Annapurna Circuit Trek is an extremely popular trek that lies in central Nepal. It is a part of the Annapurna mountain range and starts on the quaint village called Besisahar, located in the banks of River Marshyangdi. It ends in the beautiful lake town of Pokhara. The maximum altitude that one reaches during this trek is 17769 feet at Thorong La. Pokhara is an exceptionally picturesque town that offers panoramic views of the Annapurna range and the Machhapuchhre Mountain.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is rated moderate to difficult, and it can be strenuous at higher altitudes. 14 days of trekking requires an optimum level of bodily fitness and preparedness. This trek takes you across various suspension bridges, river crossings, waterfalls, small villages and tea houses.

Annapurna is the first eight thousander (mountain peak above 8000 meters), to be climbed. It was done in 1950 by French duo Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal. Annapurna Circuit Trek would offer you exquisite views of Annapurna Massif, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna and Manaslu, along with a few others. This trek is a must-do for every trekking and adventure enthusiast.
 

Also Explore: Mount Annapurna Base Camp Trek

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m | 4,264ft)
You arrive in Kathmandu and leave for the hotel/hostel. After check in, relax for a bit and spend the day at leisure exploring the area around you. Return to the hotel/hostel for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Kathmandu to Besisahar (2,490 ft) on to Bhulbhule (2,760 ft) 7 hours
Post breakfast you start our memorable journey towards Bulbule through Besisahar. You will traverse by river Marshyangdi and several small mountain villages. Enjoy smooth roads up to Besisahar. Soon after, you will drive across mountain terrains as you arrive at the destination of the day, which is a picturesque village on the banks of Marshyangdi River surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Enjoy excellent views of Himalchuli and Nagdichuli. You will stay overnight at Bulbule.

Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1300 m)
Post breakfast, you can start out for your destination of the day- Jagat. The initial journey will pass through Marshyangdi River along with the views of Manaslu to reach Bahundanda. Afterwards you will continue trekking towards the stream and then head back to Lilli Bir. The trail continues high above the river before descending to Marshyangdi at Syange. From there, a steep climb will take you to Jagat.

Day 4: Trek to Darapani (1860m)
After breakfast at the lodge, the trek for today will continue towards Darapani. You will descend to Marsyangdi and then you will move further ahead to Chamje. Crossing the bridge will lead you to Tal, located in a narrow high walled rocky canyon. Continue a little further, until you reach Darapani.

Day 5: Trek to Chhame (2651m)
Post breakfast, set out for the day. You will enter alpine areas today. Move towards Chhame, that is the district head quarter and a bustling town in this area. Follow the Marshyangdi River through the Manang valley, and take in superb sights of Annapurnas in the west. Moving further, the trail passes through myriad villages before reaching the ridge at Kotho 2590m. From there you make your way along the ridge arriving at the capital of Manang, Chhame.

Day 6: Chhame to Pisang (10,466 ft | 5 - 6 hours)
Today you move further up and trek through the forest to Brathang. As you march along, you get the first views of the Paungda Danda rock face, a naturally curved rock emerging out from the river bed rising up to a height of more than 4921 ft. You continue hiking through pine forests; climb up the ridge and trek till you reach Dudhpokhari where you can have your lunch.  Then you will proceed further through a forest until you reach Pisang. Stay overnight at Pisang.

Day 7: Pisang to Manang (11,549 ft | 5 - 6 hours)
Today’s trek route will take you through the Tibetan styled village called Bryaga. It is located on a valley with Tibetan styled huts and a Monastery overlooking the village. As you head further, you surpass arid harsh mountain terrains full of spectacular cliffs of yellow sandstones to reach the destination – village of Manang, where you stay overnight.

Day 8: Rest day in Manang
Today you are free to take rest and get energized for the next day’s ardor. You can enjoy the stunning vistas of the valley with Marshyangdi River to the north of the Annapurna Mountain range. There is an option of hiking up to an icy lake above Braga. Have the evening at leisure and stay overnight at Manang.

Day 9: Manang to Yak Kharka (13,484 ft, 3 – 4 hours)
Today’s trek route is filled with variety as you complete ascent over the Marshyangdi Valley and
move higher up passing many grasslands and juniper trees. You will witness horses and yaks gazing on the meadows as you reach the village of Ghunsa. You finally reach your destination for the day by crossing the old Mani Wall. You will stay overnight in Kharka.

Day 10: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Today you move along on a slow pace while enjoying the amazing views of Thorong Phedi. It is at the base of the highest pass in this region called Thorong La and offers wonderful views of the landscape and the massif. Start out today by ascending all the way up along the eastern side of Jarsang River. Enjoy the majestic 360 degree views of the Annapurna peaks, Yakwakang and Chulu youst.

Day 11:  Trek to Muktinath (3,760m | 12,335ft) via Thorung La Pass (5,416m) 8 hours
Start this day early and embark on the toughest leg of this entire trek as you climb to the pass called Thorong La (17769 ft) with packed lunch. It is best to start early as wind speed gets stronger as the day breaks in. From atop the pass, you get a jaw dropping panoramic view of the majestic Himalayan peaks extending northwards into Tibet. From there, you will descend towards Muktinath, which is considered to be a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. Enjoy the stunning views of Dhauladhar and Nilgiri. Stay overnight in Muktinath.

Day 12: Muktinath to Kagbeni
Today you visit the holy Muktinath Temple and the go to Kagbeni Village to enjoy some stunning views of the Himalayan ranges. The trek will take you past Jharkot and Khinger, which are known for their medieval stone villages and dramatic scenery of the barren dessert.

Day 13: Kagbeni to Lete
Today you will start the journey to Lete, passing through Tibetan Camp at Chairo Gompa. You will come across beautiful villages of Tukuche, Khobang and Larjung. Post lunch, you will continue the trek along the river to reach Kalopani and then Lete.

Day 14: Tatopani (1190m)
Today after the sun gilds over the sky, you will begin the trek post breakfast. You will follow the river to Ghasa where you can fill your stomach with some tasty lunch. Moving further to the wonderful hot springs at Tatopani where you can rest and enjoy relieve to your legs.

Day 15: Ghorepani (2860m)
Today the trek will be grueling as you will be trekking through the forest, and the steep climb to Sikha wil, give you hypnotic views of the Dhaulagiri range and the Kali Gandaki river gorge below. Moving further, the trail will snake through the lush rhododendron forest before you reach Ghorepani.

Day 16: Visit Poon Hill (3193m) & trek to Ulleri (1960m)
Rise u[p early, as today you will trek to Poon Hill for a panoramic sunrise view of the Himalayas. It will be the most amazing and unforgettable moment of the trek. Post breakfast, you will descend through the trail of stairs, through forests and finally rest at Ulleri.

Day 17: Trek to Nayapul & drive to Pokhara
In the morning, post breakfast, descend to Birenthani at the Modi River, where you can have your lunch to fuel up your energy. After that, continue the trek to Nayapul, from where you will drive back to Pokhara. On reaching, enjoy a hot shower, have a nice meal and take a proper sleep.

Day 18: Drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus
As soon as the morning folds, get ready as today will be your return journey. The tourist bus to Kathmandu will leave early, so be prepared accordingly.The journey along the Prithivi Highway is scenic, it will keep you hooked. It will stop for lunch and tea, and in the afternoon you will reach Kathmandu.

Day 19: Departure
Today post breakfast, you leave for the airport for our journey back home.