11 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek

Embark on the 11-day Annapurna Circuit trek, starting from Kathmandu with a scenic drive to Bhulbhule and Chame, trekking through stunning Himalayan landscapes from Pisang to Thorung La Pass, and concluding with cultural experiences in Pokhara and Kathmandu. Perfect for adventure seekers in Nepal.

The **11-day Annapurna Circuit trek** is one of Nepal’s most iconic trekking routes, offering adventurers a perfect combination of stunning landscapes, cultural immersion, and exhilarating high-altitude challenges. The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to the village of Bhulbhule, passing through terraced hills, vibrant villages, and rivers fed by Himalayan glaciers. As the drive continues toward Chame, the air grows crisper, and the towering peaks of the Annapurna range come into view. Chame is a quaint town nestled in the mountains, marking the starting point of the trekking adventure. The anticipation builds as you step onto the trail, surrounded by pine forests, waterfalls, and majestic mountain vistas.

From Chame, the trail leads toward Pisang, with each step revealing more breathtaking scenery. Along the way, you’ll cross suspension bridges swaying over deep gorges and pass through small, peaceful villages where the influence of Tibetan culture is strongly felt. Pisang is one such village, offering panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. As you continue toward Manang, the landscape shifts dramatically. Lush forests give way to more barren, rocky terrain, signaling the increasing altitude. Manang, a vibrant village perched in the heart of the Himalayas, is an essential acclimatization stop on the trek. With time to rest and explore, you can enjoy stunning views of Gangapurna and Annapurna III, visit the local monastery, or walk to the nearby Gangapurna Glacier.

Leaving Manang, the trek continues toward the remote settlement of Yak Kharka. This section of the trail is less populated, offering a serene and introspective experience. The landscape becomes more rugged, with yak pastures and sweeping mountain views dominating the scene. The higher altitude is felt more keenly, but the breathtaking scenery makes every step worth it. After a night’s rest, the path leads toward Thorung Phedi, the base camp for the challenging Thorung La Pass. The anticipation builds as you prepare for the highlight of the trek—the crossing of Thorung La.

Thorung La Pass, standing at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), is one of the highest trekking passes in the world and offers an awe-inspiring experience for every trekker who crosses it. The climb is steep and requires careful pacing, but the reward is the sweeping panorama of the Himalayas stretching as far as the eye can see. As you stand at the pass, the grandeur of the surrounding peaks and the sheer scale of the landscape make the effort feel like a small price to pay for such a magnificent view. After crossing the pass, the trail descends toward the sacred town of Muktinath. Muktinath is a revered pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, known for its eternal flame and natural springs. Here, you can take a moment to reflect on the spiritual significance of the place while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.

From Muktinath, scenic drive to Jomsom, where you’ll catch a flight to the picturesque lakeside city of Pokhara. The contrast between the high-altitude trekking and the tranquil beauty of Pokhara is striking. Surrounded by lush hills and the serene waters of Phewa Lake, Pokhara offers a peaceful respite after the challenges of the trek. You can relax by the lake, explore the city’s lively markets, or simply soak in the views of the Annapurna range reflected in the water if time permitted.

The adventure concludes with a flight back to Kathmandu, where a cultural Nepali dinner awaits. This final celebration brings together the flavors, music, and dance of Nepal, offering a perfect ending to an unforgettable journey. As you reflect on the days spent trekking through the Annapurna region, the memories of the landscapes, the people, and the personal triumphs achieved along the way will stay with you long after the trek is over.

The **Annapurna Circuit trek** is a must-do for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. It offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration, high-altitude trekking, and natural beauty, with each step bringing new discoveries and experiences. Whether it’s the thrill of crossing Thorung La, the peaceful moments in Manang, or the warmth of the local hospitality, this trek promises an experience like no other in the heart of the Nepalese Himalayas.

Why you'll love 11 Days Annapurna circuit Trek ?

• Thorong La Pass Summit: Conquer the exhilarating Thorong La Pass, reaching an impressive altitude of 5,416 meters, and savor breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas.
• Muktinath Temple Exploration: Discover the cultural richness at Muktinath Temple, a sacred site with 108 stone sprouts and an eternal flame, providing a spiritual and picturesque experience.
• Charming Village Encounters: Immerse yourself in the local culture as you explore quaint villages like Pisang and Manang, where warm hospitality and traditional customs create memorable encounters.
• Diverse Landscapes: Trek through a diverse terrain that transitions from lush lowlands to rugged landscapes, offering a visual feast of nature's beauty throughout the Annapurna region.

Start on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, a 11-day adventure featuring the exhilarating Thorong La Pass, cultural exploration in charming villages, and spiritual encounters at Muktinath Temple. Immerse yourself in diverse landscapes and gain insights at the Himalayan Rescue Association for a safe and unforgettable trekking experience.

Optional Activities:

• Kathmandu-Rickshaw tour: Price on request 
• Kathmandu-Everest Scenic flight to see Highest peak of the world: US$ 250 Per person 

Notes:

• Rates are per person on twin/double sharing, inclusive of all taxes.
• Optional activities are subject to availability and can be done if time permits and of interest.
• Sightseeing timings may vary based on local operator decisions, weather, and traffic.
• No refund for cancellations after the tour starts.
• Supplementary charges apply for guides in Spanish, German, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc. as per request.

The daily expenses per person listed below are based on market estimates and can vary slightly depending on the hotels, shops, and restaurants you choose, as well as your spending habits. We recommend using services outside of hotels, such as local restaurants, department stores, and markets, to save money.

Upon your arrival in Nepal, we will guide you on how to save money during your tour. This information is provided to help you estimate your tour budget.

This information is only for the city area. On the trekking route, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

CLIMATE & BEST TIME TO GO

The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring offers blooming rhododendrons, pleasant temperatures, and clear skies, while autumn provides stable weather and stunning mountain views. Winter (December to February) is quieter but very cold, with snow possibly blocking Thorong La Pass. Monsoon (June to August) brings heavy rains, slippery trails, and obscured views but lush green landscapes. For ideal conditions, aim for late March to May or mid-September to early December.

RESCUE/EVACUATIONS

In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we hope will not happen; you shall be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back in Kathmandu.

INSURANCE

It is recommended of joining any of Destination Nepal Tours & Travels trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we do not arrange insurance. Please note that your insurance should be covered 5600m

VISA

All visitors (except Indian nationals) must have a valid passport and visa to enter Nepal. Visas are available at Nepalese embassies/consulates or entry points. To avoid queues, complete the online visa form within 10 days of your arrival date. Children under 10 are exempt from visa fees. Citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan are not eligible for visas on arrival. Check official sources for updates. Click here

VISA FEES

15 Days:   30 US$
30 Days:   50 US$
90 Days: 125 US$

For more details; Visit Immigration website

PASSPORT AND VISAS:

You must have a valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond your trip) and all required visas, permits, and certificates for your destinations. Ensure you possess the correct documents as outlined in the Trip Notes. We are not responsible for entry refusal due to missing or incorrect travel documentation.

TIPPING

Tips are appreciated by your support team after the trip. Tips are not mandatory in Nepal but recommended. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. Where restaurant meals are involved, the tipping is usually 10% of the bill. We would like to request all travelers to give tips separately for driver & guide. Our suggestion is US$ 5 per day by per tourist to driver if same driver is there for whole trip & US$ 10 per day to guide.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Your booking will be confirmed via email after a 40% deposit of the total trip cost is made through our payment gateway via credit/debit card. The remaining 60% is payable upon arrival in Kathmandu. You may pay the 40% deposit by card or cash, with at least 20% required in cash (USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, CAD, JPY, or SGD).

CANCELATION

If the traveler cancels, the agency charges a cancellation fee based on the following:

• 20% if canceled up to 30 days before the trip
• 30% if canceled 15-29 days before the trip
• 60% if canceled 7-14 days before the trip
• 90% if canceled 6 or fewer days before the trip or in case of no-show

There is no charge for postponing the trip.

Ultimate Packing Checklist for Annapurna circuit trek (TripAdvisor Recommended)

Clothing

1. Base Layers:
   • Moisture-wicking thermal tops (2–3)
   • Thermal leggings (1–2)
2. Insulation Layers:
   • Fleece jacket or down jacket (lightweight but warm)
3. Outer Layers:
   • Waterproof and windproof jacket
   • Waterproof trekking pants
4. Trekking Shirts:
   • Quick-dry T-shirts (3–4)
   • Long-sleeve trekking shirts (2–3)
5. Trousers:
   • Lightweight trekking pants (2–3)
   • Comfortable evening pants for teahouses
6. Undergarments:
   • Quick-dry underwear (5–6 pairs)
   • Sports bras (for women)
7. Headwear:
   • Sun hat
   • Warm beanie or woolen hat
   • Buff or scarf for dust/sun protection
8. Gloves:
   • Thermal gloves
   • Waterproof outer gloves

Footwear

1. Trekking Boots: Waterproof and broken-in.
2. Camp Shoes: Lightweight for evenings (e.g., sandals or crocs).
3. Socks:
   • Wool trekking socks (3–4 pairs)
   • Liner socks to prevent blisters (optional).

Gear

1. Backpack:
   • 40-50L backpack with a rain cover.
   • Daypack (if you have porters).
2. Sleeping Bag:
   • Rated for -10°C to -15°C (rentable in Nepal).
3. Trekking Poles: Adjustable and collapsible.
4. Headlamp: With extra batteries.
5. Water Bottles/Bladder: 2-3L capacity.
6. Water Purification: Tablets, SteriPEN, or a filter.
7. Microspikes (optional): For icy sections (useful in winter)

Toiletries

1. Travel towel
2. Biodegradable soap and shampoo
3. Toothbrush and toothpaste
4. Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
5. Lip balm with SPF
6. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
7. Feminine hygiene products (if needed).

First Aid & Medications

1. Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, etc.).
2. Diamox (for altitude sickness).
3. Painkillers, anti-diarrheal pills, and rehydration salts.
4. Blister treatment (Compeed or moleskin).

Other Essentials

1. Passport and permits (TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit).
2. Snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolates).
3. Cash (small denominations for teahouses).
4. Power bank and charging cables.
5. Trekking map or guidebook.
6. Notebook and pen (optional).

Extras (Optional)

1. Camera and spare batteries.
2. Lightweight book or Kindle.
3. Playing cards or small games.
4. Earplugs (for noisy teahouses).