The 16-day Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT) is the most adventurous lodge trek. It is a 12-day mountain-walking trip in Nepal's Annapurna region, starting in Kathmandu and ending in Pokhara. It goes to the highest point, 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), Thorong La Pass, and costs full board with all meals included in the mountains, three nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast, and 1 night in Pokhara, public and tourist bus transport, trekking permits, and a guide, at 950-1190 USD.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Trip Facts
Duration
16 Days
Trip Grade
Moderate to Strenuous
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
5416 meters
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Group Size
1-10
Activities
Trekking and Cultural Tour
Best Time
September to December and March to May
A Quick Glimpse
- Trip Duration: 16 Days
- Trekking Duration: 10 Days
- Starting Point: Kathmandu
- Ending Point: Kathmandu
- Maximum Elevation: 5,416 meters (17,769 feet)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
- Best Seasons: September to December and March to May
- Key Highlights: Mountain views, waterfalls, religious monuments, landscapes, lush forests, hot springs, high Himalayan desert land, Adventure high pass, tranquil lakes, mountain lifestyle of highlanders, wildlife, and more
- Mountain Views: Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and more
- Customizable: Yes
The ACT is also known as the Throng La Pass trek. The trip offers different natural beauties every day. The hike gradually leads from a low-elevation subtropical climate to the high-alpine drylands. It again brings you back to a similar environment at the end as at the beginning.
At the beginning of the trip, you see terraced rice fields, and then walk higher, where you see different farmlands where people grow potatoes, buckwheat, and other crops that do not need plenty of water. There are various ethnic groups along the Annapurna Circuit, making it the best trek to explore different cultures, religions, and ways of life, in addition to its charming nature.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulties
The Annapurna Circuit is a challenging trek because of a high pass, Throng La. It will be accessible on the other days except for crossing Throng Pass. However, some trekking days in the lower region can be challenging due to longer walks with ups and downs.
Regular trekkers and hikers will find the Annapurna Circuit more difficult. However, first-time trekkers with strong determination can also take this trip. Still, they must have some hiking experience or a few months of physical training before going on the trek.
The altitude problem makes the trek significantly more difficult when you cross Manang. Less vegetation and less oxygen in the air make breathing difficult in this area. After Manang, you need to amble and stop sometimes to catch your breath until Throng La passes. Also, the long downhill walk after the pass is challenging for those with knee problems. If there is snow on the trail, it even makes it harder to walk.
Trekking Preparation for Annapurna Circuit
Preparation helps ensure a successful trek on the Annapurna Circuit and other adventure mountain trips. First, have the mindset that you can do it. A positive mindset plays a vital role in completing any adventure activity, so you must have a favorable determination for the trip.
Of course! It is a strenuous trip, so you must be physically fit with hiking practice and muscle training. Hiking a few hours daily on up-and-down trails is best. Or, you can walk a couple of days a week for a few months before you go on this trek. Remember to carry 5-6 kg of weight during hiking training. You will take this much-needed daypack on the Annapurna Circuit trip.
Besides mental and physical preparation for this adventure, the Annapurna trek, you can also do muscle exercises in the gym and run a few kilometers daily. Focus on your leg and thigh exercises, which keep your legs strong, and walk on a variety of uphill and downhill trails.
Best Time to Trek to Annapurna Circuit
The trekking trail to the Annapurna Circuit is sometimes blocked for a year due to heavy snow. Cloudy days also sometimes block the high mountains. When is the best time to trek there? You will enjoy it a lot if you visit in the right season. Check information about recommended timing or seasons for the ACT.
Autumn Season
Autumn is the best time to trek in the Nepalese Himalayas and the Annapurna Circuit. You find autumn the most prominent season to visit, but when is autumn in Nepal? These three months of September, October, and November are the autumn months, the dedicated months to trek to the Annapurna Circuit. Although the first half of September is considered the late monsoon season, there can still be rainy days, and clouds can cover the mountains.
Autumn comes right after heavy rainfall, so the monsoon rains clear the haze and the weather. This season, you see dark green forests, giant waterfalls, and rivers along the Annapurna Circuit. If you are thinking about the ACT in autumn, you are choosing a perfect time, so book the trip now with us for autumn 2026.
Spring Season
Spring is the second-best season to trek the Annapurna Circuit. The temperatures remain warmer in the Annapurna region this season than in autumn. Spring can be ideal for you if you love walking in warm weather.
Spring is a dry season, and lower areas will be hazy. You cannot see the mountains from a long distance. Still, once you reach closer to the Annapurna Himalayas, you will see stunning mountain views. Spring is known as the king of the seasons because flowers bloom everywhere, and nature looks colorful. You see magnificently blooming rhododendrons in the lower areas while trekking on the Annapurna Circuit trail.
We suggest walking early and reaching the camp earlier every day, as it might rain and hail in the lower region and snow in the higher areas in the evening sometimes this season.
Trek Cost for Annapurna Circuit
The cost for the Annapurna Circuit depends on the service inclusions and exclusions. It costs 1550 USD for a single trekker. It may be cheaper to book the trip for multiple trekkers simultaneously. Check the cost details below according to the group size:
- 1 Trekker: 1190 USD – Book this trip from the top right booking section
- 2-4 Trekkers: 1075 USD – Book Now
- 5- 10 Trekkers: 950 USD – Book Now
We offer special discounts for families, tour leaders, and larger groups. To take advantage of this offer, please contact us directly or through WhatsApp at +977 9851043624.
Get Annapurna Circuit Adventure Experience with Frolic Adventure
Frolic Adventure is a trusted local trekking operator for the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. We have been operating this trip since 2016. Our experienced government-authorized guides lead you on the trek. We arrange a hassle-free, safe, and memorable full-board trip for you.
Our cost is very reasonable, and you can also get a special discount for the ACT. We use an easy payment system so that you can make secure online payments. We do not add hidden costs, so lace up your boots, pack trekking equipment, and be ready for the Adventure Annapurna Circuit Trek now.
You’ll Explore on the Trip
Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,429 feet.)
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our representative will warmly receive and escort you to your hotel. After checking in, you can relax at the hotel or consider taking a stroll around the vicinity or the market. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Max Altitude: 1,350m (4,429ft)
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
Mode of Transportation: Private Car/Jeep/Van
Day 2
Trip Meeting and Trek Preparation Day (Optional, Kathmandu Cultural Heritage Tour)
Today, we have a short meeting with an operator from Frolic Adventure to prepare for the trek. Optionally, we suggest the Kathmandu Cultural Heritage Tour, including visits to Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath, and Bouddhanath. These four sites are UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites, and you can learn a lot about ancient Nepalese history, culture, religion, art, architecture, and more with our expert tour guide, given Nepal's recent conditions.
Max Altitude: 1,350m (4,429ft)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahir (760 meters (2,493 feet) - 6 hrs
After breakfast at the hotel, the guide takes you to the tourist bus station and drives you to Besisahar, a journey of around 6 hours along a winding hillside road. While driving, you will enjoy the views of green hills, rivers, valleys, farming terraces, traditional villages, and more. You will stay overnight in Besisahar at a guesthouse.
Max Altitude: 760m (2,493ft)
Duration: 590
Duration: 6-7 Hours
Distance: 174-175 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Tourist Bus
Day 4
Drive from Besisahar to Chame 2,710 meters ( 8,891 feet) 4-5 hrs
After breakfast at the guesthouse in Besisahar, you will drive to Chame in a shared jeep through traditional villages such as Bhulbhule, Jagat, Chyamche, and Dharapani, enjoying views of beautiful waterfalls, landscapes, and more as you follow the Marsyangdi River. Overnight in a guesthouse in Chame.
Max Altitude: 2,710m (8,891ft)
Altitude Gain: 1950
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Distance: 66-67 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Sharing Jeep
Day 5
Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang. (3,300 m / 10,826 feet.) 5 hrs
You'll go through the deep forest into a steep and narrow valley. After crossing two long bridges, you'll enjoy the view of the mighty Pangdi Danda rock face. Further ahead, you enter the Swargadwari region, which translates to 'Gateway to Heaven in Nepali.' A short distance from here lies the Pisang village. Overnight stay at Pisang.
Max Altitude: 3,300m (10,826ft)
Altitude Gain: 590
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Distance: 13-14 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Walk
Day 6
Trek from Pisang to Manang (3,540 m / 11,614 feet.) 5 hrs
The trail here on is drier until the top. Also, you will be less likely to encounter vegetation in a rain-shadow area. The region's inhabitants mainly breed yaks, as the crop season lasts only a few months. Walking along the Marsayangdi River, you'll reach Munchi. From here, you'll route towards Humde. The trail continues along the beautiful but partially hidden village of Braga, which makes its way to Manang. Overnight stay at Manang.
There are two routes: upper, through Ghyaru and Ngwal, and lower, through Humde. You can take either route based on your physical condition and interests. There are almost no jeeps and bikes on the upper route, but the lower route has more jeep driving and will be dusty.
Max Altitude: 3,540m (11,614ft)
Altitude Gain: 340
Duration: 5-7 Hours
Distance: 17 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Walk
Day 7
Acclimatization day at Manang
Today, you'll spend the day acclimatizing to Manang Valley. You will take a short hike around the village and gain some altitude to prepare for the more challenging part of the trek. The valley lies to the north of Tibet and has a history of yak herding and salt trade with neighboring Tibet. A few of the surrounding mountains you'll enjoy are Gangapurna (7454 m), Tilicho Peak (7134 m), and Thorung Peak (6144 m). Overnight stay at Manang
Max Altitude: 3,540m (11,614ft)
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Walk
Day 8
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka. (4,050 m / 13,287 feet.) 4-5 hours
Upward the Manang valley, you'll cross a stream and climb towards Tengi village. From here, you'll head out of Marsayangdi Valley and northwest to Jharsang Khola Valley. The trail continues northward, passing pastures and juniper trees. En route, you'll reach Ghunsang village, a typical Tibetan village with flat-mud roof houses and yak pastures. After crossing a small river, you'll go up towards Yak Kharka. Overnight stay at Yak Kharka.
Max Altitude: 4,050m (13,287ft)
Altitude Gain: 510
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Distance: 10-11 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Walk
Day 9
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi (4,450 m / 14,599 feet.) or High Camp (4,800 m / 15,748.)3 - 4 hrs
Today, you'll make your way toward Thorung Phedi, which lies at the foot of Thorung La Pass. After climbing a ridge, you'll head down and cross the Marsayangdi River. The trail here follows a narrow path towards Thorung Phedi. Overnight stay at Thorung Phedi or high camp.
Max Altitude: 4,800m (15,748ft)
Altitude Gain: 750
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Distance: 7-8 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Walk
Day 10
Cross the Thorung La Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 feet.) and Trek to Muktinath. (3,760 m / 12,335 feet.) 7 - 8 hrs
You'll start the trek early, as crossing the Thorung La Pass is essential before the weather worsens later in the day. Today, you'll complete the Thorung La Pass (5,416 m) trek, the highest pass in the region. You can see a panorama of majestic Himalayan peaks from the top, inside Tibet. It also includes the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit trek. From the top, you'll go downwards towards the village of Muktinath. Both Hindus and Buddhists revere Muktinath. You can explore the temple premises before checking in at the lodge. Overnight stay at Muktinath.
Max Altitude: 3,760m (12,335ft)
Altitude Gain: 616
Duration: 1656
Duration: 7-8 Hours
Distance: 14 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Walk
Day 11
Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani (1,190 m / 3,904 feet) 5 hrs
Today, you'll drive down to Tatopani. You will see some interesting agricultural patterns along the way. While driving to Tatopani today, you pass Kagbeni, Jomsom, Marpha, and many other towns and visit the region's biggest waterfall, Rupse, and the world's deepest river gorge, Kali Gandaki. Overnight in Tatopani.
Max Altitude: 1,190m (3,904ft)
Duration: 2570
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Distance: 70-74 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Public Bus
Day 12
Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850 m / 9,350 feet.) 7 - 8 hrs
Today, you'll start from Tatopani and trek to Ghorepani village. Ghorepani is a popular tourist site. It may require a good amount of uphill hiking to reach the town. Once at Ghorepani, you can enjoy the close-up view of the Annapurna massif, Machhapuchhre (6997 m), and other surrounding mountains. The trail up northeast converges with the popular Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Max Altitude: 2,850m (9,350ft)
Altitude Gain: 1660
Duration: 7-8 Hours
Distance: 15-16 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Walk
Day 13
Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Tikhedhunga/Hille (1,540 m / 5,052 feet.) 5-6 hrs
In the morning, you'll make a scenic hike to Poon Hill. Poon Hill is a tourist landmark that offers beautiful views of sunrise and sunset, as well as up-close views of the surrounding mountains in the Annapurna region. After a brief hike, you'll start descending toward the village of Tikhedhunga. The descent will be relatively easy, and you will pass through thickly spread settlements of Gurung communities along the way. Overnight stay at Tikhedhunga.
Max Altitude: 1,540m (5,052ft)
Altitude Gain: 360
Duration: 1310
Duration: 5-6 Hours
Distance: 11-12 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Mode of Transportation: Walk
Day 14
Trek from Tikhedhunga/Hille to Birethanti (1,070 m / 3,510 feet.) 3 hrs and Drive to Pokhara (8,20 m / 2,690 feet.) 1 hrs
From Tikhedhunga, you'll go down to Nayapul, the starting point for the Annapurna Base Camp trek. It's a short downhill hike. From Nayapul, you'll catch a car/jeep to Pokhara. The short drive will take you to the scenic city of Pokhara. One of Nepal's most popular tourist destinations, Pokhara boasts a wide range of activities, including boating, cycling, sightseeing, bungee jumping, and paragliding for adventure enthusiasts. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
Max Altitude: 820m (2,690ft)
Duration: 720
Duration: 4-5 Hrs
Distance: 40-45 KM
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
Mode of Transportation: Private Car/Jeep/Van
Day 15
Drive back to Kathmandu (6-7 hrs.)—farewell dinner with Frolic Adventure
Today, you'll drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. While bidding farewell to Pokhara City, you'll get a constant view of Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre at a distance. The drive may last around 6 hours and take you through the winding mountain roads of Nepal. Once in Kathmandu, check in at the hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner with us in the evening. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Max Altitude: 1,350m (4,429ft)
Altitude Gain: 530
Duration: 6-7 Hours
Distance: 200 KM
Meals: Breakfast+Dinner
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
Mode of Transportation: Tourist Bus
Day 16
Departure to the International Airport
Our representative will drop you off at the airport today. You can share your holiday experience and future travel plans with us on your way.
Meals: Breakfast
Mode of Transportation: Private Car/Jeep/Van
Annapurna Circuit Trekking 16-day itinerary begins with your arrival at Kathmandu Airport. It ends with the final departure for your International Flight. It also includes a full-day Kathmandu Tour on the second day. However, it will be a 12-day itinerary from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
The trek begins in Kathmandu, and the drive to Dharapani is long. Then, on the second day, the walking journey of the Annapurna Circuit begins, and it goes to Chame. After Chame, it goes to Pisang on the third day and Manang on the fourth day.
The fifth day of the Annapurna Circuit trip is an altitude-practice day in Manang, with a short day trip to Gangapurna Glacier or Parken Gumba (100 Lama). You can also visit Ice Lake or Milaripa Cave if you love to explore a long day trip from Manang.
After being well acclimatized in Manang, the trip goes to Yak Kharka or Ledar on the sixth day, a comparatively short day of the Annapurna Circuit Itinerary. Then, on the seventh day of the ACT, it goes to Thorong Phedi or High Camp.
You cross Thorong La (5,416 m / 17,769 feet) on the eighth day and reach Muktinath. On the ninth day, you drive from Muktinath to Tatopani and enjoy a natural hot spring. Then, the Annapurna Circuit Trek’s itinerary goes to Ghorepani on the tenth day.
You hike to Poon Hill to see stunning mountain views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Massif with a pristine sunrise on the eleventh day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek and then walk down to Hile. After spending the last night of the trek in Hile, you trek around three hours to Birethanti and drive to Pokhara on the twelfth day.
After you complete the trek in Pokhara, you drive back to Kathmandu, spend one night, and then depart to the Kathmandu International Airport for the final flight, where our 16-day Annapurna Circuit Trip completes.
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Route Map & Altitude Chart
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Trip Cost Details
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private car/van/bus.
- 3-night accommodation in a 3-star hotel, including breakfast as per the above itinerary, on a twin-sharing basis.
- 1-night accommodation in Pokhara in a 3-star hotel, including breakfast as per the itinerary, on a twin-sharing basis.
- Kathmandu-Besisahar Tourist Bus
- Besisahar-Chame Sharing Jeep
- Muktinath-Tatopani Public Bus
- Birethanti-Pokhara Private car/van/bus
- Pokhara-Kathmandu tourist bus.
- Your standard meal BLD during the trek, with a cup of hot tea/coffee for breakfast
- Fresh fruit after every dinner in the mountains
- All necessary paperwork, conservation area entry permits, and TIMS cards
- All accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the treks.
- An experienced, helpful, and friendly guide and porter (one for two trekkers)
- Guide and porter salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation, and insurance.
- Farewell dinner last night in Kathmandu
- Certificate of achievement
- Your travel insurance company will arrange an emergency helicopter service.
- Certificate of achievement
- All government taxes (GST) and Stationery expenses.
Private Trip
Essential Information
Accommodation, Food, and Drink on the Annapurna Circuit Trail
There are plenty of guesthouses on the Annapurna Circuit trail in each camp. But just a few in the camps like Yakkharka, Churi Ledar, Throng Phedi, and High Camp. You must book space in these places in advance if you are on a trek during the high trekking season.
Most lodges have rooms without a bathroom, but you can get an attached bathroom in some places. The toilets are indoors in the same building, so you do not need to go outside from the lodge building. You will get a free hot shower in most places along the Annapurna Circuit Route. The Accommodation offers twin-sharing rooms with clean, comfortable beds, pillows, and blankets.
The food is served from a menu in the lodge where you stay. For the main course, you can choose from Western and local dishes. Trained cooks prepare hygienic food on the Trekking route. The bakery items in Manang are the best to try.
You can buy bottled mineral water or safe drinking water along the way after Taal, but some places might be closed nowadays. You can also drink tap water, but you must purify it first.
Internet, Phone Calls, and Battery Charging
Wi-Fi is available at almost every place in the Annapurna Circuit region. However, internet access might be slow, so we recommend buying an NTC SIM card for the Trek. With the data, you can make phone calls and use the internet.
There is electricity in all the places you stay on the Trek. You can charge your batteries in the guesthouse, but you must pay for charging in some areas.
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