Annapurna Circuit Trek For Beginners

Trip Facts of Annapurna Circuit Trek For Beginners

• Location: North-central Nepal
• Length: upto 130 km(145 miles)
• Duration: 8 – 21 days
• Difficulty: Moderate and challenging 
• Starting elevation:760 meters(2493 feet)
• Peak elevation: 5416 meters(17,769 feet) at Thorong La Pass
• Starting Point:  Besisahar/ Syange/ Jagat/ chame/ Manang
• Finishing Point: Muktinath/ Jomsom/ Nayapul
• Permits required: TIMS card and ACAP permits 
• Transportation: Car, Bus 
• Access: Pokhara, You can take a flight from Kathmandu or take a full day by ground transportation for more exploration.
• Accommodations: standard or normal hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara & Tea-house and lodge in Trekking.
• Best Season: Spring(March-May) and Autumn ( September – November)
• Group Size: 1 – 20

Contact Information:⬇️
Email: info@travelawaytrek.com
Contact us on our Whatsapp for any travel inquiries: +9779861499035

Trip Overview

There are two stunning and huge two river valleys. Annapurna circuit is the best long-distance trek here in Nepal. Its height is 8081 meters and its feet from sea level are 26545.

It has various cultural te zones, from villages at the low foothills to the Tibetan culture villages of Manang Valley and lower Mustang.

From these four regions, the highest altitude with the arid Tibetan style and the refreshing air with the amazing views is in Manang and Mustang. Similarly, the lowest altitude is Lamjung and Myagdi with green subtropical valleys.

Reach altitudes of more than 5000 metres, and discover the ancestral traditions of local people and locals with organic food where trekkers can experience a lot of food on that journey and immerse themselves completely in the spectacular mountain wilderness of the Annapurna circuit.

Annapurna Circuit trek has the best mountain scenes with the beauty of nature and it has a two-night accommodation in Kathmandu and one-night accommodation in Pokhara while living here you can have Nepali local foods. 

It takes a minimum of 18 days to trek around the entire Annapurna Massif. Here we visit Tibet a country on the northern slopes of the Himalayas and the dramatic Kali Gorge. The trek takes you over Thorung La with its traditional Chorten, prayer flags and stone cairns at an elevation of 5,416m.

For more informative information click here: Annapurna Circuit Trek 

Also, you will get to delve into the village inhabited by a wide diversity of people from different ethnic groups. Offering spectacular and majestic views of the white Himalayas. Taking this approach is not only more difficult but requires you to be very fit.

it is also potentially dangerous. You go high quickly and without proper acclimatization, small things like bad weather or an injury can become very problematic. The costs for the Annapurna circuit are more affordable than other treks where you can check the cost details here: Annapurna Circuit Trek Costs

The highlight of Annapurna Circuit Trek For Beginners

• Amazing Diversity
• Stunning Mountain Views 
• Rich Cultural Experience 
• Best and quickest ways of exploring the Annapurna region
• Trek throughout with attractive landscapes
• Annapurna Circuit trek cost is budget-friendly 
• Comfortable Accommodation
• Explore the lifestyle of Hindu and Buddhist spirituality through the village with stunning mountain views 
• Flexible 
• Natural wonders and wonderful wildlife
• Passing through one of the sacred Muktinath temple at Jomsom
• Take experience in vibrant festivals of Hindus and Buddhist
• Easily Accessible 

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itineraries For Beginners

The classic Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary started in Besisahar where you climbed up the Marsyangdi valley towards Manang, crossed the Thorung La Pass, visited Muktinath and Jomsom and then walked down the Kali Gandaki valley towards Beni. This took about 20 – 30 days

Day 1: First day at Kathmandu, Nepal

• Max. elevation: 1340m
• Food: local food with breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel 
• Place: Kathmandu

Firstly, you land in the capital city of Nepal. Kathmandu city has various historical places and traditional culture. In Kathmandu, there are many places to visit like vibrant markets, and ancient temples, where Kathmandu city is an exhilarating allure is a city you won’t forget.

Your company representatives will contact you to pick you up at the airport if you have contact with them. The company will drive you to the hotel, there are different kinds of hotels in Kathmandu and you may visit different places in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu to Jagat

• Trek time: 12 hours 
• Distance: 213 km / 132 miles 
• Accommodation: Tea House 

This journey is by road to Jagat on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It takes 12 hours to reach Jagat if the road condition is good and if the condition of the vehicle is good.

The route starts with the main highway and the road condition of Nepal is bumpy, and dusty after a few hours. In some places, the condition is very good and in some places, the road might be under construction.

There are different road transportation like public buses, private jeeps or private cars. The journey starts at the Kathmandu hotel having breakfast. 

Day 3: Jagat to Dharapani

• Trek time: 7 hours 
• Distance: 15 km / 9 miles
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Time: Full travel day by bus or jeep 

In this route, we follow the Marsyangdi River. After leaving the Jagat there is a short section that avoids the road and starts up with a load of steps and has a great view, impressive waterfalls and many more.

Accordingly, we reached Chyamche. After that, you will find their suspension bridge with stunning scenery, and high cliffs to see and you will have a chance to spot the different wildlife.

You will reach the village named Tal, where many visitors stop to take some rest and have lunch. After that, there is a Manang welcoming gate for visitors.

After travelling some hours of hiking to Dharapani, passing through the villages and another suspension bridge.

Day 4: Dharapani to chame 

• Distance: 15 km / 9 miles 
• Time: 7 hours 
• Accommodation: Tea House 
• Altitude: 2600 meters 

Here starts with the first hike which is a tough part that involves walking 17 kilometers and you have to climb more than 700 meters.

The route runs along several rivers. To cross it, long walkways are decorated with flags. In the beginning, it takes some getting used to walking over the wobbly bridge, but soon it is fun and there are a lot of pine forests and waterfalls too which makes you refreshed.

As the trail ascends through the forest there are incredible views overlooking the valley and of Annapurna II (7937m). From here you can feel the high mountains of the Himalayas.

DAY 4: Chame to Pisang

• Trek time: 6 hours 
• Distance: 15 km 
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Height: 3200 meters

Leaving Chame and starting the trek for Pisang. The route is relatively easy, from here you should ascend 500 meters and walk over 4 hours. Leaving the village, there is a huge pine forest and Marsyangdi Valley. 

This is impressive where you can find the huge apple orchard at Bhratang, and the largest area of the Annapurna Circuit. There you can have some delicious apple muffins that are sold in the local shop.

After walking for 1 hour the route is quite dangerous so be careful about that. After that time push to Upper Pisang.

Day 5: Pisang to Manang 

• Trek time: 8 hours 
• Distance: 17 km 
• Accommodation: Tea house 
• Height: 3540 meters 

The trails continue from the upper part of the Manang district. There are two routes to go from Pisang to Manang, one is northern and another one is southern. For this route, there are advantages and disadvantages for both.

If you go through the northern part there might be a lot of difficulty but more beautiful scenes of mountains, hills and many more.

On the other hand, the southern part route is faster but there might not be the amazing views that you expect. If you have time go with the high and if you want to fast go with the low.

This is also the longest day for trekking in Annapurna Circuit. While trekking from  Pisang to Manang some people may feel the effects of the height.

After that, you will reach Barga village which is a big village, where you can visit the old monastery in the village. After taking some rest in that village you will trek towards Manang. After an hour of walking from Barga, you will reach the village of Manang.

Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Manang

• Height: 3500 meters
• Time: 4 hours
• Distance: 5 kilometres
• Ascent: 200 meters
• Accommodation: Tea house 

Taking a rest is very important while doing a trek because you might be sick doing the long trek. You can explore Manang village as well which is very nice where you can buy many products. 

There is a facility of hotel, internet, and different kinds of shops where you can buy forgotten items. After trekking for a long your body needs energy for another trek so enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls which will be medicine for you.  It is a good place to relax and regain physical and mental strength.

While resting at Manang do visit Tilicho Peak where you can enjoy spectacular views. If you have time do visit Gangapurna Glacier Lake. 

Day 7: Manang to Yak Kharka 

• Trek time: 5 hours 
• Distance: 11 kilometers
• Accommodation: Tea House 
• Height: 4040 meters 

After doing some rest in Manang, it’s time to trek again with full potential energy. Today you will trek Manang to Yak Kharka. Today is the time to say goodbye to the road for now.

Trekking from Manang to Yak Kharka you may spot different wild animals like yaks, mules and rodents. It is the time to enjoy those views. The route is quite tougher than other routes. 

The first destination is to reach Tilicho Lake which is at 5000 meters altitude. Tilicho Base Camp route seems very busy, quite dirty, muddy and the road is in danger of landslides. After waking for 5 to 7 hours, you might feel tired and must take rest. For that, you must stay overnight at Yak Kharka.

Day 8: Yak Kharka to Phedi

• Trek time: 4 to 6 hours
• Distance: 11 kilometers
• Height: 4400 meters 
• Accommodation: Tea house

From Yak Kharka to Phedi, the trek is not that long; it is only 4 to 6 hours to reach Phedi but the high altitude and resulting oxygen can make this route tough. 

In high altitude crossing the landslide is more challenging. In this route, you may find landslide areas. You must be very careful while crossing the landslides. To gain something you must lose something, after crossing the landslides, there is amazing scenery continuing ascending the valley.

The trail descends to cross the river and rises to our highest lodge at 4450m. At a high pace, you may get a headache due to low oxygen.  It only takes us 2.5 hours and we get a very nice room in the cosy hotel Thorong Base Camp Lodge. In this hotel, you can enjoy hot cinnamon rolls and chocolate rolls.

If you have any energy left, try an extra acclimatization climb to High Camp. That is even 400 meters higher. It is a tough climb, so we walk very slowly. Once there you have to sit for a while to acclimatize and then you can return to Basecamp.

Day 9: Thorong Phedi Basecamp via Thorong La Pass to Muktinath

• Height: 3800 meters 
• Ascent: 1000 meters up, 1600 meters down 
• Time: 8 to 10  hours 
• Distance: 15 km 
• Accommodation: Tea house

This route might be your toughest day where you would have to trek for 8 to 10 hours to reach today’s final destination. In these trails you need to walk over bare mountain peaks, along the path are piles of snow and ice.

The weather conditions are very cold so be well prepared for the clothes. The weather is unpredictable, anytime it might air. From the High Camp, it will take you 3 hours to reach the top.

You take the path slowly, one step at a time until we reach the Annapurna Circuit’s highest point, the Thorung La, at a breathtaking 5416m high. The pass summit is quite broad and opens up to reveal an incredible, sweeping panorama of snow-capped peaks extending towards Tibet. Looking back to where you can see the views of the Annapurna. 

After hiking for 4 to 6 hours. The last part is the hardest; it takes hours to descend those around 1600 meters. There will be leg muscles trembling and it is difficult to control them. Finally, after 9 hours it was time to leave Phedi Base Camp and arrive in Muktinath. 

Day 10: Muktinath to Jomsom

• Trek time: 9 hours 
• Distance: 15 km 
• Accommodation: Tea house 

After the toughest day, You can start your trek by having breakfast with coffee and you can continue your journey to Jomsom. From Muktinath to Jomsom route there are several routes to complete today.

If you have time do visit Muktinath Temple with its 108 sacred waterspouts, eternal flame and many pilgrims that start heading down towards Jomsom.

The route goes through Lubra and you can avoid a big chunk of the road which will be a good option for trekkers. You can start hiking through small villages to avoid the road and choose the short route.

On the route is Kagbeni which is the most fascinating village. In Kagbeni there are many interesting monasteries covered with strange clay statutes. 

After reaching Kagbeni there is plenty of time to have lunch at one of Kagbeni’s interesting hotels or restaurants. Jomsom is a beautiful city with small airports, hotels and shops. Here will be your overnight before taking a bus to Pokhara for the next day. 

Day 11: Jomsom to Pokhara 

• Trek time: 8 hours
• Distance: 150 km 
• Accommodation: Tea House 

After breakfast, depart for Pokhara by public transport. A private jeep, which allows you to stop where you wish for photographs or rest breaks, will be hired at an extra charge. Which will be very comfortable.

 The route is beautiful, especially from Kalopani, where nature looks completely different. The road from Jomson to Pokhara is bumpy, interesting, and long. Finally, we reach the busy tourist town of Pokhara. Situated on Fewa Lake. 

Pokhara is a relaxing place to stop after a trek and attracts many foreign and domestic tourists. In the distance, you can continuously see the snowy peaks that we recently walked through. 

The road runs through many deep cliffs and ravines, so that is exciting. You may be very happy to have a better standard of accommodation tonight!

Proficient trips for the Annapurna Circuit Trek For Beginners 

1. Consider the best time to trek 

To trek in Annapurna Circuit requires the best season for the trek. Doing trek in the good conditions of weather. Choosing the right season has a significant impact on the trail conditions and impact on the weather as well. I will be explaining more about the season.

Almost all seasons are best to trek in Annapurna Circuit. Most people trek in Spring and Autumn, both seasons are considered the best trek. 

Spring ( March to May)  is the best season for trekking because at that time the natural environment will be fresh and the harshness of winter fades. During the Spring season, the weather is warm at that time with clear skies. 

In the spring season, the temperature ranges from  10°C to 20°C which is at lower altitudes and in higher altitudes the temperature might still be cooler.

On the other hand, Autumn (September to November) is also considered the best season to trek. In Nepal, the Autumn season starts after a monsoon season whereas else the skies are clear with beautiful deep blue sky. At this time the temperature during the day is pleasant. This time the temperature is cool but not that cold. 

2. Be well prepared physically for a trek in advance

You should be prepared to trek in Annapurna Circuit because the route is quite long. In some places the route is difficult, if you do training in advance it will be very easy to tackle.  

If you have time, do training at high altitude, if it is possible. After doing this training it might help you a lot while trekking. In the Annapurna circuit trek, there are flat, pleasant walks but there are several long, steep ascents.

Physical fitness helps you to recover faster after doing a trek for the whole day. Just be engaged in activities like running, cycling, and strength training.

3. Essentials permit to obtain for Annapurna Circuit Trek  For Beginners

This is the important thing to obtain before going to the Annapurna Circuit trek. Permits are mainly about permission to get into that place. After obtaining the permits you are eligible to enter that place.

We can find more relevant information here about trekking permits and costs: Annapurna Trekking Permits 

Two permits are required to obtain Conservation Area Permits ( ACAP) and the Trekker’s Information Management System ( TIMS ). These permits contribute to the preservation of the natural environment and safety for trekkers. 

4. Be Mentally Prepared 

You’ll be better prepared to deal with whatever comes your way if you expect both highs and lows. Recognize and appreciate every milestone, no matter how minor. It might be reaching an elevation or finishing a particularly difficult trail.

Recognizing your progress boosts morale. Be adaptable in your approach. Adverse weather and unforeseen challenges are all part of the trip. 

5. Essentials Trek Gear Guide For Beginners

For more information click here For: Equipment Lists Required for Annapurna Circuit Trek 

• Trekking Boots 
• Backpack 
• Clothing Layers 
• Sleeping Bag
• Trekking Poles 
• Headlamp 
• Water Purification System 
• First Aid Kit  

 Mentioning the more important gear guide for beginner trekkers:

Clothing 

• Moisture-wicking and breathable base layers 
• Insulating layers (fleece or down jacket)
• Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket
• Waterproof and breathable pants
• Quick-drying hiking trousers
• T-shirts and hiking shirts
• Warm hat and gloves
• Sun hat or cap
• Good quality hiking socks
• Hiking boots 
• Gaiters ( This is optional )
• Sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings in lodges

Accessories 

• Sunscreen 
• Lip balm with SPF
• Insect repellent
• Personal toiletries and medications
• First aid kit 
• Snacks and energy bars
• Water purification tablets or a filter
• Trekking map and compass

Equipment

• Backpack with a rain cover
• Sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures 
• Sleeping pad or inflatable mattress
• Trekking poles for added stability
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Water bottle or hydration bladder
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Trekking towel
• Lightweight and quick-drying travel towel

6.  Respect Local Culture

The Annapurna Circuit villages have deep-rooted customs and beliefs. Respecting their culture allows them to honour their heritage while also engaging in meaningful cultural exchange.  Say you’re on your way to a local settlement along the path. You are invited into a family’s house to have a meal.

As a symbol of respect, you remove your shoes before entering. You converse during the dinner, expressing appreciation in the native tongue. As you depart, you give a modest gift as a thank-you for their hospitality. Throughout your travels, you resist snapping images without first obtaining permission and understand the importance of respecting people’s privacy.

7. Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty

Annapurna Region is not just popular and desired for its beauty but for its availability as well and it’s a hard trek that trekkers have told while giving feedback. 

Also, throughout the times during the trek, you remain above 3000 m. You make your way through a few of the toughest terrains, which are rough, dry, and steep most of the time. For more information click here: Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty 

Unlike many other treks, you cannot level down the Annapurna Circuit trek difficulty level. You could skip certain segments of the trail, but in terms of doing so, you’ll take the best elements away from the journey.

8. Guides and Porters

Trekkers’ safety is the utmost priority. Hence, certified licensed guides who are experts in this field are assigned.

They have in-depth knowledge of the region, can speak English fluently, are technically competent, and can perform safety rescues. Furthermore, the itinerary is designed to comfort the trekking experience for trekkers.

The guides are usually locals of the region. They can provide you with in-depth knowledge of the region, culture, and traditions. Similarly, with their help, you can interact with local communities.

You can get more information here about Guide Hiring For Annapurna Circuit Trek 

Another important reason for beginners to hire a guide is for safety reasons. The guides are trained to tackle challenging situations such as altitude sickness.

Also, verify that they have all the required certificates and licenses. We at Nepal Alternative Treks have expert guides with all the qualifications and certificates.

Contact us on our Whatsapp for any travel inquiries: +9779861499035