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Map of Annapurna Circuit Trek including Nepal

Challenge yourself to trek the mighty Annapurna Circuit in Nepal.

Trek through the incredible Annapurna region and be awed by the Nepalese Himalayas. These snow-capped peaks, mist-shrouded valleys, isolated communities and remote monasteries will inspire those with a bold spirit and a yearning for a definitive nature experience. Reach altitudes of more than 5000 metres, discover the ancestral traditions of the local people and immerse yourself completely in the spectacular mountain wilderness of the Annapurna Circuit. This is a challenging trip, but the sense of accomplishment will leave even the most seasoned trekker with some unforgettable memories.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Kathmandu, Nepal
Finish
Pokhara, Nepal
Destination
Nepal
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
HNXR
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Ascend to the clouds and reach an altitude of 5416 metres as you cross the Thorung La Pass along the Annapurna Circuit. Testing your mind and body, this is one hell of an accomplishment.

  • Uncover a different side of the Himalayas, trekking past terraced rice fields, oak and rhododendron forests, there’s a diverse array of nature that awaits in the Annapurna region.

  • Learn about life in Nepalese mountain communities, get to know locals and meet other trekkers while you stay in teahouses in the small communities along the way.

  • Discover Nepal’s compact capital in Kathmandu. With a limited amount of time spent here to discover its bazaars and temples, why not extend your stay beforehand to get a real feel of Nepalese culture.

  • Spend time in the peaceful haven of Pokhara after your trek has finished. Relax with your small group on the banks of Phewa Lake and take in the mountainous surrounds that you have conquered!

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip involves an 11-day trek at high altitude (up to and above 5000 metres) – precautions and acclimatisation are undertaken, but be aware of the effects altitude can have. An excellent level of fitness is required on this trip, with treks of up to 9 hours a day at high altitude. See our guide to trekking in the region here to help decide if this trip is what you are looking for in a holiday: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/annapurna-circuit-hiking-guide

  • Due to the nature of outdoor travel, please be aware that this trip will operate on an amended itinerary in high risk weather conditions. Please note that Thorong La Pass is occasionally closed in winter months due to heavy snowfall. Alternative arrangements will be made by your group leader if this occurs.

  • Accommodation on this route is in simple teahouses, which also allows you to experience the friendly spirit of the local Nepalese people.

  • Please read our packing list for required equipment carefully, and remember that you don’t necessarily have to bring it all with you – you can hire or buy some of it in Kathmandu.

  • Trying to decide between trekking in the Annapurna or Everest regions? This might help you decide: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/annapurna-vs-everest

Travellers at Annapurna, Nepal
Prayer flags on Annapurna, Nepal
Travellers in a cycle-rickshaw in Kathmandu, Nepal
Travellers looking at brass homewares at a street market in Kathmandu, Nepal, at night
Locals creating a mandala with chalk, paint and flowerson the street in Kathmandu, Nepal
Two dishes of local food on a table in Nepal

Itinerary
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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 for further details: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/nepal/annapurna-base-camp-trek-144945 

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)
Included Activities
  • Tatopani Hot Springs
Meals Included
  • Lunch

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.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

1 lunch

Transport

Private vehicle, Plane

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 night), Hotel (3 nights), Teahouse (10 nights)

Included activities

  • Tatopani Hot Springs

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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

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Important notes

1. 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 1,13,14 (Hotel) and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. You may be asked to provide 2 passport size photographs for your trekking permit.
3. Due to the demands of travelling at high altitudes a Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip. Please also see here for information: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/altitude-sickness
4. 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 15 will also be included. See https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/nepal/annapurna-base-camp-trek-126570 for further details.
5. There is a dirt road that stretches from Muktinath to Jomsom and Tatpaoni. When weather conditions allow, we use an alternate track for this portion of the trek to avoid the road as much as possible. Travellers are obliged to walk on the off road in most of the trekking sections until Manang.
6. This trip ends in Pokhara. Intrepid offers a pre-arranged transfer and flight service option back to Kathmandu airport. Enquire with your agent at least 30 days prior to your trip departure.
7. You must bring an emergency fund of USD 500 in cash with you on this trip, which you may need to use in case of delayed or cancelled flights. This is especially important should you choose to opt to take a helicopter as this will be at the travellers expense.
8. 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.
9. 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

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