SKILL LEVEL
moderate
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The Annapurna Circuit is located in north-central Nepal and includes one peak over 8,000 meters, thirteen peaks over 7,000 meters, and sixteen more over 6,000 meters. It is a well-known trekking route that circles the Annapurna Himal itself, including Nilgiri and Fishtail. The trek reaches an altitude of 5,416 meters at the top of Thorong La pass, touching the edge of the fabled Tibetan plateau, with magnificent mountain scenery. Every year, more than 15,000 tourists embark on the Annapurna Circuit trek.
Originally, the Annapurna Circuit trekking started from Besi Sahar, but nowadays the road reaches Manang, which is why we point out that it starts from Chame. For some trekkers with time constraints but a desire to cross the beautiful Thorong La pass, this is the best option.
Expeditions High Mountain has designed the shortest itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit trek. The trek begins in Chame, at an altitude of over 2,700 meters, and ends in Jomsom at 2,500 meters. We travel from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar by tourist bus and then continue to Chame by jeep. From Besi Sahar to Chame, the road is narrow and can only be traversed by jeep. The trek is not possible in the monsoon season, as the road may be closed. It’s essential to check before reserving the trip. Starting the trek from Chame, we proceed to Manang, where we have a rest day before climbing to Thorong La pass. After crossing Thorong La, we reach Muktinath in the Mustang region. Although it’s possible to catch a jeep from Muktinath, we prefer to give our customers a full day in the Mustang Valley, so we end our trek in Jomsom.
Expeditions High Mountain organizes the Annapurna Circuit Trek with accommodation in guesthouses/teahouses. There is a wide range of hotels and lodges available for an overnight stay. Private rooms are available in most guesthouses and lodges, with shared bathrooms. With many years of experience in organizing various treks in Nepal, we assure you that we have chosen the cleanest and most hygienically kept guesthouses/lodges with a friendly atmosphere and the best views. In the high passes, for modern trekking, we use basic teahouses.
Our guides and staff have many years of guiding experience in the Annapurna Circuit. We use local guides and staff in our specific trekking. Our guides are trained in first aid and know how to handle any situation. All our guides speak fluent English and are happy to share their deep knowledge of the culture, geography, botany, festivals, and the Nepalese lifestyle with you.
15 Days Trekking / (SKILL LEVEL: moderate)
Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu (1,300m/4,265ft)
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s International Airport, our team will greet and transfer you to your hotel. After some rest, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, visit local markets, or relax before our trek briefing and a welcome dinner in the evening.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Today, we explore Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). Later, we meet for a detailed trek briefing, check our gear, and finalize preparations for the journey ahead.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m) – 5-6 hours
We start early, driving along the winding Prithvi Highway, passing through lush hills, rivers, and terraced fields. Reaching Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, we check into our lodge and rest for the night.
Day 04: Drive from Besisahar to Chame (2,670m) – 5-6 hours
A thrilling off-road drive along the Marsyangdi River valley takes us through picturesque villages like Dharapani before reaching Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. Stunning views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal await us.
Day 05: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,200m) – 5-6 hours
The trek begins! Walking through dense pine forests, crossing wooden bridges, and witnessing the first glimpses of snow-capped peaks, we reach the village of Pisang, where we rest with breathtaking views of Annapurna and surrounding peaks.
Day 06: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3,540m) – 6-7 hours
We take the Upper Pisang route via Ghyaru for stunning panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, and IV. Walking past traditional Tibetan-style settlements, we reach Manang, a culturally rich village with stunning Himalayan landscapes.
Day 07: Acclimatization Day in Manang (3,540m)
To adjust to the altitude, we take a short hike to Gangapurna Lake or explore Braga Monastery, the oldest in the region. Resting and hydrating are crucial before ascending further.
Day 08: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m) – 4-5 hours
The trek continues through alpine landscapes as we gradually ascend to Yak Kharka. Along the way, we pass pastures where yaks graze and have mesmerizing views of the Annapurna range.
Day 09: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,925m) – 5-6 hours
We make our way to Thorong Phedi, the base camp for Thorong La Pass. The trail becomes steeper and more rugged, requiring a slow, steady pace. This is our final stop before the big ascent!
Day 10: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass (5,416m) – 7-8 hours; Descent to Muktinath (3,810m)
An early morning ascent takes us to the highest point of the trek—Thorong La Pass, with jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Himalayas. After celebrating our achievement, we begin a long descent to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.
Day 11: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2,500m) – 5-6 hours
Descending through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge, we pass through Kagbeni before arriving in Jomsom, a town famous for its strong winds and apple orchards.
Day 12: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (820m) – 20-25 minutes
We take a scenic morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, where you can relax at lakeside cafés, visit Phewa Lake, or enjoy a well-earned massage.
Day 13: Reserve Day for Unforeseen Circumstances
This buffer day is in place in case of flight delays or unexpected weather conditions. If everything goes as planned, you can explore more of Pokhara’s attractions, such as Davis Falls or the Peace Pagoda.
Day 14: Fly (30 min) or Drive (6 hrs.) from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Depending on your preference, we either take a short domestic flight or drive back to Kathmandu. The evening is free for shopping, exploring, or enjoying a farewell dinner.
Day 15: International Departure
Our journey comes to an end. After an unforgettable experience in the Annapurna region, we transfer you to the airport for your flight home, carrying memories of adventure and breathtaking landscapes.
