The classic circuit trek around the Annapurnas is an incredibly varied and exciting journey. Dramatic deep gorges, bleak high mountain passes, Buddhist temples, picturesque farming villages and at every turn a different view of the Annapurna summits.
To reach the start of the trek there is a long drive, first down the main Pokhara road, then following the Marshyangdi River to Besisahar. The trek begins properly here, crossing and re-crossing the gorge, carved by the Marshyangdi River, on suspension bridges before you reach Manang, the largest village on the route.
An acclimatisation day is taken here to prepare for crossing the Thorung La pass, which is the highest point of the trek at 5416m. From there, you descend progressively, with plenty of ups and downs along the way, until you reach Jomsom.
We now end our Annapurna Circuit trek at Jomsom to avoid the last section of the circuit. A new road now follows very closely, which making it very noisy and dusty for trekkers. Instead, you catch a spectacular mountain flight to Pokhara and then on to Kathmandu.
Additional days relaxing on the shores of Lake Pokhara can be arranged before you fly back to Kathmandu.
The Annapurna Circuit is considered moderately difficult. A good level of fitness is required, as you will be walking long distances each day for two consecutive weeks. The toughest part of the circuit is going from Thorong Phedi to Thorong La pass (5,416m). There is a steep 45 minute climb at this altitude, which will take the breath out of you. The views are worth it though!
The questions and answers below are specific to the Annapurna Circuit trek. For more general questions about trekking in Nepal see here.
Q1WHAT IS THE DISTANCE OF THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK?
The rough distance of 14-day Annapurna Circuit itinerary is 100 miles or 160 kilometres. You will be trekking for a good 6-7 hours each day.
Q2WHAT IS THE SCENERY LIKE ON THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK?
Simply stunning. The Annapurna Circuit is often considered to be not only the best trek in Nepal, but in the world. The reason for this is the stunning vistas and constant views of Annapurna summits. The circuit takes you through a number of climatic zones which take in rice paddy fields, sub-tropical forests, rural farmland and glacial zones. You will also see great views of some of the world's giants including Annapurna I, Annapurna Massif (I-IV), Manaslu (8,156 meters) and Dhaulagiri (8,176 meters).
Q3SHOULD I BOOK IN ADVANCE?
Yes. The Annapurna Circuit is an extremely popular trek, so we therefore advise booking as early as possible. In particular, the flights back from Jomsom can fill up quickly during peak season. Booking at least 3 months in advance is recommended.
Q4WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK?
The two best seasons to trek this circuit are spring (March – May) and autumn (mid Sept to late November). These are the busiest times though, and the trail can get crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds then there is the option to trek during winter, however, you will need to be fairly hardy as the temperatures can drop quite dramatically, particularly at night.
We'll meet you at Kathmandu Airport and drive you out to your hotel. After you've checked in, we'll give you a briefing on the coming trek and double-check your gear.
We'll drive to Dumre via the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway, then follow the Marshyangdi River to Besisahar, a 6-hour trip overall.
This is where our trek really starts, working our way uphill past the village of Denauti before spending the night in Bhulbhule.
We'll set off to the north from Bhulbhule, passing through deep gorges in the Marshyangdi Valley region. We'll cross a suspension bridge, then cross through rice fields to Ngadi Village and its many shops and tea houses. We will also be able to see Manaslu most of the way.
After leaving Ngadi, we'll head to Bahundanda, which means 'Brahmin Hill'. As you might expect, most of the inhabitants are of the Brahmin caste. From there we'll go uphill to the village of Hani Gaon. The path winds along the mountain through Syange, where we get our first glimpse of the Annapurna Range, then follows the river for a way, only to turn into a steep cut into the cliffside. The river 200-300 metres below is quite a sight.
At last, we'll descend to the stone village of Jagat for the evening.
Today's trail starts off downhill to the river, then on through lush jungle, before heading uphill again to another cliffside. We'll cross on another bridge and climb the steep path past Sattale and Tal.
On the way out of Tal the path becomes winding and quite rugged. It takes us past Karte and Dharapani before bringing us out at Bagarchap for the evening.
We'll leave the Dudh Khola river behind and climb up into pine and oak forest today. We trek through the village of Dhanakyu just before coming to a beautiful waterfall.
When the steep incline levels out, we'll find ourselves in a rhododendron forest that eventually gives way to pine. Next is a hamlet called Kotho, which offers an excellent view of Annapurna II.
Finally, we reach the gate to Chame, the administrative capital of the Manang District. Unlike many of the settlements in this region, Chame has almost all of what you'd expect from a modern city. Its hot springs are well worth a visit, if there is time.
We'll cross the Marshyangdi river via a large suspension bridge today. We'll move through planted fields to Teleku, and then Bratang as the valley rounds out. Our path steepens as we ascend the south side of the valley and cross another high bridge.
Paungda Danda towers more than a kilometre and a half above the river at this point, making quite a sight. One more bridge takes us into Pisang for the night.
Day seven takes us along a steep ridge overlooking the Manang Valley, with views of Tilicho Peak in the distance. We'll go down past Manang's small airstrip. Our next waypoint, Hongde, waits at the foot of Annapurna III.
Next, we'll head through the wide Sabje Khola valley where we can see Annapurna III. A wooden bridge takes us to Mungji village. We'll travel along planted fields to Bryaga and its monastery, then down to Manang. We will have excellent views of most of the Annapurna range along the last leg of today's trek.
We will organise two separate acclimatisation excursions on day eight, both of which will help you grow accustomed to climbing to higher altitudes and reduce the risk of being debilitated by AMS. The first trek is to a local stupa, and the second to a wonderful scenic viewpoint.
Once back down in Manang, there will be plenty of time to enjoy some real Lavazza coffee and some of the excellent pastries available here.
We'll climb next to Tengi, just 120 metres above Manang. Leaving the Marshyangdi valley behind, we'll cross over into the Thorung Khola valley. Our next waypoint is the village of Gunsang at 3960 metres, nestled among the scrub juniper and grasses that thrive at this altitude.
We'll follow a stream to Letdar, where we'll spend the night.
Our path now crosses a ridge and takes a covered bridge across the stream we've been following. We'll ascend the right bank, follow a narrow and tricky trail up again, then back down to Thorung Phedi.
After a short break, there it is 300 metres of steep climbing to Thorung High Camp, where we will prepare to make the pass tomorrow.
Day eleven starts early. Our path zig-zags along the mountainside for the steepest part of the ascent, then levels out for a good two hours of easier travel. The pass itself is decorated with many colourful prayer flags. As you might expect of a high mountain pass, the landscape is laid out below you in every direction, and is well worth a few pictures.
Now we have a fairly difficult 1600 metre descent to Dhaulagiri. Afterwards, the terrain levels out to a grassy slope with easy travel along the Jhong Khola valley and to the temple and shrines of Muktinath itself.
The hike down the Kali Gandaki valley is beautiful and dramatic. We'll pass Jharkot and Khingar villages and stick to the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri are visible most of the way.
Jomsom itself is quite large compared to most of the villages so far, and a great place to spend our last night of real trekking.
Today we have two short flights, the first from Jomsom to Pokhara, then on to Kathmandu. Of course, we'll drive you back to your hotel as well.
We'll collect you from your hotel and take you to the airport at Kathmandu for your return flight and see you safely on your way.
Congratulations! You've made it!