ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK 11 DAYS FROM POKHARA
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK 11 DAYS FROM POKHARA
The 11-day Annapurna Circuit Trek is an unforgettable adventure that takes you through diverse landscapes, scenic villages, and high-altitude terrains. Designed by Sherpa Expedition & Trekking, this journey offers the opportunity to explore the Annapurna region in its full glory.
Your trek begins with a drive from Pokhara to Besissahar by local bus, followed by a shared jeep ride to Dharapani. From here, your trek officially starts, and you begin to ascend through lush forests and beautiful villages. The first stop is Chame, a small village offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, where you'll spend the night before continuing the journey.
The trek continues towards Upper Pisang, offering excellent views of Annapurna II and III, as well as Lamjung Himal. You then continue your journey to Manang, passing through Ngawal village, a traditional settlement. Upon reaching Manang, you will have an acclimatization day to rest, hydrate, and adjust to the increasing altitude. During this rest day, you can hike to Lama Cave or explore the Ice Lake.
After acclimatization, you head towards Yak Kharka and then on to Thorong Phedi, with a planned stop at High Camp for better acclimatization. The next day, you tackle the most challenging section of the trek: Thorong La Pass (5,416m). After successfully crossing the pass, you descend to the sacred town of Muktinath.
From Muktinath, you will drive by local bus to Tatopani, where you can relax in natural hot springs, soothing your muscles after the strenuous trek. The following day, you will trek to Ghorepani and hike up to Poon Hill for stunning sunrise views. Finally, you trek down to Nayapul and take a drive back to Pokhara, where your adventure concludes.
This 11-day Annapurna Circuit Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with challenges, breathtaking views, and cultural exploration.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Drive from Pokhara to Dharapani (1,960m) Duration: 8-9 hours.
The adventure begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Dharapani. You’ll travel by local bus or private vehicle along winding roads, passing lush landscapes and small villages. The drive takes around 8-9 hours and offers fantastic views of the Himalayas as you approach the starting point of the trek. Once in Dharapani, you'll rest for the night, preparing for the days ahead.
Day 2 : Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,760m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
On Day 2, the trek begins in earnest as you head from Dharapani to Chame. The trail takes you through picturesque villages and dense forests, following the Marsyangdi River. As you climb, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Manaslu. After a long day of walking, you’ll arrive at Chame, a lovely village surrounded by tall peaks.
Day 3 : Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
On the third day, the trek continues towards Upper Pisang. The trail ascends gradually, passing through beautiful forests, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. As you reach Upper Pisang, you are treated to fantastic views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. The village is a perfect spot to enjoy the peace and serenity of the mountains.
Day 4 : Trek from Pisang to Manang (3,500m) via Ngawal Village Duration: 8-9 hours.
This day will take you from Pisang to Manang via the traditional village of Ngawal. The trail climbs steadily, and the landscape shifts from dense forest to alpine meadows. The village of Ngawal offers stunning views of the Annapurna range. Continuing onwards, you’ll arrive in Manang, where you’ll have a chance to explore the local Tibetan culture and get ready for your acclimatization day tomorrow.
Day 5 : Rest Day at Manang for Acclimatization.
This is your first rest day to allow your body to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. Manang is situated at 3,500 meters, and it's essential to give yourself time to adjust. You can hike to Lama Cave, visit Ice Lake, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The rest day will help reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Day 6 : Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,200m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
After your rest day, the trek continues towards Yak Kharka, a small village at 4,200m. The journey is relatively short, allowing for an easy day of hiking. As you walk through barren, high-altitude landscapes, the views of the towering peaks of the Annapurna and Gangapurna mountains will keep you motivated. Yak Kharka is a peaceful spot to rest for the night.
Day 7 : Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m) Duration: 3-4 hours.
Today’s trek takes you from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi, situated at the base of the famous Thorong La Pass. This is a relatively short day to help with acclimatization, as the altitude begins to rise significantly. Thorong Phedi is a small village that serves as the base for the crossing of Thorong La Pass the next day.
Day 8 : Trek to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass (5,416m) Duration: 7-8 hours.
This is the most challenging day of the trek, as you will cross the Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world. Starting early in the morning, you’ll ascend through snow and ice, eventually reaching the pass where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Himalayas. After descending, you’ll continue to Muktinath, a sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site. The day’s trek is long and strenuous but rewarding.
Day 9 : Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani (1,200m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
After the challenging day at Thorong La, you’ll drive from Muktinath to Tatopani, a relaxing hot spring village located at 1,200m. The drive takes around 6-7 hours and offers incredible views of the Kali Gandaki River and surrounding landscapes. In Tatopani, you can unwind and enjoy a soothing soak in the natural hot springs, a perfect way to relax your muscles after the trek.
Day 10 : Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,860m) Duration: 7-8 hours.
The journey from Tatopani to Ghorepani is a beautiful trek through lush forests and traditional villages. As you ascend, you’ll begin to notice the landscape changing to the alpine terrain of the higher Himalayas. The trail offers fantastic views of Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and other towering peaks. By the end of the day, you’ll reach Ghorepani, a small village where you can rest for the night.
Day 11 : Hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) & Trek to Nayapul & Drive to Pokhara (850m) Duration: 7-9 hours.
On your final day, you’ll wake up early to hike to Poon Hill for a sunrise view over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The panoramic views are one of the highlights of the trek. After soaking in the spectacular views, you’ll trek down to Nayapul, where a vehicle will take you back to Pokhara. The trek concludes with a scenic drive back to Pokhara, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible journey.
SERVICES
Cost Included in Your Package
- Drive from Pokhara to Besisahar by local bus and Besisahar to Dharapani by local shared Jeep.
- Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani by local bus & Nayapul to Pokhara by private car at the end of the trek.
- Tea House/Lodge accommodation during the trek.
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) are provided throughout the trek.
- Experienced and qualified trek leader (guide) with a government license, and an assistant trekking guide for groups of 8 or more trekkers.
- Porter service: One porter for every two trekkers to help carry your luggage.
- Porters' coverage: Their salary, food, accommodation, insurance, and safety equipment.
- The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee is included.
- The Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee is covered.
- Use of trekking gear: Sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking poles (if you don't have your own), to be returned after the trek.
- Assistance with emergency rescue operations (funded by your travel insurance) in case of severe health conditions.
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking appreciation certificate after completing the trek.
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate twice daily, ensuring your health and safety during the trek.
Cost Not Included in Your Package
- International Flight to and from Nepal.
- Nepal entry visa fee: Visas can be obtained easily on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. The fees are as follows:
- $30 USD for a 15-day visa
- $50 USD for a 30-day visa
- $125 USD for a 90-day visa
- Accommodation and meals in Pokhara (other than those provided during the trek).
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from trekking for any reason outside the scheduled itinerary.
- Personal expenses such as shopping, snacks, bar bills, tea, coffee, hot water, bottled or boiled water, shower fees, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone calls, battery recharges, extra porters, etc.
- Personal clothing and gear not provided in the package.
- Travel insurance: It is strongly recommended to have insurance that covers trekking in high-altitude areas.
- Tips for your guide and porters, which is customary in Nepali culture.
- Additional costs or delays caused by circumstances beyond our control, such as landscape changes, bad weather, itinerary modifications for safety, illness, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, or other unforeseen events.
- NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any other reason, expenses for flights, hotels, meals, and other services are nonrefundable. You will be responsible for any additional costs incurred in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
- Sleeping Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Duffel Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Waterproof windbreaker or windcheater
- Thermal underclothes
- Rain poncho
- Down jacket (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece or wool trousers
- Sun hat or scarf
- Trekking pants (two pairs)
- Mittens or woolen gloves
- Hiking socks (several pairs)
- Moisture-wicking shirts, including t-shirts
- Trekking shoes or boots with spare laces
- Flip-flops or sandals for relaxing in the evenings
- Underwear (several pairs)
- Swimsuit or swimming costume
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp or flashlight/torch
- Sleeping bag (Sherpa Teams can provide this for you)
- Trekking poles (if desired)
- Hiking backpack with a capacity of at least 40 liters
- Small lock for your backpack
- Reusable water bottles (at least two liters)
- Water purification tablets or filtration device
- Wash towel
- Basic first aid kit
Toiletries (tissues, toilet paper, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, sanitary pads, hand sanitizer, nail clippers, a small mirror, toothbrush, toothpaste, glasses, contacts, etc.)
GOOD TO KNOW
1. Best Time to Trek 🌞
The ideal time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is stable, and the trekking conditions are perfect, offering clear skies and stunning views. Avoid trekking in the monsoon season (June to August) due to slippery trails and heavy rainfall, and the winter season (December to February) as cold temperatures can make the trek more challenging.
2. Accommodation During the Trek 🛌
Throughout the trek, you'll be staying in teahouses/lodges. These simple, family-run accommodations offer a warm and welcoming environment. While basic, they provide essential services such as hot meals, comfortable beds, and hot showers in most places (though they may cost extra in higher altitudes). In more remote areas, the accommodations may be more basic, but they still offer a chance to connect with the local culture.
3. Altitude and Acclimatization 🏔️
Altitude sickness can affect trekkers above 3,000 meters. To prevent this, we’ve included a rest day at Manang for acclimatization. This is vital to give your body time to adjust to the high altitude before crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters). It’s important to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and take it slow during your trek.
4. Food on the Trek 🍽️
The trek offers a variety of local Nepali dishes such as dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momoz (dumplings), and Tibetan bread. These meals are simple yet nutritious, perfect for maintaining energy throughout the trek. Vegetarian options are available, and tea houses cater to most dietary requirements, but it’s always a good idea to bring some snacks for the trail.
5. Permits and Fees 🏞️
To trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area and the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System), you will need to obtain two permits. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card are mandatory, and the fees for these are included in the trek package.
6. Trek Difficulty 🥾
The Annapurna Circuit is considered a moderate to challenging trek. It involves some steep ascents and descents, especially near the Thorong La Pass. Proper preparation is essential, and we recommend having prior trekking experience or being in good physical condition for the best experience.
7. Local Culture and Etiquette 🌍
The Annapurna region is home to a rich mix of Tibetan, Gurung, and Manangi cultures. Respecting local customs, like greeting with a polite “Namaste”, is important. Be mindful of the sacredness of places like Muktinath, and always ask before taking photos of locals or sacred sites.
8. Travel Insurance 🚑
Travel insurance is highly recommended for this trek, especially to cover emergency evacuation, medical emergencies, and trip cancellation. Ensure your insurance covers high-altitude trekking and evacuation, which can be essential in case of unforeseen circumstances.
9. Luggage and Gear 🎒
Pack wisely for the trek! Make sure you bring comfortable hiking boots, warm clothing (layers for cold weather), waterproof gear, and sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen). You can also rent some gear in Pokhara or Manang if necessary.
10. Safety and Guide 🧑🚀
A licensed and experienced Sherpa guide will accompany you throughout the trek to ensure safety, manage the logistics, and provide local insights. You’ll also have porters to help carry your belongings, which ensures you can focus on enjoying the journey.
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FAQS
What is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a classic trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It takes trekkers through diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, and offers breathtaking views of some of the world's highest peaks, including Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare.
How long does the Annapurna Circuit Trek take?
The trek generally takes around 7-15 days, depending on the specific route and itinerary. The trek can be customized to shorter or longer durations, with typical packages ranging from 9 days to 21 days.
What is the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit?
The best times to trek the Annapurna Circuit are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and the best trekking conditions. Avoid trekking in monsoon season (June to August) and winter (December to February) due to heavy rainfall and snow at higher altitudes.
Do I need prior trekking experience for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
While prior trekking experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered moderate to challenging. It is important to be in good physical condition, as the trek involves steep ascents, high altitudes, and some difficult sections.
What is the maximum altitude on the trek?
The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet). Proper acclimatization, hydration, and slow progression are essential to avoid altitude sickness.
Is there accommodation available along the trek?
Yes, there are teahouses or lodges along the entire Annapurna Circuit, where trekkers can stay. These offer basic facilities such as a bed, hot meals, and sometimes hot showers. Higher up, the accommodations may be simpler.
Will I need a guide and porter for the trek?
While it is not mandatory to hire a guide and porter, it is highly recommended for safety, navigation, and support. A Sherpa guide can help with logistics, and a porter can assist in carrying your luggage. This makes the trek more enjoyable and manageable.
What permits do I need for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
You will need two permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trek:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trek.
What should I pack for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Essential items to pack include hiking boots, warm layers, waterproof clothing, sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat), water bottle, snacks, first aid kit, and a headlamp. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery!
What happens if I get sick or injured on the trek?
It’s essential to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuations. In case of sickness, particularly from altitude sickness, the guide will help you descend to a lower altitude for recovery. If necessary, arrangements for a helicopter evacuation can be made.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
100%
Based On 5402 Reviews
Emily White
Canada
March 4, 2025
Perfectly Organized and Beautiful Trek
My experience with Sherpa Lhakpa was fantastic! He was incredibly attentive to all of my needs and always had a smile on his face. The trek to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes was well-organized by the Sherpa Expedition team. Every detail, from the teahouses to the trekking gear, was taken care of. The views along the way were absolutely breathtaking, and I’ll never forget the moment I reached Everest Base Camp.
Poornapragnya P R
India
December 29, 2024
Outstanding experience!
This trek is probably the best starting point for people planning to trek the peaks in the Everest Region. The trek difficulty is moderate for an absolutely unprepared person, and easy for experienced hikers. The trek is filled with stunning beauty of the very diverse Himalayan terrain. It was a fine experience with dense forests, plain mountains and rocky regions. The trek to the summit was exceptional, and I witnessed the sunrise of a lifetime at the summit, along with a great panoramic view of Mt. Everest and the Greater Himalayan Range. Climatic conditions were good, except for very strong wind on the way to the summit from base camp. I profusely thank Mr. Lhakpa Sona, the Sherpa who was with me throughout the trek, making accommodation and food arrangements during the trek, and for guiding me at each step as it was my first Himalayan trek. I also thank Mr. Ang Giljin the porter, who carried my personal effects and luggage and was incredibly supportive. Finally, I thank Mr. Ram Barakoti for organizing this trek for me. I'm already making plans for my next trek to Gokyo valley and Mt. Gokyo Ri summit with Lhakpa, as the next step towards my dream of summiting Mt. Everest. Thank you Sherpa Expedition and Trekking Pvt. Ltd. ! Let's meet again soon.
Victoria Rowland
Australia
October 23, 2024
A Journey Beyond Expectations
I embarked on the Annapurna Circuit trek with Sherpa Expedition & Trekking, and it exceeded all my expectations. The professionalism of the staff was evident from the start. Our guide was not only skilled but also friendly, making the trek enjoyable and educational. The landscapes were jaw-dropping, with diverse terrain and charming villages. Every day brought new wonders, and the support from the Sherpa team made all the difference. I can’t wait to return for another adventure!
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