Welcome to Nepal! Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and takes you to your hotel. In the evening, meet your guide for a trek briefing.
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Annapurna Circuit Trek
16
Days
Overview
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world’s classic treks. In just over a week of walking, you travel from green, terraced valleys to the high, dry landscapes of Manang, cross the Thorong La pass (5,416 m), and descend to the holy site of Muktinath and the Kali Gandaki gorge.
From Dharapani you follow the Marsyangdi Valley through pine forests and villages to Chame, Pisang and Manang, with views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. After an acclimatization day in Manang, you climb slowly via Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi, then cross Thorong La at dawn.
On the other side, you visit Muktinath, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, and walk down to Jomsom in Lower Mustang. From there you travel through the Kali Gandaki Valley to the hot springs of Tatopani and on to Pokhara, where you can relax by Phewa Lake before returning to Kathmandu.
You trek with a licensed guide, as required by Nepal’s trekking rules, and a porter who carries your main luggage, staying in family-run tea houses along the way.
Highlights.
- Cross Thorong La (5,416 m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world
- See Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri from the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki valleys
- Travel from subtropical forest to high desert in just a few days
- Visit Manang’s monasteries and Gurung, Manangi and Thakali villages
- Visit Muktinath, a pilgrimage site sacred to Hindus and Buddhists
- Enjoy spectacular views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Nilgiri and Tilicho Peak
- Relax in the hot springs at Tatopani and by Phewa Lake in Pokhara
Itinerary.
A. Outline Itinerary.
- Day 1 1,400m
- Day 4 2,670m
- Day 7 3,540m
- Day 10 5,416m
- Day 13 820m
- Day 15 1,400m
| 1 | 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1400 | 0 | 0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | Kathmandu Exploration | 1400 | 0 | 5-6 |
| 3 | 3 | Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani | 1860 | 460 | 8-10 |
| 4 | 4 | Trek from Dharapani to Chame | 2670 | 810 | 5-6 |
| 5 | 5 | Trek from Chame to Pisang | 3200 | 530 | 5-6 |
| 6 | 6 | Trek from Pisang to Manang | 3540 | 340 | 5-7 |
| 7 | 7 | Acclimatization Day in Manang | 3540 | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | 8 | Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka | 4050 | 510 | 4-5 |
| 9 | 9 | Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi | 4450 | 400 | 4-5 |
| 10 | 10 | Cross Thorong La Pass – 5,416 m – Muktinath – 3,800 m | 5416 | 966 | 7-9 |
| 11 | 11 | Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom | 2720 | -2696 | 5-7 |
| 12 | 12 | Trek from Jomsom to Tatopani | 1190 | -1530 | 5-6 |
| 13 | 13 | Dri ve from Tatopani to Pokhara | 820 | -370 | 5-7 |
| 14 | 14 | Pokhara – Leisure Day | 820 | 0 | 4-6 |
| 15 | 15 | Flight from Pokhara to Katmandu | 1400 | 580 | 4-6 |
| 16 | 16 | Final Departure | 0 | 0 | 0 |
B. Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1 :
Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Your guide checks your equipment while we complete your ACAP permit. If time allows, explore some of Kathmandu’s cultural sites.
Drive from Kathmandu along the highway to Besisahar and up the Marsyangdi Valley to Dharapani, past rivers, terraced fields and villages (8–10 hours, depending on the road).
Day 4 :
Dharapani to Chame (2,670 m)
Your trek begins. Walk through pine and fir forest and mountain villages along the Marsyangdi to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, with growing views of the peaks.
Day 5 :
Chame to Pisang (3,200 m
Follow the river past dramatic rock walls to Pisang. Depending on weather and the group, your guide may choose the upper route, with superb views, or the easier lower route.
Day 6 :
Pisang to Manang (3,540 m)
One of the most scenic days of the trek. The valley becomes drier and more Tibetan in character as you pass villages, prayer walls and monasteries, with Annapurna II, Annapurna III and Gangapurna above.
Day 7 :
Acclimatization day in Manang
An important rest day. Take a short hike to a viewpoint above the village and return to sleep low. Visit local monasteries and learn about Manangi culture.
Day 08 :
Manang to Yak Kharka – 4,050 m
Climb gradually through increasingly bare, high country via Gunsang to Yak Kharka. A short day helps you acclimatize.
A short but important walk to Thorong Phedi, the base for the pass. Your guide may suggest continuing to High Camp if the group is well acclimatized. Rest and prepare for an early start.
Start before dawn and climb slowly to Thorong La, with a vast panorama of peaks. Then begin the long descent to Muktinath, a pilgrimage site sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. This is the hardest day of the trek (7–9 hours).
Day 11 :
Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720 m)
Descend through the dry landscapes of Lower Mustang and the Kali Gandaki Valley, past Thakali villages such as Kagbeni, to Jomsom. Part of this section may be done by local jeep
Day 12 :
Jomsom to Tatopani (1,190 m)
Travel by jeep down the Kali Gandaki, one of the world’s deepest gorges, from dry Mustang into green lower valleys. Relax in the natural hot springs at Tatopani.
Day 13 :
Tatopani to Pokhara (822 m)
Continue by road through green hills, villages and terraced farmland to Pokhara. Enjoy an evening by Phewa Lake
Day 14 :
Free day in Pokhara
Relax or explore Pokhara: take a boat on Phewa Lake, watch the sunrise from Sarangkot, or visit the lakeside markets
Day 15 :
Return to Kathmandu
Fly (about 25 minutes) or drive (6–7 hours) back to Kathmandu. Enjoy a final evening in the city.
Day 16 :
Departure
We take you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home
Cost and Price Details
The price includes
- A licensed guide: daily wages, food, accommodation and insurance
- A porter (one porter per 2 guests): daily wages, food, accommodation and insurance
- Shoes, socks and gloves for your guide and porter
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
- Transport: Kathmandu – Dharapani, Jomsom – Tatopani – Pokhara, Pokhara – Kathmandu
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
- MAST service charge and government tax (VAT) 15% is included
- A contribution to our community projects
The price does not include
- International flights
- Nepal visa (currently $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days check current fees)
- Hotels and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Food and accommodation on the trek (paid directly to tea houses, see below)
- Travel and medical insurance, including helicopter rescue
- Personal expenses: drinks, hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi, laundry, shopping
- Tips for your guide and porter
- Costs caused by events outside our control, such as flight cancellations, landslides or road closures
Tea houses: pay as you go
Food and accommodation on the trail are not included in our price. You pay tea houses directly, so the money stays with local families. Budget around US$ 50per person per day for meals, a room and hot drinks (paid in Nepali rupees). Prices rise with altitude.
Your Guide and Porter
Your trek is led by a licensed guide, as required by Nepal’s trekking rules. Your guide knows the route and the lodges, speaks English, and looks after your safety, including watching for signs of altitude sickness before the Thorong La crossing.
For every two guests, a porter carries your main luggage (up to 20 kg in total), so you only need a daypack. Both are fairly paid and insured.
Altitude and Fitness
The Annapurna Circuit crosses Thorong La at 5,416 m. The pass day is long and tiring, but the rest of the trek is on good trails. If you can walk 5–6 hours a day and are in good health, you can do this trek; previous trekking experience helps. The itinerary gains height gradually and includes an acclimatization day in Manang. Tell your guide straight away if you have a headache, nausea or dizziness. Travel insurance with helicopter rescue up to 5,500 m is required
Annapurna Circuit Trekking Map
FAQs
General
It’s moderate to strenuous. Most days are 5–6 hours on good trails, but the Thorong La crossing (5,416 m) is a long, high day of 7–9 hours.
Thorong La Pass is approximately 5,416 m above sea level.
Previous trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory for physically fit trekkers who prepare properly and follow the guide's recommendations.
Walking time generally ranges from approximately 4 to 8 hours per day, depending on the route, altitude, weather and individual pace.
Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity are available in many villages, but service can be limited or unreliable at higher elevations.
Charging facilities are available in many lodges, although higher villages may charge an additional fee.
Your guide will monitor you and help assess your condition. If symptoms become serious, the itinerary may be changed and evacuation may be arranged when necessary.
Yes. We can customize the itinerary according to your available time, fitness level, interests, transportation preferences and trekking goals.
Yes. Tilicho Lake can be incorporated into a longer Annapurna Circuit itinerary. Additional days are normally required.
The trek can be combined with destinations such as Tilicho Lake, Upper Mustang, Mardi Himal or other Nepal experiences depending on your available time..
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