Annapurna Trek via Ghorepani Bhabi

Annapurna Trek via Ghorepani

Annapurna Circuit trek starts from Beshishar or above places after a day's drive from Kathmandu. You start by walking through rice fields, then grain belt, pastures, forests, and finally exit above the tree line to cross Thorang La before descending into a completely different valley, the Kali Gandaki, the deepest valley in the world. The trek which circles the Annapurna massif reaches a height of 5,416 m at Thorang La Pass. You start walking from Besisahar passing through Bahundanda, Bagarchap, Chame, Upper Pisang, Manang and Yak Kharka to cross the Thorang La pass, before reaching Muktinath.

The villages you pass through on this trek are varied - from Nepalese to Tibetan, you see the cultures change as the trek progresses. After completing the tour, you will descend to Ghorepani. After a good night's sleep in Ghorepani, a morning climb will take you to Poon Hill at 3,200m, one of the most popular places in the entire Annapurna region. From Poon Hill you can see the sun rise over the remarkable mountains - which are breathtaking in every way!

The next day you will walk along a forest trail, followed by patches of corn and potato fields to the village of Hile or Ghandruk, Ghandruk village is a popular Gurung settlement, many of whose members have served or are currently serving in the British Army. After spending the night in Ghandruk, you will walk to Phedi village and take a bus to Pokhara.

Best time to hike the Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna tour is a long day of walking. The hiking route follows high passes and challenging hiking trails. So, trekking in the months of March, April and May in spring in Nepal is the best time for trekking. Due to the dry season and clear skies, trekking along the route is easy and comfortable.

Similarly, trekking in the months of September, October and November of the autumn season in Nepal is another best time to do the trek. However, trekking is possible in winter and rainy season also due to heavy snow on the route in winter. It is very difficult to find the trail and follow the correct path.

Travel Facts

Destination:

Nepal

Activity:

Annapurna hikes

Region:

Annapurna region

Nature of the trek:

Hike from lodge to lodge

Distance of the course:

Approximately 200 kilometers/150 miles (from Dharapani to Ghandruk)

Start/end point:

Kathmandu / Kathmandu

Accommodation:

Hotel in Kathmandu And Pokhara/Lodge/Teahouse during the trek

Group size:

Min. 02 and max. 15 people

Best season:

March, April, May, June/September, October, November, December

Activity per day:

About 4-6 hours. walk during the trek

Transportation:

Private Transportation (Kathmandu Airport-Hotel, Kathmandu-Bensishahar, hile or Ghandruk-Pokhara, Kathmandu Hotel and Kathmandu Airport-Hotel)

Main attractions:

Kathmandu, Bensishahar, Manang, Thorong La, Muktinath, Jomsom, Marpha, Tatopani, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, hile or Ghandruk, Pokhara

Annapurna Circuit Trek landscape view

Trail Logs & Itinerary

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

Take a scenic drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure for shopping or relaxation.

Annapurna Circuit Trek landscape view

Inclusions

Transportation
Private Vehicle: Airport pickup/drop-off and hotel transfers
Private Vehicle: Transfer from Kathmandu to Beshishahar
Private Vehicle: Transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Private vehicle: hile, Nayapul (trek ends here) to Pokhara transfer
Public Jeep: Transfer from Beshishahar to Jagat (Trek starts from Jagat)
Accommodation
3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu in a 3-star category hotel and one nights hotel in Pokhara
14 nights accommodation (twin sharing) during the trek in standard tea houses
Food/Drinks
Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D) during the trek
Breakfasts in Kathmandu/Pokhara in a hotel
Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
French-speaking hiking guide
A guide assisting every 6 trekkers, including their accommodation, transportation, food, salary, transportation and insurance
Porters (1:2 client ratio, carrying up to 15kg of personal equipment per client) including their accommodation, transportation, food, salary, transportation, insurance
Permits and Taxes
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
TIMS license
All applicable taxes payable to the Nepalese government

Exclusions

Transportation
International flight tickets to and from Kathmandu
Domestic flight tickets (if you want you can fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu instead of driving, additional cost)
Any other additional transportation (if necessary) outside of the program (such as shopping, etc.)
Accommodation
Extra night(s) of accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara due to early arrival, late departure, early return from the mountain (for any reason) compared to the planned itinerary
Food/Drinks
Soft drinks, tea/coffee and alcoholic drinks are not included and must be purchased separately by the guest
Drink water during the trek
Desserts are not included, so if ordered they must be paid separately by the customer
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara (and also in case of early return from the mountain compared to the planned itinerary - see meal inclusions for details)
Others
Nepal Tourist Visa (available on arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport)
Customer travel insurance
All optional/additional activities outside the program
Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, battery charging, hot shower, extra porters, etc.)
Personal equipment and clothing
Tips/gratuities for staff (staff expects tips)

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits are required for trekking in the Annapurna region?

You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card. Our team secures these for you in Kathmandu before the trek, and they are covered by your booking fee.

How do we travel from Kathmandu to the Annapurna region?

The gateway is Pokhara. You can either take a scenic 25-minute domestic flight or a 6-to-8 hour tourist bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, we take private jeeps to the specific trailheads.

What is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit?

The highest point is the Thorong La Pass, situated at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 ft). It is a challenging day of walking but offers unforgettable panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Are ATMs available in the Annapurna region?

ATMs are available in Pokhara, Besisahar, and Jomsom. However, on the mountain trail itself, there are no banking facilities. You must carry sufficient cash in Nepalese Rupees to cover personal daily expenses.

What is the accommodation style in Annapurna teahouses?

Annapurna teahouses are cozy, family-run mountain lodges. Most have twin-share rooms with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets. Many lower-altitude teahouses now offer attached bathrooms, hot showers, and Wi-Fi.

Is altitude sickness common in the Annapurna region?

Altitude sickness can affect anyone above 2,500 meters. Our itineraries feature safe ascent rates and dedicated rest days. Our guides monitor oxygen saturation levels daily to ensure everyone acclimatizes correctly.

How do I access clean drinking water on the trail?

To limit single-use plastic waste, we discourage buying plastic water bottles. Instead, fill your reusable bottles with boiled water from teahouses or tap water treated with purification tablets or UV purifiers.