Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna circuit is in north-central Nepal that includes two peaks over 8,000 meters, thirteen peaks over 7,000 meters, and sixteen more above 6,000 meters mountains. The Annapurna circuit is a well-known trekking destination.

The Annapurna circuit trek, known as Annapurna round or Thorong la pass trekking. Annapurna Circuit or circles of the Annapurna Himal ranges itself includes Nilgiri and Fishtail.

Annapurna circuit trek reaches an altitude of 5,416 meters in top of Thorong La pass, touching the edge of the fabled Tibetan plateau. Annapurna is a magnificent mountain scenery.

Generally, treks above 5,000m are regarded as challenging. Hence, Everest Base Camp treks are much more challenging than the Annapurna circuit trek. Higher altitudes mean lower oxygen levels and hikes become very exhaustive. The temperature also falls at higher altitudes.

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Sightseeing in UNESCO heritage sights of Kathmandu valley
Skip newly build road trekking by driving with private vehicle
Panoramic mountains and diverse ethnic villages
Sightseeing around Manang village and visit Gangapurna Glacier Lake
Crossing the Thorung-La Pass over 5416 meters
The Pilgrimage town of Muktinath, Apple field villages down from Muktianth
Walking through the world’s deepest gorge and the Kaligandaki valley
Trekking with profesional guide and supporter

Expand all

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.