Annapurna Circuit Trek circles the Annapurna Massif along with other mountains like Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu. The highest point of the trek is Thorang La Pass (5,416 m), which is indeed very rewarding.
But that’s not all! You’ll be passing through multiple remote villages and will be socializing with different ethnic groups of Nepal. You’d even get to witness the very sacred Muktinath Temple, Jwala Mai Temple, and more.
Besides these cultural aspects, you even get a rewarding dip at the natural hot springs of Tatopani, try local apples in Manang and Mustang, and also try the local brandy.
Your journey to the Annapurna Circuit begins with a drive from Kathmandu towards Besishar, the headquarters of the Lamjung District. And proceed towards Chame, the district headquarter of Manang.
Only after reaching here, your Hike starts. You’ll trek to Upper Pisang, Manang Village, Yak Kharka, Thorang Phedi, Thorang La Pass, and then to Muktinath.
After your long hike of nearly six days ends, you’ll drive to Tatopani via Jomsom. There, your second part of the Annapurna Circuit begins as you hike towards Ghorepani and reach Poon Hill. But before that, the best part of this journey is the natural hot springs.
Along with the mountain views and relaxing time in nature, this trip rewards you with socio-cultural experience of Nepal. You’ll meet people from different ethnic groups, mainly Gurung, Thakali, Magar, Brahmin, Chhetri, and Tamang.
A full round trip of the Annapurna region might sound difficult, but it’s not exactly how it sounds. We believe that the trek can be done by any beginner with the right professional guidance and constant support.
However, even you have to make up your mind accordingly. While being physically fit is a necessity, the Annapurna Circuit Trek also calls for a strong mentality.
This guide presents you with the trip’s itinerary, packing list, cost breakdown, permits needed, accommodation & food details, and other possible challenges in the Annapurna region.
Mount Glory is already excited to dive into the details. So, get ready to read this comprehensive guide to learn everything about the 12 Days Annapurna Circuit Trekking in Nepal.
Brief Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Start off with a scenic bus ride from Kathmandu to Besishar followed by another exhilarating jeep ride from Besisahar to Chame.
- Travel to Kathmandu, Dhading, Chitwan, Tanahun, Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Kaski districts of Nepal (total: 9).
- Get to walk along the Marsyangdi and Budhi Gandaki rivers.
- Socialize with Gurung, Thakali, Magar, Brahmin, Chhetri, and Tamang communities of the Annapurna region.
- Visit and learn about the lifestyle of Besisahar, Bhulbhule, Syange, Jagat, Chamje, Taal, Dharapani, Timang, Chame, Bhratang, Upper Pissang, Ghyaru, Manang Village, Tarke Kang Hongdae village, Tenki Valley, Masryangdi Valley, Jarsang Khola Valley, Yak Kharka, Gansang village, Thorang La Phedi, Muktinath, Jomson, Marpha, Tatopani, Ghorepani, Shikha, Chitre, Poon Hill, and Birethanti regions.
- Trek to the altitude of 5,416 m, where Thorang La Pass is located.
- Get a chance to witness the majestic views of the entire Annapurna range, along with Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6998 m), Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6,986m), Tukuche peak (6,920m), and other mountains/peaks.
- Wander through beautiful yak fields, and also get the chance to see blue sheep.
- Wander through the rhododendron forest.
- Visit sacred spots, like Muktinath Temple, Dhikur Pokhari, Braga Gompa, Ice Lake (Kicho Tal), Jwala Mai Temple, and other monasteries.
- Take a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs at Tatopani.
- Additionally, experience the beauty of lakes, glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls.
Why Annapurna Circuit Trek is a Must-Do Adventure?
We’ve come to the end of this comprehensive article about the Annapurna Circuit Trail. Mount Glory truly hopes that you have enjoyed reading and understood everything in detail.
Yet, we might have missed out on a lot of things. Of course, just reading the article won’t give you the entire experience, right? So, to learn and experience everything, you have to come to Nepal and go for the adventure yourself.
Well, Mount Glory ranks as a trek to Annapurna Circuit #3 in the top 10 best trekking destinations in Nepal. Thus, you can expect a thrilling and rewarding adventure while immersing yourself in the local lifestyle and mainly enjoying the beautiful view of the Annapurna range.
Trust us as we promise to provide you with a delightful journey in the Annapurna region. Book your trek today and let’s complete this Annapurna Circuit Trek together!
Why Annapurna Circuit Trek With Mount Glory Treks in 2025 & 2026?
Since the Annapurna Circuit trek circles the tenth-highest mountain in the world, there’s so much misinformation about it on the internet. What’s truly important is to be guided by professionals as nobody should underestimate its risks and challenges.
To make sure your trip becomes safe, fun, and memorable, Mount Glory has curated this package. This is a licensed trekking agency in Nepal with a great reputation in the travel industry.
Even via our blogs and packages, we try our best to make you informed about different travel destinations around the country. And since the Annapurna region is already popular, we have maintained established partnerships among the local communities. That makes us their first priority too.
Mount Glory’s transparent pricing, exceptional customer services, satisfied guests, and proven excellent reviews are what make it your ideal choice of a trekking company in Nepal.
What to Expect in Annapurna Circuit Trekking Trail?
Now, let’s come to the cultural and natural attractions of the 12-Day Annapurna Circuit Trekking Journey.
The main religions found during the Annapurna Circuit Trek are Hinduism and Buddhism. That’s the reason you’ll encounter a plethora of temples and monasteries throughout the trek.
Talking about ethnic groups, expect to meet Gurung, Thakali, Magar, Brahmin, Chhetri, and Tamang people. Each and every one of their cultural norms is different, but despite that, they live in harmony.
That’s one of the best things you learn from the Annapurna Circuit trek. Even though cultural differences can be a barrier in a lot of terms, they still find their way to live in peace and maintain a similar lifestyle.
While Dashain, Tihar, Lhosar, and Maghe Sankranti are the major festivals celebrated in the region, there are still local festivals that very few are aware of. You have to do this trek in order to get in-depth information about that.
Now, let’s look into the main landmarks in the Annapurna circuit trail that are a must-see.
The Longest and Popular Thorang La Pass at 5416m
Thorang La Pass is the highlight and the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek at an elevation of 5,416 m.
The importance of this pass is that it connects you from Manang to the Mustang District of Nepal. In fact, the hype is so great that even locals might accompany you along the trail. So, you cannot miss this when you’re in the Annapurna region.
What’s more interesting about reaching Thorang La Pass is that you can do the trek from either side of Lamjung or Mustang. But since the Annapurna circuit is more popular by keeping Besi Sahar as the starting destination, Mount Glory has also followed the same approach.
Beautiful Villages in Annapurna Circuit Route
Besides Thorang La Pass, this trekking trail is comprised of multiple Gurung and Tamang villages. Meaning, you can immerse yourself into their daily activities and learn about the lifestyle of the people in this part of Nepal.
You’d be mesmerized by seeing the local beauty of Taal and Timang villages. In fact, you can even visit the Bhratang Apple Orchard to try the local apples here.
Also, there are cafes around this part of the trail, which makes it a perfect resting point.
Moreover, the Annapurna Circuit also features Ghyaru and Nagwal villages, where you get a glimpse of the lifestyle of the old Tibetan communities too.
In fact, your acclimatization day in the Manang Village shall be even more fruitful as you can visit a number of monasteries of the region here.
During the Annapurna Circuit hike, you’ll also be passing by the Tenki, Marsyangdi, and Jarsang Khola valleys. The scenery and forest trail are a perfect way to immerse yourself in nature.
Lastly, when you’re driving towards Tatopani, you can stop at Marpha Village to try the famous ‘apple brandy’. Don’t forget to take some home too!
A Visit to the Most Popular Destination Mustang
Nepal doesn’t have any deserts, but the dry landscapes of Mustang are what make this destination a remarkably popular spot among locals as well as tourists.
It’s just a different vibe when you reach there.
Mustang is also home to tons of Buddhist monasteries and Hindu Temples. The most holy and sacred temples are the Muktinath Temple (3,760 m) and Jwala Mai Temple.
When you’re in the Muktinath Temple, don’t forget to bathe in the 108 water taps. And in Jwala Mai Temple, you can see the natural eternal flame.
Picturesque Spot in Poon Hill Viewpoint
During your final days of the 12-day Annapurna Circuit Trek, you’ll be treated with one of the best sunrises ever. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Mount Fishtail might be farther than other parts of the trail, but the panoramic view of these mountains is too good!
It’s situated at 3,210 m, and if you’re in the appropriate Spring Season, there are high chances you’ll get to see the rhododendron forest during the trail from Ghorepani to Poon Hilll.
And when you’re in this part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, don’t forget to socialize with the Magar communities of Shikha and Chitre villages.
Few Other Natural Attractions in Annapurna Circuit
That’s not just about it. The Annpurna region is home to even more natural and artificial attractions.
In this travel package, you’ll even get to visit Dhikur Pokhari, a pond that offers a picturesque spot. And even Braga Gompa, which is a traditional Buddhist monastery that is almost 600 years old!
Don’t forget to get to Ice Lake (Kicho Tal), which is situated at 4,600m. For that, you have to hike extra on the fifth day of the trek.
And one of the favorites is the relaxing dip at Tatopani Hot Springs. It would be a perfect way to end this Annapurna trek.
If you customize your trip with Mount Glory, we can even help you visit the very religious Tilicho Lake, the Gurung community of Ghandruk Village, and explore more of the Mustang region. These include getting into Kagbeni, Lo Manthang, and many more spots!
12 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost Breakdown in 2025
Mount Glory has the best budget price to offer our international guests for not just the Annapurna Circuit trek but also others. The current price we’ve set is USD1090 per person.
But if you’re coming with your partner, friends, or family, we have a special discount policy too. For couples, US$970 on a per-person basis, a further $60 discount (USD910) if you’re with 3-5 people, USD850 for 6-9 pax, and the best of all is for 10 or more people (USD790).
However, as we have mentioned earlier, you can even customize this Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal as per your liking and hiking capability. So, your price can vary if you go for a customized/private trip.
Still confused? Here’s our Whatsapp number—+977 9849856378. Message us for further inquiries. We are ready to serve our guests in the best way possible.
For more details of the cost breakdown for the 12 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek in 2025, please follow the below group discount table.
No of Pax | Cost Per Person |
1-1 | USD 1090 |
2-3 | USD 970 |
4-6 | USD 910 |
7-9 | USD 850 |
10-12 | USD 790 |
Note: If travelers are more than 12 in a group, please contact our operation team for a special group discount.