Annapurna Circuit
To the highest pass in the world
Trek Details
The Annapurna Circuit is one of Nepal’s most iconic and varied treks, offering a unique blend of amazing landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and stunning mountain views. The journey starts from green valleys, then climbing up to the himalayan highlands, you will cross one of the world’s highest trekking passes, Thorong La Pass (5,416 m).
This trek offers an immersion into the diverse cultures of the region, from the Tibetan villages of Manang to the sacred pilgrimage sites of Muktinath, a holy site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple here is a revered pilgrimage destination. In the upper valleys, ancient monasteries, high-altitude deserts, and traditional Nepali villages, will provide an unforgettable experience of both natural beauty and spiritual connection.
One of the highlights of the Annapurna Circuit is the close-up views of some of the most breathtaking mountains in the world. Along the Manang valley, you will enjoy panoramic views over the Annapurna range : Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m), Annapurna IV (7,525 m) and Gangapurna (7,455m), Tilicho Peak (7,134m) among others. After crossing Thorong La Pass, you will discover the majestic panorama of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Mustang valley.
Duration from Kathmandu to Kathmandu : 12 days
Trek level : challenging 3/4
It’s good to have previous experience of hiking and/or trekking but a beginner in good condition can do it. You must be able to hike 6 to 8 hours and climb at least 1,000 m (3,300 ft) per day, for several days in a row.
Altitude : 2,610 m - 5,416 m
Distance : 96 km
Accommodation : guesthouses
Positive elevation : 6,500 m / Negative elevation : 6,260 m
Travel tips : Everything you need to know before trekking with us HERE
Cost : From 940 EUR per person (rate based on 4 people minimum).
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Airport transfers - pick up and drop upon arrival and departure
Transportation until the trekking departure point
Trekking permit and TIMS fee
Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara if needed
English or French speaking trekking guide as well as his necessary insurance, accommodation, meals allowance and salary
Supporting staff (porters), as well as their necessary insurance, and accommodation, meals allowance and salary
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - 3 meals per day, tea-coffee, seasonal fruits, and overnight in double rooms in local lodge along the trek
First aid kit box
You can hire our services for your stay in Kathmandu (accommodation, cultural guide and excursions).
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International flight ticket and airport tax
Lunch and dinner during the Kathmandu and other cities’ stay
Travel / medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost
Tips for guide and porter
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks (including cold drinks and mineral water) during the trek
Additional costs due to extra days stay, in case of flight cancellation due to the natural calamities, bad weather and other unforeseen circumstances
Personal trekking gear for the trip
Itinerary
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Early travel to Besisahar from Kathmandu by private jeep or local bus and travel from Besisahar to Chame (2,610 m) by local jeep, that offers a great panorama of central Nepal region and Himalayas. Approx. 10 to 11 hours drive.
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The hike starts with a gentle climb from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300 m), a traditional Tibetan village located on the ridge above the Marsyangdi River. This trail offers both pine and fir forested sections and expansive views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, such as Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu. Approx. 5/6 hours hike, ascending 720 m and descending 100 m.
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The trail climbs steeply through pine forests to the traditional village of Ghyaru, providing one of the most scenic sections of the Circuit, with more and more breathtaking views of Annapurna II, III, and IV. Ghyaru is a beautiful, old Tibetan-style village built into the hillside. After Ghyaru, a quiet hike along the ridge brings you to Ngawal (3,660 m). Approx. 4/5 hours hike, ascending 850 m and descending 460 m.
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This trek is relatively short with scenic and cultural experiences. You will enter into a wide-open valley near Bhraka (3,450 m). The ancient Bhraka Monastery is a key cultural and spiritual site, located on a cliff above the village. The gompa is approximately 900 years old, it is one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in the Manang region. Approx. 3 hours hike, ascending 130 m and descending 350 m.
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After visiting the monastery, we propose an acclimatization hike to Ice Lake or Milarepa Cave. Ice Lake is a stunning high-altitude glacial lake (4,620 m), that offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Milarepa Cave (4,100 m) is a sacred meditation cave located above Bhraka. The famous Tibetan Buddhist poet and saint Milarepa is believed to have meditated here during his journey through the Himalayas in the 11th century. The cave is an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. Approx 6/7 hours hike, ascending and descending 1,150 m (Ice Lake).
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It is a short and easy hike, alongside the Marsyangdi River. Manang (3,540 m) is a key acclimatization stop on the Annapurna Circuit, surrounded by towering peaks like Gangapurna and Annapurna III. You can rest and explore the old village of Manang, its Gompa, mani walls (prayer walls), chortens and the Manang Culture Museum. Approx 1 hour hike, ascending 100 m.
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The trek leaves the wide Manang Valley and gradually ascends in more arid and high-altitude pastures till Yak Kharka (4,050 m). Along the way, you will get closer views of Chulu West (6,419 m) and Chulu East (6,584 m), while views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak continue to dominate the horizon. Approx 4/5 hours hike, ascending 820 m and descending 160 m.
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A relatively short but steep trek through the high-altitude wilderness, with spectacular views of Thorong Peak (6,144 m). During the day you will observe yaks, but also mountain goats and blue sheep (Bharal) along the rocky slopes. Thorong Phedi (4,540 m) is the last stop before the pass. For better acclimatization, we can opt to stay in High Camp (4,800 m), located just above Thorong Phedi. Approx 5-6 hours hike, ascending 760 m and descending 150 m.
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A final ascent before sunrise takes you to the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). From the pass, enjoy a panoramic sunrise over the Annapurna Massif, Thorong Peak, and Dhaulagiri. The descent from the pass is long but rewarding, leading you to the sacred town of Muktinath (3,800 m), where you can visit the Temple and its famous 108 water spouts. Approx 8/9 hours hike, ascending 1,100 m and descending 1,690 m.
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The descent continues through the arid Mustang region, till Kagbeni (2,810 m), a medieval village at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong rivers. Kagbeni is the gateway to Upper Mustang and has a distinctive Tibetan feel, with narrow alleys, mud-brick houses, and prayer wheels. Approx 3/4 hours hike, descending 830 m.
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The trek ends at Kagbeni, then you can reach back Pokhara by flight from Jomosom or continue the trip by local jeep till Pokhara, through typical Thakali villages of Marpha and Tatopani, where you can enjoy natural hotsprings. Approx 7/8 hours drive from Kagbeni by local jeep.
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Back to Kathmandu by flight, private jeep or local bus. Approx. 6 to 8 hours trip (or morning flight).
Gallery
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