16 Day Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is an unforgettable adventure, spanning 12 days over a period of 16 days. This trek promises a continuous stream of breathtaking views and emotional experiences that will linger long after you return home. It will both inspire and challenge you, leaving you with a lasting sense of awe and wonder.

Beginning with a scenic approx six-hour drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar and concluding at Pokhara, the Annapurna Circuit is a sacred pilgrimage for trekkers and an unforgettable journey. The trek ascends through the Kali Gandaki Gorge—the deepest gorge in the world—crosses the Thorong-La Pass (5416m), traverses the arid Tibetan plateau, and returns to the verdant forests of the starting point. This circuit offers unparalleled diversity in terrain and cultural experiences. Starting from the lush rhododendron forests and terraced rice paddies, the route follows the Kali Gandaki River with views of Dhaulagiri (8167m) on the left and Annapurna I (8091m) on the right. The trek transitions from vibrant greenery to barren rock and windswept plains. As you travel up the Kali Gandaki Gorge, you’ll follow an ancient trade route to Tibet. The journey from the Thakali village of Tukuche (2590m) marks a shift from dense pine and conifer forests to a more arid, desert-like landscape. Marpha, another notable Thakali village, features flat-roofed houses and narrow, stone-paved alleys. Further along the trail, the Tibetan-like terrain north of the Himalayas offers a magical experience, with unique rock formations shaped by the wind, vertical rock faces with cave dwellings, and high-altitude turquoise lakes. Muktinath (4100m), a revered Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage site, and crossing the Thorong-La Pass, the highest point on the trek, provide profound experiences of achievement.

Bird watchers will find this trek particularly fascinating, with over 800 species in Nepal. Look out for white-capped river chats, redstarts, little forktails, whistling thrushes, and large pied kingfishers as they grace the skies.