Annapurna Circuit Trek – 12 Days
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular and beautiful trekking routes in Nepal. It takes trekkers through stunning mountains, traditional villages, and diverse landscapes. This trek is special because it offers a mix of culture, nature, and adventure.
The trek starts in a city called Besisahar and goes all the way up to Thorong La Pass, which is at an altitude of about 5,416 meters (17,769 feet). Along the way, trekkers get to see the majestic Annapurna mountain range, including the famous peaks of Annapurna I, Annapurna II, and Dhaulagiri. You will also pass through beautiful forests, rice terraces, and rivers, making it a journey filled with variety.
One of the best things about the Annapurna Circuit is the chance to experience the local culture. You will pass through villages where people of different ethnic groups, like the Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi, live. The people here are friendly, and you’ll get a chance to learn about their traditions, food, and way of life. In some villages, you can even visit local temples and monasteries to see how people practice their religion.
As you climb higher, the landscape changes. The lush green forests start to give way to rocky hills, and the air becomes thinner. You will feel the change in altitude as you move toward higher regions like Manang and Muktinath. These places are great for resting and adjusting to the high altitude.
One of the challenges of the Annapurna Circuit is Thorong La Pass, the highest point on the trek. It can be tough because of the cold and thin air, but reaching the top is very rewarding. After crossing the pass, you will descend through the village of Jomsom and finally end your trek in Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city.
The trek is a great adventure for anyone who loves nature and wants to experience a mix of mountain life, culture, and breathtaking views. It usually takes about 14 to 20 days to complete, and although it can be challenging, it’s a rewarding journey that many trekkers dream of. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a beginner, the Annapurna Circuit is an unforgettable experience.
Annapurna Circuit Trek – 12 Days Highlight
- Amazing Mountain Views: You'll see beautiful views of big mountains like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The peaks are stunning and will take your breath away.
- Diverse Landscapes: The trek takes you through different landscapes, from green forests to rocky mountains. You’ll walk beside rivers, rice fields, and even alpine meadows.
- Cultural Villages: Along the way, you will visit villages where people of different cultures live. You’ll get to learn about their traditions, food, and ways of life.
- Friendly Locals: The people living in the villages are very friendly. They are always happy to greet trekkers and share their stories.
- Visiting Ancient Temples: You’ll have the chance to visit temples and monasteries along the trek, especially in places like Muktinath, where you can learn about the local religion.
- Crossing Thorong La Pass: The highlight of the trek is reaching Thorong La Pass, which is at a very high altitude. It’s a challenging but rewarding part of the journey.
- Beautiful Sunrise and Sunset: You’ll experience stunning sunrises and sunsets over the mountains, especially when you’re in higher areas like Pisang or Manang.
- Wildlife and Nature: The trail is full of nature. You might see animals like mountain goats, yaks, and colorful birds, along with beautiful flowers and plants.
- Staying in Tea Houses: During the trek, you’ll stay in cozy tea houses. These small guesthouses offer a warm bed and tasty local food after a long day of walking.
- Adventure and Challenge: The trek offers the perfect mix of adventure, physical challenge, and excitement. It’s a great way to push yourself while enjoying amazing views and experiences.
Annapurna Circuit Trek – 12 Days Itinerary
Expand AllWelcome to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal! When you arrive, you’ll be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel. Kathmandu is a busy city with lots of life, colorful markets, and amazing temples. After settling in your hotel, you can relax and get ready for the adventure ahead. You might also take a short walk around the city to explore the sights, like the famous Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) or the Boudhanath Stupa, which are nearby. It’s a great chance to learn about the culture and history of Nepal before you start your trek. Rest up and get a good night’s sleep because tomorrow your exciting trek begins.
Today is a relaxing day to explore Kathmandu and get ready for your trek. In the morning, you’ll go on a city tour to visit some of the famous landmarks. You might see the Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred place for Hindus, and the Boudhanath Stupa, a huge, peaceful Buddhist site. These places are full of history and culture. After the tour, you’ll spend the afternoon getting ready for your trek. You can check your gear, make sure you have everything you need, and ask any questions about the trek. You might also want to buy any last-minute items, like snacks or a warm hat. This day will help you feel excited and prepared for the adventure ahead.
Today, you will begin your journey to the start of the trek. After breakfast in Kathmandu, you will take a long, scenic drive to Besisahar, a town where your trekking adventure starts. The drive will take about 8-9 hours, but it’s filled with beautiful views of rivers, mountains, and villages. After reaching Besisahar, you will continue driving to Chame, a small town at a higher altitude. The drive may be bumpy, but the stunning views will keep you excited. Chame is a great place to rest before your trek starts. Once you arrive, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, ready for the trekking adventure ahead.
Today, your trekking adventure truly begins! After breakfast in Chame, you will start hiking towards Pisang, a village at a higher altitude. The trek will take about 5-6 hours, so be ready for a good walk. As you walk, you will pass through beautiful pine forests, cross rivers, and enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas. The trail can be a bit steep in some parts, but the views and fresh mountain air will keep you motivated. Pisang is a lovely village with a mix of traditional houses and a view of the big Annapurna peaks. Once you reach Pisang, you can relax, enjoy some local food, and rest for the night. The mountain scenery around you will be breathtaking.
Today, you will trek from Pisang to Manang, which will take about 6-7 hours. The trail starts with beautiful views of the Annapurna mountains, and as you walk, you’ll pass through small villages and high meadows. The path is a bit uphill, but you will be walking at a comfortable pace to enjoy the scenery. Manang is a bigger village, and it’s located at a high altitude, so it’s a good place to rest and get used to the thinner air. When you arrive, take your time to relax and explore the village. You can also visit the local monastery or enjoy a hot drink. The peaceful surroundings of Manang will make you feel excited for the adventure ahead.
Today is a rest day in Manang to help your body adjust to the higher altitude. It’s important to give yourself time to get used to the thinner air, so you can enjoy the rest of the trek safely. You can explore the village and learn about the local culture. There are many interesting places to visit, like the Manang Monastery, where you can see beautiful Buddhist statues and prayers. You can also take a short walk to higher viewpoints to get stunning views of the Annapurna mountains and the surrounding valleys. It’s a great day to relax, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and prepare your body for the journey ahead. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay healthy.
Today, you will trek from Manang to Yak Kharka, which will take about 4-5 hours. The trail is a bit steeper as you climb higher into the mountains. Along the way, you will pass through small villages and beautiful meadows. You might even spot some yaks grazing in the fields! As you walk, you’ll notice the air getting thinner, so take your time and rest when needed. Yak Kharka is a peaceful place, surrounded by stunning mountain views. When you arrive, it’s important to rest and drink plenty of water to help your body adjust to the altitude. The quiet atmosphere and beautiful scenery will make this day very special.
Today, you will trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi, which will take about 3-4 hours. The trail is not very long, but it’s an important part of your journey because you are getting closer to the highest point of the trek. As you walk, the landscape changes, and you’ll see more rocky areas and less greenery. The air is thinner, so you might feel a little tired, but don’t worry—just take it slow and rest when needed. When you reach Thorong Phedi, you’ll be at a high altitude, so it’s a good place to rest before the big challenge of crossing Thorong La Pass tomorrow. Enjoy the quiet surroundings and get a good night’s sleep for the next day.
Today is the biggest challenge of your trek! You will start early in the morning from Thorong Phedi and climb up to Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5416 meters. It will be a tough 4-5 hour climb, but the views at the top will be amazing and worth the effort. After reaching the pass, you will enjoy a well-deserved break and then start your descent towards Muktinath. The downhill trek takes another 3-4 hours. Muktinath is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists, and it’s the perfect place to relax and celebrate your achievement. The beautiful temples and peaceful surroundings will make this a day to remember.
After an exciting trek, today is a long drive back to Pokhara. You will start by driving from Muktinath to Jomsom, a small town, and then continue to Tatopani, a place known for its natural hot springs. The drive is bumpy, but you will enjoy beautiful views of rivers, mountains, and villages along the way. In Tatopani, you can take a quick break and relax by the hot springs before continuing your journey. After a few more hours of driving, you will finally reach Pokhara, a peaceful city by the lake. Once you arrive, you can rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery, reflecting on the amazing adventure you’ve just completed.
Today, you will drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. The drive will take about 7-8 hours, so it’s a long journey. As you travel, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the countryside, rivers, and hills. You’ll pass through small villages and see the daily life of people in Nepal. The roads may be bumpy, but the scenery will keep you entertained. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you can relax and reflect on your amazing trek. This is a great time to share your stories with fellow trekkers and think about all the beautiful places and experiences you had. Enjoy a nice meal, get some rest, and feel proud of your adventure.
Today is your last day in Nepal. After an unforgettable journey on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. You may feel tired but happy from the amazing adventure you’ve just completed. Before leaving, take a moment to think about all the beautiful places you visited, the friends you made, and the stunning mountains you saw. If you have time, you can buy some souvenirs to remember your trek. The memories of this trip will stay with you forever. Whether it’s the peaceful villages, the challenge of the high passes, or the breathtaking views, this journey will always be a part of you. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again.
Annapurna Circuit Trek – 12 Days Includes/Exclude
- Airport pick-up drop-off all services
- Twin-sharing 3 star tourist hotel in Kathmandu (2 night before trip 1 night after the trek) (Private single room can be an extra cost)
- Mountain accommodation during the trek in a guest house private room with sharing toilet
- Three meals a day in the trek on your choice
- Sharing jeep kathmandu - besishar - chame
- Hot drinks during the trek tea, coffee three time a day
- One night hotel in Pokhara on BB base
- Tourist bus ticket to kathmandu from pokhara
- English speaking guide (guide and porter salary, accommodation, meal, transport, insurance)
- Sleeping bag, walking poles Duffle bag to put trekkers stuff (one porter to carry two trekker stuff)
- Unlimited purification tablets for safe drinking water
- Seasonal fruits after dinner for deserts
- Supplementary : energy bar, cokes, dry fruits
- Pokhara to Kathmandu air ticket can be arranged on the clint's behalf upon request
- First Aid Kit
- Muktinath to Pokhara sharing jeep transport
- All necessary legal documentation (TIMS and ACAP)
- Nepal visa fees, International airfare,
- Lunch and dinner in kathmandu and pokhara
- Personal expenses during the trek,
- Hot shower wi-fi battery chargers, laundry, hot water on the trek, bar bills
- Bottle drinks, beer, coke, soft and hard drink
- Personal travel insurance and medical evacuation
- Tipping to the guide porter and driver
Annapurna Circuit Trek – 12 Days FAQS
Expand AllThe Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular hiking adventure in Nepal, where you will walk through beautiful mountains, villages, and valleys.
The trek lasts for 12 days, with a mix of driving and hiking each day.
The trek is moderate to difficult, but it’s suitable for people who are in good health and ready for some physical challenges.
Yes, you will need good hiking boots, warm clothing, a sleeping bag, and other basic trekking gear. Don’t worry, you can rent or buy gear in Kathmandu.
The highest point of the trek is Thorong La Pass, which is 5416 meters (17,769 feet) above sea level.
You don’t need to be an expert, but it’s helpful if you walk or exercise regularly before the trek to prepare your body.
Acclimatization means allowing your body time to adjust to the high altitude to prevent altitude sickness. There will be rest days to help you do this.
Yes, there will be experienced guides to lead the trek and porters to carry your heavy bags.
You will have simple, delicious meals like rice, lentils, bread, vegetables, and sometimes meat. There will also be snacks like chocolates and fruits along the way.
There is a risk of altitude sickness at higher elevations. Our guides will help you recognize symptoms and manage it safely.
If there is an emergency, there are medical facilities in nearby villages, and we have a plan for safe evacuation if needed.
You can book the trek through our website or by contacting us directly. We will help you with all the details and preparations.
Annapurna Circuit Trek – 12 Days Reviews
James Carter (United States)
The mountains, rivers, and forests were so beautiful. Every day, I saw something new and exciting. The guides were friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. The local people were kind, and the food was delicious. The trek was challenging, but reaching Thorong La Pass felt amazing! The views were out of this world. Everything was well-organized, and I felt safe the whole time. If you love trekking and nature, this is a perfect trip. I would love to do it again someday.
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Trip Starts:Kathmandu
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Trip Grade:Adventure
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Transportation:Flight/Drive
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Trip Duration:12 Days
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Trip Activity:Trekking
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Guide:Available
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Group Size:1 - 10 or Above
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Fixed Departures:Yes
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Security:100% Guaranteed!
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Customized Trip Route:Available
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Best Season:Sep-Nov & March-May
