TICINO TREKS

Annapurna Circuit Trek 18 days
Mountain Vector

Annapurna Circuit Trek 18 days

Annapurna Circuit Trek 18 days

Country

Nepal

Duration

18 days

Max Altitude

5416

Group Size

2 - 15 Person

Difficulty

hard

Best Seasons

Spring and Autumn

Description

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most celebrated trekking routes, renowned for its incredible diversity in landscape, climate, and culture. This 18-day journey circles the Annapurna Massif and takes adventurers from the lush subtropical forests of the Marsyangdi Valley to the high, windswept deserts bordering Tibet. The dramatic highlight of the trek is the crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world, offering jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks and a true sense of accomplishment for all who reach its summit.

As you move through the trail, you’ll pass through an ever-changing terrain of deep river gorges, terraced farmland, rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys. Along the way, trekkers encounter a fascinating mix of cultural traditions, especially in villages inhabited by Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan-influenced communities. These villages, with their stone-built houses, prayer flags, and centuries-old monasteries, provide insight into Nepal’s rich spiritual and ethnic heritage. The route also offers close-up encounters with some of the world’s most awe-inspiring peaks, including Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu (8,163m).

Additional highlights make the experience even more rewarding. A side trip to Tilicho Lake (4,919m), one of the highest lakes on Earth, offers a breathtaking detour into a pristine alpine environment. Later in the trek, a rejuvenating soak in the Tatopani natural hot springs helps soothe tired muscles. The adventure concludes with a final ascent to Poon Hill (3,193m), where trekkers are treated to an unforgettable sunrise over a Himalayan panorama. With its perfect balance of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and natural beauty, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is a life-changing Himalayan journey.

Trip Notes

Best Season to Travel:

  • Spring (March–May): Enjoy warm days, clear mountain views, and blooming rhododendrons along lower sections of the trail.

  • Autumn (September–November): Considered the best time to trek, with stable weather, excellent visibility, and dry conditions ideal for high-altitude passes like Thorong La.

Trekking Grade:

  • Moderate to Challenging

  • Suitable for trekkers with good physical fitness and previous multi-day hiking experience

  • Daily trekking duration ranges from 5 to 8 hours, with longer days during the crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416m)

  • Proper acclimatization included to minimize risk of altitude sickness

Maximum Elevation:

  • Thorong La Pass – 5,416 meters (17,769 feet)

Accommodation:

  • Teahouse lodging throughout the trek: simple but comfortable lodges run by local families

  • Hotel stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara, typically in 3-star category (or as per package)

Meals:

  • Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trekking days

  • Breakfast included in Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels

  • Meals offer a mix of Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and international dishes

Transportation:

  • Overland travel by tourist bus/private vehicle from Kathmandu to Besisahar

  • Local jeep ride to trek start point (e.g. Chame or Dharapani depending on road conditions)

  • Return by jeep/bus from Jomsom to Pokhara, and by tourist bus/private vehicle from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Permits Required:

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

  • TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

 

Itineraries

Your journey begins early in the morning with a 6 to 7-hour scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, the official starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. As you leave the Kathmandu Valley, the road winds through terraced farmland, small towns, and lush river valleys. Upon arrival in Besisahar, you’ll check in to a local lodge and make final preparations for the trek.

 

Today’s 6-hour off-road jeep journey takes you along a rugged mountain road deep into the Himalayas. The route passes through waterfalls, dense pine forests, and charming stone villages before arriving in Chame, the administrative hub of Manang District. Snow-capped peaks like Lamjung Himal become visible, hinting at the mountain beauty ahead.

 

Set out on a 6-hour trek along the Marsyangdi River. You’ll cross suspension bridges and hike through forested paths and narrow gorges. As you ascend, the landscape becomes more alpine. Arrive at Upper Pisang, a quiet village of stone houses with breathtaking views of Annapurna II and III.

 

Climb gradually over 7 hours, choosing the high route via Ghyaru and Ngawal for exceptional views of the Annapurna range. These villages are rich in Tibetan culture and architecture. You arrive in Manang, a vibrant hub for trekkers with bakeries, cafes, and mountain gear shops.

 

To aid acclimatization, hike for about 5 to 6 hours round-trip to Ice Lake (Kicho Tal), a shimmering alpine lake surrounded by jagged peaks. It’s a strenuous uphill walk, but the views are rewarding. Return to Manang by afternoon and relax, or visit a monastery or the Himalayan Rescue Association for an altitude safety briefing.

 

Leave the main circuit and head west on a 7 to 8-hour trek toward Tilicho Base Camp. The path leads past Khangsar village and traverses narrow, landslide-prone ridges. You’ll experience a more remote and rugged Himalayan landscape before reaching the base camp, set below dramatic cliffs.

 

Begin early for a 7-hour round-trip trek to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. Surrounded by glaciers and peaks like Tilicho and Nilgiri, the lake’s turquoise waters are truly surreal. After spending time there, descend back to base camp for a well-earned rest.

 

Retrace your path partway and rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit. The 7-hour walk brings you through high-altitude meadows and pastures where yaks graze. You’ll reach Yak Kharka in the afternoon, where the landscape becomes more barren and alpine.

 

Ascend steadily for about 6 hours, passing Ledar and crossing a small wooden bridge over a glacial stream. The final stretch to High Camp is steep and rocky. You’ll spend the night at high altitude, resting early to prepare for tomorrow’s pass crossing.

 

Start before dawn for the 7-hour crossing of Thorong La, the highest point of the trek. After a slow climb to the summit, enjoy panoramic views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Descend steeply to Muktinath, a sacred Hindu-Buddhist pilgrimage site with its 108 spouts of spring water.

 

Descend through arid terrain on a 7-hour walk, passing villages like Jharkot and Kagbeni in the Mustang region. You’ll reach Marpha, a peaceful Thakali village known for its apple orchards, cider, and traditional whitewashed architecture.

 

Drive along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge, for 3 to 4 hours. After reaching Tatopani (“hot water”), relax in natural hot springs beside the river, a perfect recovery after days of trekking.

 

Begin a steady 7 to 8-hour uphill hike through terraced farms, dense rhododendron forests, and villages like Sikha and Chitre. Reach Ghorepani, perched high on a ridge with amazing sunset views of Dhaulagiri.

 

Start early for a 1-hour climb to Poon Hill to witness the sunrise over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. After breakfast in Ghorepani, trek another 5 to 6 hours through lush forests to reach Tadapani, a peaceful stop with distant mountain views.

 

Descend for 6 to 7 hours through rhododendron and oak forests, passing through Gurung villages and open farmlands. Landruk is a quiet hillside village known for its valley views and traditional hospitality.

 

Trek gently uphill for about 5 to 6 hours, walking through scenic forests and terraced fields. Pothana is a beautiful village with panoramic mountain views, perfect for your final night in the hills.

 

On your last trekking day, descend through the forest trail for around 4 hours to reach Phedi. A short 30-minute drive brings you to Pokhara. Celebrate your accomplishment with good food, a warm shower, and the peaceful vibe of Lakeside Pokhara.

 

Wrap up your journey with either a 30-minute flight or a 6 to 7-hour bus ride back to Kathmandu. Enjoy final views of Nepal’s countryside, and reflect on your incredible Himalayan adventure.

 

Cost Includes

Accommodation

  • Tea-house lodging during trek

  • Hotel in Pokhara (if arranged)

  • Twin sharing basis

Permits

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

  • TIMS Card

Transportation

  • Tourist bus Kathmandu–Besisahar

  • Jeep Besisahar–Chame and Marpha–Tatopani

  • Bus or flight Pokhara–Kathmandu

Meals

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek (as per package)

  • Hot drinks (tea/coffee)

Trekking Crew

  • Licensed guide

  • Porters (1 per 2 trekkers)

  • All wages, food, insurance for staff

 

Cost Excludes

Accommodation & Meals in Cities

  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu/Pokhara

  • Snacks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages

Personal Expenses

  • Insurance (travel, medical, evacuation)

  • Gear rental or purchase

  • Tips for guide/porters

  • Extra nights/stays due to unforeseen delays

Others

  • International flights

  • Nepal entry visa fee

  • Any extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary

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