Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek 15-Days Overview

The 15-day Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most iconic and rewarding Himalayan journeys, famous for its dramatic landscapes, cultural diversity, and the thrilling crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416m). This trek takes you through lush valleys, high mountain deserts, ancient villages, Buddhist monasteries, and breathtaking viewpoints—all in one incredible loop around the Annapurna massif.

Your adventure begins in Kathmandu and heads toward the Marsyangdi Valley, where you’ll walk through green forests, waterfalls, and traditional Gurung and Tamang settlements. As the trail climbs higher, the scenery changes into a rugged alpine environment, with stunning views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.

The major highlight of the trek is the challenging yet unforgettable climb over Thorong La Pass, the highest point on the route—rewarded by panoramic views and a strong sense of achievement. After the pass, the trail descends to the sacred Muktinath Temple, a significant pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. From the windy landscapes of Jomsom to the apple orchards of Marpha and the hot springs of Tatopani, the trek offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and adventure. The journey usually ends in Pokhara, Nepal’s favorite lakeside city, where you can relax after completing one of the world’s greatest trekking experiences. 

The 15-day itinerary is designed to allow proper acclimatization, comfortable walking days, and enough time to enjoy the diverse beauty of the Annapurna region—making it an excellent choice for trekkers who want a full and immersive Himalayan experience.

Highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek – 15 Days
 

• Complete Himalayan Experience in One Trek
  Explore lush forests, high-altitude deserts, deep valleys, waterfalls, villages, and panoramic mountain viewpoints in a single epic journey.
• Cross the Famous Thorong La Pass (5,416m)
  One of the highest and most rewarding trekking passes in the world—challenging yet unforgettable, with breathtaking 360° mountain views.
• Experience Rich Cultural Diversity
  Walk through Gurung, Magar, and Thakali villages, visit Buddhist monasteries, and observe centuries-old mountain traditions.
• Visit the Sacred Muktinath Temple
  A holy pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, known for its 108 water taps, eternal flame, and peaceful spiritual atmosphere.
• Scenic Drive Through Rural Nepal
  Enjoy beautiful road journeys through the Marsyangdi Valley and the stunning Kaligandaki Gorge.
• Ever-Changing Landscapes
  Move from subtropical forests to alpine terrain and finally to the wild, windy Mustang region—all in one trek.
• Picturesque Villages & Apple Orchards
  Discover charming mountain towns like Manang, Marpha, and Jomsom, famous for yak caravans, apple products, and local hospitality.
• Relax in Natural Hot Springs at Tatopani
  A perfect way to soothe tired muscles after days of trekking.
• Unbeatable Views of the Annapurna Massif
  See Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Pisang Peak, and many more majestic mountains.
• Perfect Balance of Adventure & Comfort
  Good teahouse accommodations, well-established trails, proper acclimatization days, and flexible itinerary options.

Route Overview of the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most iconic trekking routes, offering dramatic landscapes, cultural diversity, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery. The 15-day journey circles the Annapurna massif, starting from lush valleys and gradually climbing into high-altitude terrain before descending into the windy, desert-like Mustang region.

Your trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Chamje or Dharapani, the gateway to the Marsyangdi Valley. From here, the trail climbs steadily through rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and charming villages like Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang. The landscape becomes more alpine as you enter Manang, one of the most important stops for acclimatization.

After resting in Manang, you gradually ascend toward Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, and finally the iconic Thorong La Pass (5,416m)—the highest and most challenging point of the trek. The pass rewards you with extraordinary views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, and countless snow-capped peaks. Descending from the pass, you enter the spiritual settlement of Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site. From here, the trail continues through the lower Mustang region, passing through Jomsom and the picturesque apple orchards of Marpha.

The trek then heads toward Tatopani, where you can relax in natural hot springs. From there, you ascend through dense forests to Ghorepani, preparing for the famous sunrise hike to Poon Hill, one of the best viewpoints in Nepal. Finally, you make your way down through Ulleri to Pokhara, completing this incredible Himalayan circuit.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost—Full Price Breakdown

The cost of the Annapurna Circuit Trek (15 Days) usually ranges from USD 900 to USD 1,400 per person. The price depends on the level of comfort, group size, guide/porter needs, and whether you choose standard or upgraded accommodations.

Below is a straightforward price breakdown to help you understand where your budget goes.

Accommodation and Food During the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit is simple but comfortable enough for trekkers. Most places you stay in are local teahouses, run by families who welcome you with warm hospitality. Rooms are usually basic—two beds, clean blankets, and a shared bathroom—but they’re perfect for resting after long days of walking. As you climb higher, the rooms get simpler and colder, so it’s a good idea to carry a warm sleeping bag.

Food along the trail is tasty and filling. Every teahouse has a menu with plenty of options, from Nepali dishes to simple international meals. The classic trekking meal is Dal Bhat—rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and sometimes pickles. It’s fresh, healthy, and gives you steady energy for the day. You’ll also find noodle soups, pasta, fried rice, momos, eggs, potatoes, and plenty of tea and coffee. Higher up, food becomes more expensive because everything has to be carried up by mule or porter.

Breakfasts usually include porridge, pancakes, eggs, or Tibetan bread with jam. For dinner, many trekkers choose warm comfort foods like soups, curries, or noodle dishes to help stay cozy in the cold evenings. Snacks such as chocolate bars, cookies, and chips are available too, but cheaper if you buy them early in the trek.

Overall, you’ll have everything you need—nothing fancy, but enough to stay warm, fueled, and comfortable throughout the journey. If you want, I can also write Drinking Water, Electricity & Charging, or Hot Shower Guide for this trek.

Permits Required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Before starting the Annapurna Circuit Trek, every trekker must have the correct permits. These permits help protect the Annapurna region, support local communities, and keep trekkers safe by registering their details along the route. The process is very simple, and you can get both permits either in Kathmandu or Pokhara within a few minutes. If you're trekking with a company, they usually take care of everything for you, so you won’t need to worry about forms or queues.

Below is a clear breakdown of the permits you need and how much they cost.

Permit Requirements — Quick Breakdown Table

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  This permit is compulsory for entering the protected Annapurna Conservation Area. The funds collected are used to protect the environment, maintain trekking trails, and support the local villages you pass through. You will show this permit at various checkpoints along the route.
• TIMS Card
  The TIMS card is all about safety. It keeps your trekking information registered with the authorities so they can track trekkers in case of emergencies, weather issues, or unexpected situations. Depending on whether you trek solo or with a company, the cost is slightly different.

Best Season to Trek the Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit is one of those treks that stays beautiful almost all year, but some seasons make the journey a lot easier and safer. Most trekkers choose autumn or spring, because the weather stays clear, the trails are dry, and the mountain views feel almost unreal. You can still do this trek in winter or early monsoon, but the conditions can be a bit tougher depending on snowfall and rain. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you choose the right time.

Seasonal Breakdown

• Autumn (September–November) – Best Overall Season
  This is the most popular time. The sky stays clear after the monsoon, so you get sharp views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and all the peaks around Thorong La. Days are sunny and comfortable, and nights are cold but manageable. Trails are busier, but the overall experience is perfect.
• Spring (March–May) – Beautiful and Mild
  Spring brings warmer weather, blooming rhododendron forests, and steady walking conditions. Visibility is usually good, though some haze may appear in lower areas. Snow on Thorong La is more stable, making the high pass easier to cross.
• Winter (December–February) – Quiet but Very Cold
  Winter offers peaceful trails, but expect freezing temperatures, heavy snow at high altitudes, and sometimes the Thorong La Pass may close. This season is only for trekkers who don’t mind the cold and have a bit more experience.
• Monsoon (June–August) – Not Ideal
  This is the least recommended time. Trails get muddy, leeches appear at lower altitudes, and clouds hide many mountain views. However, the Mustang region (a section of the Circuit) stays relatively dry, so some people still trek the northern parts.

Booking Process of the Annapurna Circuit Trek - 15 Days with Vyas Treks Nepal

Booking your Annapurna Circuit Trek with Vyas Treks Nepal is pretty easy and doesn’t take much time. We try to keep everything simple so you don’t get confused or stressed before your trip. Once you contact us, we guide you through every step and make sure all the details are clear before you arrive in Nepal.

First, you can reach out to us through our website, email, WhatsApp, or even social media. We reply quite fast because we know most trekkers want quick info about dates, prices, weather, and what’s included. After that, you’ll pick your preferred trekking dates. If you’re not sure when to come, we can help you choose the best season depending on your travel plan and flight availability.

Once the dates are chosen, we’ll send you the full itinerary along with a list of what’s included—permits, hotels, transport, meals, guide, porter, and any other service you may need. You can go through the details and ask us anything you’re unsure about. We want you to feel fully confident before confirming.

When everything looks good to you, you can secure your booking with a small deposit, usually around 20% of the total cost. Payments can be made through online transfer, bank transfer, or sometimes in person when you arrive in Kathmandu. After the booking is confirmed, we’ll email you a packing list and some helpful tips so you can prepare properly for the trek.

With Vyas Treks Nepal, you’re not just booking a trek—you’re booking a smooth and stress-free experience from your arrival in Nepal until the day you fly back home.

Alternative Tours & Packages
 

• Annapurna Circuit Trek – World’s Best Trekking Experience
  A legendary trekking route that circles the Annapurna range, crossing high mountain passes and offering an incredible mix of landscapes, cultures, and natural beauty. Ideal for those seeking an immersive and rewarding Himalayan adventure.
   
• Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour
  A thrilling and time-efficient way to witness the beauty of the Annapurna region from above. This helicopter tour offers breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas and a short landing at Base Camp for a truly memorable experience.
   
• Annapurna Base Camp Trek – Classic Himalayan Adventure
  A popular trek that takes you into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by towering peaks and dramatic glaciers. This multi-day journey is a favorite among trekkers for its scenic trails and mountain encounters.