ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK: This classic 12 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. Every year thousands embark on this adventure and return with memories to last a lifetime.
On this trek you circle the gigantic Annapurna massif crossing two valleys, traverse Thorong La Pass and follow the trail for between160 to 230 km.
Our trek starts at Besisahar alongside the Marsyangdi River and takes you to its source just beyond Annapurna. We then head to Manang and later cross Thorong La Pass (5416 m). We pass through many historic and culturally rich villages along the route and then climb to Poon Hill for a birds-eye view of the surrounding peaks, a spectacle that will leave you breathless. perspective. Leaving Poon Hill we descend back to Pokhara.
You can expect to see along the trail the massive snow-capped peaks of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Lamjung Kailas, and Annapurna South. Besides the giants, you will also view Tilitso Himal, Machapuchare, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Ri, and Nilgiri South. One of the main features of this trek is being exposed to the unique cultures of various villages and their enduring lifestyles high in the mountains, such as the Gurung, Tamang, Sherpa, Magar, and Thakali people. Many of these villages have age-old Buddhist an Hindu temples. Your guide will take you through rhododendron and Cyprus forests, across many suspension bridges, point out the unique fauna and flora as you go, and ensure that you get the most rewarding experience to be had in this region.
The best to for Annapurna circuit trekking
Trekking Seasons in Nepal are largely dictated by the summer monsoon, and our 12-day Annapurna round Trek is no exception. The monsoon typically lasts from June to August, and most visitors consequently choose to hike during the spring months of February to May or the autumn months of September to November.
These are the best times of year to enjoy the perfect combination of comfortable temperatures and clear mountain views. But you can hike in the Annapurnas at any time of year, and the snow-laden trails of winter are just as mysterious and evocative as the mist-shrouded hillsides of summer.
Whenever you choose to travel, rest assured that Alpine Club of Himalaya will put together a trekking adventure that will surpass even your highest expectations.
Annapurna Circuit Trip 12-Day Difficulty
Our 12-day Annapurna Circuit program is one of the most popular and enduring hikes in the Himalayas. Most travelers in good health and reasonable physical fitness will be able to complete this itinerary without issue, and no previous trekking experience is required.
However, this trek does reach altitudes higher than 4,000 meters, and it’s important to drink lots of water and get plenty of rest in order to let your body adjust naturally to the increased elevation. As always, your guide will look after your progress and ensure that you enjoy a safe and rewarding trek to the heart of the Annapurnas.
If this itinerary isn’t quite what you’re looking for, Alpine Club of Himalaya is proud to offer a host of alternate treks for you to consider. Travelers with extra time to spare will find our 17-day Annapurna Circuit Hike especially rewarding, as it includes a visit to the secret Nar and Phu Valleys, which have only recently been opened to travelers.
If you’re looking for a shorter trip in this region, you’ll want to check out our Short Annapurna Base Camp Trekor five-day Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.
Additional Benefits of this Trek with ACOH
- Free Day tour in Kathmandu Valley with an ART tour guide.
- Free transfers to and from Tribhuvan International Airport upon arrival and departure by private vehicle by the friendly crew.
- Complimentary use of any necessary trekking equipment, such as sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags, walkie-talkies, and an oximeter to monitor your oxygen and pulse.
- There is free access to store the bags/suitcases either in Kathmandu.
- Water-purification tablets for trekking
- Supportive medical kit with High altitude sickness tablets.
- Fun souvenirs of your Himalayan adventure: a trekking route map, a t-shirt emblazoned with the Alpine Ramble Treks logo, and a hat!
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.
General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffle bag ( Alpine Club of Himalaya provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
- Daypack
Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear
- A pair of half gloves
- A warmer hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses
- Neckwarmer
- Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
- Headlamp and an extra set of batteries
Hands
- A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
- Warmer shell gloves and liner
Upper Body
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Thermal tops
- wool jacket or pullover
- Sports bras for women and girls
- Water and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
- windproof and waterproof trousers
- warmer trousers
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra casual sport pants
Footwear
- A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
- Pair of sandals
- 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes and sneakers
- First Aid Kits and Medicines
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
- Water purifying pills
(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)
Miscellaneous – but must useful on the trek
- 4 passport size photos with original passport
- Water bottle & filter
- Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
- Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)
Extra things
- Comfortable trekking poles
- Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
- Power bank and music players
- Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
GOOD TO KNOW
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu/ Pokhara . During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfort and better quality teahouses – having attached bathroom at lower levels- until you reach higher elevations, where the accommodation is more basic with bare necessities.
Meals during the trek
In Kathmandu/ Pokhara , your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of the Manang & Mustang regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek.
Physical fitness
This can be a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
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