Home > Trekking > Annapurna Region > Classical Annapurna Circuit Trek
Overview of Classical Annapurna Circuit Trek:
The Annapurna Circuit is a world-renowned trekking route in Nepal, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. This iconic trail winds through diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to the high-altitude Thorung La Pass at 5,416 meters, passing vibrant villages that showcase a blend of Hindu and Tibetan cultures. Trekkers often start at Besisahar and finish in the Kali Gandaki Gorge, making the Annapurna Circuit a journey of cultural and natural discovery.
With road construction altering parts of the route, the Natural Annapurna Trekking Trails (NATT) provide quieter, scenic alternatives marked in blue and red. The Annapurna Circuit takes 10â23++ days to complete, with options to extend to Annapurna Base Camp or explore nearby villages. Known for its stunning scenery and rich cultural experiences, the Annapurna Circuit remains a must-visit destination for adventurers worldwide.
Trip facts of Classical Annapurna Circuit Trek:
Destination
Nepal/ Annapurna
Duration
Treks And Tour
Trip Grade
Moderate
Activities
Tour and Trek
Accommodation
Hotels / Tea House
Food
Breakfast /Lunch /Dinner
Best Season
Sept to Nov / Mar to May
Max.altitude
4130m
Transportation
Drive/ Flight
Group Size
1 to 14++
Highlight of Classical Annapurna Circuit Trek â 23 Days
- Thorung La Pass: The Annapurna Circuitâs highest point (5,416m) with stunning Annapurna and Dhaulagiri views.
- Manang Village: A Tibetan-influenced village ideal for acclimatization and cultural exploration.
- Tilicho Lake: A serene, high-altitude lake accessible via a challenging side trek.
- Pisang Peak & Paungda Danda: Unique rock formations and towering peaks along the route.
- Marshyangdi & Kali Gandaki Valleys: Dramatic river valleys with lush greenery and cliffs.
- Ghorepani & Poon Hill: A famous viewpoint for breathtaking Himalayan sunrises.
- Muktinath Temple: A sacred Hindu-Buddhist site blending spiritual and cultural richness.
- Tatopani Hot Springs: A relaxing stop to rejuvenate after trekking.
- Cultural Diversity: From Hindu lowlands to Tibetan highlands, the Annapurna Circuit celebrates Nepalâs heritage.
- NATT Trails: Quieter, scenic alternatives to the main trekking paths.
Slogan: “Annapurna Circuit â A journey through Nepalâs cultural and natural marvels with Big Sky Treks Nepal!”
Classical Annapurna Circuit Trek â 23 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nepal and Transfer to Hotel
- Warm welcome by our representative upon arrival in Nepal, followed by a smooth transfer to your hotel.
- Enjoy leisure time to relax or explore vibrant cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Lumbini.
Day 2: City Tour and Trek Preparation
- Discover the charm of the city with cultural highlights and local experiences.
- Prepare for your trek with a detailed evening briefing and ensure all equipment and permits are ready.
Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Besishahar (800m), Drive to Bulbule and Trek to Nadi (890m) (188km, 7hrs drive , 1hrs walk )
- Start with a scenic drive along Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers, enjoying green hills, villages, and Annapurna views.
- Trek from Bulbule to Nadi, a peaceful village by the Marshyangdi River, surrounded by farms and greenery.
Day 4: Nadi to Jagat (1300m) (12Km, 6Hrs)
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Lamjung, Manaslu, and Peak 29 while passing vibrant villages, suspension bridges, and cascading waterfalls.
- Experience the charm of Bahundanda, Syange, and Jagat, with terraced rice fields, streams, and the warm hospitality of Tamang and Gurung communities.
Day 5: Jagat to Dharapani (1900m) (15Km, 7 Hrs)
- From Jagat, the trail descends to the Marsyangdi River, passes through forests, and leads to Chamje, offering stunning views of waterfalls along the way.
- The path climbs to Tal, the first village of Manang District, known for its picturesque waterfall, before continuing through Karte and Dharapani. Nepal.
Day 6: Dharapani to Chame (2710m) (16Km, 8 Hrs)
- Trek through rhododendron and oak forests from Danaque to Timang Danda, enjoying stunning views of Manaslu and the Himalayas.
- Reach Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, with breathtaking sights of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu.
Day 7: Chame to Pisang (3250m) (13Km, 6 Hrs)
- Cross the Marshyangdi River, walk through pine forests, and pass Bratang village with views of towering cliffs.
- Reach Dhukur Pokhari, then walk a flat trail to Pisang for stunning views of Annapurna Himalayas and Pisang Peak.
Day 8: Pisang to Manang (3540m) (15Km, 7 Hrs) / (19Km, 9 Hrs) 2 options
- Lower Route: Easy and flat, perfect for porters, passing Humde and Braga with views of Pisang and Tilicho Peaks, meeting in Manang.
- Higher Route: Challenging trail with stunning views of Annapurna II, IV, Pisang, and Tilicho Peaks, passing through Gharu, Ngawal, and traditional villages before reaching Manang.
Day 9: Acclimatization day in Manang
- Climb higher and sleep lower to help your body adjust to the altitude. Attend Himalayan Rescue Associationâs lectures for helpful advice.
- Gangapurna View Point: Hike to the Gangapurna Glacier Viewpoint for breathtaking and stunning views of Annapurna and Tilicho Peak.
- Ice Lake: Trek to Ice Lake for incredible scenery at 4,620 meters
- Manang Village and Local Culture: Explore Manang Village, a key acclimatization stop, offering beautiful views and a glimpse into local culture.
Day 10: Manang to Yak Kharka (4050m) (9Km, 5 Hrs)
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Gangapurna and Annapurna III as you trek towards Yak Kharka.
- Experience the tranquil Yak Kharka, known for its yak pastures and the sight of yaks along the trail.
Day 11: Yak Kharka to Throng Phedi (4550) (6Km, 4 Hrs)
- Cross suspension bridges and navigate landslide zones to reach Thorong Phedi.
- For better acclimatization, climb to High Camp and rest early for the 4 AM start to Thorong La Pass.
Day 12: Throng Phedi – Thorong La pass (5416m) and Muktinath (3800m) (17Km, 10 Hrs)
- Early morning trek to Thorong La pass (5416m) with stunning views, prayer flags, and chortens at the summit.
- Descend to Muktinath, a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists, and enjoy breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, the 7th highest mountain in the world.
Day 13: Muktinath to Kagbeni (2800m) (10Km, 5 Hrs)/ (13Km, 7 Hrs) 2 Option
- After Muktinath, enjoy the scenic trek to Kagbeni, passing through villages like Jharkot and Khingar with views of Thorung La.
- Trek through Tibetan villages like Chhangur, Jhong, and Putak, reaching Kagbeni, the gateway to the Upper Mustang and its ancient monastery.
Day 14: Kagbeni to Marpha (2670m) (16Km, 7 Hrs)
- A busy town with an airport connecting to Pokhara, Jomsom is the capital of Mustang district.
- Marpha, famous for its apple gardens, is a Thakali village with a peaceful Buddhist monastery to visit before sunset.
Day 15: Marpha to Kalopani (2550m) (17Km, 8 Hrs)
- Walk through apple gardens and fields, passing villages like Tukuche, Kobang, and Larjung, with views of Dhaulagiri.
- Reach Kalopani for stunning sights of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri I, and Tukuche Peak.
Day 16: Kalopani to Tatopani (1200m) (15Km, 7 Hrs)
- Ghasa is known for birding, and the trail leads to Rukse Waterfall, offering a breathtaking view of the world’s deepest gorge between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri I.
- After a challenging trek, unwind in Tatopaniâs natural hot springs, famous for their therapeutic benefits, refreshing both body and mind.
Day 17: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2850m) (12Km, 6Hrs)
- Starting at Ghar Khola, the trail ascends through Ghara, Shikha, and Chitre villages, offering views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, leading to Ghorepani.
- Enjoy the rich culture of the Magar people, lush paddy fields, and breathtaking Himalayan views along the way.
Day 18: Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2600 m) early morning Poon Hill (3210m) (10Km, 6Hrs)
- Hike early morning to Poon Hill for a beautiful sunrise view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, then return to the hotel for breakfast.
- Trek to Tadapani through rhododendron forests and enjoy stunning views of
Day 19: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1990m) (4Km, 4Hrs)
- The trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk offers beautiful views of the Himalayas, forests, and terraced fields.
- Experience the Gurung communityâs culture, visit museums and monasteries, and enjoy local food and hospitality.
Day 20: Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara (11 Km, 5Hrs)
- The trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul offers beautiful views of the Annapurna range, forests, and terraced fields, with cultural experiences with local communities.
- After reaching Nayapul, you can easily take private transport to Pokhara, allowing more time to explore the city and its attractions.
Day 21: Pokhara Free day
- Take a city tour to explore Pokhara’s top attractions like the Old Bazaar, Tal Barahi Temple, and Davis Falls, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of Phewa Lake.
- Experience adventure with paragliding, relax at lakeside spas, and visit the International Mountain Museum for a deeper understanding of the Himalayas.
Day 22: Drive or Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu or Lumbini (200kms â7Hrs drive or 30min flight)
- Choose between a scenic flight or a road trip from Pokhara to Kathmandu or Lumbini, depending on your itinerary, to enjoy stunning views and local attractions.
- End your journey with a farewell dinner at a Nepali Culture restaurant, celebrating your adventure in Nepal.
Day 23: Departure from Nepal or follow your Next trip
- Based on your flight schedule, we will drop you off for your final departure to your home or next destination.
- We hope to see you on your next trip to Nepal!
Alternative Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek 21 &22 days
Annapurna Circuit Trek 21 days
- Day 1: Arrival in Nepal and Transfer to Hotel
- Day 2: Drive Kathmandu to Besishahar (800m), Drive to Bulbule and Trek to Nadi (890m) (188km, 7hrs drive , 1hrs walk )
- Day 3: Nadi to Jagat (1300m) (12Km, 6Hrs)
- Day 4: Jagat to Dharapani (1900m) (15Km, 7 Hrs)
- Day 5: Dharapani to Chame (2710m) (16Km, 8 Hrs)
- Day 6: Chame to Pisang (3250m) (13Km, 6 Hrs)
- Day 7: Pisang to Manang (3540m) (15Km, 7 Hrs) / (19Km, 9 Hrs)
- Day 8: Acclimatization day in Manang
- Day 9: Manang to Yak Kharka (4050m) (9Km, 5 Hrs)
- Day 10: Yak Kharka to Throng Phedi (4550) (6Km, 4 Hrs)
- Day 11: Throng Phedi – Thorong La pass (5416m) and Muktinath (3800m) (17Km, 10 Hrs)
- Day 12: Muktinath to Kagbeni (2800m) (10Km, 5 Hrs)/ (13Km, 7 Hrs)
- Day 13: Kagbeni to Marpha (2670m) (16Km, 7 Hrs)
- Day 14: Marpha to Kalopani (2550m) (17Km, 8 Hrs)
- Day 15: Kalopani to Tatopani (1200m) (15Km, 7 Hrs)
- Day 16: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2850m) (12Km, 6Hrs)
- Day 17: Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2600 m) early morning Poon Hill (3210m) (10Km, 6Hrs)
- Day 18: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1990m) (4Km, 4Hrs)
- Day 19: Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara (11 Km, 5Hrs)
- Day 20: Drive or Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu or Lumbini (200kms â7Hrs drive or 30min flight)
- Day 21: Departure from Nepal or follow your Next trip
Annapurna Circuit Trek 22 days
- Day 1: Arrival in Nepal and Transfer to Hotel
- Day 2: City Tour and Trek Preparation
- Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Besishahar (800m), Drive to Bulbule and Trek to Nadi (890m) (188km, 7hrs drive , 1hrs walk )
- Day 4: Nadi to Jagat (1300m) (12Km, 6Hrs)
- Day 5: Jagat to Dharapani (1900m) (15Km, 7 Hrs)
- Day 6: Dharapani to Chame (2710m) (16Km, 8 Hrs)
- Day 7: Chame to Pisang (3250m) (13Km, 6 Hrs)
- Day 8 Pisang to Manang (3540m) (15Km, 7 Hrs) / (19Km, 9 Hrs)
- Day 9: Acclimatization day in Manang
- Day 10: Manang to Yak Kharka (4050m) (9Km, 5 Hrs)
- Day 11: Yak Kharka to Throng Phedi (4550) (6Km, 4 Hrs)
- Day 12: Throng Phedi – Thorong La pass (5416m) and Muktinath (3800m) (17Km, 10 Hrs)
- Day 13: Muktinath to Kagbeni (2800m) (10Km, 5 Hrs)/ (13Km, 7 Hrs)
- Day 14: Kagbeni to Marpha (2670m) (16Km, 7 Hrs)
- Day 15: Marpha to Kalopani (2550m) (17Km, 8 Hrs)
- Day 16: Kalopani to Tatopani (1200m) (15Km, 7 Hrs)
- Day 17: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2850m) (12Km, 6Hrs)
- Day 18: Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2600 m) early morning Poon Hill (3210m) (10Km, 6Hrs)
- Day 19: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1990m) (4Km, 4Hrs)
- Day 20: Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara (11 Km, 5Hrs)
- Day 21: Drive or Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu or Lumbini (200kms â7Hrs drive or 30min flight)
- Day 22: Departure from Nepal or follow your Next trip
Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara 18 days
Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara 18 days
- Day 1: Arrival in Nepal and Transfer to Hotel
- Day 2: Drive Kathmandu to Besishahar (800m), Drive to Bulbule and Trek to Nadi (890m) (188km, 7hrs drive , 1hrs walk )
- Day 3: Nadi to Jagat (1300m) (12Km, 6Hrs)
- Day 4: Jagat to Dharapani (1900m) (15Km, 7 Hrs)
- Day 5: Dharapani to Chame (2710m) (16Km, 8 Hrs)
- Day 6: Chame to Pisang (3250m) (13Km, 6 Hrs)
- Day 7: Pisang to Manang (3540m) (15Km, 7 Hrs) / (19Km, 9 Hrs)
- Day 8: Acclimatization day in Manang
- Day 9: Manang to Yak Kharka (4050m) (9Km, 5 Hrs)
- Day 10: Yak Kharka to Throng Phedi (4550) (6Km, 4 Hrs)
- Day 11: Throng Phedi – Thorong La pass (5416m) and Muktinath (3800m) (17Km, 10 Hrs)
- Day 12: Muktinath to Kagbeni (2800m) (10Km, 5 Hrs)/ (13Km, 7 Hrs)
- Day 13: Kagbeni to Marpha (2670m) (16Km, 7 Hrs)
- Day 14: Marpha to Kalopani (2550m) (17Km, 8 Hrs)
- Day 15: Kalopani to Tatopani (1200m) (15Km, 7 Hrs)
- Day 16: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2850m) (12Km, 6Hrs)
- Day 17: Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2600 m) early morning Poon Hill (3210m) (10Km, 6Hrs)
- Day 18: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1990m) (4Km, 4Hrs)
- Day 19: Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara (11 Km, 5Hrs)
- Day 20: Drive or Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu or Lumbini (200kms â7Hrs drive or 30min flight)
- Day 21: Departure from Nepal or follow your Next trip
Options for Your Trek:
Before Starting the Trek:
- Option 1: Overnight stay in Besisahar and drive to Chame the following day.
- Option 2: Follow the standard itinerary: Besisahar, Dharapani, Timang, Chame, Manang.
- Post-Throng La Pass Options: After crossing the Throng La Pass, you can choose various options based on your interests and the duration of your holiday.
Options from Muktinath:
- Option 1: Take a jeep or bus directly to Pokhara on the same day.
- Option 2: Trek to Kagbeni and continue to Jomsom the next day.
- Option 3: Trek directly to Jomsom and take a flight to Pokhara the next day.
- Option 4: Take a jeep or bus to Jomsom and fly to Pokhara the next day.
- Option 5: Take a jeep or bus to Pokhara.
- Option 6: Take a jeep or bus to Tatopani and continue trekking to Ghorepani Poon Hill.
- Option 7: Take a jeep or bus to Tatopani, stay overnight, and drive to Beni and Pokhara the next day.
- Option 8: Continue the classic route trekking for 4 more days due to the frequent passing vehicles on the route between Muktinath and Tatopani. The views along the way remain incredible.
Options from Ghorepani:
- Option 1: Trek to Nayapool the same day and drive to Pokhara.
- Option 2: Trek to Hile, then to Nayapool the next day and drive to Pokhara.
- Option 3: Trek to Ghandruk, then the next day to Pokhara.
Options from Tadapani:
- Option 1: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp.
- Option 2: Trek to Jhinu Dada and drive to Pokhara the next day.
- Option 3: Trek to Ghandruk and drive to Pokhara the next day.
Options from Ghandruk:
- Option 1: Trek to Nayapool and drive to Pokhara.
- Option 2: Trek to Tolka, Dhampus, and Phedi, then drive to Pokhara.
NOTE: These options provide flexibility based on your preferences and time available for the trek. You can customize the trip by clicking button below
Include Exclude in Classical Annapurna Circuit Trek:
What’s Included
- Transport I: Airport pick-up and drop in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Lumbini, with private vehicle
- Accommodation: Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Lumbini (based on the itinerary), including breakfast
- Documents: All required trekking permits (ACAP and TIMS), official documents, paperwork, office service charges, and government taxes
- Transport II: Transportation between Kathmandu or Lumbini to Pokhara (round trip) is arranged as per the itinerary, either by tourist bus, private vehicle, or plane
- Transport III: Transportation from Pokhara to the trek start point and back from the trek end point according to the itinerary
- Guide: Experience trekking guide
- Porters: One porter will be provided for every two trekkers
- Duffel Bag: If you need a duffel bag, please let us know before booking the trip and remind us after you arrive
- Trekking Map: A trekking route map for the group leader
- Food and Accommodation: Food and accommodation during the trek in tea houses (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Nepali Dinner: A farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant
What’s Excluded
- Flight ticket: International flight tickets and airport tax
- Nepal visa: You can get your Nepal visa upon arrival at the airport
- City Lunch: Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu / Pokhara / Lumbini
- City tour: city tour with a vehicle and entry fees for visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Personal expenses: like laundry, phone calls, snacks, drinks, bar bills, and camera battery charging
- Travel Insurance: It should cover emergency evacuation if needed, while trekking to the highest point listed in the itinerary
- Trekking Equipment: Personal trekking gears for your comfort and safety
- Transport IV: Local jeep or bus transport during the trek (if needed but not mentioned in the itinerary)
- Tips and Gifts: Tips for guides, porters, drivers and related staff during trip
Gallery:
FAQs about Annapurna Circuit Trek:
What is the difficulty level of the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The ABC trek is considered a moderate trek. It involves walking for 6â7 hours daily at altitudes ranging from 1,000 meters to 4,130 meters. While no prior trekking experience is required, a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
What is the best time to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
The best seasons for the ABC trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these times, the weather is generally clear, with stunning views of the Annapurna massif and pleasant trekking conditions.
