Annapurna Circuit with ABC Trek - 18 Days

AC and ABC combined trek(5.0)5 reviews
Know before you go
  • Duration 18 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Trip Start and End Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Best Season Mar - Apr and Sep - Nov
  • Trip Area Annapurna Region
  • Maximum Altitude 5416m.|17769ft.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the challenging Annapurna Circuit trail and trek to the lap of the tenth highest mountain in the world, Annapurna base camp, in one trip
  • Witness breathtaking western Himalayan mountain views along with diverse landscapes
  • Trek through dense rhododendron & bamboo forests, picturesque villages, lush meadows, and moraines
  • Cross thrilling suspension bridges & streams and pass by cascading waterfalls
  • Learn mountain lifestyle and culture while spending nights in different villages
  • Cross challenging Thorong La pass and get blessings in Muktinath Temple
  • Enjoy natural hot springs in Tatopani
  • Explore the adventurous trail to ABC and spend a night at Mt. Annapurna lap before returning
  • Enjoy excellent mountain panorama from Poon Hill

Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you far away from your busy life to the western Himalayas. The journey lets you unwind, witness breathing mountain landscapes, meet with mountain people, and test your endurance.

Have you ever wanted to do both Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base camp on the same trip? Then this is your chance to embark on one of the most adventurous journeys in the Annapurna region and explore the two most famous trekking routes. We have designed the Annapurna circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek 18 days for travelers looking for a lifetime journey in the Himalayas. This trekking package combines the best of the Annapurna Himalayas and offers jaw-dropping mountain vistas. 

We have the perfect itinerary for the Annapurna circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trekking. You'll have all the acclimatization days and overnight stays at the most beautiful villages along the trail. It is a long and challenging trek, so only recommended for travelers who have high-altitude trek experience. The first part of the trek covers the Annapurna Circuit and crosses the Thorong La pass. Then continues towards Annapurna Base Camp. 

You'll be visiting the most popular pilgrimage site in Nepal, Muktinath while descending from Thorong La pass. Ironically, Muktinath is one of those historical monuments that hold religious importance for both Hindus and Buddhists. While passing by Tatopani, you can enjoy natural hot springs. The Annapurna circuit with the Annapurna Base Camp trek also lets you explore the famous Ghorepani village and Poon Hill viewpoint. 

Mountain Views & Trail

The Annapurna circuit and base camp trek is a holy grail package for travelers wishing to enjoy the best mountain landscapes. This trek offers you phenomenal views of the seventh and the tenth highest mountains in the world, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) & Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m). Apart from these two giants, snow-capped Himalayan mountains like Nilgiri (7,061 m), Fishtail (6,993 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m), Tukuche Peak (6,920 m), etc, are seen throughout the trek. 

The trekking route also presents diverse sceneries that go from lush green hills, waterfalls, and verdant valleys to barren hills & towering mountains. The Annapurna circuit with the Annapurna Base Camp trekking route has numerous ascends & descends. The terrain is rugged and forested. There are many steep, rocky sections. You'll trek through dense forests of rhododendron, pine, oak, bamboo, etc. The upper part of the trail goes through wide open meadows and steep ridges.

Why go on the Annapurna circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Nepal Nirvana Trails?

With us, you'll enjoy a safe trip and the best price. We, Nepal Nirvana Trails, hold a legacy of more than two decades. Our team is very experienced, professional, and friendly. On the field, you'll be guided by the best trekking guides and accompanied by kind porters. Annapurna circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek package is inclusive of all the permits, expenses of guides & porters, accommodation, and meals. 

Our travel consultants will help you closely, from booking the package to getting you ready for the trip. You'll not feel lost or alone while trekking with us in the Himalayas of Nepal. To book the Annapurna circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek 2024/2025 departure, get in touch with us anytime. 

Here are some of our other special trekking packages that you'll not find anywhere else- Lower Khumbu Trek, Langtang Circuit Trek, Limi Valley Trek, and Tsum Valley Trek via Barpak village.

Itinerary

Day to Day Details

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On your arrival day, we'll greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and drop you to the hotel. We advise resting and preparing for your journey for a half-day. We will meet at our office in Thamel and help you with the final preparations for the trek. 

  • Hotel
  • 1400m.|4593ft.

We will start our adventure by driving from Kathmandu to Besisahar in the morning with the regular bus departing from Kathmandu Buspark at Machhapokhari. The route usually takes around 6 to 8 hours depending on the road conditions and traffic. Upon reaching Besisahar, we will switch the transport and take the shared jeeps heading toward Dharapani. From Besisahar to Dharapani, the roadway is off-road and bumpy, which might take another 3 to 4 hours. We will spend the night at Dharapani.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 1860m.|6200ft.

Today, we will begin our trek with an early breakfast in Dharapani. We will commence our hike with a walk through the lush forest of pines, oak, and maple trees, passing by several villages. If the weather is clear we can relish the mountain views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna IV, and Annapurna II. After approximately 6 hours of trekking, we will reach Chame, where will stay overnight.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 2610m.|8890ft.

After breakfast, we will collect our belongings and begin our journey to Upper Pisang. The scenery is stunning as we are in the mountains. The trail passes via forests, bridges, and rivers. The path is shared by mule trains that have jingling bells. The Upper Pisang village is dotted with traditional homes and prayer flags. The inhabitants are Buddhists, and it is common to see elderly people wearing meditation beads or little prayer wheels on their wrists. The Himalayan Mountains appear to be within reach. When we get to Upper Pisang, we go to a nearby teahouse to relax and enjoy a well-earned break. 

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 3300m.|10824ft.

As we go to Manang, we get amazing views of Annapurna III and II. As we climb higher, the air becomes drier and colder. The path passes through mountains covered with snow, ice rivers, and conifer-covered hillsides. Before proceeding to Manang, we make a quick stop at the charming village of Ngawal. The route is littered with chortens, Buddhist temples, and prayer flags. We reach Manang, our overnight stop, after hours of walking.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 3540m.|11612ft.

We will stay an additional day in Manang to explore the community and acclimate to the high elevation. There are several side hikes we may start on. We must travel high and sleep lower to acclimatize. We may make the ascent to Gangapurna Lake and enjoy the day appreciating Tilicho, Pisang, Annapurna III, and Chulu Peaks' breathtaking magnificence. Additionally, we may climb up to the surrounding famous Ice Lake. We will have acclimated to the elevation and be ready for the next day after spending the day in the mysterious Manang village relaxing.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

On the way to Yak Kharka, we'll see more breathtaking views of the mountains Gangapurna and Annapurna. Blue sheep, yak, and Himalayan tahr herds graze on the bushes and alpine grass. In some places, horses are still often used for transportation. We can see a few teahouses at Yak Kharka, a former yak herder camp. We travel to one of them, where accommodations have been reserved for us and check-in.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 4050m.|13284ft.

The pass we have been hoping to cross since beginning our journey, Thorong La, is growing closer to you. One of the riskiest parts of the trail is the one that leads to Thorong Phedi. The gravel route, which is prone to landslides, is constrained and follows the edge of a desolate hill. Up here, well above the tree line, it's windy and dusty. Our overnight stop, Thorong Phedi, is encircled by sheer cliffs. As the highest overnight stop, this is at 4525 meters.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 4525m.|14842ft.

We get up early and hike up to High Camp. As the day goes on, the weather can be worse, so we need to get going early. Thorong La Pass must be traversed before it becomes too windy and cloudy. We start our ascend in the dark by using a headlamp. We rest and warm up in High Camp before continuing our walk. As a result of the thin air, breathing is challenging during the climb. Once we get to the pass, snap selfies and photos of the breathtaking mountain views. The Tibetan peaks are rising on the horizon in the distance. We spend a good amount of time admiring the colorful prayer flags adorning the snow-covered pass before continuing to Muktinath.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 5416m.|17769ft.

After breakfast, there is a beautiful drive to Tatopani. The path travels through lush tropical rainforests and grassy pastures. Compared to the desert-like scenery of the previous several days, we will have a wonderful change. The humidity and temperature difference are there as we go lower in the air. Before reaching Tatopani, our destination for the night, we will pass through the checkpoint through Ghasa. Tatopani, which in Nepali means "hot water," is well for the hot springs. We can see travelers coming from around the world to take a dip in the hot springs' healing water.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 1190m.|3904ft.

The route to Ghorepani is marked and stone-paved. We can see the signs pointing towards the direction of Ghorepani. It is a difficult hike through rhododendrons and oak trees till you reach Ghorepani taking the uphill and downhill paths. The town was known as Ghorepani since it was a well-liked resting place for traders riding horses to Tibet.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 2874m.|9429ft.

We will hike to Poon Hill's hilltop observation point before sunrise. Poon Hill, which gives a breathtaking panoramic view of the Annapurna Massif, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Hiunchuli, is the most well-known Himalayan sunrise viewpoint inside the Annapurna Region. A sight to recall is the beautiful sunrise over the snow-capped mountains. After admiring the scenery and snapping photos, we will trek down to Ghorepani to gather our belongings before continuing to Tadapani. Through a dense rhododendron forest, taking a track that goes up and down, we can find one of the largest rhododendron woods in the world along this path. The trail is lined with blooming trees in the spring. After passing through Deurali and Birethanti, we will eventually reach Tadapani.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 2600m.|8530ft

Tadapani is where we start our journey to Chomrong. We can see Mt. Macchapucchre and the magnificent Annapurna South from the route. Chomrong is a little town surrounded by green hills, yet it is stunningly beautiful. It is the starting place and a well-liked rest break for the hikes to Annapurna Base Camp. Chomrong is bustling with stores, inns, and eateries.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 2170m.|7119ft.

This morning, we set out early to complete a lengthy walk distance. As we hike, we will take in the vistas of Chomrong Khola. We will soon arrive at Sinuwa, a little settlement standing on a hill. As we ascend higher to Bamboo village, the scenarios enhance even more. We will hike to Dovan from Bamboo. Oak, bamboo, and rhododendron woods are everywhere along the trail. To get to Dovan, we need to traverse several wooden bridges. From Dovan, we will climb for a few more hours until we get to the Himalaya Hotel.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 2310m.|7579ft.

We will leave early in the morning for our major trekking destination, Annapurna Base Camp. We pass via the Machhapuchhre Base Camp. We will not experience the pain associated with hiking at such a higher elevation since our body is acclimated to the high altitude. From the Annapurna Base Camp, we will take in close-up perspectives of the Annapurna Massif.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 4130m.|13550ft.

We will get up early and head out to continue our trek. The trek is in a glacier basin surrounded by the peaks of Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and Annapurna I, the tenth-highest mountain in the world. We will take in the view of 8000 and 7000 meters high peaks. After taking photographs, descend to your teahouse.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 2310m.|7579ft.

To get to Matque, we will descend to Bamboo. Along the way, you'll pass through the villages of Chhomrong, Sinuwa, and Jhinu Danda. Your last hike route passes through typical Nepalese scenery, with farms, terraced fields, and traditional mud huts. When we get to Matque, we will proceed to the roadway and take a vehicle headed for Pokhara.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast and Lunch
  • 800m.|2625ft.

If you are tired of the trek drive to Pokhara on the previous day. You can stroll around Pokhara and explore the City of Lakes.
Upon your request, we can book you a bus ticket or flight ticket to Kathmandu.

  • Breakfast

Want to customize your trip? Share your holiday plans. Our travel experts create an awesome trip for a lifetime experience holiday.

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Route Map

Annapurna Circuit with ABC Trek - 18 Days map

What's Included

  • Airport Pick-up During Arrival
  • 1-night Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • 1-night Hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
  • 15 Night Mountain Guest House 
  • 15 Breakfast, 15 Lunch & 15 Dinner and a cup of tea|coffee during the trek
  • Government-certified trekking guide
  • Salaries, food, equipment, and insurance of the guide
  • All applicable ACAP, TIMS, and Local permits
  • Regular Bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar and Sharing jeep from Besisahar to Dharapani
  • Regular Bus/Jeep from Muktinath to Tatopani
  • Sharing Jeep from Jhinu to Pokhara
  • Water Purification Tablets
  • Souvenir: T-shirt, Trekking map of Nepal Nirvana Trails
  • Official expenses and government taxes and VAT. 

What's Excluded

  • International flight tickets
  • Nepal entry visa
  • Travel and health insurance to cover emergency rescues and evacuations.
  • Food in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Porter - if needed
  • Additional snacks, drinks, bottled water, Wi-Fi, hot water, hot shower, battery charging, etc., during the trek.
  • Tips for guides and porters (it is appreciated)

Upcoming Departures

    
Start DateFridayFebruary 28, 2025End DateMondayMarch 17, 2025PriceAvailableUS $799

Useful Info

Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp trek difficulty

Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp trek is a strenuous trek. The trek is for experienced trekkers who can spend more than 12 days in the mountains and adjust to basic services. You walk 6 hours a day at a minimum, so physical and mental fitness is important. The terrain is steep and rough. The trail has constant ascends and descends through dense forests, terraced fields, pastures, and moraines. 

You cross a high and challenging pass on Annapurna Circuit with the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Likewise, the trail also passes by avalanche-prone areas. The weather at the high altitude can get unstable even in the peak season too, so you have to be well prepared for the trek. 

Altitude Sickness

The Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp 18 days lead above 5,400 meters. Every day you'll gain elevation on this trek, which also increases the risk of altitude sickness. It's a common illness, but if it gets worse, the patient needs to be air evacuated to a hospital. Cases like this are rare, so you do not have to worry about anything. Moreover, our Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp itinerary has an adequate acclimatization day that allows you to adjust to the elevation during the trek. 

Last Minute Booking 

To make last minute booking for Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp trekking, you have to make the full payment of the package. Once our team receives the full payment and other details about you, we'll proceed with the booking process and send you the trip confirmation mail. Do know that booking at the last minute may not leave you with ample time to prepare for the trek. For any query, you can call us at +977 9841380469 or +977 9843987606 (WhatsApp/Viber).

What permits do I need for the Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp?

Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permit and a TIMS card are needed for Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp trek. The package cost covers the permit fees. We also obtain the permits on behalf of our guests to save them from hassle. 

ACAP permit costs for SAARC nationals: NPR 1000
ACAP permit costs for other nationals: NPR 3000
TIMS card costs: NPR 2000

*Note: Trekkers below age 10 do not need this permit

Best time to trek to Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp

The best time to trek in the Annapurna region is spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November). These seasons have the perfect weather conditions for trekking. You'll come across a range of flora & fauna along the trail and witness breathtaking mountain views. There is almost no chance of rain or unstable weather, so you'll be on the itinerary and do not have to face any delays. 

The climate in spring and autumn is mild. The day is bright and breezy. Whereas nights & mornings are a bit colder, which makes the trek fantastic. In the autumn season particularly, you may get to be part of some of the biggest festivals of Nepal like Dashain, Tihar & Chhat. The temperature ranges between 23°C to 18°C in the lower part of the trail and 15°C to 0°C in the upper part of the trail.

Accommodation 

You stay overnight in a lodge or teahouse during Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp trekking. The accommodation along the trail is basic, but you'll get comfortable & clean bedding to have a good night's sleep. The rooms are double occupancy, so you'll be sharing them with one of your fellow trekkers. 

The washroom is shared mostly and in some places, you may get a private washroom. The services in the lodge are minimal. Facilities like hot showers, wifi, and charging are available on paid. These expenses are not covered in the package cost, so carry some additional Nepali cash with you. 

Food

The Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp trek package covers three meals during the trek. All the meals are provided as per the menu of the lodge/teahouse. As you can guess, the menu is not anything fancy. You'll get simple Nepali, Indian, and Tibetan dishes on the menu. These are some common dishes seen on the menu- momo, noodles, roti tarkari, Tibetan bread, sandwich, pasta, thenduk, soup, porridge, french fries, etc. 

The most common meal will be dal bhat during the trek, and it's our favorite. Dal Bhat means rice and lentil soup that comes with veggies, curries, pickles, and a few other side dishes. It's very rich in minerals, tastes delicious, and gives ample energy to walk. Moreover, it is made from fresh ingredients, so you'll not have an upset stomach or indigestion. 

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is needed during the Annapurna Circuit with the Annapurna Base Camp trek. It's a high-altitude trek with the potential risk of altitude sickness and unseen accidents. We make sure the trek goes as smoothly as possible, but it's better to be prepared than to be sorry. So, we'll need travel insurance covering emergency air evacuation and medical bills.

Make sure your travel insurance has an airlift up to 6,000 meters. Failure of providing travel insurance documents at the time of booking may result in the cancellation of the trip from the company side. 

Travel Tips (electricity, internet, ATM, luggage, tipping, personal expenses)

  • To charge your devices while trekking, you can pay a few extra bucks in the lodge. Spare batteries or a solar charger will come in extremely handy during the trek.
  • The Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp trail has no ATM or banks, so there's no way you can withdraw cash while trekking. Get it in Kathmandu or Pokhara. 
  • The internet along the trail is okay. Use cellular data for better connection. Wifi service is available in some lodges but may cost you additional money for the service.  
  • For trekking luggage, we use a duffel bag and a daypack. Duffel bags are carried by porters and each trekker gets a 10 kg weight limit. In a rucksack, you can pack up to 5 kg. 
  • Drink plenty of water while walking to keep yourself hydrated and avoid altitude sickness. Maintain your walking pace and get ample rest.
  • We suggest our guests tip our crew members themselves if they are happy with their service. Even though we make sure our guide & porters get paid well, giving them tips is the best thank you gesture for the trekkers. 
  • Buy or rent heavy clothing for the trek and other gear in Thamel instead of carrying it from your home. It'll save you a lot of money and space. 
  • Make sure to have an emergency fund and spare money for personal expenses like international flights, shopping, personal expenses, etc.

FAQs

  • Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most difficult treks in the Himalayas. The terrain is rough and steep. You'll cross a high pass and spend many days in the mountains, which can be very challenging.

  • Our Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp trekking is 18 days long. You can customize the itinerary as per your requirements too.

  • No, we do not recommend Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp trek for beginner trekkers, given the trail conditions and very high altitude. We have many other beginner-friendly adventurous treks that you check on our site. 

  • No, Mt. Everest is not seen during this trek. However, you will get to witness other stunning snow-clustered mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Fishtail, Tilicho peak, etc.

  • No, you'll not need crampons for the Annapurna Circuit trek unless you are planning to do this trek in the winter season, which is not advised. In winter, the temperature drops below -20°C, and there are high risks of avalanches along the trekking route.

  • We have the most reasonable cost for Annapurna Circuit with the Annapurna Base Camp trek. You get all the facilities like accommodation, meals, permits, guide/porter charge, ground transportation as per the itinerary, etc, in our Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp trek cost. The cost of this package ranges anywhere between USD 1400 to USD 2500, depending upon the company & the services.

  • You'll be trekking with a guide who has previously led many trekking groups to Annapurna Circuit and ABC. Our guides are licensed and trained in various remote survival aspects that make them very reliable.

  • Yes, you'll need a sleeping bag for Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp trekking. Even though the lodge along the trail offers clean bedding & blanket, you may need an extra layer to keep you warm during the nights/mornings.

  • Yes, you can do Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp 18 days trek with your friends and family. Make sure everyone in the group is physically fit to embark on this strenuous journey.

Price fromUS $799(All-inclusive price)
Group Price
  
1 - 1 PaxUS $1199
2 - 2 PaxUS $900
3 - 3 PaxUS $880
4 - 4 PaxUS $860
5 - 5 PaxUS $830
6 - 10 PaxUS $799
Total Price:US $1199
Check Availability

Client Reviews

tptripadvisor
  • E
    Eline NesjeNorwayNovember 09, 2024

    Perfect experience

    We were three persons going on the Annapurna Circuit with ABC trek. From the second we landed we felt very taken care of. The iternatiary itself is well organised, and it felt really nice to have everything planned for us. However, the thing that really made the trip so good was our guide Raju. A warm, genuine and great guide. He was so helpful with everything and we felt very safe having a local that knows the area, language and nature and could teach us about it. At the high altitudes he always made sure we were healthy and fit. We had some difficulties both with food poisoning and an ankle twist, and Raju always found great solutions and helped us. Excellent performance! It would not have been the same without him, and we could not recommend Nirvana and Raju more. We are already thinking about coming back for the Manaslu Trek - with Raju as our guide of course! Thank you so much!

    Dear Eline, Namaste!
    Thank you so much for your kind words! We are thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful experience on the Annapurna Circuit with ABC trek. It’s great to know that Raju made such a positive impact on your journey.
    We can’t wait to welcome you back for the Manaslu Trek with Raju as your guide again. 
    Wishing you many more amazing trekking experiences in the future!
    Warm regards,  
    KP Dhital and the Nepal Nirvana Trails Team  
    WhatsApp: +977 9841380469

  • A
    ArtiKenyaApril 20, 2024

    Just wow!!!!!

    I did the ACT and the ABC trek for about 19days. KP organised everything so well and made my friend and I feel like part of his family. He runs a very professional business and is flexible with all your requests. Prajil and Raj who guided us were excellent and looked after us so well. Thank you so very much to all of you. The trek itself is superb and challenging. You see amazing views every single day and being part of this nature makes you appreciate all the beauty there is in this world.

    Dear Arti, Namaste!
    Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience with us and for your kind words about the Prajil, Raj, and Nepal Nirvana Trails. Your satisfaction and happiness mean everything to us. Thank you once again for choosing Nepal Nirvana Trails. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for more unforgettable adventures in the future!
    Best Regards,
    Kp Dhital and Nepal Nirvana Trails Team.
    WhatsApp: +977 9841380469

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