Want to walk the Annapurna Circuit but would rather share the trail with a small group than plan everything alone? Our Annapurna Circuit Trek fixed departure on 27 February 2027 is a 14-day guided journey around the Annapurna massif, over the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), with a licensed guide, porter support, permits, meals and lodging all arranged for you.
This guide covers everything you need before you book: the departure dates, the cost, what is included, a full day-by-day itinerary, what the trail is like in late winter and early spring, how hard it really is, and how to prepare.
If you are ready to go, view the full trip page and book the Annapurna Circuit Trek here.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Fixed Departure 2027: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Departure date | 27 February 2027 (Saturday) |
| Duration | 14 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) |
| Price | From US$1,265 per person (regular price US$1,570) |
| Highest point | Thorong La Pass, 5,416 m / 17,769 ft |
| Difficulty | Difficult (mainly because of the pass crossing) |
| Trek distance | Approx. 160–200 km, depending on route variations |
| Walking time | 5–7 hours a day; 8–9 hours on pass day |
| Accommodation | Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, teahouse lodges on the trail |
| Meals on trek | Breakfast, lunch and dinner |
| Group size | 1+ (solo travelers are welcome to join) |
| Starts / ends | Kathmandu |
| Operator | Himalaya Heart Treks & Expedition Pvt Ltd, Thamel, Kathmandu |
Why Join a Fixed Departure for the Annapurna Circuit?
A fixed departure is a group trek with a confirmed start date. You pick the date, book your place, and join other trekkers who are starting the same day. For the Annapurna Circuit, that has real advantages:
- A lower cost per person. Group departures are more economical than a fully private trek on custom dates, because guide, transport and logistics costs are shared.
- Solo travelers feel at home. You do not need to bring a partner or friends. Many trekkers join a departure on their own and finish the circuit with new trail friends.
- Everything is organized. Permits, transport, teahouses, porters and your guide are arranged before you land in Kathmandu.
- Safety in numbers at altitude. Your guide monitors the whole group, sets a sensible pace and decides when to slow down or rest, especially before Thorong La.
- Easy planning. Fixed dates make it simple to book flights, arrange leave from work and organize your travel insurance well in advance.
If the date does not suit you, you can also choose your own date or ask for a private trek, and you can browse other fixed departures here.
Your 27 February 2027 Departure at a Glance
Here is how the 14 days line up on the calendar if you arrive in Kathmandu on the departure date:
| Date | Day | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 27 Feb 2027 | Day 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu, trip briefing |
| Sun 28 Feb | Day 2 | Kathmandu heritage sightseeing |
| Mon 1 Mar | Day 3 | Drive to Jagat, trek begins |
| Tue 2 Mar | Day 4 | Trek to Dharapani |
| Wed 3 Mar | Day 5 | Trek to Chame |
| Thu 4 Mar | Day 6 | Trek to Pisang |
| Fri 5 Mar | Day 7 | Trek to Manang |
| Sat 6 Mar | Day 8 | Acclimatization day in Manang |
| Sun 7 Mar | Day 9 | Trek to Yak Kharka |
| Mon 8 Mar | Day 10 | Trek to Thorong Phedi |
| Tue 9 Mar | Day 11 | Cross Thorong La to Muktinath |
| Wed 10 Mar | Day 12 | Drive to Pokhara |
| Thu 11 Mar | Day 13 | Drive to Kathmandu |
| Fri 12 Mar | Day 14 | Final departure |
Exact timings are confirmed with your guide at the pre-trek briefing, and the plan can adjust to weather and trail conditions.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost 2027: What Does It Include?
The Annapurna Circuit Trek cost with Himalaya Heart Treks is US$1,265 per person for the standard 14-day guided package (regular price US$1,570).
What's included
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- 3 nights in a Kathmandu hotel and 1 night in a Pokhara hotel, with breakfast
- All teahouse accommodation during the trek (twin-share, basic rooms)
- All meals during the trek: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- A licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter support (1 porter shared between 2 trekkers)
- Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit and TIMS card
- All overland transport needed for the trip
- Guide and porter insurance, including emergency rescue coverage
- First aid kit, trekking map and duffle bag
What's not included
- International flights, Nepal visa fee and your personal travel insurance
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Alcohol and other drinks on the trek
- Tips for your guide and porters
- Personal expenses such as hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging and souvenirs
- Private transport, if you request it instead of shared transfers
- Costs from unforeseen circumstances, such as weather delays or medical evacuation beyond your insurance
Budgeting tips
- Tipping: Tips are customary rather than required. A common guideline is to budget roughly 10% of your trip cost, shared among the guide and porters at the end of the trek.
- Cash: ATMs are very limited on the trail, so carry enough Nepali rupees for drinks, showers, charging and snacks.
- Insurance: Make sure your policy covers high-altitude trekking up to 5,500 m and emergency helicopter evacuation. This is essential before you book.
Compared with trekking independently, a guided package covers safety support, permits, porters and logistics in one price, which is why most first-time circuit trekkers prefer it.
14-Day Annapurna Circuit Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
A Himalaya Heart representative meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. Over the afternoon you meet your guide, go through the trip details and ask any questions.
Day 2: Kathmandu heritage sightseeing (1,350 m)
Spend a full day exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites: Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Boudhanath, which is lovely at sunset. This is also a good day to rent or buy any last gear in Thamel.
Day 3: Drive to Jagat (1,960 m)
Leave Kathmandu by local bus to Besisahar, then continue by shared 4x4 jeep up the Marsyangdi River Valley. You pass terraced hills, fast rivers and rice paddies, with views of Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29, 7,871 m). The Annapurna Circuit trail begins here.
Day 4: Trek to Dharapani (1,860 m)
Follow the Marsyangdi River past waterfalls and monkey-filled forest. You reach Tal, the first village in Manang District, where the scenery shifts from lush green to a more rugged high valley. Stone staircases lead to Dharapani.
Day 5: Trek to Chame (2,650 m)
Climb through scented pine and fir forest via Timang (2,360 m). You get your first clear views of Annapurna II (7,937 m). Chame is the district headquarters of Manang, with views toward Manaslu (8,156 m) and Peak 29.
Day 6: Trek to Pisang (3,250 m)
Pass a long mani wall and a large prayer wheel, then enter a narrowing valley where the trail is carved into the rock. The Paungda Danda rock face rises more than 1,500 m above you, and the culture noticeably shifts to Tibetan-influenced Buddhism.
Day 7: Trek to Manang (3,519 m)
Choose between two routes, a gentler southern path along the river or a more demanding northern ridge route with sensational Annapurna views. Both meet near Mungji and Braga, where there is a beautiful old monastery.
Day 8: Acclimatization day in Manang (3,519 m)
A rest day for your body, not for your legs. Take an easy hike (about 400 m of ascent) to a viewpoint monastery with views of the Annapurna range and the Gangapurna icefall, or tackle the harder 5–6 hour round trip to Ice Lake (4,500 m) if you feel strong.
Day 9: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,035 m)
Leave Manang and follow the Jarsang Khola above the treeline into yak grazing country. It is a short day on purpose, giving your body time to adapt.
Day 10: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,540 m)
Another short, deliberate day. The scenery grows wilder as you reach Phedi, which literally means "foot of the pass." Rest early, eat well and drink plenty of fluids.
Day 11: Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) to Muktinath (3,710 m)
The big day. You start in the dark with a steep ascent to the pass, the highest point of the trek, where you are rewarded with a sweeping panorama of snow peaks. A long, steep descent follows into the Kali Gandaki valley, down to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, with views of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m). Expect 8–9 hours on your feet.
Day 12: Drive to Pokhara (900 m)
Travel by shared bus from the high desert landscapes of Mustang down to the lakeside city of Pokhara.
Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu (1,350 m)
Drive back to Kathmandu and relax. You can upgrade to a flight for an additional cost.
Day 14: Departure
Your representative drops you at the airport for your onward flight, or helps you with any extension plans.
What Is the Annapurna Circuit Like in Late February and March?
Your 27 February departure starts at the end of winter, and you reach the high section of the trail in the first part of March, as spring begins. Here is what that means in practice:
- Lower valleys: Days are mild and pleasant, and the forest sections begin to wake up as spring approaches.
- Above 2,500 m: Nights are well below freezing, even in the best seasons, and late winter is colder. A properly rated sleeping bag and warm layers matter more than anything else you pack.
- Thorong La: In early March there can still be snow and ice on the pass. Your guide watches the weather and trail conditions closely and decides the safest timing for the crossing. The itinerary includes buffer through its acclimatization pacing, and the plan can be adjusted if conditions require it.
- Views: Cold, dry air often means crisp mountain visibility, and spring is one of the two best trekking seasons in Nepal.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most popular seasons, and fixed departures in these windows tend to fill fastest, so it pays to book early.
How Difficult Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The trek is rated difficult, mostly because of the altitude and the length of the Thorong La day. You do not need technical climbing skills, and many first-time Himalayan trekkers complete the route with a guide. What you do need is solid fitness and good preparation.
How to train (start 3–4 months before)
- Cardio 3–4 times a week: running, cycling, swimming or brisk walking
- Hill walking, stair climbing or stepped hikes with a loaded pack
- Back-to-back long hikes on weekends to build endurance
- Break in your trekking boots well before you travel
Staying safe at altitude
- Walk slowly and steadily; this trek is not a race
- Drink plenty of water and eat regularly, even if your appetite drops
- Tell your guide immediately about headaches, nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness
- Respect the acclimatization day in Manang and the short days to Yak Kharka and Phedi
- Mild symptoms are managed by resting or descending; serious cases are evacuated. Confirm that your travel insurance covers high-altitude helicopter evacuation before booking
What to Pack for a February–March Circuit Trek
Clothing
- Broken-in, waterproof trekking boots with ankle support and a durable sole
- Thermal base layers, fleece, a warm down jacket and a waterproof shell
- Warm hat, sun hat, gloves, and light and warm socks
- Evening sandals or camp shoes
Gear
- A sleeping bag rated for well below freezing (rentable in Kathmandu)
- Trekking poles, headlamp or head torch, and a backpack with a rain cover
- Reusable water bottles and water purification tablets
Daily essentials
- Sunglasses with good UV protection, high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
- Basic medical kit, toiletries and a small towel
- Power bank and cash in small notes
If you would rather not fly with bulky gear, sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented in Kathmandu. Ask us for current rates. You can leave spare luggage safely at your hotel or in our Thamel office.
Optional Add-On: Tilicho Lake (4,919 m)
If you want an extra high-altitude highlight, you can add a side trip to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, reached from the Manang area. It typically adds 2–3 days to the standard plan. Contact us before booking so we can build it into your departure.
Why Trek the Annapurna Circuit?
Few treks pack so much variety into a single trip. You begin in a subtropical river valley, climb through pine forest into a Tibetan-style high valley, cross one of the highest trekking passes in the world and descend into the dry, windswept landscape of Mustang. Along the way you walk through Gurung, Manangi and Thakali villages, each with its own culture, food and traditions, and you can stay in comfortable teahouses with hot meals every day.
Why Book With Himalaya Heart Treks?
- Local, registered company: Himalaya Heart Treks & Expedition Pvt Ltd is based in Thamel, Kathmandu (Regd No. 22554), and is associated with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN).
- Experienced guides: All guides are licensed, English-speaking and trained in first aid. Trekkers' reviews consistently praise their care, local knowledge and attention to health at altitude.
- Flexible planning: Guests have reported that the team adjusts plans to their needs, such as adding an extra day in Pokhara.
- Transparent pricing: The package clearly lists what is included and excluded, with no surprises on arrival.
- Responsive support: The team is reachable by WhatsApp, phone and email before, during and after your trip.
You can read more about our company and our booking terms, or see what past travelers say on TripAdvisor.
How to Book the 27 February 2027 Departure
- Check the dates: Open the Annapurna Circuit Trek page and pick your departure from the fixed departure calendar.
- Reserve your place: Click Book Now, or send an enquiry if you have questions or want to customize.
- Arrange insurance and flights: Buy travel insurance that covers trekking to 5,500 m with helicopter evacuation, and book your international flights into Kathmandu so you land on or before 27 February.
- Prepare: Start your fitness plan, break in your boots and use our packing list.
- Arrive and trek: We meet you at the airport, brief you on the plan and get you on the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the date of the Annapurna Circuit Trek fixed departure in 2027?
The departure covered in this guide starts on 27 February 2027 and runs for 14 days, ending on 12 March 2027 in Kathmandu.
How much does the Annapurna Circuit Trek cost?
The standard 14-day guided package costs US$1,265 per person and includes meals, accommodation, permits, a licensed guide, porter support and ground transport.
Is Thorong La Pass open in late February and early March?
The pass is usually crossable with good conditions, but snow and ice are possible in early spring. Your guide checks the weather and trail conditions and chooses the safest timing for the crossing.
How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
It is rated difficult because of the altitude and the long Thorong La day. No climbing skills are needed, but you should have good fitness and some multi-day hiking experience.
Can I join as a solo traveler?
Yes. Group size starts from one person, and solo travelers are welcome on fixed departures.
What is the starting point of the trek?
The package starts and ends in Kathmandu. You drive to Besisahar and continue by jeep to Jagat, where you begin walking.
Do I need a guide for the Annapurna Circuit?
A guide is highly recommended. Your guide handles navigation, acclimatization, safety and logistics. Our guides are licensed, speak English and are first-aid trained.
What kind of accommodation will I stay in?
Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and basic twin-share teahouse rooms on the trail. Hot showers and device charging are available at many stops, usually for a small fee.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes. Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking up to 5,500 m and emergency evacuation.
Can I add Tilicho Lake?
Yes. A Tilicho Lake side trip adds roughly 2–3 days. Ask us before booking so we can build it into your plan.
Related Treks You May Like
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek: a shorter route to the heart of the Annapurna sanctuary
- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: sunrise views and rhododendron forests
- Mardi Himal Trek: a quieter ridge trek with close-up views of Machhapuchhre
- Upper Mustang Trek: the hidden walled kingdom
- Nar Phu Valley Trek: remote Tibetan-style villages
- Manaslu Circuit Trek: another great circuit around an 8,000 m giant
- Everest Base Camp Trek: the world's most famous trek
Browse all Annapurna region treks, or hire a trekking guide in Nepal for your own plan.
Final Thoughts
The Annapurna Circuit rewards the effort like few other treks in the world: changing landscapes, living mountain culture, the thrill of Thorong La, and a sense of having walked all the way around a Himalayan giant. Joining the 27 February 2027 fixed departure gives you a clear date, shared costs and a well-organized trek with experienced local guides.
Ready to go? Reserve your place on the Annapurna Circuit Trek or send us a message with your questions.
Himalaya Heart Treks & Expedition Pvt Ltd Z-Street, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal WhatsApp / Phone: +977 9851093973 (Thakur) | +977 9851087761 (Shital) Email: info@himalayaheart.com Website: https://www.himalayaheart.com
