The Annapurna Circuit Trek, organized by Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition, is one of the most iconic trekking experiences in the world. The trek takes adventurers through the diverse landscapes of the Annapurna region, beginning in the lush, subtropical valleys and climbing gradually into high alpine terrain. Trekkers pass through terraced farmlands, dense rhododendron forests, and scenic villages inhabited by ethnic communities such as the Gurung and Thakali people. The trail follows the Marsyangdi River in its lower reaches, where its rapids and waterfalls create mesmerizing sights and soundscapes.
The trek covers approximately 160–230 kilometers depending on the route, with Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,768 ft.) as the highest point. Along the way, trekkers experience unparalleled views of towering snow-capped peaks, including Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Nilgiri. Wildlife is abundant, from deer and langurs in the lower forests to blue sheep and Himalayan marmots at higher elevations. Birdwatchers will find themselves in paradise, spotting species like blood pheasants, Himalayan monals, and migratory Siberian birds. A highlight of the trek is Manang, a central village offering breathtaking alpine vistas and insight into Gurkha heritage. Another key destination is Muktinath Temple, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, renowned for its eternal flame that has burned for centuries.
The best season to trek the Annapurna Circuit is typically spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). These periods offer the clearest skies, pleasant temperatures, and ideal conditions for high-altitude trekking. Spring is particularly famous for blooming rhododendrons, which create a spectacular colorful landscape along the trail. Autumn offers stable weather, crisp air, and excellent views of snow-capped peaks, making it the most popular trekking season.
The monsoon season (June–August) brings heavy rainfall, landslides, and leeches in lower regions, making trekking difficult and sometimes unsafe. Winter (December–February) is suitable only for experienced trekkers due to freezing temperatures, snow accumulation, and potential trail closures around Thorong La Pass. Trekkers attempting the circuit in winter will need additional gear such as down jackets, insulated boots, and crampons.
Season Highlights:
Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition advises planning the trek during spring or autumn to enjoy safe trekking and the most spectacular Himalayan vistas.
The Annapurna Circuit is considered moderate to challenging, suitable for trekkers with reasonable physical fitness and stamina. Trek duration ranges from 12 to 18 days, depending on the exact route and acclimatization days. The trail gradually ascends from 1,100 meters in Jagat/Syange to 5,416 meters at Thorong La Pass, giving trekkers time to acclimatize and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Trekking is typically done on foot, but transportation options include:
Difficulty Factors:
Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition provides experienced guides, porters, and acclimatization plans to ensure safety and comfort for trekkers of all levels.
Food and accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit are comfortable and varied, especially along popular trekking routes. Traditional tea houses (lodges) offer warm beds, local cuisine, and hot showers at most stops. Higher-altitude lodges may have limited electricity, and rooms can be basic but cozy.
Popular trekking meals include:
Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition ensures trekkers enjoy:
Trekking the Annapurna Circuit requires several permits to ensure safety and conservation:
Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition assists with all permit arrangements before the trek, so trekkers can focus entirely on their adventure. Carrying these permits is necessary at all checkpoints, and guides help ensure compliance with local regulations.
Permit Highlights:
Choosing Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition for the Annapurna Circuit Trek guarantees an authentic, safe, and well-organized experience. The company has years of experience in Himalayan trekking and provides professional guides, porters, and support staff to ensure a hassle-free journey.
Reasons to choose Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition:
With Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition, trekkers not only experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Annapurna region but also immerse themselves in local culture, making the journey memorable for life.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by the team from Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition and transferred to your hotel. Take this day to rest and recover from your flight while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Nepal’s capital. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the nearby streets, enjoy local cuisine, or simply relax and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead. An evening briefing with our trek guides will cover your trekking route, essentials, and safety measures.
Today is dedicated to exploring Kathmandu’s rich cultural heritage and preparing for the trek. You will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa, gaining insight into Nepal’s spiritual and historic traditions. After sightseeing, our team will assist with final trek preparations, checking your gear, distributing necessary permits, and providing tips on acclimatization. The evening can be spent enjoying traditional Nepali cuisine or walking through the bustling streets of Thamel, immersing yourself in the city’s lively ambiance.
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syange or Jagat, a journey of approximately 8-10 hours through winding mountain roads. The drive takes you through lush valleys, terraced fields, and picturesque villages, offering a first glimpse of the Annapurna region’s natural beauty. Our guides will provide insights into local life, culture, and traditions along the way. Upon arrival, you will settle into your lodge for the night, enjoy a hearty dinner, and rest in preparation for the trek that begins tomorrow.
Your trekking adventure begins today with a steady ascent towards Dharapani. The trail passes through terraced fields, small villages, and dense forests of pine and rhododendron. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of mountains like Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II in the distance. This moderate-to-strenuous day will help your body adjust to higher altitudes while offering opportunities to interact with local Gurung and Manangi communities. Reaching Dharapani, you will rest in a cozy teahouse, enjoying the warmth of local hospitality and the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Today’s trek takes you higher into the Marsyangdi River valley, passing through lush forests of oak and rhododendron, alongside traditional villages. The trail gradually climbs with panoramic views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Pisang Peak. Reaching Chame, the administrative center of the Manang District, you will find a well-established village with teahouses, shops, and a local monastery. Chame is a great place to witness the blending of Tibetan and Nepali culture. After settling in, you can enjoy a short walk around the village to acclimatize and soak in the stunning Himalayan views.
The trail today ascends through the upper part of the Marsyangdi valley, gradually gaining altitude. You will pass through beautiful forests, alpine meadows, and quaint villages while the Annapurna and Manang peaks dominate the skyline. Pisang village, divided into Lower and Upper Pisang, showcases traditional Tibetan-style houses and monasteries. Upper Pisang, perched on a hilltop, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Annapurna II and the surrounding peaks. This is an excellent spot for photography and acclimatization, and the evening can be spent enjoying local dishes while marveling at the golden Himalayan sunset.
Today, the trail leads you through a dramatic landscape of glaciers, high cliffs, and the mesmerizing Annapurna range. Crossing the Marsyangdi River and passing through small settlements, you will witness the change in vegetation as you approach the arid, Tibetan-influenced terrain of Manang. Manang, a bustling trekking hub, is an ideal spot to rest and acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes. The village offers teahouses, cafes, and local handicrafts. After settling in, a short acclimatization walk to nearby viewpoints will help your body adjust while offering magnificent views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Tilicho Peak.
A full day of rest and acclimatization in Manang ensures your body adapts to the higher altitude. Optional short hikes to nearby Gangapurna Lake or the Ice Lake provide gentle exercise while offering spectacular mountain vistas. Our guides will educate you about altitude sickness prevention, hydration, and trekking strategies for the upcoming Thorong La Pass. Exploring Manang’s monastery, interacting with locals, and tasting traditional Tibetan-influenced food will enrich your cultural experience. This day balances relaxation and acclimatization, preparing you mentally and physically for the challenging trek ahead.
The trek from Manang to Yak Kharka is moderately challenging but short, allowing for steady acclimatization. The trail passes through alpine meadows and small villages, with yaks grazing peacefully in the highlands. Spectacular views of the Thorong La region and surrounding peaks accompany you throughout the trek. Yak Kharka is a small settlement with a few rustic teahouses, providing a cozy stop before ascending further. Spending the night here allows your body to adjust to higher altitudes, while the crisp mountain air and clear skies make it perfect for stargazing.
Today, you trek higher into the alpine region, reaching Thorong Phedi, the base of Thorong La Pass. The trail climbs steadily through rocky terrain with minimal vegetation, offering panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Tilicho peaks. Thorong Phedi is a small settlement with simple lodges where trekkers prepare for the early morning crossing of Thorong La Pass. Our guides will review safety measures, hydration, and acclimatization tips. The altitude and thin air require rest and patience, but the breathtaking views make every step worthwhile, setting the stage for one of the trek’s highlights tomorrow.
The highlight of the Annapurna Circuit, crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769 ft), begins before dawn for a spectacular sunrise over the mountains. The climb is challenging, with snow and strong winds often encountered near the pass, but the reward is an unparalleled panoramic view of the Himalayas. After descending to Muktinath, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, you can visit the temple, waterfalls, and prayer wheels. The descent provides relief to the legs, and the cultural and spiritual significance of Muktinath makes this day physically demanding but spiritually enriching.
Descending from Muktinath, the trail passes through semi-arid landscapes, terraced fields, and small Thakali villages. The trek to Jomsom is relatively easy and scenic, offering beautiful views of the Kali Gandaki River and surrounding cliffs. Upon arrival in Jomsom, a vibrant market town, you can explore local shops, cafes, and traditional cuisine. This town serves as a hub for trekkers heading towards Pokhara or the Mustang region. Enjoy a restful evening in a comfortable lodge, reflecting on your trek so far and preparing for a scenic flight the next day.
A short but breathtaking flight from Jomsom to Pokhara offers stunning aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will be transferred to a hotel near the serene Phewa Lake. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing by the lakeside, boating, or exploring the lakeside markets. Pokhara offers a refreshing contrast to the rugged trekking trails, with opportunities for leisure, adventure sports, and enjoying the city’s peaceful atmosphere. A farewell dinner can also be arranged by Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition.
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive back to Kathmandu through the lush hills and valleys of central Nepal. The journey allows you to enjoy the changing landscapes, rivers, and terraced fields while reflecting on the incredible experiences of the trek. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will check into your hotel and have free time for last-minute shopping, exploring the city, or enjoying a relaxing evening before departure. Our team will also assist with any final arrangements, ensuring a smooth conclusion to your adventure.
On your final day, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours to stroll through Thamel or visit nearby sites. This marks the end of your unforgettable Annapurna Circuit journey with Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition, leaving you with memories of majestic mountains, rich culture, and lifelong friendships. Our team will bid you farewell, wishing you safe travels and hoping to welcome you back for future adventures in Nepal.
Your Start Date is the day you land in Nepal, and your End Date is when you fly home.
If the set Annapurna Circuit Trek group dates don’t suit your schedule, we can offer alternative dates upon request.
We hiked the Annapurna circuit and up to poon hill. Go was our guide and he made the trip wonderful. Informative on everything mountain-related, energetic and fun, and flexible with our needs. Highly recommend our trek and if you’re lucky enough, Go as your guide! take from Nepal Planet treks.
My sister and I did the Annapurna Circuit this November with Nepal Planet Treks. It was amazing! This was due to Nepal Planet Treks being so organized and accommodating. From the planning stages to the very end every detail had been taken care off. Our guide and porter were so friendly and made our trip amazing! There was never a point were I was stressed out about what we were doing. I cannot say enough good things about this company and if I ever go back to that area I would use them again in a heartbeat!
We hired Bishnu Adhikari as our guide for the Annapurna Circuit Trek we did as a group of 8 in December 2017. The guide and porters were absolutely amazing! - very friendly, funny and accommodating and always made us feel safe and comfortable at all times. Bishnu was very flexible with our group's preferences for accommodation, trekking route or activities at each town. He is a very knowledgeable and experienced guide, having done the Annapurna Circuit over 150 times. Bishnu always catered to our needs and helped with any difficulty or language barrier we had with other Nepalese locals. The porters were also very helpful and polite - going out of their way to help us with food, etc at each guesthouse. We cut our trek a few days short to spend New Year's Eve in Pokhara and Bishnu was very accommodating - arranging transport (via bus or jeep/taxi) to our hotel. We had a great party with our guide and porters on the last day of trekking. I would highly recommend using Bishnu as a guide for future treks - he made the whole experience so unique and enjoyable.
This was my second time trekking in Nepal and I can say that it was an even more enjoyable experience than the first time because of Bishnu and the porters (Sukman, Subash, Ganesh and Bodrey). Despite being a large group of 8 people, Bishnu always handled the logistics of our trek smoothly and efficiently. We always managed to get to places on time. Bishnu is very experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to trekking and this was illustrated time and time again. He was also very accommodating and flexible in helping us cut our trek a day short so we could spend New Year's Eve in Pokhara and in teahouses we wanted to stay at on the Circuit. The porters were always very nice and helped us out whenever we needed. We had a nice party on the last night of our trek where we cooked buff meat over an open fire, drank some local wine and listened to traditional Nepali music. It was a great experience and I would recommend Bishnu for any trek or cultural tour in Nepal.
“Nobody know” this is Kumar always said to me during trek. Yes, that’s right! Nobody know what will be happen during trekking. Kumar was my guide/cum porter but he was more than that, he also was my brother and my friend in my solo trek. Well This was my first time solo trekking in nepal. I had concluded 14 days trip in nepal, everything..every time organized by Kumar, he is a good man and very well organized trekking trip. He is very experienced and he knews everyone during trek, Yes..everyone! Haha! Kumar always said to me “You can do it!” Finally I could finished to Thorong La Pass. We had a little celebrated on the last night in Jomsom, We drank some beer, local apple wine and many talking. However I would like to remind to you when you trekking in nepal that.. Don’t trust owner hotels when he/she say that “Electric is coming” LOL ^^ If you would like a trekking trip in nepal, don’t hesitate to contact Nepal Planet Treks and I would to recommended Kumar for any trek in Nepal.
We visited Nepal for the first time in April 2018 and decided to do the Annapurna Circuit including Tilicho Lake and Thorung La Pass. For a while we were toying with the idea of going with a guide or going by ourselves but in the end decided it was best to go with a guide. So after looking all over the internet, we decided on Sanjib's company Nepal Planet and we were not disappointed once from start to finish. We were greeted at our hotel on our starting day by Sanjib and our guide Laxman. And the next 3 weeks was a breeze. It was by no means easy but Laxman definitely got us through the struggles. Looking at all of the other guides we saw on the trek it's easy for us to say that Laxman is one of the best in the business. Professional, excellent people skills and great knowledge of the trekking area. The thing we really loved is that whilst he knew what our goals were, he also assessed our trekking level well and knew when we should take rests, snacks, lunch etc. It was completely the trekking experience we had dreamed of and we couldn't have asked for a better guide. Would thoroughly recommend Laxman and Sanjib's company to anyone we know. Thank you!
My sister and I did the Annapurna Circuit this November with Nepal Planet Treks. It was amazing! This was due to Nepal Planet Treks being so organized and accommodating. From the planning stages to the very end every detail had been taken care off. Our guide and porter were so friendly and made our trip amazing! There was never a point were I was stressed out about what we were doing. I cannot say enough good things about this company and if I ever go back to that area I would use them again in a heartbeat!
One of the best things about this trip, is that it was completely stress free. My sister and I wanted to do the Annapurna circuit together, but knew the responsibility of navigating would stress us out, hence why we hired Nepal Planet Treks. Our guide and porter were super sweet and looked after everything, making the trip that much better. We didn't have to worry about a thing, which allowed us to truly enjoy the scenery. I would 100% recommend Nepal Planet Treks!
My sister and I hiked the annapurna circuit trek in september. The trip was very nice althoug slightly cloudy. Our guide, Gokul on the other hand was terrific and really made the trip fantastic. He was very nice and helpful both assisting us in learning nepali and pointing out mountains and other things. I would definitely recommend the circuit trek and Gokul in specific as a guide
I just want to thank Sanjib (NJ) and Nepal Planet Treks & Expeditions for a great epic trek, I had been planning this trek for over 2 years and had found Sanjib to be very professional, every time I asked a question via email he would reply within 24 hours. I came to Nepal with my 23 year old daughter to do the Annapurna circuit, Tilicho Lake and ABC base camp trek, from the moment we arrived Sanjib was there to meet us at the airport and drive us to our hotel in Kathmandu. The next day he had introduced us to our guide Laxman, who had assisted us that morning to get our visa extensions, our trekking group consisted of my daughter, our guide Laxmam our porter Ramis and myself aged 57, as a small group of 4 we spent the next 4 weeks trekking the Annapurna circuit, I found Laxman to be a valuable and experienced guide as he would answer all my questions regarding trekking, cultural practices and naming all the mountain peaks, as well as organising all our meals and booking ahead some of the better accommodation option available with hot showers and private toilet. The trek was amazing we had trekked to Tilicho Base Camp and up to Tilicho Lake (4900mts) in the snow and it has been one of the most beautiful and challenging things I have done. Laxman had prepared us well for the trek over Throng La, (5416mt) making sure we would not go to high to quickly and making sure we acclimatised properly before going over the high pass. We were able to trek to poon hill and onwards to ABC base camp, in total we had trekked 330km and climbed over 13900 vertical meters, all in all it was a fantastic time trekking, everything when to plan and we had a great time, just want to thank Nepal planets treks & expeditions for a wonderful time, I hope to come back to Nepal to do other treks, so I hope to see you in a few years time, thanks again.
A friend and I recently completed the Annapurna Circuit trek that was a long awaited goal of mine. Through Nepal Planet Treks we hired a guide (Niraj) and a porter (Ari) and couldn’t have been happier with the service they provided. They were amazing. Niraj took great care of us throughout the trek, and I’m still amazed that Ari made it look so easy to carry our two full packs up and over the 5,416 meter Thorong La pass. If I’m able to return for the EBC trek I will be sure to contact Nepal Planet Treks and request Niraj and Ari services once again.
An unforgettable experience. The trekking was beautiful and the guide marking the path, the pace and the stops makes it easier. But the best thing about going with a guide is that it allows you to understand and immerse yourself more in the local culture, which greatly enhances the experience 😊.
We've just returned from Annapurna Circuit Trekking. Great experience facilitated by Nepal Planet Treks and Expedition P. My friends and I felt cared for and safe.
An amazing trekking tour, also due to our guide -Sanjib and the two porters, Rosen and Samir. Sanjib took care of us from the very first moment when we arrived in Kathmandu and until we left. He helped us to establish a proper pace in order to meet our goal and encouraged us to relax and enjoy the amazing landscapes. We strongly recommend Sanjib Adhikari for all those that are going to visit Nepal for trekking or hiking!
Our holiday in Nepal was amazing, thanks to the perfect organization of Sanjib and his team from Nepal Planet treks and expeditions. We were taken care of since our arrival at the airport till the departure. Our guide, Mun, was the best guide we could wish for. He is a well experienced guide who always made us feel safe and supported, but also a great company to have fun with. Our porter Santos was also great fun and always very kind. Overall it was a great experience and we will definitely be back soon! Thank you!!
It was a great experience in the wilderness of Nepals mountains and its local population and traditions. A great trip in the nature and in our souls. Our guide Ajaya was so present and he did every time is best to organize everything we need during the trekking. Thank's to Sanjb for all the management of our trip from the first day in Kathmandu until we arrived in Pokhara!
Was the first time in Nepal,i love trekking and this was excellent and wonderful. I give particular greetings to our guide Ajaya...great guide and very careful to satisfy all our requests..he became a friend. thanks to Sanjib for the excellent organization from our arrival in Kathmandu until the end of the trek Thanks for all.
Hi! I really recommend to visit Nepal with guide Sanjib and his team! We’ve been in Annapurna circle during 14 days and every day our Guide supported us and took care about our health. If you want come to Nepal, you should rely on this company.
Namaste from Switzerland! I trekked to Tilicho Lake with Niraj and would go again anytime. He took care of all my needs and adjusted the plans to my walking speed, which I appreciated a lot. We had great talks and delicious, fresh food. Wonderful experience! Thank you!
I found Nepal Planet Treks and Expedition through Instagram and decided to book them after reading excellent tripadvisor reviews. We have been corresponding and planning our trip with Anjay from Australia for almost a year, and found him to be efficient and timely in his responses. He was extremely knowledgeable, patient and did a superb job of tailoring the Annapurna Circuit trek for a family of 5 (children: 21, 17, 14 yrs) and 2 good friends. Our stay in Kathamndu and Pokhara was extremely comfortable and found the choice of hotels perfect in location and comfortable. Our travel in between cities was also seamless and well organised. Our mountain guide, Sanjib was the best guide. He treated us more like family and made sure that we were safe and comfortable. Our teenagers loved him and felt supported every step of the way especially along the dreaded High Camp and Thorong La Pass. Overall, we had an epic holiday, organised and prepared for us and would highly recommend them to anyone planning a trekking trip in Nepal. Thank you Nepal Travel Treks and Expedition! Especially Anjay and Sanjib! Diego+Kate+3 Perth, Australia
I had an amazing experience trekking the Annapurna Circuit! Everything was well organized, and I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the whole journey. A huge thank you to Sanjib and his wonderful team, they made the trip smooth, fun, and truly unforgettable. I’m very grateful for their support, kindness, and professionalism. Highly recommend to anyone planning to explore the Himalayas!
We stayed 3 and a half week in Nepal and had one of the most wonderful holidays of our lifes. This thanks to Nepal Planet Trek, the organisation and the lovely guide and porter who have accompagnied us during our trek through the Annapurna region. We couldn't have wished for any better persons than Niraj(our guide) and Shyam(our porter) to help us discover their lovely country Nepal. You can feel that these guys know the trek, the mountains, the nature,... and all this gives you as a tourist a secure, safe feeling during whole the adventure! We as tourists never needed to worry about our sleepingplaces each night cause this was always well arranged by our guide and porter. Although this wasn't always simple due to a snowstorm and some villages were overcrowded! But Niraj and Shyam always managed to secure a nice bed for us 😇 After the trek we spend some more time in Pokhara and we went to Chitwan. The transport (by bus) and the sleepingplaces ( 2nice hotels) there were also arranged by Nepal Planet Trek and everything was just like the trek perfect👌👌👌 Nothing but love and appreciation for all the people who make Nepal Planet Trek such a good and trustworthy organisation! Especially Niraj and Shyam 😉 Much love and respect from Belgium Toon
October last year, we hiked the Annapurna circuit and the Poon hill trek. It was an amazing experience, we could gladly share with our guide Niraj and Shyam!! They supported us during the entire trek! Besides the trek, also our trip to Chitwan national park and accommodation and transfer to and from Pokhara and Kathmandu were taken care of!! We would recommend this experience to everyone!
The Annapurna Circuit is a moderately challenging trek suitable for people with reasonable fitness. It combines long trekking days, steep ascents, and high-altitude passes like Thorong La (5,416m/17,769 ft). While technical climbing is not required, trekkers must be prepared for changing weather, altitude sickness, and uneven terrain. Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition provides experienced guides who monitor acclimatization, advise on pace, and offer tips for physical preparation, ensuring the trek remains safe and enjoyable for both first-time and seasoned trekkers.
The classic Annapurna Circuit Trek typically takes 14–18 days, depending on your pace and the route variation. Our itinerary with Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition usually spans 15 days, allowing sufficient time for acclimatization, scenic stops, and rest days in key villages like Manang. Shorter or extended versions are also possible. The duration includes drive or flight connections, cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu, and leisure days in Pokhara, providing a balanced experience between trekking adventure and cultural immersion.
While technical mountaineering skills are not required, good physical fitness and stamina are essential for handling long trekking days and altitude changes. Regular cardio exercise, hiking practice, and strength training in advance will significantly enhance your trekking experience. Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition recommends preparing at least 6–8 weeks before departure, gradually increasing hiking distances and carrying a loaded backpack to mimic real trail conditions, ensuring you can comfortably enjoy the trek without undue strain.
Yes, altitude sickness is a potential concern due to high passes like Thorong La (5,416m/17,769 ft). Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. To minimize risks, gradual ascent, proper hydration, rest days, and avoiding alcohol are crucial. Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition closely monitors each trekker’s health, encourages acclimatization days, and provides guidance on recognizing early symptoms. Our guides are trained in first aid and altitude response, ensuring safety and timely intervention if any trekkers experience discomfort during the journey.
The trek concludes in Jomsom, where you have the option of a scenic flight to Pokhara or a drive back to Kathmandu. The flight is faster, providing stunning aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, while the drive offers an adventurous road journey through rivers and hills. Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition organizes these transfers in advance, ensuring smooth logistics. From Pokhara or directly from Jomsom, our team will coordinate transportation, accommodation, and support, making the end of your Annapurna Circuit Trek both seamless and comfortable.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek can be done year-round, but the most popular and ideal seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is generally stable, skies are clear, and mountain views are spectacular. Spring showcases blooming rhododendrons along the trail, while autumn provides crisp air and vibrant landscapes. Trekking in winter is possible but challenging due to snow and cold temperatures, whereas monsoon season (June–August) often brings heavy rain, landslides, and obstructed trails.
Yes, trekking in the Annapurna region requires a Trekker’s Permit (TIMS) and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). These permits help regulate tourism and support local conservation efforts. Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition arranges all necessary permits on your behalf before the trek begins, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Guides will also check your permits at various checkpoints along the route, and it is crucial to carry your ID and permit copies throughout the trek.
Accommodation along the Annapurna Circuit primarily consists of teahouses and lodges offering basic but comfortable rooms. Most provide twin or triple rooms with shared bathrooms and hot showers (often for an additional fee). Meals such as dal bhat, noodles, and soups are available, catering to both Nepali and international tastes. Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition carefully selects clean and reliable lodges, ensuring trekkers have a warm, safe, and welcoming place to rest after each day’s hike, even in remote villages like Thorong Phedi or Yak Kharka.
Yes, teahouses along the Annapurna Circuit offer a range of meals including vegetarian, vegan, and sometimes gluten-free options. Popular dishes include dal bhat, noodles, soups, pancakes, and omelets. Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition ensures that dietary preferences are communicated to the teahouses and can assist with arranging special meals during your trek. Although menu variety decreases in higher, remote villages, basic vegetarian meals are generally available, and our guides help plan nutrition to maintain energy levels throughout the trek.
Packing appropriately is crucial for a successful trek. Essentials include layered clothing for varying temperatures, waterproof jackets, trekking boots, gloves, hats, sun protection, and a good sleeping bag. Trekking poles and a daypack are also recommended. Nepal Planet Treks & Expedition provides a detailed packing list prior to departure, highlighting altitude considerations, weather variability, and personal comfort. They also offer advice on renting or purchasing gear locally in Kathmandu to reduce baggage and ensure you’re fully prepared for both warm valleys and cold alpine regions.