Annapurna Circuit
– 12 days
Summary
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a legendary Himalayan journey that circles Mt. Annapurna (8,091m), the 10th highest peak in the world. Over 12 days, trekkers experience breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, alongside pristine peaks such as Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Tilicho, and Nilgiri.
This adventure blends natural grandeur with cultural immersion, passing through Magar, Gurung, and Tamang villages, visiting the sacred temple of Muktinath, and crossing the iconic Thorong La Pass (5,416m). Carefully paced and professionally guided, the itinerary avoids roads wherever possible, ensuring an authentic trekking experience across 160–230 km of trails.
- All airport transfers by private vehicle
- Private ground transportation Kathmandu–Chame / Jomsom–Pokhara–Kathmandu
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu & 1 night in Pokhara (3★ category, BB basis)
- Lodge (teahouse) accommodation during trek on shared basis
- Meals during trek
- Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter support (1 porter for every 2 trekkers; max 25 kg per porter)
- All trekking permits (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit & TIMS)
- Guide and porter wages, meals, accommodation, equipment, and insurance
- Comprehensive trek briefing, route planning, and altitude management
- Travel Himalaya on-ground coordination and safety oversight
- International flights
- Nepal visa fees
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Travel insurance (mandatory; must cover trekking up to 5,416 m and emergency evacuation)
- Personal expenses (hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi, beverages, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities for trekking staff
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you are met by a Travel Himalaya representative and transferred privately to your hotel. The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and orientation.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)
Day 02: Drive Kathmandu to Chame via Besisahar (2,650 m)
- Duration: 9–11 hours (Drive)
- Scenic drive westward to Besisahar, gateway to the Annapurna Circuit. Switch to a 4WD jeep and follow the Marsyangdi River past waterfalls and cliff-side villages before reaching Chame, the administrative center of Manang.
Overnight: Mountain lodge in Chame
Day 03: Trek Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300 m)
- Duration: 5–6 hours (Trek)
- Trek through pine and hemlock forests, crossing suspension bridges. Witness Paungda Danda, a dramatic curved rock face rising 1,500m. Continue to Upper Pisang for panoramic views of Annapurna II and IV.
Overnight at a Lodge in Upper Pisang
Day 04: Trek Pisang to Manang (3,519 m)
- Duration: 5–6 hours (Trek)
- Choose between the lower valley trail or the upper route via Ghyaru, offering spectacular views. Enter the dry rain-shadow region and arrive in bustling Manang.
Overnight at a Lodge in Manang
Day 05: Acclimatization & Exploration in Manang
- Rest Day
- Options include hikes to Gangapurna Lake, a visit to the Himalayan Rescue Association for altitude safety talks, or a climb to Chongkor Viewpoint.
Overnight at a Lodge in Manang
Day 06: Trek Manang to Yak Kharka / Chauri Ledar (4,200 m)
- Duration: 4 hours (Trek)
- Gradual ascent through alpine meadows and juniper forests. Spot Himalayan Blue Sheep and yaks before reaching Yak Kharka/Chauri Ledar.
Overnight at a Lodge
Day 07: Trek Ledar to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m)
- Duration: 3–4 hours (Trek)
- Short trek along the Jarsang Khola to Thorong Phedi, the “Foot of the Pass.” Optional hike to High Camp (4,850m) for the fit.
Overnight at a Lodge in Thorong Phedi
Day 08: Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) to Muktinath (3,760 m)
- Duration: 8–9 hours (Trek)
- Early morning climb to Thorong La Pass, rewarded with 360° views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Descend to the sacred temple complex of Muktinath.
Overnight: Lodge in Muktinath
Day 09: Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720 m)
- Duration: 5 hours (Trek)
- Descend through Mustang’s arid landscapes, passing Jharkot village and entering the Kali Gandaki Valley, the world’s deepest gorge. Arrive in Jomsom, known for strong winds and local apples.
Overnight at a Lodge in Jomsom
Day 10: Jomsom to Pokhara & Relaxation
- As you journey onward, let your eyes wander across the lush terraced fields and quaint rural villages, where life flows gently beside the winding Seti River. Along the way, the distant silhouettes of the Himalayas reveal themselves in fleeting, majestic glimpses. By afternoon, you arrive in Pokhara-welcomed by its serene charm and mountain embrace.
Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara
Day 11: Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Depart for Kathmandu and take the mountain flight back to Kathmandu
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)
Day 12: Kathmandu
Private transfer to the airport for departure, or continuation with an optional extension to another region of Nepal.
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