Annapurna Circuit Trek - 12 Days
12 Days
Annapurna Circuit Trek is the classic trek in the Himalayas. Annapurna is a Himalayan region in north-central Nepal famed for its magnificent views, rough landscape, and isolated mountain settlements, desolate high mountains, hot springs, Buddhist and Hindu Temples and the stunning views of Annapurna Summit. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is still without doubt one of the best treks anywhere in the world despite inroads being developed in the region.
The overall length of the trip ranges between 160–230 kilometers (100–145 mi), depending on where motorized transportation is used and where the trek concludes. This hike traverses two river valleys and rounds the Annapurna Massif. The hike is moderate to fairly demanding, with multiple river crossings over steel and wooden suspension bridges. There are tea shops and lodges along the route where you may eat and stay.
Itinerary Outline
| Day | Description | Altitude (Meters) | Trekking Duration |
| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu. Meet at Airport and Transfer to Hotel | 1,365 | - |
| 2 | Drive from Kathmandu to BesiSahar and to Chame | 2670 | 6-7 hours |
| 3 | Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang | 3100 | 5 hours |
| 4 | Pisang to Manang | 3540 | 5 hours |
| 5 | Acclimatisation day at Manang | 4600 | - |
| 6 | Manang to Letdar | 4200 | 5 hours |
| 7 | Letdar to Thorung Phedi | 4450 | 3-4 hours |
| 8 | Thorung Phedi to Thorung La Pass to Muktinath | 5416 | 7-8 hours |
| 9 | Muktinath to Jomsom | 2730 | 4-5 hours |
| 10 | Jomsom to Pokhara by Flight | - | 15 minutes |
| 11 | Pokhara to Kathmandu | - | 25 minutes |
| 12 | Departure | - | - |
Required Permit for Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake
To trek to Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake, you’ll need to obtain two trekking permits. They are:
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
Where to obtain:
- Nepal Tourism Board Office on Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu
- Nepal Tourism Board Service Center in Damside
How much does it cost:
- US$30 for international travelers
- US$2 for SAARC travelers
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Where to obtain:
- Nepal Tourism Board Office on Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu
- Nepal Tourism Board Service Center in Damside
- TAAN Lakeside Office in Shanti Patan, Pokhara
How much does it cost:
- US$20 for individual trekkers
- US$10 for group trekkers
- For SAARC, US$6 individual trekkers
- For SAARC, US$3 group trekkers
Things required to acquire TIMS Card
- Permit fees
- Photocopy of your passport
- Passport size photographs
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival In Kathmandu( TIA) International Airport(1,365m) Transfer To Hotel Evening Welcome Dinner. O/N At Hotel
On this very first day, we welcome you to the land of Himalayas, you will be received at the airport by our representative. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel.You can take your time to refresh and relax.
Day 2: Private Drive From Kathmandu To BesiSahar (760m) & Shared Ride Till Chame (2670m), 132km, 10 hours
In the early morning, we will have an early departure from Kathmandu. You will be received at your hotel and drive to Besisahar. The first overnight will be at Chame and to reach Chame you will share your drive till the destination. Our journey takes us via the villages of Sange, Bhulbhule, Nagdi, Chamche, Tal, Tima, Koto, and many others, with spectacular views of Mount Annapurna and Manaslu. You will enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu. Chame is also the district headquarter of Manang, with numerous shops and teahouses.
Overnight at Chame
Day 3: Chame To Upper Pisang ( 3100 M) Walking 5 Hours, O/N At Tea House
Day 3 will be our trekking day. You will be walking along the Marsyangdi river in the dense forests .In the woodland, there is a lengthy, lovely, fairly flat walk. The pine-scented route bends to show the first glimpses of the stunning Paungda Danda rock face, a massive curved slab of rock. The trek winds across the river valley, providing spectacular views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak at Pisang. Pisang is also the beginning spot of upper Manang.
Overnight stay at a tea house in Pisang.
Day 4: Pisang To Manang (3540m) , 5 Hrs Walking, O/N At Tea House
The journey on day 4 starts from Pisang, passing from the old village of Nwagal and our trail ends at Manang. The trail allows us to enter pine grooves with the mesmerizing view of turquoise lake. Peaks such as Annapurna, Gangapurna and Tilicho are seen almost the entire way. Your visit to Barge monastery, the largest in Manang's district, will also be noteworthy.
Overnight stay at a tea house in Manang.
Day 5: Acclimatization day at Manang and Visit to Gangapurna Lake (4600m) O/N At Tea House
This is your second night in Manang to acclimatize to the greater elevation before continuing on to the Thorong La. You can see the amazing Himalayan vistas nearby. It is not advised to sit inactive, but rather to take a short stroll to Gangapurna lake to acclimate. Gangaourna lake is the glacial lake of Manang, formed by the glaciers from Mt. Gangapurna, Annapurna IV, Khangsar Kang and Glacier Dom.
Overnight Stay at Manang.
Day 6: Manang To Letdar (4200m) , 5 Hrs Walk, O/N At Tea House
Today the trail continues to climb out of the Marsyangdi Valley. The route follows this valley to the north. After the ascent climb for about 5 hrs, you will reach Letdar.
Overnight stay at teahouse in Letdar
Day 7: Letdar To Thorung Phedi (4450m) , 3 -4Hrs Walk, O/N At Tea House
The route from Letdar ascends along the east bank of the Jarkang Khola before descending and crossing the stream on a wooden bridge.The trail sometimes gives the sight of blue sheep and snow-capped leopard as well. The ascent for 3-4 hours will lead you to Thorung Phedi.
Overnight stay at the tea house at Phedi.
Day 8: Thorung Phedi Thorung La Pass (5,416m) To Muktinath (3760m) 7 -8hrs Walk, O/N At Tea House
Today is the longest trekking day of your journey, as well as the most exciting trek. After leaving Thorung Phedi, the path gets steep, switching over moraines and along stony ridges as it ascends to Thorung La Pass. The lengthy Great Barrier Ridge, the Tibet-like area of Manang, the Annapurnas, Gangapurna, and the highly glaciated mountain of Khatung Khang will all be seen in this trail. The route then gets steep through meadows to muktinath. Muktinath is one of the holiest places for bith Hindus and Buddhists.
Overnight stay at Muktinath.
Day 9: Muktinath To Jomsom (2720m ) Via Kagbeni 4/ 5 Hrs Walk.O/N At Tea House
After our visit to temples, shrines and Ghumbas of Muktinath, our destination will be the barren hillside to kagbeni. From Muktinath you will descend to the Eklebhatti. As the path progresses, you will be able to experience spectacular vistas of Mt. Dhaulagiri. The walk then continues down to the Kaligandaki- a river and then reaches to Jomsom. Jomsom is a small town with various amenities, markets and hotels.
Overnight stay at Johmson.
Day 10: Jomsom To Pokhara By Flight And Overnight At Pokhara
You will travel to Pokhara early in the morning; it is a short flight of around 15 minutes, and we will drive you to the hotel. Today is your free day to unwind and roam around Lakeside in Pokhara.
Overnight in Pokhara
Day 11: Pokhara to Kathmandu
To get back to Kathmandu, you may either take a 25-minute flight or a six- to seven-hour tourist bus ride. Farewell dinner at Hotel.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 12: Departure
With a lifetime experience and memory , you will be escorted to Tribhuwan International Airport by the representative of Nepal Social Trek.
The Cost Include(s)
- Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara on twin sharing basis.
- Private Arrival & Departure transfers
- Jomsom-Pokhara flight
- Full board meals while trekking (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner).
- Accommodation in teahouse during the trek on twin sharing basis.
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
- Transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek
- Nepal Social Treks Gears - sleeping bag, duffel bag etc for use during the trip. garbage plastic bag.
- Professional local experienced Trek Leader / Guide trained in Wilderness First Aid.
- Comprehensive First Aid Kit.
- Respective region ( Annapurna) trekking map. TIMS Card & Trek Permit
- Necessary Porters to carry all personal gear and group equipment.
- Proper Insurance of all staff including porters.
- Warm clothing & trekking gear for staff including porters: Gore Tex jacket & trousers, fleece jacket and pants, trekking shoes / boots, woolen hat, gloves, shocks etc.
- Trekking map
The Cost Exclude(s)
- Nepal entry Visa fees,
- Your travel insurance of any kind
- Lunch and Dinner except mentioned on Itinerary
- All Drinks and main meals in cities.
- Tips to trekking staffs.
- Items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, Telephone, beverages, hot mineral water during trekking etc.
