Annapurna Circuit Trek
Overview:
The Annapurna Circuit is more than just a trek—it is an odyssey through the heart of the Himalayas, where nature, culture, and adventure intertwine to create an experience of a lifetime. Since opening to trekkers in 1977, this legendary trail has captivated explorers with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ethnic communities, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas.
Beginning in the lush subtropical valleys of Besisahar, the journey unfolds along the roaring Marshyangdi River, where terraced fields and vibrant villages whisper stories of ancient traditions. As the trail ascends, the scenery transforms—dense forests of rhododendron and oak give way to alpine meadows, and finally, to the stark, wind-swept terrain of the high Himalayas. Towering peaks such as Manaslu and the mighty Annapurna Range surround the path, their icy summits glistening under the vast Himalayan sky.
Tour Highlights
- Spectacular 360° Himalayan Views – Witness breathtaking panoramas of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and more, with towering snow-capped peaks at every turn.
- Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m)
- Visit Muktinath
- Immerse in Diverse Ethnic Cultures
- Trek Through Diverse Landscapes
- Excursion to Tilicho Lake
- Poon Hill Sunrise View
- One of the Most Rewarding Treks in Nepal
Tour Facts
- Total Duration: 17 days
- Trek Duration: 11 days
- Maximum Elevation: 17,764 ft / 5,416m (Thorong La Pass)
- Trek Grading: Strenuous
- Trek Style: Lodge-to-Lodge Trek / Camping Option
- Best Seasons: March – June, September – November
- Starting & Ending Points: Besisahar (Start) / Nayapul (End)
- Accommodation: 4 Nights in Kotels (Kathmandu & Pokhara), 11 Nights in Guesthouses (Trek Points)
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel
- Warm welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Transfer to hotel in the heart of Kathmandu.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meals: Breakfast / Refreshments
Day 02: Cultural Exploration of Kathmandu
- Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a living museum of medieval Nepal, with its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
- Visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and the Holy Bagmati River, where Hindu pilgrims perform rituals and cremation rites.
- Ascend to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) for breathtaking views of Kathmandu Valley and a serene spiritual experience.
OR
- Experience the tranquil ambiance of Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world.
- Immerse yourself in Nepal’s rich cultural and religious heritage before your trek begins.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meals: Breakfast / Refreshments
Trek Briefing and Preparation: Setting the Stage for an Unforgettable Adventure
- Comprehensive Trek Overview– Gain detailed insights into the Annapurna Circuit Trek, including trail conditions, expected weather, and key highlights.
- Safety and Preparation– Learn about essential trekking gear, altitude precautions, and health guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Cultural Etiquette– Understand local customs and traditions to engage respectfully with the communities you’ll encounter along the trek.
- Scenic & Cultural Expectations– Get a glimpse of the diverse landscapes, from lush forests and terraced farmlands to breathtaking mountain vistas and charming villages.
- Final Gear Check & Readiness– Ensure you have all necessary trekking equipment before embarking on this unforgettable Himalayan adventure.
Day 03: Scenic Drive to Besisahar – Gateway to the Annapurna Circuit
- Scenic drive through Nepal’s diverse landscapes crossing highway settlements
- Immersive Cultural Experience
- Arrival in Besisahar Lamjung
- Exploring the Bustling Town
- Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
- Meals: BLD
Trek Commences:
Day 04: Journey to Chame (2,670m/8,758ft) – Gateway to Manang
- Thrilling off-Road drive from Besisahar to Chame, Manang experiencing the stunning viewsof Manaslu (8,163m) and Lamjung Himal.
- Scenic villages & cultural encounters—Bhulbhule, Syange, Jagat, Chamje, Taal, Dharapani, and Timang showcasing unique culture, architecture, and traditionsof Gurung communities.
- Diverse Himalayan Landscapes
- Arrival in Chame (2,670m)
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: BLD
- Up Hill : 377m
- Down Hill: 371m
- Elevation Gain: 540m
- Distance: 6.75km
- Duration: 7Hours
Day 05: Trek to Pisang (3,200m/10,496ft)
- Scenic forest trails & Marshyangdi river valleys
- Thrilling cliffside paths
- Observe authentic Gurung, Manangi cultural tradition
- Arrival in Pisang (3,200m)
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 783m
- Down Hill: 207m
- Distance: 14km
- Duration: 5hrs
Day 06: Trek to Manang (3,540m/11,611ft) – Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Hub
- Scenic ascend & expansive valley view of Manang Valley
- High-altitude desert & cultural exploration of the Braga Monastery offering aglimpse into the region’s deep Buddhist heritage.
- Arrival in Manang (3,540m)
- Accommodation:Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 73m
- Down Hill: 449m
- Distance: 17km
- Duration: 4hrs
Day 07: Acclimatization and Exploration in Manang
- Rest & Acclimatization at Manang (3,540m)
- Scenic Exploration Options:
- Ashort hike to Gangapurna Lake and experience the panoramas of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak
- A visit to theHimalayan Rescue Association (HRA)
- Exploring thehistorical Buddhist monastery
- Accommodation:Hotel
- Meal: BLD
Day 08: Trek to Khangsar (3,756m/12352 ft)– Gateway to the Tilicho Region
- Short high-altitude trek to Khangsar
- Arrival at Khangsar (3,756m), a traditional Tibetan-style settlement
- Acclimatization & Exploration
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 200m
- Distance: 10.9km
- Duration: 2hrs
Day 09: Trek to Tilicho Lake (4,920m/16,138ft)
- Challenging ascend to Tilicho Lake (4,920m), the world’s highest Lake
- Breathtaking high-altitude scenery
- Arrival at Tilicho Lake (4,920m
- Descend & rest
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 570m
- Down Hill: 190m
- Distance: 15.4km
- Duration: 6hrs
Day 10: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,018m/13,179ft)
- Retracing the path from Tilicho Lake
- Transition to the main Annapurna Trail
- Arrival at Yak Kharka (4,018m)
- Rest & Acclimatization
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 1456m
- Down Hill: 1574m
- Distance: 17.1km
- Duration: 7hrs
Day 11: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,450m/14,596ft)
- Gradual ascent toward higher elevations
- Panoramic Views & First Glimpse of Thorong Phedi
- Final Push to Thorong Phedi (4,450m)
- Rest & preparation for the big ascend
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 803m
- Down Hill: 313m
- Distance: 6.90km
- Duration: 3hrs
Day 12: Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,764ft) and Descend to Muktinath (3,810m/12,172ft)
- Trek to world’s highest passes (5,416m)
- Unforgettable views & triumph at Thorong La (5–6 hours of steady climbing)
- Challenging descent to Muktinath (3,810m)
- Arrival at the Sacred Muktinath Temple, common pilgrimage site of Buddhists, Hindus and pre-Buddhist followers.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 1154m
- Down Hill: 2047m
- Distance: 16.9km
- Duration: 7hrs
Day 13: Explore Muktinath and Descend to Kagbeni (2,800m/9,184ft)
- Recharge at the sacred Muktinath Temple, pay homage and observe the 108 water taps and
- Descend to Kagbeni (2,800m), a picturesque village of Mustang, for 3 hours
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Down Hill: 878m
- Distance: 12.1km
- Duration: 3hrs
Day 14: Descend to Kalopani (1,190m/3,903ft) or Thasang Village
- Descent through picturesque and historical settlements, caves, Buddhist monasteries of Mustang
- Arriving at Kalopani(1,190m) or Thasang village (4 to 5 hours of trekking)
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Distance: 51km
- Duration: 2hrs
Day 15: Spectacular Drive to Pokhara
- Morning Flight to Kathmandu
- Arriving in Kathmandu
- Explore Thamel, Kathmandu (Optional)
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Distance: 201km
- Duration: 6hrs
Return to Kathmandu
Day 16: Fly Back to Kathmandu
- Morning Flight to Kathmandu
- Arriving in Kathmandu
- Explore Thamel, Kathmandu (Optional)
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Trip Concludes
- Final Breakfast in Kathmandu
- Airport Transfer
- Accommodation: None
- Meals: Breakfast
Cost, Includes & Excludes
Cost Includes:
- All ground transportation including airport pick up and transfers
- Double occupancy hotel accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara with entire entry fees
- English speaking trekking guide
- Best available local lodge accommodation during trek
- Three meals a day during trek
- Well equipped and insured porters
- Conservation fee
- Domestic flight tickets
Cost Does Not Includes:
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Domestic and international flight fares
- Airport departure tax for international flights
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal/travel/accidental/evacuation insurance
- Rescue charge if needed
- Medical expenses if treatment needed
- Personal equipments, e. g. shoes, clothing etc
- Expenses of personal nature, e. g. bar bill, telephone bill, laundry charge etc.
Trip Extension
Do you wish to extend your trip to include more time, additional destinations, or both? Let us know and we’ll help you plan it out.
(These trips can also be extended or modified to fit your schedule.)
To view our Trip Extension options, please take a quick look at our Trip Extensions menu.
