Annapurna Circuit Trek - Overview
The Annapurna Circuit trek is one of Nepal’s most well-known and classical trekking routes. The Annapurna section is a 55 km long massif, connected by the Kali Gandaki Gorge in the west, the Marshyangdi river on the north and east, and the Pokhara valley on the south.
The Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in on earth partly because of the number of high peaks that can be seen during this trek. You can view 13 peaks above 7,000 meter and 16 peaks over 6,000 meters plus the worlds 10th highest peak - Annapurna I at 8,091 meters, also the hardest mountain to climb in the world.
The entire Annapurna Circuit lies within the 7,629 sq. km Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’s first and largest conservation area. The trek starts from Besisahar in the Marshyangdi river valley and ends at Jomsom in the Kali Gandaki river valley. The total length of the route is approx. 160 km. The trekking route follows forests, paddy fields, waterfalls, massive cliffs, small villages and goes through Manang, a Tibetan village with strong Buddhist traditions.
| Annapurna Circuit - Trek Facts | |
|---|---|
| Trek Difficulty: | Level 3 - Medium |
| Trek Duration: | 15 Days |
| Remoteness: | Not Remote with good services along the route |
| Max altitude: | 5416 meters at Thorong La pass |
|
Accommodation: |
Basic cheap teahouses / Lodges / Fancy guesthouses |
| Best season: | Mar-May, Oct-Nov |
| Transport To/From Trek: | Bus from Kathmandu or Pokhara to the trailhead at Besisahar (790 m) |
| Permits required: |
|
Annapurna Circuit Trek - Itinerary
The following is a standard itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit trek. It may vary depending on the final trekking agency you choose to go with:
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 02: Bus from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Besisahar and hike to Bhulbhule (840 m)
- Day 03: Trek to Chamje (1,430 m)
- Day 04: Trek to Bagarchhap (2,150 m)
- Day 05: Trek to Chame (2,670 m)
- Day 06: Trek to Lower Pisang (3,300 m)
- Day 07: Trek to Manang (3,540 m)
- Day 08: This day is for acclimatization and we spend the night in Manang. Day trip to surrounding areas.
- Day 09: Trek to Yak Kharkha (4,020 m)
- Day 10: Trek to High Camp (4,800 m)
- Day 11: Trek to Muktinath (3,800 m) via Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)
- Day 12: Trek to Jomsom (2,700 m)
- Day 13: Fly to Pokhara
- Day 14: Take a bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Day 15: Departure from Kathmandu
Alternative treks:
Besides the Annapurna Circuit trek, there are other trekking options available in the Annapurna region:
- You can do the Annapurna Base Camp trek, which takes to you to Annapurna Base Camp, and not around the Annapurna Range. People who treks Annapurna Base Camp usually does so because they have less time available. The Annapurna Base Camp trek can be completed in 9 days.
- If you only have 8 days available, the Annapurna Panorama trek might be a good option for you.
Annapurna Circuit Trek - Safety considerations
Plese consider the following when trekking the Annapurna Circuit trek:
- Since this is a high altitude trek that goes through high mountain passes, proper acclimatization is absolutely essential. Acclimatization days are required during the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
- Temperatures regularly drop below freezing in the passes during early spring, late autumn and winter. Depending on the time of the year, please ensure that you are properly dressed and have the proper gear.