Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary: 15 Days Trekking plan

Situated in the spectacular Annapurna region, Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered the best long-distance trek in Nepal. Since the opening of the Annapurna Circuit route in 1977, it has been one of the most popular and challenging trekking destinations in Nepal after the Everest region trekking.

This 15 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary offers the trekkers a chance to view magnificent mountain peaks such as Mount Annapurna, Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Machhapuchhre, Mount Manaslu, and many other snow-capped mountain peaks. Along with the beautiful mountain views, you will walk through the valleys and villages inhabited by a large diversity of people of different castes, cultures, and ethnicity.

This Annapurna circuit trek Itinerary is ideal for trekkers: from beginners to experienced. Even if you are a first-time trekker, with some basic fitness training, you can do this trek as well. Since there will be enough time to acclimatize and rest your body, you won’t have difficulty during the trek.

The 15 Days  Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary starts from a 9 to 10 hours drive from Kathmandu to Chamje, the starting point of the trek. From Chamje, we will be passing through Dharapani to reach Chame. We continue our walk to Pisang and move towards Manang. In Manang, we will have a one-day rest for acclimatization. We will explore the Manang valley and hike to the Gangapurna viewpoint to acclimatize our bodies to that altitude.

After a full day of acclimatization, we walk past the trails of Yak Kharka and make our way toward Thorong Phedi. We cross the trek’s highest point, Thorong La Pass, 5416m above sea level, and ascend to Muktinath on a challenging trail. From Muktinath, we drive to Tatopani and then trek to Ghorepani & Poonhill. Poonhill is one of the most popular sunrise viewpoints. We finally make our way toward Tikledunga and drive to Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Significant Highlights of the 15 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Incredible sunrise overlooking the entire Annapurna range from a viewpoint
• Breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, including Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Tilicho Peak, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, and others.
• Crossing the majestic Thorung La Pass (5,416m), which is one of the highest passes in the world
• Exploring the heritage, culture, and lifestyles of the Gurung and Thakali community
• The fantastic aroma of flora and fauna of the Annapurna region
• Observing the Kali-Gandaki Gorge, which is the deepest gorge in the world
• Excellent hospitality of the local people
• Relax in a natural hot spring

 

For detailed info: Top 7 Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek

 

15 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (1300m)
Day 02: Drive to Chamje (1430m) via Besisahar (830m), 7-8hours drive.
Day 03: Trek from Chamje to Dharapani (1960), 6 hours of trek.
Day 04: Trek to Chame (2630m), 5-6 hours of trek.
Day 05: Trek to Pisang (3300m), 5-6 hours of trek.
Day 06: Trek to Manang (3570) via Ghyaru, 5 hours of trek.
Day 07: Acclimatization day in Manang
Day 08: Trek to Yak Kharka(4,110m), 3-4 hours of trek.
Day 09: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4650m), 3-4 hours of trek.
Day 10: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath(3800) via Thorang pass (5416m), 7-8 hours of trek.
Day 11: Jeep drive to Tatopani (1100 m), 7-8 hours drive.
Day 12: Trek to Ghorepani (2800m), 6 hours of trek.
Day 13: Early morning hike to Poon hill (3210m), descend to Tikhedhunga and drive to Pokhara for 8 hours.
Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, a 5-6 hours drive.
Day 15: Departure

Best Time for 15 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek

The best seasons for Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 Days are Autumn and Spring. These two seasons offer the best experience for trekking. It is also one of the peak times for trekking in Nepal.

Autumn (September, October, November)

Autumn is the best time to trek around Annapurna Circuit. Since Autumn comes after the monsoon season, the skies are usually clear and bright in Autumn, and the climate is perfect for trekking. Hence, many trekkers flood the Annapurna region due to the excellent weather conditions. However, if you are trekking during early September, you may see occasional rainfall, but the temperature is humid and mild in the lower Annapurna region.

You will have refreshing weather, excellent mountain visibility, and overall natural beauty during Autumn. Almost every teahouse and lodges are open for trekkers. So, you need to worry about your food and accommodation. However, the teahouses packed very soon due to the number of trekkers in the region. Thus, pre-booking is recommended.

Spring (March, April, May)

Spring is the second-best time of the year for Annapurna Circuit Trek after Autumn. The Annapurna Circuit weather and temperature during Spring are just as soothing and refreshing as in Autumn. Spring is the season of color. It is the time when new plants grow and rhododendron bloom. Along the Annapurna Circuit trail, you can see a forest filled with colorful wildflowers and rhododendron.

Spring is the pre-monsoon period; you may get showered with light rainfall if you trek in late May.

15 days Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty

The 15 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek is Nepa’s moderately complex trekking destination. However, beginner trekkers can also do this trek with proper training before the trek. The trek’s highest and most challenging part is the Thorong La Pass, which is 5416 meters above sea level. The weather is unpredictable at this altitude. Due to this, most people complain about the difficulty they face while crossing the pass, especially during winter and monsoon.

In the 15 Days Annapurna Circuit trekking, you will be walking through a few ridges, but the trek does not require any ropes and ladders. The 15-day Annapurna Circuit trek range ranges from 160 to 230 kilometers. Hence to complete the trek, you need to walk for about 6-7 hours a day through the steep, rugged terrain or even in the snow. So, this may be quite a challenge if you are trekking in Nepal for the first time.

Similarly, altitude sickness is the most common Annapurna Circuit Trek difficulty that most trekkers face. As you have to trek up to a height above 5416 meters, facing altitude sickness is not new. At such a height, the oxygen level in the air shifts very low, which causes difficulty while breathing. So, if you encounter any symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting are seen, descend to a low altitude as quickly as possible.

Related Articles

• Annapurna Circuit Trek FAQs
• Annapurna Circuit Trek without a Guide
• How to prepare for Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Solo Trekking to the Annapurna Circuit

If you are going for high-altitude trekking in Nepal, it is always better to go in a group, at least a group of two. Since the 15 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary is quite a challenging and high-altitude trek, you do not want to risk trekking it alone. Also, some teahouses and lodges may not give room for solo trekkers during peak season. Hence, I recommend you travel in a group.

However, if you have decided to trek solo, at least hire a guide or a porter. They can make your trek much more accessible. An experienced trekking guide will give you every information about the trek and arrange everything, such as food and accommodation, for you in advance. Similarly, the porters will help you carry all your belonging throughout the trek, which will make your trek easy. Therefore, there are various benefits of trekking to the Annapurna Circuit with a guide than solo trekking.

Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 days Cost

Regarding trekking in Nepal, the trekking cost is the primary concern for any budget trekker. Generally, the Annapurna Circuit Trek costs you around USD 900 to USD 1500, depending on the trekking route and the service you desire while trekking. Your cost for the Annapurna Circuit trek varies depending upon the transportation, accommodation, food and drinks, guides, etc..

Please check our detailed breakdown of the Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost for more information regarding the trekking cost.

Tips for Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 days

• Pre-booking is recommended if you are trekking in the peak season.
• Try a walk at a slow and steady pace.
• Alcohol consumption is highly prohibited. Since it causes dehydration, there is a high risk of altitude sickness.
• Pack the necessary trekking gear depending on the year you are traveling. And avoid unnecessary things while packing.
• Always keep yourself hydrated and have one or two days for acclimatization.
• Carry some snacks and high-energy bars for the trail.

Packing List for Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 days

Your 15 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Packing list highly depends upon which season you are traveling. If you are trekking in the winter season, you may have to carry lots of clothes and gear. But, during Autumn and Spring, your packing list may be lighter.

Some of the essential items that you will need during your Annapurna Circuit trek for 15 Days are as follows:

Clothing

• Hiking shoes
• Trekking pants
• Fleece jackets
• Sweaters
• Down jackets
• Cotton t-shirts
• cap/ hats

 

First Aid Kit

• Diamox tablets
• Antiseptic creams
• Antibiotic gel
• Bandages
• Scissors
• Nail clippers
• Vicks Vapor Rub
• Mosquito repellent creams

 

Toiletries

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Soap
• Toilet papers
• Cotton towels
• Lotions
• Moisturizers
• Sanitary napkins/ tampons

Related Articles

• Trekking Solo in the Annapurna Circuit
• Trekking Permits for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Conclusion

Annapurna Circuit trek 15 days Itinerary offers much for passionate trekkers like you. And I bet that you won’t regret going on this Annapurna Circuit trekking but would rather have an inspiring and uplifting trekking experience. The exciting and adventurous trekking trails around the Annapurna region will bless you with unforgettable memories that you will always admire for a lifetime.

Peregrine Treks and Expedition embrace you to have this breathtaking trek to the Annapurna Circuit. We have a team of experienced staff and representatives who will help you throughout your 15 days trip. Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions regarding this 15-day Annapurna trek. We will be more than happy to help you.