• Himalayan Eco-Culture Treks & Research Expeditions

Annapurna Circuit Trek – 20 Days

Annapurna-region-circuit-trek

Trip Facts

  • Destination: Annapurna Region
  • Duration: 20
  • Trip Grade: Hard
  • Best Time: Mar-May/Sep-Nov
  • Max Elevation: 5410
  • Group Size: 2-12

Annapurna Circuit Trek – 20 Days

Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit Trek, spanning 230 kilometers through the Himalayas, promises an unforgettable adventure. Beginning in Besisahar, the trail ascends through rice terraces and villages, gradually revealing the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

The Annapurna Circuit tour unfolds diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows and arid deserts, providing panoramic views. Passing through the Marsyangdi Valley, trekkers experience the cultural richness of local communities, fostering a deep connection with the region. Annapurna circuit trek itinerary transitioning to higher altitudes, the journey leads to the challenging Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. Annapurna Circuit trek route showcasing the striking transformation of the terrain. Along the way, trekkers encounter Tilicho Lake, one of the world’s highest lakes, adding to the trek’s allure.

Despite its challenges, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is renowned for accessibility, drawing trekkers with its unique blend of natural wonders and cultural diversity. Transition words like “furthermore” and “nevertheless” subtly guide the narrative, maintaining a coherent flow between diverse landscapes and elevations.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek’s beauty lies not only in its scenery but also in the warmth of local hospitality. Trekkers witness the interplay of ecosystems and experience the captivating charm of Nepal’s high-altitude regions.

While the Guide helps in narrating the flow with surroundings, to maintain simplicity and clarity. The Annapurna Circuit Package beckons adventurers to explore its transformative journey, offering a captivating mix of landscapes and cultures. This iconic route stands as a testament to the allure of the Himalayas, inviting trekkers to discover the natural wonders and cultural tapestry it presents.

Best Time to Visit the Annapurna Circuit Trek!!!

The Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal is a popular trekking destination, and the best time to visit depends on your preferences and the type of experience you are seeking. Generally, the two main trekking seasons in the Annapurna region are:

  1. Spring (March to May):

This is considered the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit.

  • The weather is generally stable, with mild temperatures and clear skies.
  • The rhododendron forests bloom during this time, adding vibrant colors to the landscape.
  • The visibility of the mountain peaks is excellent, providing stunning panoramic views.
  1. Autumn (September to November):
  • Another excellent time for trekking the Annapurna Circuit.
  • The weather is stable, with clear skies and crisp, cool temperatures.
  • The trails are dry, and the visibility is excellent, making it easier to enjoy the breathtaking mountain views.

The trekking trails are more crowded during this season compared to spring.

Both spring and autumn are peak trekking seasons, and you can expect more fellow trekkers during these times. The teahouses and lodges along the trail are open, providing accommodation and meals.

Keep in mind that the Annapurna Circuit Tour has variations in altitude. So, be prepared for varying temperatures. Winter (December to February) and monsoon (June to August) are generally less popular times. Due to the colder temperatures and the potential for heavy rainfall, eventually led to slippery trails and leeches in some areas.

Ultimately, choose the time that aligns with your preferences and schedule, considering factors like weather, crowd levels, and the overall trekking experience you desire.

How much does the Annapurna Circuit trek cost?

Annapurna Circuit trek cost covers the entire activities done during this package, which are mentioned on itineraries. The types of transportation that you will use during your trip, food, and service we (Himalayan Eco Cultures Treks and Research Expedition) will Provide. Annapurna Circuit trek cost varies on your time spent or as per your customization will affect service and accommodation, and no of people in a group.

The Annapurna Circuit tour cost starts from 1399 USD per person. Quote- Annapurna Circuit Trek’s cost only covers those services and activities that are mentioned on the itinerary. Naturally, how much the Annapurna Circuit Trek will cost will depend on the duration you trek on the route. Whether it’s your choice to book a package or book everything separately. The more days you spend during the trip, the more accommodation you’ll need, the more food you’ll eat, and the more you’ll spend.

NOTE: If you book everything yourself. Then it’ll also work out cheaper but of course, you’ll have to deal with your own permits, accommodation, transport, and either hiring guides.

Describing in a few words, Annapurna Circuit is a dreamland, once you reach there your dreams will come true. The beauty of this trip cannot be explained through words and is dishonest in part of nature.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
– Diverse geography, culture, and wildlife
– Beautiful panoramic views of the Annapurna Mountain Ranges

Itinerary


Day 01 Kathmandu Arrival (1200m)

Namaste! Welcome to the Land of the Himalayas. You can get the visa on arrival after landing at Tribhuvan International Airport. Our representative will be waiting for you outside the arrival gate, holding signage in your name. Then in a private vehicle, we will drive through the busy streets of Kathmandu to our hotel. Our Travel planner will meet and brief you regarding the trip and safety protocols before dining out in a Nepali restaurant in the evening.

Inclusion: Dinner and hotel

Day 02 Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

“The city of thousand Temples,” Kathmandu, is a cultural hub of Nepal. Today, we will be exploring some UNESCO heritage sites:

  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
    Built in the 15th century, the ancient palace of Nepal’s monarch is an exemplary illustration of Nepalese art and culture. 
  • Pashupatinath Temple
    It is dedicated to Shiva, the god of destruction in Hindu mythology. Not only is the temple exemplary with its fine artwork, but the temple depicts the relationship between birth and death in Hinduism.
  • Swaymbhunath Stupa
    According to the myth, the stupa self-emerged. According to Buddhism, its eye represents the wisdom and compassion of Buddha. In contrast, the third eye represents the message of heavenly bodies.

Included: Accommodation in a 3-star hotel and Dinner

Day 03 Drive to Besisahar (769m), Trek to Bhulbhule (840m), WALK: 3 hours

After breakfast, we will go to Besisahar by private Jeep through the winding highway crossing the grasslands and numerous bridges. After 7-hour drive, we will reach Besisahar, where our hiking will start. Crossing the village, we will descend and walk along the Marsyangdi River. Some forested areas to finally get to Bhulbule, where the beautiful views of Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli await us.

Inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with mountain lodge accommodation

Day 04 Trek to Ghermu (1310m), WALK: 6 hours

On the steppe trail along the Marsyangdi River, we will be crossing the Ngadi village and some suspension bridges. The route will follow a gradual ascent towards the Bahundanda, where it will drop again through a rocky trail until we climb to Khanegaon. The leveled path will lead us to Ghermu, our overnight camp.

Inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with mountain lodge accommodation

Day 05 Trek to Ghermu (1310m), WALK: 6 hours

On the steppe trail along the Marsyangdi River, we will cross the Ngadi village and some suspension bridges. The route will follow a gradual ascent towards the Bahundanda, where it will drop again through a rocky trail until we climb to Khanegaon. The leveled path will lead us to Ghermu, our overnight camp.

Inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with mountain lodge accommodation

Day 06 Trek to Tal (1700m), WALK: 6 hours

Our Hike will begin with a downhill to Syange, and then we will cross the village of Jagat to reach Ghatte Khola with a descent. A steep climb will lead us to Chamje village, and more advancement will lead to Seattle. Climbing through forested and paddy fields, we will reach Tal.

Inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with mountain lodge accommodation

Day 07 Trek to Pisang (3300m), WALK: 5 hours

Crossing the Marsyandi River, the trail goes up and down to reach the leveled ground in Bhartang finally. Further Hike will make us cross a suspension bridge from where the route will again ascend. Pisang Peak and Mt. Chulu will make a splendid appearance before reaching Pisang village, where we will explore the monasteries and traditional houses and a panoramic view of the Himalayas.

Inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with mountain lodge accommodation

Day 08 Trek To Manang (3540m), WALK: 7 hours

Starting the trek along the Mani walls and memorials, we ascend through a pine forest that opens the scenic view of Manang Valley with Tilicho Peak on top. Descending the Hongde village, we will cross the local airport. With Tilicho, Ganagapurana, Annapurna, and other mountains in our sight, we will cross the Marshyangdi River and crop fields to reach Bargha. The Tibetan culture-influenced village welcomes us with a dramatic deserted look with mountains behind.

Inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with mountain lodge accommodation

Day 09 Acclimatization day in Manang, WALK: 4 hours

Our body begins to struggle with low oxygen in 3500m (13.5%), so we will let our body recuperate by spending an extra day in Manang. We will explore the monasteries, narrow alleys, and stone houses of Manang and the 2 hours hike to the glacial lake of Gangapurna. Panoramic views of Annapurna, Pisang, and many other peaks will enchant us, and the warm hospitality of locals will be gratifying.

Inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with mountain lodge accommodation

Day 10 Trek to Yak Kharka (4050m), WALK: 4 hours

Our Hike will begin to ascend continuously through Chorten and Gunsang. More mountainous terrain with shrubs and grasses slowly dominates the trail with grazing lands for animals. Annapurna’s view stretching nearer, we will reach Yak Kharka, which translates to Yak’s pasture.

Inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with mountain lodge accommodation

Day 11 Trek to Thorang Phedi (4550m), WALK: 4 hours

As we gain high altitude, we will begin to keep our hike pace slower and shorter. Gradually climbing, we will cross the village of Ledar and descend toward the Jorsang River. We will cross the bridge over the river through narrow trails to ascent Thorang Phedi.

Inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with mountain lodge accommodation

Day 12 Trek to Muktinath (4550m) via Thoran-la Pass (5416m), WALK: 9 hours

A strenuous day awaits us as we will be accomplishing the highest altitude of our trek today. We will climb to High Camp through a steep rocky trail, and the route continues to ascend. Moraines and prayer flags beacon us the nearing of Thorang la Pass. At the height of 5416m, the glorious pass will grant us a grand view of the Annapurna mountain range and the beautiful valleys of Manang and Kaligandaki. Carefully, we will descend from the slippery ice to greenery at reaching Muktinath.

Inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with mountain lodge accommodation

Day 13 Trek to Marpha (2670m), WALK: 7 hours

Muktinath is famous for its temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu (Protector of all creation) and is even sacred to the Buddhists. We will also explore 108 brass waterspouts (that supposedly liberate the minds and souls of devotees), Gompa Sambha monastery, Jwalamai temple (where the flame burns continuously due to natural gas), and the temple and shrines. After the exploration, we will hike downhill and walk along the Kaligandaki River to reach Jomsom (The windiest place in Nepal). From Jomson, we will walk towards Marpha, a Thakali village famous for its typical Thakali food and Apple whisky.

Inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with mountain lodge accommodation

Day 14 Trek to Ghasa (2010m), WALK: 7 hours

The walk will start with descent and a view of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak. With some ups and downs, we will cross the bridge through Larjung to Kalopani, where a stunning view of Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri greets us. Further descending will lead us to Ghasa.

Inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with mountain lodge accommodation

Day 15 Trek to Tatopani (1190m), WALK: 6 hours

Through the seesaw trail of the Kaligandaki River and crop fields, we will continue our trek toward Dana Valley. A level route after that we will head towards Tatopani village. The area’s natural hot springs are famous for curing many diseases and body ache problems. We can take a dip in the hot springs or explore the town for the day.

Inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with mountain lodge accommodation

Day 16 Trek to Ghorepani (2880m), WALK: 8 hours

After climbing down for a short while, we will cross the bridge over the Kali Gandaki River with a second bridge leading us to Ghara Khola. The trail after that is steep uphill up to Sikha, from where the rhododendron forest begins. The charming forested route leads us to Ghorepani.

Inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with mountain lodge accommodation

Day 17 Poonhill Excursion (3210m) and Trek to Tadapani (6 hours)

The golden sunlight touching the beautiful mountains of Annapurna Range is undoubtedly a heart-warming scenery. An hour staircase climbed from Ghorepani will lead us to Poonhill, where the panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiiunchuli, Dhampus, and Fishtail, among many more, will award us. Soaking the moment in our memory, we will climb down through a forested trail to reach Tadapani.

Inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with mountain lodge accommodation

Day 18 Trek to Ghandruk (1940m), Drive to Pokhara, WALK: 3 hours

After breakfast, we will go again through the ups and downs for a few hours through a forested route to reach Ghanndruk, a small village of Gurungs, an ethnic group in that area. The charming town with a narrow paved rally, green fields, and stone houses is one of Annapurna’s most culturally significant villages. Then we will drive to Pokhara to enjoy the beautiful lakeside, serene atmosphere, and cozy hotel room.

Inclusion: Breakfast, and Lunch with accommodation in a 3-star hotel

Day 19 Drive back to Kathmandu (1200m)

Eight hours of a drive back through the same winding highway will lead our journey back to Kathmandu. On our last day in Nepal, we can roam around the local shops, try local delicacies, and soak all the memories.

Inclusion: Breakfast and accommodation in a 3-star hotel

Day 20 Final Departure

Our representative will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before departure. We hope you had a wonderful experience with us, and we will soon meet again on your next adventure.

Inclusion: Breakfast

Trip Includes

  • All the arrival and departure transfers in a private AC vehicle.
  • Three nights stay in Kathmandu in a 3-star hotel with breakfast.
  • One night stay in Pokhara in a 3-star hotel with breakfast.
  • Kathmandu-Besisahar and Ghandruk-Pokhara transfer in a private jeep.
  • Pokhara-Kathmandu bus tickets (Tourist bus).
  • Service of an English-speaking licensed adventure guide (Trained in first-aid and emergency rescues).
  • Fifteen nights of twin-sharing stay in local tea houses (private bathroom wherever possible) with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • One porter for every 2 clients.
  • All the required permits for the trek.
  • Sleeping bags and down jackets for borrowing during the trek upon request.
  • Duffel bags and maps on a complimentary basis.
  • First-aid box (carried by the guide).
  • All the applicable government charges.

Trip Excludes

  • International flight tickets.
  • Nepal Visa.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Meals in Kathmandu.
  • Personal expenses such as beverage bills, laundry, charging of electric devices, WI-Fi, etc.
  • Anything not mentioned in the above itinerary and inclusions.

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