Annapurna Circuit Trek - 14 Days
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the classic long treks in Nepal. It takes you through changing landscapes, mountain villages, deep valleys, and over Thorong La Pass for a journey that feels full and varied from start to finish.
Country
Nepal
Duration
14 Days
Difficulty
Moderate to Strenuous ?
Activity
Trek
Max. altitude
5,416 m/17,769 ft
Best season
Mar-May, Sep-Dec
Accommodation
Tea House & Hotel ?
Meals
Included ?
Start/End Point
Kathmandu
Signature Moments
Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights
- Walk through rice terraces, pine forest, dry mountain valleys, and high Himalayan villages.
- Cross Thorong La Pass, one of the most famous trekking passes in Nepal.
- See the big contrast between the green lower hills and the dry Mustang side of the route.
Trek Brief
Annapurna Circuit Trek Overview
A classic Himalayan trek with changing scenery, long walking days, and one of Nepal's best high passes.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a journey through many different parts of Nepal in one trip. The trail starts in the lower hills and slowly climbs through villages, farmland, forests, and river valleys before reaching the high mountain country around Manang and Thorong La.
One reason people love this trek is the way the landscape keeps changing. Some days feel green and busy with village life, while higher up the trail becomes quieter, drier, and more open. You really feel the transition as you move around the Annapurna range.
The crossing of Thorong La Pass is the biggest day of the trek. It is long, cold, and challenging, but it is also one of the most rewarding moments. Reaching the top and then descending toward Muktinath feels like you have truly crossed from one side of the Himalaya to the other.
At 5,416 meters, this trek is high enough that acclimatization matters, but the route itself is still a trekking journey, not a climb. It suits people who want a real mountain adventure with culture, scenery, and a strong sense of distance covered on foot.
What Is Included
Kathmandu and Transport
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu.
- Hotel stay in Kathmandu before and after the trek.
- Ground transport for the trek start and finish as per itinerary.
Trek Support
- Experienced trekking guide for the full Annapurna Circuit route.
- Porter support for the main trekking days as per group size.
- Tea house accommodation and meals during the trek as listed in the trip plan.
Permits and Local Fees
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and required trek documents.
- Local entry fees where needed.
- Guide and porter wages, insurance, meals, and transport costs.
Trip Essentials
- Basic first aid support carried by the guide.
- Trek briefing before departure.
- All normal trip administration for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
What Is Not Included
- International flights to and from Nepal.
- Nepal visa fees and personal travel expenses in Kathmandu.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Travel insurance with high-altitude emergency rescue coverage.
- Personal trekking gear, hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi, drinks, and snacks on the trail.
- Tips for guide and porter.
We meet you at the airport, transfer you to the hotel, and go over the trek plan before the journey starts.
We leave Kathmandu and drive through river valleys and hill roads to Jagat, which is the trekking start point on this itinerary.
The trail follows the Marshyangdi valley through bridges, waterfalls, and village sections before reaching Dharapani.
We walk through forest and mountain villages as the scenery becomes more alpine on the way to Chame.
The route passes Bhratang and opens into a wider valley with striking views near Pisang.
We continue to Manang through the upper valley, with strong views and a clear change in climate and landscape.
This rest day is built in for altitude adjustment, with a short hike above the village and time to recover well.
We leave Manang and move higher into open alpine terrain on a shorter day designed to help with acclimatization.
The trail climbs steadily to Thorong Phedi, the final stop below the pass, where we rest early for the next day.
This is the toughest day of the trek. We start early, cross Thorong La at 5,416 meters, and descend to Muktinath.
After visiting Muktinath, we descend through Jharkot and Kagbeni and continue along the Kali Gandaki valley to Jomsom.
A short morning flight takes us from Jomsom to Pokhara, where the afternoon is free to rest by the lakeside.
We return to Kathmandu by road and check back into the hotel after the mountain trip.
We transfer you to the airport for your onward flight and bring the trek to a close.
Before You Book
This trek is best for people who want a longer mountain journey with real variety. It suits trekkers who are comfortable with several days of walking and who can handle high altitude with proper pacing.
The trek is moderate to strenuous. Most of the trail is not technical, but there are long days, steady climbing, and the high pass makes the trip more demanding.
The highest point is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. That is why acclimatization in Manang is such an important part of the itinerary.
Spring from March to May and autumn from September to December are the main seasons commonly listed for this route. These months usually give clearer weather and steadier trail conditions.
It is wise to keep one or two extra days free around the trip. Road travel and mountain conditions can sometimes affect timing.
On The Mountain
Yes, especially once you go above Manang. We manage this by walking at a steady pace, taking an acclimatization day, and paying attention to how everyone feels.
You stay in tea houses during the trek and hotels in the cities. Mountain lodges are simple but comfortable enough for trekkers.
Yes, travel insurance with high-altitude emergency rescue cover is strongly recommended for this trek.
Yes, some beginners do it well, but it helps a lot if you prepare with regular walking, stair training, and basic fitness before you come.
The Annapurna Circuit feels rich and complete. You do not just see one valley. You cross through very different landscapes and cultures, and that gives the trek a strong sense of journey.