Overview of Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most widespread trekking destinations in Nepal, offering a blend of natural, cultural beauty and breathtaking mountain views. Along the journey, you'll experience diverse landscapes and witness the distinct lifestyles, traditions, and customs of local communities.
The Annapurna Circuit Trekking begins along the Marshyangdi riverside, leading to the stunning Manang Valley before crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m. You’ll then descend to Jomsom and Muktinath, following the Kaligandaki riverside.
The route showcases a variety of landscapes, from lush valleys to barren, desert-like terrain. Highlights include the sacred sites, Apple Valley, and the windy plains in the Annapurna Circuit trek.
The wildlife enthusiasts may spot snow leopards, monkeys, mountain goats, blue sheep, red pandas, and various bird species. Yaks are a common sight, and their milk is used to produce yak cheese.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is an incredible journey through diverse landscapes to adventurous and rich culture with breathtaking mountain views. Spanning 15 to 20 days, it begins in Marshyangdi riverside along Manang Valley, crosses the tough pass of Thorong La (5,416 m), and descends through Jomsom and Muktinath via the Kaligandaki Valley. Along the way, explore Marpha’s apple orchards, relax in Tatopani’s hot springs, and take in panoramic mountain views from Poon Hill (3210 m) before concluding near Pokhara. It perfectly blends nature, culture, scenic views, and adventure for an unforgettable experience.
We take it slowly, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes. We recommend taking a rest in the beautiful village of Manang, where you can enjoy a day excursion to a scenic viewpoint, explore the traditional village, and visit the ancient monastery. Staying an extra day as rest provides excellent acclimatization before tackling the high-altitude Thorong La Pass. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of crystal-clear, snow-capped mountains from every corner. The Manang Valley is particularly unique, with its sparse vegetation, and they have lovely animals of yaks and goats.
The Annapurna Circuit has some different site trips, such as Tilicho Lake (4920 m), situated at the highest elevation, and a well-known hidden gem, the Nar Phu Valley trek. If you like to do all of them, you must plan more than 20 days. We span your trip accordingly.
After crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), the landscape dramatically shifts as you enter the Mustang region—a vast, arid wilderness that feels almost otherworldly. One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites, Muktinath, is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, who coexist peacefully in this spiritual sanctuary.
Descending further, you’ll reach Kagbeni, Jomsom, and Marpha Valley, nestled within the Kali Gandaki Valley, often called the "Windy Valley." Marpha, in particular, is famous for its apple orchards and high-quality apple products, including cider and brandy—definitely worth a taste! If time is limited, travelers can opt for a short and scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara in Annapurna Circuit trek, offering a quick return while still experiencing the magic of the region.
Continue your trek to Kalopani, Ghasa, and the world’s deepest gorge, then unwind in the soothing natural hot springs of Tatopani to relax your tired muscles after a thrilling adventure. Thus, ascend to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the Himalayas, and then end your trek near Pokhara. From there, head back to Kathmandu by flight or tourist bus, with UNA arranging a comfortable airport drop-off.
The Annapurna Circuit offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, cultural exploration, and breathtaking landscapes. Customize your trip to include side excursions like Tilicho Lake, Ice Lake, or the hidden valley of Nar Phu. Our professional team at Unique Nepal Adventure is dedicated to ensuring your safety and comfort, providing expert guidance, first-aid training, and exceptional service every step of the way. We make a wonderful and successful trip, a lifetime unforgettable.
The Most Attractions: Crystal-Clear Mountains View From Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit trek offers a magical and breathtaking view of the snow-covered Himalayas, providing some of the closest and most stunning sights along the trekking trail, especially through the Manang Valley and after crossing the Thorong La Pass. You will be mesmerized by the picturesque panoramas, featuring majestic peaks.
View from Manang Valley Before Thorong La Pass:
- Mt Manaslu 8163m / 26782ft
- Annapurna II 7937m / 26040ft
- Annapurna III 7555m / 24787ft
- Annapurna IV 7545m / 24754ft
- Gangapurna 7455m / 24459 ft
- Khangsar Kang 7485m / 24557ft
- TIlicho Peak 7134m / 23405ft
- Pisang Peak 6091m / 19984ft
- Chulu Peak 6419m / 21060ft
- Thorong Peak 6144m / 20158ft
View from Kaligandaki Valley of Jomsom Muktinath and Poonhill:
- Mt Dhaulagiri 8167m / 26795ft
- Mt Annapurna I 8091m / 26545ft
- Mt Nilgiri 7061m / 23166ft
- Mt Tukuche Peak 6920m / 22704ft
- Dhampus Peak 6012m / 19725ft
- Annapurna South 7219m / 23685ft
- Hiuchuli 6441m / 21132ft
- Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) 6993m / 22943ft
Outline Itinerary of Annapurna Circuit Trek
Here is a perfect 15-day outline itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. We’ve designed this with great care, providing a brief overview in our main itinerary. You can refer to it for more details.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu to Besisahar by drive and transit to Jagat
Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani
Day 4: Trek from Dharapani to Chame
Day 5: Trek from Chame to Pisang
Day 6: Trek from Pisang to Manang
Day 7: Rest day in Manang
Day 8: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka
Day 9: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi or High Camp
Day 10: Cross Thorong La Pass (5416m) and trek to Muktinath
Day 11: Drive to Tatopani (hot spring)
Day 12: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani
Day 13: Visit Poonhill viewpoint for amazing mountain views, then trek to Hile and catch a local jeep to Pokhara
Day 14: Drive or fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 15: Final departure
Cost of Annapurna Circuit Trek
A 15-day Annapurna Circuit Trek cost is $895 per person, which includes a full-board package from your arrival to departure. We require a minimum of 2 people in a group; however, if you are a solo traveler, the price will be slightly higher. Please feel free to reach out for more details or any questions!
How about lodging and food on the Annapurna Circuit trek?
There are well-managed lodges with neat and clean rooms with beds. They provide organic, hygienic, and various meals with respect and warm hospitality.
Lifestyle, culture, tradition, customs, festivals, and religion of the locality?
Up to the Manang Valley, before crossing the Thorong La Pass, the people are a mix of ethnicities, with the majority being Gurung and Lama.
Once you complete your adventure through the High Pass in Mustang or the Kaligandaki Valley, you’ll encounter a blend of diverse cultures. The Lama Bhotea people reside in Muktinath and Kagbeni, while the Thakali people inhabit Jomsom, Marpha, Tukuche, and Kalopani. The Magar ethnic groups can be found in Ghasa, Dana, Tatopani, and Ghorepani.
Throughout the region, you’ll discover a rich diversity of ethnicities, each with their own unique lifestyle, culture, traditions, language, clothing, festivals, and religion. They are incredibly proud of their heritage. The locals speak their native languages and wear traditional clothing. Festivals are a joyous occasion for the communities, as they come together to celebrate with family and friends.
Most of the people in this region are Buddhist, and the area is dotted with numerous Buddhist monuments such as monasteries, mani walls, stupas, prayer flags, and tsorten, offering a spiritual and cultural immersion along your journey.
Lakes and Rivers Attraction in the Annapurna Round Trek
The Annapurna Circuit is blessed with stunning natural beauty, including some breathtaking lakes and rivers that add to its allure:
Tilicho Lake (4920m): Known for its mesmerizing blue waters, this high-altitude lake is a remarkable sight and one of the highest in the world.
Gangapurna Lake (3500m): Nestled near the stunning Gangapurna Peak, this serene lake adds to the charm of the surrounding landscape.
Ice Lake (4650m): A beautiful alpine lake surrounded by glaciers, offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
Marshyangdi River (Manang Valley): Flowing through the picturesque Manang Valley, this river offers stunning views of the mountains while adding to the trek's overall beauty.
Kaligandaki River (Jomsom Valley): The deep, dramatic gorge of the Kaligandaki River, surrounded by impressive cliffs, makes for a spectacular sight in the Jomsom Valley.
Natural Hot Springs at Tatopani Village: After a long day of trekking, you can relax in the therapeutic natural hot springs of Tatopani, a perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate.
These stunning natural features make the Annapurna Round Trek even more magical, offering a combination of scenic beauty and tranquility throughout the journey.
Wild & Domestic Animals in Annapurna Circuit Trekking:
Domestic animals are yaks, cows, bulls, sheep, and goats.
The wild animals are blue sheep (Ngaur), monkeys, musk deer, snow leopards, red pandas, eagles, voles, mountain goats, etc.
How About Transportation in the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Before starting and after ending the trek, you should catch vehicles accordingly. Please note it properly.
- Kathmandu airport picks up and drops off private vehicles.
- Kathmandu to Besisahar by comfortable bus or private vehicle such as a car, Jeep, HiAce, or Tourist bus
- Besisahar, and furthermore, Chame, by local Jeep or private Jeep.
- After completing the trek, Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
- Jomsom to Tatopani or Pokhara by local transportation
- Private reserve jeeps are also available.
- Pokhara to Kathmandu, returning by comfortable tourist bus
- Pokhara to Kathmandu by flight (25 minutes) or private vehicle
- In the end, airport drop-off is by private vehicle.
Do we need an entry permit for Annapurna Circuit trekking?
Yes, you need it; you are visiting the Annapurna Conservation Area, and you must issue some permits according to the below-mentioned You should send a passport photocopy and a passport-size photo. There are many checks posted by ACAP and the police. If you don’t carry permits, they will not allow you to visit the Annapurna Conservation Area. Our guide manages it during the trek, and then after the end of the trek, he will give it to you.
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Areas Project) Nrs. 3000.
- TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) Nrs. 2000.
- Poon Hill Entrance Fee: Nrs. 200.
When is the best time to visit Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The best time to visit the Annapurna Circuit Trek is in the autumn (September, October, November, and late December) and in the spring (March, April, and May). Those months' weather is always clear, with a good temperature, good visibility, and fantastic, crystal-clear mountain views.
The winter and monsoon seasons are also not bad. In the winter, it is snowing and freezing cold, and in the monsoon, it is most of the time raining, cloudy, and with poor visibility. If you like to trek in the monsoon or winter, it is possible. We plan for your trip to be safe and successful.
- Autumn Season: September, October, November, and December.
- Winter Season: late December, January, and February
- Spring Season: March, April, and May
- Monsoon Season: June, July, and August.
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