Annapurna Circuit Trek

based on 62 reviews
Trip Information
  • Trip Duration 13 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Destination Nepal
  • Max. Altitude 5,416 meters (17,769 feet)
  • Start/End Kathmandu/Kathmandu
  • Trip Type Trekking
  • Accommodation Teahouse Lodge
  • Transport Drive/Flight
  • Best Season Mar-May, Sep-Dec

Annapurna Circuit Trek: 13 Days Itinerary, Map, Price 2023/24

One of the most economically pleasing countries to visit is indeed Nepal. Blessed as the kingdom of trekking, Nepal has a number of trekking destinations where you backpack and have a wonderful time around. Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most iconic trekking destinations in Nepal that takes you on a journey through the remote Tibetan Narphu Region where you would be exploring the lush foothills of the Tibetan Buddhist settlements.

The glorious combination of the long array of snow-capped mountain peaks intensified by the iconic reflection of those on the crystal clear lakes and hot springs, Annapurna Circuit Trek is everything you want on a perfectly poised trekking adventure that gives you the true essence of trekking and traveling. From the road to the mountains, Annapurna Circuit Trek has it all to wow you being one of the top ten treks to do in Nepal.

Few place in the world such a splendid variety of natural beauty as the Annapurna region. It is rare combination of long array of snow capped peaks, crystal clear lakes, turbulent rivers with deep gorges, hot springs and picturesque villages inhabited by simple and friendly local people. This three-week trek takes you far way from the road, in to the heart of the high mountains.

It is said that Annapurna Circuit/Round trek is one of the famous trekking routes in the world. The trek around the Annapurna Massif is one of the finest in the Himalayas and is regularly described as one of the top ten treks in the world It is observed that about 64% of the trekkers who come every years Nepal for trekking visit Annapurna regions of Nepal. So it is the most trekked area of Nepal. Annapurna area/region offers a great variety of beautiful landscapes, nature & culture of the central Himalayan area of Nepal with the best & splendid Himalayan panorama of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Hiun Chuli, Mt. Dhawalagiri, Mt. Gangapurna and several other mid western Himalayan ranges of Nepal . From the heights of the pass we descend to Muktinath and its sacred Buddhist and Hindu Shrines. Further south, the contrasts of the Nepal Himalaya become even more apparent, as high windswept passes are replaced by forests, or mandarin and banana groves. Finally we trek out of the gorges and look back to the peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, before traversing the forest ridges down to Pokhara.

On the way we would have passed through every type of vegetation zone from lush sub-tropical to harsh semi-desert and passed over one of the highest trekking passes in the world (5416m.). We will have entered a world without roads or cars and witnessed the way people have worked, played and survived for hundreds and hundreds of years. We would have essentially walked through a time warp coming out the other side with a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world we live in.

Conclusion

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the top trekking destinations in Nepal. Being a popular trek to try, it receives a high number of trekkers every year. By far one of Nepal’s most iconic trekking regions, Annapurna Region is a must-visit area. Come over to the land of the Himalayas and fall in love with the most exquisite natural beauty and embrace nature’s hug. Welcome Nepal Treks welcomes everyone to the kingdom of trekking where you would not see tall buildings but a place that dwells in the proximity of nature’s purity.

Major Highlights

Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights | what to expect in the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

  • The gorgeous Himalayan views while walking on the trails
  • Thorang La Mountain Pass
  • Wonderful visit to lovely teahouses
  • Visit one of Nepal’s most famous temples- Muktinath
  • Jomsom and Marpha
  • Explore Marshyangdi and Kaligandaki River Valley
  • Trek through the magnificent trails with the backdrop of snow-capped mountain peaks
Itinerary

The wonderful Annapurna Circuit Trek starts with a jeep drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani from where you will be trekking to Manang via Chame and Pisang. After the acclimatization at Manang on Day 6, the Annapurna Trekking journey leads to Yak Kharka, Thorung Phedi, and finally to Muktinath- one of the best spots to visit during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The highest point of the trek is Thorung La Pass which is at an altitude of 5416m. Continuing the journey, you will get to visit Jomsom which is a famous village popular for overnight stay destinations for travelers during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The trek finally ends when you return to Kathmandu via a tourist bus drive from Pokhara. This time at Kathmandu will be a little different as you would be full of great memories of trekking that fill up your mind and soul.

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  • Accommodation:Resort

  • Max. Altitude: 1,860m
  • Day tour time:6 hour

  • Max. Altitude: 2,670m
  • Day tour time:6 hour

  • Max. Altitude: 3200m
  • Day tour time:7 hour

  • Max. Altitude: 3540m
  • Day tour time:4 hour

  • Max. Altitude: 3540m

  • Max. Altitude: 4110m
  • Day tour time:4 hour

  • Max. Altitude: 4420m
  • Day tour time:5 hour

  • Max. Altitude: 5416m
  • Day tour time:6 hour

  • Max. Altitude: 2713m
  • Day tour time:4 hour

Finally, we have come to the end of our trekking journey of annapurna Circuit Trek. Take an early morning fly to Pokhara it is a short flight, and we will take you to the hotel, you will have a rest and a free day today.

Note: Sometimes Jomsom flights may also get canceled due to bad weather, an alternate you can drive back to Pokhara from Jomsom can take about 9 hours. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara. 

    • Max. Altitude: 1350m
    • Day tour time:5 hour
    • Accommodation:Resort

      Trip Map
      Annapurna Circuit Trek map
      What's Included

      Annapurna Circuit Trekking Cost Included

      • Airports pick up and Drop by private car/van/bus.
      • Deluxe accommodation in Kathmandu with free breakfast
      • Your standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking.
      • Ground transportation according the program
      • All accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the treks.
      • An experienced, helpful and friendly Guide, porters (1 porter for 2 peoples).
      • Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation and Insurance for the Guide and Porter.
      • Two night’s standard accommodation in Pokhara (First night of the trekking and last night of the trekking).
      • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
      • Annapurna Conversation Area Project (ACAP) permits.
      • Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card fees.
      • Duffle bag if necessary.
      • Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance show
      • All our government taxes, vat, official expenses & service charges
      What's not Included

      Annapurna Circuit Trekking Cost  Not Included

      • Major meals in Cities (Kathmandu and Pokhara)
      • All personal expenses such as bar bills, water, tea / coffee, snacks, shower, battery re-charge laundry charge etc.
      • Personal clothing and gears, sleeping bag and Down jacket for trek
      • Tipping (expected by guides and porters, but not mandatory)
      • Cost raised by flight cancelation, emergency rescue charges, landslide, weather, political unrest, illness, re-routing etc which are not under our control
      Departure Dates

      Annapurna Circuit Trek Fixed Depature Date

      Select a Departure Month
      Date Status 
      Start DateTuesdayMar 28, 2023End DateSundayApr 09, 2023PricePriceUS $1100StatusAvailabilityAvailable
      Useful Information

      Accommodation and Food at Annapurna Circuit Trek

      During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will be staying at some of the best hotels while in town. You will be spending overnight at Thamel Eco Resort while in Kathmandu. Once you start trekking, you will be staying at a number of teahouses having different ranges of facilities. However, you won’t find the same level of facilities in the teahouses in rural areas as like in the city.

      About the food in Annapurna Circuit Trek, you get to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While at hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will get a diverse range of dishes to choose from. Toast, fruits, juice, omelets, and oats are the most popular dishes for breakfast. While you are on the trek to the Annapurna Circuit, you need to get into teahouses where you don’t get a variety of dishes. However, the most popular dishes in the teahouses are dal-Bhat (rice with lentil soup), veggies, pickles, sandwiches, noodles soup, and many more. The best part about the food in teahouses is that you get the rich local taste of Nepalese cuisines which you always wanted to try for a very long time.

      Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost for Nepali | Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost 2023

      How much does Annapurna Circuit Trek cost? This question is indeed one of the most trending among the trekkers’ community. The trek cost depends on the season of traveling and the choice of the trekking agency. If you are booking your Annapurna Circuit Trek with Welcome Nepal Treks, chances are high that you will get the best deal on the Annapurna Circuit Trek at a very reasonable price. The Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost for Nepali is US$ 1100 for a single person. If you are going on a group trek, the cost for a single traveler would come out to be even less than that of the mentioned cost. The Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost includes the airport pickup and dropoff charges along with accommodation, permits, and drinks. However, the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost doesn’t include the major meals in cities along with personal expenses, personal clothing and gear, and tips.

      Drinking Water in Annapurna Circuit Trek

      While you are on a trek to any trekking destination, one of the foremost things you need to consider is drinking water. A good intake of safe drinking water makes your trekking experience really good. However, if you have polluted water knowingly or unknowingly, it will affect your trekking experience as you might get affected. The drinking water facility in Annapurna Circuit Trek is good and satisfactory. While you are in the hotels, you can get boiled and filtered drinking water. However, when you embark on the trekking journey, you need to give proper attention. When you are in the teahouses, you can get boiled and filtered drinking water. But when you are hiking on the trails, you need to use bottled drinking water or use water purification tablets on the water fetched from taps or wells.

      Best Time to do Annapurna Circuit Trek | When to go for Annapurna Trek?

      Annapurna Circuit Trek is doable at all times of the year. You can go to Annapurna Trekking from January to December. But, the best time of the year to go on Annapurna Circuit Trek is true during October and November or April and May. These are the times of the year when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clearer. You don’t need to worry about rain or snow during these times which makes it a perfect time for an adventure on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It’s not too cold even at the higher altitudes which is not something you experience during the winter season at the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

      Annapurna Trekking Difficulty Level | How difficult is Annapurna Circuit Trek?

      Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the longest trekking routes in the Annapurna Region. Despite the long distance to travel, Annapurna Circuit is a moderate trekking destination. Even if you have very less trekking experience, you can still go on the Annapurna Circuit Trek and have a lot of fun. However, if you are going to trek for the first time, then it can be a little difficult. For this, you need to have prior preparation for the trekking.

      Permits Required for Annapurna Circuit Trek

      Annapurna Conservation Area is one of the largest protected areas in Nepal. Every trekker/ traveler who is wanting to go to the Annapurna Circuit Trek needs to have a few permits before entering the protected premises. With the aim of conserving the environment and continuing sustainable and economic development, the Annapurna Conservation Area was made.

      There are two types of permits required for Annapurna Circuit Trek which are TIMS and ACAP.

      TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) is a permit required to do any treks in Nepal. It is the permit that is brought to you by the Nepal Tourism Board in the association with Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). The TIMS cost for SAARC Nationals is around NRs. 600 (6$) whereas for all other internationals it is NRs. 2000 (20$).

      About the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), it is managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation which is around NRs. 200 (2$) for SAARC Nationals and NRs. 2000 (20$) for all other nationals.

      How to prepare for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

      For your trekking experience to be fun and pleasant, you should prepare yourself really well before the trek. So, when the time for trekking comes, you can complete it with the least problems to be solved. Preparing for the trek means you need to be physically and mentally prepared for the adventure along with eating and drinking. The best ways for preparation of the Annapurna Circuit Trek are as follows:-

      • Get the habit of hiking uphill and downhill
      • Have balanced diet
      • Walk for short distances instead of using transportation
      • Do physical exercise
      • Spend proper time in cardio exercise
      • Try walking with trekking boots
      • Prepare proper clothing and gear for the trip

      Where to book your next Annapurna Circuit Trekking 2023/2024?

      2023 is destined to be a breakthrough year in travel and trekking for people from all over the world. The choice of a great trekking agency directly impacts the overall trekking experience you get via the trek. So, where to really book your next Annapurna Circuit Trek 2023? Well, the choices can be immense. But, only a few can totally give you the total value of money and time.

      Welcome Nepal Treks has been in the trekking industry for more than 12 years. Having served a large number of customers from all over the globe, Welcome Nepal Treks knows how to give the ultimate trekking experience to all customers coming from different backgrounds. Organizing the trips in the most formidable way at a reasonable price, Welcome Nepal Treks can be your #1 choice for trekking. If you want to have the best trekking experience in 2023, Welcome Nepal Treks should be your choice.

      Tipping in Annapurna Circuit Trek

      Tipping is not mandatory in any treks or trips you do anywhere in the world. That’s the same case here in Nepal as well. You can give tips to the service providers as per your wish. If you want to give tips, you can give them. Otherwise, there is no force regarding that. Giving tips is a really amazing tradition. It motivates people to work even harder and provide the best services possible for the guests. Always make sure you don’t give a hefty amount of money or a really expensive gift.

      FAQs
      • Q1. How is the weather on Annapurna circuit?

        The Annapurna Circuit Trek Temperature is quite warm during day time. The temperature of the lower region varies from 15-23°C and less than 10 °C in the higher altitude on average. At the highest point of the trek the temperature may even go below the freezing point. However, the weather on Annapurna circuit differs with the seasons.

      • No, you don’t need to learn Nepali language for the trek as you will have the professional guide who is fluent at speaking English. But you can learn the basic Nepali language if you wish as it will be an interesting experience.

      • You need to have a moderate level of fitness to complete the trek. The trek requires 6 - 8 hours of walking every day on average. You can start training before 2-3 weeks of the trek. The training should consist of activities like swimming, cycling, hiking etc. Well, you can complete the trek with normal physical fitness.

      • Yes, the trek is available for all people with proper physical health and strong determination. However, children less than seven years old are not advised to do the trek. As the trek is long and tiring so only if they are mentally prepared, they can complete the Annapurna circuit trek.

      • Annapurna circuit is not completely dangerous as many people have completed it with an ease. The trek is long and tiring but it is pretty safe trekking. But the circuit is tough at times specially at the higher altitudes and sometimes the unpredictable weather can also make the trek difficult.

      • Yes, there are risks of getting altitude sickness during the trek. Trekking to Annapurna circuit, you will have to walk for long days in the high altitudes so you are likely to be affected by altitude sickness. So, it is better to be well informed about the altitude sickness before the trek. You are suggested to drink 3 to 4 liters of water every day, have enough food, avoid alcoholic beverages and keep your slow pace while walking, and then you will be fine to get altitude sickness.

      • Having travel insurance is not compulsory but having one is a good precaution because during the trek, the climate can be extreme or you may suffer from altitude sickness and accidents. So, it is better to have travel insurance as you can trek in peace and enjoy trekking.

      • You can trek without guide and a porter as you wish. But we will suggest you to have a guide as it will be easier and helpful for you to trek without any fear and confusions. As for the porter it is not necessary if you can carry your bag by yourself. It is a personal preference whether to hire a porter and guide.

      • Welcome Nepal treks suggest you to pack your essential belongings for the trekking. You must carry warm clothes and quick drying t-shirts, warm and layered jackets, trekking boots, and sunscreen. You can also purchase or rent anything needed for your trek at one of the stores in the Thamel. You can carry all your personal valuable goods and leave unnecessary things at the hotel.

      • You can drink hot water, various teas, such as black tea, herbal tea, ginger tea, etc. We suggest you to avoid the intake of alcoholic beverages as it will be harmful. You can also carry water bottles on your own. You should have enough beverages during the journey as it is best to stay hydrated on the trek.

      • Annapurna circuit trek is one of the most exciting trekking journeys. The difficulty level of Annapurna circuit trek is moderate. Anyone with proper physical and mental fitness can complete the trek. People of different ages, shapes have completed this trek so all you need is mental strength. However, the difficulty and problems you’ll face on the course will also depend on the weather conditions.

      • Yes, Annapurna circuit is suitable for the beginners! The journey is a bit challenging but one can complete it with basic physical and mental fitness. You can do some cardio and strength exercises for some weeks before the trekking. If a person is normally fit then yes, a first time hikers can also finish the trekking.

      • Yes, The Annapurna trekking zone is a restricted area in Nepal so you need two trekking permits for the Annapurna circuit trek. One is Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and another is TIMS trekkers permit.

      • Annapurna circuit trek is one of the popular adventurous destinations for tourism in Nepal. Every year many people from different countries come for this trekking. It is a very beautiful trek with fantastic view points, delightful villages, stunning mountains, and temples, etc. Not just the beautiful sceneries but people can also discover the different aspects, cultures, and landscapes of the country in one trip.  This is the perfect trekking trip to experience Nepali Himalayan region enjoying amazing views of natural beauty and exploring ethnic villages and cultures of mountain people. The trek is once in a lifetime experience; it is definitely worthy

      • During the trek, electricity is available at all the teahouses where you will spend the night. The lower region has good coverage of wifi and internet, while at higher altitudes the wifi facility may be limited and poor. Most of the guesthouse offers wifi with an additional charge while some of them offer for free.

      • You can find many lodges and teahouses where you can stay. In the tea houses and lodges, there are many lovely, cozy rooms available with excellent service. In the tea houses guests can have hot shower, nice blankets, and clean sheets. The lodge provides you the comfortable facilities like comfortable beds with a pillow, electric blankets, hot and cold shower, free wifi and many more with extra charge.

      • Annapurna Circuit Trek is possible in all the different seasons of Nepal. The best time to do Annapurna circuit trek are spring (march-May) and autumn (October-November). These seasons are the best for Annapurna Circuit Trek with stable and clear weather and great views of the sceneries. It is better not to do trekking in winter and Monsoon periods as it will be too cold in winter and in monsoon the heavy rain might make your way difficult.

      • There are many tea houses and lodges for you to have food. You will have variety of options so you can choose your favorite food from the menu. You can have dal bhat, momos, thukpa, roti (flatbread) and many other foods. The meals cost more expensive as you hike to higher elevations. You can carry some dry fruits and other snacks if you like.

      • Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the longest trekking routes in the Annapurna Region. The Annapurna Circuit trek normally takes 15–20 days to complete. The distance can differ depending on the itinerary you choose or where you start and end the trek.

      What Our Clients Say
      • N
        Nikki MassaioliCyprus Aug 05, 2022
        TripAdvisor

        Totally awesome trip!

        This was a beautiful trip with the mixture of best cultural experience and beautiful views. It was very comfortable to have conversation with Raj. He was a superb guide who is very dedicated to his work. We shared our experiences and had beautiful journey to Annapurna circuit trek. It is the best trip to explore the beautiful Himalaya region. Meeting people, learning something new, experiencing the cultures, visiting the religious sight Muktinath was a great experience for me.

        It is my best trip in Nepal. Thank you welcome Nepal treks for organizing Annapurna circuit trek and offering best hospitality.

      • A
        Ahmed MasrarMorocco Apr 15, 2022
        Google

        Highly recommended Trekking company in Nepal!!

        Awesome trek with welcome Nepal treks. They are the best company for organizing the trips. Everything went as paper plan and there was no problem. I have no complains, the team did phenomenal job.

        My trekking to Annapurna circuit was a beautiful journey. I was a solo trekker and was guide by a professional guide Rohit. He was fluent in English so we both had great conversations during the trip. He helped me when I was feeling little sick and was making sure for me to have complete rest. We completed this trek within schedule. Everything about the trek was amazing. Annapurna circuit is the best destination for trekking. Thorung la pass offers the best view. The weather was cold. We stayed at teahouses, facilities were good. There was Wifi, electric blankets, comfortable bed, clean toilet and good foods. The view of Annapurna Mountain was breathtaking. It was a fantastic trip to Annapurna circuit.