Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT) is one of the classic trails in Nepal scenery and cultural diversity. ACT is a 100-mile plus circumnavigation of the Annapurna Range offering the best natural scenery and indigenous cultures of Nepal. The trail takes you along the Marsyangdi Valley up to the North of the main Himalayan range. The trail then crosses a 5,416 m pass to descend into the dramatic desert-like, Tibetan-style scenery of the upper Kali Gandaki Valley.

Diversity in the Terrain:

The route of ACT brings varying sights, from about 100 waterfalls to pine forests. This lush landscape changes to arid slopes with shrubs, scattered here and there, just as you reach Manang. Now, Manang is an interesting place. Cliffs on one side of the Marsyangdi River are forested, while on the other, these are almost barren. From Manang, the terrain becomes a bit rough as you are required to make a somewhat steep ascent across grasslands and past juniper trees. You could utilize your acclimatization day in Manang with a trek to a glacial lake nearby.

Trek to Muktinath

This trek also gives you the opportunity to trek to the sacred Muktinath Temple. Located in the Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass in Mustang, Nepal. It is one of the world’s highest temples (altitude 3,800 m). The Muktinath temple is also considered to be one of the 108 Shakti Peetha.

Annapurna Range in full glory

The Annapurna Circuit trail is home to the Gurungs, Manangis, and Thakalis. It also offers spectacular mountain views of the numerous 7,000 m-plus Annapurna peaks and boasts some of the best trekking lodges in Nepal.

16-Days of Himalayan Bliss

During this incredible journey that lasts for 16-days, you traverse through isolated hamlets, mountain villages, lakes, Rhododendron forests, and beautiful stupas. This challenging trek also introduces you to some of the most isolated monasteries of Nepal, temples, and breathtaking landscapes.

COVID-19 Links & Information:

After due considerations and post understanding the guidelines and precautions set by the respective State Governments and the Government of India, we have decided to resume our operations and reopen our treks, ensuring full safety and security of our Nomads and our on-ground staff.

1. Click here to read more about our cancellation policy and recommendations for trekking amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Click here more about the safety protocols followed by TrekNomads before, during and after the trek.

• Get far from the bustling city life into peaceful and pristine nature
• Witness stunning views of Annapurna, Lamjung Kailash, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and more
• Stay in teahouses of small villages
• Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)
• Visit Muktinath, other holy temples, and monasteries
• Explore beautiful villages of Braga, Manang, Kagbeni, Jomsom, and Marpha
• Gaze at the breathtaking Annapurna range from Poon Hill
• Natural Hot spring at Tatopani
• Enjoy the lively evening of Pokhara
• Paragliding in Pokhara
• Visit the Shanti Stupa

Altitude Map:

• Kathmandu: 1,400 m (4,593 ft)
• Besi Sahar: 760 m (2,493 ft)
• Chame: 2,670 m (8,759 ft)
• Pisang: 3,190 m (10,465 ft)
• Manang: 3,540 m (11,614 ft)
• Letdar: 4,250 m (13,943 ft)
• Thorung Phedi: 4,420 m (14,501 ft)
• Muktinath: 3,800 m (12,467 ft)
• Kalopani: 2,530 m (8,300 ft)
• Tatopani: 1,200 m (3,937 ft)
• Ghorepani: 2,850 m (9,350 ft)
• Thorung La: 5,416 m (17,769 ft)

Other Details:

• Trek Gradient: Difficult
• Trek Distance: 145+ Km
• Assembling Point: Kathmandu
• Trek Duration: 70 + hours
• Average Temperature: 20°C to -10°C
• Best Months to trek: April, May, October, November

• Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu & check into your hotel
• Day 02: Drive to Besi Sahar (760 m) by van & check in to your hotel
• Day 03: Drive to Chame by 4WD jeep (2,670 m). Stay the night at a lodge
• Day 04: Trek to Pisang (3,190 m) and check in to your lodge
• Day 05: Trek to Manang (3,540 m) and stay the night at a lodge
• Day 06: Acclimatization day in Manang, continue staying in the lodge
• Day 07: Trek to Letdar (4,250 m) check in to your lodge
• Day 08: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,420 m), stay the night at a lodge
• Day 09: Trek to Muktinath (3,800 m) via Thorong-La pass (5,416 m)
• Day 10: Drive to Tatopani (1,200 m) & visit natural hot spring water. Check in to a lodge
• Day 11: Trek to Ghorepani (2,850 m) stay at a lodge
• Day 12: Early Morning Hike to Poon Hill and Trek down to Ulleri and drive to Pokhara by Jeep. Check in to your hotel
• Day 13: Exploration day in Pokhara visit Santi stupa and international mountain museum o/n hotel
• Day 14: Explore Pokhara paragliding etc of your choice
• Day 15: Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus
• Day 16: Final Departure transfer to TIA airport 3 hours before your flight schedule

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu

Arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport & check in to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until the evening when you’ll enjoy a welcome drink with your guide and introduce each other. Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing

Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning to begin your city tour of Kathmandu. You will visit the Boudhanath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and possibly view cremation ceremonies along the banks of the Bagmati River and continue to drive to Patan Durbar Square to take in ancient Nepalese architecture and end your tour after lunch.

Then, you will visit the Patan Museum. Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 03: Drive to Besi Sahar

Attitude: 760 m (2,493 m)

We drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then following the rough route by the Marsyangdi River, we pass through the low-lying villages and rice fields. After 6 hours long drive, we finally reach Besi Sahar, which is the capital of Lamjung District

Day 04: Drive to Chame

Attitude: 2,670 m (8,759 ft)

From Bagarchap the trail climbs through forest to Dhanakyu (2290m), crosses several landslides and travels uphill through the forest to Lattemarang (2360m). The trail climbs and then descends to Thanchok and to Kotho (2590m), a meadow surrounded by huge pine and spruce trees. Walking about half an hour you will reach to Chame, the administrative headquarters of the Manang district. From here you have an excellent view of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV. Overnight at Chame.

Day 05: Trek to Pisang (3190m)

Attitude: 3,190 m (10,465 ft)

From Chame, you will reach Bhratang after walking through the pine forest and huge apple orchard which is surrounded by a stone wall. The trail offers admirable views of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, Mt.Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli and reaches to Pisang, part of Manang Valley. Overnight at Pisang

Day 06: Trek to Manang

Attitude: 3,540 m (11,614 ft)

The trail makes a long climb with excellent views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7,134 m), before reaching to the Manang airstrip at Humde (3,280 m). Crossing to the north bank of Marshyangdi on a bridge the trail reaches Mungji (3,360 m) and then climbs to Bryaga (3,550 m), a Tibetan-style village. Finally, after leaving Bryaga, you will reach Manang. Overnight at Manang.

Day 07: Acclimatization day in Manang

Attitude: 3,540 m (11,614 ft)

After having breakfast you will climb the ridge to the north of the village for excellent views of Annapurna IV, Annapurna II and Tarke Kang (7,193 m). If you descend from the village, you will see the glacial lake at the base of the huge icefall that drops from Gangapurna (7,454 m). Back to Manang. Overnight at Manang

Day 08: Trek to Letdar (4250m)

Attitude: 4,250 m (13,943 ft)

From Manang, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to Tengi, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi valley before reaching the small village of Gunsang (3,930 m). The trail passes through a sparse forest of juniper, rose, and barberry and crosses a large stream to reach Yak Kharka (4,090 m). Walking about an hour further you will reach Letdar. Overnight at Letdar.

Day 09: Trek to Thorung Phedi

Attitude: 4,420 m (14,501 ft)

From Letdar the trail continues to climb along the east bank of the Jar sang Khola then descends and crosses the stream on a bridge. Then making a short descent you will reach Thorung Phedi. Overnight at Throung Phedi.

Day 10: Trek to Muktinath

Attitude: 3,800 m (12,467 ft)

From Thorung Phedi, the trail becomes steep; following rocky ridges you will reach Thorung La (5,416 m), which is the highest point of this trek. From here the views are outstanding. The trail descends steeply and during the decent there you can see sights of Mt.Dhaulagiri. You will reach Chabarbu (4,290 m). The trail crosses a meadow and leads to Muktinath where you can see the impressive temple of Lord Shiva. Overnight at Muktinath.

Day 11: Drive to Kalopani (2530m)

Attitude: 2,530 m (8,300 ft)

From Muktinath, the trail descends to Jharkot and ends at Khingar. Beyond Khingar you will meet the junction of two routes. The first one goes to Kagbeni (the entrance of upper Mustang) and another is to Jomsom. Then the trail proceeds to Eklebatti following the Kali Gandaki River. You will finally reach Jomsom where you can see the Annapurna Conservation Project check post, hospital, airport, and army camp. Overnight at Jomsom, you pass through beautiful farms and hills enjoying mesmerizing views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak and others. You trek along the flat trail at the bank of Kali Gandaki River up to Kalopani. Overnight at the lodge

Day 12: Drive  to Tatopani (1200 m)

Attitude: 1,200 m (3,937 ft)

On this day you drive down to Tatopani via Ghasa and Lele. The trail has ups and downs but most of the time we drive through a bumpy road through the riverside during the dry season. By the time you reach Tatopani, the Kaligandaki River has become a wide and wild stream. Tatopani has hot springs where you enjoy a bath after the exhausting days of the trip . Overnight at lodge

Day 13: Trek to Ghorepani (2850 m)

Attitude: 2,850 m (9,350 ft)

The trail follows through beautiful enchanting forests of rhododendrons, oaks, and pines with constant views of the Annapurna & Dhaulagiri mountain range. From Tatopani, you climb up to Ghorepani through wonderful misty forests. Literally, ‘Ghora’ means horse and ‘Pani’ means water, which translates to ‘a place where horses are stopped for rest’. You take an overnight stay at Ghorepani and enjoy the magnificent view of the mountains-Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, Machhapurchhare and Tuckuche peak.

Day 14: Early Morning Hike to Poon Hill Trek to Nayapul via Birethanti and drive back to Pokhara

Attitude: 1,040 m (3,412 ft)

After an overnight stay in Ghandruk village, we trek down all the way to Nayapul via Birethanti. Nayapul is the ending point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and we drive back to Pokhara. Stay overnight hotel

Day 15: Drive back to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu by private transport and transfer to the hotel (6-7hrs.)

Day 16: Final Departure transfer to TIA airport

Trek Insurance:

Trekking in the Himalayas comes with its own set of risks. While adventure is fun and can be extremely thrilling, nature can be unpredictable, and to help secure you during your trek, it is of utmost importance that you are covered with insurance.

We’ve gone a step ahead and made sure that you don’t have to worry about scouting for the best insurance option out there. When you trek with us, your insurance comes as a part of your inclusions.

Risk and Liability: 

We will endeavor to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstances and natural disasters such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snowing, cancellation of flight and delay, any type of sickness including altitude sickness.

FAQs:

Where is the Annapurna Circuit trail located?

The trail is located in the central region of Nepal. This trek will take you to the highest elevation of 5,416 meters at the Thorong La Pass. The average duration for the Annapurna Circuit Trek is 17 to 25 days though it can be extended or shortened by adding side treks or taking flight/vehicle.

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderately difficult trek. Any healthy individual can do this trek, and you do not need to have prior trekking experience. However, you have to be mentally prepared to go on this trek. The most difficult part of this trek is when you will cross Thorong Phedi and Thorong La Pass.

How long do we trek every day when doing ACT?

On average, you have to walk around 6-8 hours per day.  Sometimes your walking hour will be 4-6 hours a day also.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached on this trek is 5,416m/17,769ft. This is the elevation of Thorong La Pass.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities? 

You can bring your charger and charge your batteries en route. There is a hot water facility but, you may have to pay an extra $1-$2. However, you can find hot water facility for free at a lower altitude.

Are there ATMs on the trail?

No, there are no ATMs on the trail. You have to draw enough cash from Pokhara or Kathmandu before commencing the trek. You have to carry Nepali currency with yourself during the trek.

What about internet access?

You will find internet access in most of the places. There might be sometime when you will not find internet access due to a technical problem. You have to keep in mind that the internet here is not as fast as your home country.

What if I am a solo traveler? Is there a supplemental for singles? 

No problem. Many of our Nomads travel solo. It may also be an option to join a small group or another solo traveler, let us know if this interest you. Yes, there is a supplemental cost if you are traveling alone, please contact us to find out more.

Will I have to carry all of my own stuff on the Trek?

No, unless you request to. Our porters will carry up to 12 kg of weight for each trekker. All you need to carry are your essential items for the day. The porter fee is included in the price of your trip. We plan for 1 porter for 2 trekkers in accordance to the guidelines set out by the International Porter Protection Group. If you would like more weight to be carried, please let us know. In general 12-13 kg is more than sufficient.

What is the weather like in May?

The temperature during this season is 15°C as lowest and with a maximum of 25°C during sunny days, a minimum of -15°C in the morning and at night normally for areas above 4,000 meters.