Annapurna Circuit Trek – 16 days
Trip Highlights
UNESCO World Heritage sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley. Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar and Chame. Walking through diverse flora and fauna in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Marsyangdi River Valley and Kaligandaki Valley and their natural wonders. Experience a blend of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon culture. Visit Tilicho Lake (5419m), the highest altitude lake in the world. Cross Thorong La Pass (5416m), a high point of the trek. Visit Muktinath, a sacred temple for Hindus and Buddhists. Warm hospitality of Thakali people and their culture. Stunning views of Mt. Manaslu (8163m), Annapurna I (8091m), and Dhaulagiri (8167m)
Duration
16 Days
season
April - November
Max Altitude
5419m
Meals
BLD
Accommodation
Tea House/Lodge
Transport
Private VehicleTrip Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek begins with exploring the UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley. Then, we leave Kathmandu for a scenic drive to Besisahar, and from Besisahar, we proceed to Chame. This trek offers glimpses of the world-renowned Annapurna region, attracting tourists globally. Key attractions include the Marsyangdi River Valley, Kaligandaki Valley, and their natural treasures. Tilicho Lake, situated at 5419 meters above sea level, is another highlight. Hiking and exploring the villages of Nawal and Ghyaru after crossing Upper Pisang provide cultural and natural insights. In Manang, several hiking options are available to explore the monuments.
The region is also home to the famous Thorong La Pass (5416m). Crossing this high pass is a significant achievement for trekkers. Muktinath, a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus, is another attraction. The trip offers spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu (8163m), Annapurna I (8091m), and Dhaulagiri (8167m), ensuring unforgettable moments.
In addition to natural wonders, this region showcases a blend of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon cultures. The trip also provides an opportunity to experience the warm hospitality of the Thakali people and learn about their culture.
Explore the Annapurna Circuit, a trek well-known for its varied scenery, quaint towns, and expansive vistas of the mountains. Savor the exhilaration of traveling across high-altitude passes while taking in the breathtaking Himalayan scenery. Contact us now.
Trip Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon, you have the option to stroll around Thamel and the local streets of Kathmandu. Enjoy a welcome dinner in the evening with a typical Nepali cultural program.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
After breakfast, start sightseeing, covering the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu, including Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa.
Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, explore the ancient city of Kathmandu with art and wooden carving architecture, including the 9-story Royal Palaces, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap, the Hanuman Dhoka, and Kumari Temple.
Then visit Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, which is over 2,000 years old and symbolizes knowledge. In the afternoon, there will be a short briefing and discussion regarding your trek, and time to shop for necessary gear and equipment.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m) 175km/6-7 hrs
In the morning, drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar via the Prithvi highway. Along the way, there will be scenic spots for lunch and breaks. The drive offers views of the countryside of Nepal, including greenery, rivers, local villages, farmlands, and mountain scenery. Besisahar is the district headquarters of the Lamjung district.
Day 04: Drive Basisahar to Chame(2600m) 68km/4-5hrs
Drive from Besisahar to Chame by jeep, which takes approximately 4-5 hours. Chame, at an altitude of 2600 meters, is the district headquarters of Manang. The drive is challenging as it involves off-road and rocky paths in high altitude. In the evening, walk around the Chame village town to observe the nature and local culture.
Overnight in Chame.
Day 05: Chame to Upper Pisang (3300m) 5-6hrs/6.5km
Walk for about 6 hours covering a distance of 6.5km. The trail involves passing some rough motorable roads, divided into routes for Upper Pisang and Lower Pisang. We will take the route for Upper Pisang, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, and IV. The trail includes crossing the Mani Wall and Marsyangdi River with some ascents and descents, leading to Upper Pisang. This old-style Tibetan-flavored village has a large prayer wheel wall in the center and a 250-year-old Gompa worth visiting.
Overnight in Upper Pisang.
Day 06: Upper pisang to Brakha via Ghyaru (3670m) and Nagwal village (3680m) (6hrs/8km)
This route is more scenic than the lower route via Humde. The trail includes passing through old Gompas, barley and buckwheat fields, aromatic pine forests, and stupas with excellent valley views. From Upper Pisang to Brakha, you will pass through Ghyaru (3670m) and Nagwal village (3680m). These villages are valuable for their culture and natural beauty in high altitude.
Overnight in Brakha.
Day 07: Brakha to Manang (3440m) 2-3hrs/2.5km/Optional hike to Ice Lake & Milarpa Cave
In the morning, visit Brakha Gompa, known for its prayer hall with masks, Thangkas, and over 500-year-old statues. Spend 1-2 hours there and hike to Manang, which takes about 3 hours. Optional visits include Milarepa Cave, where the famous monk and singer Milarepa meditated, and Ice Lake, a glacial lake at high altitude (4600m) with a view of the Annapurna range and Tibetan Plateau.
Overnight in Manang.
Day 08: Rest day in Manang, option to explore surrounding monuments
Explore the local village, monasteries, and hike around the local monuments in Manang. If you missed the hike to Ice Lake and Milarepa Cave on the previous day, take the opportunity today. Additional options include visiting Bonzoo Goompa, Praken Gompa (“hundred rupee Monk”), Gangapurna Glacier lake, Chongar viewpoint, and Manang Cultural Museum.
Overnight in Manang.
Day 09: Manang to Chauri Ledar (4200m) 5-6hrs/5km
Trek to Ledar via Yak Kharka. Start trekking from Manang, crossing a stream, climbing to the village of Tenki above Manang, and continuing to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient Mani wall in a meadow and reaches Yak Kharka. From Yak Kharka, it’s a 2-hour uphill hike to Ledar.
Overnight in Ledar.
Day 10: Trek Chauri Leder to Thunang High Camp (4925m) 4-5hrs/ 3.5km
Continue trekking from Chauri Ledar to Thorong Phedi, taking approximately 2 hours. Thorong Phedi is a small busy settlement catering to trekkers and climbers. After lunch at Thorong Phedi, continue trekking for another 1.5 hours to reach High Camp. Staying overnight in High Camp makes it easier to cross Thorong La Pass the next day.
Overnight in High Camp.
Day 11: Trek High Camp to Muktinath (3800m) Via Throngla Pass (5416m) 6-7hrs/7km
Start trekking early in the morning, reaching the climax and beauty of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It will be a lifetime unforgettable experience crossing the famous high pass, Thorong La (5416m). From Thorong La, continue trekking to Muktinath, covering about 9km in approximately 6-7 hours. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Overnight in Muktinath.
Day 12: Muktinath to Jomsom (2720m) 24km/6-7hrs
Enjoy the magnificent view of Dhaulagiri from Muktinath early in the morning while visiting the Muktinath Temple. This is a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus. Holy water flows from the 108 carved spouts surrounding the Vishnu temple. Muktinath is also home to many ethnic Tibetans and Buddhists, demonstrating religious harmony in Nepal. Then, continue descending through Ranipauwa village down the steep to Kagbeni and Jomsom, taking approximately 6-7 hours.
Overnight in Jomsom.
Day 13: Fly Jomsom to Pokhara
In the morning, transfer to the airport for a spectacular 30-minute flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and visit the World Peace Stupa and Fewa Lake, known for their scenic beauty.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 14: Free Day in Pokhara
Enjoy a free day in Pokhara with optional activities, such as paragliding, boating, or simply relaxing at the lakeside area.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu
Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy optional activities, including further sightseeing or shopping.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 16: Departure
Transfer to the international airport by private vehicle according to your flight schedule.
Cost Includes
- All transfers by private vehicle including pick up and drop to airport
- Domestic flight Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu (one way)
- Accommodation as per itinerary (4 star categories hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara) & Guest House/Lodge in Trekking Duration
- Meals: BLD (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek & Breakfast only in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- English Speaking Guide & Porters (1 trekking Guide & 1 porter for 2 trekkers) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging.
- Sightseeing as per itinerary with entrance fees
- All necessary paper work and permits (ACAP /Trekking entry fees).
- Welcome or farewell dinners in Kathmandu
- A comprehensive medical kit
- All government and local taxes
Cost Excludes
- Nepal Visa fees (please bring cash and 2 pp size photos)
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Excess baggage charges (limit is 12kg per person)
- Meals other than listed (lunch and dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara)
- Battery charge, extra porters, mineral water or boiled water & hot shower
- Personal expenses. (Tips, Laundry, Telephone, bar, beverages)
- Travel & rescue Insurance (Recommended)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- All other personal expenses not listed in the included section
Annapurna Circuit Trek – 16 days
