The Annapurna Circuit trek is an incredible adventure in Nepal. It is a super popular trek because of the challenges it offers, diverse landscapes, breathtaking mountain vistas, friendly mountain people, and rich cultural heritage.
On this trek, you will trek around the Annapurna range and see close views of Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m). It is the tenth-tallest mountain in the world. Likewise, the Annapurna Circuit trek also offers mesmerizing views of many other Western Himalayan mountains in Nepal.
You will begin the Annapurna Circuit trek 21 days with a scenic ride from Kathmandu to Besisahar. The trail starts at Besisahar. From here, you will trek through lush foothills, terraces, and narrow valley paths and ascend to high alpine meadows.
Spend nights in beautiful villages like Bahundanda, Chamje, Dharapani, Chame, Upper Pisang, and Manang. In Manang, you will spend two nights acclimatizing. Manang is located at 3,540 meters.
What's special about our Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary is that you will spend four nights gradually ascending before Manang. It is great for acclimatization, and a rest day in Manang ensures you do not suffer from altitude sickness while further navigating high-altitude trails.
After Manang village, you will ascend to Yak Kharka. On this part of the trail, you will leave Marsyangdi Khola Valley and enter Jarsang Khola Valley. From Yak Kharka, the trail ascends to Thorng Phedi passing by narrow, steep tracks.
Thorong Phedi is the final resting point before Thorong La Pass. Some trekkers take further hikes to High Camp for the night stay. On the day you will cross Thorong La, you will start hiking at around 3:00 AM.
Ascending this early allows you to reach the top of the pass before the mid-morning strong winds hit the pass. You will also get to see a stunning sunrise and a magnificent mountain view.
From the pass, the trail descends and passes by a landslide area to the Muktinath Temple. Muktinath Temple is a pilgrimage area. Many Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit this place every year.
Now, you will descend through picturesque villages, lush hills, terraces, and apple and orange orchards. First, you will descend from Muktinath to Marpha, trekking through the Kali Gandaki Gorge.
Marpha is famous for its attractive apple and orange orchards. After Marpha, you will spend nights in Ghasa, Tatopani, Ghorepani, and Tadapani villages. There are natural hot springs in Tatopani.
Likewise, Ghorepani village is famous for its beauty and mountain views. From Ghorepani, you will also hike to Poon Hill to see another heavenly sunrise and mountain panorama.
The Annapurna Circuit trek 21 days ends in Ghandruk village. From here, you will drive back to Pokhara, spend a night in this city, and return to Kathmandu the next day.
Pokhara is the second biggest city in Nepal. You will have a great time here. Explore the peaceful Phewa Lake and the bustling Lakeside Market. On the last day of the trip, our team will drop you off at the international airport.
Highlights
- An incredibly adventurous trek in the Western Himalayan range in Nepal
- Explore Kathmandu and Pokhara on this trip
- Trek through rhododendron and pine-covered hills and beautiful mountain villages
- Perfect Annapurna Circuit itinerary with ample acclimatization opportunities and an in-built rest day in Manang
- Explore the foothills of the Annapurna range, including villages like Bahundanda, Chame, Marpha, Ghasa, and Tatopani
- Take a side hike to Ice Lake and Praken Gompa from Manang
- Navigate high altitude, steep terrain, and cross the challenging Thorong La Pass
- Get to know in depth about the Muktinath Temple, a pilgrimage site in Nepal
- Walk through the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki Gorge
- Discover apple and orange orchards and natural hot springs
- Spend a night in the Ghorepani village and hike to Poon Hill
- Explore the famous Ghandruk village
- Witness diverse landscapes and breathtaking mountain vistas
- Catch many gorgeous sunrises and sunsets
- Experience the mountain lifestyle and see the culture of the Nepali mountain people
Why do the Annapurna Circuit trek 21 days?
You can find many versions of the Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary on the internet. When everyone is focusing on providing a short 9-day to 12-day Annapurna Circuit trek program, we are still sticking to the OG 21 days Annapurna Circuit trek.
It covers the whole circuit, including villages such as Bahundanda, Chamje, Marpha, Ghasa, Tatopani, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk. Mind you, you will not explore these villages while following 99% of the Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary out there, and it's a big bummer.
These are some of the most beautiful villages along the Annapurna Circuit trail that every trekker must explore. Traveling through these villages adds more adventure, cultural charm, and interactions with the locals.
And obviously, you will spend a good time in the mountains, enjoying nature and warm hospitality. We also understand that not everyone can do a 21 day trek, so we also have a short Annapurna Circuit trek package that you can check out.
Additionally, we also customize the Annapurna Circuit trek as per our guests' vacation time and other requirements and interests.
Is the Annapurna Circuit trek suitable for you?
There are two things that you have to consider before booking the Annapurna Circuit trek with us. First is whether you are fit enough for this trek, and second is whether you have enough time to do a 21-day trek.
If the answer to both questions is yes, we are glad to tell you that the Annapurna Circuit trek 21 days is suitable for you. However, if any of these two things are lacking, you have to customize the trip to suit you.
We will help you with that. Given the challenges of the Annapurna Circuit trek, it is recommended for experienced trekkers. But it also doesn't mean that beginner trekkers cannot conquer this trek.
Whether you are an experienced or a beginner trekker, we will help you make the Annapurna Circuit trek a hassle-free experience.
Annapurna Circuit trek preparation
You need solid planning and a strategy for advanced treks like the Annapurna Circuit. While we take care of permits, transportation, and other logistical details in Nepal, trekkers have to take care of their physical and mental fitness.
By making sure your stamina and strength are good for the challenges of the Annapurna Circuit trek, you will enjoy the journey to the fullest. It all comes down to exercising regularly for a few weeks before the trek starts.
See what you are lacking and plan a workout that will help you overcome it. Likewise, research as much as you can about the trek. It will help you develop the suitable expectations for the journey.
Meet the Adventure Magic Treks before the trek starts
You will meet with us on your second day in Kathmandu for the trek briefing. We will share the trekking plan, trail conditions, weather, emergency protocol, and helpful tips.
Likewise, you will also meet with your trek guide. Usually, porters join the group at the starting point of the trek. But if they are in the city, you will also meet them.
We do the trek briefing in our office in Thamel or at your hotel lobby. After the trek briefing, you can shop for trekking gear and pack your duffel bag. We also help with last-minute shopping.
Staying connected during the Annapurna Circuit trek
Most teahouses on the Annapurna Circuit trek route offer WiFi, but the signal is slow and unreliable. The mobile network works in only some areas along the trail and is highly affected by altitude and weather.
It is not that you cannot stay connected with your family during the Annapurna Circuit trek, but there will be limitations. Villages like Chame, Manang, Jomsom, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk have better network coverage.
So, leave texts to your family in these villages and let them know what you're up to, how you feel, and other details. For emergency communication, our guide carries a satellite phone.
Safety tips for the Annapurna Circuit trek
The Annapurna Circuit trek is a wild, remote adventure that goes through some of the most scenic and tricky sections of the Himalayas. You will traverse a variety of terrain, including narrow paths and steep trails.
Likewise, you may encounter a yak or mule on the way. On top of that, high altitude adds thin air and low oxygen pressure on your body. In short, there are many little things that trekkers encounter during the Annapurna Circuit trek.
Below, we have listed out our top tips that will make your Annapurna Circuit trek safe and enhance the overall experience:
- When sharing the trail with yaks or mules, you should always stand on the safe side, ie, the wall side. Let them pass before you start walking. Do not disturb them.
- While walking on narrow paths near cliff edges, be extra careful and slow your pace.
- High altitude is something you have to deal with during the Annapurna Circuit trek. To lessen its effects on you, you should keep yourself hydrated, take frequent short breaks to catch breath, and have a carbohydrate-rich lunch to get energy.
- Layer clothes smartly. You may feel cold one second and hot another. So, layering the clothes right allows you to zip/unzip clothes as the climate demands.
- Trekking poles are a must. It prevents falls and joint strain and helps you maintain balance on uneven terrain.
- Get good quality trekking boots that are comfortable to walk in. Do not carry a new pair of trekking boots because they will give you blisters.
Why do the Annapurna Circuit trek with Adventure Magic Treks?
If you are looking for a reliable trekking partner in Nepal who has good experience on the Annapurna Circuit route and knows what trekkers need, we, Adventure Magic Treks, are your best option.
We have been organizing the Annapurna Circuit trek for more than 15 years. Our team is highly trained, experienced, and kind. We curate each trip with a whole heart and make sure our guests have the best experience.
With us, you get a fair Annapurna Circuit trek cost, no hidden price, a customizable itinerary, a local guide and porter, complimentary airport transfers, 24/7 support, and many other perks.
You can trek confidently and smartly with us. If you have any questions regarding the Annapurna Circuit trek, feel free to reach out to us. Our Annapurna Circuit trek 2025/2026 bookings are open.
