Annapurna Circuit mountain landscape
Nepal Region

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Poonhill 2026

Difficulty Moderate to Strenuous
Duration 16 Days
Max. Altitude 5,416 m/17,769 ft
Best Season Mar-May, Sep-Dec
Lodging & Meals Tea House & Hotel

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Poonhill 2026

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most renowned trekking routes in the world, offering an unforgettable journey through the diverse landscapes of the Annapurna region in Nepal. In 2026, it remains a top choice for trekkers seeking adventure, cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural beauty. Here’s an overview:

Key Features

  • Location: The Annapurna Circuit is located in the Annapurna Conservation Area of north-central Nepal.
  • Duration: Typically, the trek takes 12–18 days, depending on the route and pace.
  • Route Highlights:
    • Starts in Besisahar or Bhulbhule and ends in Jomsom or Nayapul.
    • Passes through lush subtropical forests, terraced farmland, alpine meadows, and arid high-altitude landscapes.
    • Includes the challenging Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters/17,769 feet), the highest point of the trek.
  • Cultural Experiences:
    • Interactions with diverse ethnic groups, including Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan communities.
    • Visits to ancient monasteries, stupas, and villages such as Manang and Muktinath.

Permits and Requirements

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card.
  • A guide is not mandatory but recommended for safety and insights into the region.

Challenges

  • High altitude and risk of altitude sickness.
  • Variable weather conditions, especially at higher altitudes.
  • Steep ascents and descents requiring moderate to good physical fitness.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek in 2026 promises an enriching adventure for trekkers of all levels, combining natural wonders, cultural richness, and a profound sense of achievement.

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Poonhill 2026 - view 1
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Poonhill 2026 - view 1

Trail Logs & Itinerary

1
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

9 hour drive by Tourist Bus. This segment of the trek takes us through beautiful Himalayan landscapes, offering changing scenery and opportunities for cultural encounters. We walk along traditional paths, taking time to appreciate the spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks and the unique local environment.

2
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

3 hour drive by private jeep and 5 hour trek to Ghorepani. We climb through dense forests of giant rhododendrons and oaks, passing charming rural villages. Ghorepani, situated on a ridge, offers splendid views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Today is the ultimate challenge. We wake up under a freezing, starlit sky and begin our ascent, using ropes, crampons, and ice axes as we navigate steep snow and ice slopes. Reaching the summit rewards us with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the world's highest peaks, a moment of pure triumph.

3
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

Morning view at Poon Hill, 5-6 hours walk. We climb through dense forests of giant rhododendrons and oaks, passing charming rural villages. Ghorepani, situated on a ridge, offers splendid views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Today is the ultimate challenge. We wake up under a freezing, starlit sky and begin our ascent, using ropes, crampons, and ice axes as we navigate steep snow and ice slopes. Reaching the summit rewards us with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the world's highest peaks, a moment of pure triumph.

4
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

3 hours trek to Ghandruk and 3 hour drive to Pokhara by private jeep. This segment of the trek takes us through beautiful Himalayan landscapes, offering changing scenery and opportunities for cultural encounters. We walk along traditional paths, taking time to appreciate the spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks and the unique local environment.

5
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

10 hours drive by private jeep. This segment of the trek takes us through beautiful Himalayan landscapes, offering changing scenery and opportunities for cultural encounters. We walk along traditional paths, taking time to appreciate the spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks and the unique local environment.

6
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

5 hours walk. We walk along the Marsyangdi River through wild pine forests. Along the way, we discover beautiful rock faces polished by ancient glaciers and enjoy views of Lamjung Himal before reaching Chame, the Manang district headquarters. Today we explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of Kathmandu. We visit the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bagmati River, the ancient stupa of Boudhanath, and the hilltop Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), offering panoramic views of the city. We also complete trek briefing and permit preparations.

7
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

5 hours walk. We walk along the Marsyangdi River through wild pine forests. Along the way, we discover beautiful rock faces polished by ancient glaciers and enjoy views of Lamjung Himal before reaching Chame, the Manang district headquarters. Today we explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of Kathmandu. We visit the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bagmati River, the ancient stupa of Boudhanath, and the hilltop Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), offering panoramic views of the city. We also complete trek briefing and permit preparations.

8
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

5 hours walk. We climb steadily through pine forests and cross suspension bridges, entering the rain-shadow zone. We enjoy panoramic mountain views as we arrive in the traditional village of Pisang. We climb steadily through pine forests and cross suspension bridges, entering the rain-shadow zone. We enjoy panoramic mountain views as we arrive in the traditional village of Pisang.

9
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

5 hours walk. The trail crosses increasingly dry alpine landscapes under the rain-shadow of the Annapurnas. The villages feature Tibetan-style architecture, and we are surrounded by grand mountain vistas dominated by Annapurna III and Gangapurna. The trail guides us through beautiful oak, bamboo, and rhododendron forests, crossing rushing mountain streams via suspension bridges. We enjoy views of the snow-capped Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges rising above green hills.

10
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

Hike to Ice Lake (4,620m). The trail crosses increasingly dry alpine landscapes under the rain-shadow of the Annapurnas. The villages feature Tibetan-style architecture, and we are surrounded by grand mountain vistas dominated by Annapurna III and Gangapurna.

11
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

6-7 hour walk. The trail crosses increasingly dry alpine landscapes under the rain-shadow of the Annapurnas. The villages feature Tibetan-style architecture, and we are surrounded by grand mountain vistas dominated by Annapurna III and Gangapurna. We make our way to the base camp or high camp, stepping into a high-altitude wilderness surrounded by towering glaciers, ice falls, and massive rock walls. The air is cold and crisp, and the camp buzzes with the excitement of the upcoming summit push or pass crossing.

12
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

Morning hike to Tilicho Lake, 5-6 hour walk. Crossing the Cho La Pass (5,420m) is an intense and technical day. We walk over a steep glacier and scramble up rocky sections to reach the top of the pass, rewarded with stunning views of Ama Dablam and Cholatse.

13
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

5-6 hour walk. This segment of the trek takes us through beautiful Himalayan landscapes, offering changing scenery and opportunities for cultural encounters. We walk along traditional paths, taking time to appreciate the spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks and the unique local environment.

14
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

4 hours walk. The trail rises along the Jarsang Khola Valley. We walk at a slow, steady pace to conserve energy for tomorrow's pass crossing. The atmosphere at the camp is filled with excitement and respect for the high mountain pass. An early, challenging start takes us toward the high mountain pass. Walking slowly and steadily, we climb through snow and scree to reach the summit, adorned with colorful prayer flags. The expansive views of neighboring valleys and giant peaks are absolutely spectacular before we begin our descent.

15
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

8-9 hour walk. The trail rises along the Jarsang Khola Valley. We walk at a slow, steady pace to conserve energy for tomorrow's pass crossing. The atmosphere at the camp is filled with excitement and respect for the high mountain pass. An early, challenging start takes us toward the high mountain pass. Walking slowly and steadily, we climb through snow and scree to reach the summit, adorned with colorful prayer flags. The expansive views of neighboring valleys and giant peaks are absolutely spectacular before we begin our descent.

16
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,416 m/17,769 ft

6-7 hour drive by local bus. We descend a steep, gravelly trail to reach the sacred plain of Muktinath. This unique pilgrimage site features 108 sacred water spouts and temples revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. We embark on a scenic journey today, taking either a spectacular domestic flight or a drive along winding mountain roads, passing lush terraced fields, fast-flowing rivers, and traditional hillside villages. The changing scenery guides us closer to the starting point of our trek in the heart of the Himalayas.

Inclusions

  • Transport
  • Private Vehicle : Airport pickups/drops and hotel transfers
  • Public Vehicle : Kathmandu- Pokhara
  • Private Vehicle : Ulleri to Ghorepani
  • Private Vehicle : Ghorepani to Pokhara
  • Private Vehicle : Pokhara to Dharapani
  • Public Vehicle : Muktinath to Pokhara
  • Accommodation
  • 1 nights' accommodation in Kathmandu hotel
  • 4 night’s accommodation in Pokhara Hotel
  • Food / Drinks
  • Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D) during the trek
  • Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
  • Staff
  • 1 English speaking Trekking Guide
  • Permits and Taxes
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • TIMS permit
  • All applicable taxes