Welcome to Kathmandu, the vibrant capital city of Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Family Holidays Nepal. You will then be transferred to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage and bustling streets, so take some time to unwind and get acclimated.
After checking into your hotel, you can relax and refresh. If time permits, you might want to explore the surrounding area. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Thamel, Kathmandu’s main tourist hub, or visit a local restaurant to savor traditional Nepali cuisine. The night is yours to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Today is dedicated to exploring the cultural and historical highlights of Kathmandu. After breakfast, undertake on a guided sightseeing tour that includes visits to some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Begin with a visit to Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the city and the Kathmandu Valley. Next, explore the ancient Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, which are renowned for their intricate architecture and historical significance.
In the afternoon, return to your hotel for a trek preparation meeting. This briefing will provide you with essential information about the Annapurna Circuit trek, including safety tips, the daily itinerary, and what to expect on the trail. You'll also have the opportunity to finalize your trekking gear and ask any questions you may have. The evening is free for you to enjoy a meal at a local restaurant or shop for any last-minute items.
After breakfast, you will begin your journey towards Besisahar, the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit trek. The drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar takes approximately 5 hours. The road winds through picturesque landscapes, including terraced fields, lush forests, and charming villages.
Upon arrival in Besisahar, check into your lodge and take some time to rest. Besisahar is a bustling town that serves as the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit. You can explore the local market, enjoy a relaxing walk, or simply prepare for the trek ahead. An early night’s rest will ensure you’re ready for the trek tomorrow.
Today, you will continue your journey by road to Dharapani Village. The drive from Besisahar to Dharapani takes around 4 hours and involves traveling through a variety of terrains, including rugged roads and scenic river valleys. Dharapani is a picturesque village nestled in the Manang District, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and lush landscapes.
Upon reaching Dharapani, check into your lodge and take a moment to relax. The village is an excellent place to acclimatize to the altitude and prepare for the trekking days ahead. In the evening, enjoy a hearty meal and socialize with fellow trekkers.
Today marks the beginning of your trekking adventure. The trek from Dharapani to Chame takes approximately 5 hours and involves ascending through forested areas and terraced fields. Along the way, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and the Marsyangdi River valley.
Chame, the administrative center of the Manang District, is a charming town with a variety of lodges and facilities. Once you arrive, check into your lodge and take some time to explore the area. Chame is known for its hot springs, which are a great way to relax after a day of trekking.
Your trek today will take you from Chame to Pisang, a journey of about 5 hours. The trail ascends gradually through pine forests and offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Pisang peaks. As you approach Pisang, the landscape becomes more arid and resembles the Tibetan plateau.
Pisang is a picturesque village with traditional Tibetan-style houses. After checking into your lodge, you can explore the village and enjoy the serene environment. The evening is perfect for relaxing and acclimatizing to the increasing altitude.
Today’s trek from Pisang to Manang takes about 4 hours and offers magnificent views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna peaks. The trail gradually ascends through meadows and alpine forests. As you approach Manang, the landscape becomes more barren and rugged.
Manang is a large village with a variety of lodges and amenities. It’s also an important stop for acclimatization. After arriving and checking into your lodge, spend the rest of the day exploring the village. Visit the local monastery, and take a leisurely walk to adjust to the altitude. Manang offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, and the evening is a great time to reflect on your journey so far.
Today is a crucial rest day for acclimatization. The higher altitude can affect your body, so it’s important to take it easy and allow your body to adjust. Spend the day exploring Manang and its surroundings. You can visit the local monastery, which offers insight into the culture and spiritual practices of the region.
For a bit of adventure, consider a short hike to the nearby Gangapurna Lake or the scenic village of Khangsar. These excursions will help you acclimate while providing stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the local cuisine.
Today’s trek from Manang to Yak Kharka takes around 4 hours. The trail ascends gradually through a more arid landscape with sparse vegetation. As you trek, you’ll pass through several small villages and grazing lands for yaks.
Yak Kharka is a small settlement known for its rugged beauty and is a perfect place to rest before tackling the Thorong La Pass. Once you arrive, check into your lodge and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The evening is a great time to relax and prepare for the challenging days ahead.
Today’s trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi is a short but essential part of the journey. The trek takes approximately 3 to 4 hours and involves ascending through alpine terrain to reach Thorong Phedi, the base camp for crossing Thorong La Pass.
Thorong Phedi is a small settlement that serves as a resting point for trekkers before they tackle the high-altitude pass. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and prepare for the challenging trek across Thorong La Pass tomorrow. The evening is a good time to rest and ensure you’re well-prepared for the big day.
Today is the highlight of your trek: crossing Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath takes approximately 8 to 9 hours. You will start early in the morning to avoid the strong winds and cold temperatures at high altitudes.
The ascent to Thorong La Pass takes about 3 to 4 hours, and the views from the top are truly breathtaking. From the pass, you will descend towards Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. The descent to Muktinath takes approximately 4 to 5 hours and involves traversing through the arid landscapes of the Mustang region.
Upon reaching Muktinath, check into your lodge and take some time to explore the sacred site. Muktinath is known for its spiritual significance and the unique natural features of the area, including the 108 water spouts and the eternal flame.
After breakfast, you will drive from Muktinath to Tatopani, which takes approximately 4 hours. The drive is a scenic journey through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world. Tatopani is known for its natural hot springs, which offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience after your trek.
Upon arrival in Tatopani, check into your lodge and enjoy a soak in the hot springs. The hot springs are a perfect way to unwind and soothe your muscles after the long trek. Spend the evening relaxing and exploring the area around Tatopani.
Today’s trek takes you from Tatopani to Ghorepani, a journey of approximately 6 hours. The trek involves ascending through lush forests of rhododendron and oak, and passing through several small villages along the way.
Ghorepani is a popular stop for trekkers and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and take some time to relax. Ghorepani is known for its picturesque setting and is an excellent place to rest before the final leg of the trek.
This morning, you will hike to Poon Hill, one of the most famous viewpoints in the Annapurna region. The hike takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and offers stunning sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The panoramic views from Poon Hill are a fitting finale to your trek.
After enjoying the sunrise and taking in the spectacular views, return to Ghorepani for breakfast. Following breakfast, trek from Ghorepani to Tirkhedhunga, which takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. The trail descends through terraced fields and lush forests, offering a scenic end to your trek.
Upon reaching Tirkhedhunga, check into your lodge and rest. The evening is a great time to reflect on your trek and enjoy a final meal in the Annapurna region.
After breakfast, drive from Tirkhedhunga to Pokhara, which takes approximately 4 hours. The drive provides scenic views of the Nepali countryside and is a relaxing way to transition from the trekking adventure to the city.
Once in Pokhara, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You can explore the lakeside area, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake, or visit local attractions such as the World Peace Pagoda. The evening is perfect for a leisurely dinner and reflecting on your trekking experience.
Today, you will drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu, which takes approximately 6 to 7 hours. The journey offers a final opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of Nepal’s countryside. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and take some time to relax.
The evening is yours to enjoy. You can explore Kathmandu further, do some shopping, or simply relax at your hotel. Join a farewell dinner organized by Family Holidays Nepal to celebrate the successful completion of your trek and share your experiences with fellow trekkers.
On your final day in Kathmandu, you’ll have some time to prepare for your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a few hours to do last-minute shopping or sightseeing. A representative from Family Holidays Nepal will assist you with your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. We hope you’ve had a memorable trek and look forward to welcoming you back to Nepal in the future.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek offers a spectacular adventure through varied terrain, from lush valleys to high-altitude deserts. The circuit’s stunning vistas, rich cultural encounters, and the challenge of crossing Thorong La Pass make it a memorable and rewarding trek.
Miscellaneous:
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most iconic and diverse trekking routes, offering a comprehensive experience of the Annapurna region’s natural beauty and cultural richness. The trek circumnavigates the Annapurna Massif, crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), one of the highest trekking passes in the world. It takes you through varied landscapes, including lush subtropical forests, terraced fields, high-altitude deserts, and the dramatic Himalayan range, providing a deep immersion into the region’s diverse ecosystems and cultures.
The best times to undertake the Annapurna Circuit Trek are during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons. Spring (March to May) offers mild temperatures and blooming rhododendrons, while autumn (late September to November) provides stable weather and clear views of the mountains. Winter can be extremely cold, especially at higher altitudes, and the monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall, which can make trails slippery and increase the risk of landslides.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek requires a high level of fitness due to its duration, varying terrain, and the high-altitude pass. Trekkers should be in good health and have prior hiking experience. The trek involves walking 6-8 hours per day over a range of terrains, including steep ascents and descents. It is advisable to engage in cardiovascular and strength training exercises before the trek to build endurance and stamina.
To complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will need the following permits:
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System): This permit helps with the safety and regulation of trekkers and can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required for entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area, this permit can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Special Permit (if trekking in certain restricted areas): For trekking through areas like Upper Mustang or Manang beyond the standard Annapurna Circuit, a special permit may be required.
Accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is generally in teahouses or lodges, which offer basic but comfortable facilities. Teahouses provide private or shared rooms with beds, and most have communal dining areas. Facilities vary, with more basic conditions at higher altitudes. In some remote areas, amenities may be very limited. The lodges offer meals and a place to rest, though the quality and range of services can differ.
Packing for the Annapurna Circuit Trek requires preparation for a range of weather conditions and terrains. Essential items include:
Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers (fleece or down), a waterproof and windproof outer layer, thermal socks, and durable trekking boots.
Gear: A high-quality sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures, trekking poles, a headlamp, and sunglasses.
Accessories: Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, a first aid kit, personal hygiene items, and a water bottle or hydration system.
Documents: Passport, trekking permits, and travel insurance.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is generally safe, but as with any high-altitude trek, it’s important to follow safety guidelines and prepare adequately. Acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness. Trekking with a guide or through a reputable agency can enhance safety, provide support, and assist with logistics. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and challenging terrain, and listen to your body throughout the trek.
Food options on the Annapurna Circuit Trek typically include a mix of traditional Nepalese cuisine and some international dishes. Common meals are dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momo (dumplings), noodles, and soups. Many lodges offer hearty and nutritious meals to sustain your energy levels. Some lodges may also provide snacks and beverages. Dietary preferences and restrictions can usually be accommodated with prior notice.
Environmental conservation is important on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, using designated toilet facilities, and minimizing your impact on the environment. Respect local customs, wildlife, and support eco-friendly practices and organizations that promote sustainable tourism in the Annapurna region.
The return journey from the Annapurna Circuit typically involves descending back to the starting point (Besisahar) or moving on to another destination. The descent can be quicker but requires attention to trail conditions. Once back in Pokhara or Kathmandu, you can enjoy relaxation, explore the city, or take additional time to visit other attractions in the region before returning home.
