Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview

The Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a remarkable, all-encompassing Himalayan journey that combines two of Nepal’s most iconic trekking routes, Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp, into one unforgettable experience. Here, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is often called the Annapurna Round Trek, and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is also popularly known as the ABC Trek or Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Combining both these treks into the Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek package, it allows you to circle the massive Annapurna range and then dive deep into its heart, the Annapurna Sanctuary, which is the home to the legendary Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). It's called so because it wraps around the Annapurna massif via the world-renowned Thorong La Pass and leads you directly to the base of Annapurna I (8,091 meters).

Geographically, the trail lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, spanning the diverse landscapes of Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Kaski districts. Your adventure begins in Jagat, tucked in the lush Marsyangdi Valley, where you will be welcomed by terraced fields, waterfalls, and warm Gurung and Magar hospitality. The trail gradually climbs through Dharapani and Chame, where pine and oak forests fill the air with a fresh alpine scent. Passing through Upper Pisang, the scenery opens to sweeping views of the Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, and Pisang Peak before reaching Manang, a high-altitude village steeped in Tibetan Buddhist culture.

From here, you will take a side trip to Ice Lake before moving towards Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi. Then, you will tackle the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters), the highest point of the circuit, where you will see prayer flags and the panorama stretches from Dhaulagiri to Annapurna. Later, descending into Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, you will get to witness timeless rituals and the desert-like beauty of the Mustang region.

The trail then winds into the Kali Gandaki Gorge, before arriving at Tatopani, where you can enjoy the natural hot springs to soothe your trekking legs. Soon, you will ascend to Ghorepani, climb to Poon Hill (3,210 meters) for a golden sunrise over Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machapuchare, and Dhaulagiri, then trek through charming settlements like Chuile.

Following it, you will join the Annapurna Base Camp route, passing through Chhomrung and Himalaya, which is surrounded by rhododendron and bamboo forests that gradually transition into alpine meadows. Then, you will reach the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary at ABC (4,130 meters), standing beneath towering giants like Annapurna I, Machapuchare, Gangapurna, and Tent Peak. Nights here are magical with clear skies, crowded with stars above a 360° amphi ctheater of snow and ice.

From the base camp, the trail descends through Bamboo to Jhinu Danda, where you can soak in natural hot springs by the Modi Khola River. A short trek from here will lead you to the road, where you drive to Pokhara, the lakeside city of serenity, before finally returning to the bustling capital, Kathmandu.

Along this entire journey, you will trek through subtropical forests, alpine pastures, and high-altitude deserts. Here, you will spot wildlife such as Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, Himalayan monal, langurs, lammergeiers, and, if luck is on your side, the elusive snow leopard. 

What are the Factors That Make the Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek Unique?

Ice Lake Day Hike

Ice Lake is a high-altitude stunner, which is also locally called Kicho Tal or Kicho Pokhari. It is situated at a breathtaking altitude of 4,600 meters and is hands-down one of the most rewarding side trips on the Annapurna Trekking in Nepal. 

The trail kicks off from Braga (Braka), just a 20-minute walk from Manang. From there, it’s a steep, switchbacking ascent through dusty ridgelines and eventually, nothing but raw, exposed alpine wilderness. Around 3,800 meters, you will get a short break during the Ice Lake hike as the trail flattens. 

At the top, you will witness a glowing turquoise glacial lake so clear, it mirrors the entire Annapurna Range, including Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Glacier Dom, Tilicho Peak, and Chulu East. On a windless day, the reflections look almost photoshopped. 

While in here, you must circle around to the far left side for the best panoramic viewpoint. You won't find any tea houses or crowds here. It will just be you, the sky, snow, nature, the Himalayas, and silence. However, you might share the trail with a few Himalayan blue sheep or, if you are lucky, maybe a snow leopard keeping watch from afar.

Here’s the thing: Ice Lake is sacred. Locals from the lower village areas hike up here during special festivals to offer prayers and perform Buddhist rituals. So you must tread respectfully.

After soaking in its views, you will take a straight return via the same path. On your descent, you may see the entire Manang Valley spill out in front of you. Altogether, if you are already acclimatizing in Manang for the Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek, this hike is your golden ticket.

Annapurna Circuit with Thorong La Pass

Welcome to the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit with Base Camp Trek: Thorong La Pass, situated at a lung-crushing elevation of 5,416 meters / 17,769 feet. This iconic Himalayan mountain pass links the lush trails of Manang in the east with the dry, mystical lands of Muktinath and Mustang to the west. Crossing it, you will literally walk between two different worlds.

To acclimate well for the pass, you will first push through Yak Kharka (4,050 meters), then gain elevation at Thorong Phedi (4,525 meters), and maybe even crash at Thorong High Camp (4,925 meters). Only from there, you will take a pre-dawn start and a relentless uphill to the top. During this section, you will just find rock, wind, glacier, towering Himalayas, and wild silence.

But the views from the top open up like a myth. You will witness snow-draped peaks like Annapurna I (8,091 meters) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters) stare you down, while the horizon stretches deep into Tibet. On clear mornings, the Himalayan wall feels close enough to touch. If you look towards the east, you will also see the rugged Damodar Himal, while if you look west, you will spot Khatung Kang and Yakawa Kang, the two snow-capped giants that frame the pass.

From the top, you will descend towards the Mustang region, which is dry, windswept, and almost Martian. You will notice desert cliffs, scattered ancient monasteries, and Buddhist chortens dotting the trail. You will also find golden grass, dwarf shrubs, and maybe a lone Himalayan griffon soaring overhead. If you are lucky, you might even spot blue sheep clinging to the cliff faces below.

The best time for the Annapurna Circuit with Thorong La Pass is Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November). Having said that, you can still trek in winter, like December, January, and February. In general, the weather will be stable and clear skies. You can expect more or less negative 15°C at night over 4500 meters. However, the Annapurna Circuit with Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a tea house trek, where you stay and eat in tea house. In the room you will get beds, enough blankets, NTE manages warm sleeping bags, and you can enjoy it a lot. As long as you have good gear, you can still manage easily and enjoy the fewer crowds in a family environment.

Muktinath Temple Visit

Muktinath Temple is perched at 3,800 meters in the Mustang region of Nepal, also known as Mukti Kshetra, the "Place of Liberation." It is one of the world’s highest temples, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, where two religions have worshipped side by side for centuries. Hindus honor it as an abode of Lord Vishnu, while Buddhists see it as the home of Avalokiteśvara and the mystical dakinis, or Sky Dancers. 

Inside the temple, you will find a man-sized golden statue of Vishnu. Outside in the temple courtyard, you will see 108 stone spouts shaped like bull heads, which are called the Mukti Dhara (means liberation tap) and pour glacial water from the Himalayas. Pilgrims bathe here, one stream at a time, to cleanse themselves of sins and karma.

And here’s something wild. Every day, there’s a changing of priests. A Hindu priest opens the temple at dawn for the morning arati, then hands it over to a Buddhist nun (Jhuma or Aani) who stays throughout the day, accepting offerings from trekkers, pilgrims, and monks alike. Then, again in the evening, the roles reverse and the Hindu priest ends the day with evening aarati. 

While you are there, you should also take a moment to look up. You will be surrounded by panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri Himal, and Thorong Peak, glowing golden in the high-altitude sun. Here, you will spot juniper shrubs, thorny alpine bushes, and sometimes wild Himalayan blue sheep grazing nearby. If you are extra lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a lammergeier (bearded vulture) soaring overhead.

Hot Spring at Tatopani Village, Magdi, Nepal

Tatopani literally means “hot water” in Nepali, and yep, that’s exactly what you get here. Nestled at 1,200 meters on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River in the Myagdi district, Tatopani is a tranquil village and a well-earned rest stop for trekkers pounding the famous Annapurna Circuit and Base Camp Trekking trail. Just a stone’s throw from Poon Hill and sandwiched between Beni and Ghasa, this place is the ultimate soothing pitstop for your tired muscles.

The hot springs here are fed by deep underground geothermal reservoirs that pump out mineral-rich water. These steamy pools are believed to work wonders on your skin and are famed for helping with rheumatic pains. Due to the high mineral content, especially sulfur, soaking in Tatopani’s springs is like hitting the reset button for your body. The minerals are thought to detoxify your blood and kickstart your metabolism, making you feel lighter, refreshed, and ready to tackle the Poon Hill Viewpoint with the Annapurna Base Camp.

While here, you will get to slip into warm, healing water while the mighty Annapurna range watches over you. You will be surrounded by towering peaks and the gentle rush of the Kali Gandaki below. Additionally, you will also get to interact with the friendly Gurung and Magar communities. 

The Tatopani Village is situated at the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. You might catch sight of Himalayan bulbuls chirping or spot monkeys darting through the trees nearby.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Viewpoint

If you are trekking the Annapurna Circuit or heading towards the Annapurna Sanctuary, missing Ghorepani Poon Hill Viewpoint would be like skipping the best photo of your life. Sitting right on the border of Myagdi and Kaski districts in Gandaki Province, Nepal, this hill station offers a jaw-dropping, 360-degree Himalayan panorama that literally stops trekkers in their tracks.

From here, you will get stunning views of giants such as the colossal Annapurna I (8,091 meters), the mighty Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), elegant Annapurna South (7,219 meters), and the perfectly shaped Machhapuchhare (6,993 meters), known to many as the “Fishtail” for its iconic peak. Plus, you will also see Hinchuli, Nilgiri, Dhampus Peak, and Dhaulagiri I.

The trek up to Poon Hill itself is a treat, as you will walk through lush oak and rhododendron forests. The trail is well-maintained, but you should expect some steep stone steps. It’s moderately challenging, but nothing a little stamina can’t handle.

If you are a wildlife lover, you might spot colorful Himalayan monals, pheasants, or glimpse the occasional muntjac deer. Flora-wise, the forests around Ghorepani explode into color in Spring when rhododendrons bloom, painting the slopes with bright reds and pinks.

What makes Poon Hill unforgettable is the sunrise and sunset experience. Previously known as the Lung Tung Danda, the name “Poon Hill” was given to honor its history as a cattle grazing area used by the Pun community. During the early hours, you will witness the sun peeking over the horizon, bathing the Annapurna Massif and Dhaulagiri range in golden light. It’s one of those moments that makes every uphill step worth it.

Witnessing The Annapurna Base Camp

If you want the real deal, nothing beats standing at Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). It is perched at 4,130 meters, right in the shadow of the colossal Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Tent Peak, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Annapurna I, and so on, looming close by. This is an immersive mountain moment where the world feels massive and your worries small.

The trail to ABC is as rewarding as the destination. You will start trekking through thick rhododendron forests bursting with vibrant blooms in Spring, alongside delicate orchids, swaying ferns, sturdy oaks, and dense clumps of bamboo. The path itself is a mix of well-trodden dirt, stone stairways, and occasional rocky patches that test your footing but keep your senses sharp.

Along the way, you might catch a glimpse of some of the region’s wildlife stars, such as Himalayan thar, macaques, and, if you are lucky, the rare snow leopard or a soaring Himalayan griffon vulture overhead. 

Now, arriving at the Annapurna Base Camp, the feeling is surreal. You are surrounded by towering glaciers and jagged peaks that seem close enough to touch, with snow sparkling under the high-altitude sun. The air here is thin but crisp, charged with the thrill of accomplishment and the silent awe of nature’s grandeur. It’s the perfect spot to pause, breathe deep, and soak in panoramic mountain magic.

Jhinu Danda Hot Spring

After days of grinding through stone steps, forest climbs, and high-altitude chills, you deserve a relaxing time at Jhinu Danda. Also called Jhinodanda, it is tucked at 1,760 meters in the lush Kaski District of Nepal, right above the glacial Modi Khola River. This little hillside village is a healing station with front-row views of Mt. Fish Tail, Annapurna South, Tent Peak, Singa Chuli, Gandharva Chuli, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, etc.

The natural hot springs are nestled a short downhill walk away, near the riverbank, surrounded by jungle foliage and the soothing sounds of flowing water. These pools are the perfect remedy for aching calves and sore shoulders. Rich in minerals, especially sulfur, these geothermal waters are believed to help with everything from muscle fatigue to circulation and even skin health.

Heads-up: the hot spring may closed closed during June, July, and August as monsoon hits hard, and full volume of river makes access tricky and unsafe. But if you arrive here in Spring, Autumn, and Winter, the spot is pure bliss.

Here, the trekking trail to Jhinu Danda cuts through rhododendron forests, steep stone steps, and terraced hillsides dotted with bright marigolds and cornfields. You might spot playful langurs and Himalayan monal, Nepal’s colorful national bird. Additionally, you will also have a chance to interact with the warm-hearted Gurung locals.