Annapurna Circuit Trek
Tour Details
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most worthwhile adventures that you can undertake in Nepal. It entails an amazing journey with many surprises in terms of different landscapes and mountain community as well as majestic views of the Himalayas. From the subtropical forest and the terraced hills to alpine grassland and the challenging high altitude terrain, there is no dull moment on the trail. The most thrilling experience on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is reaching the summit of Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), which happens to be one of the highest trekking passes in the world where you can see the amazing views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Thorong Peak, and other surrounding peaks.
It all starts with a scenic drive from Pokhara to begin the walking through the Marsyangdi River Valley that passes through numerous quaint villages like Bhulbhule, Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, and Manang. After spending a day acclimatizing in Manang, one continues to hike up through the Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi to reach the summit of Thorong La Pass. From there, it is downhill into Mustang and further to Muktinath, and from there one hikes down to Tatopani passing through the stunning scenery of the mountains. On the last part of the route, one travels through the forest and quaint villages to Ghorepani, which is a base for an early morning hike to Poon Hill, which offers incredible views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The trek ends at Birethanti, with a scenic drive to Pokhara.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal! On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll receive a warm welcome and then will be transferred from there to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. While on the way to the hotel, you’ll be able to see some of the most famous places in Kathmandu like Pashupatinath Temple, Narayanhiti Palace Museum, and Garden of Dreams.
The hotel is based in the lively Thamel area of Kathmandu, the most popular tourist destination in Kathmandu known for its lively markets full of cafes, restaurants, craft shops, trekking stores, etc. You can spend time in the busy markets of Thamel after getting checked into the hotel.
Includes: Private transport and an overnight accommodation at a 4* hotel in Kathmandu.
After having breakfast, our guide will come to pick you up from your hotel to conduct a sightseeing tour of the most popular and interesting cultural and religious sites of Kathmandu. The first site we will visit will be the Kathmandu Durbar Square – UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes historical palaces, amazing temples and courtyards reflecting Nepal’s unique cultural heritage.
From there, we will go to Swayambhunath Stupa, or Monkey Temple located on the top of a hill which provides incredible views of Kathmandu valley and surrounding mountains while symbolizing the harmony of Buddhism and Hinduism.
The third stop of our tour will be Pashupatinath Temple – the most important Hindu religious site in Nepal devoted to God Shiva located on the bank of sacred Bagmati River where you will have an opportunity to observe traditional cremation rites of Hindus.
Finally, we will visit Boudhanath Stupa – the largest Buddhist monument in the world which is surrounded by monasteries and prayer wheels and represents one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After the sightseeing tour, you will be delivered back to your hotel.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport and an overnight accommodation at a 4* hotel in Kathmandu.
After an early breakfast, you will start the drive to Dharapani by private transport. The drive is estimated to take around nine hours and is conducted on mountain roads that pass through scenic hills, farmlands terraces, and rural communities. During this period, you will be able to witness the continuously changing landscapes along with the magnificent view of the Himalayan range including mountains like Annapurna II, Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung Himal.
Includes: Private transport, Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dharapani.
This is the first day of your trekking as you embark on an adventure through amazing mountain vistas and villages. During the course of the trip, you will be treated to amazing views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525 m). On your way, you will also come across a hot spring, which you can take time out to relax at.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Chame.
The hike today will take you through lush forest and the narrow mountain valley, making your way along the scenic path which ascends into the region of Annapurna. During the course of your hike, you will be able to admire the incredible vistas of the massive Paungda Danda rock formation, a fantastic geological phenomenon created through the processes of the glaciers in the distant past. As you approach the Upper Manang Valley, the views will get more spectacular and the surrounding area will reveal the wonderful scenery of the mountains. You will spend your night in the delightful Himalayan village of Pisang.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and Overnight hotel accommodation at an available local lodge in Pisang.
This day’s walk takes us on a scenic journey through the villages of Ghyaru and Ngawal en route to Manang. The higher we ascend, the more beautiful the Annapurna range, mountain vistas, and Manang Valley will become. We shall walk on the north bank of the river Marsyangdi, enjoying the peace of rural settlements imbued with Tibetan culture. Once we reach Ngawal, we can rest and explore the village before moving on to Manang for the night.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Manang.
Today marks the day set aside for acclimatizing in Manang, which plays an integral part in getting your body ready for the higher elevations ahead. Unlike just lying down without engaging in any activities, you will be given the chance to go around exploring the village, go for a short walk to view some of the viewpoints around the village, or even pay a visit to the monasteries in the area as you enjoy the beautiful views of the Himalayan ranges around Manang. Remember to drink enough water, rest well, and follow the recommendations of the Himalayan Rescue Association.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Manang.
Following the breakfast, the trekking trail begins to ascend slowly from the town of Manang on its way to higher altitude regions. You will have to cross a small stream, then proceed through the villages of Tengi and Ghunsang while you leave the valley of Marsyangdi behind. The terrain is becoming less lush, with only a few junipers, barberry and wild roses growing here. Soon you’ll reach the village of Yak Kharka (4,050 m). It is one of the places used as grazing grounds that offer a great view of the Himalayas. Then you’ll have another couple of hours of hiking to get to Ledar for the overnight stay.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Ledar.
Your hike today will bring you closer to the base camp of Thorong La Pass as you slowly gain elevation in an alpine terrain. Your trail starts with a gradual uphill hike and then crosses a suspension bridge to follow the valley all the way up to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m/14,596 ft), the last settlement on your way to the pass. After a short break, you’ll have a steep hike to reach your high camp and there you will be able to enjoy the magnificent views of Thorong Peak and other Himalayan mountains.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Highcamp.
This is the toughest and most rewarding day of the entire trek. Today, you will leave in early morning, at about 4:00 a.m., to cover the famous Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 ft), one of the highest passes in the world suitable for trekking. While climbing up, as the day brightens, you can expect amazing views of the surrounding peaks of the Himalayas, among which there will be Dhaulagiri massif. Then you will continue the descent through the difficult mountainous landscape through small settlements until the arrival in the village of Muktinath.
Muktinath is a popular place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhists from all over the world. The complex of temples is well-known because of its spiritual importance and tranquil mood, where you will see numerous pilgrims, Tibetan traders, Buddhist monks, and Hindu sadhus. When this incredible place will be visited by you and the heritage of its culture will be seen, you will spend a night at the camping ground, thinking about the greatest achievement of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Muktinath.
This is the last day of your Annapurna Circuit Trek. After having breakfast, you will head to the Muktinath Temple, which is one of the holiest places of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal. Apart from visiting the temple complex, you will be able to visit the local monastery as well as view the eternal flame, a natural phenomenon in the area in which small flames burn permanently due to natural gas. The area also offers amazing vistas of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri ranges of mountains.
After the visit, you will go on a descent towards the village of Kagbeni, which is the entrance gate to the Lower Mustang. You will experience the unique culture of this region by walking around Kagbeni village and visiting the surrounding historical spots, including the narrow streets of the village, Tibetan style homes, and an old monastery. Then you will head to the town of Jomsom. This way, you will have enough time to get ready for your flight to Pokhara tomorrow.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Jomsom.
In the morning, you will be traveling by a short flight from Jomsom to Pokhara depending on the flight schedule and weather. This exciting flight will take about half an hour. During this time, you will get stunning aerial views of the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri Range, as well as the valleys and trekking routes that you have just explored. After arriving at Pokhara, you will be driven to your hotel for check-in.
You can spend the rest of the day at leisure. For instance, you may visit the lively Lakeside area, sit in one of the cafes, or go for a serene boat ride in the quiet waters of Phewa Lake. If the weather allows it, you can admire the reflection of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Dhaulagiri in the lake waters – breathtaking view.
Includes: Breakfast, Airfare, Private transport and an overnight accommodation at a 3* hotel in Pokhara.
Start your day by taking a drive early in the morning to reach Sarangkot, which is considered as one of the best vantage points in Nepal where you will see sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. As the first rays of sunlight will begin to lighten up the snowy peak mountains, you will have a lot of photographic moments. Once the journey from the viewpoint comes to end, come back to your hotel in Pokhara city for breakfast.
After that, take part in a half-day sightseeing tour and visit places of interest in Pokhara including Phewa Lake, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, Davis Falls, International Mountain Museum and the rest of the day is left at leisure for your own activities like exploring Lakeside area, doing some shopping from local shops, enjoying a coffee or tea, having a delicious meal in Nepalese restaurant, etc. In the evening, go and visit the World Peace Stupa to have a great view of Pokhara valley and the Himalayan mountains from here.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, an English-speaking tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at a 3* hotel in Pokhara.
Later in the morning, you will depart Pokhara and start driving to Kathmandu on a scenic route that will pass through river-lined, undulating, hilly, and lush countryside terrain. After reaching Kathmandu, you will transfer to your hotel room where you can freshen up after the long trip.
The rest of the day will be free for leisure activities. You may explore the bustling city of Thamel that forms Kathmandu’s tourist hub where you can experience Nepalese cuisine and shop for souvenirs in the local market area.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport and an overnight accommodation at a 4* hotel in Kathmandu.
Following your breakfast, your guide will join you at the hotel and take you to a full day tour covering Patan and Bhaktapur, two historic royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley. During this day tour, first, you will be visiting the Patan Durbar Square with its palace, intricately designed temples and Newari architecture which dates back several centuries ago. You will be able to visit the famous Patan Museum, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple, and Banglamukhi Temple. All of these places bear the culture and heritage of the Kathmandu valley.
Next, in the afternoon, you will be visiting Bhaktapur, another UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its monuments, brick streets and its beautiful wood carvings. There you can visit the majestic Nyatapola Temple, considered to be the tallest pagoda style temple of Nepal. Apart from that, there is pottery making in Pottery Square in which you will be given an opportunity to make your own piece of pottery. Afterwards, you will be returning to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport, an english speaking tour guide and an overnight accommodation at a 4* hotel in Kathmandu.
Your unforgettable journey in Nepal comes to an end today. After breakfast, you will be transferred by private vehicle to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, arriving approximately three hours before your scheduled departure. This allows ample time to complete check-in and other airport formalities before your flight.
As you depart, take with you the incredible memories of the Himalayas, the warmth of the Sherpa communities, and the achievement of conquering the Annapurna Circuit. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home and hope to welcome you back to Nepal for another adventure in the future.
Includes: Breakfast and private Transport.
Price Include/Exclude
Price Includes
All private ground transportation, including airport transfers, is provided to ensure smooth and hassle-free travel throughout your journey.
Room Arrangement:
Rooms are typically shared by two people (twin sharing). If you prefer a private room, please let us know during the booking process. Private rooms are subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.
Kathmandu:
4 nights of accommodation at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis.
Pokhara:
2 nights of accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Pokhara on a twin-sharing basis.
Mountain Lodges / Tea Houses:
9 nights of comfortable accommodation in the best available mountain lodges and tea houses along the trekking route.
- Expert Local Guide: Friendly, experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid.
- Assistant Guide: An additional assistant guide will accompany the group if there are more than seven participants.
- Guide Support: Includes guides’ wages, meals, accommodation, insurance, and all necessary trekking equipment.
All porter services (one porter can carry 18 kilo of luggage and share between different clients).
- Trek Meals: Three freshly prepared meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek, with a selection of local and international dishes.
- Safe Drinking Water: Water purification tablets or drops are provided to ensure safe drinking water throughout the trek.
- Seasonal Fruits: Fresh seasonal fruits served each evening during the trek.
- Conservation Area Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area permit.
- TIMS Card: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card.
- Government Fees: All applicable local government taxes, permit fees, and official charges.
- Trekking Gear (If Required): Complimentary use of a warm down jacket and sleeping bag for the duration of the trek. These items must be returned at the end of the trip.
- Trekking Map: A detailed trekking route map is provided as a complimentary souvenir.
Luggage Storage: Complimentary and secure storage for any non-essential luggage or trekking gear at our office or your hotel in Kathmandu during the trek.
- A first aid kit, including an Oximeter to measure pulse and oxygen levels daily in the mountains
- Help in arranging a rescue operation in the complicated health situation (funded by your travel insurance).
Domestic flight between Jomsom-Pokhara.
- Certificate of Appreciation at the end after the trek.
- A farewell dinner with cultural shows in Kathmandu.
Price Excludes
Visa fees are not included. You can easily obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Current fees are USD 30 for a 15-day visa, USD 50 for a 30-day visa, and USD 125 for a 90-day visa.
All drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate) and cold drinks, are not included throughout the trip.Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara are also not included.
Tipping (Tips for guides, drivers and support staff).
All entry fees for historical spots, heritage sites, cultural spots, and parks (based on the program).
International airfare to and from Nepal is not included.
Hotel upgrades, donations at temples, schools, monasteries, and other sites, personal hiking gear and equipment, and any additional costs arising from illness, injury, emergency evacuation or rescue, natural disasters, flight delays or cancellations, itinerary changes, or other unforeseen circumstances are not included. Any items or services not specifically mentioned in the “Includes” section are also excluded.