A complete Guide To The Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the popular treks of Nepal so If you are dreaming to be on the lap of the mountain then the mission summit welcomes you with the Annapurna trip. The trip encloses the best place where you can spend your quality time with the Himalayan background.

Overview

Mount Annapurna is the 10th highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8091m in North-central Nepal. The Annapurna region comprises thirteen mountains over 7000 meters and sixteen mountains over 6000 meters among which Mardi Himal (5587) meters, Hiunchuli (6441 meters), Pisang peak (6091)m meters) Machhapuchhre (6993)m, Dhaulagiri I ( 8,167)m Annapurna II (7,937) m, Annapurna III (7,555) m, Annapurna IV (7,525) m, Gangapurna (7,455) m Annapurna South (7,219) m are most popular.

The varying landscape, hills, and mountains with a vast diversity of plants and animals under the conservation of multilingual and multicultural people is really a source of inspiration for a peaceful life. The trip toward the Annapurna circuit not only makes us an adventurer, but it also teaches us about the survival of the fittest and struggles for existence. Therefore, it is a wonderful place with the knowledge of natural phenomena.

When is the best time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Autumn and mid of spring seasons which have a moderate climate, fair weather with the clear sky is appropriate for Annapurna trek. Especially mid of September to mid of November of Autumn and late March to late May of Spring is the best time due to excellent climatic conditions for a trek in the Annapurna region than other months.

Is the Annapurna circuit trek possible in summer and winter?

There is no limitation of desire, the impossible word itself says I am possible. So, yes trekking in the Annapurna circuit is possible in summer and winter but there will be a risk and extreme climatic conditions due to which you should be very careful than in seasonal trek.

Generally, the path will be slippery due to rainfall in summer. A clear view of the mountain may not be possible because of cloudy weather whereas the extremely low temperature in winter makes the trip more challenging and harder.

Itinerary 

Annapurna circuit is a wider area and you can have the best natural view ever you had.  You need more than 2 weeks for completing the trek. Here day-wise planning during the trek is in detail. So that you can plan your trip according to your available time and places you want to visit.

 15 Days Annapurna circuit trek Itinerary

19 Days Annapurna circuit trek Itinerary with Poon hill

Day 1: Arrival In Kathmandu (TIA) International Airport (1,365m) Transfer To Hotel Evening Welcome Dinner. O/N at Hotel

Day 2: Private Drive From Kathmandu To Besi Sahar (760m) &  Jeep Till Syange (1100m) (7 Hours Drive).O/N At Tea House

Day 3: Syange to Dharapani (1860m), 8  Hrs Walk

Day 4: Dharapani to Chame (2670m), 7 Hrs Walk,

Day 5: Chame to Pisang ( 3100 M) Walking 5 Hours,

Day 6: Pisang to Manang (3540m), 7 Hrs Walking,

Day 7: Rest Day In Manang Or Visit Visit Ice Lake (4600m) 8 Hrs Walking,

Day 8: Manang to Letdar (4200m), 6 Hrs Walk,

Day 9: Letdar To Thorung Phedi (4450m), 4 Hrs Walk,

Day 10: Thorung Phedi Thorung La Pass (5,416m) To Muktinath (3760m) 9  hrs Walk,

Day 11: Muktinath to Jomsom (2720m ) Via Kagbeni 4 Hrs Walk.

Day 12: Jomsom To Tatopani By   jeep And Overnight At Tatopani (Natural Hot spring)

Day 13: Tatopani   to Shika 4 Hours uphill walk

Day 14: Shikha To Ghorepani 4 Hours by walk (2880m) overnight at Ghorepani

Day 15: Ghorepani To Hille 4 Hours by walk

Day 16: hill to Nayapul 2 hours by walk  and drive back to Pokhara

Day 17: Drive/ Fly  back to Kathmandu overnight at Thamel

Day 18: Rest day at Kathmandu

Day 19: Final Departure to International Airport

20 Days Annapurna circuit trek with Tilicho  Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival In Kathmandu (TIA) International Airport (1,365m) Transfer To Hotel Evening Welcome Dinner. O/N at Hotel

Day 2 Private Drive From Kathmandu To Besi Sahar (760m) &  Jeep Till Syange (1100m) (7 Hours Drive).O/N At Tea House

Day 3 Syange To Dharapani (1860m), 8  Hrs Walk,

Day 4 Dharapani to Chame (2670m), 7 Hrs Walk,

Day 5 Chame to Pisang ( 3100 M) Walking 5 Hours,

Day 6 Pisang to Manang (3540m), 7 Hrs Walking,

Day 7 Rest Day In Manang Or Visit Visit Ice Lake (4600m) 8 Hrs Walking,

Day 8 Trek to Khansar

Day 9 Trek to Base Camp

Day 10 Visit Tilicho lake (world highest lake )

Day 11 Trek to Khansar

Day 12 Khansari To Letdar (4200m), 6 Hrs Walk,

Day 14 Letdar To Thorung Phedi (4450m), 4 Hrs Walk,

Day 15  Thorung Phedi Thorung La Pass (5,416m) To Muktinath (3760m) 9  hrs Walk,

Day 16  Muktinath To Jomsom (2720m ) Via Kagbeni 4 Hrs WalkHouse

Day 17  Jomsom To Pokhara By Flight or jeep And

Day 18  Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist bus 7 hours

Day 19  Rest day at Kathmandu

Day 20 Final Departure to International Airport

25 Days Annapurna circuit trek Itinerary

1st  Day:  Arrival In Kathmandu (TIA) International Airport (1,365m) Transfer To Hotel Evening Welcome Dinner.

2nd Day:  Private Drive From Kathmandu To Besi Sahar (760m) &  Jeep Till Syange (1100m) (7 Hours Drive).

3rd Day:  Syange To Dharapani (1860m), 8  Hrs Walk O/N At Tea HouseDay 4 Dharapani To Chame (2670m), 7 Hrs Walk,

4th Day:  Chame to Pisang ( 3100 M) Walking 5 Hours,

9th Day: Pisang to Manang (3540m), 7 Hrs Walking,

7th Day:  Rest Day In Manang Or Visit Visit Ice Lake (4600m) 8 Hrs Walking,

8th  Day:  Manang to Letdar (4200m), 6 Hrs Walk,

9th Day:  Letdar To Thorung Phedi (4450m), 4 Hrs Walk,

10th Day: Thorung Phedi Thorung La Pass (5,416m) To Muktinath (3760m) 9  hrs Walk,

11th Day:  Muktinath To Jomsom (2720m ) Via Kagbeni 4 Hrs Walk.

12th Day:  Jomsom To Tatopani By   jeep

13th Day: Tatopani   to Shika 4 Hours uphill walk

14th Day: Shikha To Ghorepani 4 Hours by walk (2880m)

15th Day: Ghorepani To Hille 4 Hours by walk

16th Day:   Morning hike to Poon-Hill and trek to Tadapani 2,520m – 05 hrs.

17th Day:   Trek to Sinuwa 2340 m-5 hrs.

18th Day:  Trek to Deurali 3230 m-7 hrs

19th Day:  Trek to Annapurna Base Camp 4, 130m – 04 hrs.

20th Day: Trek to Bamboo 2,050 m – 06 hrs..

21st  Day: Trek to Jhinu-Danda 1,700m via Chomrong – 06 hrs. (Hot Spring)

22nd Day: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara-8 hrs

23rd Day:  Drive/ Fly  back to Kathmandu overnight at Thamel

24th Day: Rest day at Kathmandu

25th Day:  Final Departure to International Airport

Facilities during The  Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Tea house

You will get a tea house with clean rooms and a comfortable bed. Depending upon place somewhere you will get rooms with attached bathroom and somewhere normal rooms are available. You will get a variety of food with good taste on the way but as elevation increases, there will be a limitation on the food menu. The major food items will be Dalbhat, noodles, momo, soup, spaghetti, etc depending on the Teahouse menu.

• Electricity

You will get the facility of electricity in all places during the trek. You can talk to your family members and share your excitations every day via social media as well.

• Water

You will get pure drinking water in all places during the trek. Travel companies will supply mineral water so that you will not have any health issues regarding water.

Recommendation for the  Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trekking is a challenging job where you need to be very much careful. Some recommendation which you must follow are:-

Clothing

Annapurna circuit is a cold region. We recommend the following clothes for your comfortable travel.

• Warm jacket – down jacket,
• Water and windproof jacket (alternatively bring a poncho or umbrella)
• Long-sleeved syn lodging thetic fleece (windproof material, if possible)
• Thermal underwear.
• Hat, a pair of gloves and a scarf.
• Comfortable hiking trousers. (loose fitting)
• Shorts and trousers, or a skirt.
• 2 pairs of warm wool-blend socks.
• 2 pairs of running socks or liner socks.
• Proper hiking boots.
• Running shoes and flip-flops.
• 2-3 T-shirts.
• Water bottle

 Fitness

One should be mentally prepared and physically fit to start a trek. To enjoy the trekking, it is very essential to be fit healthy and fine because of high elevation one may suffer from altitude sickness. Thus it is essential to know how to prepare for trek and altitude.

What are the challenges with The Annapurna circuit trek?

The exciting part of the Annapurna circuit trek is accepting the challenges and enjoying nature. One should walk more than 10 to 12 km around 7 to 8 hours each day. You should eat the food whatever is available in teahouse. May altitude sickness occurs in you with increasing elevation and changing atmospheric conditions are major challenges of Annapurna circuit trek.

Permits for The Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna circuit trek includes two permits.

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) card costs 2$ for SAARC nations and 20$ for others.
2. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card with cost 20$

Package for The Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek package is depend on company but the Average Package are

• 1100$ to 1250$ for trip package which is offer by local trekking agency and include Guide, porter, permit,transportation, kathmandu Hotel, pokhara hotel, three meal for client.
• Annapurna Circuit Trek without Guide and porter (DIY/FIT) cost will be 600$-800$ but it's depend on your money spend habit.

Conclusion

The beauty of Himalayas, cultural and biological diversity of the Annapurna region will definitely full fill your traveling goal in Nepal. Different travel agencies will guide you and support you to reach your destination. I suggest mission summit treks and expedition for a safe and wonderful journey towards the Annapurna Circuit Trek at a reasonable price.