Annapurna Circuit Trek - 11 Days

Annapurna Circuit Trek 

Annapurna Circuit Trekking, also recognized as Round Annapurna Trek -  as being the classic trekking route; trekking to this entire Annapurna Himalayan range and exclusive views of impressive wanderings through the astonishing variety of landscape with mixtures of different ethnicities on the trail.

The mountains you get to perceive from the Annapurna Circuit is Annapurna I (8090 m, 26545 ft) (the 10th highest peak in the world) and was first climbed by the French summit in 1950. Other peaks like Mount Dhaulagiri ( 8165 m,26795 ft) (7th highest peak in the world ), Mount Manaslu ( 8165 m,26780 ft) (the 8th highest peak ) and Mount Machhapuchare (also known as Fishtail) (6995 m, 22945 ft).

This trek takes you to the abundant sub-tropical area to the huge dense alpine forest where you will be crossing the challenging Thorong La Pass (5415 m) which is the highest point of this trek. This trekking is to some extent moderate or rather a tranquil trek. With sound health, any trekkers can attempt this trek.

The way to the Annapurna Circuit Trek begins from a scenic drive to Besishar. We then start our trek from Khudi, from where you slightly get the glimpse of Manaslu range. Then our trail takes us to the subtropical forests, ascending and descending, after crossing several suspension bridges, we reach Sirung village. The communities living here are mostly from the Tamang ethnic group and you get to discover their culture and livelihood. As we continue on the trail, we will be crossing through terraced fields and after few suspension bridges, we reach Dharapani and headed towards Chame, which is the headquarter of the Manang district. We then head to Pisang, spotting several temples on the way. Finally, we reach Manang, where we will be acclimatizing here.

At this Annapurna Circuit, there is no such high altitude but novice climbers may suffer some altitude sickness. So, we will halt here at Manang and do short hikes to some villages. And continuing our trek, we will reach Yak Kharka, where we will be spotting several yak herders on the trail. As continuing our trekking and crossing some more suspension bridges, we will be heading to the high cliff Thorang La (5416 m), where we get the splendid view of Mount Gundang, Mount Syagang, Mount Thorung and Mount Khatungkan. And from Thoangpedi, we will reach Muktinath, one of the sacred places for Hindus and Buddhists. We are then headed to Marpha, a well known place for apple farming.

And then we will be heading to Kalopani, then to Tatopani, trekking through the beautiful villages of Shikha and Chitre and trailing through the beautiful rhododendron and other several forests and reach Ghorepani village.Lastly, we trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill, the ultimate heaven where we get the superb entire view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Finally, we head to Tadapani and after trekking some time, we will drive to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu.

We the Accent Himalaya also have an opportunity for extending and reducing the itinerary schedule according to your vacation schedule. So if you want to know further details about this trek, have any inquiries, please feel free to contact or email us.

Here we list the detailed itinerary for Annapurna Circuit Trek:

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani (1,960m / 6,430ft)

• Travel Time: 8–10 hours by jeep.

• Highlights: Scenic drive through winding mountain roads, waterfalls, and terraced fields. Arrive in Dharapani, a charming village marking the start of your trek.

 

Day 2: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,710m / 8,891ft)

• Trekking Hours: 5–6.

• Highlights: Walk through lush pine forests, cross suspension bridges, and enjoy views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Chame, the district headquarters, offers warm hospitality and stunning vistas.

 

Day 3: Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m / 10,826ft)

• Trekking Hours: 5–6.

• Highlights: Pass through beautiful apple orchards, climb uphill trails, and arrive at Upper Pisang for panoramic views of Annapurna and Pisang Peak.

 

Day 4: Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540m / 11,614ft)

• Trekking Hours: 6–7.

• Route: Opt for the upper route via Ghyaru and Ngawal for breathtaking landscapes and traditional villages.

• Highlights: Spectacular mountain views, cultural experiences, and the transition to a dry, alpine environment.

 

Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Manang

• Activity: Short hikes to Gangapurna Lake, Ice Lake (optional), or the Milarepa Cave.

• Highlights: Adjust to the altitude, explore local monasteries, and enjoy the unique high-altitude desert scenery.

 

Day 6: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m / 13,287ft)

• Trekking Hours: 4–5.

• Highlights: Gradual ascent through yak pastures, alpine meadows, and awe-inspiring mountain views.

 

Day 7: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,525m / 14,845ft)

• Trekking Hours: 4–5.

• Highlights: Cross a landslide-prone area with caution. Marvel at the rugged terrain and prepare for the Thorong La Pass crossing the next day.

 

Day 8: Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,769ft) and trek to Muktinath (3,800m / 12,467ft)

• Trekking Hours: 7–9.

• Highlights: The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Witness sunrise over Thorong La Pass, with stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Descend to Muktinath, a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists.

 

Day 9: Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani (1,200m / 3,937ft)

• Travel Time: 6–7 hours by jeep.

• Highlights: Experience the dramatic shift from dry landscapes to lush greenery. Relax in the natural hot springs at Tatopani to soothe tired muscles.

 

Day 10: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m / 9,350ft)

• Trekking Hours: 7–8.

• Highlights: Trek through dense rhododendron forests, small villages, and terraced farmlands. Reach Ghorepani, offering fantastic views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.

 

Day 11: Hike to Poon Hill (3,210m / 10,531ft) for sunrise, trek to Nayapul, and drive to Pokhara

• Trekking Hours: 6–7; Drive: ~1.5 hours.

• Highlights: Early morning hike to Poon Hill for one of the best sunrise views in the Himalayas. Descend to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara, where you can celebrate your accomplishment by Phewa Lake.

 

Why This Itinerary Stands Out:

1. Adventure & Efficiency: Jeep transfers on longer sections save time without missing key highlights.

2. Acclimatization: An acclimatization day in Manang ensures safety and enjoyment.

3. Cultural Depth: Explore traditional villages, monasteries, and sacred sites like Muktinath.

4. Diverse Landscapes: Experience lush forests, alpine meadows, barren highlands, and dramatic mountain views.

5. Relaxation: End with hot springs in Tatopani and the serene beauty of Pokhara.

As your arrival at Airport, our representative will pick you up and drop you at your respective hotel. In the evening you will be invited to dinner hosted by Accent Himalaya with amazing Nepalese taste.

Included meals: Dinner

Kathmandu, the town of temple and cultural things, we will visit today. We will visit the Kathmandu Durbar square having amazing architect and arts of Nepal. We visit the Swayambhunath temple, (also known as monkey temple). We will travel to Boudhanath for sightseeing the - world largest Stupa aka Boudhanath Stupa. At last, we will visit the religious site - the Pashupati Chhetra which has more than 1000 Sivayalayas and others. Then we will reach our management and check out our climbing equipment.

Included meals: Breakfast

We will drive to Khudi from Kathmandu on a winding road along the Trisuli River. We will admire the terraced farms and beautiful huts on the way. After reaching to the turning point, Mugling, we move straight ahead towards Pokhara. After reaching Dumre, we leave our previous trail and follow new trails that head north to Besisahar. After some drive from Besisahar, we will meet Khudi, from where we will be able to see the glimpses of gorgeous Mountain Manaslu and range.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We start our trek of the first day crossing several suspension bridges and waterfalls with several ascending and descending across rice paddies and subtropical forest. Our trails at initial are gradual however after some walk becomes steeper trails. Before reaching to Sirung, we have to cross an ethnic Tamang settlement of Taranche. We admire close views of the NadiChuli and Manaslu mountains from Sirung.

Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

After having our breakfast, we will continue to trek from Jagat descending until we reach the river and continue through a lush forest.  Our trails ascent leads to a sharp-edge cliff facing the river bank. In our route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain range. We will cross the suspension bridge, climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattate. Then we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Taal. As we leave behind Tal, our way becomes much winding and rugged. We approach the steeply-forested village of Karte meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The steep and narrow way with a very dense forest shall take us to the diagrammatic curved rock face, rising 1500 m from the River, which is the steepest part of the Marshyangdi valley. After passing the last point of rock, the valley will open up with majestic vistas. We will trek for a while before reaching lower Pisang.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We have two routes to Manang but we will follow the trail that takes us upper via Geru. This trail guarantees excellent views of the magnificent landscape and the mighty mountains including Annapurna and Pissang. We will be notified that a contrast in the landscape and vegetation from today. We will visit Barge Monastery, the largest monastery all over the Manang.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We will stay at Manang for acclimatization for keeping us fit on the trail that we follow. We will take a short hike to BhojoGumba or Gangapurna Lake. If we have the energy, we will also hike to Vraga village, where we can visit the Himalayan rescue association, which give us some idea about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Through Manang village, we will cross a stream then climb to a village of Tenki and continue to climb out of the Marshyangdi valley turning to the valley of JarsangKhola. We will follow the trail following valley northward, passing some pastures and a scrub of juniper trees. The trails also pass near the village of Gunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Our trails will go through the ground on where horses and yaks are grazing. We also cross the wooden bridge, pass an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then we will finally reach another village of Yak Kharka. 

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

It will be uphill walk to Thorong La Pass. After some trek, we will cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. We will ascend furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching ThorongLa Pass. We will reward by the views of Mt.Gundang, Syagang, Thorong Peak and Mt. Khatungkan.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We will cross Thorong La Pass, one of the highest passes in the world, from East to West (Manang to Muktinath), an easiest and safest trail. For that, we shall have to get up early in the morning around 3 am and walk up the mountain, after reaching the top of the peaks we then realize the worth of our trekking. We take some photos and head to Muktinath valley.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Muktinath, an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhist, early in the morning we pay our visit to a Vishnu Temple and Gumba. Descending from Ranipauwa village down the steep and barren hillside, we will tumble down towards Kegbeni and Jomsom finally arrive at Marpha.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We will take a new route toward Kalopani via Chokhopani Village. We come across traditional villages of the ethnic Thakali people with beautiful apple garden. We see the panoramic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Fang and Annapurna I. We continue to trek from Chokhopani to Khethanti. We will cross the river and come across the newly constructed road site before reaching Kalopani.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today we will trek mostly downhill. We cross the bridge at Ghasa, dropping down to lower elevation, we will emerge back into subtropical forests, lush with vegetation. We will continue to follow our trails along RupseChaharaa (waterfall). We continue down down the east bank from Kopchepani via Garpar to a bridge at Dana. We will see the mini-powerhouse at Narchyangbesi. Upon reaching Tatopani, we will rest and have a bath in the hot spring.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We will leave Kaligandaki and head up to the Ghar Khola valley. Our trails take us through the farmland with the mountainous surrounding. We will cross the village of Shikha and Chitre before reaching the beautiful rhododendron forest. Walking further we will reach Ghorepani, a beautiful village situated at the top of the ridge.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We will make the early morning climb along steep trails to the viewpoint of Poon Hill, the most popular trekking destination in Annapurna region to catch the sunrise over the Himalayas. It is a great viewpoint to enjoy the amazing Manang, Mustang, Pokhara and more than 20 mountains along with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After some while, we will return back to Ghorepani, having breakfast and we go ahead east and climb a nearby ridge. We will descend through rhododendron forests, pass by spectacular waterfalls and reach Tadapani.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We will make a steep descent through the dense and dark forest. This part of the trek will be through a thick forest of old rhododendron trees. After trekking few more we reach Ghandruk, a slope settlement with stone houses mostly inhabited by Gurung communities. Here we will see the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains. We continue our trek and reach to Nayapul, from there we transfer to Pokhara.

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Early in the morning after having our breakfast, we catch the tourist bus from Pokhara tourist bus park and return to Kathmandu alongside river Trisuli. You can enjoy the amazing hillside and green valley and hills on our route to Kathmandu. After reaching to Kathmandu and being freshened up, we will attend the farewell function in the evening.

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner

What's Included?

All the airport transfers by private vehicles.
Three nights’ hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast on twin share basis.
Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu as per the itinerary.
All accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the trek on twin share basis.
Your standard meals during the trek with hot tea/coffee in breakfast.
All necessary paper works, Conservation entry permits and TIMS permit.
One night’s accommodation in Pokhara including breakfast on twin sharing basis.
Ground transportation from Kathmandu –Bhulbhule -Pokhara - Kathmandu by bus.
An experienced, helpful and friendly Guide and porters (1 porter for 2 peoples).
Salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation and insurance for the guide and porter.
Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
Sleeping bag, down jackets and trekking map, if necessary (return after the trek).
All government taxes, VAT and Service charge.

Cost Excludes

Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport - Kathmandu). You will require 2 passport size photos.
Your Travel insurance (compulsory).
Lunch and dinner while you are in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
Your personal expenses and entrance fees while you are on sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
All the alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks and Sweet things like chocolate.
International airfare and airport departure tax.
Tips for the guide, porter & driver.
Any others expenses which are not mentioned on including section.

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