Trip Overview
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Destination: Nepal
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Max Elevation: 5,416 m
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Best Season: Spring / Autumn
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Total Duration: 14 days, 13 nights
Tighten the lace of your trekking boots, pick up your bag and embark on a journey through spectacular trekking routes, lush green valleys and fascinating villages! The Annapurna mountain ranges beacon you to come closer!
This circuit trek takes us around the entire Annapurna massif, reaching the pinnacle of Thorang La Pass (5,416m) and completing the full circle via Muktinath region. This trekking also helps us get acquainted with the diverse Nepali culture while immersing ourselves in the serenity of breathtaking landscapes. Find out why it’s ranked among the world’s top 10 trekking destinations!
Trip Highlights
- Remote settlements
- Trekking along Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
- Stunning views of the great Himalayas
- Amazing landscapes
- Diverse flora and fauna
Itinerary
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- Day 01: Arrival in Katmandu (1,337m)
After you land at Tribhuwan International Airport in Katmandu, you will be received by our representatives who will then assist you to transfer to your hotel. After check-in, we will have a short briefing of your trek. Remaining time is free for independent activities. You can relax or have an evening stroll around the city for your own leisure.
O/N: Hotel
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- Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation
While our staff prepares your trek permits, we will take a tour of Kathmandu. This ancient city has lots of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will first visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, which used to be the palace of the rulers of the ancient Kathmandu. We will then take you to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. Next we will visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest unique stupas in the world. Take some time to immerse yourself in the spiritual vibes of Boudhanath after which we will head back to the hotel. You will then meet your guide for trek briefing.
O/N: Hotel
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- Day 03: Drive to Chame (2,630m) via Besisahar – Approx. 11 hrs
Leaving the comfort of Kathmandu, we will drive to Besisahar via Prithivi Highway and then drive further to Chame, the headquarters of Manang district. The road is rough and rocky after Besisahar. But the waterfalls along the road, noise of fast-flowing Marsyangdi River and stunning view of Mt. Annapurna II will make us feel that the long drive to Chame is totally worth it.
O/N: Lodge
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- Day 04: Trek to Upper Pisang (3,300m) – Approx. 6 hrs
Time to move our restless legs! Finally we begin our exciting trekking, exploring the exotic and rugged mountainous topography of Manang. We will pass through green pastures and meadows to the sounds of deep gorges and Marsyangdi River along the forested trails. We will get past Bhartang, Dhukur Pokhari and Lower Pisang to finally reach today’s destination Upper Pisang.
O/N: Lodge
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- Day 05: Trek to Ngawal (3,680m) – Approx. 6 hrs
After exiting Upper Pisang through mani-wall gate, the first challenge is to make it to the village of Ghyaru by climbing the infamous steep hill. It is very draining but the views in Ghyaru certainly make it worth the effort. And the apples and apple pies served in this village is absolutely delicious! Walking towards Ngawal village is fairly easy after that although the thinner air could tire us really fast.
O/N: Lodge
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- Day 06: Trek to Manang (3,550m) – Approx. 5 hrs
Today’s journey give us a slight decrease in elevation and it is a lot easier on legs. We will first reach Humde and then Braka before reaching Manang – our final destination of today. Herd of yaks, beautiful scenery, steep hills on each side and snow-capped peaks makes our today’s destinations memorable. Manang is a happening town and you are free to explore it in the evening.
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- Day 07: Acclimatization and exploration of Manang
We are excited to continue our trek but let’s take it slow! We will rest in Manang to get properly accustomed with the high altitude and avoid altitude sickness. We can spend the day taking walks around the village and simply exploring. It is also an option to take side trip to the nearby Ice Lake and return to our lodge at the end of the day.
O/N: Lodge
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- Day 08: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,110m) – Approx. 5 hrs
We will set off to Yak Karka following the famous trail heading up Thorong La Pass. Gunsang village, which is the only settlement between Manang and Yak Kharka, is ideal for a snack or tea. Moving on, travelers will be amazed exploring the diverse flora and fauna of Manang-Yak Kharka area. We can spot deer, blue sheep and other wildlife of Annapurna Conservation Area along the trekking trails, which multiples the beauty and delight of the trek.
O/N: Lodge
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- Day 09: Trek to Thorang High Camp (4,600m) – Approx. 6 hrs
We will take a relaxed walking approach at a slow pace to avoid the effects of altitude sickness. A quiet walk through quiet trail through relatively flat fields will get us to our first destination Thorang Phedi, which is the lower base camp of Thorang La Pass. The four hour walk through sparse nomadic villages to Phedi offers some of the most stunning mountain views. From there, we still have two more hours of steep climbing to finally reach today’s destination of Thorang High Camp.
O/N: Lodge
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- Day 10: Trek to Muktinath (3,710m) via Thorang La Pass (5,416m) – Approx. 9 hrs
We will start our trek from early in the morning to proceed slowly and safely. Get ready for a long and tough ascend. Yet, the stunning panoramic scenery all the way over the pass is worth all the efforts. The view of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Tukche peak (6,920m) is totally mesmerizing! It follows steep descend towards Muktinath Temple which is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Muktinath, the temple devoted to Lord Vishnu, literally means the god of salvation.
O/N: Lodge
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- Day 11: Trek to Kagbeni (2,804m) – Approx. 6 hrs
Today’s destination Kagbeni is the gateway to upper Mustang and situated at the junction of Jhong Khola and Kali Gandaki River. As we continue our journey towards Kagbeni, the landscape becomes more and more arid with decreasing altitude. After reaching our destination Kagbeni, it is worth exploring this fascinating village which, a home to many ancient monasteries and traditional practices.
O/N: Lodge
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- Day 12: Trek to Marpha (2,670m) – Approx. 5 hrs
We will follow the Kali Gandaki valley south towards Jomsom and walk along the dusty road. The trekking trail is flat, easy and gradually downward. Be warned that it is a very windy area as the wind literally howls. This ancient settlement of Marpha is renowned for its apple and is often called the ‘apple capital of Nepal’. Do not miss the apples while you are here!
O/N: Lodge
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- Day 13: Drive to Pokhara – Approx. 10 hrs
After breakfast, we will drive 4 hours to reach Tatopani on our way to Pokhara. From there, Pokhara is another 6 hours’ drive away. We will this whole day through bus in off road. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara.
O/N: Hotel
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- Day 14: Flight to Kathmandu, departure
We will take a morning flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Depending on your international flight schedule, you can spend some time visiting nearby places or shopping in preparation for departure. We will drive you to Tribhuwan International Airport two hours prior your flight time. And comes the final departure with lots of memories.
Included in the Cost
- Airport pickups and drops
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu
- Meals and accommodation in Kathmandu as per the itinerary
- Bottled water
- Related trekking permits
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
Not included in the cost
- International flights
- Nepali visa fee
- Extra day/night meals and accommodation in Kathmandu than the scheduled itinerary
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, hard or soft drinks, laundry service, trekking gears etc.)
- Tips
Sharable expenses (shared among the number of people in trekking groups)
- Experienced and licensed English-speaking guide
- Porter service
- Transportation (jeep and domestic flights)
