Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular that takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, from lush subtropical forests to high-altitude desert plateaus and snow-capped peaks. Thorong la is the highest point of the entire trek which stands at 5,416m, marked the widest pass in the Himalayas.

ACT, a top most popular trek destination of Nepal that is rich in diverse culture and flora and fauna. It passes through many traditional villages, and you’ll have the opportunity to experience the unique culture and lifestyle in the region. You’ll also see stunning views of the Annapurna Massif, including multiple high mountains across the journey.

They are Mt.Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt.Annapurna Ist (8,091m) Mt.Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt.Annapurna II (7,937m.), Mt.Annapurna III (7,555m), Mt.Annapurna IV (7,525m). Additionally, Annapurna south (7,219m), Mt.Nilgiri (7,041m), Mt.Fishtail (6,998m), Mt.Hiunchuli (6,441m), Mt.Lamjung (6,986m), Tukuche peak (6,920m), Tilicho peak (7,134m)..etc.

Likewise, a trek to the Annapurna circuit is a challenging but rewarding experience that offers stunning scenery and a chance to immerse yourself in the culture of Nepal. Furthermore, the hike to Thorong la usually takes around 12-15 days to complete and covers a distance of approximately 230km.

Gateway exploring ACT is usually either Besisahar and the trek finishes at Nayapul Bazaar. In terms of safety, it’s important to be well-prepared for the trek, with suitable clothing, equipment, and a good level of fitness.

The Kali Gandaki river source is a Nhubine Himal Glacier and the Kali Gandaki Gorge is the world’s deepest gorge, skirted by the giant Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan ranges. It’s part of the great Himalayan trek in Nepal possible to explore in all months.

Price Per Person for 16 days AC Trekking in Nepal

If you’re wondering to know about what is included and what is excluded from this trip price, kindly check on cost here on a tab button.

Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary details

Our trek in the Annapurna circuit is a classical journey with 16 days itinerary. The particular route is designed for globetrotters who wish to Annapurna Circuit hiking with a relaxing manner itinerary however if you are planning with limited time-wise? take a look at this special itinerary on around Annapurna short trek – 10 Days which would be a more appropriate choice.

The day starts through a deep forest in a steep and narrow valley and crosses a river on a long bridge. We cross the bridge and climb Paungda Danda’s rock face really begins to appear, an impressive trail climb to Pisang. Upper Pisang village is worth hiking to see Manangies and their lifestyles staying a bit higher altitudes.

After ascending for two hours the grassy Yak trail descends to cross the river at 4310m. We climb further to Thorong Phedi guest house at 4,450 meters passing landslide areas. At Thorong la base camp, the guest houses are nice and clean and also provide very good cuisines, Bakery as well as Internet facilities.

A hard and challenging day tour starts roughly at 4 am in the morning. Use the best mountain hardware and be ready to hit the trail. At sunrise, we need to set out early to complete to cross over Thorong La pass (5,416m).

Nepal hiking journey at Thorong la is one of the top ten long-distance walks and best hikes in the world. The rocky mountain trail is steep right from the start, but with a slow and steady pace, we should reach the summit within 4 hours roughly.

In addition, Prayer flags await us at the highest point of our hikes. Tourists can buy a cup of tea at the widest pass Thorong la tea shop. The descent to Muktinath town is long, but the journey offers a superb mountain view. Muktinath is a large settlement with several modern comfortable lodges.

Optional Hikes!

Walking long day hikes crossing over Thorong La, perhaps you may tire. So, tourists can take a Bus ride on the adventure road downhill from Muktinath to Tatopani. In this way, the guest can complete the ac trek shorter and more quicker.

Many backpackers use backpacking travel guides and skip those 3 days and climb again Tatopani to Poon hill to secure breathtaking Sunrise. Thus, hikers can drive from Muktinath to Tatopani road if they have a short time hiking in the Annapurna. So, we are open to your suggestion to modify the special itinerary to make your travel better.

Hikes at Jharkot shakyapa monastery is to see Buddhist Monks if you want. Walk along with the Kali Gandaki river sandy road. The Gandaki River, also familiar as the Narayani and the Gandak, is one of the major rivers in Nepal and a left-bank tributary of the Ganges in India. We have Lunch at Jomsom Bazaar and walk further to Marpha.

Have in mind that if you choose a plan for the Annapurna circuit trek for 10 days then you might need to fly out from Jomsom to Pokhara. So write to us for a better travel plan

Marpha is a lovely village with apple orchards and the sweet smell of cider. Several great bakeries produce apple puff pastry and apple cakes in this village.

We begin our Tatopani trek and its flagstone-paved streets before following the Kali Gandaki Gorge which is deepest gorge in the world and the last remnants of Tibetan influence in the valley.

Our trail takes us to the impressive Rupse waterfall, the most beautiful waterfall in the Nepal Himalayas. Continue to hike to a delightful Tatopani lodge where tourists can take a bath in a natural hot spring.

Likewise, Tatopani takes us away from the Kaligandaki Gorge and towards the Gar Khola River. The scenery changes once again as large rice terraces appear. From Chitre we ascend several steps until we finally see the blue roofs of Ghorepani right above us.

An adventure hike over mixed forest offers scenic Himalayan and village views. Ghorepani has a strong Tibetan influence, and you could purchase jewelry almost everywhere.

Early morning, hike to poon hill for a sunrise view over the Himalayan horizon. Reaching Punhill station, just climb poon hill tower to get an Annapurna Mountain glimpse. Poon Hill hike is located at an altitude of 10,548 feet above sea level for the best mountain view.

The hilltop is very popular to see the Himalayan panorama, especially in the sunrise over the Annapurna massif. Moreover, tourists can notice Annapurna South, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Blue Mountain (Nilgiri),…etc within a row. Get back to the lodge for breakfast, and start to walk down the hill to reach Hile Guest houses at 1,520 meters for Lunch.

After Lunch, we trek for three hours and continue downhill further on an easy walking trail to reach Nayapool where a private taxi transfer is waiting for us. Drive around 1:30 hours to reach the Fewa lakeside of Pokhara city. Check in at the hotel and your trekking crew will salute you for your work and last night’s celebration together.

How much does Annapurna Circuit Trek Package Price?

Hike to Annapurna circuit package price is US$ 1098 is the standard trek price on double occupancy basis. Taking flights to and from Pokhara saves your time and riding the bus reduces the trip expenses.

In addition, for the comfort – luxury ACT option, we add Pokhara to Kathmandu airfare, 3-5 star category hotel deluxe air-conditioned room in Kathmandu and in Pokhara with breakfast plan. Likewise, a comfort room with an attached bathroom/toilet in the possible places on the trekking route. AND WE ARE OPEN TO CUSTOMIZING YOUR TOUR AND PACKAGE PRICE AS PER YOUR REQUIREMENTS.

AC trek in Nepal is also the best day hike in the world. Many beginner hikers say that crossing Thorong la is the hardest day hike in the world. However, we can organize a private Annapurna Circuit Trek starting on any date that works for you. Please contact us for more information.

Question: I am not a professional trekker. Do I need the experience to do Annapurna Circuit Treks?

Answer: Actually Annapurna Circuit Trekking is suitable for enthusiastic walkers who can walk around 4 in a day, with a lightweight daypack. If you have little experience with carrying little day packs? better for going around the Annapurna trek.

Question: Is pick up service available on my arrival day in Kathmandu?

Answer: Yes sure. Provide us with your flight details. Our representative will come to pick up you at Kathmandu international airport.

Question: Can I store my luggage/stuff in Kathmandu?

Answer: Yes, you can leave your luggage at your hotel or at our office. Store your stuff in the Gokyo Treks agency office for free.

Question: Is AC trekking Safe for the Solo Female Trekkers?

Answer: Absolutely. Nepal is a safe country to travel to for solo travelers; this trek is perfectly safe for solo female trekkers. We have been organizing the Annapurna base camp trek even for solo female travelers since its establishment.

Question: What kind of accommodation can I expect on express Annapurna Circuit Trekking?.

Answer: We provide you tourist standard accommodation in Kathmandu and lodge accommodation at trek routes. Rooms at the guesthouse are clean with a comfortable bed with a nice mattress and blankets. However we recommend you take your own sleeping bags if you have one with you otherwise, you may rent them while you are in the Kathmandu gears shop.

Question: What kind of food can I expect in a rapid Annapurna round trek?.

Answer: All the lodges on round Annapurna treks, have attached restaurants. They cook a yummy range of mostly vegetarian meals such as Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, curry rice, bread, and soups. Dinner and breakfast are provided in the same lodge you spend the night every day and Lunch will be provided on the way to the next place where you are going.

Question: What opportunities will I have for a shower along Annapurna Circuit Lodge Trek?.

Answer: Over the lodge hikes, they have a hot shower which you can get often on pay. Although, if you upgrade your accommodation plan to a double bedroom with a private toilet bathroom then the cost of a hot shower will not charge extra. So please let us know the types of rooms you want to have for Circuit Annapurna hikes.

Question: How do I get drinking water on Thorong la pass Lodge Trekking?.

Answer: Hikers can buy water at a safe drinking water station in various hiking camps. Tourists can purchase bottled mineral water either at hotels or at local shops en route. But, we advise against buying mineral water in plastic bottles, as currently there are no provisions for disposing of plastic waste in the mountains. So, we advise you to bring Aqua tablets to purify normal water to drink. Normal tap water is available in almost every station, stream, river, and village.

Question: Can I charge my digital camera or other batteries on my Annapurna Circuit tour?

Answer: As you go on a lodge-basis trek, you can certainly charge the battery. We recommend you bring an extra pair in case. Remember to bring your own adapters! An extra battery will be recommended.

Question: Are there any communication facilities on Annapurna circuit hiking?.

Answer: At the Annapurna circuit hiking route, Tourists can purchase a local NTC sim card to get a telephone call. It’s a cheaper way to call your home rather than calling direct. You can also buy a DATA PACK to use high-speed Internet as per your requirements.

Question: Can I use credit cards in Trekking?

Answer: No! So, for the AC trek, you need to have cash Nepali rupees because credit cards don’t accept in the mountains.

Question: Is Annapurna Circuit still worth it?.

Answer: There is no question or confusion that traveling to Annapurna is certainly worth doing. As talked about it is feasible to stay away from the motorable road in many places because of New Annapurna Trek Trail [NATT]. Both of these treks are acceptable choices in case you are searching for a hotel-based journey in Nepal.

Question: When should I book my trip and what are the payment terms?

Answer: Because our trips book up months in advance, we recommend booking early to avoid any misunderstanding. We will, of course, make every effort to hold last-minute bookings.

And regarding the down payment, we prefer a 10% advance deposit of the total price of the trip in order to confirm your reservation before you arrive in Nepal. And the remaining part of the payment can pay upon your arrival in Nepal.

Question: Who will carry my luggage in the Annapurna circuit treks?.

Answer: We do provide porters to transfer your luggage. As we are a responsible trekking tour operator agency, each of our porters carries a maximum of 24 kilos of your backpack which means 2 guests (12 kg luggage of each guest): 1 porter basis.

Question: How much distance do I walk each day?

Answer: When walking in the mountains, the distance you cover each day can vary greatly due to gradient, terrain, and altitude. The total length of the hiking route varies between 160–230 km (100-145 miles), depending on where motor transportation is used and where the trek is ended. This trek crosses Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki river valleys and encircles the Annapurna Massif. As such it is very hard to give specific distances each day. However, you need to prepare roughly about 5-6 hours daily.

Question: Where is Thorong la Trek located?.

Answer: Annapurna Circuit is equally popular as Thorong la Trek. Its impressive journey goes over the widest Thorong la pass. The total length of the Annapurna circuit trek route varies between 160–230 kilometers (100-145 miles). It is depending on the dirt road transportation is used and where the trek is ended.

Question: Is Annapurna Circuit dangerous?.

Answer: Thorongla 5,416m, one of Nepal’s widest passes located over a rocky moraine and one of highest pass crossing it is potentially dangerous. In terms of altitude acclimatization, the safest hike goes from Manang to Mustang which is east to west. Windstorms and huge snowfall happen every winter season.

It is hard to cross over Thorong la pass without taking an expert Guide, especially in the early morning. Usually the best hike from Manang to Mustang in a counter-clockwise direction means a typically a soft adventure with less difficulty.

But it is a long way at a high elevation, which can cause problems. Likewise, every year solo trekker has been missing in the Himalayas losing the right hikes at high altitude because of walking alone without hiring a guide and porter.

Question: How dangerous is Annapurna Circuit Hike?.

Answer: The ACT route hike is very tough at times, and the high altitude is because of the high pass. The unpredictable weather of the Annapurna mountain range can make crossing the Thorong La Pass a dangerous task – particularly if you’re not prepared with trekking gear.

Question: Is it possible to hire a local trekking guide for ACT?

Answer: Yes of course. If you donot wish to purchase a complete full board package trip, you can hire our expert local trekking guide to make your holiday tour safer and enjoyable. Our local guides are licensed, friendly and honest, so write us an email to get their daily cost quotation.

Question: Do I need trek poles?

Answer: It is better to trek with trekking poles. Before hiking in Nepal, learn how to use trekking poles. It helps you balance and stability, whether on the sidewalk or on hiking trails. Walking poles can help prevent slips and falls. They are just recommended but not obligatory.

Question: How much additional money do I need per day?

Answer: You can allocate US$ 08 – 10 for a lunch/dinner in Kathmandu and it depends on your spending habits. US$ 7 to 10 US$ each day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, tea coffee, and some drinks while you are on your trek.