Annapurna Circuit Trek -18 days, is a highly renowned adventure in Nepal, known for its stunning scenery and diverse culture. This 18-day trek takes you around the Annapurna Himal, a range entirely located within Nepal. The trek is considered as one of the most fascinating and popular trekking routes in the world. The Annapurna region, is often described as the most happening incentive destination in Nepal, where the trekking experience has been widely recognized as a paradise for nature lovers. The area is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, offering spectacular and majestic views of the white Himalayas such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre.
The journey begins in Besi Sahar and follows the Marsyangdi River, offering breathtaking views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east. Along the way, encounter a wide range of terrain and culture, from lush green foothills with pretty terraces and picturesque villages to barren, Tibet-like landscapes, deep forested gorges, and the high Thorung-La pass.
Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a first-time adventurer, this 18-day trek promises an unforgettable journey that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the beauty and culture of Nepal. Be a part of this trek with Female Guide Holidays.
Entry and Permits for Annapurna Circuit Trek – 18 Days:
The following permits are required for trekking to Annapurna Circuit Trek:
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit for all foreigners: US $500 per person for the first
10 days and US $50 per person per day thereafter.
- ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (Approx. US $30)
- ACAP entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 200 NPR
TIMS Permit :
- NRP 1,000 per person for organized treks through an agency
- NRP 2,000 per person for independent trekkers (going without a guide or porter)
You won’t have to worry about waiting for permits since the company or our guides will take care of everything.
You must submit the following documents and data to get these permits:
- Copy of your passport
- 2 Passport-sized photos
- Dates when your trek starts and ends
- Itinerary/Route
- Entry and exit points
- Emergency Contact Information (local and home country)
- Travel Insurance Details
Meals and Drinking Water during Annapurna Circuit Trek – 18 Days:
In popular trekking areas like Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, and Manaslu have a menu system with different ethnic cuisines foods as well as western meals, but some places provide you with typical Nepali meals which are different from international meals, these meals are prepared by the local supplement, every tourist lodge and tea house has a well-trained cook basically attention to clean, hygienic, fresh, and delicious foods, every lodge has safe drinking water or mineral water. If you buy water purification tablet from Kathmandu you can take water from the tap and purify it by yourself, this will be cheaper and control plastic pollution as well.
Accommodation:
You will find local accommodations in the form of trekking lodges and teahouses, which are situated every hour or so along the trail. These accommodations provide basic facilities such as food, electricity, and clean rooms. The rooms generally have twin sharing beds and a single bed, with good quality mattresses that reduce the weight of your backpack. You can expect a hygienic and comfortable atmosphere at these accommodations. The dining rooms usually have a central heating system that uses firewood to keep you warm and cozy during your stay. This is also a great place to rest and connect with other travelers by sharing your stories. Additionally, campsites are available along the trail for those who want to experience camping outdoors.
Best Time to Visit?
The best time to go on Annapurna Circuit Trek is during autumn and spring. The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit as the weather conditions are better for exploring the high mountain terrain with good visibility.
During autumn, the weather is clear and warm, making it perfect for trekking on high Himalayan terrains. In spring, from March to May, the landscape changes with blooming trees of Rhododendron, mixed with Confers, Oaks, Orchids, and ferns, along with colorful wildflowers, making the region look stunning.
The monsoon season, with harsh weather conditions, is usually avoided by trekkers. The winter season, with heavy snowfall, covers most of the trail, making it challenging to access higher grounds in the region.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is required for all clients engaging in any activity. We strongly urge you to obtain a complete insurance plan from reputable insurance.
Passport and Visa:
Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6-month prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Equipment List:
- Daypack above 40 liters. (Must be waterproof)
- Down jacket (rental available)
- Warm sleeping bag (rental available)
- Sun head, gulf cap, sunglasses
- Headlamp, torchlight, power bank, and extra batteries
- Ear muffs, sun Lotions/sun cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
- Pair of liner gloves thin wool and synthetic.
- Cotton t-shirts, Synthetic t-shirts.
- Long-sleeve polyester or synthetic lightweight for sunny days.
- Soft-shell jacket water & wind resist.
- Swimming costume.
- Inner clothes as your requirement.
- Liner socks, woolen socks.
- Proper trekking boots with good ankle support.
- Imodium or Pepto Bismo capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Diamox for altitude sickness. The guide will help you to take it.
- One small personal-sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, bands, anti-infection ointments, muscle relief ointments
Important Note:
Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Female Guide Holiday. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full cooperation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Female Guide Holiday. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
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English
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Kathmandu, Nepal
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September, October, November, March, April, and May
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Private vehicles
Itinerary
Kathmandu is surrounded by undulating green hills in a deep valley. The city is a combination of old and new, with historic areas going back to medieval times as well as new urban architecture. Our representative will greet you at the airport terminal once you arrive, make your way to the hotel, and check-in. Meal: Welcome Dinner Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast proceeds on a long drive towards Besi Sahar, the headquarters of Lamjung. The drive takes you following the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway across never-ending rows of rolling hills. Upon reaching Besi Sahar rest and relax as from tomorrow you will be starting the trek. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Start the trek following the forested route across the central hills and reach the settlement of Bhulbule. Next, you will be traversing across flat lands and following the eastern section of the river. As you trek across the pictorial screw pine woodlands witness waterfalls across the hills. Progressing out of the woodland passes through agricultural fields. Along the way catch glimpse of Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, and soak in the views reaching the village of Ngadi. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Leave Ngadi following the trails across dense woodlands and reach Bahundanda, a large settlement. Then progress towards the village of Ghermu. From here cross the rapids of the mighty Marsyangdi and follow the western bank of the river. Thereafter pass the settlement of Syanje and Srichaur. From this section, you will be following across steep stone stairs. As you progress witness the village of Jagat, perched on a low hill. Next following the downhill routes reach Jagat. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast start the trek from Jagat and reach the tiny settlement of Chamje. Next following the trail proceed towards Sattale village. From here the trail takes you following the descending path across the wide Marsyangdi valley. As you progress on this section you will reach the village of Tal. From Tal following the winding tracks you will finally reach Dharapani. Dharapani in the olden days was a water refill spot for the journey ahead. After a brief rest head out to explore and soak in the splendid views of waterfalls and river networks around. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Leave Dharapani following the right bank of the mighty Marsyangdi and reach Bagarchhap. Next, traversing across ascending trials across lush woodlands proceed towards Danaque. From this section witness grand views of Manaslu and Lamjung Himal. Then after traversing across woodlands cross the villages of Timang, Thanchok, and Koto Qupar. From Koto Qupar witness panoramic views of Manaslu on the east, and Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal on the southeast. Next, continue towards Chame. Along this section witness the massive formations on the opposite bank of the Naar River. Upon reaching Chame, head towards your accommodation and relax. Later head out to witness the grand views of the sun setting over the white peaks of Lamjung Himal and Manaslu. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Head out of Chame and reach the village of Talekhu. At Talekhu visit apple orchards and try various apple products. Next, the trail takes you crossing deep Pine woodlands. Progressing out of the woodlands following the descending trails proceed towards Bharatang village. From here head towards Dhukure Pokhari, a small lake perched in the midst of the woods. As you cross the lake witness yet another one. As you cross this lake the tree line disappears and you will be traversing on high mountain country. Following the dusty trail eventually, reach Pisang. After a brief rest head out to explore the settlement and soak in the views of Pisang Peak, Annapurna II, and other various peaks. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast starts the trek follows a ridge, that connects the Pisang Valley with Manang. Traversing across jagged cliffs, witness the village of Ngawal and its famous yellow-roofed gompa. As you follow the high trails reach the settlement of Humde. From here witness grand views of Pisang Peak, Annapurna III, and other peaks. Then cross the rapids over the mighty Marsyangdi and reach the village of Mungji. Next, traversing across the mountain country reach Braga and finally towards Manang. Upon reaching Manang proceed towards your accommodation and relax. Later head out to explore the village. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Proper acclimatization is very important as you gain altitude. As your body needs to adapt to the thin level of oxygen. The settlement of Manang has various points ideal for acclimatization hikes. Climb towards any point and witness the spectacular scenery of Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7454m), and Chulu East to the north. Later visit the various monasteries around the region and learn about the ancient culture and traditions of the locals. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast start the trek following high routes out of the Marsyangdi valley. Next follow the northwest trails of Jarsang Khola. Then traversing across pristine woodlands of juniper, pines, and barberry follow the wide pasture lands and reach Yak-Kharka. From Yak- Kharka soak in the views of Annapurna III and relax on the high alpine grounds. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Following the high alpine grounds head out of Yak Kharka and reach Letdar, the last shelter before the pass. From Letdar, the trail takes you following the ascending routes along the eastern bank of the Jarsang Khola. Next following the descending trail cross a stream and follow a narrow section across an exposed slope and reach Thorung Phedi. From Thorung Phedi head towards Thorung High View camp popularly known as Thorong High Camp. Upon reaching the camp rest and relax as tomorrow you will be crossing one of the highest pass of the country. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Today start the trek early as you will be crossing a high pass. It is absolutely crucial to start early as the weather may deteriorate as the day goes on. Following the ascending trail, head towards the summit. The climb is non-technical, but the altitude can be a problem for some to take frequent rest and keep hydrating. Upon reaching the summit of the pass, witness grand views of the landscape around. Soak in the majestic views Dhaulagiri (8167m), Manaslu (8156m), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna I (8090m), Annapurna South (7219m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), Tilicho (7134m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and a glimpse of Tibet. It takes 3-5 hours to climb from Thorong Phedi to Thorong La which is the world’s biggest pass. The views from the trail and the top itself are outstanding. We can see the long great barrier ridge, which separates the drier, Tibet-like region of Manang from the rest of Nepal. After spending a brief time at the pass head towards Muktinath following the descending trials. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
Wake up early and head towards the Muktinath Temple. A sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple complex consists of several temples and monasteries, and the centerpiece is the Muktinath temple, which houses a sacred flame and 108 waterspouts that are believed to have healing properties. Here witness pilgrims practicing rituals and soaking themselves in the freezing waters. Also, witness grand views of the mountain ranges and arid desert-like landscapes. After exploring the temple start your trek toward Jomsom. Today’s trek will take you following rather flat and inclined surfaces. Traversing along the banks of the mighty Kaligandaki reach the settlement of Jomsom. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast starts the trek following the descending trails. As you progress on the landscape changes and you will be traversing across lush woodlands. Along the way witness grand views of the Annapurna range. Upon reaching Tatopani head towards the Himalayan hot spring and soak in your aching muscles. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
From Tatopani cross the rapids of the mighty Kali Gandaki. Next following the ascending trail along woodlands reach Ghar and reach Sikha surrounded with sprawling terraced fields. Traversing across central hills reach Phalate and Chitre respectively. From Chitre, following deep sections of rhododendron, birch and magnolia reach Ghorepani. Upon reaching Ghorepani rest and relax. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tea House
After early breakfast head towards the renowned vantage point of Poon Hill, following ascending trails on a well-maintained series of stairs. Upon arrival at the top, revel in the magnificent vistas of the profound wilderness and snowcapped peaks. The majestic mountain peaks ranging from Dhaulagiri to Annapurna to Machhapuchhre, including Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Tukuche (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and Tarke Kang (7193m), stand resplendently, bathed in the warm morning rays of the sun and changing hues. Following this exhilarating experience, continue along the main trail leading south, traversing a series of stairs, and then following the high route above the turbulent river on a stone-paved path. As you progress descending along a trail towards the Modi Khola, and eventually arrive in Nayapul. From here head towards Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara after a brief rest explore around Phewa Lake.
After breakfast head back to Kathmandu. Upon arriving check into your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day as you choose. Later in the evening attend an authentic dinner program to mark the end of your successful adventure. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner Accommodation: Hotel
Three hours before your flight departure, our representative will drop you off at the airport. Please do let us know if you want to experience more of Nepal. Choose from one of our pre-planned itineraries or let us create a journey just for you. Note: All of the above-mentioned trekking hours and distances are estimations and should only be used as a general guideline.
