Annapurna Circuit Trek (5,416m) US$2,330 / Per person

  • Duration: 23 Days
  • Annapurna Region
  • Group size 2-10 Person
  • Max. Altitude: 5,416m
  • Season: Sep-Nov, Mar-Apr
  • Difficulty level: Moderate to Challenging

Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most iconic and diverse trekking routes, circling the majestic Annapurna Massif within the protected Annapurna Conservation Area. A major highlight of this adventure is crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m), the highest point of the trek and a dramatic mountain saddle marking the border between Manang and Mustang districts. This pass not only offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks but also marks a fascinating shift in both climate and vegetation—lush green forests and alpine meadows on the Manang side give way to the dry, arid landscapes of Mustang. The trek showcases Nepal’s rich cultural tapestry, where trekkers encounter a unique blend of Buddhist and Hindu communities, reflected in local monasteries, temples, and village lifestyles. Other important highlights include the peaceful Gangapurna Glacier Lake near Manang, the sacred Muktinath Temple, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists; and the scenic Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest in the world. From terraced farmlands and rhododendron forests to high-altitude deserts and snow-capped peaks, the Annapurna Circuit offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and high-mountain adventure.

Itinerary

01

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, one of our friendly management team members will be there to receive you with a warm welcome. If you are arriving Nepal for the first time, Kathmandu can feel overwhelming at first, the crowds, traffic, and fast-paced hustle might surprise you. But as you begin to explore, you’ll soon discover that beneath the surface lies a city full of rich culture, history, and hidden gems waiting to be appreciated. The blend of ancient temples, colorful markets, and spiritual ambiance makes Kathmandu a unique and unforgettable place. From the airport, we’ll drive you comfortably to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we will arrange a short briefing to prepare you for your trek. If you arrive in the morning or early afternoon, we’ll organize an orientation meeting in the evening. During this session, our company representative and your guide will give you a final briefing about the trek, answer any questions, and make sure you’re ready for the journey ahead. If your flight arrives later in the day, we’ll hold the briefing the next morning after breakfast or at evening after full-day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.

    Overnight at Hotel (Including Bed/Breakfast)
02

Day 2: Full-day Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley / Duration: 8-9 hrs

After breakfast, we begin our full-day cultural exploration of Kathmandu. We start with a pleasant 20-minute walk to Basantapur Durbar Square. Although driving is an option, we recommend walking so you can experience the vibrant street life and witness the daily activities of the Newar community—one of the Indigenous groups of the Kathmandu Valley, known for their rich culture, art, and architecture. At Basantapur Durbar Square, we explore the entire palace complex, which is filled with centuries-old temples, courtyards, and historical monuments. One of the highlights here is a visit to the Kumari palace, living goddess worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. Next, we take a short drive through our private vehicle to Swayambhunath Stupa also known as the Monkey Temple. Situated at top of the hill, this ancient stupa offers a panoramic view of the entire Kathmandu Valley. On clear days, you can even see the distant snowcapped Himalayan peaks. We then head to Boudhanath Stupa, about a 30-minute drive depending on traffic. Boudhanath is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its peaceful atmosphere and vibrant Tibetan Buddhist culture. We enjoy lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the stupa, soaking in the serene energy of the area. Our final stop is Pashupatinath Temple Complex, the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, this temple complex is not only a place of worship but also a center for Hindu cremation rituals and spiritual gatherings. After a fulfilling day of sightseeing, we drive back to the hotel to rest and prepare for the journey ahead.

    Overnight at Hotel (Including Bed/Breakfast)
03

Day 3: Drive to Ngadi Village (930m) / Duration: 7–8 hrs

Today we start our journey to the Annapurna region. After an early breakfast, we leave Kathmandu by private vehicle and drive through beautiful landscapes. The road follows rivers, terraced fields, and small villages. We pass through Besisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung, and continue driving on a rougher road to reach Ngadi Village. Along the way, we enjoy amazing views of green hills and flowing rivers. The drive can be bumpy, but it’s a great way to see rural Nepal. Ngadi is a peaceful village at the base of the hills, surrounded by nature. This is where our real trekking adventure begins.

    Overnight at Guesthouse (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
04

Day 4: Trek to Ghermu (1,130m) / Duration: 5–6 hrs

Today is our first day of trekking. We begin by walking through beautiful rice fields and crossing suspension bridges over clear rivers. The trail gently goes up and down, passing small villages and waterfalls. The people in this region are very friendly and often greet us with smiles and “Namaste.” We stop for lunch at a local teahouse along the way and continue walking until we reach Ghermu. This is a quiet and scenic village surrounded by terraced farmland and mountains. We have time to rest, explore the village, or just sit and enjoy the natural beauty. Today’s walk helps our bodies get used to trekking, and the peaceful surroundings make it a great experience.

    Overnight at Guesthouse (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
05

Day 5: Trek to Tal (1,700m) / Duration: 7-8 hrs

After breakfast, we begin a longer day of walking. The trail follows the Marsyangdi River and offers great views of waterfalls and cliffs. We pass through the village of Jagat. From there, we walk on stone-paved paths and climb gentle hills. The trail is a bit rocky in places, but not too difficult. We cross suspension bridges and pass through beautiful forests and narrow gorges. Finally, we reach Tal, a lovely village by the river, known for its wide flat valley. The name "Tal" means “lake,” and in the past, this area used to be one. The village looks peaceful with waterfalls on both sides. We can relax here and enjoy the calm environment.

    Overnight at Guesthouse (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
06

Day 6: Trek to Thanchok Danda (2,100m) / Duration: 6-7 hrs

We continue walking through forested paths and rocky trails as we head to Thanchok Danda. Today, we pass charming villages like Dharapani, where the Manaslu and Annapurna routes meet. The trail climbs steadily but gently, and we begin to notice changes in the landscape. The air gets cooler, and the scenery becomes more alpine, with pine trees and mountain views. Thanchok Danda is a peaceful hill area with wide views of the surrounding hills and peaks like Mt. Manaslu which is over 8000m. It’s a perfect place to rest after the trek. The area is less crowded, so we enjoy a quiet evening under the stars.

    Overnight at Guesthouse (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
07

Day 7: Trek to Chame (2,670m) / Duration: about 3 hrs

Today’s walk takes us to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. The trail passes through beautiful forests and crosses several suspension bridges. As we gain height, we start seeing stunning views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. The path is well-maintained, and the cool mountain air feels fresh. We pass through the village of Koto before reaching Chame. Chame is a bigger village with more facilities like shops, bakeries, and even a hot spring nearby. The sound of the river and the sight of snow-covered peaks make this a lovely stop.

    Overnight at Guesthouse (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
08

Day 8: Trek to Lower Pisang (3,200m) / Duration: 5-6 hrs

After breakfast, we continue our trek through forests and along riverbanks. The views of the mountains keep getting better as we go higher. We pass apple orchards and walk on paths carved into cliffs. Today we reach Lower Pisang, a quiet village with stone houses and prayer flags. After reaching our day destination at Lower Pisang we take short tea break and we hike up to Upper Pisang which is higher and offers even better views of the Annapurna range. This short hike helps with acclimatization and gives us a chance to visit a traditional monastery. The local culture here feels very Tibetan, with colorful prayer wheels and mani walls. After spending some time in Upper Pisang, we return to Lower Pisang for the night.

    Overnight at Guesthouse (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
09

Day 9: Trek to Manang (3,540m) via Ghyaru and Nawal / Duration: 7–8 hrs

Today is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich days of the trek. We follow the upper trail through the ancient Tibetan-style villages of Ghyaru and Nawal. These villages sit high above the valley and offer some of the best panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, and IV. The trail is steep in parts but very rewarding. We pass chortens, prayer flags, and long mani walls. This route gives us a close look at the traditional life of the local people. After lunch, we descend slowly to the main trail and walk towards Manang, a large village in the high Himalayas.

    Overnight at Guesthouse (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
010

Day 10: Acclimatization Day – Hike to Ice Lake (4,600m) or Gangapurna Lake (3,540m)

Today is our acclimatization day in Manang to help our bodies adjust to the high altitude. We take a hike to either Ice Lake or Gangapurna Lake, depending on our energy and the weather. The hike to Ice Lake is longer (7-8 hrs) and more challenging but offers amazing views of snowy peaks and a high-altitude lake. If we prefer something easier, a walk to Gangapurna Lake (4-5) is a good choice. This beautiful turquoise lake sits at the bottom of a glacier and offers great views of the mountains and valley. Along the way, we may see yaks and blue sheep. After the hike, we return to Manang for a warm meal and rest.

    Overnight at Guesthouse (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
011

Day 11: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,050m) – 5-6 hrs

Today we leave Manang and head to Yak Kharka, a high pasture area where yaks often graze. The trail climbs steadily through alpine landscapes with fewer trees and more open views. We notice that the air is thinner, and we walk more slowly. We pass through the village of Gunsang, where we stop for tea or snacks. Along the way, we see herds of yaks, blue sheep, and many mountain birds. The views of Annapurna III and the Gangapurna Glacier continue to amaze. We will arrive early in Yak Kharka, so we will hike 200-300m higher for acclimatization and return back to Yak Kharka.

    Overnight at Guesthouse (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
012

Day 12: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,450m) or High Camp (4,900m) / Duration: 4–5 hrs

Today we trek to Thorong Phedi, the base camp before the big pass. Depending on how we feel, we may go a bit further to High Camp, which makes the next day’s climb easier. The path goes through landslide-prone areas, so we walk carefully and slowly. The trail is rocky but not too steep. We will feel the altitude today, so we take it easy and drink lots of water. If we stop at Phedi, we rest and enjoy the views of the surrounding peaks. If we push to High Camp (about 2 hrs more), we gain a bit more height but get a head start for tomorrow’s big day.

    Overnight at Guesthouse (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
013

Day 13: Trek to Muktinath (3,760m) via Thorong La Pass (5,416m) / Duration: 8–9 hrs

This is the toughest and most rewarding day of the trek. We start very early, around 4 AM, to cross Thorong La Pass before strong winds begin. The climb is slow and steady, with many switchbacks. We walk in the dark at first, using headlamps. The sun rises over the snowy peaks, giving us beautiful views. After 3 to 4 hours, we reach Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,416 meters. There is a signboard and prayer flags at the top – a perfect place for photos. After enjoying the moment, we begin a long downhill trek to Muktinath, a holy site for both Hindus and Buddhists.

    Overnight at Guesthouse (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
014

Day 14: Trek to Jomsom via Lupra Village (2,720m) / Duration: 5-6 hrs

Today we take a beautiful and quiet trail back to Jomsom, but instead of the busy road, we go through Lupra village. This village is one of the few remaining places that practice the Bon religion, an ancient spiritual tradition even older than Buddhism. It’s a great chance to see another side of Mustang’s culture. We start with a gentle climb, then walk down through canyons and dry riverbeds. The landscape is dramatic—tall cliffs, open skies, and deep gorges. Lupra is a small, hidden village, and we stop here to explore the Bon monastery and learn about its traditions. After our visit, we continue on to Jomsom, where the trail becomes wider and the wind picks up in the afternoon. We walk for around 5–6 hours today. Jomsom feels like a return to modern life after many days in the remote mountains

    Overnight at Guesthouse (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
015

Day 15: Trek to Marpha (2,670m) and visit Dhumba Lake / Duration: 5–6 hrs

Today we walk south from Jomsom to reach Marpha, one of the most beautiful and cleanest villages in the region. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River and passes through apple orchards and Tibetan-style houses. Marpha is famous for apple products – juice, pie, and brandy. After reaching Marpha, we rest and then hike to Dhumba Lake, a sacred lake about an hour’s walk away. The lake sits at the base of a mountain and is very peaceful. Local people believe the lake has healing powers. After enjoying the views, we return to Marpha for the night.

    Overnight at Guesthouse (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
016

Day 16: Trek to Kalapani (2,530m) / Duration: 6-7 hrs

Today’s trail takes us through beautiful villages, pine forests, and open valleys. We follow the Kali Gandaki River and slowly descend into greener areas. We see dramatic changes in the landscape as we leave the dry Mustang region and enter into forests and farmland. We pass through villages like Tukuche and Kobang. We also walk through local alternative natural path. Kalapani is a small village surrounded by forests and snowy mountains like Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

    Overnight at Guesthouse (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
017

Day 17: Drive to Tatopani (1,200m) by local Jeep or Bus / Duration: about 3 hrs

Today we leave Kalapani and take a local jeep or bus to Tatopani. The road is rough and bumpy but exciting as it follows the river down through forests and cliffs. Tatopani means “hot water,” and it’s famous for its natural hot springs. After checking into the teahouse, we relax our tired muscles in the warm water.

    Overnight at Guesthouse (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
018

Day 18: Trek to Ghorepani (2,860m) / Duration: 7–8 hrs

After a relaxing day, we begin a steep uphill trek to Ghorepani. The trail climbs steadily through terraced farmland and beautiful rhododendron forests. It’s a long walk, but the nature and mountain views make it enjoyable. We pass through villages like Shikha and Chitre along the way. As we get higher, the air becomes cooler and fresher. Ghorepani is a beautiful village at the top of the hill with great views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. In the evening, we rest and get ready for an early hike to Poon Hill the next morning.

    Overnight at Guesthouse (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
019

Day 19: Hike to Poon Hill, Trek to Hile, Drive to Sarangkot – 7-8 hrs

We wake up early to hike up to Poon Hill (3,210m) before sunrise. It’s a short but steep climb, and at the top, we’ll enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the mountains glowing in the morning light. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and more can be seen clearly. After taking pictures and enjoying the moment, we return to Ghorepani for breakfast. Then we begin our downhill trek through forests to Hile. From there, we take a private vehicle to Sarangkot, a hilltop near Pokhara famous for sunset and sunrise views. We can see Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake below.

    Overnight at Hotel (Including Bed/Breakfast)
020

Day 20: Sunrise at Sarangkot, Cable Car Descent & Free Day in Pokhara (827m)

We wake up early to watch the sunrise from Sarangkot. The view of the sun rising over the mountains is unforgettable. After breakfast, we ride a scenic cable car down to Pokhara. The ride offers great views of the valley, river, and forest. The rest of the day is free for us to explore. We can walk along the lakeside, go shopping, try Nepali food, or just rest. Pokhara has cozy cafés, massage centers, and souvenir shops.

    Overnight at Hotel (Including Bed/Breakfast)
021

Day 21: Full-day Sightseeing in Pokhara (822m)

Today, we’ll explore some of the most interesting and spiritual sites in Pokhara. Our first stop will be the Worlds Peace Stupa, a stunning pagoda located high above the city that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Fewa. It’s a serene spot to reflect and enjoy the natural beauty. Next, we’ll visit Pumtikot, where we can see the impressive Shiva Statue, one of the largest statues of Lord Shiva in Nepal. It’s a magnificent sight and offers panoramic views of Pokhara and the surrounding area. After that, we’ll drive to the International Mountain Museum, which showcases the rich history of mountaineering and the culture of the Himalayas. It’s a fascinating stop for those interested in the mountain world. Finally, we drive back to Pokhara lake side and enjoy 1 hour boating in Phewa lake. After a day full of exploration, we’ll return to the hotel to relax.

    Overnight at Hotel (Including Bed/Breakfast)
022

Day 22: Drive back to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus (1,350m) / Duration: 6-7 hrs

After breakfast, we begin our return journey to Kathmandu by sofa seater tourist bus. The drive takes about 6-7 hours, passing through green hills, rivers, and small towns along the Prithvi Highway. It’s a scenic ride with lots of chances to look out the window and enjoy the changing landscapes of Nepal. We stop a few times along the way for tea, snacks, and lunch. You may feel a little tired from the ride, but the peaceful scenery makes the journey pleasant. We arrive in Kathmandu by late afternoon or early evening. Once we reach the hotel, you can rest or take a short walk around Thamel, the city’s lively tourist area. You might enjoy shopping for souvenirs, trying street food, or enjoying a nice dinner in a rooftop restaurant.

    Overnight at Hotel (Including Bed/Breakfast)
023

Day 23: Final Departure

At the scheduled time, we will transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you. We hope you had a memorable journey and enjoyed exploring the incredible landscapes, cultures, and mountains of Nepal with us. We look forward to welcoming you again for another adventure in the Himalayas. Safe travels and hope to see you next time, Namaste!

Cost Includes & Excludes

Included:
  • 3 Nights hotel in Kathmandu with bed & breakfast
  • 2 Nights hotel in Pokhara with bed & breakfast
  • All transportation according to the itinerary
  • Full-day city sightseeing in Kathmandu (8-9hrs) including entrance fees
  • Full-day sightseeing in Pokhara (8-9hrs) including entrance fees
  • English speaking-city guide in Kathmandu
  • Pokhara sightseeing by your trekking guide
  • Pokhara-Kathmandu by sofa-seater tourist bus
  • Trekking permits (ACAP)
  • TIMS Card
  • Poon Hill entry fees
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner during the trek
  • Overnight at lodge during the trek (twin or double bed)
  • Sarangkot-Pokhara cable car ticket
  • 1 hour boating on Fewa Lake 
Excluded:
  • International airfare
  • Nepal visa
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Emergecy Rescue Evacuation
  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
  • All kind of drinks
  • Special filming camera/drone permit
  • Tips for crew members

Additional Information

*  The itinerary is flexible and can be customized, shortened, or extended according to your preferences

 

*  Each of our travel is organized individually according to your wishes

 

*  Your journey can begin on any date that suits you best

 

*  Any extra costs caused by circumstances beyond our control, such as natural disasters, bad weather, changes to the itinerary for safety reasons, emergency evacuations, government policy changes, or strikes

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