Annapurna Circuit Group Join Trek

14 Days | Fixed Departure 2026/2027 | Peace Nepal Treks

The Annapurna Circuit Group Join Trek is one of the most complete trekking experiences in Nepal — a 14-day loop around the Annapurna massif that carries you from subtropical rice terraces to the high alpine desert of Mustang, crossing the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416m) along the way. Unlike the restricted Manaslu region, the Annapurna Circuit only requires the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card, making it one of the most accessible high-altitude treks in Nepal for both solo travelers and small groups.

Joining one of Peace Nepal Treks' scheduled fixed departure dates means you trek alongside other travelers from around the world, sharing your guide and transport costs, while our team handles every permit, teahouse booking, and acclimatization decision along the route — from the green Marsyangdi Valley, through Manang, over Thorong La, down into Muktinath and the deep Kali Gandaki gorge.

Quick Facts

Why Join a Group for the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit doesn't legally require a minimum group size the way Manaslu does, but joining a fixed-departure group remains the smartest way to trek it for most travelers, because it means:

• Lower cost per person — you split your guide, porter, and jeep/bus transport fees across the group instead of paying for them alone
• A licensed guide is mandatory under Nepal's 2023 regulation for all foreign trekkers on this route, so group-joining is often the most efficient way to meet that requirement affordably
• Safer high-altitude support crossing Thorong La at 5,416m, where trekking with others and an experienced guide matters most
• A confirmed departure date without needing to first find your own trekking partner or negotiate a private itinerary

Peace Nepal Treks runs guaranteed Annapurna Circuit fixed departure dates through spring and autumn — we do not cancel or delay departures for low headcounts.

Annapurna Circuit Group Join Trek Itinerary (14 Days)

This is our standard fixed-departure itinerary. Overnight stops may adjust slightly for trail, road, or weather conditions — your guide will always prioritize safe acclimatization over the printed schedule.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) Airport pickup, transfer to hotel, evening welcome briefing and trek orientation with your Peace Nepal Treks guide.

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m) then Chame (2,670m) — 8–9 hrs Long scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway and into the Marsyangdi Valley, ending at the district headquarters of Chame.

Day 03: Trek to Upper Pisang (3,300m) — 5–6 hrs Enter higher, drier terrain with the first big views of the Annapurna range and Tibetan-influenced villages.

Day 04: Trek to Manang (3,540m) via the upper route through Ghyaru and Ngawal — 6–7 hrs A scenic high-route day offering some of the best mountain panoramas of the entire trek.

Day 05: Acclimatization Day in Manang Rest day with an optional side hike toward Ice Lake or the Gangapurna viewpoint to aid altitude adjustment.

Day 06: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,050m) — 3–4 hrs Short, steady climb through open highland terrain as the trees disappear and the trail gets noticeably colder.

Day 07: Trek to Thorong Phedi or High Camp (4,525–4,925m) — 3–4 hrs Short day to set up for the pass crossing; early dinner and early night ahead of the pre-dawn start.

Day 08: Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,760m) — 8–9 hrs The toughest and most rewarding day of the trek — a pre-dawn climb over Nepal's highest trekking pass, descending into the sacred pilgrimage town of Muktinath.

Day 09: Trek/drive to Jomsom (2,720m) — 3–4 hrs Explore Muktinath Temple in the morning before continuing down the dry Kali Gandaki valley to Jomsom.

Day 10: Drive from Jomsom to Tatopani (1,190m) — 6–7 hrs Descend along the world's deepest gorge; optional stop to relax in Tatopani's natural hot springs.

Day 11: Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara — 6–7 hrs Scenic drive back into the lakeside city of Pokhara; free evening by Phewa Lake.

Day 12: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu — 6–7 hrs Return drive (or optional short flight) back to Kathmandu.

Day 13: Contingency / Free Day in Kathmandu Buffer day for flight or road delays; optional Kathmandu sightseeing tour (Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath).

Day 14: Final Departure Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight.

Optional extension: add 3–4 days to include the side trip to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, before rejoining the main route at Thorong Phedi.

Annapurna Circuit Group Join Trek Cost

Final price depends on group size, season, and departure date — larger fixed-departure groups reduce the per-person cost.

What's included:

• All ground transport (Kathmandu–Besisahar–Chame and Tatopani/Pokhara–Kathmandu)
• 3 meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Teahouse/guesthouse accommodation throughout the trek
• Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide and porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
• All permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
• First-aid kit and emergency oxymeter carried by your guide
• Kathmandu airport pickup and drop-off

What's excluded:

• Nepal entry visa fee
• International flights
• Kathmandu/Pokhara hotel (unless specified in your package)
• Personal travel insurance (mandatory — must include high-altitude rescue cover)
• Tips for guide and porter
• Personal expenses (Wi-Fi, hot showers, battery charging, bottled water/snacks on trail)
• Jomsom–Pokhara flight, if chosen over the road option

Annapurna Circuit Permits

The Annapurna Circuit is easier to arrange than restricted routes like Manaslu, requiring only two documents — both handled for you by Peace Nepal Treks as part of your group-join package:

Since April 2023, all foreign trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit must also be accompanied by a licensed guide — independent, unguided trekking is no longer permitted on this route.

Fixed Departure Dates 2026/2027

Don't see a date that fits? Contact Peace Nepal Treks — we can also open a new fixed departure once 2 or more trekkers confirm a preferred date.

Best Time to Trek the Annapurna Circuit

• Autumn (September–November): Peak season — clear skies, stable weather, and the most reliable conditions for crossing Thorong La Pass.
• Spring (March–May): Second-best season — warmer temperatures, blooming rhododendron forests on the lower trail, good mountain visibility.
• Winter (December–February): Possible for experienced trekkers, though Thorong La may be snow-blocked in heavy-snow years; fewer group departures run in this window.
• Monsoon (June–August): Not recommended on the eastern side — heavy rainfall and leeches on lower sections, though the Mustang side beyond the pass stays relatively dry.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty

The Annapurna Circuit is graded moderate to strenuous. Trekkers should be prepared for:

• 4–8 hours of daily walking on varied terrain — stone staircases, river valleys, suspension bridges, and high alpine trail
• One demanding high-altitude pass crossing (Thorong La, 5,416m) on Day 08, typically started before dawn
• Cold nights above 3,500m from Manang onward, with basic teahouse facilities at higher elevations
• No technical climbing skills required — but good baseline fitness and prior trekking experience are strongly recommended

Peace Nepal Treks builds in a dedicated acclimatization day at Manang and keeps daily altitude gain within safe limits to reduce altitude-sickness risk before the pass.

Essential Packing List (Summary)

• Waterproof, broken-in trekking boots + camp shoes
• 4-season sleeping bag (rated to at least -15°C for the pass crossing)
• Down jacket and insulated layers (available to rent in Kathmandu)
• Trekking poles (especially useful on the Thorong La descent into Muktinath)
• Water purification tablets or filter
• Personal first-aid kit and any personal medication
• Headlamp with spare batteries (for the pre-dawn pass crossing)
• Sun protection — sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen for the exposed Mustang side
• Valid travel insurance document with high-altitude rescue coverage

A full, printable packing list is provided at your pre-trek briefing in Kathmandu.

Why Choose Peace Nepal Treks for Your Annapurna Circuit Group Join Trek

• Locally owned and operated — our guides live and trek in these regions year-round
• Guaranteed fixed departures — we don't cancel or merge groups last-minute for lower headcounts
• Full permit handling — ACAP and TIMS arranged before you land in Kathmandu
• Safety-first acclimatization — itineraries built around a rest day at Manang, not a rushed schedule
• Transparent pricing — no hidden costs beyond what's listed in your exclusions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Annapurna Circuit Group Join Trek cost? A 14-day Annapurna Circuit Group Join Trek with Peace Nepal Treks starts from USD 950 per person, including permits, guide, porter, teahouse accommodation, and meals on the trail.

How many days does the Annapurna Circuit Trek take? Most group-join itineraries run 12–16 days including arrival and departure days in Kathmandu, with 10–11 actual trekking days on the trail. Shorter and longer variants (10 to 20 days) are also available depending on how much of the classic route you cover.

Is a guide required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek? Yes. Since April 2023, Nepal requires all foreign trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit to be accompanied by a licensed guide — independent trekking is no longer permitted on this route.

What permits do I need for the Annapurna Circuit Trek? You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card. Both are arranged for you as part of your Peace Nepal Treks group-join package.

What is the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit? September to November (autumn) and March to May (spring) offer the most stable weather and best visibility for crossing Thorong La Pass.

How difficult is crossing Thorong La Pass? Thorong La (5,416m) is a long, high-altitude day — typically 8-9 hours of walking, started before dawn to avoid strong afternoon winds. It requires no technical climbing skill, but good acclimatization and fitness are essential.

How is the Annapurna Circuit different from the Annapurna Base Camp Trek? The Annapurna Circuit is a longer loop trek that crosses the high Thorong La Pass and descends into the dry Mustang region, while the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a shorter, out-and-back route into the Annapurna Sanctuary itself. The Circuit covers more varied terrain and altitude; ABC is generally shorter and less demanding.

Can I extend the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake? Yes — Peace Nepal Treks offers a combined Annapurna Circuit + Tilicho Lake extension (17–18 days total) for trekkers who want to visit one of the highest lakes in the world before crossing Thorong La.

Book Your Annapurna Circuit Group Join Trek

Ready to join the next fixed departure? Contact Peace Nepal Treks today to confirm your spot on the Annapurna Circuit Group Join Trek, check current availability, or ask about customizing your itinerary with the Tilicho Lake extension.

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