Annapurna Circuit Itineraries: Annapurna Circuit Trek

Classic Annapurna Circuit 12-18 Days

A common, recommended itinerary for adequate acclimatization and enjoyment.

Phases

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu. Settle in, obtain permits (ACAP & TIMS), organize gear.
Day 2: Kathmandu to Besisahar (820m). Travel by bus or shared jeep (6-8 hours).
Day 3: Besisahar to Bahundanda (1,310m) or Syange (1,100m). Begin trek.

Middle & High Altitude Progression

Day 5: Dharapani to Chame (2,670m). Landscape changes to alpine.
Day 6: Chame to Pisang (3,200m). Trek through pine forests, consider Upper Pisang.
Day 7: Pisang to Manang (3,540m). Choose lower or upper route (upper is scenic, good for acclimatization).

Itinerary Adjustments & Choices

Tailor your trek length to match your time and interests.

Shorter Treks 10-12 Days

Shorten your trek by skipping initial road sections or flying out early.

Time-Saving Options

Take jeeps further into the valley (e.g., directly to Chame or Manang).
Fly out from Jomsom to Pokhara to save considerable time.
This reduces the full "circuit" experience but is suitable for limited time.
Fast paced travel for those on a tight schedule.

Book your shorter trek experiences through GetYourGuide for convenience.

Longer Treks 18-20+ Days

Extend your journey with side trips or more acclimatization days.

Extended Exploration

Add side trips like Tilicho Lake (2-3 additional days from Manang).
Spend more acclimatization days in villages like Pisang or Manang.
This approach a relaxed pace and exploration.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your trek to focus on specific passions.

Focus Your Journey

Historical & Heritage: More time in Kathmandu Valley, Kagbeni.
Food & Culinary: Try local specialties, yak cheese, visit distilleries.
Adventure & Outdoor: Tilicho Lake, mountain biking in Lower Mustang.
Family-Friendly: Shorter, easier sections or Ghorepani-Poon Hill.

More Specialized Interests

Deepen your trek experience with these unique focuses.

Niche Explorations

Art & Architecture: Kathmandu Valley Durbar Squares, thangka painting schools.
Spiritual & Wellness: Muktinath Temple, monasteries, yoga/meditation retreat in Pokhara.
Eco-Tourism: Focus on responsible practices and local support.
Photography Tours: Capture stunning landscapes and cultural moments.

Budget-Based Plans

Your budget shapes choices for transport, accommodation, and support staff.

Backpacker's Guide

Use local buses, stay in basic tea houses (free room with meal commitment), eat Dal Bhat, purify water (with your Water purification system), trek independently.

Mid-Range Traveler

Mix tourist buses and shared jeeps, choose better tea houses (attached baths), hire a porter or share a guide/porter, enjoy varied meals.

Luxury Experience

Private jeeps, fly Jomsom-Pokhara, best available tea houses (attached baths, heating), private guide and porter, full menu, luxury city hotels.

Tailoring Your Itinerary

These suggestions assist in crafting a trek that aligns with your preferences.

Pass Crossing & Departure

The final stages of the trek, including the challenging pass crossing and travel back to Kathmandu.

Thorong La Pass Day

This is the longest and most challenging day of the trek.

Crossing the Pass

Day 11: Thorong Phedi/High Camp to Muktinath (3,800m) via Thorong La Pass (5,416m).
Start very early (3-5 AM) to cross before winds pick up.
The descent to Muktinath is long and steep.
Be mindful of altitude and weather conditions.

For flight-related issues, Compensair offers assistance for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.

Post-Pass Travel

Options for travel from Muktinath onwards.

Descent & Journey Home

Day 12: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m) or Kagbeni (2,800m). Visit Muktinath Temple.
Day 13: Jomsom to Pokhara. Fly (20-min scenic flight, highly recommended).
Alternatively, a long shared jeep (6-8 hours) from Jomsom to Beni, then bus to Pokhara.
Day 14: Pokhara to Kathmandu. Fly or take a tourist bus.

Seasonal Specialties

Each season offers a different Annapurna Circuit experience.

Best Times to Trek

Autumn (Sept-Nov): Classic season, stable weather, clear mountain views, plan for crowds.
Spring (March-May): Excellent season, warmer temperatures, rhododendron bloom, pre-monsoon showers possible.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Challenging due to extreme cold and snow, pass closures, for experienced trekkers seeking solitude.
Monsoon (June-Aug): Lush landscapes, waterfalls, heavy rainfall, muddy trails, leeches, fewer crowds.

Booking international flights and city hotels well in advance is a good idea for peak seasons.

Suggested Longer Routes

For extensive regional travel.

Regional Journeys

Kathmandu Valley Cultural Tour (3-5 days): Explore Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Nagarkot.
Nepal Highlights (7-10 days): Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan safari.
Full Trekking Experience (3-4 weeks): Combine Annapurna Circuit with Everest Base Camp or Manaslu.
Day 15: Departure from Kathmandu, concluding your Nepal adventure.

Trek Support & Safety

Consider essential support for a safe and enjoyable trek.

Guides & Porters

Trek with a registered local guide or porter.

Buffer Days

Always include buffer days in your itinerary for unexpected delays due to weather, illness, or enjoying a place longer.

Flexibility

Travel in Nepal can be unpredictable. A flexible mindset will improve your journey.

Final Trek Planning

These itineraries are guidelines. Your adventure awaits, shaped by your preferences.

Important Considerations for your Trek

Prepare for various conditions and have flexible plans.

General Preparation

Ensure you are well-prepared for your journey.

Areas

Fitness: Physical conditioning is important for the trek.
Packing: Bring appropriate gear for all weather conditions.
Cash: Carry sufficient local currency for remote areas.
Health: Consult a doctor for travel vaccinations and altitude advice.

Acclimatization Day in Manang (Day 8): This day is for high altitude safety. Day hikes to Ice Lake or the Gangapurna Lake viewpoint. Attend the daily Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) talk on altitude sickness.

Altitude Awareness

High altitude travel needs careful planning.

Altitude Guidelines

Ascend slowly, no more than 300-400m sleep gain per day above 3000m.
Stay well hydrated.
"Hike high, sleep low" for better acclimatization.
Recognize symptoms of altitude sickness and descend if needed.

Post-Trek Activities

After your trek, unwind and explore more of Nepal's offerings.

Relaxation in Pokhara

Enjoy massages or spa treatments.
Savor diverse cuisine at Lakeside restaurants.
Take a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake.

Cultural Immersion in Kathmandu

Explore art galleries and local markets.
Visit museums and historical sites.
Relax in charming cafes in Thamel or Patan.

Emergency Information

Know how to react in unexpected situations.

Contacts & Procedures

Emergency Numbers: Police (100), Tourist Police (1144), Ambulance (102).
Trekking Agency: Keep their contact information readily available.
Insurance: Ensure comprehensive travel insurance with helicopter evacuation.
First Aid Kit: Carry a well-stocked personal first aid kit.

Responsible Support

Making thoughtful choices with guides and porters.

Ethical Practices

Hire local guides and porters. This supports Nepali families.
Do not overload porters; respect weight limits.
Provide fair wages, good food, and accommodation.
Ensure they have proper gear for cold weather.

Critical Warnings

Rapid Weather Changes

Mountain weather can change very quickly. Always pack layers and waterproof items.

Altitude Sickness

Take acclimatization days seriously. Descend immediately if symptoms appear.

Final Preparations

A well-prepared traveler enjoys a safer and more fulfilling adventure.

Annapurna Circuit Itineraries