Map of Everest Base Camp & Annapurna Circuit Trek including Nepal

Travel from Kathmandu to some of the world’s highest mountains

Experience the high mountains of Nepal on this challenging trekking adventure. Conquer Everest's Base Camp, a holy grail for mountaineers, and complete the arduous Annapurna Circuit. Take in stunning scenery and soak up the rich cultures and traditions of this beautiful country, exploring tiny villages and meeting friendly locals along the way. Ever dreamed of seeing the wind-swept peak of Everest, of traversing high passes and crossing blue-white glaciers, of meeting holy men and taking in nature at its grandest? This trip has it all.

ALTERNATE ITINERARY:
In case of weather conditions leading to cancellations or delays of included flights, this trip will operate on an alternate itinerary. Please see Day 1 of the itinerary for more details.


Start
Kathmandu, Nepal
Finish
Pokhara, Nepal
Destination
Nepal
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
HNXAC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 16
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • This trip combines two of the world’s great classic treks. Experience breathtaking scenery and the comradery of trekking with a small group as you challenge yourself to reach new heights.

  • Get your first glimpses of the might Himalayan range on the included flight from Kathmandu to Lukla – surely one of the most dramatically located airports anywhere.

  • Compare and contrast the terrain of both the Everest and Annapurna ranges. Here's how they match up: intrepidtravel.com/adventures/annapurna-vs-everest/

  • You’ll be accompanied by an experienced trek leader along with assistant guides and porters, who will not only give you all the support and guidance you need along the way, but also introduce you to the rich local Sherpa culture.

  • We operate our treks according to standards that provide respectful, safe and fair working conditions not only in Nepal, but on all our trips globally. For more information on porter welfare, see intrepidtravel.com/au/porter-policy

  • Have the opportunity to support our partnership with Seven Women by taking part in Urban Adventures in Kathmandu before or after your trek – an organisation that socially and economically empowers marginalised women through literacy programs, skills training and income generation. Donations through The Intrepid Foundation are matched dollar for dollar: theintrepidfoundation.org/seven-women

  • After testing your body and mind, take a few days to unwind and reminisce among the temples and pagodas of Pokhara and Kathmandu

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip involves a 12 day trek to Everest Base Camp at high altitude followed by an 11 day trek in the Annapurnas at high altitude (both up to and above 5000 metres). We can’t underestimate how important it is to be in excellent fitness and health, which means training in the lead up to your trip in order to be best prepared. Here's a guide for how to prepare: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/trekking-training-guide-tips/

  • The weather can be unpredictable in the Himalayas and every year a significant number of trips have flights to or from Lukla delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions. See Day 1 of the itinerary for the alternative plans should this happen on your trip. Thorong La pass is occasionally closed in winter months due to heavy snowfall.

  • The trekking lodges, known as teahouses, that we stay in on the trek are very simple with only basic facilities. Hot water may not always be available and may cost extra, as will access to electricity points for charging devices. Wifi is available at some locations, but connections may be poor.

  • What you need to take will vary depending on the season you are trekking in and it’s important to be prepared. See some tips for what to pack here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/packing-guide-for-trekking-in-... and here https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/everest-base-camp-packing-guide/

  • The Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks are very popular routes and you will encounter many other trekkers and groups on your trip as you trek and at the teahouses. If you are after a trek that sees less travellers and spends more time trekking through communities rather than on a more established route, see our Tamang Heritage & Langtang Valley Trek (HNXV).

  • Some travellers enjoy Pokhara so much that they decide they want to stay extra days rather than continuing with the group to Kathmandu. Others decide that they would prefer to fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu to conclude the trip instead of travelling overland. You are welcome to sign off the trip to do either of these, however we aren't able to reimburse any unused services or cover the cost of alternate onward travel arrangements. 

Itinerary

Namaste! Welcome to Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm today. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe check out the storied stupas and pagodas of Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or take a walk around the local Durbar Square. If you’ve got limited time in the city, consider an immersive Urban Adventure like Cook in Kathmandu, a community farm-to-table cooking class with the Seven Women social enterprise.

ALTERNATIVE ITINERARY DUE TO FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS:
Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly, which can result in the need for changes to be made to our intended itineraries. Flights throughout Nepal – particularly in high mountain areas – are often delayed or cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are particularly prone to these delays which has the potential to vary the itinerary of our tour departures. Our contingency plans in case of bad weather preventing the fixed wing aircraft flight from Kathmandu to Lukla are as follows:

Day 2 – We will attempt to board our booked fixed-wing plane as per the itinerary. If this flight is cancelled, we will return to our hotel in Kathmandu for an additional night.

Day 3 – We will again attempt to board our booked fixed-wing plane. If this flight is cancelled we will endeavour to charter a helicopter to transport the group, provided helicopters are available and weather does not prevent them from flying to Lukla.

Travellers will need to use their emergency fund to cover the cost of the chartered helicopter. The exact cost will depend on how many travellers are in your group and could be up to US 500. It is common practice for the helicopter company to charge varying prices, so you may pay different amounts to others on the flight. If we reach Lukla on day 3 by either fixed wing aircraft or helicopter we will then follow the same itinerary to Everest Base Camp but descend over one less day in order to take our return flight from Lukla on day 14.

Day 4 – If both fixed-wing planes and helicopters are unable to reach Lukla on the morning of day 3, then on day 4 we will travel by road to Phaplu (an approximately 9-hour drive by private vehicle) and then trek to Tengboche on the Everest Base Camp route via Lukla. While we will not be able to reach Base Camp itself on this altered itinerary, but our travellers have still found it a highly enjoyable trek with superb views of the ranges and Everest itself.

We also advise allowing a few extra days in Kathmandu at the end of your trip should your return flights from Lukla be delayed due to weather conditions.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure - USD55
  • Kathmandu - In Focus: Cook in Kathmandu Urban Adventure - USD66
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Flights going to and from Lukla may be operated out of Ramechhap Airport, in an effort to alleviate congestion at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. In such case, any departures affected will need to wake up quite early on Day 2 to drive the 130 kilometres (approximately 5-hours) from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport. A private vehicle transfers will be provided at no additional cost. Your local leader will give you the most up to date information regarding delays to flights.
Sitting at 8848 m Mt Everest, the highest peak in the world, is one of the greatest trekking destinations. Locally known as Sagarmatha, the mountain has long been revered as the home of the gods. First conquered by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, Everest has traditionally been the ultimate goal for mountaineers. On this trip you will take on the challenge of reaching the mountaineer's base camp and gain an insight into the world famous Sherpa culture. You will cross glaciers and broad plains, traverse valleys and climb high passes to reach the picturesque Everest Base Camp. Our accommodation comprises small, basic teahouses along the track. These basic but cosy remote houses are operated by the mountain Nepalese to cater for trekkers and also offer simple yet filling and delicious meals to sustain our efforts. This is a challenging trip and involves difficult trekking at high altitudes but the whole experience is simply awe-inspiring!

Today we have a very early (approx. 6.30 am) flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (45 minutes). If the weather is good, the views of the Himalayas from the small plane are amazing! After breakfast in Lukla (2840 m), a short safety talk and an introduction to our porters, we gear up and commence our trek. Today is a fairly gentle introduction, following the milk-white Dudh Kosi River approximately three-hours to Phakding (2610 m).

Overall altitude gain today between places we sleep is -190m.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Please note that in peak travel times domestic flights to/from Kathmandu may arrive/depart from Ramechhap (also known as Manthali) Airport. The airport is located 130km (approx. 4-5 hours drive) from Kathmandu.
Today you’ll trek around 7 hours to Namche Bazaar, where you’ll spend a couple of days acclimatising to the altitude. You might also get your first look at Everest itself. From Phakding you’ll cross the river and head up the valley, following in the footsteps of the porters loaded with supplies for Namche Bazaar. The trail, lined with blue pine forest, follows the river valley and is especially spectacular in spring when the rhododendron flowers are bright in bloom. Cross the Dudh Kosi River at Benkar, and look way up above 6,000 metres to see the peaks of snow-capped Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). Press on to Monjo (2835m), a good place to break for lunch. From here the walk starts to get a little tougher, with a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. Enter into the national park, cross the river through the village of Jorsale (2805m) and then continue upstream. Cross another spectacular suspension bridge and begin the ascent to Namche Bazaar. Get your camera out as now there will be your first glimpse of the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Taweche. Namche will be your last chance to check your equipment and hire any additional gear for the high altitudes from Dingboche onwards. Namche Bazaar is also the last chance to enjoy the local nightlife or take to the pool hall and video parlours.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
You’ll stay at Namche Bazaar for another night so that you can properly acclimatise to the altitude. One of the best ways to do this is to take strenuous walk up to a high altitude then come back down to sleep – so there’s an optional walk above the Bhote Khola River Valley towards Thami (3810m). Taking a walk to see both the sunrise and sunset views from the national park headquarters above the village is also a great option. This stunning vista includes a super panorama of the Khumbu peaks and great views of Everest. The national park headquarters are home to interesting displays about Sherpa lifestyle and culture, and the local flora and fauna. Namche gained its importance during the period when Tibetan salt was traded for the lowland grains of Nepal. Rugs, clothing, salt and dried meat still all do a roaring trade in the village centre, so haggle for any extra supplies you might need.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Today we trek for about 6-7 hours to cover the 9 km from Namche Bazaar to Phortse. This route offers amazing insight into the life and culture of the sherpas, and that night we stay in a village that is home to a number of sherpas who have reached Everest's summit. Looking out from Phortse, the views of Amadablam are great.
Overall altitude gain between places we sleep is 370m.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Climb above the tree-line and trek approximately seven hours covering the distance of 12 kms to Dingboche. Here you’ll find a beautiful patchwork of small fields enclosed by stone walls. These walls protect crops of barley and potatoes from the cold winds. The scenery is once again spectacular and although Everest will be hidden behind the Lhotse-Nuptse Ridge, the huge peaks that tower above the eastern end of the valley are more than worthy. If the weather’s right, then there will be gorgeous sunsets illuminating the peaks – Ama Dablam, the south face of Lhotse to the north, and also Island Peak in the centre of the valley.
Overall altitude gain between places we sleep is 600m.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Today is another acclimatisation day. Staying the night in Dingboche we take day hikes to Amadablam base camp, Nagarjun Hill or Chukkhung.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
From Dingboche, ascend the small ridge behind the village above the Pheriche valley. From the stupa at the top, Taweche and Cholatse (6440m) make for a pretty striking scene; they seem to lean forwards from across the valley in the west. To the north, Lobuje Peak (6119m) and the snowfields of the Cho La are the kings of the skyline. The walking will now be fairly flat on wide-open fields, but remember that there’s no rush – take your time and ensure you’re well hydrated. Late in the morning you will cross the Khumbu Khola at Dughla and take a light lunch at the foot of the huge terminal moraines of the Khumbu Glacier flowing off Everest. In the afternoon, there will be a solid and quite steep climb on a rocky trail to the top of the moraines. On the crest of the ridge, you’ll pass a line of memorial cairns (stacks of stones), built in memory of the Sherpas and climbers who have died on various Everest expeditions over the last fifty or so years. From here the view is downright spectacular once again, with Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m), Khumbutse (6623m), and across the border in Tibet, Changtse (7550m), surrounding you. Then follow the valley stream to the lodge at Lobuje, arriving early afternoon.
The trek to Lobuche is about six hours and covers 7 km, bringing us close to our ultimate goal!
Overall altitude gain between places we sleep is 490m.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
This is the big one, the day of Everest Base Camp. From Lobuche, follow the broad valley that runs parallel to Khumbu Glacier, with a gradual ascent enabling you to build the slow, steady rhythm required when walking at high altitude. When you reach the moraines of Changri Nup Glacier, you will make a series of small ascents and descents over a rocky trail lined with cairns that eventually leads to the surprising glacial sands of Gorak Shep (5160m) – reached after about three hours of walking. Now’s the time to grab a quick bite, gear up appropriately, and then head off towards Everest Base Camp. The trek to the base camp can be achieved in around three hours, and if trekking in the popular climbing period of March to May, you will almost certainly encounter yaks and porters supplying food and equipment to expeditions here. From Everest Base Camp you will not get views of Mount Everest, but you are able to see glorious glaciers, lakes, caves, and the notorious Everest Ice Fall that flows from the Western Cwm. It's regarded as technically the hardest and most dangerous section of the mountain. The return journey from the Base Camp to Gorak Shep takes the same amount of time. You will have an early dinner so that you are able to get up early the next day for awe-inspiring views of the Himalayan giants from Kala Patar.

Notes: Trekking time approximately 3 hours to Gorak Shep (5160 m) and approximately 5 hours round trip to Everest Base Camp. Overall altitude gain between places we sleep is 240m.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Our teahouse in Gorak Shep is situated at 5180m (16,995 ft). Due to its remote location and high elevation, all materials must be carried up to this altitude (or back down) by foot or by yak; there are no roads. While the views of Everest and the surrounding Himalayas are spectacular, the amenities are understandably basic.
Today we witness some of the Himalayas most recognisable sights. We make an early start to avoid the early morning clouds and trek to Kala Pattar (5545 m) to witness the best views of Everest.Don’t be surprised if you get a little tear in your eye when you soak up the views of Everest. Embrace that emotion and spend as long as you like here to savour this extra special moment. To get there from the lodge the ascent is quite steep, so start very slowly and try to ascend at a steady rhythmic pace. Kala Patar is the rocky hilltop below Pumori. It’s a tough walk because of the altitude, but the view from the top will surpass your wildest imagination. It will probably take a good hour and a half to reach the summit from Gorak Shep, although lower viewpoints can provide views that are almost as good. Pumori, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, Taweche, Kantega and Everest – they’re all here. About three kilometres away and some 200 metres below, the area of the Everest Base Camp can be seen in a bowl at the bottom of the Khumbu Ice Fall. Then it’s all downhill from here – the descent to Gorak Shep is easy and when you arrive back at the lodge you will have a quick drink and head off to the rooms to pack your kit bags while breakfast is being prepared. After breakfast you will set off to Lobuche and Thugla, where you will stop for lunch. Then you’ll cross the Khumbu Khola and head down the valley below Cholatse to Pheriche, where you will stop for the night.

It's a tough walking day (approx. 8 hours), and depending on how the group feels, your leader will decide where you spend the night.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Descend through the small settlements at Orsho and Shomare before passing through Lower Pangboche. Here you’ll reach the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River, then ascend back to Tengboche to visit the monastery. According to legend, Lama Sange Dorjee, who came from Tibet’s Rongphu Monastery, founded Thyangboche Monastery in the 17th century. Tengboche was destroyed by an earthquake in 1933, rebuilt and again badly damaged by a fire in 1989. Construction of the present monastery was completed in 1992. Spend a bit of time visiting the monastery and the Sherpa Heritage Foundation museum.
Trek to Tengboche is approx. 4 hours).
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Descend steeply through beautiful forest of juniper, rhododendron and fir. Cross the Dudh Kosi River and ascend to Trashinga. From here the trail contours high above the valley through Shanasa and on to Namche Bazaar, before descending steeply down to the large suspension bridge over the Dudh Kosi River. You’ll follow the trail through Jorsale and back to Monjo, where you’ll stop for the night (approx. 7 hours).
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
You’ve done it, your last day of trekking! Today we walk back to Lukla via Benkar through blue pine and rhododendron forest, with great views of Kusum Kangaru. It’s a 5 to 6 hour walk from here in the valley before making the final climb up to Lukla, where you’ll say goodbye to your Sherpa crew. Celebrate with a hot shower and a few drinks with your group before flying back to Kathmandu tomorrow morning.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Weather permitting we take a short early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu on day 14 (approx 45 minutes). We'll return to the hotel and have free time during the afternoon for further sightseeing or shopping. Shop in some of Kathmandu's many markets for clothing, embroidery, carpets or ceramics. If shopping is not your thing, take a trip over the Bagmati River to the adjacent city of Patan, with its abundance of temples and monasteries. We enjoy a final night together, reliving the trek and our extraordinary achievements.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
If there is bad weather or low cloud conditions our flight back to Kathmandu may not go, giving us an extra day in Lukla to relax or do a day walk. In this case, we will return to Kathmandu by late morning on day 15 and the trip will end with an arrival transfer back to our hotel.

Please note that in peak travel times domestic flights to/from Kathmandu may arrive/depart from Ramechhap (also known as Manthali) Airport. The airport is located 130km (approx. 4-5 hours drive) from Kathmandu.
Day 15 is departure day and we say 'Namaste' for memories that will last a lifetime. There are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
At the end of your tour please consider donating to the KEEP Porters Clothing Bank. As you will have come to realise on your tour, porters play a vital role in the tourism industry enabling tourists to visit Nepal’s most picturesque and difficult terrain. The majority are subsistence farmers who travel from lower areas of Nepal to the higher elevated trekking routes to find employment. Contrary to the belief that porters are well-adjusted to the cold and altitude of the Himalayas, every year many porters suffer from a variety of illnesses such as altitude sickness, snow blindness, hypothermia and frostbite and some even die as a result. The Clothing Bank was set up in 2009 to provide ill-prepared porters with better clothing suitable for trekking in a mountain environment and reduce the number of unnecessary illnesses and fatalities which occur each year.
Usually donations of used jackets and trousers/pants from Westerners do not fit Nepali porters who tend to be smaller. However donations of other clothing items such as socks, boots, sunglasses, warm gloves and sleeping bags are always welcome. Your leader can ensure that your donation is passed on.
Optional Activities
  • Kathmandu - Panorama Hike Urban Adventure - USD57
  • Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure - USD68
  • Kathmandu - In Focus: Handmade Kathmandu - USD93
  • Kathmandu - Exploring Patan & Bhaktapur Urban Adventure - USD97
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Please arrive by 2 pm today as there will be an important group briefing. Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal, is a fascinating blend of traditional architecture and symbols of the 20th century. Its rich artistic and cultural heritage is evident where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples. If you arrive early, why not check out Durbar Square with its temples, markets and busy atmosphere. It is also worth the climb to visit the Swayambhunath – the 'monkey temple'. Explore the network of street markets and alley bazaars and Pashupatinath. For those with a few extra days in Kathmandu, the neighbouring towns of Patan and Bhaktapur are also well worth a visit.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight - USD240
  • Kathmandu - Panorama Hike Urban Adventure - USD57
  • Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure - USD68
  • Kathmandu - Exploring Patan & Bhaktapur Urban Adventure - USD97
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting. Ask reception for more information on where the meeting will take place.

As this trip spends little time in Kathmandu, we recommend you spend a few extra days before your trip if you want to experience Nepal’s compact capital. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

With climate change the weather on the Annapurna Circuit is becoming less predictable, and heavy rains on occasions causes significant damage to the trail even outside of rainy season. Should this occur, and conditions make trekking the circuit unsafe, we will switch to the Annapurna Base Camp itinerary instead. A flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu on Day 15 will also be included. See https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/nepal/annapurna-base-camp-trek-126570 for further details.
This morning, drive to Besisahar (approximately 5.5 hours) to immediately immerse yourself in the spectacular mountain wilderness that encompasses the Annapurna Range. After lunch you’ll begin your trek straight away, heading to Ngadi. Hit the trail that takes you through Besisahar bazaar leading downstream, followed by a climb up the rocky steps. There are several ups and downs as the trail makes its way through sub-tropical forests and rice paddies of Sera. Further along, traverse a suspension bridge across Khudi Khola and arrive at Bhulbule. Resume on the trail that passes the Marshyangdi River on a long suspension bridge as Bhulbule is left behind. Once the Ngadi River is crossed, the trail gently leads upwards through scrub forests and across landslides for a short distance, which then leads to few teashops and cold-drink stalls located opposite the rice paddies of Lampata, eventually leading to Bahundanda (hill of the Brahmins) – a charming village in the saddle of a long ridge.

At 8091 m, Annapurna I is one of the highest mountains in the world. Its surrounding sister mountains are equally imposing, creating magnificent panoramas from any viewpoint. Throughout this trip’s trekking you’ll come across isolated mountain communities, each with different ancestral customs and traditions, meaning a visually and culturally memorable expedition. You’ll meet warm and welcoming locals herding yaks and goats on the grassy pastures and visit their monasteries and temples, pass waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers, walk along broad plains and hike up high mountain passes.

Driving duration: Approximately 5 hours
Trek duration: Approximately 4 hours
Trek distance: 11 Kilometres
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Keep an eye out for dazzling cascades en route as the trail makes its way through a deep wooded canyon with a few stretches of steep climbing. Wander through rice paddies, follow winding trails through sub-tropical forest, cross suspension bridges swaying over raging rivers, pass waterfalls of melted snow and climb steep mountain passes. Over the next ten days you’ll come across isolated mountain communities, each with different ancestral customs and traditions. Be prepared to be inspired, mesmerised, challenged and delighted.

Trek duration: Approximately 7 hours
Trek distance: 19 Kilometres
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Today’s trek continues through the deep wooded canyon embellished by stunning waterfalls. You’ll be venturing into the Manang district of the mountain range, with much of the trail ascending throughout the day.

Trek duration: Approximately 6 hours
Trek distance: 12 Kilometres
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Marking the end of the great Marsyangdi Gorge, make a steep climb to Timang, then the trail settles into gentler slopes as the vegetation transforms from dense pine forests to drier slopes. The district headquarters of Manang, Chame, is the largest settlement after Besisahar.

Trek duration: Approximately 6 hours
Trek distance: 15 Kilometres
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
A slew of breathtaking scenery is on the cards today as the trail goes through a deep gorge, then past the great sweeping slope of Paungi Danda. Today is mostly an easy walk with few ascending stretches of trail dotted throughout the day.

Trek duration: Approximately 6 hours
Trek distance: 14 Kilometres
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Trek the northern trail via upper Pisang and Ghyaru – an area renowned for its spectacular views. It is now drier and you are sure to come across local farmers herding yaks. Here’s a hot tip – Tibetan yaks take a special interest in people wearing red, so choose your gear carefully today!

Trek duration: Approximately 7-8 hours
Trek distance: 19 Kilometres
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Spend a day here to acclimatise by doing some high climbing, then return to the lower altitude of Manang for the night. Manang, a village of about 500 flat-roofed houses, offers excellent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Chulu East.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Covering approximately 10 kilometres, today will be a steadily uphill climb into the alpine region of the mountain range. You’ll arrive at Yak Kharka, ready for an easier day of trekking tomorrow to acclimatise to the high altitude.

Trek duration: Approximately 5 hours
Trek distance: 9.5 kilometres
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Due to the altitude, feel free to take the next section of the climb at a leisurely pace, meaning you’ll have time to admire the magnificent views from this part of the route. Once at Phedi, there will be plenty of time to rest and acclimatise to the higher elevations ready for the next part of the climb where you will encounter the Thorung La Pass – the highest point on this Annapurna Explorer.

Trek duration: Approximately 5 hours
Trek distance: 7 Kilometres
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Setting off very early to cross the Thorung La Pass (5416 m), the trail is steep but easy to follow. After between 4 to 6 hours climbing, reach the Pass's peak, adorned with prayer flags, a traditional stupa (chorten) and stone cairns built by travellers. Stop to admire the stunning views and marvel at how far you've climbed. Further along, the trail descends steeply proceeding towards Chabarbu. From here on, the trail crosses meadows, drops into a deep ravine, climbs out and follows a wide trail into Muktinath – a pilgrimage site held in great reverence by both Hindu and Buddhist populations.

Trek duration: Approximately 9 hours
Trek Distance: 14 Kilometres
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Veer off the main trekking trail to make a side trip to an ancient village of Purang. Further up from the village, continue to take the less frequented route going past another village with a medieval feel to it – Jhong. From Jhong, descend to the Jhing Khola (river), following the course which you emerge on to Kagbeni. From Kagbeni we will hop on a public bus back to Jomsom.

Trek duration: Approximately 4 hours
Trek distance: 9.6 Kilometres 
Total Drive Distance : 45 mins drive on public bus. No seatbelts (From Kagbeni, road transfer to Jomsom)
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Depart early by private 4x4 jeep from Jomsom, stopping in Tatopani for an included lunch and a well-earned visit to the Tatopani Hot Springs (especially rewarding after multiple days trekking). Afterwards continue your journey to Pokhara.

Total Drive Distance: Approx. 154km (off road, Approx. 8hrs)

Pokhara is a peaceful lakeside location which rests beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna Range. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship. Upon arrival you might like to sip on a cold brew and gaze up at the dramatic pass that you have just conquered. There are plenty of lakeside cafes where you can enjoy international cuisine, while the main street is full of shops and stalls selling a wide range of Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs. Your simple hotel in Pokhara is set 100 m back from Phewa Lake and with a back-drop of Machhapuchhare rising beyond. It has twin-bedded rooms with attached bath and hot shower facilities.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information

For departures up until the end of March 2023

Take an early morning flight to Pokhara (approximately 20 minutes).

This flight is currently serviced by Summit Air.

If weather causes a flight cancellation, we will arrange a 4x4 jeep transfer back to Pokhara.

Total Drive Distance: Approx. 154km (off road)
Total Time: Approx. 8hrs

Enjoy a free day in Pokhara to unwind, relax, and give those muscles a rest after all that trekking. Your leader can advise you of sightseeing opportunities. It is worth taking a boat for a row out on the lake, especially if the weather's fine. The lakeside area has great shopping and cafes. Pokhara has an interesting old area as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery. Perhaps visit the Peace Pagoda, where spectacular views of the mountains await. You can see the Annapurnas from here, and the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, and back across to Pokhara. You can also visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum to learn some amazing tales of past climbing expeditions.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. Pokhara is a stunning and peaceful lakeside haven, so if you would like to spend more time here, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Meals

No meals are included on this tour

Transport

Private vehicle, Bus, Plane

Accommodation

Guesthouse (5 nights), Teahouse (22 nights), Hotel (2 nights)

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Everest Base Camp & Annapurna Circuit Trek trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month

Important notes

1. This trip starts in Kathmandu on Day 1 at 2pm.
2. Due to the demands of travelling at high altitudes a Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement will only be included on Days 1,28,29 (Hotel) and Days 14,15,16, (Guesthouse) and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4. You may be asked to provide 4 passport size photographs for your trekking permit.
5. In case of weather conditions leading to cancellations or delays in flights, this trip will operate on an alternate itinerary. Please see Day 1 of the itinerary for more details.
6. With climate change the weather on the Annapurna Circuit is becoming less predictable, and heavy rains have on occasions causes significant damage to the trail even outside of rainy season. Should this occur, and local conditions make trekking the circuit unsafe, we will switch to the Annapurna Base Camp itinerary instead. Should this occur a flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu on Day 30 will also be included. See https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/nepal/annapurna-base-camp-trek-126570 for further details.
7. You must bring an emergency fund of 500 USD in cash with you on this trip, which you may need to use in case of delayed or cancelled flights.
8. There is a dirt road that stretches from Muktinath to Jomsom and Tatpaoni (Days 14-17). When weather conditions allow, we use an alternate track for this portion of the trek to avoid the road as much as possible.
9. As this is a combination trip, the composition of your group as well as the group leader may change on Day 16.
10. As this trip ends in Pokhara, if you wish to transfer your stored luggage from Kathmandu to Pokhara, we can arrange this by a private vehicle. Additional cost is 100 USD. This cost is divided among the interested participants.
11. Please be aware that in the event of an emergency evacuation, Intrepid does not have control over which helicopter service may be used. Some helicopters are not in regular use with Intrepid and have not passed our internal safety auditing.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

Reviews