Book this 15-day private trip for 2 people from just USD $1,279 per person!
Annapurna Circuit Trek Overview
Trek the Annapurna Circuit with us and enjoy amazing and diverse landscapes, which have grown in popularity over the years. This trek is now more accessible than ever, since part of the original trail has been replaced with a road. Yet there’s only one way to see the lush forests, medieval mountain villages, the desert wilderness of Mustang, and to cross the highest (non-motorable) pass in the world – the mighty Thorong La! We design our itineraries to avoid the road and make the most of the trail.
The Annapurna Circuit is moderate in most places, yet with a very strenuous climb up to the pass. So a good level of fitness is required. Read about one of our client’s adventures trekking the Annapurna Circuit in his fascinating blog!
Trekking to Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft)
There are so many options on the Annapurna Circuit. You can spend anything between 11 and 18 days trekking this spectacular region of Nepal. There are various start and end points, as well as side treks off the circuit. One example is trekking to magnificent Tilicho Lake, which will add three incredible days to your itinerary.
After an overnight stay in a comfortable 3* Kathmandu hotel, we drive on and off road to our starting point. As we gradually ascend, we pass through colourful Nepali villages, glacial valleys, and jungles teeming with life. The further we go, the more impressive the views of the Himalaya. We stop for fresh apple pie at Bhratang, then enter what feels like a different world at Upper Pisang. From there we take the longer and more scenic route to the mountain settlement Manang (3,500m/11,483ft) and enjoy breathtaking views of the tenth highest mountain in the world Annapurna I (8,091m/26,545ft). Also Annapurna II, III, Gangapurna and Tilicho, to name but a few! We stay in Manang for two nights and enjoy stunning side trips to acclimatise to the high altitude. Beyond Manang, the landscape changes again and we trek through the desert wilderness to Thorong Phedi (4,540m/14,895ft). From here we do a practice hike up to High Camp, a taste of what’s to come the following morning!
The Big Climb – Sunrise on the Thorong La Pass
The toughest day when you trek the Annapurna Circuit is undoubtedly the day we reach the pass! We rise very early and start our four hour climb up to Thorong La in time for the sunrise. At that altitude it’s hard going, but worth it! From the pass you’re rewarded with magnificent 360° views of the Annapurna mountains. You’ll truly feel ‘on top of the world’!
After enjoying the exhilaration of standing at 5,416m/17,769ft, not to mention the view, it’s time to hike down to sacred Muktinath. You’ll find a different world again – Mustang, a restricted area of Nepal. From here we continue down to Jomsom and make our way back to Pokhara. Either by plane or ground transport, depending on the end point for your trek.
Pokhara
Pokhara, the gateway to trek the Annapurna Circuit and the second largest city in Nepal is often known as the adventure capital. Phewa Tal (Fewa Lake) is the city’s key feature. On a still day, gaze at the mirror images of the Annapurna mountains reflected in the water, with the knowledge that you’ve been right up there!
There are many things to see and do in Pokhara including a half-day hike up nearby Sarangkot (1,600m/5,249ft). As you climb, enjoy stunning views of Pokhara and the lake. Then when you reach the top, take in the Annapurna skyline featuring Machapuchare (Fish Tail, 6,993m/22,943ft). Visit the International Mountain Museum and stand in the shoes of Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay. Or get an adrenaline rush paragliding or white water rafting! Ask us about including adventure activities or a sightseeing tour in your itinerary. Or add a couple of extra days to relax in laid back Lakeside.
Kathmandu
After a short flight or long drive back to Kathmandu, stay in Nepal a little longer and enjoy the capital. Kathmandu is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so you’ll be sure to want to see some! Get more ideas about what to do in this Kathmandu Travel Guide.
Ask us about including a sightseeing tour in your itinerary and make sure you allow time to pick up souvenirs and gifts!
All our itineraries are examples only. Of course you can follow the exact itinerary detailed here if it works for you. But normally we customise every itinerary based on your travel plans and preferences. Then we work with you until you’re completely satisfied that you’ve got an amazing trip planned!
Arrive in Kathmandu
Driving on and off road to our starting point Chamje (1,430m/4,692ft)
Time to trek! Chamje to Danaque (2,210m/7,251ft) ~6 hours walking
Danaque to Chame (2,650m/8,694ft) ~4 hours walking
Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m/10,827ft) ~4-5 hours walking
Upper Pisang to Nawal (3,600m/11,811ft) ~5 hours walking
Nawal to Manang (3,519m/11,545ft) ~3.5 hours walking
Acclimatisation day in Manang (~4 hours walking, up to 4,100m/13,451ft)
Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m/13,287ft) ~3.5 hours walking
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,540m/14,895ft) and a practice run to High Camp! (4,880m/16,011ft) ~5 hours walking
Thorong Phedi to the Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft) then descend to Muktinath (3,710m/12,172ft) ~8 hours walking
Muktinath to Jomsom (2,700m/8,858ft) ~4.5 hours walking
Drive to Kathmandu
Goodbye Nepal
Book this 15-day private trip for 2 from just USD $1,279 per person! Ask us for a quote larger groups.
We calculate the exact cost of your trip package based on your customised travel plan and the number of people trekking. This way, you only pay for what you want and if you prefer, you can choose to make some of your own arrangements – like city hotels.
Get in touch today with no obligation to book!
As standard, our quotes include and exclude the following. However, when we provide a quote we’ll explain exactly what is and isn’t included in the cost, which will be based on your customised itinerary.
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Tour Reviews
My partner and I felt incredibly lucky to have someone as knowledgeable, organised, experienced and friendly with us on the 10 day Annapurna circuit.
Krishna went above and beyond to ensure we had the best possible experience. He also managed my partner’s altitude sickness wonderfully. Safety first!
Krishna’s love for his country and wonder in its beauty is contagious. I can not recommend Krishna highly enough, five plus stars from us!!
We will be back for more with Krishna!
After reading alot of positive reviews, my partner and I decided to go with Nepolorama for our first trekking experience in Nepal. We were blown away with the team’s service and professionalism!
Anna was super helpful and quick to answer all my questions, creating a custom itinerary for us around the Annapurna circuit.
Then as soon as we touched down in Nepal, Krishna was there every step of the trip to make sure we had a fantastic time. Krishna was knowledgeable and friendly, picking the best spots and always looking out for us! I got a bit of altitude sickness near the Thorong La Pass and Krisha was incredibly helpful and knew what to do! Felt I was in very safe hands.
Highly recommended the team at Nepolorama and will definitely be using them again when we return!! Amazing trip!
We did a 2 week Annapurna Circuit trek with Krishna team (one guide ‘Ramesh Adhikari’ and one porter ‘Arsoon’) in June – it was an amazing experience. Krishna and his brother ‘Ramesh’ were patient and friendly. Our schedule was quiet tight but Krishna managed it perfect that we could have this fantastic trekking tour. Ramesh was friendly, we felt comfortable and enjoyed chatting with him over the 2 weeks. This is the first time we trek in Nepal. An unforgettable trek. Next year we planning to go to Upper Mustang. And of cause, I would choose again a guide from Nepalorama. Thanks you very much for everything !
Krishna was a wonderful guide! He met me at the airport and I felt well taken care of every step of the way! Once on the trek, he made sure I was safe but still pushed me to make good time and see my destinations’ beauties. I did the short hike of the Annapurna Circuit to see Poonhill. We did 6 days of 4-6 hours of hiking. My legs were tired but I felt amazing! DAL BHAT POWER – 24-Hour! The best day by far was the Hot Springs – he and the porters decided to call it an early night – but I stayed down in the Hot Springs until dinner! I trekked alongside 2 other friends and met so many others along the way. In the last minute we decided we wanted more time in Pokhara and Kathmandu, which Krishna accommodated for post haste! He was so wonderful to talk to and spend time with. I can’t wait for my next trek!!
Had a great time with Krishna! The sights were amazing and the accommodations were perfect. Got to eat great food and meet great people. Krishna was flexible and informative throughout the trek. I highly recommend.
I made the long Annapurna Circuit with two friends 23 days long, with all topic points (Tilicho Lake 4900m, Thorong La (pass) 5400m and ABC Base camp 4300m.) And it was the best decision to book by Krishna and his office.. it was very easy to communicate with Krishna because my English wasn’t so good.. and Krishna offer me all help I need and answer very well all questions I have before our trekking.. he planned us a very nice journey and we get over him the best guide ever, so we have very luck that we booked by him.. So if I travel one more time to Nepal I would booked one more time by Krishna, perhaps next mount Everest and the 3 passes track .. So I would do the same for the Future!
It took us about 12 days, but by the time we got to the foot of the last climb over Thurong La, I knew that there was no going back and I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to do much with my legs or my lungs.
But I should never have doubted. Krishna was an excellent guide. He supported me throughout. He helped me buy meals. He chose the best places to stay. He was able to navigate us through 12-25 miles per day, and even at high altitudes.
I totally recommend everyone should choose Nepalorama Trekking for their circuit hikes, and any visits throughout the Himalaya. Please go. It’s life-changing, exhilarating and more.
Wow, wow, wow… It’s hard to put words to the magic of the trek organised for us by Nepalorama Trekking. The whole team was amazing and really easy to deal with, right from the beginning. They provided us with heaps of great information before the trek so we had a really good idea of what to expect. They made us feel totally prepared and super excited for the trip ahead from beginning to end.
Our fabulous guide took care of everything from the moment we landed in Nepal; he even met us at the airport, which was amazing. We felt so well looked after, which really made the difference.
The trek was incredible! Even though there were some hard days (High Camp/Thorong La), the scenery on the Annapurna Circuit was out of this world; so much more spectacular than we could ever have imagined and it certainly made the tough days worthwhile! Our guide was always checking on us and managed the altitude we gained, so that we could acclimatise safely : )
It was great to round off our amazing trip to Nepal with a few days in Kathmandu and Pokhara, both really different and fascinating towns. The tours were a terrific way to wind down from the trek and relax a bit while still taking in some of the Nepalese sights and culture. Despite being tired after the trek, I really enjoyed the sightseeing in Pokhara and Kathmandu, it was a brilliant way to end our trip.
We had the most amazing time, I can truly say it’s “life-changing” and we can’t wait to go back! I highly recommend the team at Nepalorama, you’re in great hands with them!
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