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Annapurna Circuit Trekking - 20 Days
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Thulo Travel Services Pvt. Ltd.
Trip priceUSD 200Individual rate · confirm with operator
Trip length20 Days / 19 Nights
Duration20 days
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Discover the journey
Read the full journey overview
Annapurna Circuit trek gives you an opportunity to explore the Himalayas, an experience of a life time. This trek combines the contrasts between the green terraced farmland of the Marshyangdi valley and the semi-arid landscape of Lower Mustang. The two areas are separated by the Thorong La (5,416m), which we must cross on a long day, to reach the sacred site of Muktinath - the temple of salvation both for Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims. On a clear day Mt. Dhaulagiri 8,160m is clearly visible in the distance. We descend into the world's deepest river gorge, carved by the mighty Kali Gandaki river, as it slices between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. The river is followed to the relaxing hot springs at Tatopani before ascending to Poon Hill for our last sunrise view over the Annapurnas.
The memorable moments
Highlights
YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arrive at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. — Flying into Kathmandu, you'll have views over the valley, the Himalaya, and the terraced fields below. After completing customs, a representative will be waiting to greet you outside the airport and to guide you through the initial culture shock of Kathmandu’s narrow, winding streets to your hotel.
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Day 2Explore Kathmandu: Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Patan Durbar Square — After breakfast at your hotel, you'll be picked up by an English-speaking guide for a full-day tour of the Kathmandu Valley, visiting three sacred sites: Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Patan Durbar Square.
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Day 3Drive from Kathmandu to Besishahar, Trek to Khudi — After breakfast in Kathmandu, you'll be transferred by the private driver along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway towards Dumre and then follow a rough road near the Marsyangdi River until you get to Besisahar—a small town at the bank of the river (about a six-hour drive).
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Day 4Trek from Khudi to Bahundanda — After breakfast in Khudi, you'll make your way through more of the Marsyangdi Valley with views of the Annapurna range, trekking along wooden and bamboo bridges before reaching the village of Bhulbule. The trail then comes to a picturesque waterfall on the river bank and as you hike along rice terraces with beautiful views of Manaslu range.
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Day 5Trek from Bahundanda to Jagat — After breakfast in Bahundanda, you'll start a steep descent through more rice paddies before crossing a stream at the bottom of a waterfall. From here, the path climbs up to Hani Gaon as you wind through fields along the river, crossing a long suspension bridge before arriving in Syange village.
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Day 6Trek from Jagat to Dharapani — After breakfast in Jagat, you'll descend along a rocky path until the trail nearly reaches the river before it begins to climb again through a tropical forest. You'll go up and down a few more times like this, and then follow a level track to a beautiful Gurung village of Chamje. Keep an eye out for the long and scenic waterfall on the opposite bank and views of the Annapurna range beyond.
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Day 7Trek from Dharapani to Chame — After breakfast in Dharapani, you'll begin a series of uphills and downhills as you start to see different types of vegetation and landscapes, as well as key Himalayan peaks. In fact, early in the trek, you'll notice that the Marsyangdi River veers to the left where Annapurna II becomes visible. Here begins a nice trail to get to Bagarchhap, a village known for traditional Tibetan architecture and plenty of prayer flags.
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Day 8Trek from Chame to Pisang (10,466 feet / 3,190 m) — Enjoy views of Lamjung Himal while having breakfast in Chame before you set off for Pisang. You'll ascend the valley passing apple orchards, rolling hills, small villages, and fir and pine forests towards a high, rocky area called Dhukur Pokhari—a nice place to stop for lunch. From this point, the valley becomes extremely steep as you follow the trail to Bratang. Wander through this area that was once used as the military station for troops who fought against the Khampa tribal revolution.
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Day 9Trek from Pisang to Manang (11,548 feet / 3,520 m) — After breakfast in Pisang, you'll hit the trail to Manang. The path ascends a steep ridge through forests leading to views of the Manang Valley, Humde village, and Tilicho peak. From here you can take in the rolling hills and expansive plains of the Sabje Khola Valley where the Annapurna massif soon becomes visible. You'll then cross a wooden bridge over the Marsyangdi River to get to the tiny village of Mungji, as well as the village of Bryaga, with its notable monastery including chortens and mani walls surrounded by more snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
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Day 10Acclimatization day in Manang (11,482 feet / 3,500 m) — Today is a rest day so take advantage of being able to sleep in before breakfast. This is an important opportunity to acclimatize to the higher altitude before tomorrow's crossing of the Thorung La mountain pass.
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Day 11Trek from Manang to Khangsar Village (12,323 feet / 3,756 m) — After breakfast in Manang, you and your rested muscles will begin a half-day trek to Khangsar Village along the trail headed for Tilicho Lake. The path heads out of Manang through the western gates and then follows the path down to the river. You'll walk along the bank and through the valley of weathered rocks with views of Annapurna II.
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Day 12Trek from Khangsar Village to Tilicho Base Camp (16,138 feet / 4,919 m) — After breakfast in Khangsar Village, you'll continue trekking along a wide new path until you get to a Buddhist monastery. From here, climb towards a high ridge where you'll reach an intersection where the new trail and the old trail collide; take the new trail and ascend to another steep ridge before descending back down along switchbacks.
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Day 13Visit Tilicho Lake, Return to Base Camp (16,138 feet / 4,918 m) — Today, you'll start with an early breakfast before a nice roundtrip loop to Tilicho Lake in the Manang district. It takes about 3 hours to get to this clear body of bright turquoise water, one of the highest lakes in the world. You'll hike through high alpine landscapes with plenty of snow-covered rocks—a striking contrast against the vibrant hue of the lake.
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Day 14Trek from Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (13,156 feet / 4,010 m) — After breakfast at base camp, you'll follow a gently winding trail high above Khangsar village with more views of the Himalayan giants as you pass through juniper bushes and the ruins of old Khangsar. From here, follow an unmarked trail which leads you down to an old log bridge between Gumsang and Yak Kharka, an area where yak herders bring their animals to graze. This is where you'll stop for the night.
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Day 15Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi (14,599 feet / 4,450 m) — Today's scenic trek starts with breakfast in Yak Kharka before you take a slow, gradual climb towards your overnight location. You'll hike up a ridge and notice that the high altitude landscapes become more extraordinary along the way. Then descend to the Marsyangdi where you'll cross the river on a covered wooden bridge that leads to a small tea shop.
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Day 16Trek from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath (12,467 feet / 3,800 m) via Thorung La (5,400m) — Today begins at sunrise as this is the longest and hardest day of the trek! Start off with a four-hour walk to the top of the Thorung La at 17,717 feet (5400 m)—Annapurna Circuit's highest point—where you'll be rewarded with spectacular views over Mustang and Kaligandaki valleys, and the surrounding peaks. Take time for photos as the summit opens up to reveal a sweeping panorama of snow-capped mountains extending towards Tibet. The descent is almost as demanding as the ascent, so when you get to the bottom at Chabarbu, there is a teahouse where you can relax with a cup of chai and a snack.
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Day 17Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom — Today will be a much easier day! After breakfast in Muktinath, you'll start a downhill trek to Jomsom village, passing through Lupra village with its own notable Bonpo monastery. This is a great alternative route that trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit Trek don’t normally use, so you will be further from the crowds and jeeps on the trail to Jharkot.
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Day 18Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara — Today, after breakfast in Jomsom, you'll catch a 30-minute morning flight to Pokhara. Snag a window seat as the scenic mountain views en route will be nothing short of spectacular.
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Day 19Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu — After breakfast, you may have time to do more sightseeing, relax, or check out one of Pokhara's coffee shops. About 1.5 hours before your flight, you'll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the domestic airport to catch your flight back to Kathmandu.
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Day 20Depart Kathmandu — It's time to say farewell to Nepal. Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu with breakfast in a café, a final stroll through the narrow alleys and temples, and some final souvenir shopping. A driver will be waiting for you at your hotel to take you to the airport for your return flight home. It's best to be at the airport at least two hours prior to departure.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
KNOW WHAT'S COVERED
What's included in your experience
Included
- International arrival and departure in a private vehicle.
- Drive from Kathmandu to Besishahar in a private vehicle
- Jomsom-Pokhara airfare and airport transfer
- Pokhara to Kathmandu airfare and airport transfer.
- 16 days of accommodation in a tea house.
- Meals on full board basis during the trek ( breakfast, lunch, and Dinner)
- Pokhara - Kathmandu Airfare* and domestic airport tax
- ACAP and Trek permit fees.
- English speaking local expert guide and porter on the trek.
- Salary, and insurance for staffs.
- Trek guide's return bus fare.
- Kitbags ( Duffle Bag)
- All government taxes.
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal visa fee
- Accommodation, Lunch, and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Soft Drinks and Alcoholic beverages like Coke, Beer, Mineral water, etc.
- Entrance fees for monasteries and museum
- Personal gears and trekking equipment
- Personal expenses like Phone calls, Wi-Fi, gadget charging, laundry, Shower, and Gratitudes
- Your insurance and emergency rescue evacuation if required.
- Any items not mentioned in "Service included a section"
PLAN AHEAD
Essential trip information
Before you go
Extra Info
Accommodation
Accomodation
Fitness & eligibility
1
Meeting point
kathmandu
What to bring
- Trekking Equipment
Cancellation terms
Cancellation Policy
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