Annapurna Circuit Trek From Pokhara

US$650

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Annapurna Circuit Trek From Pokhara

Annapurna Circuit Trek From Pokhara

Name: Annapurna Circuit Trek From Pokhara
Brand: Outfitter Himalaya
Price: 650 USD
Availability: InStock

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Recommended by 99% of travelers

Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara is an 11-day high mountain walking holiday that starts and ends in Pokhara. The Annapurna Circuit is considered a classic long trek in Nepal. However, starting and ending the trek in Pokhara shortens the itinerary and makes it a compact and adventurous trip.

Annapurna Circuit trekking from Pokhara offers the best mountain views, welcoming villagers, rich cultural heritage, high-altitude adventure, tranquility, diverse landscapes, and incredible stories to listen to/share.

Trip Facts

Duration

11 Days

Trip Grade

Strenuous

Country

Nepal

Maximum Altitude

5416 M

Group Size

1-12

Starts

Pokhara

Ends

Pokhara

Activities

Trekking and Hiking

Best Time

Autumn and Spring

Overview

Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara Overview

Annapurna Circuit from Pokhara is the most loved and beautiful trekking route in the Himalayas. It is a trek for nature lovers. You embrace lush Himalayan foothills, spectacular picture-book-like scenery, picturesque villages, stunning mountain vistas, and heartwarming hospitality. You will meet our guide in Pokhara to start the trek and travel to Dharapani, where the trek begins. Our local team will brief you on the journey and help you pack and shop in Pokhara for the trek. If you need any help, feel free to share with our team.

The Pokhara Annapurna circuit trek allows you to enjoy not only the high-altitude thrills but also spend ample time exploring and enjoying the beauty of the Himalayan foothills. While the upper part of the trail presents typical rugged landscapes, which are definitely stunning, you will see the perfect scenery in the lower elevations.

Imagine lush valleys, teeny-tiny villages, hills, rivers, and snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. Doesn't it sound straight from a storybook? You can follow our 11-day Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary or customize it as you wish.

Pokhara Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights

A perfect adventurous hike in the Himalayas that has everything a trekker may wish for
Enjoy stunning mountain views and breathtaking landscapes
Spend nights in beautiful traditional villages where you will see the real mountain life and culture of the locals
Go on side hike to Ice Lake and Prake Gompa in Manang
Trek through lush forests, rugged cliff sides, and verdant valleys in the lower altitude
Enjoy vast meadows, narrow tracks, landslide areas, and rugged scenery in the upper part of the trail
Push your limits while crossing the challenging Thorong La Pass
Explore the Muktinath Temple, a Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site
Ride through the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki Gorge
Relax in natural hot springs in Tatopani
Explore the famous Ghorepani Village and hike to the Poon Hill viewpoint

What to expect on the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara

The Pokhara to Annapurna Circuit trek route is fantastic. This trek has everything a trekker may wish for. The journey is adventurous, once in a lifetime, pushes your limits, and explores an important pilgrimage site in Nepal. Below, we have shared the major attractions of Annapurna Circuit hike from Pokhara:

It is a journey full of adventure, cultural experiences, varying ecosystems, and ample tranquil moments.

There is no ending to the adventure on this trek. Trekking from the seamy lowlands, you will ascend through rhododendron and pine forests. The trail has waterfalls, rivers, streams, lush hills, huge rocks, and suspension bridges. You will pass by traditional Nepali villages where you can see authentic mountain lifestyles and meet with different Nepalese communities. As you ascend above Manang village, the terrain gets much steeper.

You will walk on vast alpine meadows and follow narrow, rocky tracks. As you ascend and descend, the altitude and ecosystem change, allowing you to enjoy diverse landscapes. During peak trekking seasons, you may meet many other trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit route, but you will still get ample tranquil moments to unwind and rejuvenate.

Breathtaking mountain views and diverse landscapes

The mountain vistas on the Annapurna Circuit are breathtaking. Mountains like Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Annapurna South, Fishtail, and Lamjung Himal have been visible from day one. Likewise, as you ascend higher, you will see Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Tilicho Peak, Mt. Gangapurna, Mt. Hiunchuli, and many others.

Till Manang village, the landscape is lush and vibrant. Above Manang, the trail goes beyond the tree line and presents vast meadows, rugged hills, and tall Himalayan mountains dominating the skylines.

Visit traditional Nepali villages and meet with several mountain communities such as Gurung, Thakali, and Magar.

One of the best parts of Annapurna Circuit trekking from Pokhara is the traditional Nepali villages you will pass by on the way to Thorong La Pass. The towns are small but beautiful and packed with lovely locals who welcome trekkers with open hearts. Though the primary focus of the Annapurna Circuit trek lies on adventure and thrill, the cultural experiences and simple mountain lifestyle will make your journey more memorable.

Go on a side hike to Ice Lake and Praken Gompa during acclimatization day in Manang.

You will spend an acclimatization day in Manang. It is a rest day on which we used to hike to high altitudes and return to the same village to spend the night. Ice Lake and Praken Gompa will be your hiking destinations. These two are untouched parts of the Annapurna region and are only visited by trekkers as side hikes. Hiking here offers stunning scenery and tranquility.

Cross the challenging Thorong La Pass- the highest mountain pass in Nepal.

Crossing Thorong La Pass will make you feel like a real mountaineer, especially if the pass is covered with snow. Thorong La is the highest pass in Nepal, and crossing it is not for faint hearts. To cross the Thorong La Pass, you will walk 8 to 9 hours. The trail ascends steeply, and high altitude and thin air make walking even more difficult. You have to push yourself beyond your limits.

Uncover the mythical tales of Muktinath Temple- a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus in Nepal.

Muktinath Temple is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. The location of this temple makes it quite remarkable. After crossing the Thorong La Pass, you will descend to Muktinath for the night. This temple is 3,760 meters (12,623 ft) above sea level and is one of the world's 108 Divya Desams (holy shrines of Vishnu). For Buddhist pilgrims, Muktinath is associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava).

The temple has 108 water spouts where pilgrims take a ritual bath. Likewise, an eternal flame inside the temple is fueled by natural gas. Inside the temple complex, you will see a monastery.

Enjoy an adventurous ride to Tatopani through the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki Gorge

While driving from Muktinath to Tatopani, you will pass the Kali Gandaki Gorge. It is one of the deepest gorges in the world. The gorge lies between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges and has a depth of about 5,571 meters (18,278 feet). The gorge is so deep that you can see a riverbed in some sections. It will be an incredible ride through the gorge.

Access to natural hot springs in Tatopani

In Tatopani, you can enjoy natural hot springs by paying a few extra bucks. The natural hot springs are safe to enjoy and have healing properties. After a long ride from Muktinath to Tatopani, a natural hot spring will soothe your muscles.

Spend a night in the famous Ghorepani Village and witness a gorgeous sunrise and mountain panorama from Poon Hill.

Our Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara extends to Ghorepani village as well. You will enjoy a lovely hike through rhododendrons, bamboo forests, and small towns. Along with that, you will also see beautiful views. Ghorepani is 2,860 meters (9,383 ft) above sea level. The village is famous for its beauty and welcoming Gurung and Magar communities. Snow-capped mountains and lush hills surround the villages, making the scenery heavenly.

Likewise, you will also hike to the popular viewpoint, Poon Hill (3,210 m/10,531 ft), your final hike on the trek. From Poon Hill, you can see a stretching view of the western Himalayan range, which includes more than 20 mountains.

Is the Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara suitable for you?

The Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara is perfect for travelers who are already in the city or will be there soon. You do not necessarily have to be in Kathmandu to trek the Annapurna Circuit. Likewise, the Annapurna Circuit trek is not for the faint-hearted. It is physically and mentally demanding, so it is recommended for trekkers with good fitness and previous high-altitude experience.

If you are a beginner trekker, crossing a 5,000-meter-above-mountain pass will not be ideal. Your success rate will be lower than that of experienced trekkers, and the journey may become even tougher for you. Do some easy treks first and slowly build your experience and fitness for the Annapurna Circuit trek.

Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara distance, duration, and altitude

During the Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara, you will walk around 125 kilometers. Every day, you will hike 11 kilometers on average. Some days, it may touch 15 to 16 kilometers as well.

The trip includes three road drives- Pokhara to Dharapani, Muktinath to Tatopani, and Nayapul to Pokhara. The trek starts at 1,860 meters (6,200 ft) and ascends to Thorong La pass (5,416 m/17,756 ft).

On the way, you will spend nights in villages such as Dharapani (1,860 m/6,200 ft), Chame (2,610 m /8,890 ft ), Upper Pisang (3,115 m/10,200 ft), Manang (3,540 m/11,300 ft), Yak Kharka (4,050 m/14,275 ft), Thorong Phedi (4,525 m/14,525 ft), Muktinath (3,760 m/12,623 ft), Tatopani (1,190 m/3,904 ft), Ghorepani (2,860 m/9,383 ft), and Hile (1,948 m/6,391 ft).

The itinerary includes one rest day in Manang. As you can see, you will spend six days above 2,500 meters during the trek; acclimatization is necessary to avoid altitude sickness.

What does your day-to-day look like during the Annapurna Circuit Trek From Pokhara?

You will walk 6 to 7 hours daily during the Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara. Every day starts with a warm breakfast in the tea house. After that, you will start trekking. You will leave the village where you spend the night before 10 AM to reach the next town by late afternoon (before sunset).

You will have lunch on the way. The trail ascends and descends throughout the way. You will take many short breaks to catch your breath, rest, and take pictures and videos. Likewise, if there is any stupa or specific landmark on the way, you will also visit them.

Reach the day's destination, rest, and mingle with the locals and fellow trekkers. We'll order our dinner early, so it is ready on time. Do not forget to stretch and get fresh. Spend some time chatting and sleep early to recover.

How should you prepare for the Pokhara Annapurna Circuit trek?

The below exercise will help you get ready for the Annapurna Circuit trek physically and mentally:

Aerobic exercises: Aerobic exercise will help you improve your stamina and endurance, which are essential for the Annapurna Circuit trek. You can do activities like biking, running, swimming, and jogging. These activities will improve your VO2 max, which is the maximum volume of oxygen that your body uses. Thanks to this, your body will quickly adjust to high altitudes during trekking.
Strength training: You need strength to walk up and downhill during the trek. Therefore, your legs and overall body strength should be good. You can visit the gym 2 to 4 times weekly for strength training.
Regular walking: On average, during the Annapurna Circuit trek, you will hike 5 to 7 hours a day. If you are not used to walking for long hours, start walking immediately. Start with half an hour of walking and gradually increase your time.
Breathing and yoga: Finally, practice long breathing and yoga. Long breathing will help you calm down when you get overstressed due to excitement. Likewise, yoga will help you stretch and manage muscle cramps after a long day of walk.

Annapurna Circuit trek guide and porter

Trekking with a local guide enhances your experience and makes the journey memorable and safe. By joining Outfitter Himalaya, you will get a professional mountain guide for the Annapurna Circuit trek who will make sure you enjoy the trip and also motivate you to keep walking.

Our guides are trained to lead trekkers. They are certified in remote survival, first aid, rock climbing, and other essential skills. Likewise, our guides are experts and know the Annapurna Circuit trail deeply. Likewise, porters take away the load of your trekking gear and essentials from you. They carry duffel bags of trekkers during the trek. It helps them make money and sustain their family, and trekkers get to walk freely.

The trekking porter is not included in our cost, However it is available in add on and we recomend you to hire a porter in between of 2 trekkers. So, please keep your duffel bag weight under 10-11 kg as a porter carry about 20-22 Kg.

Benefits of booking the Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara with Outfitter Himalaya

Contact us if you have any unanswered questions about the Annapurna Circuit trek. Our team will help you. Bookings are open for 2025/2026 departures. More than 2 decades of experience: We have been organizing treks for foreigners for many years. Therefore, we know foreigners' standards and requirements, which helps us manage our trips to ensure maximum comfort.

Reliable and trustworthy Nepali travel agency: When you choose us for your Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara, you will choose the most reliable and trustworthy travel agency. Our many years of expertise and knowledge about the region make your trip quite immersive.
Best guide and porter: You will get a native guide and porter with many years of expertise.
Flexible itinerary: Our trips are also customizable. You can make changes to the itinerary and the package as you wish.
No limitations: We have no limitations when it comes to exploring Nepal. You can extend the trip at any time with us and combine any destination and activities in our package.

Annapurna Circuit Trek From Pokhara Itinerary Outline

Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Dharapani
Day 02: Hike from Dharapani to Chame
Day 03: Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang
Day 04: Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang via Geru
Day 05: cclimation day- hike to Ice Lake and Praken Gompa Duration
Day 06: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka
Day 07: Ascend from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Day 08: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,760 m/12,623 ft) via Thorong La pass (5,416 m/17,756 ft)
Day 09: Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani
Day 10: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani village
Day 11: Hike to Poon Hill early in the morning and descend to Ulleri and drive to Pokahra

Route Map

Altitude Chart

Roadmap

Itinerary

Annapurna Circuit Trek From Pokhara Plan

You will drive from Pokhara to Dumre by following the Prithvi Highway and the road is well-paved and passes by small towns. From Dumre, you will drive north to Besisahar. We will change the vehicle in Besisahar and continue the drive to Dharapani. The road is mostly graveled and has some landslides and steep sections from Besisahar to Dharapani.

Max Altitude: 1,860m / 6,102 ftMeals: Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 166km / 103 milesTravel Mode: Drive

You will start walk from Dharapani after having a delicious breakfast at guest houses. The first day of the hike is pleasant, with lush forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron. The trail goes along the Marsyangdi River and follows rugged cliff sides.

You will enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Lamjung Himal on the trail. The scenery is lush, and snow-capped mountains are visible on the backdrop.

Max Altitude: 2,670m / 8,759 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 18km / 11 milesTravel Mode: Walking

You will continue trekking from Chame; you will gradually ascend to Upper Pisang. You will follow a steep and narrow trail that leads to a massive rock called Paungda Danda. The rock rises 1,500 meters from the Marsyangdi River.

From here, the trail gradually descends to the Manang Valley floor and ascends to Upper Pisang. You can see stunning mountain views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak today.

Max Altitude: 3,115m / 10,219 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 14km / 8 milesTravel Mode: Walking

From Upper Pisang, two routes lead to Manang. The first route is an upper trail that goes through Geru. It is a very scenic route. You can see spectacular panoramas of Annapurna IV, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Mt. Gangapurna.

The second route is the lower trail via Humde. It is easier and faster than the upper route, but the views are not great. We will take the upper route for the best experience.

Max Altitude: 4,540m / 14,895 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 17km / 10 milesTravel Mode: Walking

Today is your rest day in Manang to acclimatize. In the morning, you will hike to Ice Lake and Praken Gompa. It will be an excellent hike, and you will see superb mountain views.

After the hike, return to Manang to spend the remaining day. Manang is the tourist hub in the region. There is a lot to explore in this little mountain town.

Max Altitude: 3,540m / 11,614 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseDuration: 4-5 hoursTravel Mode: Walking

The climate and terrain change drastically after Manang. The lush forests give way to alpine meadows. You will ascend beyond the tree line and enjoy typical barren landscapes. The mountain views also get dramatic.

First, you will cross a stream and ascend to Tenki village. The trail exits the Marsyangdi Valley and enters the Jar Sang Khola Valley. You will trek through pastures and gradually reach Gunsan. From here, hike to Yak Kharka.

Max Altitude: 4,040m / 13,254 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseDuration: 4-5 hoursDistance: 9km / 5 milesTravel Mode: Walking

You will ascend to Thorong Phedi this day, the foot of the Thorong La Pass. Many trekkers also prefer to hike to High Camp to spend the night. The trail from Yak Kharka ascends to a ridge and descends to a rover. You will cross the river via a wooden bridge and follow a narrow trail to Leader. The trail further continues to Thorong Phedi.

Max Altitude: 4,450m / 14,599 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseDuration: 4-5 hoursDistance: 9km / 5 milesTravel Mode: Walking

You will cross the challenging Thorong La Pass today. The day starts early before the sunrises. The trail is steep and rocky and have to be extra careful on the way. As the sun rises, you will enjoy a tranquil landscape. The top of the pass offers the best view.

The trail descends to Muktinath Temple from the top. It will be a challenging descent via steep slopes and landslide debris. Muktinath Temple is a pilgrimage site. You will spend the later part of the day exploring the temple.

Max Altitude: 5,416m / 17,769 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseDuration: 8-9 hoursDistance: 17km / 10 milesTravel Mode: Walking

As there is an accessible roadway from Muktinath to Tatopani, you will drive from Muktinath and descend to Tatopani. First, the drive will take you to Jomsom and to Tatopani. It is the deepest gorge in the world. It will be a bumpy ride, so you will get tired by the time you reach Tatopani village. You can enjoy natural hot springs in Tatopani to soothe your aching muscles. It will cost you a few bucks.

Max Altitude: 1,190m / 3,904 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseDuration: 4-5 hoursDistance: 45km / 27 milesTravel Mode: Drive

You do not end the Annapurna cirucit trek in Tatopani and return to Pokhara. You will hike to the famous Ghorepani village now. The trail today goes through small villages and dense forests of rhododendron, pine, fir, and bamboo. You will enjoy a peaceful walk and stunning mountain views of Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, etc.

Max Altitude: 2,860m / 9,383 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 17km / 10 milesTravel Mode: Walking

Start the morning early and hike to Poon Hill viewpoint to see a beautiful sunrise and outstanding panorama of the Western Himalayan range. The hike will be easy. After enjoying the view, return to Ghorepani village and continue descending to Ulleri and drive to Pokhara.

Max Altitude: 3,210m / 10,531 ftMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest houseDuration: 5-6 hoursDistance: 12km / 7 milesTravel Mode: Walking

Cost Details

Service Details

What's Included

Local bus/jeep transportation from Pokhara to Beshishahar and to Dharapani.
11 nights’ Accommodation in Guest house/tea houses during the Trek
Three Meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners) daily on trek
Annapurna conservation entry and TIMS permit
Local bus or jeep transportation from Muktinath to Tatopani
Transport from Nayapul to Pokhara
An experienced, knowledgeable and helpful local trekking guide
Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (Travel insurance company)
Sleeping bag, Duffle bag, and down jackets if necessary (returnable after the Trek)
Office expenses, Tax and VAT
Serve fresh fruits after dinner as dessert
Annapurna Circuit Trekking Route Map
First Aid with an oximeter

What's not Included

Nepal entry visa fee
International flights to and from Nepal
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Any accommodation and food in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Trekking porter/s (available on Add-on- US $220.00 per porter)
Your personnel expenses/shopping
All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, chocolate bars and bar bills
Hot shower, internet, telephone, and laundry
Tips for the guide and staff
Anything not mentioned in the included section

Add-ons & Options

Hire a trekking porter

We suggest you hire a porter to carry your bag pack while on a trek. Trekking with a light day pack is much easier, and you will enjoy your trekking holidays to the fullest. A trekking porter carries about 20-22 Kg (about 10-11 Kg from each of you), and we suggest hiring a porter between two trekkers.

Upgrade Transport to Private Jeep (On Day 1)

There are options to upgrade the transport to a private jeep instead of the local bus. A Jeep costs US $200.00, and 6 people can drive in a Jeep.

Must-Know

Essential Information

The Season to do the Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara

Nepal sees four seasons- spring, summer/monsoon, autumn, and winter. Unlike the Terai region (plains), the mid-hills and Himalayan foothills experience all four seasons to the fullest. Spring and autumn have the best weather and climate conditions in Annapurna Circuit trail, so they are the perfect seasons for Annapurna Circuit trekking. Summer/monsoon and winter have unstable weather and poor trail conditions.

Spring (March, April, May, and till mid-June)

Spring is the season of flowers. Rhododendrons and many other wildflowers bloom all over the trail. The scenery is exceptional. You will be enchanted by the red and pink colors of rhododendrons covering hills. Mountain views are crystal clear, and the climate is mild.

Autumn (September, October, November and till mid-December)

Autumn is another best time of the year to trek the Annapurna Circuit. After the unstable monsoon weather, the weather begins to stabilize with the arrival of autumn. The daylight hours increase and the sky remains mostly clear. Autumn season in Nepal is also the festive season in Nepal. Festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Chhath, etc, are celebrated during this season. It makes your time in Nepal much more immersive and divine.

Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara in summer/monsoon (June, July, August)

The summer/monsoon period has a hot and humid climate. If rain is not falling, the temperature rises significantly. However, if rain falls, the trail gets muddy and slippery. The risk of landslides increases, and insects are more active on the trail during monsoon. The sky gets cloudy, obstructing the mountain views. On the good side, the vegetation and rivers/streams are thriving in this season.

Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara in winter (December, January, February)

Winter is another off-season for trekking in the Himalayas because of snowfall and the freezing climate. However, if you love tranquil trails, winter landscapes, and snow, you will love the Annapurna Circuit trek in winter.

Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara trekking permits

Annapurna Circuit trek requires an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and a TIMS Card. Foreigners are not allowed to do this trek without these two permits. ACAP permit costs Npr 3000 per person, and TIMS Card costs Nps 2000 per person. There is a special discount available for travelers from SAARC countries.

Meals during the Annapurna Circuit trekking from Pokhara

A total of 31 meals (10 breakfast, 11 lunches and 10 dinners) are including in our 11-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara. You can choose the food you like from the menu, which is almost the same everywhere. Food like dal bhat, Thukpa, fried rice, curry, Tibetan bread, Thenduk, momo, Chowmein, pizza, pasta, pancakes, eggs, etc, are common.

Drinking water

During the trek, trekkers drink boiled drinking water provided by the tea houses at a low cost. Plastic water bottles are sold along the trail, but the cost is absurd and is not good for the environment. You carry a reusable water bottle and fill it with boiled water. It will cost you USD 1 or less to fill your bottle.

Drinking water from taps and streams is not recommended. Trekkers can use water purification tablets to double purify the water.

Accommodation in Pokhara

The Accommodation in Pokhara is not included in our package cost, however if you want to book a hotel, we can book a room in hotel in Pokhara as per your budget. All modern amenities, including a private washroom, will be available.

Accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit trek route from Pokhara

During the AC trek from Pokhara, simple tea houses will be your accommodation. The Annapurna Circuit trek route has mostly budget-friendly, basic tea houses. Some villages also offer premium lodges. The rooms in tea houses are small and simple. Trekkers get separate beds with pillows and blankets. Carry a sleeping bag. It will provide you with more comfort and warmth on chilly nights.

Likewise, washrooms are shared in most of the tea houses. On a good note, Western-style toilets are readily available along the trail. We recommend trekkers pack all toilet essentials like soap, wipes, and hand sanitizers. Services like charging, WiFi, and hot showers cost extra money, so trekkers are advised to carry adequate money for personal expenses.

Travel insurance for the Annapurna Circuit trek

Travel insurance is important for joining the Pokhara - Annapurna Circuit trek with us. Foreigners must submit their travel insurance documents to our office before starting the trek. It must cover emergency helicopter evacuation and medical bills. Note that the Annapurna Circuit trek happens in the remote Himalayas. There are risks of injuries, accidents, natural disasters, and other unseen events beyond our control.

These things are rare, so you do not have to worry and it is better to be safe and prepared than sorry while trekking in the Himalayas. Therefore, travel insurance is required.

Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara difficulty

The Annapurna Circuit trekking from Pokhara is physically and mentally challenging but not technically difficult. If you are in good shape, you will have an incredible time hiking it. This trek is definitely not for first-time trekkers, but if you possess the physical and mental strength, you may consider joining it. The terrain is offbeat and includes many steep ascents and descents.

Likewise, you will cross landslide-prone areas and navigate narrow, rocky tracks. The journey demands patience and adjustment to limited services. Depending on your pace, you will walk 6 to 7 hours a day. Crossing the Thorong La Pass is the toughest part of this trek, requiring almost 9 hours of walking.

Altitude sickness during Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara and tips to avoid it

Over 80% of the Annapurna Circuit trail remains above 3,000 meters above sea level. Therefore, altitude sickness remains a huge concern on this trek. You will start the trek at 1,860 meters (6,200 ft) and go above 2,500 meters on the second day of the trek.

The elevation increases every day, making acclimatization important to avoid altitude sickness. We have one acclimatization day in our Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara itinerary.

It will help you adjust to the thin air before the big push on the Thorong La Pass. Trekkers are recommended to maintain their pace while trekking and keep themselves hydrated.

Likewise, inform your guide if you see signs like nausea, headaches, difficulty breathing, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, and loss of appetite. These are the early symptoms of altitude sickness. Taking medicine on time and resting will help you recover.

Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara packing list

You will need the following things for the Annapurna Circuit trekking:

Comfortable, light-weight underwear
Trekking t-shirts and pants
Base and thermal layers
Windproof/waterproof jacket and pants
Fleece jacket
Down jacket
Gloves, socks, scarf, beanie, sun hat, etc.
Trekking boots and a casual pair of shoes/slippers
Duffel bag and daypack
Trekking pole, map, reusable water bottle, sunglasses
Sleeping bag and liner
Toiletries, first aid, snacks (SPF, lip balm, wet tissues, toilet paper, deodorant, moisturizer, crack bandage, insect repellent, muscle cramp spray, nuts, bars)
Camera, adapter, charger, power bank, foldable knife, snacks, map
Journal/pen and traveler games (optional)
Cash, documents

Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara Guide

Our FAQs

FAQs

Q1 Why start the Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara?

Annapurna Circuit trail is easily accessible from Pokhara. Trekkers who are already in Pokhara can quickly join the trek from here. Starting the trek from Pokhara allows you to skip travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara and saves time and money.

Q2 How should you prepare for the Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara?

The below exercise will help you get ready for the Annapurna Circuit trek physically and mentally:

Aerobic exercises: Aerobic exercise will help you improve your stamina and endurance, which is a must for the Annapurna Circuit adventure. You can do activities like biking, running, swimming, and jogging. These activities will improve your VO2 max. It means the maximum volume of oxygen that your body uses in cases. Thanks to this your body will quickly adjust to high altitude during trekking.
Strength training: You need good strength to walk uphill and downhill during the trek. Therefore, your legs and overall body strength should be good. You can visit the gym 2 to 4 times a week for strength training.
Regular walking: During the Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara, you will hike 5 to 7 hours a day on average. If you are not used to walking for long hours, start walking immediately. Start with half an hour of walking and gradually increase timing.
Breathing and yoga: Finally, practice long breathing and yoga. Long breathing will help you calm down when you get overstressed due to excitement. Likewise, yoga will help you stretch and manage muscle cramps after a long day of walk.

Q3 How is the network on the Pokhara Annapurna Circuit trek route?

The network on the Annapurna Circuit trek route is not very reliable. Some tea houses in the villages at lower altitudes provide paid WiFi service, but the network will not be reliable. Likewise, the mobile network is not good, especially while passing through forested hills. You may get a mobile network in some villages, but most parts of the trail have no network.