Annapurna Circuit Trek - 14 Days

Trip Facts
DestinationNepal
ActivityAnnapurna Treks
AccomodationHotel in Pokhara and Hotel/Lodge/Tea House during the trek
RegionAnnapurna Region
Distance160–260km /100-161miles
Start / End pointKathmandu / Kathmandu
Duration14 Days
Max. Altitude5,416m at Thorong La High Pass
Meals IncludedBreakfast in Pokhara Hotel and all Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
Group size2 - 30
Nature of TrekLodge to Lodge Trekking
Best SeasonFeb, Mar, Apri, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec.
Trip CodeDWTTK04
Activity Per DayApprox. 4-6 hrs walking
TransportationKathmandu to Bhulbhule, & Muktinath to Tatopani by public transportation, Birethanti to Pokhara by private transportation, Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
GradeChallenging

Annapurna Circuit Hike Overview

This is one of the most popular treks in the world, famous for dramatic deep gorges, desolate high mountain passes, fantastic viewpoints (Poon Hill), hot springs, Buddhist and Hindu temples, delightful farming villages, and stunning views of Annapurna summits.

Highlights of the Trek

  • Pass by the yak pastures
  • Natural hot springs at Tatopani where you can choose to take a dip
  • Jomsom - the headquarter of Mustang
  • A day at tourist hub Pokhara
  • Spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West, and Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV
  • Visit the beautiful Manang district
  • Magnificent lakes, glaciers, deep gorges, and stunning waterfalls
  • Visit Muktinath (a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists) known for 108 stone faucets, and eternal flame
  • Cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters
  • Visit Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in the Manang district
  • Poon Hill Viewpoint (3,210 m)

Benefits of Circuit Trek with DWT

  • Free airport arrival and departure transfer to/from the hotel by private transport
  • Online trip briefing after booking confirmation
  • Pulse oximeter to monitor for blood oxygen saturation level at high altitudes. It detects early signs of altitude sickness and other potential health risks
  • Medical kits for emergencies
  • Sleeping bags and Down jackets arrangements if you do not have your own
  • Free excess luggage storage at Discovery World Trekking store during the trek
  • Easy booking and reservation system
  • Multi-channel communication (Email, WhatsApp, Facebook, WeChat, Viber, Skype, Zoom)
  • 24/7 phone communication at +977- 9840055491
  • Easy payment system. 


Online Trip Briefing

The online briefing will clear all your doubts about the trek, including things to bring (equipment checklist) for the hike, the itinerary details, and what you can expect on the trails. As soon as you complete the booking, we will email you the available date and time for the trek briefing. Please note that we conduct trip briefing only once either online or in person.  

Comprehensive Annapurna Circuit Trek 14 Days Overview

The trek starts from Bhulbhule after a scenic drive from Kathmandu, and the route follows the Marsyandghi River Valley, taking you through Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang. You will spend a night in each of these places. You can see the Annapurna Circuit trek map provided below for the route you will travel. 

On the sixth day, you will trek to Manang and spend a day there for acclimatization to prepare for the crossing of Thorong La pass. After acclimatizing at Manang, we continue the trail and head to Yak Kharka, and on the next day, you will hike up to Thorong Phedi and spend the night there.

You will leave Thorong Phedi on your ninth day and trek towards Muktinath, and this will be the day you will cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft). Thorong La Pass connects Manang village in the east with Muktinath temple and Ranipauwa village to the west.

After passing the Thorong La Pass, you head down to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. From Muktinath, we will drive you to Tatopani -famous for its hot springs. People believe that the hot spring water at Tatopani cures skin diseases. If you like, you can take a dip in this hot water. You will spend the night at Tatopani.

The next day, you will trek from Tatopani through lush rhododendron, birch, and magnolia forests, to reach Ghorepani. The following morning you will wake up at Ghorepani and hike for about an hour to reach Poon Hill. Poon Hill is a famous viewpoint known for spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna (I, II, III, South), Hiuchuli, Nilgiri, Macchapuchre, Tukuche Peak, Dhampus Peak, and Gurja Himal.

After spending quality time in Poon Hill, you will trek to Berithanti and then drive to Pokhara, where you will spend your last night in the trekking region. The following morning, you will return to Kathmandu on a tourist bus.

Annapurna Circuit in Nepal is for trekkers who want to experience adventurous journeys in the Nepali Himalayan region while enjoying the diversified scenery, geography, and different climate zones. This is by far one of the best Annapurna Circuit trek. You can check the Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary below for details.

History of Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit trekking was opened to foreigners in 1977 after the Nepal government settled its dispute with Khampa guerillas who operated from this region into Tibet. Originally, this trek started from Dhumre and took 23 days to complete due to the absence of road infrastructure but that has now changed.

Annapurna Circuit Elevation

The Annapurna Circuit trek passes through a huge elevation range from 600m to 5,416m at Thorong La High Pass. So, you will have a chance to observe ever-changing climatic variations and diverse flora and fauna.

Annapurna Circuit Trek terrain and difficulty Level

The Annapurna Circuit Hike takes you through several climatic zones, past rice paddy fields, subtropical forests, rural farmland, and glacial zones. You will be able to view panoramic sceneries of the Himalayas, including Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m.), Mt. Annapurna III (7,555m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525m), Mt. Annapurna south (7,219m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,041m), Mt. Machhapuchhare (6,998m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6,986m), Tukuche Peak (6,920m), and Tilicho Peak (7134m).

What makes the Annapurna Circuit Trek special?

Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal also provides the opportunity to learn about the Tibetan way of life that strongly runs in Mustang valleys. There is a slight chance of seeing a snow leopard in Yak Kharka along with blue sheep. We will also stop at Tatopani, where you can take a dip in the famous hot springs.

This trek package, Annapurna Circuit Hike, includes local bus rides from Kathmandu to Besishar or Bhulbhule. If you are willing to bear extra costs, you can return to Kathmandu from Pokhara on a Jeep or a plane. We also advise our valuable clients to arrive in Kathmandu before 3 pm, one day before the trek departure date, for last-minute preparations. If, in case, you missed the online trip briefing, it will also provide us time to conduct an in-person briefing.

Annapurna Circuit Itinerary

  1. day1

    Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (845m / 2,815ft) west of the Kathmandu

    Itinerary Facts
    Driving hours (200km / 124 miles) 7-8 hrs.

    Our first day of the trek starts early in the morning. After breakfast, we take a bus from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule. The route takes us out of the Kathmandu valley along the picturesque Trishuli river to Besisahar, and finally to Bhulbhule. Bhulbhule lies by the side of Marsyangdi river. Throughout the ride, you will get to see the terraced farms, traditional villages, and Ganesh & Manaslu snow peaks. At Bhulbhule, we register our permits at the check post for trek entry.

    • Overnight stay at Holiday Trekkers Lodge
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  2. day2

    Trek from Bhulbhule (845m / 2,815ft) to Jagat (1,300m / 4,265ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 16km / 9.9miles
    Highest Altitude 1,300m / 4,265ft
    Trek Duration 5 hrs

    After a nourishing breakfast, we will set foot on the trails this day. The route follows a pleasant path through the fertile jungle and terraced fields upriver, along the flowing Marsyangdi river. We take a leisurely lunch break and pass through several rural settlements and more farmlands to gradually reach the peaceful village of Jagat, a former trading post. 

    • Overnight stay at Tilicho Guest House (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  3. day3

    Trek from Jagat (1,300m / 4,265ft) to Dharapani(1,860m / 6,200ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 15km / 9.3miles
    Highest Altitude 1,860m / 6,200ft
    Trek Duration 5 hrs

    We begin our 3rd day of the trek following the Marsyangdi river, and after a steep climb, we enter the vicinity of the Manang region at Tal village. Here we can see several waterfalls forming a river by the sandy beaches. We will hike through the barley, rice, and potato fields and reach Kodo - one of the biggest villages in the Manang valley. Moving forward, we cross a suspension bridge, and after a short climb of the stone Kani, we reach Dharapani - the destination for this day.

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Gorkha's inn (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  4. day4

    Trek from Dharapani (1,860m / 6,200ft) to Chame (2,610m /8,890ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 15.5km / 9.6miles
    Highest Altitude 2,610m / 8,890ft
    Trek Duration 6 hrs

    We leave Dharapani and follow the trails through the forests with pine, fir, oak, and maple trees along the Marsyangdi river to reach Chame - the district headquarter of Manang district. You will find yourself surrounded by the green forests around and over you, and as you look up, you will see remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We will also stop by a small hot spring for a short rest.

    • Overnight stay at Four Season Guest House (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  5. day5

    Trek from Chame  (2,610m / 8,890ft) to Upper Pisang (3,300m / 10,826ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 13.2km / 8.2miles
    Highest Altitude 3,115m/10,200ft
    Trek Duration 5 - 6 hrs

    This day, after breakfast, we walk through a steep and narrow valley to have our first view of a massive rock wall - the Paungda Danda Rock, considered very sacred by the local people. The Paungda Danda Rock is a curved rock face rising 1500m from the Marshyandi river. From the trails, we also see clear views of Annapurna II in the south and Pisang Peak in the northeast. Then our path descends taking us to the Manang Valley floor into the Pisang village, where we will spend our night.

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Mandala (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  6. day6

    Trek from Pisang (3,115m / 10,200ft) to Manang (3,540m / 11,300ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 17km / 10.6miles
    Highest Altitude 3,540m / 11,300ft
    Trek Duration 5 - 6 hrs

    On our sixth day, we will be trekking on the upper trails through Upper Pisang via Geru, from where we can catch outstanding views of the north face of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho, and Pisang Peak. As the path ascends, you will feel the air turn cold, dry, and harsher. This trail goes through the Tibetan settlements, and we get a chance to explore Buddhist culture. We will not miss visiting Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in Manang. You will find that the path is dotted with Buddhist shrines as we pass more monasteries and finally reach Manang bazaar- an area that caters to tourists. 

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Himalayan Singi (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  7. day7

    Rest and Acclimatization day at Manang (3,519m / 11,545ft)

    We will be acclimatizing on this day. However, we will remain busy throughout the day exploring Manang village. In the morning, we will visit  Gangapurna & Ice Lakes, and spend the rest of the day soaking in the magnificent views of Annapurna III, Tilicho, Pisang, and Chulu Peaks. In the afternoon, we may visit the Himalayan Rescue Association in Vraja village, where we will be briefed about acute mountain sickness, its symptoms, and prevention methods. 

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Himalayan Singi (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  8. day8

    Trek from Manang (3,540m / 11,300ft) to Yak Kharka (4,050m / 14,275ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 9.4km / 5.8miles
    Highest Altitude 4,050m / 14,275ft
    Trek Duration 3-4 hrs

    After a day in and around Manang, acclimatizing to the high elevation and allowing our bodies time to rest and get used to the environment, we move Yak Kharka. First, we cross a stream and climb to Tenki village, then head out of Marshyangdi valley northwest to Jar Sang Khola valley. The trail ascends slowly, as we head northwards.

    We will be passing through several pastures and juniper forests. As our trek continues, we will pass through a small village called Gunsan that has houses made of flat mud roofs. You will also get to see yak and horse pastures. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, we make our way up the spectacular valley to an open, peaceful meadow known as Yak Kharka. 

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Gangapurna
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  9. day9

    Trek from Yak Kharka (4,050m/ 14,275ft) to Thorong Phedi (4,525m / 14,525ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 8.5km / 5.2miles
    Highest Altitude 4,525m / 14,525ft
    Trek Duration 4-5 hrs

    Today we head to the foot of Thorong La passThorong Phedi. From Yak Kharka, we will climb up to a ridge, then head down and cross the Marsyangdi river on a wooden bridge. After climbing up the mountain, we follow a narrow trail across a slope and descend to Thorung Phedi. The uninhabited, rugged terrain is otherworldly and much different than the lush lowlands that we passed on the way up during the initial phase of the trek.

    • Overnight stay at Thorong High Camp Hotel
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  10. day10

    Trek from Thorong Phedi (4,525m / 14,525ft) to Muktinath Temple (3,760m / 12,623ft) via Thorong La High Pass (5,416m / 17,756ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 15.6km / 9.6miles
    Highest Altitude 5,416m /17,756ft
    Trek Duration 9 hrs

    This day will be remarkable as we will trek from Thorong Phedi (4,525m/14,525ft) to Muktinath Temple (3,760m/12,623ft) via Thorung La high pass (5,416 m/17,756 ft). It is also one of the most challenging parts of the trek as Thorong La Pass is one of the highest passes in the world, and it is the highest point of the trek. 

    We start early in the morning and push ourselves through the icy air and high altitude, but the views from the pass are totally worth it. Northwards, towards Tibet, we will see a panorama of majestic Himalayan peaks, and if you look back, you will see the Annapurna range.

    We then descend to Muktinath - a sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists. The Buddhists call Muktinath - Chumig Gyatsa, which in Tibetan means Hundred Waters. Muktinath Temple is known for 108 stone sprouts with water flowing from the Kaligandaki. You can also see the eternal flame that has been burning there for more than 2,000 years.

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Town House Muktinath (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  11. day11

    Drive from Muktinath  (3,760m / 12,623ft) to Jomsom and Tatopani (1,200m / 3,940ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Driving hours (113km / 70miles ) 6-7 hrs
    Highest Altitude 3,760m / 12,623ft

    In the morning, we visit Muktinath Temple and then continue our journey on a local bus ride to Tatopani. It will be a rough drive as the road passes through some of the deepest gorges in the world. We will be moving from the arid highlands to lush green forests. Tatopani is famous for natural hot springs, and it is a place where we can immerse ourselves in the hot springs and relax. The waters of Tatopani are said to have curative properties against skin diseases. 

    • Overnight stay at Dhaulagiri Lodge (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  12. day12

    Trek from Tatopani (1,200m / 3,940ft) to Ghorepani (2,860m / 9,385ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 17km / 10.5miles
    Highest Altitude 2,860m / 9,385ft
    Trek Duration 6-7 hrs

    We leave the hot springs behind and cross to the east side of the Kali Gandaki River and ascend to Ghorepani through the ethnic Thakali villages of Sikha and Chitre. Our trek takes us through terraced farmlands with mountains all around and passes through lush forests filled with rhododendronbirch, and magnolia. We will stop at Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at a ridge top, to spend our night.

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Snow Land (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  13. day13

    Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210m / 10,525ft) - then trek to Birethanti (1,039m / 3,250ft) - Drive to Nayapul, Pokhara

    Itinerary Facts
    Trek Distance 12.5km / 7.7miles
    Highest Altitude (3,210m / 10,525ft)
    Trek Duration 4-5 hrs
    Driving hours 2 hrs

    This will be our final day on the trail. We ascend to Poon Hill (3,210m) in the early morning to view sunrise over the whole Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif -including Mt Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Poon Hill is one of the favored spots for photography because of the incredible views it offers. We will also be taking pictures to our heart's content and then return to our Ghorepani lodge for breakfast. After breakfast, we will trek to Birethanti and then take a bus to Pokhara.

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Silver Oaks Inn (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch)
  14. day14

    Drive from Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft ) to Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,450ft)

    Itinerary Facts
    Driving hours (200km / 124miles) 6-7hrs

    Your Annapurna Circuit Package ends today. We wake up in Pokhara this day, and after breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu on a tourist bus. It's a 200 km route that initially follows the Marsyangdi River and Trishuli River later. You may also choose to return by a 25-minute flight (not included in the package) from Pokhara. Our trek package completes at Kathmandu.

    • Excluded from the package
    • Included standard meal (Breakfast)

What is included in this trek package?

  • Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (trek start) by local bus
  • Birethanti (Trek ends) to Pokhara by private transport
  • Muktinath to Tatopani by local transport
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu on a tourist bus
  • One night accommodation at Hotel Silver Oaks Inn Pokhara
  • Total 12 nights - 9 nights room with attached bathroom in Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manang (2N) Muktinath, Tatopani, and Ghorepani. 3 nights standard rooms - Bhulbhule, Yak Kharka, Thorang Phedi (twin sharing room)
  • 13 lunches, 13 dinners, and 14 breakfasts during the trek
  • Government licensed, experienced trek leader (guide), assistant trekking guide (for a group of 12 or more trekkers), and porters to help trekkers' luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers, combined porter weight limit -18kg.)
  • Guides' and porters' expenses - meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee.
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
  • Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
  • All government, local taxes, and official expenses
  • Rescue operations arrangement in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance).
  • Souvenirs - a company T-shirt & Cap
  • Discovery World Trekking appreciation certificate after the successful trek
  • Farewell dinner at the end of the trek in Kathmandu
What is excluded in this trek package?
  • International flight costs
  • Excess baggage charges (limit is 9kg per Person)
  • Nepal entry visa fees required on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport- USD50 for 30-day stay.
  • All accommodation and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
  • Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
  • Extra night accommodations, meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival or late departure, or early return from the trek.
  • Personal expenses - shopping, snacks, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, bar bills, bottle or boiled water, shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone call, battery recharge costs, extra porters, etc
  • Personal clothing and gear
  • Travel insurance which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation compulsory
  • Tips for guide and porters
  • Additional costs or delays caused by circumstances beyond our control like landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policy, strikes, mass movements, etc
  • All the costs and expenses not listed in - "What is included in this trek package?" above.

Official Trek Map

Gears & equipment for the trek

The gear and equipment you require for this trek depend on the season you are trekking. We recommend our clients bring just the essentials. Your luggage weight limit is 9 kg, hence, you can store your excess luggage at Discovery World Trekking for free. Since you will be sharing a porter with a fellow traveler, we advise you to find a fellow traveler and pack your things in a duffle bag of over sixty liters capacity. Here is a list of probable items you should consider carrying for the trek.

Head

  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Winter hat or insulating hat or a wide-brimmed hat
  • Headlight with extra batteries

Face

  • Sunscreen

  • Sunglasses with UV protection

  • Face/body wipes

Hands

  • Lightweight gloves

  • Heavyweight winter gloves

Body

  • Hiking shirts

  • Long-sleeved shirt

  • Hooded rain jacket

  • Fleece jacket

  • Lightweight cotton pants

  • T-Shirt (bring lightweight wool)

  • Polypropylene underwear

  • Down jacket (available for rent in Kathmandu)

  • Sweater

  • Waterproof jacket and pants

Footwear

  • Hiking boots

  • Thick wool socks (Take an extra pair of thick light socks)

Essential gear

  • Backpack or daypack (Size depends on whether you take porter or not)

  • Thermal bottle

  • Water purification tablets

  • Trekking pole

  • Sleeping bag (-15 degree bag is best in the high altitude trekking)

Toiletries

  • Medium size drying towel

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Deodorant floss

  • Biodegradable bar soap

  • Nail clippers

  • Small mirror

Personal accessories

  • Money

  • Watch

  • Cell phone

  • Camera

Extra items

  • First aid kit

  • Extra passport-size photos and photocopies of passport

  • Notebook and pen

  • Binoculars

Annapurna Circuit Elevation, Cost, Trip Grade & Best Time

Arrival (free airport pickup)

Discovery World Trekking provides free airport arrival and departure transfer on any flight for guests who have booked the trek package. You will find our representative holding a pamphlet with your name and our company name at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

They will welcome you with a khaki or a marigold garland and then take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. We provide this service to all our clients so that they do not feel alone in a new country or face any navigational challenges.


Trek start

You will arrive one day earlier (before 3 pm) in Kathmandu for last-minute preparations. If, in case, you missed the online trip briefing, it will also provide us time to conduct an in-person briefing.

On the second day, early in the morning, your guide will pick you up at your stay hotel in Kathmandu and take you to the bus station. Then, we will drive you to Bhulbhule via Besisahar. This package includes local transportation (Kathmandu - Besisahar - Bhulbhule, Jomsom -Tatopani). We can arrange a private Jeep for an extra cost.


Accommodation

Annapurna Circuit Package includes twelve-night lodge-to-lodge stays at trekking regions and one night in a Pokhara hotel.

We will be staying for a total of 12 nights - 7 nights room with attached bathroom in Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Muktinath, Tatopani, and Ghorepani. 5 nights standard rooms -  Bhulbhule, Manang (2 nights), Yak Kharka, Thorang Phedi (twin sharing room). 

You will spend a one-night at a hotel in Pokhara with an attached bathroom, TV, 24-hour hot water, power, and laundry facility. Solo trekkers will have a single private room with an attached bathroom in the available lodges.

You will require two nights of hotel stays in Kathmandu one each before and after the trek, but it is not included in the package. Kathmandu has a wide range of hotels for all budgets and tastes. 


Meals 

Annapurna trek takes you to high elevations around the world’s highest peaks, which means your body needs enough carbohydrates, protein, and other nutrition. You will get nutritious food throughout the trek, but may not get all the options available in big cities.

This trek package includes 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 13 dinners in the trek regions. Here are some options. The menu consists of traditional local, Asian, and Western cuisine, but as you go up, the menu gets shorter. 

We highly recommend liquids like green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, ginger tea, garlic soup(must), and fresh vegetables at high altitudes. Similarly, we encourage you to try dal (lentils), bhat (rice), tarkari (curry), momos (dumplings), and Chow Mein (noodles).

Though plenty of non-veg items will be available in the trekking regions, we don’t recommend them because the meat in such places may not be hygienic and healthy. We highly encourage you to avoid dairy, alcoholic drinks, caffeinated items, and hot chocolates.

All personal bills (alcoholic, hot (tea, coffee), and cold drinks) in tea houses/lodges/cafes except standard meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner with seasonal fruits) are excluded from the package. This package does not cover lunch and dinner in Pokhara.


Luggage

Porters will be assigned to carry your luggage. One porter will serve two trekkers and the combined luggage weight should not exceed 18 kg. So the luggage weight limit is 9 kg per trekker.

We never overload our porters. Moreover, we expect you to carry a small backpack for your valuables and important documents. Please carry only the essentials. You can leave any excess baggage at your hotel or the Discovery World Trekking store for free.


Typical day

Every day on the trail brings you a unique trekking experience - climbing up and down the hills, enjoying the scenery, taking photos, and exploring local villages.

Throughout your journey, our experienced and friendly Sherpa guide will share information and the history of the places you will be visiting. Our porters will carry your luggage. However, you might need to bring a small bag for your valuables and important documents.

The day starts with an early morning hot cup of tea/coffee. After breakfast, we will pack our bags and set off on the day’s walk around 7 to 8 AM, depending on the duration and nature of the day’s walk. After trekking for three to four hours, you will have lunch, rest for an hour, and continue the journey. 

The afternoon walk is generally shorter - about two to three hours. Once we reach our overnight lodge/tea house/tent, you can snack on the extra dietary food and explore the nearby places before it gets dark. 

You will have dinner from around 6 to 7 pm. After dinner and before going to bed, you can indulge in friendly conversations. The expedition leader/guide will brief you about the next day’s plan. After this briefing, you can enjoy onboard games like Monopoly, and cards, read books, or watch available mountaineering documentaries. Most of our guests also prefer to learn common Nepali words from our crew.


Electricity and water

Throughout the lodges at Annapurna Trek, electricity for the camera and mobile battery recharge is available at an extra cost. For water, you can buy packed mineral water from local lodges and en route shops or carry a water bottle and fill it with boiled water that you can buy from the lodges. Discovery World Trekking provides purification pills to make water drinkable. We advise you not to drink water from the rivers, taps, or wells in the trekking regions as the water may not be drinkable.


Communication

During your trip, for a small service fee, you can use the internet service at the lodges you will be staying. You can contact your family and friends from these lodges. However, once we reach high altitudes, we will use phones for communication. Discovery World Trekking Office remains in contact with all trekking groups via trek guide at least once a day. Moreover, depending on the kind of network you use, you might get network signals, but they may not be strong enough at high altitudes. However, you can get a local sim card in Kathmandu.


Tipping

Tipping is culturally accepted in Nepal and shows you are happy with the service provided. We expect you to tip based on the service quality, trek length, and trek cost. Further, it is best to tip at the end of the trek and as a group.


Trek End

On the fourteenth day, we will drive you back to Kathamndu from Pokhara on a tourist bus. The journey will take around seven hours. However, if you want, you can take a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu for an added cost. 

Feedback

After the completion of the trek, Discovery World Trekking hosts a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. After dinner, you will receive a printed certificate mentioning your trek achievement. We also look forward to getting feedback on your trek experience.


Useful Info

Please note we might need to modify the itinerary due to events beyond our control, such as weather, landslides, or unavailability of lodging. In such cases, your team lead will decide based on the interest of all group members. We suggest you add two days extra for the trip as a cushion so that you will not miss your international flight back home in case of trek delays. 


Trip extension

If you have extra days after completing the trek we can arrange Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tours or a trip to Nagarkot. Similarly, you can go to Chitwan Jungle Safari, paragliding, rafting, canyoning, and other treks.


Departure

On the day of your return to your country, we will pick you up from your hotel in a private vehicle and transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport. We hope you had a wonderful time in Nepal and will return for more adventures.

Trek season

The weather is the most important factor you need to consider for this trek. You will find trekkers in the Annapurna circuit throughout the year, but there are ups and downs as seasons change. For easier treks, spring and autumn are perfect seasons. The skies are clear from dawn to dusk, and there is no rain, allowing you to enjoy spectacular vistas. The winters are cold with snowfalls in the trekking regions, while the monsoon season brings in a lot of rain. So treks during these seasons are quite challenging but not impossible. In fact, some trekkers enjoy facing these challenges. Discovery World Trekking organizes safe and secure Annapurna Circuit treks throughout the year. Here is a detailed summary of the trial conditions, mainly at high elevations, based on seasons. 


March-May (Spring):
In spring the weather is mild, the rainfall is low, and the trekking conditions are perfect. The average daily temperature at high elevations in this region is between  8 to 0 °C. Lower trek regions are warmer, which makes the hike quite comfortable. The trekking season begins after March. By April, at elevations over 3,000 meters, the trek routes are full of red, pink, and white rhododendron flowers. The temperature starts rising from mid-March up to mid-May. The weather is cool the skies are clear, and you can enjoy the clearest views of the mountains.

 

June to August (Summer): If you are coming to trek Annapurna Circuit between June to August, you are signing up for summer, when the temperatures are warm. But the monsoon that coincides with the summer means that you must be careful while you trek, as the trekking trails might be wet and slippery.

Monsoon generally begins around the end of June and continues through the second week of August. The temperature during the day ranges from 10 to 23°C and gets relatively colder at night (5°C to 10°C). Mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon and disappearing at night. Though the rain may cause some problems, various plants bloom during this season - the valleys look green and different from other seasons.

 

September to November (Autumn): Autumn (September, October, November), like spring, is a season that attracts travelers from around the world to trek in this region. Moderate temperatures, mild wind, and low precipitation make autumn a perfect time for trekking. During this season, the sun shines brightly, the day temperature is well-suited for trekking, the skies are clear, and you get a superb view of the mountains. Moreover, you can enjoy spectacular starry skies. 

The monsoons will be over by early September, and the weather ranges from mild to warm days. Daytime temperatures can reach 20°C in high altitudes, and the nights are colder with temperatures that may go down to 5°C. The monsoon greens fade to golden/amber providing a spectacular contrast against the crystal blue skies, and you can see the grains ripening in the fields. The environment is clean, and the lowlands are lush. The two biggest festivals of Nepal - Dashain and Tihar - also fall during these seasons. 

December to February (Winter): Winter treks in the Annapurna region are as popular as the spring or autumn treks. During winter some parts of the Annapurna region are cold, but it also excites many trekkers. The temperature of the Annapurna Circuit can be as low as -10 °C.

The coldest time in the Annapurna region starts in December and lasts through early February. After late February, the climate gradually gets warmer. Daytime is relatively warmer with sunshine. Despite being cold, the skies are usually very clear, and snow-capped mountains look incredible. It is the season when the trails are least crowded. This season may not suit very well for trek-beginners, but experienced trekkers will find no problems. 

The weather in the Himalayas (at high altitudes) is unpredictable, and the temperature changes quickly.


Trek difficulty
 

The 14 days Annapurna Circuit Trek is a challenging trek in the Annapurna region. The hiking takes place in lower land for five days (below 3500m) from Bhulbhule (845m) to Manang (3540m) and consists of walking for five to six hours per day. For two days, you will be hiking for 3 to 4 hrs above 3,500m - from Manang (3,540m) to Thorong Phedi (4,525m) - taking regular breaks because high altitude trek is physically more demanding than lower altitude treks. 

However, the most challenging part of your trip takes you from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath Temple (3,760m), and we will be crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m) - the highest elevation for this trip. This is a remote mountain journey, and the routes involve long climbs, steep descents, and straightforward roads. 

Past hiking experience would be an added advantage, but no technical experience and skills are necessary. Trekkers who can hike at a reasonable pace for 5 to 6 hours a day can complete this trip. Exercising regularly for a couple of weeks before the trip increases your stamina and allows you to enjoy the trek to its fullest. Having a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination certainly helps. 

Trekkers with pre-existing medical conditions (such as heart, lung, and blood diseases) must disclose their health condition before booking the trip.


Trek safety

Discovery World Trekking guarantees client safety, security, and satisfaction. Your safety is of the utmost concern to us. Here are some of the ways we ensure your safety.

  • We carry all necessary gear, equipment, and first-aid kits
  • Our trek guides have completed extensive first-aid training
  • We check food & accommodation in trekking regions for hygiene
  • If someone falls sick, our trek guides have complete authority to suspend the trip or move forward
  • In emergencies, we will deploy a helicopter for evacuation (covered by insurance).
  • All trek members will trek as a group.


Our 14 days trek package provides a rest day in Manang (3,540m) for proper acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness. You will start from Bhulbhule (845m) and hike in low elevations for four to five days before reaching Manang (3540m). The trek buildup provides plenty of time for your body to cope with the high-altitude environment and reduces the chance of altitude sickness problems.

Our trekking leaders and guides have extensive first-aid training and are well-experienced in the Himalayas. We constantly use oximeters to monitor your oxygen level and detect early altitude sickness symptoms. We guarantee that your health will be in reliable hands.


DWT team

During the trek, our well-experienced guide/Sherpa will be by our side, making sure you are comfortable. Porters will be carrying your luggage. Our team members are locals from the high Himalayas, and their physical endurance at high altitudes is very high. All our staff members are valuable to us. They are well-paid, and we cover their insurance, clothing, food, and lodging throughout the expedition. All our guides and porters receive medical care when ill or injured. We ensure that our team members are happy because only happy people can make others happy. Our trek/expedition team members have:

  • Intensive Wilderness First Aid Training Certificate
  • Government-authorized Trekking Guide Training Certificate
  • Fluency in speaking English and other major languages
  • Conservation and Biodiversity Training
  • Rock Climbing experience

 

Visa

All foreigners except Indian nationals need a valid visa to enter Nepal. You can get an on-arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport and Nepali borders with India and Tibet. To apply for a visa, you need a passport valid for at least six months, a passport-size photo, and visa fees. The current cost for a 30-day visa is US$50 (to be paid in cash).

Children under the age of 10 will get a free visa. Visa regulations can change without prior notice. For current information, please visit www.immigration.gov.np.  Chinese and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation(SAARC) countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) citizens get a free visa. 

Citizens from certain countries may not get a visa upon arrival. Citizens from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan may not get an on-arrival visa. So, if you are a citizen of these countries, please visit your local Nepalese Embassy.

 

Trek booking

Discovery world trekking is a government-authorized, bonded trekking and touring operator in Nepal. We are members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN), and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). 

Therefore, you can book your trips with Discovery World Trekking with confidence. We require 10% as advance for the trip booking confirmation. You need to send us your necessary documents like a passport copy, passport-sized photos, travel insurance policy, and arrival and departure flight details within a week of booking.

You can pay by bank transfer, western union, and online from our website. You can pay the remaining trip cost in cash, bank transfer, or using a credit card after you arrive in Nepal. We also forward the necessary modes of payment details in your email.

You can book this trek here.

 

Currency exchange

Nepali Rupees (NPR/Rs) is the local currency. (1 USD = ~ Rs.130 NPR).
You can exchange major foreign currencies through local banks and legitimate money exchanges in Kathmandu and all over Thamel. Legal money exchanges display their ongoing exchange rates visibly for the public. Despite having the security advantage of traveler's cheques, we recommend you cash exchange. It helps avoid lengthy processes and high bank commissions. 

You can withdraw cash (in Rupees) from ATMs all over Kathmandu and in Thamel itself. Many of these ATMs are open around the clock. The maximum withdrawal amount is 35,000 Rupees for a 500 Rupees processing fee for foreign cards. If you use the money exchange facilities at banks and financial institutions, they impose a service charge fee of about 4% or more.

There are no banks and money exchange services in trek regions so you should exchange your money in Kathmandu, depending on how much personal expense you require. Only Nepali Rupee is honored in trek regions.

Most established banks in Asia will only accept foreign currency notes that are not old, torn, or faded. Please ensure that you have new, clean notes.

 

Extra personal expenses

This package does not cover all costs. You need to bring spending money for various things. Meals and accommodations in Kathmandu are not covered in this package. This package covers meals, transfers, and accommodations during the trek. However, this package does not cover lunch and dinner in Pokhara. Pokhara is the tourist capital of Nepal and provides plenty of food choices. We encourage you to explore this city and enjoy your food choice. Similarly, trekkers need money for visa fees, travel insurance policy purchases, beverages, snacks, tips, souvenirs, etc. 


Travel Insurance

This trek is a challenging journey that takes you to 5,416m at Thorung La High Pass. This mountain journey is not a leisurely walk but a challenging one, and there remains a slight chance of altitude sickness and other unforeseen events such as injury, illness, flood, landslide, or sudden climate changes.

Travel insurance is compulsory for this trek. All trekkers must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate to Discovery World Trekking. The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation - including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitudes for all trekking members.

We can recommend insurance companies based on our previous clients' experiences, but we do not sell insurance policies. We strongly request our valuable clients to send their detailed insurance information once they book trekking. In emergencies, we will use the insurance policy and informational documents you sent us. It will help us arrange a quick and effective rescue operation, transfer for emergency medical help, etc. 

Please ensure that your insurance policy includes the cost incurred for mountain rescue service at the highest elevation of the trekking (5,500m). Call your insurer to confirm that their insurance policy covers helicopter rescue in addition to the treatment costs.


Last-minute booking

For those unable to book early, Discovery World Trekking allows last-minute bookings. Last-minute booking requires you to pay 100% of the trip cost 24 hours before the intended trek departure date. We will try our best to make the trip happen at the accepted date, but sometimes circumstances beyond our control, such as weather, lodging unavailability, might delay the trip. For more information, call: 977- 9840055491 (Paul Gurung) or email us at [email protected].

Group & private trek

We organize groups as well as private treks. Group discounts are available based on your team size. The bigger your team is, the more discount you will get. Please view our price list for details. However, if Discovery World Trekking assembles the group, you will not be eligible for discounts.  We can handle all group sizes. Each group will have a guide, a porter for every two trekkers, and an assistant guide for a group of 12 or more.


Responsible travel

We strongly believe in sustainable eco-tourism. Hence, we partner with Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to organize environmentally friendly trips so that trekkers and communities in the trekking regions can mutually benefit.

Notes

This trek includes fixed departure dates from Kathmandu and Pokhara. However, we can tailor the trip to accommodate your specific requests and schedule. Please review your designated departure dates for this trek, and if the departure dates do not suit your schedule, contact us, and we will arrange a trip that suits your convenience. 

We look forward to guiding you on the Annapurna Circuit Trek through some of the most dazzling landscapes on the planet!

Trip Departure Dates

Note to solo travelers:

If you are a solo traveler, please reach out to us via call/WhatsApp/Viber at +977-9840055491 or email [email protected] before booking the trip to confirm the departure date.

Book this trip with us. Here are the upcoming dates. Feel free to share this trip with your friends and family. For custom trips or general inquiries contact us.

PriceDeparture DateTrip status
$1400$850save $55014 Days23 Mar, 2024 - 5 Apr, 2024Booking OpenEnquire Now
$1400$850save $55014 Days25 Mar, 2024 - 7 Apr, 2024Booking OpenEnquire Now
$1400$850save $55014 Days27 Mar, 2024 - 9 Apr, 2024Booking OpenBook Now
$1400$850save $55014 Days30 Mar, 2024 - 12 Apr, 2024Booking OpenBook Now
$1400$850save $55014 Days1 Apr, 2024 - 14 Apr, 2024Booking OpenBook Now

Benefits

Team of highly experienced Experts
No Booking or Credit Card Fee
Hassle-Free Booking
Your Happiness Guaranteed
Best Price Guarantee

Group Discount Prices

No. of PersonsPrice per Person
1 PaxUS$ 1170
2 PaxUS$ 850
3 PaxUS$ 825
4 - 6 PaxUS$ 800
7 - 12 PaxUS$ 770
13 - 18 PaxUS$ 750

Travelers' Review

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Chasing  Trek Drams at Thorang la Pass in Annapurnaeve Circuit

Bendit- US
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Personal Experiences from EBC & ABC

Micheal- US
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inspiring words from EBC & ABC

Micheal- US

Specific Reviews for this trek

5

Based on the opinion of at least 1085 people.

5 out of 5 reviews from tripadvisor brand

Connor T

Written Jun 26 , 2023

No better company in Nepal. We had a trip of a lifetime!! Paul is hands-on in every part of the way. Dil, our guide, was the best!!!! We ran into problems and they solved them professionally.

 

Talked to Paul night and day. Our 14-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek was incredible and this was all due to Paul and our guide Dil. When we go back, there is only one company I will use for our trekking and that is Discovery World Trekking.

James R

Written Jun 26 , 2023

My son and I just completed the 14-day trek to Annapurna Circuit with Discovery World Trekking.  From the moment I reached out to Paul Gurung, the owner of Discovery World Trekking, I felt I was in good hands.  

Paul was very responsive to my initial inquiry emails and once I had decided to book the trek with his company, he was quick to collect the requisite documents from me (such as my itinerary, evidence of my insurance coverage, a copy of my passport, etc.) and organize all of the paperwork that is necessary for such a trek.  Overall, I highly recommend Discovery World Trekking and Subarag and Amrit as a guide and porters.  

Discovery World Trekking

Beckett

Feb 08 , 2024

The largest of all the treks that I have done, the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Discovery World Trekking is something that will stay with me for a long time. Everything from a good organization right to a good experience, Paul and his team did an excellent job of making my trip amazing.

The trekking itself was captivating, offering amazing views of the surrounding peaks, sweet interactions with the local people, and the card games my guide taught me. The facilities and the food were also great, always providing us with a lot of comfort but also enough to eat after each day's hiking.

Thanks to the DWT team, I saw the magnificence of the Himalayas close up and the memories I have had of this adventure will be with me for the rest of my life. They are definitely a company of preference for anyone searching for a trekking trip that can not be forgotten.

Rebecca

Jan 24 , 2024

Where do I even begin? The Annapurna Circuit Trek was not just a journey; it was a rollercoaster of emotions, breathtaking vistas, and unforgettable moments that touched my soul.

From the very first step on the trail, I was filled with excitement and a tinge of nervousness. The highlight of the trek was conquering Thorong La Pass. The anticipation, the struggle, and finally reaching the summit filled me with an overwhelming sense of achievement. The view from the top was like nothing I'd ever seen before – a panorama of snow-capped mountains stretching as far as the eye could see.

To anyone considering this trek, I say go for it with all your heart. It's more than just a trek; it's a transformative experience that will leave you breathless, both from the altitude and the sheer beauty of it all.

4.9

Based on the opinion of at least 158 people in the Travel & Vacation Category.

4.9 out of 5 reviews from tripadvisor brand

Keeley Murphy

US

Jan 12, 2023

We have just completed the Annapurna circuit and have had a fantastic experience. Discovery World Trekking made the process exceptionally easy and were very organised. Our guide Saroz and porter Raj were extremely helpful and attentive. We could not have done the trip without them. The whole team at Discovery World Trekking ensured that this was an amazing two weeks that was completely hassle free.

Emma Watt

US

Feb 4, 2023

Second time using DWT's trekking services. This time, I revisited the Annapurna region. As usual, Paul was very meticulous in ensuring every step of the journey and experience went smoothly. My guide for the 2nd time was as always very attentive, fun-loving, and knowledgeable in ensuring that my trek was safe and successful. My 10th time in Nepal and one of the very rare times when I choose to reuse the same trekking agency. DWT is simply the best out there in Nepal.

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Discovery World Trekking is the trademark name of Discovery World Trekking Pvt. Ltd. Our name, logo, and slogan are registered in Nepal. Our Nepal Tourism Board trekking and travel company license number is 1495.

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