| Trip code | HH-AN-CT-12 |
| Package name | Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 days |
| Duration | 12 |
| Max. elevation | 5416 m |
| Level | DIFFICULT |
| Transportation | All Ground |
| Accomodation | Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara, best available lodge en-route. |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | Kathmandu- Chame- Throngla Pass-Muktinath- Pokhara- Kathmandu |
| Cost | USD 748 per person |
You may wonder if Annapurna Circuit Trek is possible to do in 12 days. Yes, we can do Annapurna Circuit Trek in even 12 days. This 12-day Annapurna Circuit Trek also like 16/17 days Annapurna Circuit Trek, has all required acclimatization days while ascending to the highest point, Thorongla Pass (5416m). Thorongla Pass is widely popular as one of the highest mountain passes in the world.
12 days Annapurna Circuit Trek, is an adventure trekking trip in Nepal located in Annapurna and Mustang region. The trek is grand and branded as a challenging and thrilling trekking trip as it offers, probably, the most marvelous thrills of being in the wild nature with an adventure walk to Thorongla Pass. The massive Himalayas including Annapurna massif, giant Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Lamjung Himal, Himal Chuli, Machhapuchhre and many other snow-fed mountain summits will marvel you stunningly all around the trek.
12 days Annapurna Circuit Trek, is distinctly distinct from other trekking trips in Nepal like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek. The trek Annapurna Circuit Trek is a remote and less crowded area adventure trip to relish the true flavour of nature that cannot be experienced in other trekking
regions of Nepal. The trekkers will be amazed to witness and experience such landscapes, mountain settings, deep gorges, historical forts and holy caves, popular pilgrimage sites, winding rivers, deep woods melodious waterfalls, freshly cooked local foods and local accommodations, friendly local ethnic people and their hospitality, rare and local flora and faunas in Annapurna Conservation Area and numerous other attractions on the trail.
You will also have a chance to explore a popular Hindu Pilgrimage Site, Muktinath and 108 water spouts. Muktinath Temple is an important part of the Hindu Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek combines two distinct trekking regions of Nepal: Annapurna and Mustang. They both have their own importance and you will have a beautiful opportunity to explore and experience both regions in a single trekking trip in Nepal.
The people who love adventure trekking will find this 12 days Annapurna Circuit Trek rewarding since it lets you experience life-changing and truly thrilling moments of trekking through the grandest landscapes and mountain panoramas of Nepal in Annapurna and Mustang region.
Autumn ( Sep- Nov) is the best time of the year for Annapurna Circuit Trek and also people love doing this trek in Springtime ( Mar- May). Actually, these both seasons and times of the year, are very favourable for trekking in Nepal and the same thing applies to Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Since Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most adventurous and challenging trekking trips in remote and less crowded and less explored area of Nepal so the trekkers who are planning to do this trip need to find the right time or best time of the year. Otherwise, the weather conditions may interrupt and trouble you with some weather extremes during the trip. So, we suggest you to go either with Spring or Autumn for your Annapurna Circuit Trek as the weather favor you from every angle, rain, snow and temperature.
For your Annapurna Circuit Trek, one required collecting two different types of permits. These are the TIMS Card and Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit. You can collect these permits through your travel partner located in located or you can apply it online to Nepal Tourism Board. TIMS card costs Rs.2000 and ACAP costs Rs. 3000. Since Annapurna Circuit Trek is not a restricted area trekking in Nepal, the people who are doing this trek don’t require to collect special/restricted area permit like Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Among various challenging and adventurous trekking trips in Nepal, Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of them and it requires a sound level of stamina and physical fitness. Actually, to conquer over Thorongla Pass (5416m) one needs to have best level stamina and confidence with all required trekking equipment. Ascending over 5000m is not easy, it’s difficult.
The trekkers who are doing Annapurna Circuit Trek need to walk at least 7 hours a day ascending 6-700 meter every day at higher elevation. Accordingly, the trekkers have to prepare as the trek is considered as challenging and adventurous.
Prior trekking experience is must and right and reliable trekking equipment are recommended to carry with you.
Trekkers who are doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek will have, mostly, local freshly cooked food items and twin-sharing local accommodation at local lodges. However, the food and accommodation you use during your Manaslu Circuit Trek will be fine and comfortable for you.
Food items like momo, noodles, breads, Nepali Dall Bhat, Pizza, tea, coffee, cold drinks, pancakes, Tibetan bread etc. are very popular all around the trek at local lodges for your food items. And, the beds you use for overnight stay will be neat and clean and the toilet will be outside of the room. Be willing to share the room with other people as the accommodation will normally be based on a twin-sharing basis.
If you are vegan, no worries, you will find many options there on the menu. The local foods are cooked well so that they won’t affect your health during the walks.
But, one thing to remind you is that you had better carry one very reliable piece of sleeping bag with you.
On your first arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport, the Haven Holidays representative will receive you. After getting introduced to the staff, your baggage will be loaded either in a car, coach or bus as per group size. A short drive to the centre of Kathmandu city, where your hotel is located. On checking into your lovely rooms, getting refreshed from Jet-Lag, then get ready for group briefing. Where you will meet with other members of the 12 day Annapurna Circuit Trek.
The guide or group leader brief with related information regarding the trek, and local culture. Includes details on accommodation and food hours of walks and overnight stops and views along the treks.
Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu with all required preparations for the trek.
Drive for Chame with a packed breakfast with a private or shared jeep. It's a long drive of 10 hours minimum.
Leave Kathmandu and begin driving along the Trishuli River and from Mungling, you will head for Dumre and then to Besisahar.
Further, you will drive to Dharapani village. Next, you will continue driving through the lovely forest of pines and rhododendrons past Bagarchap and Danaque villages. You will head to Koto, a village where the route to Manang and Nar-Phu is located. The drive follows slow and easy ups to reach Chame town for an overnight stay, as the air gets much cooler on gaining height.
Stay overnight at the lodge at Chame. Have a sound sleep as you are tired after a long drive of more than 10 hours.
From Chame onwards towards the main scenic valley of Manang, a morning walk follows the river through serene woods. Reaching the village of Brathang, and then crossing a bridge with a gradual climb to the top of a ridge. Places with a few Tea-House and shops, for possible lunch stops facing grand views of Pisang Peak.
Afternoon walk downhill on a wide field below towering Annapurna-II and A-IV. Slowly the walk ends on reaching a windswept village at Pisang for an overnight halt.
Today a short distance walk to the main Manang village, start the morning on a gradual trail. The climb starts amidst lovely trees of pines and rhododendrons reaching a high ridge facing grand views of Manang Valley. The towering snow-clad peaks of Annapurna and Chulu outline the valley of Manang.
A slow descent leads to Humdre village with a small airport, where flight seldom operates from Pokhara to Humdre. From here walk on a gradual wide trail to Braga with an old monastery on top of the village. Tour of the monastery leads to a short steep climb, visit the monastery interior enriched with ancient artefacts. Vibrant colourful religious paintings decorate the monastery with age-old idols of Lord Buddha and other famous saints and Gurus. The monastery offers spectacular views of Chulu’s, Pisang peaks with Annapurna Himalaya range of peaks. After an interesting visit to the monastery, a short walk leads to Manang village, the main settlement of Manang district. At Manang nice good lodges for overnight comforts with an excellent food menu to enjoy along with close views of snow mountains.
Alternative Route: There are two routes to Manang. The easier low route follows the valley floor via Homgde, while the more strenuous but far more scenically impressive high route climbs above the river on the north side of the valley. The high route takes about three hours longer but is worth it. The trail enters pine groves to reveal views of the small turquoise lake of Mring Tso and crosses a bridge to continue ascending steeply on the switchbacks to Ghyaru (3670m). Ghyaru is an interesting gompa in the village and the views of Annapurna ll Annapurna lll and Great Valley are superb from here. The trail stays high after passing a kani and 30 minutes later traverses above a ruined dzong once used by the local Ghale dynasty. After walking through the juniper forest reach the nice Ngawal village. The village is situated at an elevation of around 3660 meters and is known for its traditional architecture, cultural heritage and stunning views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna II and IV. The route continues to a decent very arid valley to join to lower route.
A leisure extra day in Manang for acclimatization before venturing to higher areas towards Thorang-La Pass. Enjoy the morning exploring the traditional village of Manang adorned with Tibetan Buddhism culture and colorful heritage.
The best hike is to Gangapurna Glacier and Ice-Fall, located south of Manang village a few hour's walk to the river. Crossing a bridge, a short steep climb takes you close to Gangapurna Himal Ice-Fall and glaciers. Enjoying the glorious morning views of surrounding towering peaks. Afternoon at leisure marvelling at the grand views that surround the Manang Valley and the village.
Another short day from Manang to Yak Kharka, the morning walk leads towards west past Tenki, the last village of Manang. An enjoyable pleasant trek with a slow gradual uphill on a winding path to Ghunsang, facing views of Gangapurna, and Tilicho peaks. As the walk proceeds overlooking Chulu West peak at a near distance, then finally the morning ends reaching Yak Kharka. A small settlement with several nice lodges and guest houses, enjoy lunch and overnight stop at Yak Kharka.
Having a free afternoon to enjoy a short walk and marvel at the glorious grand views of Gangapurna, Tilicho peak with Chulu West.
Trek this morning for a few hours to High Camp of Thorang-La Pass, but the gain in altitude makes the walk slower. The day starts on the gradual trail to Ledar a small settlement with few Tea houses and lodges. Located on route to Chulu West Base Camp and towards our route to Thorang-La. From Ledar on a winding pleasant trail with a short descent to Jarsang Khola / stream. A slow climb and then on an almost level path to Thorang Phedi. Situated on a corner at the edge of Manang Valley rim, having a refreshing break. From here last steep climb of less than an hour to High Camp, located on a flat ridge top a few hours ahead of Thorang-La Pass. The High Camp shelters a few simple good lodges, hidden behind massif snow peaks and rocky cliffs. Check into a room with basic facilities, this will be the highest point of the trek for lunch and overnight stop.
The big day of the adventure, rising early for breakfast and then starting the cool morning walks. The first part of the trek is on a gradual path for a short while, and then the climb begins for an hour to a small icy pond. From this spot uphill continues for an hour or more to reach Thorang-La Pass. The top is festooned with Buddhist prayer flags, and a signpost stands with the name of the pass with altitude.
After a strenuous climb have time to catch your breath, and then enjoy the overwhelming panorama of mountains. Overlooking views of the massif Dhaulagiri Himalayas with some peaks of Upper Mustang. Includes views of the Annapurna range of peaks, with Damodar Himal and Chulus as far as Manaslu Himalaya.
Enjoy the breathtaking moments, then head down to the western base of Thorang-La, located within the district of Mustang. A small place has a few shelters serving as tea houses and shops. Having a refreshing stop continue walking on a pleasant trail to Muktinath for an overnight halt, after a long tough trek of the adventure. Muktinath is one of the holiest of all holy pilgrimage sites for the Hindu and some Buddhist followers. After checking into a nice lodge with time to explore the Muktinath Temple premises, adorns magnificent 108 water spouts.
The water runs from fresh hidden springs, which are also the tributaries of the Kaligandaki River, which we will follow the next day. Get blessed by the priest who resides in the main temple of Muktinath. Rest of the day enjoy relaxing moments facing grand views of Dhaulagiri North West Face.
Drive back to Pokhara by sharing a jeep or public bus. You will drive through beautiful landscapes and mountain panorama. The drive today is very thrilling and adventurous as the country road is sometimes bumping and dusty as well. However, it will be very exciting to drive along the road from Muktinath to Pokhara.
Arrive in Pokhara and rest and relax at the hotel.
After Breakfast, Pokhara sightseeing tour, boating in Fewa Lake, visit Davis Fall, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave, World Peace Stupa and Pumdikot.
You can relax at the hotel or have a massage at the spa and enjoy your favourite dish here in Pokhara shopping, Paragliding, and Ultra Light Flight(Optional).
Drive to Kathmandu passing through Damuali, Dumre and Mugling. Drive further along Trishuli River and arrive at hotel. Check in Hotel and relax. Buy some stuffs if you want.
Go to attend farewell dinner with Haven Holidays Team in the evening.
Last day in Nepal and at Kathmandu, as time for your respective airlines flight departures. Our guide, staff transfers you to the airport, then bid farewell to Nepal till you return for another exciting adventure.