Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world and the classical trekking route in the Annapurna region. The trek, which circles the magnificent Annapurna mountain range, is also popular among trekkers as the Annapurna Round Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek Tour, and the ABC Circuit Trek. The best trekking package available in Nepal, it ranks among the ten longest trekking destinations worldwide.

It offers a breathtaking view of diverse landscapes, traditional villages of different ethnicities, thundering rivers, beautiful waterfalls, a conservation area, a high mountain pass, deep gorges, glaciers, icy lakes, a religious place, a hot spring, and panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains like Mt. Manaslu (8th highest mountain, 8,156 m), Annapurna I (10th highest mountain, 8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (7th highest mountain, 8,167m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Nilgiri (7,061 m), Gangapurna (7,454 m), and many more magnificent peaks.

The elevation of this trekking region ranges from 1300 m to 5,416 m, with a wide range of climatic zones ranging from subtropical to alpine. This diverse landscape ranges from lush green valleys and terraced fields to high-altitude barren and rocky terrain.

This vast latitudinal variation fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems, which is an amazing experience in this trekking. Different landscapes have their own perspectives and attractions. Therefore, it is the most popular trekking destination in the world due to its distinctive biodiversity, beautiful landscapes, and multicultural diversity. Here are some key highlights of this trek.

People and Culture

Many different ethnic groups, each with their own cultures, traditions, and dialects, make up the population of this area. Hindus who belong to the Brahmin and Chhetri ethnic groups live in the lower elevations of this region. In contrast, the higher elevation is home to the ethnic groups of Grurung, Thakali, and Manangis. The Brahmin, Chhetri, Gurung, and Thakali are the native populations of this region, while the Manangis are Tibetan-descended people who practice Tibetan Buddhism. They are very similar to Tibetans in terms of language, dress, and culture.

It provides an opportunity to interact with the community and discover more about their culture, traditions, customs, way of life, and warm hospitality.

Tea house and accommodation during Annapurna Circuit Trek

Along the Annapurna Circuit Trail, there are quaint lodges and tea houses that offer accommodation and meals to trekkers. These simple but comfortable accommodations provide a wonderful chance to interact with other hikers and exchange stories. Despite their remote locations, these tea houses offer a comfortable, unique experience with warm hospitality.

Annapurna Conservation Area with rich flora and wildlife

The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) in this trekking region is a protected area renowned for its diverse flora and wildlife, which offers a diverse taste to the trekkers. Depending on the climatic zone, it offers a variety of vegetation, from lush green rhododendrons and pine forests to alpine plants that provide habitat to wildlife such as Himalayan thars, blue sheep, and various bird species.

Crossing the Thorong La Pass

It is the most challenging mountain pass on this trek and is situated at a height of 5,416 meters. It is physically challenging but rewarded with 360-degree views of magnificent mountains that make your jaws open, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Muktinath Temple

It is a sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site with 108 cow-head spring water spouts and mysterious natural gas fires that is situated at an elevation of 3,710 meters. It is a place of great spiritual and religious significance. Hindu mythology states that people go to this temple to seek blessings and obtain ultimate salvation.

Natural Hot Springs

The natural hot springs at Tatopani are a wonderful place to relax and rejuvenate. Its hot waters wash away all of the tiredness from the trek.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights

1. Exploration of UNESCO cultural heritage sites in Kathmandu city.
2. Experiences of off-road driving in the countryside of the country.
3. Experiences of diverse cultures, traditions, and lifestyles of different ethnic groups with warm hospitality, inhabited in different landscapes of the country.
4. An exploration of diverse landscapes ranging from lush green valleys and terraced farmland to barren and rocky high-altitude terrain with rich biodiversity
5. lifetime experiences of 360-degree views from the trek's highest point, Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m.
6. An opportunity to experience thrilling flying on a small aircraft over and between the giant mountains.
7. Opportunity to witness the panoramic views of the world’s highest mountains like Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Nilgiri (7,061 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Fishtail (6,993 m), and many others.
8. Opportunity to observe the beautiful apple garden, glaciers, and waterfalls.
9. Opportunity to explore the rich flora (rhododendron, pine, and alpine plants) and fauna (Himalayan thars, blue sheep, and different species of birds).
10. Exploration of Muktinath temple (a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists for the ultimate salvation) and its surroundings (108 cowhead water spouts and an eternal flame) for religious immersion.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Package

Depending on trekking routes, itinerary, and your preferences and requirements, there are various trekking packages for the Annapurna circuit trek package. Among them, 13 days Annapurna circuit trek package is the most ideal. Annapurna Circuit Trek Tour is a complete trekking package in Nepal and is also known as the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Package or Annapurna Round Trek Package. It includes accommodation and food, transportation, trekking permit fees, guide and porter fees, and official fees as per the itinerary. The Annapurna round trek package may vary based on your requirements and preferences as well. We may, however, customize it or modify it to match your needs and choices. Please reach out to us by email, social media, or phone calls listed in our contact details for the best Annapurna circuit trek package. We are available 24 x 7 days.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

There are various itineraries of the Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary, ranging from 12 to 21 days, depending on your physical condition, walking pace, requirements, and preferences. Among them, Annapurna Circuit Trek 13 days itinerary is the best and most ideal, beginning in Kathmandu, continuing to the Thorong La Pass (high pass at 5,416 m), crossing it, and then ending back in Kathmandu. Here, we have created the 13 days Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary, which begins in Kathmandu with a city tour of Kathmandu, reaches Thorong-La Pass, crosses it, and ultimately comes to an end back in Kathmandu, including international arrival and departure. However, we may customize or modify it to meet your specific needs and preferences.

Please reach out to us at Galaxy World Travels Services for the finest Annapurna circuit trek itinerary or Annapurna round trek itinerary via email, social media, or phone calls included in our contact information.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost

The Annapurna circuit trek cost varies based on several factors, such as group size, duration of the trek, itinerary, trekking route, type of accommodation and food, mode of transportation, and inclusion and exclusion of services. Generally, Annapurna circuit trek 13 days cost, or 13 days Annapurna circuit trek cost, ranges from USD 900 to USD 1400, as listed in the price section of the Annapurna circuit trek package. This Annapurna circuit price is only an estimate and could change according to your requirements and preferences as well. It increases if you choose more luxurious options, such as staying at a higher category of hotel in a city, taking private transport instead of sharing, traveling during the busiest time of the year, and extending the journey beyond this itinerary. This Annapurna round trek cost typically includes accommodation, food, transportation, permit fees, guide and porter fees, and official service fees as per the itinerary. However, we can customize it to suit your requirements. 

Please, reach out to us at Galaxy World Travels Services for the best Annapurna circuit trek price and trustworthy services via email, social media, or phone calls listed in our contact information.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Route

The Annapurna circuit trek route depends on various factors such as itinerary, trip cost, duration, and your requirements and preferences as well. Due to road construction in this region, the majority of the trekking route is now connected to the motorable road leading to Manang, which shortens the trek and reduces the trip cost as well. So, focusing on this parameter—your comfort, safety, and enjoyment as well —our company has designed different trekking route options for Annapurna circuit trek route as listed below. Kindly select the best route option that suits your needs and choices.

Option 01 :

According to this option, the classical starting point of the Annapurna circuit trek is Bhulbhule, which is a 7-8 hour drive from Kathmandu, your international arrival city. The route then passes through different places on different days:

Jagat on the 2nd day, Dharapani on the 3rd day, Chame on the 4th day, Pisang on the 5th day, Manang on the 6th day, acclimatization in Manang on the 7th day, Yak Kharka on the 8th day, Thorong Phedi on the 9th day, Jomsom on the 9th day via crossing the Thorong La Pass and Muktinath, Pokhara on the 10th day, and Kathmandu on the 11th day.

Option 02 :

The starting point of the Annapurna circuit trek is Dharapani, which is a 9- to 11-hour drive from your arrival city, Kathmandu. At first, a 5–6-hour drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar goes on a smooth road, and another 3–4-hour drive is off-road from Besisahar to Dharapani. The route then passes through the following places on different days:

Chame on the 2nd day, Pisang on the 3rd day, Manang on the 4th day, acclimatization in Manang on the 5th day, Yak Kharka on the 6th day, Thorong Phedi on the 7th day, Jomsom on the 8th day via crossing Throng La Pass and Muktinath, Pokhara on the 9th day, and Kathmandu on the 10th day.

Option 03 :

The starting point of  Annapurna circuit hike is Chame, an 11- to 12-hour drive from Kathmandu via Besisahar. The first 5–6 hour drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar is on a smooth road, and another 5–6 hour drive is off-road from Besisahar to Chame. Then the route continues to different places on different days:

Pisang on the 2nd day, Manang on the 3rd day, acclimatization in Manang on the 4th day, Yak Kharka on the 5th day, Thorong Phedi on the 6th day, Jomsom on the 7th day via crossing the Thorong La Pass and Muktinath, Pokhara on the 8th day, and Kathmandu on the 9th day.

Option 04 :

If you feel uncomfortable with long-distance driving, you can take a stop at Besisahar for an overnight stay on the 1st day, which is about a 5- to 6-hour drive on a smooth road from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Then, you can begin your next-day journey with a 4- to 5-hour off-road drive to Chame. The Annapurna circuit trek route then passes through Pisang and reaches Manang on the 1st day, acclimatization in Manang on the 2nd day, Yak Kharka on the 3rd day, Thorong Phedi on the 4th day, Jomsom on the 5th day via Thorong La Pass and Muktinath, Pokhara on the 6th day, and Kathmandu on the 7th day.

Based on comfort, convenience, safety, and enjoyment, the 13 days Annapurna circuit trek route starting in Dharapani followed by a 9- to 11-hour drive from Kathmandu via Beshisahar is the best and most ideal. Kindly choose the best option that suits you. We may, however, customize it according to your requirements and preferences. Please, reach out to us for the best Annapurna round trek route via email, social media, or phone calls listed in our contact details. We are available around the clock.

Best Time For Annapurna Circuit Trek | Annapurna Circuit Trek Best Time

In terms of difficulty, it is a challenging, strenuous, and high-altitude trek. Fitness and weather are the two important factors that affect the trek. At high altitudes, the weather is unpredictable, unstable, and changes instantly. Based on these parameters, best time for Annapurna circuit trek or Annapurna circuit trek best time is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons, which are from March to May and September to November, respectively. These months provide stable and pleasant weather, clear skies, moderate temperatures, and stunning views, making trekking more enjoyable and safe.