Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal

The cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek ranges between $800 and $3,000 per person. The cost is mainly determined by the level of luxury of the package you choose. Booking with us, our package includes transportation, accommodations, meals, permits, a guide, and a porter. The cost determination also includes all the taxes, and there is no hidden price. So, booking with us can be the right choice for you in terms of your budget, as we offer both basic and luxury packages.

However, our costs do not include your expenses, such as international and domestic airfare, visa fees, accommodation in Kathmandu, personal expenses, Wi-Fi charges, and staff tips. For more details regarding the cost and the packages, you can directly contact us through our contact number or even email us. We are ready to help and provide you with all the necessary information.

During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will find various accommodation options, from basic teahouses to more comfortable lodges. In lower altitudes, lodges offer private rooms with shared bathrooms. As you go higher, facilities become more basic. Some lodges in popular stops like Manang, Jomsom, and Muktinath offer attached bathrooms and hot showers. Remember that hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging electronics often require an extra fee ($2 to $5 per service).

Food along the trek is tasty and energy-giving, with plenty of options to suit different dietary needs. The staple meal is Dal Bhat, a traditional dish of rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles. You will also find noodles, pasta, momos (dumplings), pancakes, and Tibetan bread. Lower villages have more diverse menus, including eggs, porridge, toast, and even pizza. However, as you ascend, choices become limited, and food prices increase due to transportation costs.

Below is a table outlining typical meals available along the trek.

Note: If you book with us, you will stay 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in KTM and Pokhara and 8 nights in lodges. We will also arrange all your meals: 9 Breakfast, 9 lunch, and 9 Dinner.

Breathtaking Mountain Views

With this adventure, you can see amazing and mind-blowing views of the Himalayas that will leave you in awe. The first and foremost is the 10th highest mountain in the world, Mount Annapurna (8,091m/26,545 ft), which attracts anyone with its massive and stunning snow-covered peak. Other primary mountains you can witness along the way include Gangapurna (7,455m/24,459 ft), Nilgiri (7,061m/23,166 ft), Tarke Kang (7,193m/23,599 ft), and Lamjung Himal (6,983m/22,910 ft).

Thorong La Pass

Thorong La is the highest and one of the most thrilling passes you will reach during this adventure. Located at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 ft), Thorong La Pass is considered the most challenging section of the entire 10-day Circuit Adventure due to its steep ascent, unpredictable weather, and high altitude. Crossing this pass will reward you with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Tilicho Peak.

Jomsom

You will have time to explore this beautiful village. Famous for its stunning desert-like landscapes, Jomsom offers stunning views of arid valleys, towering cliffs, and the deep gorge of the Kali Gandaki River. Some other major attractions include the Mustang Eco Museum, Rupse Falls, and Dhumba Lake. This picturesque village is not just about natural beauty but also about a rich cultural heritage influenced by Tibetan culture and history. Jomsom is also famous for its strong winds, which blow heavily through the valley in the afternoons.

Manang

An acclimatization day in Manang will help you adjust to the altitude while offering the best chance to explore the beauty of this charming Himalayan village. Situated at an altitude of 3,519 meters (11,545 ft), Manang is a vital stop for trekkers before ascending further toward the Thorong La Pass. This village provides a stunning view of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Chulu East. During your stay, you can visit the Braga Monastery and explore the Gangapurna Glacier Lake. Additionally, the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the locals there makes you feel at home.

Yak Kharkha

Yak Kharka is a beautiful high-altitude pastureland located at 4,020 meters (13,189 ft), where you will see yaks grazing in the alpine meadows and experience a more rugged and remote landscape. It is an important resting stop before ascending to Thorong Phedi and crossing Thorong La Pass. The name “Yak Kharka” itself means “Yak Pasture,” and it perfectly describes the amazing scenery you will witness here. Additionally, the area offers clear views of Chulu Peaks and Annapurna IV.

Muktinath

Muktinath is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists, situated at 3,800 meters (12,467 ft). This sacred temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and houses 108 stone water spouts, which are believed to cleanse sins when bathed in. Nearby, you will also find the eternal flame that has been burning naturally for centuries, signifying the divine presence of Lord Vishnu. Besides its religious significance, Muktinath is famous for offering views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountain ranges.

You can get to the Annapurna Circuit by air or by road, depending on your preferences for convenience or cost. The trek usually starts from Besisahar or Chame, where you can either take a flight or travel by road from Kathmandu.

By Air

The quickest way to reach the Annapurna Circuit is to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The flight takes about 25 minutes, covering a distance of 200 km (124 miles). After landing in Pokhara, you will still need to travel by road to reach Besisahar (5-6 hours) or Chame (around 6 hours) by jeep or bus.

Flying saves time compared to traveling by road and is especially useful if you are short on time. However, flights can be weather-dependent, and there is a possibility of delays or cancellations due to bad weather. Additionally, you still need to travel by road after the flight, which can take several more hours.

By Road

If you prefer traveling by road, you can take a bus or private vehicle from Kathmandu to Besisahar, which takes about 6-7 hours covering a 175 km (108 miles) distance. From Besisahar, you can continue by jeep to Chame, which takes around 5-6 more hours to cover the 230 km (143 miles).

Traveling by road is cheaper and offers a chance to experience local villages and culture along the way. However, the journey can be long and uncomfortable, especially beyond Besisahar, as the roads are rough and bumpy. There might also be delays caused by traffic congestion or road conditions, making the road option less predictable than flying.

Yes, you will find internet access on the Annapurna Circuit, but it is limited and unreliable in higher-altitude areas. In lower villages like Besisahar, Chame, and Manang, most teahouses offer Wi-Fi for a small fee (around $2 to $5 per hour), though speeds can be slow. As you go higher, especially in remote locations like Thorong Phedi and Yak Kharka, Wi-Fi becomes rare, and if available, it is often expensive and slow.

Another option is to purchase a local SIM card (NCELL or NTC) with a data pack, but mobile network coverage is inconsistent, especially in the higher sections of the trek. NTC generally has better reception in remote areas, but it is still unreliable in places like Thorong La Pass and Muktinath. You can download offline maps, save important information, and inform your family that you may be out of contact for a few days while trekking in remote areas.

Yes, showers are available at most teahouses, but the here availability depends on the altitude. In lower villages, you will find hot showers with running water for $2 to $5 per use. However, as you ascend to higher altitudes like Thorong Phedi and Yak Kharka, hot water becomes scarce, and most teahouses offer bucket showers with heated water for a fee.

At the higher regions of the trek, such as Thorong La Pass, showers are rare or completely unavailable due to freezing temperatures. Many trekkers choose to skip showers for a few days to avoid catching a cold. Instead, they use wet wipes, dry shampoo, and extra layers of clothing to stay fresh. If you plan to shower regularly, you should bring quick-dry towels and biodegradable soap.

The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In spring, the weather is warm and pleasant, with temperatures from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) in lower areas and -6°C to 5°C (21°F to 41°F) at higher elevations. You will get to witness clear skies and colorful rhododendron flowers blooming along the trail. You may also see wild animals like blue sheep and pheasants.

Autumn is also a great time to trek because the weather is cool and dry. The temperature stays between 12°C and 22°C (54°F and 72°F) in lower areas and -5°C and 3°C (23°F and 37°F) at higher elevations. The skies are clear, so you get the best mountain views. This season is also special because it is festival time in Nepal, and you can enjoy cultural events like Dashain and Tihar.

Besides these two seasons, we generally do not recommend trekking during the monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February). In the monsoon, heavy rain makes the trails muddy and slippery, and landslides can block the way. Similarly, winter is also not a good time because it is too cold, with temperatures dropping to -20°C (-4°F) at high altitudes. There is heavy snowfall, and many teahouses close for the season.