Annapurna Circuit Trek

Nepal Alternative Treks’ 11 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek is an excellent way to explore this popular trek destination of Nepal. Here is a breakdown of our itinerary to show you what is in store during the trek.

You will begin with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar in Lamjung District. The drive is 5 to 6 hours on the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River. Then, you will take another jeep ride from Besi Sahar to Chame. It is an upstream drive along the Marsyangdi River. Chame is a beautiful village and headquarters of the Manang District. Gurung and Magar ethnic communities mainly reside here.

Your trek will begin from Chame . You will slowly ascend through diverse terrains and dense forest trails towards Upper Pisang. The trail ascends from Upper Pisang, but the scenery slowly changes. You will now trek through beautiful conifer forests to reach Manang. You will take an acclimatization day here before you resume your trek to Ledar. As you climb further, it becomes demanding, but the mountain views become clearer. You will ascend steep trails and pass by charming Tibetan settlements to reach Thorong Phedi.

From Thorong Phedi, you will take one of the most challenging climbs to the high mountain pass of Thorong La. Upon reaching the top, you will witness spectacular panoramas and scenes . Then, you will climb down rocky ridges to reach Muktinath. The trail then takes you past the dried beds of Kali Gandaki, Jomsom, and then to the Marpha village, the Capital of Apple. You will then drive to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu via Prithvi Highway.

You will come across several viewpoints during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. These include the following:

Chame

After leaving the Besi Sahar, you will come across Chame village. It is a small village at an elevation of 2710 meters and the headquarters of Manang district. Chame usually serves as the starting point for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The village lies on the eastern side of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Luscious green forests, paddy fields, and cliffs surround Chame.

The beautiful village of Chame also serves as an excellent viewpoint for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. From here, you can get magnificent views of stunning mountains and landscapes. You will witness brilliant views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, the Lamjung Himal, and other surrounding peaks. Likewise, you can witness a stunning view of the winding Marshyangdi River through the valley below. The Chame village also offers stunning sunsets and sunrises.

Upper Pisang

Upper Pisang also serves as a viewpoint during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It is a picturesque village that sits at 3300 meters. The village has many traditional Tibetan-style stone houses with prayer flags. Home to several ancient monasteries and stupas, you can get incredible panoramic views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Pisang Peak, Lamjung Himal, and Tilicho Peak.

The serene atmosphere of Upper Pisang makes it a tranquil viewpoint. Along with the spectacular mountain views, you can witness the contracting view of Lower Pisang down the valley. The stunning landscape view further enhances the scenery you can see from Upper Pisang. You can see clear mountain vistas from the viewpoint here.

Manang

The Manang village sits amidst gorgeous mountains. It is a famous village at an altitude of 3540 meters with beautiful surroundings. The village has charming traditional stone houses, age-old monasteries, and stupas. Manang also has desert-like terrain with steep and rocky cliffs along with lush forests. The dramatic landscape scenery is awe-inspiring.

Most trekkers know Manang as a popular acclimatization stop, but it is also an excellent viewpoint during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. From here, you can witness breathtaking views of Mount Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Chulu Peak.

Thorong La Pass

The Thorong La Pass is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Hence, it serves as the best viewpoint during the trek. At a height of 5416 meters, ascending to the pass is demanding. However, once you reach the top, it offers a splendid view of the entire Annapurna III, Dhaulagiri, Thorong Peak, Khatungkang, Yakawa Kang, and other surrounding peaks.

Similarly, you can also witness stunning landscapes from the top. You can witness the grand view of the world’s deepest valley, the Kali Gandaki Valley. The desert-like landscapes, snow-covered trails, and glistening mountain peaks offer a mesmerizing view from the Thorong La Pass.

Muktinath

After descending from the Thorong La Pass, you will reach Muktinath. The Muktinath temple is a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists. It also serves as a viewpoint that offers stunning mountain panoramas and desert-like landscape views. You can witness the mountain vistas like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, and several other peaks.

Similarly, you can also witness Kali Gandaki Valley, unique rock formations, and reddish-brown cliffs. The green vegetation, winding river, and barren hills create a dramatic and captivating scenery. Hence, Muktinath also serves as a fantastic viewpoint for Annapurna Circuit Trek.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular route with well-established trails. Hence, plenty of tea houses, lodges, homestays, and guest houses are available. These accommodations are usually budget-friendly. All accommodations provide basic facilities such as beds, blankets, and pillows. You will not find luxurious stays on the trekking routes as they fall in remote areas. Most of the rooms are shared with communal bathrooms. These bathrooms are usually squat-style. However, you can also find rooms with attached bathrooms in the lower regions.

The rooms have no heating services, so trekkers should carry sleeping bags. Usually, these places have one massive stove in a communal dining space for heating. Almost all stays have electricity facilities, but those who don’t may have solar panels. During cloudy and overcast days, there may not be electricity available. Safe drinking water is also available during the trek. You can buy bottled water, or better yet, bring your water bottle and refill it with boiled or filtered water. The accommodations offer services like internet, hot shower/ water, electronic device charging, etc., for additional costs.

Our agency has arranged the accommodations for our 11-day Annapurna Circuit Trek package. We make arrangements for your stay with the local lodges at each stop on our trek. The lodge accommodation is shared. As we move to higher elevations, the accommodations are less luxurious, with only basic facilities. Nonetheless, they are comfortable. Note that Kathmandu accommodation is not included in this package.

Healthy and hearty meals are available at the teahouses and lodges along the Annapurna Circuit Trek route. The menu offers various options, from traditional Nepali cuisine to Tibetan and Western delicacies. However, the menu will become limited as you move to higher altitudes. Almost all ingredients are produced locally and fresh, so you don’t have to worry about hygiene.

You will find menus for breakfast like eggs, toast, porridge, pancakes, bread (Tibetan/ Indian), soups, tea (black/ milk/ green), and coffee. Similarly, for lunch and dinner, you will mostly find options like Dal Bhat (assortment of rice, lentil soup, vegetables, curries, and pickles), thukpa, chowmein, fried rice, soup, momo, noodles, pasta, pizza, burger, chapati, curries, and deserts like rice pudding, apple pie, etc.

We provide meals three times a day, which include breakfast, lunch, and dinner facilities as you wish. The meals are healthy and in sufficient quantities. We also provide healthy Nepali and Western food during the 11-day Annapurna circuit trek.

Note: We do not provide any meal facilities in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The package also includes no soft or hard drinks during the trek except for tea or coffee with the meal. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know when booking.

The best time to do Annapurna Circuit Trekking is during the spring and autumn seasons . During this time of the year, you will see the beauty of the surroundings in clear visibility. Furthermore, during this season you will also be able to find suitable accommodation for your stay. At this time of the year, the temperature is also moderate, which will multiply your experience and fun during the trek. Take a look at the brief of each season:

Spring (March to May)

If you want to see the colorful landscapes of the Annapurna Circuit route, spring is the perfect time. Red, pink, and white rhododendrons and colorful Himalayan flora decorate the hills and trails. The precipitation level is low, so there is minimal rainfall, and the weather is pleasant. Likewise, the trails are dry and in good condition for trekking.

Visibility is also brilliant during spring. Hence, you can enjoy beautiful scenery and mountain views. The average daytime temperature of higher elevations ranges between 0 and 8 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the average temperature in lower regions is between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius. However, the temperature at night can drop significantly to 5 to -5 degrees Celsius.

Summer (June to August)

The monsoon begins with the summer season and brings heavy rainfall across the country. As a result, it is the least favorable time for Annapurna Circuit Trek. The pathways are wet and slippery due to rain. Similarly, you will encounter mosquitoes and leeches on the trail. It is also hot and humid in summer. Rain also obstructs visibility, so the views are poor.

The average temperature in the lower regions is between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. However, the temperature at higher altitudes is slightly cooler. The rainfall cleanses the vegetation, leaving it lush and green. Summer is the best time to enjoy the lush greenery of the Annapurna region. Trekking at this time of the year is challenging and requires proper rain gear.

Autumn (September to November)

The autumn season begins right as the monsoon season leaves the country. Hence, the rainfall from the previous month cleanses the atmosphere of dirt and dust, making the vegetation look luscious green. Visibility is also excellent, and the mountain views are magnificent. The beautiful autumn foliage further enhances the stunning scenery of the landscapes.

The weather is most stable at this time of year. Daytime temperatures in the lower regions range from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. However, nighttime temperatures can go below freezing in higher elevations. As the season progresses, the temperature slowly begins to get colder. But autumn is the perfect time for Annapurna Circuit Trek with comfortable and mild trekking conditions.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the coldest time of the year for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The temperature at high elevations can drop below -20 degrees Celsius. January is the coldest month, with daytime temperatures at higher elevations ranging from 1 to -10 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the average daytime temperature of the lower region is between 7 and 12 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the average high altitude temperature ranges from 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. The freezing temperature and harsh weather conditions make winter the least popular time for Annapurna Circuit Trek. Heavy snowfall and blizzards can block the high mountain passes, and there is also the risk of avalanches.

Annapurna Circuit is a challenging venture. Hence, it requires significant health and fitness. Trekkers must prepare to trek on diverse landscapes and terrains. There are several steep ascend and descend sections with uneven paths that make the journey a challenging venture. Furthermore, the average daily trekking hours are between 6 and 8 hours. It requires a great deal of stamina and endurance to overcome the physical exertion.

The high altitude also makes Annapurna Circuit Trek a demanding venture. During the trek, you will ascend to an altitude of 5,416 meters. Hence, there is a risk of altitude sickness. The higher you go, the lower the oxygen level and air pressure. Thus, it exposes trekkers to the risk of altitude-related sickness , and it is crucial to take proper precautions and acclimatize ., and it is crucial to take proper precautions and acclimate. It makes trekking on high-altitude trails physically strenuous and mentally draining.

There is also a lack of proper infrastructure on the Annapurna Circuit route. As a result, there are only limited facilities . Communication and internet services are also poor. Trekkers have to be physically and mentally prepared for the journey. So, it is best that you do strength training and exercises before the trek. Similarly, joining these challenging treks with a positive mindset is always best.

The Annapurna Circuit covers around 160 to 230 km , depending on the route. The duration of the trek can vary depending on the route. Generally, it can last between 11 and 22 days. Trekkers may have to walk 6 to 7 hours a day on average during the trek. Similarly, they will cover a daily distance of 15 to 20 km.

Since it is a high-altitude trek, trekkers should take their time ascending to high altitudes and take adequate rest days. Else, they can easily fall victim to altitude sickness. Acclimatization days to allow their bodies to adjust to the growing elevation.

Take a look at the itinerary and the maximum elevation and duration during Nepal Alternative Treks’ 11 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek:

There are three types of documents and paperwork required for Annapurna Circuit Trek. These include:

Visa

Every international traveler is required to obtain a tourist visa to enter Nepal. They can get the visa before arrival. You can get a visa from the Nepal Embassy situated in your country. Or they can get the visa upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport. The tourist visa allows travelers to travel freely across Nepal. Similarly, it will enable you to participate in different activities, including trekking.

Permits

Trekkers are required to obtain two permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. These permits include TIMS (Transport Information Management System) and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit).

Trekkers must get a TIMS permit for every trekking route in Nepal. As the Annapurna Circuit Trek route goes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, you need the ACAP permit. There are different checkpoints along the trail where you must show these permits. Failure to provide the licenses will lead you to pay a fine.

The ACAP permit costs NPR 3000 for foreigners and NPR 1000 for SAARC trekkers . The cost for a child below ten years is free. You can get these permits in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Our 11-day Annapurna Circuit Trek package includes both of these permits.

It is always best for trekkers to get travel insurance while traveling in unfamiliar territory. Since you will be trekking to higher elevations where altitude-related sickness is common, it is best to get travel insurance. There can be some unforeseen medical issues or emergencies. At such times, the insurance helps to cover any emergency medical evacuation . Travel insurance also covers baggage losses, trek cancellations, and postponements. In addition, make sure that your insurance company has ticked all your trekking-related policies, such as rescue missions, medical expenses, and loss of personal equipment. Therefore, if all these things are good, then it will be easy for you to travel via us.

The demanding trails of Annapurna Circuit require proper physical and mental preparation. Take a look at the ways you can prepare for the trek :

Physical Preparation

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is physically demanding and requires a significant fitness level. You must be able to ascend and descend steep and narrow paths on varied terrain. Likewise, the average trekking hour ranges from 6 to 8 hours. Thus, it is best to undertake exercises and training at least 2 to 3 months before the journey.

Cardiovascular exercises , strength training, aerobics, yoga, and altitude training are the best physical preparation exercises. Cardiovascular exercises are running, jogging, brisk walking, swimming, and cycling. Similarly, strength training is exercises such as push-ups, squats, step-ups, planks, and lunges. You can also do stair climbing to stimulate the ascending and descending of the trekking trails. Begin your training slowly and gradually increase the intensity. Do not strain your body or risk getting injured before your big adventure.

Mental Preparation

You must be mentally prepared for the Annapurna Circuit Trek and its challenges. The trek will not only test your physical fitness but also your mental strength. Hence, you must have strong mental resilience and a positive mindset to participate in the trek.

The best way to prepare mentally is to research the trek and its difficulties. You must also learn about the possible challenges and events that can occur during the journey. Trekkers must understand that the Himalayas are unpredictable , and the weather at higher altitudes can change anytime. So, you must be ready for any unforeseen events. You will also need strong determination to complete the trek successfully.

Other than the essential expenses for permits, accommodations, guides, and meals, trekkers should be prepared for extra personal expenses. These expenses can be high or low depending on your preferences. Sometimes unforeseen circumstances can also add extra personal expenses. 

Some of these extra personal expenses during the Annapurna Circuit Trek may include tips, snacks and drinks, personal items, and souvenirs. At higher altitudes, accommodations can charge you extra for hot showers, chagrin devices, and wifi access. Your personal gear and travel insurance also costs you extra expenses. Therefore, it is advised for trekkers to have some flexibility in their budget for these extra personal expenses. 

We are a very reputed trekking and travel company who takes consumers’ safety and security very seriously. It is the most important component of our company. Likewise, we take full care of our consumers and their property. Similarly, our trip constantly and carefully checks every area of ​​our travel. So, you can feel free and enjoy your time trekking with us.

Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular trek destinations in Nepal, but what makes it so special? Well, here are a few reasons why:

• Annapurna Circuit is an easily accessible trekking route and a budget-friendly trek.
• It has scenic trekking routes through diverse landscapes and terrains. You will trek past the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki, and cross the high mountain pass of Thorong La Pass.
• The trekking routes are within the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’s largest protected area inhabited by 105 mammals, 40 reptiles, 23 amphibians, 518 birds, and 1226 flowering plants.
• Annapurna Circuit Trek provides unparalleled mountain views of Mount Annapurna I, the world’s tenth-highest mountain, and the surrounding peaks of Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, etc.
• The trek takes you on a spiritual journey to sacred pilgrimage sites and age-old monasteries. For example, you will visit the holy Muktinath temple and Barga monastery.
• Annapurna Circuit is also a cultural experience. Trekkers can immerse themselves in the unique culture of the Gurung, Magar, and Thakali ethnic communities and their warm hospitality.

The road construction on the Annapurna Circuit Trail has become a topic of debate. It has made the region accessible by road. However, many trekkers and naturalists argue that the construction has ruined the trails’ natural charm. The new road construction has made the old main trail noisy and dusty.

The Annapurna Circuit’s road construction began in the early 1980s, starting north of Beni and Dumre. The road now connects Pokhara to Manang and Mustang. Locals can more easily access roadways and facilities like health services, trading, and more. The government and locals are also making efforts to ensure the trails’ unique charm and beauty remain intact.

The Government of Nepal and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project have been working on alternative trails jointly since 2010. These new alternatives are the Natural Annapurna Trekking Trails (NATT), which follow the paths locals have used for ages. They are well-marked and safe for traveling. The new trails have added an element of new adventure and excitement. So, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is undoubtedly worth taking.

If you are thinking of making an immediate for Annapurna Circuit Trek, we have your back. Nepal Alternative Trek provides last-minute bookings and multiple departures. The cost of the booking will remain the same for last-minute bookings as for regular packages. Contact us 24 hours before you wish to set off for the trek. We will make the arrangements and provide you with an online briefing for the trek.