March to May during (spring) and September to November during autumn are the most popular time of the year for this trek. Annapurna circuit trek cost offered by Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition includes transportation to and from Kathmandu, full accommodation, all meals, drinking water and hot showers.

The total length of Annapurna circuit route varies between 160-230m (100-145miles) depending on where the trek begins and ends. The trek crosses two river valleys and circumambulate the Annapurna massifs. After a day exploration in Kathmandu (which still has much to offer despite the ravages of the recent earthquake), we drive west through the forest and farmlands to Jagat to the start the trek. We follow the anti-clock wise route behind the 50km Annapurna massif. Lowland Hindu settlement gradually changes into Tibetan communities and landscapes changes into alpine and scrub terrain. Notable landmarks to visit during the trek includes: Upper Pisang to Braga trail which offers great architecture and views of Annapurna II and IV. A tough climb takes us to Thorong La at 5,416m/18,770ft) for exceptional scenery – a real sense of achievement. Climb down to the Muktinath – significant Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage site. Manalsu, Langtang, Annapurna II and IV, Annapurna III and Gangapurna are Common Mountain seen during the trek. Poon Hill at the end of the trek serves the stretching view of mountain peaks including South Annapurna and Machapuchhre, the fishtail mountain.

Annapurna circuit trail is one the easiest long treks in Nepal but it does include a challenging high altitude pass calling fitness level, hiking experience and proper acclimatization. Trekkers make a circular trek around the entire Annapurna massif reaching the summit of Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft). We walk along the deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge with Annapurna I (8,091m) towering to the east and Dhaulagiri dominating the skyline at 8,167m. Moreover, Annapurna circuit trekking trail follows Kali Gandaki Gorge (the deepest gorge in the world) which allows us to get acquainted with diverse landscapes and culture.

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one most fascinating trek in the world for number of peaks seen and diversity of ecosystem and culture encountered during the trek. Trekkers can witness 13 peaks above 7,000m and 16 peaks over 6,000m plus the 10th highest peak in the world, Annapurna – the hardest mountain to climb in the world.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport (1,300m/4,264ft) – Nepal Horizon Trekking Staff will meet and transfer you to your hotel

Nepal Horizon Trek & Expedition Airport Representative will meet you outside the airport terminal hall. Please, look for our airport trek & expedition play card. You will be transferred to the hotel and introduced to your trekking guide. Stroll around the bustling city of Thamel in the evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight at star hotel in Kathmandu

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and preparation for the trek

After breakfast, we proceed for exploration tour to cultural and religious sites in Kathmandu. We explore the UNESCO world heritage sites: Pashupatinath Temple – the holiest temple located on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, Swayambhunath (2,000 years old monkey temple), Boudnath Stupa – the biggest Stupa architecture in the world! Patan Durbar Square (oldest city in Kathmandu valley with ancient culture and tradition). The sightseeing tour also covers Durbar Square, the Krishna Temple, the Kumbheswore temple, the golden temple and many more.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight at star hotel in Kathmandu

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat (1,100m/3608ft) – 8 – 10 days trek

After early morning breakfast, we drive 170km westwards to Jagat, the starting point of the trek. The trail passes through the forested mid hill route that link us to the Hindu villages and farming communities. It then follows and crosses several rivers flowing from the glacial peaks to the north: including the Trishuli Khola, a famous rafting destination. From Dumre, we take northward route and drive towards Besi Shahar before continuing up a minor road to Syange (with a high waterfall) and on to Jagat ( a former toll station on the ancient salt-trade route to Tibet).

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Jagat

Day 04: Jagat – Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek

After breakfast, we descend on trail through the rocky forest to reach the small Tibetan village of Chamje. We then cross suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River and climb steadily to the beautiful village of Tal (1,700m), a former lakebed. We then continue through the farmland of barley, wheat and potatoes and enter into the forested trail of pine before re-crossing the river near Khotro. Further walk takes us to Dharapani – one of the largest Tibetan village in Manang valley, at the confluence of two rivers.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Dharapani

Day 05: Dharapani – Chame (2,710m/8,891ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek

From Dharapani, the trail turns westwards: we negotiate several steep forested ridges and walk across several landslides. On the way, we get the sensational view of mountain peaks – Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). Further we walk across the large mani wall before reaching Chame. It is the district headquarters of the Manang valley.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Chame

Day 06: Chame – Pisang (3,300m/10,824ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek

From Chame, the trail negotiates steep and narrow route, through a thick forest of Christmas tree and pine. We further reach gigantic curved, ice-carved rock face above Bhartang: it rises 1500m above the river and takes several hours to pass. This is probably the steepest part of Marshyangdi valley, so steep that the trail is carved into the vertical rock. After cross the last bit of rock, the valley widens up with wonderful vistas. We trek for a while to reach the lower Pisang where we spend overnight.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Pisang

Day 07: Pisang – Ngawal (3,660m/12,008ft) – 4 – 5 hours trek

There are two routes to Ngawal. The lower, easier route follow the river to Mungji where it meets the upper route and continue towards Braga and Manang.

The challenging upper route into the dry Nyesyang district starts from Upper Pisang and exhibits outstanding views on the trek. A long and high walk with great views, up and down the valley takes us to Ngawal – beautiful village with Gompa and ancient Juniper trees.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Ngawal

Day 08: Ngawal – Manang (3,540m/11,615ft) – 3 – 4 hours trek

The Ngawal to Manang trail follows the downhill route to Mugji which houses numbers of nunnery above the village. The clustered houses of Braga are built one above the other, up a craggy slope with fascinating Gompa at the top. It is the largest, oldest and best endowed gompa in the valley. Manang is located at short walking distance from Braga.

Take a rest in Manang and enjoy short walk in the afternoon which assist with the acclimatization before involving in high altitude days to come.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Manang

Day 09: Manang: Acclimatization and exploration day at Manang

In order to keep ourselves fit, we stay active today taking a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. If time permits, we can even hike to Vraga village to visit Himalayan Rescue Association which offers some idea about Acute Mountain Sickness.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Manang

Day 10: Manang – Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft) – 3 – 4 hours trek

From Manang village, we walk across the stream, climb to the Tenki village and continue to climb out of the Marshyangdi valley. Further we turn northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. Then the trail continue northward of the valley, passes Ghunsa village (a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead). Next we walk through the meadows where the horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, we pass an ancient old mani wall and finally reach Yak Kharka.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Yak Kharka

Day 11: Yak Kharka – Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft) – 3 – 4 hours trek

Today we make an uphill walk to Thorong Phedi. After walking for some time, we cross suspension bridge and reach the village of Ledar. We continue walking uphill and cross soaring cliff to reach Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La Pass. On the way, you will be rewarded with the grand view of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorong Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. Phedi in Nepali dialects refers to the foot of a mountain.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at teahouse in Thorong Phedi

Day 12: Thorong Phedi – Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) – 8 – 10 hours trek

Today we reach the main climax of Annapurna Circuit Trek – a lifetime experience to cross one of the high altitude pass – requiring a 1,000m ascend and 1600m descent. Thorong La Pass at 5,416m is a col between Thorong Peak (6,211m/20,378ft) and impressive cliffs of Yakwakang (6,482m/15,434ft). From the summit, we get the grand view of snowy peaks to the east and impressive desolate brown scenery to the west. On the opposite side of the valley, we can see huge Dhaulagiri range and the mountain of Dolpo stretch to the horizon.

We cross the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest direction. Today we start early around three in the morning and walk up the mountain.

After short moment at Thorong La Pass summit, the long drop to Muktinath must begin. The initial part of descend goes through steep loose gravel where we need to be careful. Later it becomes rockier and easier to negotiate. This long descend allows you to savor the beauty of nature and gives a chance to sleep low.

We reach Muktinath in the late afternoon which is one of most sacred Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage site. A further 10 minute walk takes us to the village of Ranipauwa where we spend overnight.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Muktinath

Day 13: Muktinath – Tatopani (1,200m/3,937ft) – 6 – 8 hours’ drive

A road has been constructed from the lowlands to Muktinath that mostly follows the old trekking trails. The stormy winds and scrubby terrain makes the trekking unpleasant here. So we hike a jeep that drives us to Tatopani via Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Tatopani

Day 14: Tatoani – Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft) – 7 – 8 hours trek

After breakfast, we follow the trail that climbs steeply up the Ghar Khola valley. We walk through forested route of oak, rhododendron, birch and magnolia. Keep your eye out for exotic wildlife and birds. On the way to Ghorepani, we traverse Ghara, Phalate and Chitre that are perched majestically on high ridges with the great view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurnas. Ghorepani is a prosperous touristic village located below the Poon Hill.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Ghorepani

Day 15: Ghorepani – Poon Hill (3,210m/10,528ft) – Tadapani (2,520m/8,268ft) – 6 – 7 hours trek

After early morning breakfast, we hike up for 45 minutes to reach Poon Hill (3210m/10530ft). This scenic uphill route offers the fascinating glimpse of rhododendron forest. As we reach the grassy summit of Poon Hill, we get the unobstructed view of sunrise over the high Himalayas and panoramic view of Dolpo to the far western region, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurnas, Machhapuchhre (fish tail) and Manaslu. After some magical moments in Poon Hill, we trek to Tadapani. The route follows the dense forest and village farmland, from ridge tops to river crossings with many good viewpoints. The steep rivers carry melt water from the glaciers above.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Tadapani

Day 16: Tadapani – Ghandruk (1,950m/6,398ft) – 3 – 4 hours trek

Today the trail concerns largely downhill walk to Ghandruk through the forest and farmland with great glimpse of countryside life. Ghandruk is densely settled, clean and modern Gurung village. We explore the surrounding area and local museum to the in-depth knowledge of local culture and tradition.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Ghandruk

Day 17: Ghandruk – Pothana (1,910m/6,266ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek

After breakfast, we climb down through the stone staircase to the Modi Khola. We then cross the suspension bridge and climb steeply to Landruk with the great views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. Further the trail continues through the scattered trees and bushes to Tolka. Then we climb for some two hours to a ridge Deorali. WE get the fascinating view of Pokhara and Phewa Lake and possibly the last view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and the right flank of the range. The trail then climbs down along the red-earth path to Pothana.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Pothana

Day 18: Pothana – Phedi – Pokhara (910m/2,986ft) – 3 – 4 hours trek/45 min drive

The last day of the trek offers an easy downhill walk to the large agricultural village of Dhampus. It then climbs down through the scattered villages and rice paddies to Phedi. A short drive via Pokhara – Baglung Highway takes us to Pokhara. Enjoy free afternoon to explore the city.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overnight at star hotel in Pokhara

Day 19: Pokhara – Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) – 5 – 6 hours’ drive

After morning breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu via same route we used previously. Upon arrival, we dive back to hotel and take our time to rest and refresh. We enjoy the free day or catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any physical landmarks. In the evening, we attend farewell dinner hosted by Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition in typical Nepali restaurant with cultural shows.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight at star hotel in Kathmandu

Day 20: Final Departure

It’s your last day in Nepal! Take some breakfast and if your wish, you can catch last-minute shopping Kathmandu. Our airport representative will transfer you to airport with plenty time before your flight home.

Farewell!!!