Annapurna Circuit Trek

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  • 17 days

  • Kathmandu/Kathmandu

  • people

The legendary Annapurna Circuit is one of the world’s most rewarding trekking adventures, offering an unforgettable journey through diverse landscapes, traditional Himalayan villages, and breathtaking mountain scenery. This 17-day trekking experience in the heart of Nepal combines natural beauty, cultural immersion, and high-altitude adventure into one remarkable expedition.

The trek begins from the lush subtropical valleys along the Marshyangdi River and gradually ascends through terraced farmlands, pine forests, waterfalls, and charming Gurung and Tibetan-influenced settlements. As trekkers move deeper into the Annapurna Conservation Area, the scenery dramatically changes from green hills to the rugged alpine landscapes of Manang and the Himalayan rain shadow region.

One of the major highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is crossing the iconic Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416 meters. This thrilling mountain pass offers spectacular panoramic views of snow-capped giants including Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and several other Himalayan peaks. Reaching the top of Thorong La is a proud achievement for trekkers from around the world.

After crossing the pass, the trail descends into the sacred pilgrimage town of Muktinath Temple and continues through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, considered the deepest gorge in the world. The region’s unique blend of Buddhist and Hindu culture, ancient monasteries, prayer flags, and traditional mountain lifestyles creates an enriching cultural experience throughout the journey.

The 17-day Annapurna Circuit Trek is ideal for adventure seekers looking for a complete Himalayan trekking experience with diverse terrain, authentic local culture, and extraordinary mountain views. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a passionate traveler seeking a once-in-a-lifetime journey, this trek delivers unmatched beauty and adventure in every step.

Experience the magic of the Himalayas with the Annapurna Circuit Trek and discover why it remains one of Nepal’s most iconic trekking routes.

This is a polished, SEO-optimized version of your 17-day Annapurna Circuit itinerary. It retains the evocative descriptions and technical details while improving flow, formatting, and keyword density for travelers looking for an immersive Himalayan experience.

Minimum 02 pax sharing: Cost US$ 1335 per person.

Itinerary

  • Day 1
    Arrive in Kathmandu – A Panoramic Welcome

    Meals: None

    Your journey begins with a panoramic thrill as you fly into Kathmandu. On a clear day, the sight of snow-capped peaks sprawling beneath you is ecstatic, signaling the start of a life-changing adventure. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Yeti Holidays and a private driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel. After a smooth check-in, you will attend a briefing regarding your daily activities and trekking logistics.

    Overnight at Hotel.

  • Day 2
    Kathmandu Sightseeing – Pashupatinath & Bouddhanath

    Meals: Breakfast

    Explore the spiritual heart of Nepal through two UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

    Pashupatinath Temple: The most sacred Hindu shrine in Nepal. This two-tiered pagoda temple stands 23.6 meters high, adorned with silver-plated doors and gold-painted guardian deities. The sanctum houses the four-faced chaturmukha linga of Lord Pashupati.

    Bouddhanath Stupa: One of the world’s largest stupas and a center of Tibetan culture. Standing 36 meters tall, its mandala design mirrors the Gyangtse monastery in Tibet. Surrounded by gompas and curio shops, the stupa remains a site of great veneration and ancient trade history.

    Overnight at Hotel.

  • Day 3
    Drive to Besi Sahar (820m)

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

    After breakfast, we depart Kathmandu for a 6-hour drive along the Marshyangdi River. Passing through low-lying villages and vibrant rice fields, we reach Besi Sahar, the capital of the Lamjung District. This bustling town serves as the gateway to our trekking adventure.

    Overnight at Local Lodge.

  • Day 4
    Trek to Khudi (790m)

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    The trek officially begins as we descend toward the Pam Khola. After crossing the stream, we ascend to the village of Denauti, witnessing authentic Nepali village life. The trail continues through subtropical forests and paddy fields along the banks of the Marshyangdi Khola until we reach the Gurung village of Khudi.

    Overnight at Local Lodge.

  • Day 5
    Trek to Bahundanda (1,310m)

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

    Heading north up the valley, the Annapurna range begins to reveal its majesty. The trail offers breathtaking views of Manaslu and several cascading waterfalls. After a brief rest in Ngadi, we tackle a challenging uphill climb to Bahundanda (Brahmin Hill), a scenic settlement perched high above the valley.

    Overnight at Local Lodge.

  • Day 6
    Journey to Jagat (1,290 m)

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    The trail descends through rice fields and waterfalls before climbing back up to traverse the hillside high above the river. At Syange, the valley forms a dramatic V-shape. We navigate paths cut directly into sheer cliff-faces—200 to 300 meters above the riverbed—before arriving at the stone village of Jagat.

    Overnight at Local Lodge.

  • Day 7
    Trek to Dharapani (1,920m)

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    We trek through lush forests and along sharp-edged cliffs toward Chyamje, framed by towering peaks. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb the slippery, rock-strewn path to Sattale and descend to the sandy banks of Tal. The day concludes in Dharapani after a trek through waterfalls and cliffs.

    Overnight at Local Lodge.

  • Day 8
    Walk to Chame (2630 m)

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    As we ascend through pine and oak forests, Annapurna II becomes visible. We pass through the Bhotia village of Bagarchhap, where colorful prayer flags flutter in the breeze. After exploring the pristine hamlet of Kotho, we enter Chame, the administrative headquarters of Manang, famous for its relaxing natural hot springs.

    Overnight at Local Lodge.

  • Day 9
    Trek to Pisang (3,190m)

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

    The morning offers a glowing view of Lamjung Himal. The trail leads through barley fields and the historic Khampa settlement of Bratang. As the valley transitions into a gentle U-shape, the Paungda Danda rock face rises 1,500m from the river. We cross a long suspension bridge to reach Pisang, with spectacular views of Annapurna II.

    Overnight at Local Lodge.

    Annapurna Mountain

  • Day 10
    Trek to Manang (3,520m)

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

    We trek along a steep ridge with views of the Manang valley and Tilicho Peak (7,132m). Passing the Hongde airstrip and the village of Mungji, we visit the ancient monastery at Bryaga. Upon reaching Manang, the panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna are truly unparalleled.

    Overnight at Local Lodge.

  • Day 11
    Acclimatization Day in Manang

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

    To prepare for the high-altitude crossing of Thorung La, we spend the day acclimatizing. You may stroll to the river to witness the massive ice-fall cascading from the peaks or visit the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) aid post to learn about high-altitude safety.

    Overnight at Local Lodge.

  • Day 12
    Trek to Letdar (4,250m)

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    The trail turns northwest up the Jarsang Khola valley. We leave the lush vegetation behind, moving into scrub juniper and alpine grasses. As we pass Gunsang, keep an eye out for yaks and horses grazing in the high-altitude meadows beneath the shadows of Chulu West.

    Overnight at Local Lodge.

  • Day 13
    Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,500m)

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    We climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi. After crossing a wooden bridge, we navigate a narrow, unstable trail across a steep slope to reach Thorung Phedi, the base of the high pass.

    Overnight at Local Lodge.

  • Day 14
    Over the Thorung La Pass (5,416m) to Muktinath

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    The day begins before dawn for the ultimate challenge: crossing the Thorung La Pass. After 4 hours of steady climbing, we reach the chorten and prayer flags at the summit. The descent of 1,600m offers incredible views of Dhaulagiri and the purple hills of Mustang before we reach the sacred shrines of Muktinath.

    Overnight at Local Lodge.

  • Day 15
    Trek to Jomsom (2,713m)

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    We descend into the dramatic, arid landscape of the Kali Gandaki valley—a region that closely resembles Tibet. We pass through the ancient villages of Jharkot and Khingar before reaching Jomsom, a large town sprawled along the riverbanks, framed by Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.

    Overnight at Local Lodge.

  • Day 16
    Flight to Pokhara & Return to Kathmandu

    Meals: Breakfast

    An early morning flight takes us through the world's deepest gorge, providing a spectacular bird's-eye view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After landing in Pokhara, we are met by our representative and begin the scenic drive back to Kathmandu.

    Overnight at Hotel.

  • Day 17
    Final Departure

    Your Himalayan odyssey concludes today. After breakfast, a representative will drive you to the airport in time for your flight home. You leave Nepal with cherished memories and the profound experience of having completed one of the world's greatest treks.

    Meals: Breakfast

Map

What's Included

  • Assistance by our representative at the airport on arrival and departure.
  • Necessary airport transfer as per the itinerary.
  • 03 Nights’ accommodation in 3-star Hotel in Kathmandu on BB plan.
  • 14 Days local lodge trek arrangements on AP plan (lunch, dinner and breakfast).
  • Trek Sirdar and necessary porters as per the itinerary.
  • Wages for Sirdar and porters and their insurance.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project fee
  • Surface transfers Kathmandu-Besisahar & Pokhara-Kathmandu by private vehicle.
  • Sightseeing tours and transfers as per the itinerary using A/C vehicle.
  • Monumental entrance fees as per the itinerary.
  • Local English Speaking guide as per the itinerary.
  • Water bottles in the vehicle throughout the tour.
  • All currently applicable taxes including Service tax.
Not Included
  • International airfares.
  • Any beverages including soft drinks, alcoholic drinks etc. unless otherwise specified. It is more cost effective for us to bill you for all beverages based on actual consumption.
  • Any Meals except on trek.
  • Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls etc.
  • The prices do not include: undue escalation in fuel prices, new taxes levies on hotels and transportation services or any hikes in entrance fees. Any large tax hikes and new levies shall be payable extra and shall be billed accordingly with prior notice.
  • Any other items not mentioned in the cost inclusion section.
  • Personal insurance.
  • Tipping.

Do's & Don'ts

NHV next heartily welcomes all of our valued guests. Either you are trekking in the mountains or touring the Kathmandu valley we suggest you that you treat the land and its people with care and respect. Below are some tips on how you can keep the environment clean and show appreciation for age-old culture and traditional religious beliefs. Nepal's Culture might be astonishing and surprising for newcomers therefore these tips are sometimes necessary.

  • To show gratitude and respect, use both of your hands rather than one when giving or receiving something, even money. It’s seen as a gesture of respect.
  • Remember not to point with a single finger but use a flat extended hand especially to indicate a sacred object or place.
  • Among Hindus, avoid touching women and holy men. In Nepal, people especially women, do not normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press palms together in a prayer-like gesture known as "Namaste" greeting is preferable.
  • Do not eat with your left hand.
  • Never eat beef in front of Hindus and Buddhist because beef is strictly prohibited among both Hindus and Buddhists. Cows are sacred in Nepal.
  • Try not to step over or point your feet at another person, a sacred place or a heart.
  • Remove your shoes when entering a home, temple or monastery and leather items in Hindu temples and avoid smoking and wearing scant dress in religious settings.
  • Remember, some of the temples entrance may be prohibited for non-Hindus.
  • It is better not to touch offerings or persons when they are on way to shrines, especially if you are non-Hindu.
  • Do not offer food to a Nepalese after tasting it, nor eat from a common pot, and avoid touching your lips to a shared drinking vessel.
  • The sight of men holding hands is common, but men and women holding hands, and general acts of affection, are frowned upon. Do not do something that is totally alien to Nepalese culture.
  • Do walk around Stupas clockwise, so that the outer walls are always on your right. If you encounter a stone wall covered with Tibetan inscriptions, do the same: Walk past with the wall on your right (and don't take any of the stones).
  • Do not lose your cool. Raising your voice or shouting is seen as extremely bad manners in Nepal too and will only make any problem worse.
  • Do get a receipt of in authenticity when purchasing an antique replica. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to take it out of the country. And do not buy ivory or fur from endangered species. Your purchases encourage the trade in such illegal goods, and you would not be allowed to bring them back home anyway.
  • Do not give in to children who ask for just one rupee. Although a rupee is a small amount that anyone can spare, successful begging leads young children to drop out of school and take up panhandling as their trade. If you want to help, give to a trustworthy charity or a school.
  • Do not take photographs of locals, holy shrines and temples unless they have clearly given their consent.