Annapurna Circuit Trek, 11 Days Nan8

5.0

Are you ready to leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind? Join us on the Annapurna Circuit Trek for an adventure of a lifetime, where you’ll discover something new every day and every view will captivate you.

At a Glance
Location

Annapurna Circuit

Duration

11 Days

Activities

Trekking

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

All included Except in Kathmandu

Group size

Min 2 Pax.

Best time

Spring and Autumn

Max. Altitude

5416m.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you on a path that you have never seen before where you will witness an extraordinary diversity of culture as well as ecology. This trek is widely popular because of its diverse landscapes that come in all varieties – from the lush subtropical forests and terraced fields to the dry high mountain passes.

Generally, the trek typically spans 11 to 18 days. You will climb from Besisahar to the dizzying peaks of the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters during the Annapurna circuit trek. It’s a trek that challenges and rewards, suitable for both the seasoned trekker and the adventurous beginner.

The best time to undertake this journey is from October to early December when the skies are clearest. Another optimal time to take this trek is in March and April.

One may finish this circuit within 13 or 16 days by descending on foot via the Kali Gandaki. If you want more information on this option, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Major Highlights

  • Ascent to the Pisang Base Camp, which offers a unique view of the Annapurna and its glaciers.
  • Explore the villages of Manang and Muktinath for cultural immersion.
  • Gradually ascend to Pisang Base Camp at 4500m and then descend into the Manang Valley to acclimatize properly.
  • Get time to spend a day in Manang at 3800m to acclimatize further.
  • Traverse the Thorong La Pass at 5400m for breathtaking views, including those of the Mustang region.
  • Visit the pilgrimage site of Muktinath, a sacred temple to both Hindus and Buddhists.
  • Explore Pokhara, where you may extend your trip to include sightseeing or adventure activities such as paragliding.

Your Journey to Annapurna Circuit

Among all trekking routes, Annapurna Circuit is one of the most wonders in the world with beautiful and varied landscapes. It is known for its stunning scenery and the wonderful variety of views that you will see as you go. This trip begins from Kathmandu and involves crossing the beautiful rice fields and mountain ranges that span as far as the eye can see.

You will be visiting the villages of Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, and Gyaru in this part of the trek. With Gyaru you will be entering Manang Valley, which is at the foot of the Himalayas and you can see amazing snow-capped peaks around.

In the beginning, you will be through the green forests, but then the scenery will change and you will find yourself up in the high mountains. A trek along this trail will lead you to the Thorong La Pass, which is located above 5000m and is one of the toughest places to hike. While going along this route, the path seems to be more difficult, so each trekker is highly suggested to keep a steady pace and stay hydrated all the time.

After the pass, you will descend into the Mustang region, which is known for its stunning eroded ochre cliffs. The area has many historical sites including several ancient monasteries and temples Muktinath being the most important one of them.

Once you have done your Muktinath Temple sightseeing, you will descend to Jharkhot to get to Jomsom. At the culmination of your trek, you have the choice to either catch a flight to Jomsom or take a bus and a jeep ride back to Kathmandu.

Itinerary

Our Annapurna Circuit trek starts from Kathmandu. To reach Dharapani from Kathmandu, you can take a local bus to Besisahar, and then travel by a jeep or mini-bus. The trip approximately takes 6 hours of driving on a paved road followed by 4 hours on a bumpy dirt road.

On the second day, begin your journey with a gentle ascent to Khodo, taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape as you make your way up.

Once you’ve reached Khodo, continue with a peaceful forest walk that will lead you to Chame. Upon arriving in Chame, be sure to visit the Buddhist monastery.

Afterward, indulge in the rejuvenating hot springs and soak in the natural beauty of your surroundings while enjoying stunning views of Manaslu.

This trek will take approximately 6 hours, during which you will experience an altitude gain of 940 meters and a descent of 160 meters.

On Day 3, you will be trekking from Chame to Pisang, which is situated at an altitude of 3190m. During the trek, you will cross the Marsangdi Khola River and come across significant apple orchards and prayer walls.

As you move forward, the valley will become wider, and you will reach Pisang village, which is divided into two parts: the upper and the lower village.

The upper village has typical terraced roof houses and offers a beautiful view of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and Chulu. The trek will take around 5 hours, with an elevation gain of 780m and a descent of 220m.

On this particular day, you will be acclimatizing to the altitude in the charming old village of Pisang. The journey will begin with a very steep climb through a dense pine forest, leading to a pass marked by mani walls. From this pass, you will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Annapurna and the Hongde Valley.

For those who are feeling adventurous and courageous, you can continue to the Pisangpeak base camp which is situated at an altitude of 4300 meters. Once you reach the base camp, you will witness the panoramic view that extends from Lamjunghimal to Annapurna, Ganja Himal, the beautiful Tilichopeak, and the distant Chulu mountains.

This uninhabited high mountain area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, such as mouflons, Himalayan pheasants, and even solitary yaks, which you may encounter during your journey.

After enjoying the mesmerizing views, you will begin your descent on a hillside trail that will lead you to the picturesque village of Gyaru. This village is a hidden gem that has retained all its authenticity and charm, and it is off the beaten track. The journey will take around 7- 8 hours of trekking.

We will trek up a trail that gradually ascends along the hillside overlooking the Hongde Valley, leading us to the second remote village of Ngawal. During the day, we will be treated to stunning views of Annapurna II, III, and IV.

Afterward, we will descend to Hongde, where the Manang airport is located, and continue our journey along the Marsyangi River to reach Manang, which is situated at an elevation of 3300m. The total trekking time will be 4 hours, during which we will ascend 305m and descend 675m.

Due to the increasing altitude, you will have to rest and acclimate from your busy life. You can explore the charming village of Braga, which is steeped in history and culture. You can also visit the important monasteries in the area that show the rich heritage of the region.

As you continue on the road to Tilicho Lake, make a stop at Khangsar, which is situated at an altitude of 3600m. This is the perfect spot to relax and unwind while taking in the stunning views of the majestic “Great Barrier”.

The legendary mountaineers Herzog and Lachenal were spellbound by the beauty of the landscape, and you will be too. The view from Khangsar is truly breathtaking and is an experience that you will never forget.

You start your journey to Ledar by ascending to Tangi and leaving the Marsangdi Valley behind. You’ll then enter the Jarsangkhola valley. Continuing onward, you’ll quickly notice that the lush vegetation that once surrounded you is slowly becoming less abundant.

After approximately one hour of trekking past the Yak Kharkha pastures, you will arrive at Ledar, a small town known for its breathtaking views and serene surroundings. With a total of 4 hours of trekking, you’ll ascend 1095m while also descending 145m.

Today is a short day as we are preparing ourselves for the big climb scheduled for tomorrow. We spent our day trekking in a completely desolate and barren landscape. We had to climb a total of 170 meters, which took us around three hours to cover.

We began our journey early in the morning, heading towards the challenging climb to Thorong La, standing at 5416m. Ascending towards the pass, we are greeted with a magnificent view of the “great barrier” that lies ahead of us.

From here, we begin our descent towards Muktinath, which is a significant pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The descent can be quite demanding as we make our way down a steep slope that drops 1850m.

We spend some time visiting the temples and various other religious sites of Muktinath before starting again. Afterward, we continue on our journey towards Jharkot, a beautiful village that is home to a stunning monastery. The path to Jharkot is relatively gentle compared to the steep descent we just completed, allowing us to take in the beautiful scenery at a more leisurely pace.

Overall, this part of the trek is expected to take between 8 to 12 hours and involves an ascent of 980m and a descent of 1850m.

 

Our trek will take us through some breathtaking sights as we make our way to Jharkot before continuing our descent to Kagbeni. The village boasts of stunning Tibetan architecture and is often regarded as the gateway to Mustang.

We’ll take our time exploring the village before following the Kali Gandaki River to reach Jomsom. Along the way, we’ll make a brief detour through Lupra, a hidden gem that’s off the beaten track. In total, we can expect to trek for around 6 hours, soaking in the stunning vistas and experiencing the local culture and traditions.

Today is our final day of the trip to Annapurna Circuit. You can take a morning flight to Pokhara from Jomsom and take a bus to Kathmandu. Additionally, we can manage a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu upon your request.

Customize your package with GST

If you’re planning to do the Annapurna Circuit trek and want to make it even more special, consider upgrading your experience with the Glacier Safari Trek. We offer a range of options to enhance your journey, including private car transfers, one-way or round-trip flights to Pokhara, a French-speaking guide, accommodations at your preferred hotels in Kathmandu, and guided tours to help you explore the area.

Looking for the ultimate in luxury, we recommend our Deluxe category, which includes top-of-the-line accommodations and exclusive services. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time adventurer, our team is here to help you make the most of your journey. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about our upgrade options.

Cost Includes
  • English-speaking guide
  • Porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • Accommodation during the trek
  • Food during the trek
  • Entry fees to National Parks and TIMS registration
  • Local transportation
  • Insurance for Nepali staff
Cost Excludes
  • Personal insurance with mountain rescue coverage
  • Nepal visa
  • All personal expenses: hot showers, tips, electronic device charging, etc.
  • Entrance fees to cultural sites (monasteries, etc.)
Book your spot

Starting from

€910

Instant Booking

Secure Payments

No Hidden Costs

Trip Difficulty

Hard

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Glacier Safari Treks Nepal

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Recent Traveler Reviews

star rating  Excellent voyage et découverte du Népal - Que du bonheur ce tour du Manaslu en 15 Jours. Apres un tour du Solou fait l'année dernière, c'était notre 2eme voyage avec GST au Népal. Circuit adapté à nos... read more

avatar thumb Arnaud B
14/11/2023
Richmonda
Richmonda

Jul 01, 2024

Fantastic Trek- Annapurna Circuit Trek

My Annapurna Circuit trek with GST was amazing. Our guide knew a lot about the local culture and terrain. We trekked through beautiful rhododendron forests, and under clear blue skies.

Arnaud B
Arnaud B

Jun 06, 2024

Manaslu Trek - Incredible Journey

Wonderful Manaslu trek experience. The local people were welcoming, and our guide made the trek safe and enjoyable. Thank you, GST, for this incredible journey.

Harry Kc
Harry Kc

Jun 06, 2024

Excellent trek

I have used GST services multiple times over the past five years, in Kathmandu and Tibet. They are a highly reputable agency, and I highly recommend their services.

Christina Perri

Jun 06, 2024

Langtang Valley trek- Unforgettable experience

GST made our Langtang Valley trek unforgettable. Beautiful scenery, great guides, and perfect organization.

Alexander White

Jan 05, 2024

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trekking

The 15-day Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek was well-organized with a friendly guide. It offers challenges, breathtaking views, and diverse scenery. We highly suggest GST for anyone looking to discover Nepal’s beauty.

FAQs

During the trek, tea houses offer a variety of cuisines like Continental, Tibetan, Sherpa, and Nepalese. They can also cater to vegetarians and other special diets upon request. For vegans, tea houses have green vegetables, potatoes, and other vegan options available.

Yes, you can charge your electronic devices at tea houses and lodges along the Annapurna Circuit trek, typically for a small fee. However, the availability and reliability of these services may vary, especially in more remote areas.

The best seasons for trekking are spring, from February to May, and autumn, from September to November. During these times, you will enjoy moderate temperatures, clear skies, and breathtaking mountain views, making your experience unforgettable. Even though trekking is possible all year round, each season has its unique charm.

You'll need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. These can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

To prepare for the trek and get fit for the hike, you can focus on cardio exercises like swimming, running, and walking, while also incorporating hiking on similar terrains or hills. Additionally, investing in quality hiking boots is recommended for comfort and support during the trek.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is moderately challenging, particularly at Thorong La Pass, and there is a risk of altitude sickness at 5416m. However, the itinerary includes acclimatization in Manang and gradual ascent to reduce this risk.