programs for you. Make sure you have some extra days. There are many short outing options like Jungle Safaris, Rafting, Paragliding, City Sightseeing, Cultural tours, Day hikes, Bungee Jumping. You can finish these trips in 1 to 2 days. If you have extra days before departure from Nepal, you can opt for these adventures, and we can manage them for you.

Your Departure from Nepal

Once you have completed all of the desired adventures, it is time to give a lovely farewell to you. For that, the Exciting Nepal team will organize a farewell dinner just before your departure day. You’ll share your beautiful trekking experience across the dinner table with other members. The next day, our team will take you to the airport before your flight time. In this way, an exciting time of yours with Exciting Nepal will come to an end.

Trip Cost US$ 1050 Per person

Cost Includes:

Cost Excludes:

Start Date - End Data	Status	Cost	Book This Trip

FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The standard Annapurna Circuit Trek is a 16 days long trip. But you can customize the duration of Annapurna Circuit Trek from 10 to 27 days as per your preference.

What are the best alternatives to Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Well, you have plenty of excellent alternatives to Circuit Trek. The region is known for its numerous trekking trails like Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal Trek. They can be great alternatives for you if you do not want to do Annapurna Circuit Trek.

What is the most suitable time to do Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Autumn( September to November) and Spring(March-May) are the unbeatable times for doing Annapurna Circuit Trek. During these times, you will see breathtaking views of the region and its mountains. Cozy weather and warm temperature are the happenings of these two times. That is why they are called the best times for trekking in Nepal.

How difficult is Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderate trek that can be difficult for novice trekkers and typical for experienced trekkers. Trekkers do not have to do any technical climbing, just 5 to 8 hours of the trek daily. The Annapurna Circuit Trek’s distance can vary anywhere from 160 to 230 KM.

It is going to be my first trek. Can I do it?

If Annapurna Circuit Trek is your first trek, you must do specific physical training before the trek date. Otherwise, it can be a tiring and challenging journey for someone like you. Start doing activities like cardio-vascular exercises, hiking, cycling, workout, etc., at least 2 to 3 months before the departure date. By the departure date, you will have built your pain endurance level required for Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Is travel insurance compulsory for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

No, not at all. Travel insurance is your choice. It is only necessary if you want to stay insured against unpleasant and unplanned bad events. Otherwise, you do not need travel insurance. However, having travel insurance is suggested to novice trekkers on challenging trips.

What is the highest point of the trek?

The highest point of Annapurna Circuit Trek is Thorung La Pass(5,416m). It is one of the highest mountain passes in the world. You can get a clear and panoramic picture of the entire Annapurna region and its mountains from this mountain pass.

What are the chances of altitude sickness in this trek?

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a high-altitude trek that gets as high as 5,416m. In a trip like this, where you are crossing 4500m+ altitudes, the chances of mountain(altitude) sickness are always on. If not taken seriously, you can get sick of this sickness.

Can I do Annapurna Circuit Trek in Winter and Summer?

Yes, Annapurna Circuit Trek is doable in Winter and Summer. However, these times are not right for beginners. The conditions can go a little out of hand in these seasons. There are high chances of rainfall in Summer and snowfall in Winter. Because of those reasons, only experienced trekkers can do so in such conditions.

Can I do solo Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Yes, you can opt for a solo Annapurna Circuit Trek. The trial is one of the popular trails globally; you can navigate the path on your own. But it can be a hassle-filled experience to trek solo. You have to arrange everything by yourself, plus, you also have to face problems alone. That can be a little worrying fact.

What are the trekking permits required for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

To trek in the Annapurna Circuit, you need Trekker’s Information System, also known as TIMS Cards, and the permit to enter Annapurna Conservation Area. If you are with the Exciting Nepal Team, you do not have to worry about this; they can manage it for you.

Do I need a porter and guide for this trip?

Yes, you need a guide if you do not want to come across any hassles on the trek. The focus will arrange everything for you; all you will do is just walk and more walk. Likewise, you will need a porter if you have heavy luggage to carry during the trek. He will take care of your heavy backpack, and you can trek without a load. Otherwise, you do not need anyone.

How can I avoid altitude sickness in Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The secret to avoiding mountain sickness in the trek are:

• Trek slowly, do not rush.
• Keep your body hydrated.
• Do take rests whenever you need.
• Do not intake any alcoholic substances.
• Keep doing what your Guide has to say.
• Use the acclimatization day nicely.

Is the water in the trails of Annapurna Circuit Trek safe to drink?

The water up in the Himalayas is not that bad to drink. Still, suppose you want to avoid possible water-related diseases. In that case, you can either buy processed mineral water from tea houses or use a Water purification tablet to purify the tap water. In a nutshell, the water during the trip is entirely safe to drink.

Will I get WIFI facilities on the trek?

Yeah, you will get WIFI facilities in the lodges and tea houses during the trek. Though, speed and signal will not be constant and fast. It can do your work to stay connected to the rest of the world. It will not come free; you have to pay extra charges for using WIFI.

Will I get electric charging facilities on the trek?

The charging facilities on the trek are available. You have to pay an extra charge for this also.