Annapurna Circuit Trek

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  • 17 days

  • Kathmandu/Kathmandu

  • people

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most diverse and scenic trekking routes in Nepal. The route offers an unparalleled and memorable experience. The route starts with the Marshyangdi Khola river valley and gradually climbs up to the Manang region. The route then climbs over the well-known Thorung La Pass at an altitude of 5,416 m. The route then drops down into the Kali Gandaki Valley, referred to as the deepest gorge in the world.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most scenic and diverse treks in the Himalayas. The route offers breathtaking natural beauty and diversity. The route takes you through the lush green rice fields, forests, waterfalls, and the unique Himalayan desert landscape. The contrast of the green landscape and the arid Himalayan landscape makes the trek unique and exciting.

During the trek, the route passes through several villages. The route offers the opportunity to experience the lifestyle and culture of the people in the region. The changing landscape and the stunning mountain views make the experience exciting and memorable each day of the trek.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is not just a trek in the Himalayas. The route offers the complete Himalayan experience. The route offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure.

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

Itinerary

  • Day 1
    Arrive in Kathmandu

    Your arrival in Kathmandu commences your Annapurna Circuit trekking experience. If the flight is not delayed, the flight itself offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas, providing a first glimpse of the beauty of Nepal.

    Once you arrive at the airport, a representative of Yeti Holidays will receive you and escort you to the hotel. After check-in at the hotel, there will be a general briefing about the upcoming trek and daily activities.

    Meals: None

    Stay: Hotel

  • Day 2
    Sightseeing Tour

    After having breakfast, start off on an organized sightseeing tour around Kathmandu to some of its most significant spiritual places. Visit Pashupatinath Temple, which is one of the most significant shrines devoted to Lord Shiva among all Hindu temples.

    Next, move on to visit Boudhanath Stupa, the biggest Buddhist stupa in Nepal with a serene aura and high spiritual value.

    This is going to be an exciting day that will introduce you to the rich cultural and religious history of Nepal before your trek.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Stay: Hotel

  • Day 3
    Drive to Besisahar (820m)

    Our Annapurna Circuit adventure commences after we enjoy a morning meal and then start our drive from Kathmandu. From here, we drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and thereafter travel on an adventurous road that follows the Marshyangdi river.

    The journey takes us about six hours, after which we reach Besisahar (820m).

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

    Stay: Local Lodge

  • Day 4
    Walk from Besisahar to Khudi (790 m)

    This day heralds the beginning of your Annapurna Circuit trek as you depart from Besisahar and walk to Khudi. You will have a chance to see the beautiful scenery that awaits as your trail descends to Pam Khola and then ascends to Denauti village, which is a typical Nepali village.

    Your trek continues by walking along the Marshyangdi river and crossing paddy fields as well as a sub-tropical forest, until you reach Khudi Khola where you finally reach the beautiful Gurung village of Khudi (790 m).

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    Stay: Local Lodge

  • Day 5
    Trek to Bhaundanda (1310m).

    Begin your trek by heading north through the beautiful Marshyangdi Valley, leaving Khudi behind as you gradually ascend into the stunning Annapurna region. Along the way, cross a suspension bridge and follow trails lined with terraced rice fields, offering panoramic views of Manaslu and mesmerizing cascading waterfalls.

    As the trail climbs higher, pass through Ngadi village, where you can take a short break and enjoy local teahouses and shops. Continue your journey on a rewarding uphill trail toward Bahundanda, a charming hilltop settlement whose name translates to “Brahmin Hill,” reflecting its traditional heritage.

    This day’s trek combines natural beauty, cultural encounters, and moderate adventure, making it a memorable start to your Annapurna trekking experience.

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

    Stay: Local Lodge

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

    The path from Bahundanda drops sharply, passing through terraced paddy fields and crossing a stream that ends in a waterfall. It then climbs up, winding through the hillsides above the Marshyangdi River, before arriving at the picturesque Hani Gaon village.

    When the Marshyangdi Valley begins to narrow into a deep V-shaped gorge, the route takes you downhill to Syange village, following the course of the river. Then comes the demanding climb up the rock face that is around 200-300 meters above the river level. Finally, you arrive at Jagat, a pretty stone village jutting out into the valley.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    Stay: Local Lodge

  • Day 7
    Hike to Dharapani (1920 m)

    The trek begins from Jagat where the track starts by going down to the river and through thick forests until it reaches a very steep climb up a cliff face overlooking the river. Along the way, there is a village called Chyamje located near the Annapurna mountains.

    Thereafter, one crosses a hanging bridge then starts climbing a very steep track through rocks, descending into grassy areas by the river and ends up at Tal. Further still, one follows rugged and windy tracks passing by forests and a village called Karte until you get to Dharapani after crossing a hanging bridge.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Stay: Local Lodge

  • Day 8
    Walk to Chame (2630 m)

    The trail from the last village goes around small fields on the banks of the Dudh Khola, which springs from the southern flank of Manaslu, as the Marshyangdi River bends to its left. Your first point of interest is Bagarchhap, an old Bhotia settlement with beautiful prayer flags waving in the wind and a distant view of Annapurna II.

    Moving forward, your path takes you through pine and oak forests, the village of Dhanakyu, and a powerful waterfall. When the Marshyangdi River enters the gorge, the track becomes rocky, giving you a chance to marvel at the majestic beauty of Manaslu. Following that, the walk leads you through rhododendron forests, a river crossing, and a pine forest until finally, you reach the village of Kotho, which offers breathtaking views of Annapurna II.

    The trail then leads to Chame, which serves as the headquarters of the district of Manang, and the place boasts of all amenities including electricity, radio station, schools, shop, clinic, post office, police checkpoint, hotels, lodges, and banks. The thermal springs at this place make for a good attraction point as well.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    Stay: Local Lodge

  • Day 9
    Walk to Pisang (3190 m)

    Starting off with the magnificent morning views of Lamjung Himal (6893 m), we start walking to Pisang. This walk takes us across a huge suspension bridge spanning the Marshyangdi River and passing through villages and tea shops on its northern banks. We move ahead through the barley fields, reaching Teleku (2775 m).

    This route takes us past apple groves and bridges at 2840 m, taking us towards Bratang village, which was once a Khampa settlement and now has a stone shrine dedicated to a Japanese mountaineer. Our route becomes a U-shaped valley, where we see the Annapurna mountain range.

    Moving further along steeper routes, we cross another long suspension bridge at an elevation of 3040 m. On our way, we can get amazing views of the Paungda Danda rock jutting up from the river by more than 1500 m.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

    Stay: Local Lodge

    Annapurna Mountain

  • Day 10
    Walking to Manang (3520 m)

    Walking from Pisang, we traverse a ridge where we will enjoy beautiful scenery of Manang Valley and Tilicho Peak (7132 m). We descend down the slopes until we arrive at Hongde Village below the northern-eastern face of Annapurna III.

    Our walk takes us through the Sabje Khola Valley where we can admire the magnificent sight of Annapurna IV (7525 m). On our walk to Manang, after crossing the bridge over the Marshyangdi River, we visit Mungji and Bryaga which have a beautiful monastery.

    We then get to Manang where we are treated to breathtaking views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna (7455 m), and Tilicho Peak (7134 m).

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

    Stay: Local Lodge

  • Day 11
    Rest Day in Manang

    Today will be a rest and acclimatization day in Manang, prior to the arduous Thorung La pass crossing. There are options for a gentle walk through the village and viewing the beautiful ice falls of glaciers, as well as enjoying the scenic mountain views around the Annapurna and Manang region.

    Visit to the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) health post is an informative activity as well as a short trip. Lodge overnight.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

    Stay: Local Lodge

  • Day 12
    Walk to Letdar (4250m)

    After complete acclimatization, we start walking from Manang to Thorung La Pass. We will walk through the marshes, ascend to Tengi, which is 120 meters higher than Manang, and follow the Marshyangdi Valley north-westwards up the Jarsang Khola.

    We walk through alpine pastures and juniper scrub forests until we reach the small village of Gunsang (3960m), with flat roofs made of mud. On our way, we see yaks and horses grazing, cross rivers, and finally reach Letdar (4250m).

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    Stay: Local Lodge

  • Day 13
    Walk from Letdar to Thorung Phedi (4500m)

    We start the walk from Letdar as we climb up to the ridge and after descending down, we cross the Marshyangdi River through a wooden bridge covered by bamboo slabs to reach Thorung Phedi (4500M), which is the base camp of Thorung La Pass.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    Stay: Local Lodge

  • Day 14
    Walk to Muktinath (3800m)

    Today we begin our walk early and continue until crossing Thorung La Pass (5416M). The route is initially steep and clearly marked, as it has been used for many years by the locals. After walking for four hours, we reach Thorung La Pass, where we will find several chortens and prayer flags and enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks, the Kali Gandaki Valley, and Mustang Hills. We then begin descending to Muktinath (3800M) from the Thorung La Pass through a distance of 1600 meters, with magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and alpine moraines.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Stay: Local Lodge

  • Day 15
    Hike to Jomsom (271m)

    In today’s hike, we make our way through the picturesque Kali Gandaki Valley. Our path winds through dry areas that seem like Tibet. We pass through the villages of Jharkot and Khingar, which have beautiful buildings typical of Tibetan architecture. Our walk takes us along the river bed of the Kali Gandaki with stunning views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains. We arrive at Jomsom, which is a big town on either side of the Kali Gandaki, after about 3 hours.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    Stay: Local Lodge

  • Day 16
    Trip to Kathmandu by Car (210 km/ 6-7hrs)

    You'll have an early morning flight from the capital to Pokhara airport. This will be an amazing flight above Kali Gandaki Gorge, and there you get great views of both Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. When you arrive at Pokhara domestic airport, then our representative will assist you.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Stay: Hotel

  • Day 17
    Final Departure

    After breakfast at the hotel drive Airport for final departure. We ensure that you will leave Kathmandu with cherishing memory and an experience of a lifetime. Our representative will drive you to the airport in time for your flight back home.

    Meals: Breakfast

Map

What's Included

  • Support from our representative at the airport on arrival and departure.
  • Transfer to and from the airport, as specified in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu for 03 nights on BB basis.
  • Trekking arrangements for 14 days on AP basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
  • Sirdar and porters as specified in the itinerary.
  • Payroll cost for Sirdar and porters and their insurance.
  • Cost of ACAP permit for Annapurna Conservation Area Project.
  • Land transfer cost: Kathmandu-Besisahar and Pokhara-Kathmandu via private vehicle.
  • Sightseeing tours and transfers according to the itinerary by A/C vehicle.
  • Entrance fees for monuments as specified in the itinerary.
  • English-speaking local guide as specified in the itinerary.
  • Mineral water bottles in the car for the duration of the trip.
  • All applicable taxes including service tax.
Not Included
  • Cost of international flights.
  • Beverages, i.e., soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, etc. It will be cheaper for us to charge you for all beverages depending on how much you consume.
  • Meals, except while trekking.
  • Personal costs, including laundry costs, phone calls, etc.
  • The Cost does not cover: unusual increase in fuel cost, additional taxes imposed on hotels and means of transport or increase in entrance fee costs. Any unusual taxes or additional charges must be paid separately with advance notice.
  • Other costs which are not included in the list of costs covered.
  • Travelers' insurance.
  • Tips.

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.