Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trip Facts of Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trek Name: Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trek Code: BATE NEP 001

Grade: Strenuous

Max Elevation: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

Accommodation: Hotel / Lodge

Meal: Bed & Breakfast in the city & Accommodation only during the trek

Transport: Flight or Private Vehicle 

Trek Days:  11 Days

Total Days: 17 Days

Annapurna Circuit Trek

The 17-day Annapurna Circuit Trek is a classic high-altitude adventure, circling the Annapurna massif and traversing lush green valleys and mountain passes. This adventure takes you across Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, the highest point of the trip. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is perfect for explorers seeking dramatic mountain views, varied landscapes, cultural immersion, and a high-altitude trekking experience.

Highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft), the highest and most rewarding point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Witness Nepal's most dramatic landscape shift, from subtropical Marsyangdi Valley forests to the high alpine desert of Manang and Mustang

• Acclimatize in Manang (3,500m/11,483ft), with time to explore Gangapurna Lake, Braga Monastery, and Himalayan viewpoints

• Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists at 3,800m/12,467ft

• Walk through classic Annapurna villages including Chame, Pisang, Manang, Marpha, Kalopani, Tatopani, and Ghorepani

• Relax in the natural hot springs of Tatopani, a well-earned soak after days of high-altitude trekking

• Catch sweeping Himalayan panoramas from Ghorepani and the Poon Hill region, framed by Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre

• Experience authentic teahouse culture, Thakali cuisine, and warm mountain hospitality across three distinct trekking regions in one journey

Short Trip Overview of ACT

The 17-day Annapurna Circuit Trek is a complete Himalayan journey that traverses through Nepal's diverse landscapes, from subtropical farmland to high alpine passes and the dry, wind-carved valleys of the Trans-Himalaya. It circles the Annapurna massif and crosses Thorong La Pass at 5,416 metres (17,769 ft), one of the great high-altitude high-pass crossings. 

As you walk, the peaks change with the terrain, while Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri all take their turn on the skyline. At Basanta Adventure, we have spent over 25 years guiding in these mountains, and we know the Circuit rewards patience. It is a strenuous trek, so we plan the pace, acclimatisation, and rest days carefully, which allows each guest to arrive at the pass prepared for the climb and able to enjoy it.

The adventure begins in the green lowlands with rice terraces, waterfalls and roadside settlements between Kathmandu to Besisahar, then continues on a mountain road to Chame, where the walking section starts. From Chame, the trail follows the Marsyangdi Valley through Pisang and Manang, with spectacular views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Pisang Peak, and the surrounding Himalayan walls.

Beyond Manang, the scenery turns stark and beautiful, with high desert, ancient monasteries and prayer flags snapping in the wind. After the pass, you descend to the sacred temple of Muktinath and follow the Kali Gandaki valley, one of the deepest river gorges on earth, through Marpha and its apple orchards. Muktinath is a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, which adds another layer to the walk.

From Kalopani, the trail drops to warm and lush Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs, before climbing again through rhododendron forests and mountain villages to Ghorepani. Throughout the trail, the culture changes as much as the scenery, passing through Gurung and Thakali villages and Tibetan-influenced communities.

Each of these villages and communities offer their own cultural experience, traditions, architecture, and foods. The trek itself takes 11 days and the full journey takes 17 days. Our team manages the itinerary, permits, accommodations, transport, and overall logistics allowing you to fully enjoy the journey.

Basanta Adveture aims to make your journey memorable for its landscapes, its people, and the feeling of crossing the pass on foot.

Choose the Best Operators for your next Annapurna Circuit Trek

Cross the Great Himalayan Divide with Basanta Adventure

Few treks change as much from one day to the next as the Annapurna Circuit. You start among rice terraces and rushing rivers, climb through forest and into high-altitude desert, then cross Thorong La at 5,416 metres before dropping into the legendary Kali Gandaki valley. It is a long, demanding and unforgettable walk.

25 years in the mountains have taught us how to plan the circuit trail right. We design our Annapurna Circuit treks around steady pacing, proper acclimatisation and the kind of local knowledge that only comes from years on the trail. Our guides know every village, tea house and turn in the path, and our team looks after the permits, lodges, transport and safety so you can focus on the walking and the views.

Along the way, you will share meals in mountain lodges, meet families whose homes stretch from lowland farms to high Himalayan valleys, and visit monasteries and pilgrimage sites that have drawn travellers for centuries. We believe in travelling responsibly, supporting the communities we walk through and protecting the mountains we love.

We do not just want to take you over the pass. We want to give you a journey with real depth, one that stays with you long after you are home.

Basanta Adventure, real mountains, real people, and real journeys.