Annapurna Circuit Trek 2023

The Annapurna Circuit trek starts from Beshishar or above places after a day’s drive from Kathmandu. You start off by walking through paddy fields, then the grain belt, pastureland, forests, and finally come out above the tree line to cross Thorang La before trekking down to a completely different valley, the Kali Gandaki, the deepest valley in the world. The trek that circumnavigates the Annapurna massif, reaches up to the height of 5,416m in Thorang La Pass. You start walking from Besisahar as you make your way across Bahundanda, Bagarchap, Chame, Upper Pisang, Manang, and Yak Kharka to cross the Thorang La Pass, before reaching Muktinath.

The villages that you pass through during this trek are diverse – from Nepali to Tibetan, you see cultures change as the trek progresses. After completing the circuit you’ll descend to Ghorepani. After a good night’s sleep in Ghorepani, a morning ascent will take you to Poon Hill 3,200m, one of the most popular places in the entire Annapurna region. From Poon Hill, you can see the sun come up over the remarkable mountains – which are breathtaking in every way!

The next day, you’ll walk along a forest trail, followed by patches of maize and potato fields to hile or Ghandruk village, Ghandruk village is a popular Gurung settlement, whose many members have served or are now serving in the British Army. After staying overnight in Ghandruk you’ll walk towards the village of Phedi and catch a bus to Pokhara.

Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Annapurna round trekking is a long day of walking. The trekking route follows high passes and difficult trekking trails. So trekking in the months of March, April, and May in the spring season of Nepal is the best time to trek. Due to the dry season and clear sky, trekking along the route is easy and comfortable.

Similarly, trekking in the months of September, October, and November in the autumn season in Nepal is another best period to do the trek. However, trekking is possible in winter and rainy seasons also due to the heavy snow on the route in winter. It’s very difficult to find the trail and follow the right way.

Trip Facts

Destination:

Nepal

Activity:

Annapurna treks

Region:

Annapurna region

Nature of Trek:

Lodge to lodge trekking

Trek distance:

Approximately 200 Kilometers/130 miles (Dharapani to Ghandruk)

Start / End point:

Kathmandu / Kathmandu

Accommodation:

Hotel in Kathmandu/ Lodge/Teahouse during the trek

Group size:

Min. 02 and Max. 15 pax

Best season:

March, April ,may, june /September, October, November, December

Activity per day:

Approximately 4-6 hrs. walking during the trek

Transportation:

Private transportation (Airport-Kathmandu hotel, Kathmandu-Bensishahar, hile or Ghandruk-Pokhara, Kathmandu hotel, and Kathmandu hotel-airport)

Major attractions:

Kathmandu, Bensishahar, Manang, Thorong La, Muktinath, Jomsom, Marpha, Tatopani, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, hile or Ghandruk, Pokhara

Annapurna Circuit Trek landscape view

Trail Logs & Itinerary

Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

We return to Kathmandu by road, check back into our hotel, and have the rest of the day free for resting or last-minute souvenir shopping.

Annapurna Circuit Trek landscape view

Inclusions

Transport
Private Vehicle: Airport pickups/drops and hotel transfers
Private Vehicle: Kathmandu to Beshishahar transfer
Private Vehicle: hile ,Nayapul (trek ends here) to Kathmandu transfer
Public Jeep: Beshishahar to jagat (trek starts from Jagat) transfer
Accommodation
3 nights' accommodation (twin sharing) in Kathmandu in a 4-star category hotel
13 nights' accommodation (twin sharing) during the trek in standard teahouses
Food / Drinks
Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D) during the trek
Breakfasts while in Kathmandu
Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
Staff
English speaking Trekking Guide.
One assistant guide every 6 trekkers including their accommodation, transportation, food, salary, transportation, and insurance
Porters (ratio of 1:2 clients, carrying up to 15kg of personal gear per client) including their accommodation, transportation, food, salary, transportation, insurance
Permits and Taxes
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
TIMS permit
All applicable taxes to be paid to the Nepalese government

Exclusions

Transport
International airfares to and from Kathmandu
Domestic airfares (if you want you can fly Pokhara to Kathmandu instead of drive, additional cost)
Any other additional transportation (if needed) outside of the program (such as for shopping, etc)
Accommodation
Extra night/s of accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Food / Drinks
Soft drinks, tea/coffee, and alcoholic beverages are not included and must be purchased separately by the client
Drinking water on the trek
Desserts are not included, so if ordered should be paid separately by the client
Lunches and Dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara (and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary- see meal inclusions for more details)
Others
Nepalese tourist visa (available on arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport)
Client's travel insurance
Any optional/ additional activities outside of the program
Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, hot shower, extra porters, etc)
Personal equipment and clothing
Tips/gratuities for the staff (staff expect tips)

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits are required for trekking in the Annapurna region?

You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card. Our team secures these for you in Kathmandu before the trek, and they are covered by your booking fee.

How do we travel from Kathmandu to the Annapurna region?

The gateway is Pokhara. You can either take a scenic 25-minute domestic flight or a 6-to-8 hour tourist bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, we take private jeeps to the specific trailheads.

What is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit?

The highest point is the Thorong La Pass, situated at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 ft). It is a challenging day of walking but offers unforgettable panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Are ATMs available in the Annapurna region?

ATMs are available in Pokhara, Besisahar, and Jomsom. However, on the mountain trail itself, there are no banking facilities. You must carry sufficient cash in Nepalese Rupees to cover daily personal expenses.

What is the accommodation style in Annapurna teahouses?

Annapurna teahouses are cozy, family-run mountain lodges. Most have twin-share rooms with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets. Many lower-altitude teahouses now offer attached bathrooms, hot showers, and Wi-Fi.

Is altitude sickness common in the Annapurna region?

Altitude sickness can affect anyone above 2,500 meters. Our itineraries feature safe ascent rates and dedicated rest days. Our guides monitor oxygen saturation levels daily to ensure everyone acclimatizes correctly.

How do I access clean drinking water on the trail?

To limit single-use plastic waste, we discourage buying plastic water bottles. Instead, fill your reusable bottles with boiled water from teahouses or tap water treated with purification tablets or UV purifiers.