The Around Annapurna Trek, also known as the Annapurna Circuit Trek, is one of Nepal’s most iconic and rewarding trekking routes. Spanning approximately 160 to 230 kilometers depending on the chosen variations, the trek offers a spectacular journey through diverse landscapes, cultures, and altitudes. Starting from the bustling city of Kathmandu, the trek gradually immerses travelers into serene villages, lush subtropical forests, terraced farmlands, and the dramatic Himalayan mountain range. The trek culminates in crossing the challenging Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, one of the highest trekking passes in the world, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
The trek typically takes about 15 to 20 days, providing ample time for acclimatization and exploration. Along the way, trekkers experience a rich cultural tapestry as the trail passes through multiple ethnic communities such as Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi, each with their unique traditions, festivals, and cuisines. The trail traverses the Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest protected area in Nepal, renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. This trek is an excellent combination of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge.
The best times to explore on the Around Annapurna Trek are during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons. Spring, from March to May, is characterized by blooming rhododendrons and clear skies, providing excellent views and pleasant temperatures. Autumn, from late September to November, is considered the most popular trekking season due to stable weather, crisp air, and spectacular mountain vistas after the monsoon showers.
Winter (December to February) is less crowded but can be very cold, especially at higher altitudes, and some passes may be covered in snow. Summer (June to August) coincides with the monsoon season, bringing heavy rains, slippery trails, and leeches, which can make trekking challenging and less enjoyable. Planning your trek during the recommended seasons ensures safer conditions and a more memorable experience.
Trekking in the Annapurna region requires two essential permits. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is mandatory for all trekkers and helps support conservation efforts within the region. The ACAP can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara and costs around USD 30 for foreign nationals.
Additionally, trekkers need the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card, which is issued to monitor trekking activities and enhance safety. The TIMS card costs approximately USD 20 for individual trekkers and can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara as well.
Special Trek & Expedition ensures that all permits and paperwork are arranged ahead of your journey, allowing you to focus solely on the trekking experience without administrative worries.
The Annapurna Circuit offers a variety of food options ranging from traditional Nepali dishes to international cuisine. Teahouses and lodges along the route serve meals such as dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momos (dumplings), noodles, soups, and sometimes Western favorites like pasta, pancakes, and fried rice. The food is generally fresh and nourishing, providing the necessary energy for long days of trekking.
Accommodation is primarily in teahouses, which are basic lodges run by local families. Rooms are usually simple with twin beds, and shared bathrooms, with facilities improving at larger stops like Manang and Jomsom. During high trekking seasons, teahouses can get crowded, so booking through Special Trek & Expedition ensures we reserve the best available accommodations to keep your journey comfortable. Our team also provides advice on hygiene and food choices to help avoid common trekking illnesses.
The Around Annapurna Trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and physical adventure. It offers something for everyone: from stunning Himalayan vistas, fascinating local cultures, challenging mountain passes, to serene landscapes untouched by mass tourism. The trek builds endurance, offers moments of self-reflection, and leaves you with lifelong memories.
Choosing Special Trek & Expedition means choosing a reliable, professional, and passionate team dedicated to making your trekking journey seamless and unforgettable. Our experienced guides and porters prioritize your safety, well-being, and enjoyment. We offer personalized itineraries, comprehensive pre-trip briefings, and support throughout the trek. With our strong local connections, we ensure authentic cultural experiences, excellent accommodation, and quality meals. Our commitment to responsible tourism helps protect the environment and uplift local communities, making your trip both meaningful and sustainable.
Explore on the Around Annapurna Trek with Special Trek & Expedition, and discover the grandeur of Nepal’s Himalayas with confidence and care.
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Breakfast at the Hotel, leave Kathmandu for our beautiful trek to Annapurna. Drive by local bus to Beshishahar through the beautiful Nepalese countryside. Beshishahar is big town and district headquarters of the Lamjung District, explore the surrounding area and overnight at the hotel.
Today, we begin our trek from Beshishahar with fine view of Hiunchuli and peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) and crossing some local wooden & bamboo bridges reaches at Bhulbhule. It then continues to Ngadi village for lunch passing through waterfall through the river bank before reaching at Bahundanda for overnight. This is nice village on a top of hill and you may have chance to explore the evening time to local village and around the school areas.
After a breakfast the trek descends to Syange village crossing fields and local villages, a short downhill walk brings you Syange village is reached after crossing a long suspension bridge, and our trek continues gradually uphill from the river and the last steep climb to get to Jagat for lunch stop. From here an hour further walk on rocky path & long scenic waterfall across the river and finally brings you at Chamje for overnight stop.
From Chamje a short walk brings to a suspension bridge over the raging Marshyangdi river, after crossing the bridge it’s another steep climb for another 2-3 hours till Tal, the village is situated on the gorge-valley by the side of the river Marshyangdi and decorated with beautiful waterfall & sandy spread river. Further trek follows the upstream up to the Dharapani, which is through the rocky trails and crossing few suspension bridges and small teashops bring you at quite large village at Dharapani for the overnight at hotel.
We continue our trek further to Chame. From where changing the vegetation, people and the landscapes changes and the air will gets cooler, the trail then climb through pine forests to Bagarchhap, the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture. After a pleasant walk to Bagarchhap, the altitude slowly gains as we come at Danaque and to the alpine region passing through farm, orchards and beautiful pine forest with views of towering peaks of Lamjung and Annapurna II, the trail follows the river Marshyangdi upstream passing by the villages of Latamanang and Koto before further half an hour brings you at Chame for overnight at the hotel. This is head quarter of Manang district with grand view of Annapurna II.
The trails leads from the other side of the river on the northern bank passes through pine woods and small villages with few ups and downs till you reach the orchard village of Bhartang for apple garden. We continue on the gradual path up to a bridge, from the bridge a short steep climb through the pine forest brings you at the top of the ridge of Dhukur Pokhari for the lunch. After walking out of the tree line a great view of Pisang peak on the north and the Chulu peak can be seen with Pisang village below you, from this top a gentle descent of one hour brings you to windswept village of Pisang for overnight. Evening visit upper Pisang for the Tibetan style of houses and monastery with panoramic view of the Annapurna range and valley.
The trek starts with pleasant walk through pine forest and the scenic view. The walk climbs gently up for half an hour and reaching the top, stop at a ridge to get our first view of the Manang valley, This grand spot offers a spectacular views of the valleys, Humde village with it’s short air-strip and the great peaks of Gangapurna, Annapurna II & III, Tilicho and on the right Chulu east, on the back Pisang peak. The walk forward to Humde and pleasant walk up to the Braga village for traditionally built up Tibetans style of houses and if can be visited the monastery, it has an outstanding display of statues, Thanka paintings and the religious manuscripts. From here it is only an hour walk to Manang for the overnight.
Today is full of rest for acclimatize and explore Manang. The village of about 500 flat-roofed houses is the picturesque set amongst some spectacular scenery -Annapurna II, Annapurna III (7,555 meters), Gangapurna (7,454 meters) to the South – Tilicho (7,132 meters) and the Grand Barrier to the West – Chulu West (6,583 meters) and Chulu East (6,059 meters) to the North. After explore and relaxing day at Manang, visit Himalayan Rescue Association and if needed go for movie show.
After a wonderful time at Manang, the trail leads to a slow climb up for an hour to the Tenki Manang for enclose view of the Annapurna, Gangapurna and Tilicho peak. The track gently winds up offering inspiring views and through terrains with juniper bushes as the only surviving vegetation around this region and will brings you at Yak-Kharka for the overnight.
We start our trek with slow and own pace to get to Phedi. We still have same amazing view of mountains and landscapes. After an hour walk reaches at Ledar and continues to climb along the east bank of the Jorsang Khola, then descends and crosses the stream on a wooden bridge to get a small tea shop. We stop for wonderful view and tea breaks, we follows a narrow path across a high, unstable slope before heading to Thorong Phedi for the overnight. Phedi, which means ‘foot of the hill’, is a common Nepali name for any settlement at the bottom of a long climb.
Today is longest and hardest day of the whole trip. We start our walk early in the morning with packed lunch and the trail becomes steepest initially and reaches at high camp. Walk on your own pace viewing with sunrise and glimpse of the mountains. We continuing walk to the top takes 3-4 hrs to the Throng top and with a great feeling of victory take a short breaks for picturesque scenery and down to the Mustang part of mountains and the Kaligandaki valley far below to the West. Finally, we made to Muktinath after 7-8 hrs long walk and overnight at lodge.
Breakfast at the Hotel, Trek to Jomsom through Kagbeni, On the way followed by Kaligandaki River. O/N at Guest House.
Breakfast at the Hotel, Morning fly to Pokhara. Hotel Check in. Free day for rest/relaxation etc at Lakeside. O/N at Hotel in Pokhara.
Free Day in Pokhara/ we can use this day in Case of flight Cancellation. O/N at Hotel in Pokhara.
Breakfast at the Hotel ,Drive to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus. O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Breakfast at the Hotel, Drive to the Airport for your Final Departure.
Fare well.
End the Tour
THE BEST TOUR/Trekking OPERATOR NEPAL’S ONE OF THE BEST TOUR OPERATOR, We HAVE A WONDERFUL TREK TO ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT 21 DAYS With Red Rose Company, PASSED THE “Thoralg La 5100m” during our arrival to Departure we don’t have any word to Complain, Very happy to recommend any person for their safety and memorable Holidays to NEPAL, TIBET , BHUTAN & INDIA. See you very soon again in our Next Trip.
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The best time to trek Around Annapurna is during the pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons. These periods offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and excellent mountain views. Avoid the monsoon months (June to August) due to heavy rains, landslides, and slippery trails. Winter (December to February) can be cold with snow at higher elevations, but it is still possible with proper gear.
The trek is moderately to highly challenging, involving long walking days and high-altitude trekking up to 5,416 meters at Thorong La Pass. Proper physical fitness and acclimatization are essential to handle altitude changes and steep ascents. Special Trek & Expedition recommends preparing with cardiovascular training, hiking practice, and strength exercises before your journey.
While prior trekking experience is helpful, it is not mandatory. Special Trek & Expedition guides are experienced in assisting trekkers of varying skill levels, providing support and pacing to match your fitness. However, familiarity with walking on uneven terrain and stamina for multi-day trekking will enhance your experience and safety.
Accommodation on the Around Annapurna Trek typically includes tea houses and lodges along the route. These offer basic amenities such as clean rooms, hot showers (sometimes at an extra cost), and meals. Special Trek & Expedition ensures that you stay in reputable lodges that maintain good hygiene standards, providing comfortable rest after long trekking days.
Food on the trek primarily consists of Nepalese cuisine like dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soups, and some Western options such as pasta and omelets. Tea houses supply meals with fresh ingredients, but options can be limited in remote areas. Special Trek & Expedition advises carrying some energy snacks and staying hydrated throughout the trek.
Yes, altitude sickness can be a concern as the trek reaches elevations above 5,000 meters. Proper acclimatization days are incorporated, like the day spent in Manang, to help your body adjust. Special Trek & Expedition guides are trained to recognize symptoms of altitude sickness and will take appropriate measures, including recommending rest or descent if necessary.
Essential gear includes layered clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a warm sleeping bag, trekking poles, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, and a good backpack. Weather can vary greatly, so packing rain gear and warm clothes for high altitudes is necessary. Special Trek & Expedition provides a detailed gear list upon booking to help you prepare.
Yes, Special Trek & Expedition offers professional guides and porters to enhance your trekking experience. Guides provide invaluable local knowledge, navigation, and safety support, while porters help carry heavy loads, allowing you to trek comfortably and enjoy the scenery.
The package typically includes airport transfers, accommodation on the trek, meals during trekking days, experienced guides, permits, and transportation to and from Kathmandu and Pokhara. Special Trek & Expedition also offers customized itineraries, ensuring all logistics are handled smoothly for a hassle-free adventure.
Mental preparation is as important as physical fitness. The trek demands patience, resilience, and a positive attitude to face challenges like long walking days, changing weather, and altitude effects. Special Trek & Expedition encourages trekkers to stay flexible, enjoy the journey, and embrace local culture to make the experience truly rewarding.
| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | $1,050 |
| 2 - 4 | $999 |
| 5 - 9 | $985 |
| 10 - 15 | $970 |
| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | $1,800 |
| 2 - 4 | $1,690 |
| 5 - 9 | $1,675 |
| 10 - 15 | $1,660 |
