Trip Overview
Embark on a fantastic Annapurna Circuit Trek which takes us around the entire Annapurna massif reaching the zenith at Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft). We also walk through the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki gorge with Annapurna I rising to 8091 m to the east and Dhaulagiri hovering at 8167 m to the west! We savor the fabulous mountain views from Poon Hill and discover the diverse Annapurna region. Furthermore, Annapurna Circuit Trek also takes us to Manang, Jomsom and the Muktinath region which again gets us acquainted with the diverse Nepalese landscape and culture.
This is a long trek for travelers wishing to circle the Annapurna massif. However, for trekkers who prefer a shorter trek in the same route then Annapurna Circle Trek – 14 Days is ideal. We also have Annapurna Base Camp Trek: 14 Days for trekkers wishing to reach the base camp of Mt. Annapurna
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation
Day 03: Drive to Khudi (800m/2,624ft): 7- 8 hours
Day 04: Khudi to Sirung (2200m/7216 ft): 6 – 7 hours
Day 05: Sirung to Jagat (1,300m/4265ft): 6 – 7 hours
Day 06: Jagat to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 7-8 hours
Day 07: Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 – 6 hours
Day 08: Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft): 5 – 6 hours
Day 09: Pisang to Manang : 6 – 7 hours
Day 10: Manang: Acclimatization day
Day 11: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft): 3 – 4 hours
Day 12: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft): 3 – 4 hours
Day 13: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) via Thorong La pass (5416m/17764ft): 7 – 8 hours
Day 14: Muktinath to Marpha (2,670m/8,760ft): 4 – 5 hours
Day 15: Marpha to Kalopani (2,530 m/8,300 ft): 5 – 6 hours
Day 16: Kalopani to Tatopani (1,200m/3,937ft): 6 – 7 hours
Day 17: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 7 – 8 hours
Day 18: Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Tadapani (2,700m/8,860ft): 6 – 7 hours
Day 19: Tadapani to Pokhara (850m/2,789ft) via Ghandruk: 5 – 6 hours trek, 1 hour drive
Day 20: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 5-6 hours
Day 21: Final departure
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Physical Condition & Experience Requirements
This is a moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-7 hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes; however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self-confidence and strong determination, we can accomplish this trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is vital for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip. It is also advised that you inform NVDP of any conditions before booking the trek.
Best Season
Autumn (Sept. to Nov.) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for trekking in the Annapurna region. The weather is sunny and warm with outstanding views. If you wish to avoid crowds and enjoy some alone time with nature, then taking this trip during winter (Dec., Jan., Feb.) could also be an option. However, the temperature during winter could be harsh for most guests. Trekking in the summer or monsoon season (June to Aug.) will be affected by rain but the summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanist.
ITINEARY
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
After arriving in Kathmandu, a representative from NVDP will pick us up from the airport and take us to our hotel. In the afternoon, we may take a rest or visit NVDP’s office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by NVDP. For dinner, you will be served authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country’s food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals:Dinner
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we get our equipment checked by our climbing leader, get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip at NVDP’s office. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals:Breakfast
Day 03: Drive to Khudi (800m/2,624ft): 7- 8 hours
We start our journey into the hills on a winding road along the Trishuli River. On the way we admire terraced farms and beautiful huts. After reaching a juncture at Mugling, we move straight ahead towards Pokhara. At Dumre, we leave the previous trail and head north to Besisahar. A half-an-hour’s drive from Besisahar takes us to Khudi, the starting point of our trek. Alternatively, we can get off at Besisahar, and then trek for an hour to get to Khudi along the wide trail. Khudi offers us a first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 04: Khudi to Sirung (2200m/7216 ft): 6 – 7 hours
Our first day’s walk involves crossing a few suspension bridges and waterfalls including several ascents and descents across rice paddies and a subtropical forest. Initially, the walk is gradual but is then followed by steeper trails. The mountains that we see from Khudi seem a lot closer now. Before reaching Sirung village we pass an ethnic Tamang settlement of Taranche. We admire close-up views of Nadi Chuli and Manaslu mountains from Sirung.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 05: Sirung to Jagat (1,300m/4265ft): 6 – 7 hours
We leave Sirung for Jagat on a relatively easy trail. We leave behind the terraces of the village and hit forest, ferns and woodland. On the forest trail we spot a variety of birds. We also pass through several small villages and a few temples on the way. We cross a suspension bridge over Sangu Khola at Mipra then again at Syange over the Marshyangdi River. There is also a waterfall nearby the bridge. Now our trail moves alongside the mighty Marshyangdi River and we cross one more bridge before reaching Jagat.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 06: Jagat to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 7-8 hours
After breakfast, we slowly begin our trek today. The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steeply-forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge. Overnight in Dharapani.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 07: Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 – 6 hours
Today we walk through a few forested ridges on our way to Chame, which is the headquarters of the Manang District. Throughout the trek we can admire amazing views of the Himalayas including Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). On today’s trek we also come across small hot springs where we can dip in and soothe our aching muscles. Overnight in Chame.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 08: Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft): 5 – 6 hours
A steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. This is probably the steepest part of the Marshyangdi Valley, so steep that the trail is carved into the vertical rock. After passing this last bit of rock, the valley opens up with majestic vistas. And right where the valley widens stands the Paungda Danda, a massive sloping rock face that rises over 5,000ft (1500m) above the trail. We trek for a while before reaching Lower Pisang where we spend the night.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 09: Pisang to Manang : 6 – 7 hours
There are two routes to Manang but we follow the trail that takes us to Upper Pisang via Geru. This trail guarantees excellent views of the beautiful landscape and the mighty mountains including Annapurna and Pisang. We begin to notice a contrast in the landscape and vegetation from today. The cold and dry climate also creates a much harsher environment. Our short visit to Barge monastery, the largest monastery in the entire district of Manang will be memorable. Overnight at Manang.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 10: Manang: Acclimatization day
In order to keep fit on the trails that follow, we keep ourselves busy today with a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. If we have the energy, we can even hike to Vraga Village where we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association which will give us some idea about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Overnight in Manang.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 11: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft): 3 – 4 hours
From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki and continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures and a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka. Overnight at Yak Karka.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 12: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft): 3 – 4 hours
It is an uphill walk to Thorang Phedi. After walking for some time we cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. We ascend furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La pass. On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. The word Phedi in Nepalese is referred to as the foot of a mountain. Overnight in Thorong Phedi. Overnight in Thorang Phedi.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 13: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) via Thorong La pass (5416m/17764ft): 7 – 8 hours
Crossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world, will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up around three in the morning and walk up the mountain. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. Overnight in Muktinath.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 14: Muktinath to Marpha (2,670m/8,760ft): 4 – 5 hours
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists alike. In the morning, we pay our visit to a Vishnu Temple and a Gompa. Descending from Ranipauwa village down the steep and barren hillside, we tumble down toward Kagbeni and then to Jomsom finally arriving at Marpha. The trail today is quite surreal as we trek along a plateau above Kali Gandaki River, the world’s deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles Tibet. Marpha is also famous as the apple capital of Nepal where one can enjoy different items made from apple. The local apple brandy of Marpha is famous all over Nepal. Overnight at Marpha.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 15: Marpha to Kalopani (2,530 m/8,300 ft): 5 – 6 hours
From Marpha, we take a new route toward Kalopani via Chokhopani village. Today, we come across traditional villages of the ethnic Thakali people. Also, we get to see beautiful apple gardens. From here we get panoramic views of Dhaulagari, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Fang and Annapurna I mountains. From Chokhopani, we continue to Kokhethanti. We cross a river and come across the newly constructed road site before reaching Kalopani. Overnight at Kalopani.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 16: Kalopani to Tatopani (1,200m/3,937ft): 6 – 7 hours
Our journey today is mostly downhill. During the early part of today’s trek, we cross the bridge at Ghasa. As we drop to lower elevations, we emerge back into subtropical forests, lush with vegetation. Our trail continues along Rupse Chahara (waterfall). We continue down the east bank from Kopchepani via Garpar to a bridge at Dana. At Narchyang Besi, we get to see a powerhouse that supplies electricity in the area. There are bigger villages in this area where we can observe the everyday lives of the local people. Upon reaching Tatopani, we relax and have a bath in the hot spring.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 17: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 7 – 8 hours
We leave the Kali Gandaki and head up the Ghar Khola valley. The trail leads us through a terraced farmland with mountains all around. We pass through the villages of Shikha and Chitre before reaching a beautiful rhododendron forest. When in bloom the rhododendron trees with its average height of up to 100″ will be covered with pink or red flowers. Walking further we reach Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at a ridge top. Overnight in Ghorepani.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 18: Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Tadapani (2,700m/8,860ft): 6 – 7 hours
To catch the sunrise over the Himalayas, we make an early morning climb along the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3,210m/10,529ft), the most popular trekking destination of the Annapurna region. It is also a great viewpoint to enjoy the amazing views of Mustang, Pokhara and more than 20 of the highest mountains including the close-up views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The snowy peaks of the high mountains loom above and around us glowing in the morning light. After taking photographs, we return back to Gorepani. After breakfast, we head east and climb a nearby ridge. We descend through rhododendron forests, pass by spectacular waterfalls and reach Tadapani to spend the night.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 19: Tadapani to Pokhara (850m/2,789ft) via Ghandruk: 5 – 6 hours trek, 1 hour drive
From Tadapani, we make a steep descent through the dense and dark forest. This part of the trek will be through a thick forest of old rhododendron trees. When the rhododendron trees are in bloom, these forests actually turn into amazing gardens. By afternoon, depending upon the season of travel, we also get to enjoy cherry blossoms in bloom on the slopes on the other side of the ravine. After trekking a few more minutes, we enter the village of Ghandruk, a slope settlement with stone houses mostly inhabited by the Gurung people. Here, we enjoy the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains. We continue our trek to Nayapul from where we drive to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Included meals:Breakfast Lunch
Day 20: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals:Breakfast Dinner
Day 21: Final departure
Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! A NVDP representative will escort us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Included meals:Breakfast
DATE AND PRICES
The given prices are per person and exclude international flights. Given below are the departure dates available for online booking. If the given date is not favorable then please contact us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.
NVDP also organizes trips on small groups, so we recommend you to reserve a seat for yourself by booking with us right away. Hurry! The adventure awaits you.
Book our fixed departures
| Trip Start Date | Trip End Date | Price | Guaranteed Departure | Book Now |
| 20th Sep, 2018 | 11th Oct, 2018 | $2010 | Guaranteed | Book Now |
| 25th Sep, 2018 | 16th Oct, 2018 | $2010 | Guaranteed | Book Now |
| 30th Sep, 2018 | 20th Oct, 2018 | $2010 | Guaranteed | Book Now |
| 1st Oct, 2018 | 21st Oct, 2018 | $2010 | Guaranteed | Book Now |
| 5th Oct, 2018 | 26th Oct, 2018 | $2010 | Guaranteed | Book Now |
| 10th Oct, 2018 | 1st Nov, 2018 | $2010 | Guaranteed | Book Now |
| 15th Oct, 2018 | 6th Nov, 2018 | $2010 | Guaranteed | Book Now |
| 20th Oct, 2018 | 11th Nov, 2018 | $2010 | Guaranteed | Book Now |
| 25th Oct, 2018 | 16th Nov,2018 | $2010 | Guaranteed | Book Now |
| 30th Oct, 2018 | 21st Nov, 2018 | $2010 | Guaranteed | Book Now |
| 15th Feb, 2019 | 6th Mar, 2019 | $2010 | Guaranteed | Book Now |
| 20th Feb, 2019 | 11th Mar, 2019 | $2010 | Guaranteed | Book Now |
| 25th Feb, 2018 | 16th Mar, 2019 | $2010 | Guaranteed | Book Now |
| 1st Mar, 2019 | 21st Mar, 2019 | $2010 | Guaranteed | Book Now |
| 5th Mar, 2019 | 26th Mar, 2019 | $2010 | Guaranteed | Book Now |
| 10th Mar, 2019 | 1st Apr, 2019 | $2010 | Guaranteed | Book Now |
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What Is Included
- Airport pickups and drops ina private vehicle
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
- Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary
- An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
- Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
- Himalayan Glacier’s trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS)
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
- All government and local taxes
What Is Not Included
- Nepalese visa fee
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Excess baggage charges
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
The Trekking Group
For this trek, there will be one leader, 1 assistant leader (4 trekkers:1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters for carrying luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter). This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group is sick, the trip can still go ahead as planned. Our experience has led us to believe that a maximum of 12 people is an optimum number to fully enjoy a trip. However, if a traveler is interested in larger groups then that can be arranged too.
Accommodations
We will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara; and teahouses during the trek. We will stay at Hotel Manang in Kathmandu and Mt. Kailash Resort in Pokhara. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 360. NVDP Volunteer will arrange rooms with attached washrooms; however, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu, Pokhara and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.
Meals
During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be provided from the teahouse or from a lodge menu where we spend the night whereas lunch will be provided on the way to the next destination. All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner, will be provided during trekking while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners.
Safety
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website’s safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you’ll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it’s deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid’s operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it’s being implemented in the field:
INTERNAL FLIGHTS:
There have been a number of recent air accidents in Nepal. We only use airlines that have passed strict safety audits for internal flights on this trip, including Buddha Air, Yeti Air & Tara Air. EU clients please see our safety page for important information regarding internal flights in Nepal.
PERSONAL SAFETY – NEPAL:
Pick-pocketing and bag-snatching are common, particularly in airports and on buses. Take care when walking around at night. Avoid walking on your own and don’t carry large sums of cash. Keep valuables in a hotel safe if possible. Bars and restaurants now close at midnight as part of a government crackdown on illegal activities. Foreigners remaining in bars and clubs after hours have been detained by the police.
FESTIVALS:
Travelling in India and Nepal whilst the Holi festival is on (a lunar festival but generally held in March every year), can at times be dangerous – a lot of locals participate in consumption of intoxicating substances. The day has been associated with physical violence and danger. Your leader will be advising you and your group on what places to avoid on this day and it may even be necessary for us to alter your itinerary for the day to avoid putting you or our group leader in high risk situation.
TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD:
Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!
SEAT BELTS:
Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts.
