The Annapurna Classic Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most popular and epic treks, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and diverse landscapes. This classic trek offers a comprehensive journey through the Annapurna and Mustang regions of central Nepal, showcasing the magnificent Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The trek begins at Besisahar, which is approximately a 7-8 hour drive from Kathmandu and concludes in the Kali Gandaki Gorge, known as the highest gorge in the world.
Traditionally, the Annapurna Circuit is followed on an anti-clockwise trail for acclimatization purposes. The trek takes you through the Annapurna, Manang, and Mustang regions, offering picturesque mountain views, charming Nepalese villages, and interactions with friendly locals. The highlight of the trek is crossing the Thorung La Pass, standing at an elevation of 5,416 meters, before descending to the town of Muktinath.
Over the past two decades, road construction has had a significant impact on the trekking experience. However, the Nepalese government has created alternative routes called the New Annapurna Trekking Trails (NATT-trails) to mitigate the negative effects of the roads. These alternative routes, marked with blue and white or red and white markers, provide a more pleasant and scenic trekking experience.
The duration of the Annapurna Circuit trek typically ranges from 16 to 20 days, depending on various factors such as side trips and extensions. The trek covers a distance of approximately 150 to 240 kilometres, depending on the chosen end point or the use of transportation vehicles.
The scenery and landscape along the Annapurna Circuit are incredibly diverse and awe-inspiring. Trekkers traverse through rice-terraced paddy fields, subtropical forests, and glacial environments. Majestic mountains such as the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna I, along with several other peaks between 6,000 and 7,000 meters, grace the route with their magnificence.
The Annapurna Circuit trek has various itineraries, ranging from 5 to 16 days. The suggested itinerary for the complete circuit covers a distance of approximately 260 kilometers over 15 days. The starting point is Bhulbhule, located 7 kilometers from Besi Sahar, and the finishing point is Nayapul. The highest point of the trek is the Thorung La Pass at an altitude of 5,400 meters. Throughout the trek, trekkers stay in guesthouses and have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of cuisines, including Nepali, Indian, Western, and Chinese.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, combining stunning natural landscapes, cultural immersion, and the challenge of high-altitude trekking. It is a remarkable experience for trekkers seeking an unforgettable journey in the heart of the Himalayas.
Itinerary
- Day 01 Arrival at Kathmandu.
- Day 02 Kathmandu | trek preparation, Permits Procedure
- Day 03 Kathmandu to Bahundanda via Besisahar
- Day 04 Bahundanda to Chamje
- Day 05 Chamje to Bagarchhap (2160m)
- Day 06 Bagarchhap to Chame (2710m)
- Day 07 Chame to Pisang (3240m)
- Day 08 Pisang to Manang (3540m)
- Day 09 Acclimatisation in Manang
- Day 10 Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m)
- Day 11 Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m)
- Day 12 Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3800m) crossing over Thorong La Pass (5416m)
- Day 13 Muktinath to Jomsom (2600m)
- Day 14 Jomsom to Tatopani
- Day 15 Tatopani to Ghorepani Trek
- Day 16 Early morning hike to Poon Hill ¾ hr, then trek to Nayapul - 6hrs, Drive to Pokhara - 1½ hrs
- Day 17 Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive)
- Day 18 Final departure
Cost Details
- Local bus transportation from Kathmandu to Bahundanda (trek start) and Nayapul to Pokhara (trek end)
- One night's accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast included
- Three nights' accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast included
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
- Accommodation in twin/triple sharing trekking lodges during the trek
- Experienced guide and porters (1 porter for 2 people) with their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and insurance included
- Transportation by tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu and from Muktinath to Tatopani
- Car/cab/local bus transfers to and from trek starting and ending points
- All necessary permits
- Office service charge
- All government taxes
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (excluding breakfast), bar bills, and non-water beverages (such as Coke, and Fanta) during the trip
- Optional tours in Kathmandu
- Hot shower and hot water during the trek
- Personal travel insurance, alcoholic drinks, laundry service, phone calls, and internet
- International airfare to and from Nepal and the Nepal tourist visa fee
- Personal trekking equipment (such as sleeping bags and jackets)
- Emergency evacuation (helicopter rescue)
- Any costs arising from itinerary changes due to landslides, domestic flight delays, political disturbance, strikes, or other unforeseeable circumstances
- Any other costs not mentioned in the list of inclusions
- Horse rental and additional porters due to natural calamities during the trek
- Tips for the guide, porters, and driver.......