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Annapurna Circuit Trek - 16 Days
The Annapurna Circuit Trek-16 Days is undoubtedly one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal that takes you through amazing landscapes, traditional Himalayan villages, and splendid mountain views. The tour starts with a short drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani, and the trail leads you through forests and beautiful villages like Chame, Upper Pisang, Ngawal, and Manang.
Best Season
Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November)
Max Altitude
5,416 m
Accomodation
3-Star Hotels & Mountain Guesthouses
Group size
2–12 People
Annapurna Circuit Trek - 16 Days Outline Itinerary
Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,400m
Day 02
Drive to Dharapani
Altitude: 1,860m
Day 03
Trek to Chame
Altitude: 2,670 meters
Day 04
Trek to Upper Pisang
Altitude: 3,300m
Day 05
Trek to Ngawal
Altitude: 3,660m
Day 06
Trek to Manang
Altitude: 3,540m
After a short acclimatization day in Manang, you will proceed on a trek to Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi. On the way, you will cross the top of the high-altitude Thorong La pass (5,416 m) on the way to the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs.
From here, on your way back, you will go through Muktinath, a holy place for Hinduism and Buddhism, to Tatopani, where you will find hot springs. From there, you will also go through a picturesque village of Ghorepani to Poon Hill, a great place to see Mount Annapurna and Mount Dhaulagiri. You will return from Birethanti to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu.
Among the main attractions of this trekking tourist route are high-altitude mountain crossings, exploring local culture and history, natural healing hot springs, wonderful views over the valley and the mountain peaks, and diverse wildlife and plant life.
Highlights
- Cross the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and enjoy the view of one of the highest trekking pass in the world
- Watch the sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210m) over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs
- Discover the Muktinath Temple,
- hot water springs in Tatopani on the return from the pass,
- and take a walk through the quiet Himalayan villages of Chame, Upper Pisang, Ngawal, Manang, Ghorepani, and Muktinath.
- A day’s acclimatization in Manang gives fabulous views of Annapurna II and Gangapurna.
- A Himalayan trekking tour includes walks through forests of rhododendron and meadows of wild flowers to high altitude deserts.
- The rich culture of the Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali people who inhabit the region as well as the magnificent views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Annapurna II, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and other
- Himalayan peaks are also part of this tour.
- Scenic drives to and from Kathmandu, Dharapani, Pokhara, and the beautiful Annapurna region provide additional opportunities for sightseeing.
Annapurna Circuit Trek - 16 Days Itinerary
01
DAY
Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – Welcome to Nepal
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. You may like to relax or explore the local shops and restaurants in Thamel, a bustling, traditional Nepalese bazaar. In the evening you will be given a briefing about your Annapurna trek and have the chance to prepare any personal gear you may need for your mountain adventure.
Duration: Airport Transfers (30-45 Minutes)
02
DAY
Drive to Dharapani
Drive along the river valleys and terraced hills towards Dharapani, Annapurna Circuit trek start point.
The drive takes approximately 10–12 hours. You will have an overnight stay in the guesthouse.
03
DAY
Trek to Chame
Begin your trek through scenic forests, traverse hanging bridges, and continue alongside the Marsyangdi River until you arrive in Chame, the administrative hub of Manang District.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Trekking duration: 5 to 6 hours
04
DAY
Trek to Upper Pisang
Follow the trail of pine forests and spectacular valleys with great views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak on the way to Upper Pisang.
Overnight: Guesthouse, Upper Pisang
Duration: 6–7 hours
05
DAY
Trek to Ngawal
Take the beautiful upper route through traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and open ridges with spectacular Himalayan views before arriving at Ngawal.
Duration: 4–5 hours
06
DAY
Trek to Manang
Downhill trek through the picturesque village of Bhraka, with an ancient monastery, and pass through the delightful village of Manang, surrounded by great Himalayan peaks.
Overnight: Guesthouse, Manang
Duration: 3–4 hours
07
DAY
Acclimatization Day at Manang
Spend the day acclimatizing while exploring Manang and enjoying panoramic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and the surrounding mountain landscapes, preparing your body for higher elevations.
08
DAY
Trek to Yak Kharka
Leave Manang and gradually ascend through alpine meadows and grazing pastures to Yak Kharka, enjoying beautiful high-altitude scenery along the way.
Duration: 5–6 hours
Overnight: Basic Guesthouse, Yak Kharka
09
DAY
Trek to Thorong Phedi
Continue climbing up towards Thorong Phedi, the last village before the crossing of Thorong La pass. The path becomes steeper as you climb higher and higher.
10
DAY
Cross Thorong La Pass and Trek to Muktinath
Start early crossing the spectacular Thorong La Pass (5,416m), the highest point of trekking, to enjoy the Himalayan panorama. Then head down towards the holy pilgrimage site of Muktinath.
11
DAY
Drive to Tatopani
Travel by local jeep or bus to Tatopani, an enchanting village surrounded by natural hot springs and offering a well-deserved rest after days of hiking.
12
DAY
Rest Day at Tatopani
Take some rest today in the village of Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs. Soak in the hot springs to revive your weary muscles and enjoy a quiet day to take in the surroundings before you continue your trek.
Night: Guesthouse, Tatopani
Duration: Rest Day
13
DAY
Trek to Ghorepani
From Tatopani, the trek continues through a scenic landscape of terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and traditional villages, culminating in the picturesque hillside settlement of Ghorepani—an acclaimed vantage point in Nepal’s Annapurna area. Along the way, hikers are treated to stunning panoramas of the Himalayan range.
14
DAY
Hike to Poon Hill, Trek to Birethanti & Drive to Pokhara
Start early to allow enough time to hike up to Poon Hill (3,210 m), located on a ridge, where you can take in one of the most stunning sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Afterward, return to Ghorepani and descend to Birethanti village before driving to Pokhara.
Overnight: 3-Star hotel in Pokhara
Duration: 5–6 hours trekking + 1–3 hours driving
15
DAY
Drive to Kathmandu
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kathmandu by tourist bus, enjoying scenic views of Nepal’s rivers, rolling hills, and traditional villages along the way. You will reach your hotel in Kathmandu in the evening.
Travel time: 7 to 9 hours
Overnight: 3-Star Hotel, Kathmandu
16
DAY
Final Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your Annapurna Circuit Trek.
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Includes
- Airport arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu.
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu.
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Pokhara.
- Private tourist vehicle from Kathmandu to Dharapani.
- Tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
- Shared local Jeep/Bus from Muktinath to Tatopani via Jomsom.
- Guesthouse accommodation throughout the trek.
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek.
- Experienced, English-speaking licensed trekking guide.
- Porter service (shared between two trekkers).
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
- TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card.
- Guide and porter insurance, salary, meals, and accommodation.
- Comprehensive first aid kit carried by the guide.
- All government taxes and service charges.
Excludes
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- Travel insurance (including emergency helicopter evacuation).
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing.
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, charging, hot showers, etc.).
- Tips for guides and porters.
- Personal medications.
- Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks.
- Extra accommodation or meals due to weather, transportation delays, or personal itinerary changes.
- Any services not specifically mentioned in the Includes section.
Equipment List for Annapurna Circuit Trek - 16 Days
- Sun hat or cap
- Warm beanie
- Buff or neck gaiter
- UV-protection sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Trekking shirts (2–3)
- Fleece jacket
- Insulated down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof shell jacket
- Trekking pants (2 pairs)
- Thermal base layer
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Comfortable shorts (optional)
- Undergarments
- Lightweight trekking gloves
- Insulated waterproof gloves
- Waterproof trekking boots (well broken-in)
- Camp shoes or sandals
- Trekking socks (4–5 pairs)
- Warm wool socks (2 pairs)
- Gaiters (optional)
- Backpack (30–40L)
- Duffel bag (for porter)
- Trekking poles
- Rain cover for backpack
- Sleeping bag (-10°C to -20°C recommended)
- Reusable water bottles or hydration bladder (2–3L)
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Passport and permits
- Personal medications
- Basic first aid kit
- Toiletries
- Quick-dry towel
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Power bank
- Camera and spare batteries
- Snacks and energy bars
- Cash (Nepalese Rupees) for personal expenses
- Earplugs (optional)
Essential Information
Thorong La Pass
The highlight of the trek is crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) which offers an amazing view of the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri. One of the highest trekking peak in the world.
Manang Acclimatization
You will have a day to acclimatize in the village of Manang while taking in the magnificent views of Annapurna II and Gangapurna.
Muktinath Temple
Visit the famed Muktinath Temple, a holy mountain hermitage long desired by Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims as a site of spiritual importance.
Tatopani Hot Springs
Soak in the hot springs of Tatopani to help ease tired muscles from your journey over Thorong La Pass.
Poon Hill Sunrise
Have an unforgettable sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210 m). Great place in Nepal to capture sunrise picture with Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Landscape variety
From subtropical forests and rice paddies to alpine meadows, rocky mountain trails, high-altitude deserts, and glacial peaks - this trek has it all.
Himalayan Culture
A trek through classic Himalayan villages of Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali ethnic groups, offering unique insights into their culture and lifestyles.
Himalayan Mountain Views
A spectacular mountain trekking around Annapurna Massif offering views of towering Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Tilicho Peak, and many others.
3-Star Hotels and Mountain Guesthouses
This trip includes staying in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and mountain guesthouses.
Annapurna Circuit Trek - 16 Days FAQs
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is generally not recommended for beginners due to its demanding nature, which involves extended daily hikes, high-altitude conditions, and the challenging crossing of Thorong La Pass.
The highest point is Thorong La Pass (5,416m).
An acclimatization day in Manang allows trekkers’ bodies to gradually adapt to the increasing altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness before attempting the ascent over Thorong La Pass.
In Kathmandu valley and Pokhara, there will be a 3-star hotel while we will have a guesthouse on the trekking route. In higher altitudes, such as in Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi, the accommodation will be in basic guesthouses.
Yes, you will be provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the trekking trail.
You will need Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card to complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
The high points of Annapurna Circuit Trek include crossing Thorong La pass, visiting Muktinath temple, visiting Tatopani hot springs, viewing sunrise from Poon Hill, and visiting traditional Himalayan villages in the Annapurna region.
The best time to do Annapurna Circuit Trek is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Tatopani hot springs are worth visiting as they help to relax after crossing the Thorong La pass.
After trekking to Birethanti, we will drive down to Pokhara. From Pokhara, we will take a tourist bus to Kathmandu and then our journey will conclude after the last flight from Kathmandu to Kirtipur.
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