Annapurna Circuit Trek is a very popular trek destination in the Annapurna Conservation Area. The path passes through the beautiful trail over Marshyangdi & Kali Gandaki stream with exquisite panoramic splendor of vast Annapurna mountain ranges.

Also referred to as the Round Annapurna, encircling the trek route, one can observe diverse altitude variations very unlikely to find anywhere else. As the altitude varies, so does the culture and lifestyle, and always accompanied by amazing arrays of floras and faunas widely scattered throughout the region.

The Annapurna Circuit hiking trail comprises a mix of small villages that houses culturally rich ethnic communities like the Gurung, Magar, Thakali, and the Tamangs. The trajectory also precedes you to the Buddhist hamlets and Hindu pilgrimage sites, particularly the famous temple of Muktinath - one of the sanctified sites for Buddhists and Hindus.

Annapurna Circuit Trek unfolds the wonders of nature as it meanders through the paddy fields, river valleys, and gorges and through small mountain hamlets giving you a true enigma of the Himalayan trekking experience. The total length of the route you hike on Annapurna Circuit is somewhere around 150km or (100 miles).

In addition, this route also has been listed as one of the top 10 must-visit places & the best trekking trails numerous times in terms of culture and unique landscape by individual authors, magazines, BBC, Trip Advisor, media companies, and such. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights

• Explore UNESCO heritage sites in Kathmandu
• Descend into the Kali Gandaki, one of the world's deepest gorges.
• Thorung La is the trek's highest point, which is 5,400 meters above sea level.
• Visit Tilicho Lake, a high-altitude lake at 4,919 meters.
• Take a detour into the rugged Nar and Phu valleys.
• This trek can be tailored to your own preferences in a number of ways.
• A fascinating hike along the Round Annapurna Trail and visit Braga - the oldest monastery in this area.
• Take in Nepal's rich landscape and culture.
• Throughout the trail, soak in the spectacular scenery of the Himalayan peaks.
• Enjoy the enthralling landscapes of Manang and Muktinath.
• Magnificent views of majestic Machhapuchhre, as well as unrivaled mountain adventure.

Best Season for Annapurna Circuit Trek

The best season for this trek is in Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to December). During these periods, the weather is almost flawless with moderate warmth & usual cool nights. The Annapurna Circuit is best (and busiest) trekked in the spring and fall, though a shortened itinerary (focusing on the circuit's northern, drier region) is a great choice during the monsoon. It's only in the winter that there are problems, as the Thorung La pass is often closed due to snow.

Difficulty Level of Annapurna Circuit Trek

Since you will be exploring the high-altitude Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, this trek is more difficult than the Annapurna Base Camp trek (17764 ft.). In addition, this trek is made a little more difficult by the steep climbs and long walking distances combined with minimal facilities.

Because it's a demanding journey, you must be in the excellent physical condition and able to walk for at least 5 to 7 hours per day. Even so, beginners can complete this trek if they have undertaken physical training prior to the trek. Cycling, swimming, acrobatics, hiking, jogging, and aerobic workouts are all good ways to prepare the body for a trek to the Himalayas.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Route

The most convenient way to accomplish this trek is to go counter-clockwise, as this allows for gradual acclimatization as you approach Thorung La. The route generally starts in Besisahar and ends in Tatopani, but road construction has opened up a variety of options at the start and end of your trek.

Road development has made most of the western and eastern parts of the Annapurna Circuit accessible by buses and jeep over the last few years. The roads are bumpy dirt tracks at best, but many trekkers are opting for a shorter version of this trek that starts further up the valley (3-4 days on the conventional route) and finishes as early as Jomsom (taking a bus to Beni or flying to Pokhara).

Permits & Entrance Fees

Before going trekking in the Annapurna zone, you'll need to get a TIMS card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). You'll be required to present these at several checkpoints along the way.

Guides and Trek Customization

You will be led by Himalayan Trekkers trek leaders who have been to the base camp and back numerous times. All of our guides are fluent English speakers with extensive knowledge of the mountain, its inhabitants, history, health, hygiene, and, most importantly, your protection.

Because of the road construction, this trek can now be accomplished in as little as 8-9 days by starting in Manang (3,520 m) and ending in Muktinath.

If you plan to skip the first few days of the journey, make sure to stick to an acclimatization schedule before crossing the Thorung La pass. Besides, you can proceed east from Tatopani by following the local village trails along the Ghorepani trek route to Ghandruk, then to Nayapul, where you can take a jeep or bus back to Pokhara. This will extend your journey by 4-5 days. Moreover, if time is not a factor, you might want to go on to Annapurna Base Camp.

Himalayan Trekkers delivers the best value by giving due consideration to your outlook & interest. Our staff members make sure to gratify all your needs keeping safety as the first priority. For further information about this package, please feel free to email or contact us. We are here 24/7 at your service.