Annapurna Circuit Trek -12 Days
Price
$1300
About the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Embark on one of the most legendary trekking adventures in the Himalayas—the Annapurna Circuit Trek. This iconic route loops around the stunning Annapurna range, offering sweeping views of towering giants like Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and the distinctive Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Spanning roughly 200 to 230 km, the trek typically takes 12 to 21 days to complete, depending on your chosen path and pace. What sets this trek apart is the incredible diversity of scenery: from lush subtropical forests and cascading rivers to arid high-altitude valleys and traditional Gurung villages steeped in culture.
As you ascend through varying terrains, you’ll also get the chance to explore spiritual landmarks like the sacred Muktinath Temple—revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. The warmth and hospitality of the local communities along the trail provide a rich cultural experience that complements the natural grandeur.
The trek demands a good level of fitness and a strong will, especially at higher altitudes. Proper acclimatisation is crucial, and having a guide or joining a group is highly recommended for both safety and a deeper understanding of the region.
Challenging yet deeply rewarding, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is more than just a physical journey—it’s a profound exploration of nature, culture, and inner strength.
Key Highlights
- Diverse Terrain: Traverse through a wide variety of landscapes, from tropical forests and river valleys to snow-capped mountains and high-altitude plateaus.
- Epic Mountain Views: Enjoy panoramic scenes of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre.
- Cultural Richness: Walk through centuries-old villages where Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan influences blend beautifully.
- Sacred Sites: Visit spiritual landmarks such as Muktinath Temple, a sacred spot for both Buddhists and Hindus.
- Adventure and Accomplishment: Conquer the challenging Thorung La Pass at 5,416 meters—one of the world’s highest trekking passes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Syange (1,100m) – 8–9 hours
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu, heading west along the Prithvi Highway. Enjoy stunning views of terraced fields, rivers, and distant Himalayan peaks. The final stretch involves a rugged mountain road leading to Syange, a small village perched above the Marsyangdi River. This is your first taste of rural Nepal.
Duration: 8–9 hours
Day 2: Trek from Syange to Bagarchhap (2,160m) – Duration: 5–6 hours
Today’s trek follows a rising trail through lush green forests, waterfalls, and traditional stone villages. You’ll pass through Jagat and Chamje before ascending towards Tal, a beautiful town that was once a lakebed. From here, the path continues to Bagarchhap, a charming town with Tibetan-style houses and rhododendron trees.
Duration: 5–6 hours
Day 3: Trek to Chame (2,710m) – Duration: 5–6 hours
The trail gradually climbs through dense pine forests and landslide-prone areas as you approach Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. Enjoy your first full views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Hot springs and prayer wheels add a cultural and relaxing touch to this day.
Optional hike: 5–6 hours
Day 4: Trek to Pisang (3,240m) – Duration: 5–6 hours
Walk through narrow valleys and pine forests, crossing suspension bridges and rocky cliffs. As the elevation increases, the landscape starts changing—vegetation thins, and snow-covered peaks dominate the skyline. The village of Pisang offers jaw-dropping views of Annapurna II and IV, with the Upper Pisang route providing a more scenic and culturally rich path.
Day 5: Trek to Manang (3,540m) – Duration: 7–9 hours
One of the most rewarding days, this trek takes you through Upper Pisang and Ghyaru for breathtaking panoramas of the Annapurna range. The air gets thinner, and the terrain becomes more alpine. Manang, your base for acclimatisation, is a large village with bakeries, lodges, and monasteries nestled below the towering Gangapurna Glacier.
Day 6: Acclimatisation Day at Manang
To prepare your body for higher altitudes, you’ll stay an extra day in Manang. Take a short hike to either Gangapurna Lake or the viewpoint above the village. You may also visit the Himalayan Rescue Association centre to learn about altitude sickness. It’s a relaxing day that helps you acclimate while exploring local culture and natural beauty.
Day 7: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,120m) – Duration: 4–5 hours
Leaving the tree line behind, the trail climbs steadily through open meadows and yak pastures. The environment becomes drier and more barren, with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. You’ll likely see grazing yaks and blue sheep as you make your way to the quiet outpost of Yak Kharka.
Day 8: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,560m) – Duration: 3–4 hours
Today is a shorter but important day of climbing to the base of the Thorung La Pass. The landscape becomes increasingly stark and dramatic. You’ll arrive early to rest and prepare for the toughest day ahead. Some trekkers opt to stay at High Camp (4,880m) to make the next day’s climb shorter, but Thorung Phedi is recommended for better sleep and acclimatisation.
Day 9: Cross Thorung La Pass (5,416m) and trek to Muktinath (3,802m) – Duration: 7–9 hours
This is the most challenging and thrilling part of the trek. Starting before dawn, you’ll ascend slowly to the Thorung La Pass, the highest point of the trek and one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The effort is rewarded with surreal views of snow-capped peaks and prayer flags fluttering at the top. The descent is steep but scenic, leading you to Muktinath—a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, known for its eternal flame and 108 water spouts.
Day 10: Trek to Jomsom (2,750m) via Kagbeni – Duration: 5–6 hours
The trek continues downhill through the Kali Gandaki Valley, one of the deepest gorges in the world. You’ll pass through Kagbeni, a traditional Tibetan-style village where time feels frozen. The landscape is dry and windswept, resembling a desert plateau. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Jomsom, a bustling town with an airport, bakeries, and apple orchards.
Day 11: Drive to Pokhara (850m) – Duration: 7–8 hours
After days of trekking, enjoy a scenic drive back to the lakeside city of Pokhara. Sit back and relax as you descend into greener valleys. Once in Pokhara, treat yourself to good food, live music, or a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake. It’s a perfect place to unwind and reflect on your journey.
Day 12: Drive Back to Kathmandu (1,350m) – Duration: 6–7 hours
Conclude your Himalayan adventure with a drive back to the capital. The route takes you through hills and riverside landscapes. Once in Kathmandu, you can spend your evening shopping for souvenirs, visiting temples, or simply relaxing after your epic trek.
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