Annapurna Circuit trek is known as the classic trek of Nepal that offers you the magnificent view of the mountain ranges such as Mount Annapurna, Mount Manaslu, Mount Dhaulagiri, and many other snow-capped mountain peaks. This trek considers to be the most popular trekking route of the Himalayas.
Crossing the Thorung La pass which is located at an altitude of 5416 meters is the most thrilling and exciting part of the Annapurna Circuit trek 12 days. You’re truly going to enjoy the experience even though crossing the pass might be quite difficult.
Annapurna Circuit Trek starts from Besisahar to Nayapul and reaches its summit in Thorung La Pass. The route goes past the following mountains: Manaslu, Gangapurna, Annapurna I, II, III & IV, and Dhaulagiri - passing through the world's deepest gorge.
The trek goes through Muktinath which is known as a holy site of Buddhists and Hindus and is one of the oldest monasteries in the region. You will be walking the Annapurna section of The Great Himalaya Trail from Dharapani to Kagbeni as the trek goes through distinct regional scenery of mountains and rivers.
Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Crossing the world’s highest pass of Thorong La Pass: Along with the fabulous views, you will get a sense of accomplishment for having done this.
- Amazing view of Himalayas: Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna range, and many other peaks
- Opportunities to experience the Gurung and Magar Community of Nepal. You will pass and stay at several villages where you will interact with local people.
- Visit Muktinath temple, one of the most sacred temples of Hindus
- Explore the incredible diversity of Nepal’s geography.
- You will pass through sub-tropical, alpine and snowy barren landscapes in this 12-days period
- Experience the natural hot spring in Tatopani
- The world’s deepest gorge Kali-Gandaki Gorge can be witnessed on your way
- Explore the gorges, turbulent rivers, lakes, and delightful waterfalls
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu and pickup at Airport
After you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, Nepal Guide Trekking team representative will wait for you for your arrival to welcome you. He will receive you from the airport and drop you off at your hotel. You can just freshen up at the hotel and stroll around. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Beshisahr to Jagat
Our actual trekking begins on this day. We will drive from Kathmandu to Beshisahar by a private car passing through Trishuli River and Marsyangdi River. We will also walk on a suspension bridge before reaching Besisahar. We will walk through a magnificent terrace farm to get to the Ngadi community. It takes around 7 hours to reach Besisahar.
We will take public transport from Beshisahr to Jagat. On our way to Jagat, we will discover the views of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Peak 29, etc. We will walk on the crisscross way passing Syange and will go down to the river bank.
We will walk down to the rocky Jagat village. Jagat is a small village where Tamang and Gurung inhabitants live. Overnight at teahouse.
Day 03: Hiking up to Danakyu
We will start our trek to Danakyu lying at an altitude of 2300m. It takes 5 hours from Jagat to reach Danakyu. After passing the firs and pines wooded area, we will pass by the set called Bagarchhap.
Here you can make a trip to a white-colored Gompa (monastery). We will get to see the magnificent views of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29 att Danakyu. Spend your night in a teahouse at Danakyu.
Day 04: Hiking up to Chame ( District Headquarter of Manang )
We will walk for around 5 hours on this day to reach Chame. We will see the well-known Dudh Khola flowing from the south face of Mt Manaslu on the way. We will also notice the Marsyangdi swerving to the left side and explore the fascinating dramatic peak sight of Annapurna II.
We will enter the district headquarter of Manang district which is Chame lying on the shore of a river after passing Fir woods. Overnight at teahouse.
Day 05: Hiking up to upper Pisang and overnight at a tea house
We will start walking early in the morning witnessing the amazing view of Lamjung Himal (6893m) along with the first rays of sun over the stunning peak is even more fascinating. Our final point of this day is Pisang which is located at an altitude of 3300m.
We will get to explore a marvelous waterfall we reach Brathang Village. On our way to Pisang, we will see a long Mani wall next to the bridge. We will see the views of the north-east peak of Pisang, as well as Annapurna II, which appears magnificent. Overnight at a tea house.
Day 06: Hiking up to Ghyaru village and see excellent view Annapurna II, Annapurna III,& Trek to Manang village
We will trek to Ghyaru Village from Pisang on this day. On our way to Ghyaru, we will get to explore the fantastic views of Annapurna II and III. After that, we will stroll to Manang Village located at 3540m taking roughly 6 hours and go through the breathtaking track full of grasslands. Going up the trail also bestows amazing vistas of the Annapurna Himalayan range. We will also walk towards Nawal to catch the best scene of Annapurna. Overnight at a tea house.
Day 07: Hiking up to Ledar and over Night at tea house
We will walk for around 4 hours from Nawal to reach Leder located at an altitude of 4200m. While going through the trails, the incredible views of Annapurna will move along with you. We can observe Peak 29 and Himchuli at our back. Walking towards Ledar, we will climb the trails passing by Gunsang settlement where we will cross Gundon River via a bridge made of wood to reach Ledar. Overnight at a tea house in Ledar.
Day 08: Hiking up to Thorung Phedi and Over Night at tea house
Today we will make way up step by step, we move right down to the Marsyangdi River. We go through a wooden bridge and will have a slim track that moves upwards to an uneven hill. Then we ascend our way to Thorung La Phedi which takes approximately 3 hours to reach. Overnight at a tea house.
Day 09: Hiking up to Thorung -La pass trek down to Muktinath
Early in the morning, We will walk down to the Marsyangdi River from Thorung La Phedi and pass through the river via a wooden bridge. After that, we will have a track that turns slim and moves crossways from side to side with a shaky incline.
After that walk down to Thorung La Pass lying at 5416m, we will move all the way down to Muktinath. It takes roughly around 5 hours to reach Muktinath. Muktinath is known as a holy place for Buddhists as well as Hindus. You will get to observe water flowing from 108 fixed stone taps. Overnight at a tea house in Muktinath.
Day 10: Drive to Tatopani
Passing by settlements like Khingar as well as Jharkot filled with typical Tibetan architecture we will move to the valley of the Kali Gandaki.
We will be amazed by the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri on our way. We will continue walking through apple orchards before reaching Marpha.
Then we will walk to Jomsom as a final point of our trek, which is located next to both shores of the Kali Gandaki River. Overnight at a tea house.
Day 11: Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara by local bus. Overnight stay in Pokhara
You will go on a scenic drive to Pokhara on a local bus from Tatopani and Beni. The journey from Tatopani to Pokhara is 5 to 6 hours. You will reach Pokhara by 3 to 4 PM. You can freshen up and stroll around Pokhara. Or you can rest for some hours as you will be traveling off-road and later enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 12: Pokhara to Kathmandu 8 hours by tourist bus
This is the final day of your Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 Days as you will drive back to Kathmandu after spending a memorable time in the Annapurna region. The drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu will take approximately 6 hours by tourist bus. Today you can just relax in the hotel or go shopping in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Trek
The trek to the Annapurna region is possible throughout the year. However, the lower regions of this trek can get muddy and slippery during the monsoon months of Nepal. There will also be chances of heavy to light rainfall as well as rock and mudslides, and thunderstorms.
The temperatures can drop to minus zero in the higher altitudes during winter. The Thorong La Pass may also close due to extreme weather conditions.
The most favorable and safest season for this trek is the Spring and Autumn season.
The spring lasts from mid-February to mid-May. This is when you can enjoy the natural floral fragrance and see the flower blossoms on the trails.
Similarly, the autumn season in Nepal is Mid-September to November. With amazing visibility and more stable weather conditions throughout the trails, this is the best time to do this trek.
How much does it cost for Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 Days?
The total cost for 12 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek ranges from USD 800 to 900. This cost includes all the bus transfer, your complete meal for 12 days i.e. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Your trekking permit fees, accommodation, guides, taxes and service charges are also included in this package.
However, all your personal expenses, your flight tickets, porters services, and any tips are not included.
You can also customize your trek according to your choices which may cost you more or less according to the places you visit. There is an advantage of booking a package trek as everything will be taken care of for your visit and you will not have to go through the hassle of planning and organizing a trip.
How Difficult are 12 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 Days is a moderate to difficult trek in the Annapurna region. As it is the longest trekking routes in the region, it is challenging for a beginner trekker without proper physical exercise and training.
The most difficult part of the trek is crossing the Thorung La Pass at 5416 meters.
You will cover the distance of 160- 230 kilometers during the Annapurna Circuit Trek by walking. You should be able to walk 8-15 kilometers a day on this trek.
It involves walking on steep and narrow terrain, downhill and uphill climbs and even snow. So the Annapurna Circuit Trek becomes more challenging in the winter season as most of the trails get covered with snow. Likewise, the weather and temperature during winter and monsoon may not be very favorable for trekking. It only adds to the difficulty of the trek.
The average walking duration during the Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days is 6-7 hours per day. You should be physically fit to walk such hours continuously. However, people who are not used to trekking might have a hard time during the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Acclimatization is very necessary when trekking to a higher altitude. It helps to adjust your body in the new surrounding. It eventually helps to reduce the problem of altitude sickness too. The amount of oxygen is comparatively low at the higher altitude. This results in difficulty in breathing. Along with this, it involves problems such as headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Therefore, altitude sickness becomes a barrier when trekking to the Annapurna Circuit.
Some Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty
Doing physical preparation before the Annapurna Circuit trek will be very helpful. Make sure you engage in physical activities such as swimming, running, cycling, etc three weeks before your trek.
Walk slowly and do not rush to reach the destination sooner as walking slowly is the key to complete the trek.
Alcoholic consumption will only dehydrate your body. So, try to avoid alcohol and maintain a high level of non- alcoholic fluid consumption.
To prevent the problem of altitude sickness, carry some Diamox tablets.
Always carry appropriate trekking gear with you. Do not forget to carry rain gear if you are trekking in monsoon season. You do not have to carry bulky clothes during autumn and spring season.
FAQs
Is there any physical requirement for Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Anyone who is physically fit can join the Annapurna Circuit trek. The trek does not require any expert trekking experience. However, it will be helpful if you do some basic exercises before your Annapurna Circuit trek. You must seek medical advice from your doctor before considering the trek if you have any medical condition.
Who will receive me at the airport on my arrival?
Our team representative will be there to welcome you outside of the Arrival section of Tribhuvan International Airport. He will be waiting with the name card with your name on it. You will be transferred to the pre-chosen hotel after that.
What kind of accommodation can I expect while trekking?
Accommodation depends on your preference and budget. We can accommodate you according to your choice as you can choose from a budget hotel to luxurious five-star services but usually we offer three-star hotel services in our itinerary. However, you will be staying in tea houses/lodges with basic facilities during the trek. We also offer sleeping bags if required, but it’s always a good idea to carry a personal sleeping bag. Depending on the availability and prior booking, we provide you with single and double rooms. It is quite difficult to get a single room during the peak season so we recommend you book early.
Can I extend my trek later?
Yes, it is possible to add some more days to your trek. We can customize your trek according to your preferences with additional costs including guides, accommodation, food, and porters.
What is the temperature like during the trek?
The weather in the mountains is very difficult to predict. The nights are colder whereas, the days are warmer. The weather during the day is comfortably dry and warm if you will be trekking in the spring or autumn season. The temperature could be as 15-degree Celcius low and high as 20-degrees Celsius during the daytime.
Can I visit Tilicho Lake during the circuit trek?
Yes, you can visit and it can be combined in the trek itinerary. You can visit Tilicho Lake and cross Thorong La pass but you need 3 extra days with Annapurna circuit trek itinerary.
Note: This is a full itinerary of Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 Days designed for you to make your trek easy. You can customize your trek according to the places you want to visit. Nepal Guide trekking provides you with a complete plan of your trek and organizes a hassle-free trip.
