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- Duration
- 10 Days
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- Max. Altitude
- 5416m.
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- Trip Grade
- Moderate
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- Activity
- Trekking Holidays, Explore
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- Group Size
- 8 People Max
Annapurna Circuit Trek 10 Days
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is the most popular trek journey in Nepal. Every year, thousands of nature lovers visit Nepal to do this unique trek. It is one of Nepal’s longest treks, passing through unique settlements, lush forests, high hills, and snow-capped mountains. The classic Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary is between 15 and 20 days. This long adventure is for those who have extra days during their holiday, but it is not for everyone. Annapurna Circuit Trek 10 days is a deal for those who only have 10 to 12 days to complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Our 10-days Annapurna Circuit Trek is a shorter version of the longer Annapurna Circuit Trek. This does not mean that the major highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek will be skipped. Rather, it tries to cover all of the famous places in a short period of time.
The landscape views are equally impressive; you will notice rapid changes in the landscapes in no time. Thorong La Pass (5416m) is the highest point of this trek and the ultimate highlight. And the journey to this pass is thrilling and exciting. You will see the best of the Annapurna region in just ten days. And by completing this trek, you can easily imagine what the longer Annapurna Circuit Trek is like.
Best Time to Trek Annapurna Circuit
Like many other treks in Nepal, there are times of year when the weather is ideal. The best times to trek the Annapurna Circuit are widely considered to be October and November, or April and May. The weather is generally clear and dry during these two seasons, so going into high altitudes is not too cold. These two seasons are also the busiest times to be on the trail, with trekkers from all over the world heading into the Himalayas.
You can also trek at other times of the year, but you’ll need to be more prepared for weather condi. The winter season, December to February, can also have clear skies and stunning views. But, at higher elevations, it can be extremely cold, with thick snow on the ground, which can often cause the Thorong La Pass to close at short notice. If you plan to trek during the winter, bring extra layers, and a thick sleeping bag suitable for temperatures of at least -20°C, which can be purchased or rented in Kathmandu.
Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu
You will arrive at Kathmandu airport where we will pick you up from airport and drop you to your hotel. Meanwhile, you can take your time exploring the temples and monuments or simply rest!
There are many places that you will find fascinating if you wander around.
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- Accommodation
- Optional
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- Meal
- No
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- Max. Altitude
- Free and rest day
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- Time
- 1400m.
Drive to Besisahar by hiace van & drive to Chame
We’ll have our breakfast on the second day and your guide will pick you up, and take the bus to Besisahar together. The local bus ride is 5 hours west of Kathmandu where you can experience from the bus some rural settlements and beautiful countryside.
Once we reach Besisahar, we will continue our journey north to Chame. Your jeep is waiting for you at Besisahar and we will finally reach Chame after the 4 – 5 hours journey. From here, the road is unpaved and rough, so be prepared for shakes and bumps. After reaching the destination at Chame village, the 65km bumpy ride ends. This village offers relaxing views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
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- Meal
- Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 2710m.
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- Time
- 8 - 9 hours
Trek to Pisang
Chame village brings an end to your bus ride and starts the trek of Annapurna Circuit. The trek will be through a steep and narrow trail of the valley. On the way, you will view Pinguda Danda Rock(1500m), a curve-shaped rock pointed in the river.
Throughout the day, you will enjoy walking on the green trails with mountains in the distance. Pisang provides amazing displays of Annapurna range peaks.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
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- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 3200m.
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- Time
- 5 hours
Trek to Manang
We’ll have already reached 3300m at Pisang on the 4rd day. We’ll officially begin our Annapurna Circuit trek after breakfast at Pisang. Today, from Pisang trekking to Manang, we will cover up to 17km.
The trail leads straight to the north and then to Nawal, Bhraka and finally to Manang further west. However, the other alternative to go to Manang from Pisang is to take the southern route via Humde where the trail meets at Mugje through a suspension bridge. Compared with the northern route through Ghyaru the southern route is easier.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
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- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 3540m.
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- Time
- 4 - 5 hours
Acclimatization day & Discover Manang
Although acclimatization stands for stepping back from the regular ascend and adjusting the altitude, it does not necessarily mean rest. The right way to adjust to the higher altitude and thinning air is to be active.
Thus, we will take a short hike to the nearby Gangapurna glacier ridge or walk up to the cave above Manang village to aid acclimatization. The remaining time will be used to discover the villages the native people and their history.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
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- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 3540m.
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- Time
- Free day
Trek Yak Kharka
The Annapurna circuit continues to leave the Marshyangdi River on the 6th day of our trip, the trek continues towards Yak Kharka. Ascending the steep trail, we arrive at Ghusang first.
The mani walls will lead the trail from Ghusang along Thorong Khola where we will have to cross a suspension bridge and walk uphill before finally reach to yak Kharka.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
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- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 4020m.
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- Time
- 4 hours
Trek to Thorong Phedi
Leaving Yak Kharkha, you’ll ascend to Letar. Accompanied by the continuous view of the surrounding mountain peaks, you can walk through towering cliffs to Thorong Phedi.
Upon your way to Thorong Phedi, you will pass small teashops. From Thorong Phedi a close-up view can be observed of Thorong Peak (6144m), Syagang (6026m), Khatungkang (6484m), Purbung Himal (6590m) and others.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
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- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 4450m.
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- Time
- 5 hours
Trek to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorong La Pass (5416m)
Today is going to be one of the most strenuous yet exciting trek for us as we cross the highest pass to go to Muktinath. Thorong La Pass lies between Manang and Mustang and was used by early traders to pass from Manang to Mustang, and now by trekkers.
Numerous prayer/peace flags mark the top of the Thorong La Pass and you will be greeted by the magnificent view of peaks above 6000m, pleasant view of Kali Gandaki Valley westward and Yakwakang northward. After we cross the pass we walk a little further along the Thorong Khola to Muktinath.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
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- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 5416m.
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- Time
- 8 hours
Trek to Jomsom
After breakfast, we trek from Muktinath towards Jomsom which is 5 hours walk.
We come across various suspension bridges and prayer flags along the way. Generally, the trail is dry with a stream flowing through the terrain The Mustang region is truly beautiful, and its authentic culture and land structure varies from the rest of Nepal. Arriving at Jomsom, we will check in to our lodge.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
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- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 2745m.
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- Time
- 5 hours
Fly to Pokhara and Fly to Kathmandu on the same day
After breakfast today, we will take an incredible morning mountain flight to Pokhara. It is a short 20 minutes flight and we will be able to enjoy the mountain ranges from the flight to Pokhara.
Once in Pokhara, we will take another flight to Kathmandu. It is a 25 minutes short flight but the views are simply breathtaking.
From mountains views at Pokhara to the beautiful landscapes of Kathmandu, it will be a pleasant scenic flight. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances.
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- Accommodation
- Optional
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- Meal
- Breakfast
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- Max. Altitude
- 1400m.
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- Time
- 1 - 3 hour
Fly to home
Today you can either stay back and enjoy a free day in Kathmandu or leave for your respective countries.
Our representatives will drop you off at the airport according to your flight schedule.
What to Expect
What's Included
- Airport transfers pick-up and drop-off.
- Annapurna National park entry permit and TIMS permits.
- 1-night hotel accommodation in Pokhara.
- Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus.
- Kathmandu to Beshisahar to Chameby local bus (upgrade to private Jeep).
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek.
- All accommodations during the trek.
- English speaking Sherpa trek guide.
- Staff insurance and necessary ground transport for support staffs.
- Porter to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers).
- Magical Summits duffel bag.
- Hiking pole for the trek, if needed.
- Trek map.
- Farewell dinner including a cultural show.
What's Excluded
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa.
- Tips for guide and porter (tipping is expected).
- Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on the ‘Included’ section.
FAQs
1. How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderate and one of the longest hiking routes in the region. So, it can be a little harder for a beginner to complete the journey without hiking experience and prior training.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most exciting and adventurous trekking trips for any trekker. Passing through the highest point of the trekking route, Thorong La Pass is one of the highlights of this trek, at 5416meters above sea level.
2. Is there a risk of getting altitude sickness?
3. What is the best time to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Your dream itinerary, crafted with you
I was born and raised in Nepal near the Everest region. I am a proud native Sherpa and have been a mountain guide for over a decade.
Following my passion, I started Magical Summits because I was ready to see a new kind of travel brand, one built on the simple idea of feeling good and doing good.
Since its start, Magical Summits has been super-powered by you, our community; when you “travel” it, we create it. We’re on a mission to make travel better with clean, award-winning adventures that are sustainable and conscious of the planet we share.
Thank you so much for joining me on this journey!
Trip Designer