Gongabu, Kathmandu, Nepal
+977-9841409994
info@earthmtreks.com.np
Earth Matter Treks & Expedition Nepal

  • Destination

    Nepal

  • Regions

    Annapurna

  • Activity

    Trekking/Hiking

  • Accomodation

    Hotel (Kathmandu) / Local Teahouses (Trek)

  • Transportation

    Flight/Drive

  • Duration

    15 Days

  • Trip Grade

    Moderate

  • Altitude

    5,416m

  • Best Season

    March-May & Sept-Nov

  • Start/End Point

    Pokhara to Pokhara

Destination Region Activity Accomodation Transportation
Nepal Annapurna Trekking/Hiking Hotel (Kathmandu) / Local Teahouses (Trek) Flight/Drive
Duration Trip Grade Altitude Best Season Start/End Point
15 Days Moderate 5,416m March-May & Sept-Nov Pokhara to Pokhara

Trip Overview

The Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the most popular long-distance hikes in Nepal, offering spectacular views of the Annapurna massif. The path goes around the entire mountain range, starting and ending in the valleys of the subtropical green Marsyangdi River. From here, the trail gradually climbs up terraced fields, waterfalls, and pine forests. Turning to the south, the traveler finds himself in a completely different desert-like world of high altitudes. Coming out of the mountainous culmination of Annapurna Circuit, the traveler will see massive glaciers of Annapurna II, III, and IV, as well as Gangapurna.

 

On the way, the trekker can get acquainted with the ancient culture of the local people living in the mountainous areas of Nepal. Passing through Gurung, Magar, and Manangi villages, they will be able to see traditional farming life and ancient Buddhist monasteries with their ceremonial stone chortens. A stay in mountainous tea houses will allow the traveler to rest and taste authentic mountain hospitality. Tea houses in Nepal are usually heated with wood, so it will help to warm up after a long hike. Local cuisine prepared by mountain people is also very (delicious) and customizable.

 

The highlight of the Annapurna Circuit trekking is the passage of the Thorong La pass, which is located at an altitude of 5,416 meters above sea level. It is the longest and most difficult part of the route. However, the effort will be well worth off on a clear day when the trekker sees the magnificent view over the Himalayas towards Mustang. It will be possible to see the glaciers, peaks, and valleys of the mountain system.

 

The descent from Thorong La pass leads through the Muktinath Valley, nestled in the heart of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, which is recognized as one of the deepest gorges in the world. Thus, the Annapurna Circuit trek is a spectacular mountain experience that takes about two weeks.

Trip Highlights

  • Walk through rapidly changing terrain, moving from lush subtropical forests and terraced fields into the dry, windswept high-altitude desert of upper Manang.
  • Stand in awe of giant 8,000-meter peaks, with close-up views of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and the sharp spire of Machhapuchhre throughout the trail.
  • Immerse yourself in authentic mountain traditions, passing carved stone chortens, fluttering prayer flags, and historic Buddhist monasteries in Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi villages.
  • Discover sacred spiritual ground at Muktinath, a peaceful pilgrimage site surrounded by 108 stone water spouts and natural gas flames burning beside alpine walls.
  • Hike through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest river canyons on Earth, squeezed between the giant walls of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
  • Unwind every evening in cozy, wood-heated teahouse dining rooms, sharing warm home-cooked meals and hot tea with fellow trekkers and local hosts.

Itinerary

  • Our team will pick you up from Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in central Kathmandu. After checking in, you can rest after your flight or take a relaxed walk around Thamel to get oriented. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • We spend today running through the route details, going over daily distances, and reviewing safety guidelines for high-altitude trekking. We will check over your gear list together to ensure you have proper cold-weather layers and footwear. If you are missing any essential items like down jackets, sleeping bags, or trekking poles, you'll have plenty of time during the day to buy or rent them in Thamel. In the evening, you can walk around Thamel, try local food, and relax before starting the drive tomorrow. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • Drive duration: 6 hours | Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
  • We leave Kathmandu early in the morning for a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers to Besisahar. After arriving at the trailhead, we lace up our boots and begin hiking along the Marsyangdi River valley. The trail leads past subtropical forests, terraced fields, and small river villages before arriving in Dharapani. Overnight stay in Dharapani.

  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • Leaving Dharapani, the trail climbs steadily through pine and fir forests, following the roaring river upward into the district of Manang. As we gain elevation, the landscape sharpens, and we get our first views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal towering above the valley. We end the day in Chame, the administrative headquarters of Manang district. Overnight stay in Chame.

  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • Today we hike through deep oak and pine woods, passing the impressive curved rock face of Paungda Danda rising sheer above the river. As the valley opens up, the climate turns noticeably drier and colder. We make a short, final climb up to Upper Pisang, an ancient stone-built village offering sweeping, up-close views of Annapurna II and Annapurna IV. Overnight stay in Upper Pisang.

  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
  • We take the scenic high route today through the stone villages of Ghyaru and Ngawal. Walking along high ridge paths gives us unmatched panoramas across the entire Annapurna range and Gangapurna. The trail gradually descends into the dry, windswept valley floor, leading us into Manang, the main cultural hub of the upper region. Overnight stay in Manang.

  • A full dedicated rest day to let our bodies adapt to the higher altitude before moving above 4,000 meters. After breakfast, we take an acclimatization hike up to the Gangapurna Lake viewpoint or Chongkor viewpoint for views over the glacier. The afternoon is free to rest, browse local teahouses, or attend the daily high-altitude safety lecture held in the village. Overnight stay in Manang.

  • Hiking time: 4 hours
  • Leaving Manang, the trail climbs gradually out of the valley, moving beyond the treeline into high alpine terrain. We cross small streams and walk past open pastures where yaks graze against barren mountain slopes. A steady walk brings us to Yak Kharka, where we take it easy for the rest of the afternoon to conserve energy. Overnight stay in Yak Kharka.

  • Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
  • Today is a short but deliberate hike to prepare for the high pass. The trail follows the edge of the Jarsang Khola stream before crossing a suspension bridge and climbing a steep, narrow path below scree slopes. We arrive at Thorong Phedi by lunch, leaving the afternoon open to rest early, hydrate, and prepare our gear for tomorrow's big climb. Overnight stay in Thorong Phedi.

  • Hiking time: 8 to 10 hours
  • We wake up before dawn to begin the long, steady ascent up Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), the highest point of the trek. Walking slowly on icy stone trails, we reach the top marked with prayer flags and huge panoramas across the snow-capped Himalayan crest into Mustang. After taking photos at the pass, we make a long downhill descent over rocky slopes into the sacred temple village of Muktinath. Overnight stay in Muktinath.

  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • In the morning, we visit the sacred Muktinath Temple before walking down through arid, desert-like hills to the historic village of Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. From Kagbeni, we follow the wide, windy valley floor of the Kali Gandaki River—famous for ancient ammonite fossils (Shaligrams)—until we arrive in Jomsom. Overnight stay in Jomsom.

  • Flight duration: 20 minutes | Drive duration: 6 to 7 hours
  • After breakfast, we board a scenic early-morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, flying between the massive peak walls of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri (or take a private drive along the Kali Gandaki highway if flights are affected by wind). Upon arrival in Pokhara, we transfer to our hotel near Phewa Lake, where you can rest, enjoy a hot shower, and relax along the lakeside cafes. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

  • Drive duration: 6 to 7 hours
  • We board our private vehicle for the scenic drive back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli River. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the evening free to shop or relax in Thamel. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • A full dedicated day to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the city, including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner with our team to celebrate your journey. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • After breakfast, our team will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. This is the end of your Annapurna Circuit trekking adventure. Thank you for trekking with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Nepal for another adventure soon. Safe travels!

Cost Inclusion/Exclusion

Cost Inclusion

  • Airport Pick up and Drop off by private vechile
  • Four nights accommodation in Kathmandu BB plan
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trekking days, along with cup of tea or coffee with every meal.
  • If and when available, fresh fruit will be provided
  • One Experience Trekking guide & one porter per 2 trekkers
  • Private vehicle for Kathmandu–Besisahar drive and Pokhara–Kathmandu drive.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card.
  • Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide and porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers) to carry your main luggage.
  • All accommodation during the trek (attached bathrooms where available)
  • Staff insurance, meals, accommodations, equipement, transportation, etc.

Cost Exclusion

  • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu/Pokhara
  • Personal Equipment for Trekking.
  • Personal Insurance, personal expenses, loss of property, theft, etc.
  • Emergency rescue evacuation
  • Sightseeing costs in the city. (Temples, monasteries, etc.).
  • All beverages, snack, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, Wi-Fi, etc.
  • Tips for your guide, porters, and drivers at the end of the trip as a gesture of thanks.

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