Kathmandu
Hard
4
17 Days
Trek
All meals
Annapurna Circuit Trekking, a renowned trek within the majestic Annapurna mountain range of central Nepal, offers an exhilarating journey through diverse landscapes. The total length of the Annapurna Circuit Trekking route fluctuates between 160 to 230 kilometers, depending on the mode of transportation used and the destination reached. The trek culminates at the awe-inspiring Thorung La pass, soaring to an elevation of 5,416 meters, where the boundaries of the Tibetan plateau meet.
Annapurna Circuit Trekking traverses two distinct river valleys, encircling the majestic Annapurna massif. The highlight of the journey is the crossing of Thorung-La, the highest pass on the trek, reaching an elevation of 5,416 meters. Practically all trekkers embark on the counterclockwise route, allowing for a gradual ascent and facilitating the safe and easier crossing of the formidable Thorung-La pass.
As the trek unfolds, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking mountain scenery, including the iconic Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, and Gangapurna (7,455 meters), standing tall alongside Tilicho Peak (7,134 meters). The Annapurna range is home to numerous peaks that rise majestically above 6,000 to 8,000 meters in elevation.
The Annapurna Circuit Trekking commences in Besisahar or Bhulbhule, nestled in the picturesque Marshyangdi river valley. The trail gradually descends through paddy fields, transitioning into subtropical forests, where cascading waterfalls and towering cliffs create a captivating ambiance. Along the way, trekkers encounter various charming villages, each with its unique culture and traditions.
Besisahar can be conveniently reached after a 5-6 hour drive from Kathmandu, providing a gateway to the enchanting world of Annapurna Circuit Trekking. Annapurna Circuit Trekking, once frequently recognized as the premier long-distance trekking experience globally, encompassed a diverse range of climates, transitioning from tropical regions at 600 meters to the arctic at 5,416 meters at the Thorung-La pass. This trek also offered a rich cultural immersion, traversing Hindu villages in the low foothills and immersing oneself in Tibetan culture in the Manang Valley and lower Mustang.
However, the ongoing construction of a road has significantly shortened the trail and altered the traditional ambiance of the villages, rendering the “best trek in the world” a somewhat outdated concept. Nevertheless, the advent of mountain biking has brought about a surge in popularity, particularly in Mustang, which has emerged as one of the world’s premier mountain biking destinations.
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,380 meters).
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), our representative from Adventure Team will be present to collect you. You will be transported to your hotel in a private vehicle within the next thirty minutes. During this time, we can engage in a discussion regarding the specifics of our itinerary, allowing you ample opportunity to rest and recover. In the evening, we will convene for a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, accompanied by a cultural program.
Half-Day Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour (1,380 meters)
Following breakfast, your tour guide will collect you for a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. You will be served lunch at a restaurant with a panoramic view of the stupa. Subsequently, you will return to your hotel, where you will meet your trek leader to discuss the upcoming trek, finalising any necessary arrangements.
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, a distance of 850 meters, covering a duration of approximately 7 hours.
During your journey, you will board a private vehicle to Besisahar, the designated starting point for your trekking expedition. As you traverse through numerous diminutive villages, you will be captivated by the glimpses into the daily lives of the inhabitants of these lowland communities. By the evening, you will arrive in Besisahar and will have the opportunity to spend the night at a lodge.
Embark on a captivating trek to Bahundanda, a picturesque village perched atop a majestic ridge at an elevation of 1310 meters. This journey traverses a diverse array of landscapes, immersing you in a tapestry of natural wonders.
The initial day of your trek commences with the exhilarating crossing of suspension bridges, cascading waterfalls, and navigating through challenging inclines and declines. You will also traverse lush rice paddies and subtropical forests, where you will encounter a vibrant mosaic of villages and their inhabitants. As you ascend, the ascent will culminate in your arrival at Bahundanda, the Hills of Brahmins, where you will spend the night in a comfortable lodge.
The ascent to Chamche, a mountain standing at 1,430 meters, is a six-hour journey.
Following breakfast, we descend through amphitheater-shaped rice terraces, along a steep vertical cliff, lush forests, and several culturally significant villages. Our ascent is gradual after crossing the suspension bridge over the Mayshyangdi River. We reach Jagat, where we will have lunch. We have approximately one and a half hours remaining to reach Chamche.
Kindly spend the night at the Lodge.
Embark on a challenging trek to Dharapani, a 1,950-meter ascent that will take approximately six hours.
Upon departing Chamche, you will traverse a suspension bridge spanning the Marshyangdi River. Subsequently, you will enter the Manang district by ascending the surrounding hills, eventually reaching Tal. As you progress, you will encounter fields of corn, barley, and potatoes before entering the bamboo and Rhododendron forests. After crossing the river, you will continue your ascent along the cliffside, above the river, until you reach Dharapani in the late afternoon.
Accommodate yourself overnight at the Lodge.
Embark on a scenic trek to Chame, a charming village situated in the Manang district at an elevation of 2,630 meters. The journey, which spans approximately six hours, traverses a diverse range of landscapes, including dense forests and numerous landslides. However, the panoramic vistas of majestic Himalayan peaks that await you from above are an indisputable highlight.
Along the way, you will have the opportunity to explore quaint Tibetan villages, immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage and traditional practices of the region. Upon reaching Chame, you will find your accommodation at a cozy lodge, where you can unwind and savor the breathtaking views of Mount Lamjung and Annapurna II.
Kindly spend the night at the lodge.
Ascend Pisang, a 3,200-meter elevation gain over a six-hour trek.
A narrow, precipitous path traverses a dense pine forest, leading to the awe-inspiring curved rock face that rises 1,500 meters above the river. As the trail expands, the majestic Himalayan peaks come into view, stretching from the base to Pisang. An additional 30 minutes of ascent will bring you to the summit of a prominent hill, providing access to Upper Pisang.
Accommodate overnight at the Lodge.
Embark on an exhilarating trek to Manang Valley, a breathtaking destination situated at an elevation of 3,450 meters. Spanning a distance of six hours, this journey promises an unforgettable experience.
As we traverse the riverside, we will be captivated by the striking contrast between the landscape and vegetation. The frigid and arid climate here presents a challenging environment, yet it is an awe-inspiring spectacle to witness the towering Himalayan peaks. Nestled amidst this majestic landscape lies Manang, a magnificent mountain valley renowned for its rich cultural heritage and traditions.
Within this serene setting, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyle of the Manangi people, one of the ethnic groups residing in Nepal.
Spend the night in a charming lodge, where you can unwind and rejuvenate amidst the tranquil surroundings.
Acclimatisation Day:
On this day, you have two options: explore the charming village of Manang or embark on a thrilling hike up to an elevation of 3,900 meters. Manang offers a plethora of activities to keep you entertained throughout the day.
Consider staying overnight at a cozy lodge to make the most of your time in this picturesque village.
The ascent to Yak Kharka, a 4,110-meter mountain, is a 5-hour journey.
Our trek commences after breakfast, with us departing from the trail to Tilicho Lake on the left. We proceed for a brief walk up to Yak Kharka, a diminutive settlement situated at 4,110 meters. Gradually, we ascend towards a small hill, and the path veers to the right behind the hill, eventually reaching Yak Kharka.
We will spend the night in a lodge.
Embark on a challenging trek to Thorong Pedi, a majestic 4,600-meter peak, spanning a 5-hour journey.
Upon reaching the foot of the pass, Throng Phedi, a diminutive yet vibrant settlement, awaits your arrival. Nestled at the base of Thorong La, the trails gradually ascend towards the summit.
Overnight, lodge accommodations will be provided.
Embark on a 3,800-meter trek to Muktinath, traversing the Thorong-La pass, which reaches an elevation of 5,416 meters.
An early start is paramount for a successful day trek over this magnificent pass. Crossing the awe-inspiring Throng-La pass (5,416 meters/17,769 feet) promises an unforgettable experience. However, the altitude and snow conditions can pose challenges, making it difficult to cross the pass if it is covered in snow.
The trail and the pass themselves offer breathtaking high Himalayan scenery. We will savor the summit with a warm cup of tea or coffee (but not available from December to February) and celebrate our success at the pass. Afterward, we will commence a long descent to another part of the Annapurna region and eventually reach Muktinath.
Overnight accommodations will be provided at a lodge.
The ascent to Jomsom (2,713 meters) is a challenging trek that typically takes 5-6 hours.
The journey commences with an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the Dhaulagiri Range. As you traverse the trail, you will encounter the prevailing wind direction, but the experience remains rewarding due to the captivating vista of the Nilgiri. The descent descends 1,000 meters to Eklebhatti, followed by a gradual flattening to the summit of Jomsom.
Embark on an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Upon arrival at the Pokhara International Airport, you will be promptly transferred to your hotel for the night.
Drive to Kathmandu, which takes approximately 5-6 hours.
Following breakfast, we bid adieu to the picturesque lake city of Pokhara and proceed to Kathmandu. Upon our arrival, we will have the entire day to either rest or engage in souvenir shopping. To commemorate the successful completion of our journey, we will celebrate with a farewell dinner in the evening.
You will be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onward destination. Kindly ensure that you depart from the hotel three hours prior to your scheduled flight time.
Most amazing experience walking the Everest Base Camp Heli trek, at the end of the season with hardly any other tourists around, while weather conditions were amazing. The trek is unique in its own way, as it’s really authentic, not touristy at all, so you are able to experience authentic Nepalese life and culture.
We had an incredible trekking experience to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), thanks to the expert planning and professional arrangements by Mrs. Nirmala from Clou Travel. The journey took us through breathtaking landscapes, culminating in a spectacular view of the Annapurna peak. We felt exceptionally fortunate, as spotting the summit in July and August can be quite rare due to weather conditions.
Booking with ClouTravel was effortless, and their team customized everything to my liking. The itinerary covered Kathmandu’s culture, Pokhara’s beauty, and Chitwan’s wildlife perfectly. The accommodations were cozy, and the food was delicious. Guides were knowledgeable, and activities like safaris and trekking were unforgettable. Highly recommend ClouTravel for an authentic Nepal experience!
Use this tour as a starting point for a tailor-made travel experience. Our Travel Specialists will customize everything to your preferences-pace, budget, dates, activities, & accommodations. Let us handle the details for an unforgettable trip. Start planning today with our tailor-made itinerary request form.
If you prefer a more personalized experience, you can turn this into a private trip with your friends and family at a schedule that suits you best. At Clou Travel, we specialize in organizing private journeys tailored to your needs. Simply choose your preferred departure date, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Embarking on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is an extraordinary journey that goes beyond mere adventure. Each day on the trail unveils new wonders, ranging from lush tropical lowland fields and subtropical forests to the awe-inspiring high-altitude realms near Thorung La. You’ll traverse Hindu villages nestled in the foothills before entering regions where Tibetan-influenced culture, centuries-old monasteries, and majestic peaks dominate the landscape. Despite recent road construction that has shortened certain sections and altered some traditional routes, the essence of the trek remains intact—shaped by breathtaking Himalayan vistas, warm local hospitality, and an unwavering sense of wonder at nature’s grandeur.
For many, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is more than just a physical challenge; it’s a cultural immersion and a personal journey of self-discovery. As you cross suspension bridges, ascend rugged passes, and sip tea in rustic lodges, you’ll encounter Nepal’s incredible diversity—both in geography and people. Embrace each moment, whether it’s conquering altitude or sharing stories with fellow travelers. Above all, travel responsibly and respectfully, mindful of the local communities and environment that make this journey so remarkable. May your time in the Annapurna region become a cherished memory, one that both inspires and challenges you to explore more of the world’s hidden corners.
Wishing you safe travels and a joyous trekking experience!
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