Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek 7 Days

A Legendary Himalayan Journey in Just Seven Days
Investigating the Muktinath Sacred Pilgrimage Site
Crossing the Mighty Thorong La Pass (5,419m)
Stunning Scenery & Changing Terrain
Views of the Himalayas in Panorama
Cultural Exchanges with Communities in the Mountains
Buddhist Traditions & Old Monasteries
Under the Direction of Local Experts.
Full Service Trekking Experience with the Hill Sherpa
After a thrilling adventure, arrive in beautiful Pokhara.

Trip Overview

Annapurna Circuit Trek 7 Days of Adventure with Hill Sherpa Trekking
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most renowned trekking trails, and Annapurna Circuit Trek 7 Days is a compact and thrilling edition of the iconic route. The trip traverses breathtaking scenery, culturally diverse mountain settlements, and over the high Thorong La Pass (5,419m) in a week. Arranged and led by Hill Sherpa Trek’s Team, this trek is ideally tailored for trekkers who seek a short yet demanding trekking experience amidst the Himalayas.

The start of your trek involves a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Chame, a serene village nestled in the Manang District that is surrounded by conifer forests and Himalayan cliffs. From Chame, the trekking path gradually rises through the Marsyangdi Valley, moving towards the barren lands typical of the high mountains.

Moving upwards, the days are filled with new experiences that range from alpine grasslands to glacial streams, temples, and traditional villages. The path passes through the villages of Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, and Thorong Phedi on its way to the Thorong La Pass crossing, which is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

After traversing the pass, one descends into the arid land of Mustang to reach the holy place of Muktinath, a place of high religious significance for Hindus and Buddhists. Pokhara, a peaceful lakeside town, is the end of the trek and a great place to unwind.

Annapurna Circuit Trek 7 Days trail offers stunning views of some of the world’s highest and most dramatic Himalayan giants. Annapurna I (8,091m) is the 10th highest and youngest mountain in the world. as well as we will Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the 7th highest, Annapurna II, III, IV, Tilicho Peak, Manaslu, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Tukuche, and Lamjung Himal, etc

You’ll also pass over the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest, between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

This area is inhabited by a blend of various ethnic groups such as Gurung, Thakali, Sherpas with Tibetan culture, Chhetris, and Brahmins. There are various cultural practices, architectural styles, and lifestyles in each visited settlement. The trek entails not just physical effort but also extreme cultural exposure in the form of Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheels, and mountain festivals.

With Hill Sherpa Trekking, one can merge trekking with a local crew that has great knowledge of the mountain trails. The company provides English-speaking experienced guides and porters, all permits needed (ACAP and TIMS), teahouse lodging, and three meals daily. Trekking assistance and high altitude safety management are also part of the services, as well as personal attention and local knowledge.

Hill Sherpa Trekking ensures that your Annapurna Circuit Trek is easy, safe, and memorable. Ideal for time poor trekkers who want a full Himalayan experience. Takes in the highlights of the longer Annapurna Circuit trekking route, Including Thorong La Pass, Muktinath, and Pokhara, Well-balanced mix of scenery, culture, and high altitude challenge Whatever your interest in mountains, culture, or personal challenge, the Annapurna Circuit Trek 7 Days is an experience both exhilarating and richly rewarding.

Annapurna Circuit Trek 7 Days Itinerary

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Chame

Journey to Chame from Kathmandu via Besisahar

Today, we take a picturesque first-day drive from Kathmandu to Chame, the entry point to the Annapurna Circuit 7 days. Our trip initially drives overland to Besisahar, a bustling town that is the starting point for so many Himalayan adventures. As you continue on, the landscape alters incredibly, green hills give way to mighty river gorges, and you’ll begin to get breathtaking views of snow-clad giants like Annapurna and Manaslu.

From Besisahar, we move to a jeep ride on rough terrain that is approximately 3 to 4 hours, along narrow mountain roads and suspension bridges spanning rushing rivers. Along the way, we pass through a series of charming hillside villages, each unique in character and cultural flavor: Sange, Bhulbhule, Nagdi, Chamche, Tal, Dharapani, Bagarchhap, Dankya, Timang, Thanchowk, and finally Chame, a charming village at 2,650 meters, surrounded by stunning pine forest and massive peaks.

Enjoy constantly changing vistas, terracing carved into slopes of high hills, waterfalls cascading down mountain ridges, and glimpses of rural everyday life in the Himalayas. The trip is your first introduction to the depths of Nepal’s mountain culture; it’s more than just a simple transfer.

Duration

8-9 hours drive

Max Altitude

2650 m

Activity

driving

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Day 02: Trek to Lower or Upper Pisang

Trekking from Chame village to Lower Pisang village or Upper Pisang, following via Bratang, Chemyau Kharka, Dhikur Pokhari.

Today, Annapurna Circuit trek starts our journey deeper into Annapurna’s interior along the Marsyangdi River. The trail meanders slowly along through pine and fir forests, with outstanding views of high rock walls and snow-clad peaks that tower above us.

Our destination is Bratang (2,850 m), the ex-apple orchard village and army post. The atmosphere becomes cooler and more refreshing as we make our way to Chemyau Kharka, where there is a poignant memorial to Akira Ochiai, a Japanese mountaineer who died during an expedition within the area. This location is serene and reflective, a good place to stop and enjoy the scenery of the mountains.

Further on along very pretty alpine forests, we come to Dhukur Pokhari (3,240 m), a small village with a few tea houses and stunning views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. The scenery now spreads out and deserts here, as we enter the rain shadow of the Annapurna range.

We then arrive at Lower Pisang (3,200 m), but instead of resting, we keep climbing higher for Upper Pisang (3,300 m) acclimatization. This old Tibetan village with a stunning panoramic view of the Annapurna massif and a chance to visit ancient monasteries draped in prayer flags is a plus.

We spend time in Upper Pisang acclimatizing our bodies to the high altitude before heading back to Lower Pisang for an overnight stay in readiness for the next phase of our journey.

Duration

5-6 hours

Max Altitude

3,300 m

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Day 03: Trek to Manang

Walk from Upper Pisang to Manang via Gyaru, Ngawal, and Braga. Today, the hike is one of the most stunningly scenic and culturally enriching sections of the Annapurna Circuit as we take the high trail from Upper Pisang (3,300 m) to Manang (3,540 m). It provides us with amazing views of the mountains, authentic Tibetan culture, and excellent acclimatization.

We begin with a keen ascent to the hilltop village of Gyaru (3,670 m). Though the ascent is long, the reward is instantaneous, breathtaking views of Annapurna II, III, IV, and Pisangkang Guru rise regally above Marsyangdi Valley. Gyaru is a peaceful village of old stone village houses and ancient chortens, where Himalayan tranquility is palpable.

From Gyaru, the trail is leveled and runs over a scenic ridge to Ngawal (3,660 m). The high altitude village is larger than Gyaru and equally fascinating, with beautiful monasteries, prayer walls, and dominant views of the surrounding mountains. The trail from Gyaru to Ngawal is relatively straightforward, and one can take an easy walk with unobstructed views and minimal tourists.

We gradually descend from Ngawal over alpine grasslands and juniper forest to Braga (3,470 m). Braga houses the oldest and most significant Gompa of the Manang valley, located at the top of a cliff with spectacular views into the valley below. Indigenous monks continue to reside in the historic monastery, which is a spiritual and cultural treasure.

From Braga, it’s a short walk to Manang (3,540 m), where our day ends. Manang is a well liked location for rest and acclimatization, tucked away beneath lofty mountains like Gangapurna and Chulu East. With several teahouses, bakeries, and mountain clinics, it provides comfort and much needed altitude adaptation before ascending higher into the Himalayas.

We overnight in Manang, drinking in the raw beauty of the high country and preparing for what is to come.

Duration

6-8 hurs

Max Altitude

3540 m

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Day 04: Acclimatization

Successful acclimatization days are side trips when you climb up high and stay low. You have two options today. That means to see the Ice Lake or visit the Milarepa cave. The Ice Lake is a tourist attraction, while the Milarepa cave is a historical site.

Since most visitors opt to break at the Ice Lake, we’ll discuss it here. In addition to providing a wonderful acclimatization sidewalk, the Ice Lake could very well be the pinnacle of any Annapurna Circuit 7 days trip.

You should start early because this trek will take the entire day. Blue and white markers for the Ice Lake side trek on the Annapurna Circuit 7 days will be visible as you are heading towards the monastery and the settlement.

Retracing your route down is an easy way to go down. There is also a short cut to Manang which curves around the mountain from the lower ice lake.

Or, you can also go to the off-beat site of Milarepa cave too. Thousands of years ago, when this part of Himalayas was under the Kingdom of Tibet, Milarepa lived for years inside these caves. This was in the 11th century.

To arrive at Milarepa cave, we will start by proceeding towards Braga Village for about 100 meters. Then, we will follow a marked trail, you can see the trail marks on the right side of the trail. We have to cross a small bridge and turn right, then follow it up by climbing steeply to until you arrive at Milarepa cave.

Duration

5-6 hours

Max Altitude

4620 m

Activity

Acclimatization/explore

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Day 05: Trek to Phedi

After a well deserved night’s sleep and acclimatization at Manang (3,540 m), we trek onwards to the higher Himalayas with Yak Kharka (4,050 m) as our destination. We begin the trek with an easy ascent out of the Marsyangdi Valley, and with each step upwards, the landscape turns increasingly barren and alpine.

The vegetation thins out, and the terrain disintegrates into boulder ridges and grassy pastures with occasional sightings of blue sheep and grazing yaks, for whom Yak Kharka is named. On the trek trail, we pass through Gunsang (3,930 m), a cluster of a few lodges, which is a good resting place to rehydrate and absorb views of Annapurna III, Tilicho Peak, and Chulu West.

Annapurna Circuit Journey is gradual and steady as we ascend to a large altitude and allow our bodies time to acclimatize. The sound of the river below and the soft footsteps on the gravel road are the only sounds disturbing the tranquility of the high-altitude trail as the prayer flags flap in the wind.

We reach Yak Kharka, a tiny, charming village perched atop a hill with grazing grounds all around and expansive views.

After reaching Yak Kharka, the journey to Jarsang Khola is easy. However, the trip uphill from Jarsang Khola to a restaurant takes about ten minutes. Beyond the restaurant, about half an hour away, is an area where rocks could fall, so it’s crucial to walk carefully and with the tour guide’s assistance to ensure your safety. We will spend an hour walking from the restaurant to Thorong Phedi, where we will sleep the overnight.

Duration

6-7 hors walk

Max Altitude

4600 m

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Day 06: Trek to Muktinath crossing via Thorang La pass 5,416 m

We reach Yak Kharka, a tiny, charming village perched atop a hill with grazing grounds all around and expansive views.

The journey towards Jharsing tea shop via the steel bridge is easy from Yak Kharka. However, the trip uphill from Jarsang Khola to a restaurant takes about ten minutes. Beyond the restaurant, about half an hour away, is an area where rocks could fall, so it’s crucial to walk carefully and with the tour guide’s assistance to ensure your safety. We will spend 1 hour walking from the small motel to Thorong Phedi, where we will stop for the night, being ready for the Thorang La Pass.

Duration

8-9 hours walk at high

Max Altitude

5,416 m

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Day 07: Drive to Pohkara from Muktinath village

Local Bus Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara

We have the morning viewing holy Muktinath Temple (3,800 m), a key pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, before we make our way back to Pokhara. Renowned for its eternally burning flame and 108 water spouts believed to cleanse the soul, Muktinath rests beneath the spectacular Thorong La Pass.

We also make a short visit to the nearby Jwala Mai Temple, or the Temple of Fire, where a burning fire of natural gas constantly burns from within a stream, a miraculous natural phenomenon that the pilgrims hold sacred.

After our trek, we descend to Jomsom (2,720 m), the district administrative capital of Mustang. We take a local bus in Jomsom for the lengthy but picturesque journey back to Pokhara (820 m). We descend into the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Gorge, during the 8-10 hour ride, depending on the weather and road conditions.

The road winds through historic villages, terracing covered hillsides, and stunning mountains, providing a last look at rural high Himalayan life. It’s a memorable overland journey through some most varied landscapes of Nepal, despite the road’s occasional unevenness.

Our trekking adventure ends when we arrive in Pokhara. In this charming and friendly lakeside town, unwind and take in the breathtaking Annapurna trek.

Duration

7-8 hours

Max Altitude

830 m

Activity

driving

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Includes & Excludes

What is included?

Airport pick up / drop off by private car.
Accommodation standard tourist hotel twin-sharing room (2 nights in Kathmandu with breakfast).
Accommodation standard tourist hotel twin-sharing room for 1 night in Pokhara with breakfast.
Kathmandu to Besi Sahar by Hiace, then drive to chame by local Jeep.
Muktinath to Pokhara transportation by a local sharing bus.
All three meals on trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) are chosen from the menu.
Accommodation, Tea-house twin sharing room.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Government licensed holder, Good speaking English, excellent experience guide.
All staff wages, food, drinks, accommodations, transportation, and insurance.
Down jackets, duffel bags, sleeping bags, and trekking poles are provided by Hill Sherpa Trekking but should be returned after the trek (if you need them)
One experienced sherpa helper to transport your luggage & 1 porter for 2 trekkers.
Hill Sherpa Trekking first aid kit bag carried by the Guide.
Water Purification Tablets for tap water.
Fresh fruits daily after dinner
Helicopter service will be provided by your travel insurance in case of an Emergency.
All Government taxes and official expenses & and ground transportation.
Oxy meter for pulse checking, level (AMS) Acute Mountain Sickness.
Hill Sherpa Trekking provides a complimentary sunblock Cap.
Trip Certificate provided by Hill Sherpa Trekking.

What is excluded?

Tickets for flights abroad.
The cost of a Nepal entry visa is paid when you arrive at the Kathmandu international airport.
If you stay an extra day in Kathmandu, you can get more lodging, food, and beverages.
Your own travel and health insurance.
Desserts include chocolate, cake, pie, pudding, tea, and coffee, as well as any additional costs.
The maximum amount of excess baggage, including weight, is 15 kg.
Hot showers, a phone, a camera, a power bank that can charge its batteries, and Wi-Fi internet are
all necessary during the hike.
In Kathmandu, Admission fees for sightseeing ($25–30 USD per person)
A personal first aid kit.
Tips for porters and guides. (Tips are expected.)

Note:

We also operate private trips.

Trip Information of Annapurna Circuit Trek 7 Days

Difficulty of Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit trek. Your experience, as well as your level of fitness, attitude, and schedule, will determine how difficult the seven days are. With the introduction of rough roads, more hikers are starting to cut their journey down by days. A place that would have taken many days of hiking can now be reached by getting into a 4×4 vehicle.

As an alternative to walking the entire mountain trek, there are often chances to use quicker dirt roads that still offer stunning views. Our trek guides will make sure you get all the views you want rather than relying solely on the dirt roads.

Best Time to Trek the Annapurna Circuit 7 Days

Timing for your Annapurna region trek is crucial to your safety, comfort, and enjoyment. For the 7-day Annapurna Circuit Trek, the ideal trekking seasons are April to May (spring) and October to November (autumn). These seasons typically offer stable, dry, and clear weather with great mountain vistas, pleasant daytime temperatures, and safer trail conditions, especially at high altitudes like Thorong La Pass (5,419 m).

Spring sees rhododendrons in bloom and greenery on the lower slopes, and open views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges on the upper country. Autumn, following the monsoon, is one of the optimum periods and most picturesque, with crystal-clear skies, excellent visibility, and pleasant temperatures.

Although winter (December to February) can offer deserted trails and stunning snowy landscapes, it also comes with significant risks, most prominently the frequent closure of Thorong La Pass due to heavy snowfall that can cause schedule disruptions and last for several days. Only experienced high altitude trekkers acclimatized to extreme cold should try trekking during this period.

On the other hand, the monsoon season (June to September) is not recommended, as trails get muddy and slippery, leeches thrive in lower elevations, and cloud cover will more likely hide mountain views.

For safety and maximum enjoyment, we recommend planning your trek for spring or fall, the golden windows of Himalayan trekking.

Can a beginner go on this trip with you?

No, we don’t recommend the Annapurna Circuit Trek to beginners. Both the mental and physical aspects would be difficult for beginners. This tour requires trekkers to walk five to seven hours a day for seven days, which is challenging on its own and necessitates mental preparation that most beginners cannot handle.

Altitude Sickness

It’s important to understand that anyone can get altitude sickness, regardless of age, level of physical fitness, or previous experience traveling to high altitudes. Acute mountain sickness (AMS), as the name suggests, is a serious condition. It needs to be addressed immediately due to the potential for serious harm. The majority of people will have mild to moderate altitude sickness symptoms.

Climbing slowly is one of the best ways to avoid acute mountain sickness (AMS) is to climb gently. Try to allow yourself a few days to acclimate before continuing your ascent to high elevations so that your body can get used to the lower oxygen levels. All of our trekking itineraries, including this 7-day Annapurna Circuit Trek, allow ample time for acclimatization.

Accommodation, Food and Drink

We will spend the majority of our nights at Bhatti, also known as tea houses, during the 7 days Annapurna Circuit Trek. You can expect a certain level of comfort because they are small hotels. In contrast, comfort is a relative concept in this remote, mountainous region. Tea houses are comfortable because they offer a place to stay and scrumptious, freshly made food. Families from the village have taken in passing hikers and are in charge of them.

Transportation

All of the transportation requirements specified by the itinerary will be met by our seven days Annapurna Circuit Trek package. This covers transportation to and from Kathmandu’s international airport, bus travel to and from Pokhara, transportation to the trek’s beginning and finishing locations, and more.

Permits

Seven days Annapurna Circuit Trek. To enter this area, you must have a Tourism Information Management System (TIMS) card and an Annapurna Conservation Area permit (ACAP). An ACAP Permit is required for anyone wishing to hike any of the hiking trails in the Annapurna region. Protecting and maintaining the region’s biodiversity and ecological integrity is the primary goal of the National Trust for Nature, which is in charge of it. The funds collected under this permit are used to fund conservation projects.

Fitness and trip planning

You have to believe that you can hike every day for almost two weeks. You will be carrying a light bag with food, water, snacks, and rain gear on your shoulders the entire time, while a porter will carry your main luggage.

With no lengthy or taxing climbs in the first few days and a gradual ascent to a difficult but moderate elevation, the Annapurna acclimates hikers gradually. The Thorong La pass, however, is a difficult one. At an elevation of over 4,000 meters (with a peak of 5,416 meters), you will spend three days there. It will take you nine to eleven hours to climb and descend the pass.

Gadgets charging & Internet

7 days Annapurna Circuit Trek Of course, you can avail of Wi-Fi and to power your equipment during the Annapurna Circuit Trek 7 days. Do bear in mind, however, that based on where you are along the trek, these services may not always be available or consistent. Certain restaurants and hostels may have solar panels powering electricity, especially those that are in more rural areas and have less electrical supplies.

It‘s important to remember that you may not have as much choice for solar charging as there is, and you may have to wait your turn to charge your devices. Although there could be intermittent access to Wi-Fi and charging stations along the Annapurna Circuit trek, it‘s wise to prepare for spotty or patchy coverage of these amenities.

Annapurna Circuit Trek 7 Days For Your Extra Expenses

Expenses such as air fare, visa, lunch and dinner and drinks in Kathmandu, additional meals and overnight stays, travel insurance, medical insurance, tips to crew members, emergency rescue (charged by your travel insurance), and anything outside of the package.

What to expect

Although it doesn’t share the same grandiose nickname as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit is the most popular trekking destination in Nepal. Annapurna Circuit offers trekkers arguably Nepal’s most diverse landscape and environment of all the great excursions, and it‘s by far the longest as well.

Trekkers trek from green rice paddies of the lower Himalayas to barren high-altitude landscapes, through massive valleys of glaciers and across strange swaying floating bridges. The path is lined at all times by the towering snow-white peaks of the world’s highest mountain range, the Annapurna massif.