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Nepal's popular hiking journey

Annapurna Circuit Trek

High Camp Trekking > Nepal > Hiking and Trekking in Nepal > Annapurna Region > Annapurna Circuit Trek

Highlights:
Duration: 17 nights/18 days (2 days by bus and 17 days walk).
Trekking destination: Annapurna region.
Trek start/end: Bulbule/Nayapool.
Grade: Difficulty because of high altitude.
Trek-style: Teahouse/Lodge Trek.
Trek season: Four season (more difficult due to cold and snow in winter).
Activities: Walking/Trekking.
Highest elevation: Thorong La 5416m.
Ethnic group: Majority of Gurung, Thakali and Poon Magar communities..
Culture: Hindu and Buddhist.
Himalayan Scenery: Mt. Manaslu (8163m), Nadi Chuli, Mt. Sought Annapurna (7219m), Hiuchuli 6444m, Fistrail (6993m), Annapurna I (8091m), II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Dhaulagiri I (8167m), II, III, IV, Tukche peak, Gurja Himal, Sought Nilgiri and Dhamodar Himal ranges etc.
Lake: Gangapurna Lake, Ice Lake, Tilicho Lake and Titi Lake etc.

The Annapurna massif is encircled by the Annapurna Circuit Trek, including a new trekking trail (NATT) that avoids the road. We trek anticlockwise for safe acclimatization before we push to the high Thorong La 5416m pass, which connects the Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki River valleys in Manang and lower Mustang in the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Besishar or Jagat is the trailhead of the Annapurna Circuit Trek in the Marshyangdi Valley. We walk through various villages, multi-cultural and ethnic diversity, paddy fields, subtropical forests, waterfalls, and gigantic cliffs. We can see close views of Mt. Manaslu I (8163m), Pisang Peak, Chulu East and West, Annapurna II (7856m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7545m), Gangapurna 7555m, Tilicho Peak, South Annapurna (7219m), Annapurna I (8091m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), Gurja Himal, Hiuchuli and Machhapuchhare.

We will visit the ancient Braka Monastery in the Manang Valley. After spending two nights in the Manang village for safe acclimatization, we will hike up a few days’ side trips to Tilicho Lake (4919m). Tilicho Lake is one of the most popular side trips on the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

We visit monasteries and Hindu Temples in Muktinath and Kagbeni and descend through the world’s deepest gorge—Kali Gandaki Valley—after the Thorong La pass. We then enjoy a Hot spring bath at the bank of the Kali Gandaki River at Tatopani.

We get up to Poon Hill’s Viewpoint bypassing Ghara, Sikha, and Ghorepani villages. It is the best Viewpoint in the Annapurna region.

We walk through the Rhododendron forest to reach Gandruk village. It is the largest village in the Gurung ethnic group, and we experience the Gurung culture from the view of Mt. Machhapuchhare (Fishtail 6993m).
The trek ends in Nayapool.

We do travel to Pokhara and Kathmandu by bus.

Day to day itinerary:

Our company representative shows you the cardboard of High Camp Trekking at the Airport and helps you transfer to the Hotel. We also explain things to do in Kathmandu.
We explain the day-by-day trek schedule and packing list of trekking equipment while on the trek. Today, we obtain Annapurna hiking passes and buy bus tickets. We can tour the world heritage site Boudhanath Stupa in the afternoon.
After breakfast, we go to the bus station. The bus leaves Kathmandu at 7:00 AM. We pass towns, the countryside, Trishuli, and the Marshyandi River valley to reach Besishar. After lunch, we catch a jeep to go to Dharapani on a rough road.

Meals include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
The trail is easy, bypassing Bagarchhap village and 'mani mantra' walls with prayer wheels from Dharapani to Dhanaque. We head up to Timang village through Rhododendrons and Pine Forest. We have a tea break with amazing views of Mt. Manaslu I (8167m) and Peak 29 from Timang village. We go to Thanchok village through Rhododendrons, fir, and Pine forests, and cross the steel bridge. After an hour's lunch break, we go to Chame, which is the central department of the Manang district and has a Hot spring at the bank of the Marshyangdi River.

Meals include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
We start our journey from Chame with amazing Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II views. We pass through richly decorated Stupas and colorful Mani walls and walk toward the village of Bratang. We take a few minutes breaks and buy fresh apples in Bratang. Then, we walk through the trail made on cliffs towards the base of Pangri Danda. We cross the bridge, and the trail goes uphill through a pine forest with an impressive curved rock face of Pangri Danda to reach Dukur Pokhari, where we have a lunch break. From here, we avoid the road and hike up to Upper Pisang, where we visit an impressive monastery with a fabulous view of Annapurna II (7937m). Then, we descend to Lower Pisang, where we stay for the night.

Meals include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
Our journey takes us on the high route via Gheru and Nawal villages to reach Manang. We begin with a steep climb to the village of Ghyaru, which offers a stunning viewpoint of the Annapurna massif. The trail then leads us to the highest elevation of the day, followed by a descent through pine and juniper forests to the village of Nawal, where we take a well-deserved lunch break. We also visit a Gomba (monastery) just 20 minutes from Nawal. Our descent continues to the police check post and the village of Mungi, passing through a juniper forest. We then head to Braga, where we visit an ancient monastery, before we proceed to Manang. Here, we spend two nights, allowing our bodies to acclimatize to the altitude, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trek.

Meals include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
We climb to Phraken Gomba at the top of the hill to enjoy the magnificent views of the Annapurna massif with glaciers and then go to Gangapurna Glacier Lake. Manang has a laundry service, bakeries, and coffee shops and is a wonderful place to wander around in the afternoon.

Meals include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
We leave the busiest Manang and do a side trip to Tilicho Lake for a couple of days. Today, we are heading to Shree Kharka via the village of Khangsar for 5 hours. Shree Kharka is a grassy land where yaks and several groups of wild blue sheep often see around it.

Meals include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
The walk from Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp is about three hours long and leads through an interesting landscape and beautiful mountain scenery.

Meals include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
We have breakfast early in the morning. Then, we set off uphill through the zigzag trail toward Tilicho Lake, at an elevation of 4919m. The Lake is surrounded by mountains, including Tilicho Peak, 7134m. We take pictures of the world's highest Lake and have a cup of tea if the tea shop opens there. Then, we headed down to Base Camp along the same route we had hiked up.

Meals include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
We will return from the Tilicho Base Camp to Shree Kharka and follow a gently winding trail through the landslide area. From here, the trail leads toward the Upper Khangsar (ruins of old Khangsar) through juniper bushes. Again, we follow an unmarked trail that leads gradually uphill to the viewpoint of the Annapurna range and Manang Valley. From here, we go downhill to the steel bridge and have a lunch break at the teashop. Then, we head up to Yak Kharka, where many yaks are grazing and sparing around.

Meals include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
The scenic trail leads gradually uphill toward Ledar through grassy land. Chulu West Peak towers above Ledar. From here, we head to the bridge of Jharsong Khola and follow a narrow trail across an unstable scree slope to reach Thorong Phedi, where we have a tea break. The trail is steep uphill but well-marked from Phedi to Thorong High Camp, at an elevation of 4850. This is the highest elevation, where we spend a night before the high Thorong La cross.

Meals include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
We wake up at 4:00 AM, pack the bag, and prepare for Breakfast at 4:30 AM. We leave the High Camp at 5:00 AM. We set a slow but steady pace to reach Thorong La 5416m. The trail is zigzag uphill with the scenery of Annapurna II, III, Gangapurna, Chulu West, and Thorong Peak is towards Thorong La, which is marked by a large number of prayer flags, Stupa, signboard, and nearby a teashop. We all pose for pictures near the signboard and prayer flags. The pass has a magnificent panorama of the Annapurna range and snow-capped peaks from Dolpo to Mustang northwards into Tibet. From Thorong La to Muktinath, it is a very long and sometimes steep downhill walk. We see the world's 6th highest Mt. Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Tukuche Peak, and Nilgiri from Muktinath. We visit ancient monasteries and Hindu temples in Muktinath, one of Nepal's most important sites for Buddhists and Hindus.

Meals include: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
We pass through the villages of Purung and Jhong to reach Kagbeni. When we descend to Kagbeni, we see a beautiful landscape. Thorong La is behind us, and views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri are in the distance. Kagbeni is an attractive old village with an ancient monastery. We tour the old village through narrow stone-wall-lined passages, visit the old monastery, and photograph some interesting sculptures. Kagbeni is the gateway to Upper Mustang, which we see a few parts from the end of the village.

Leaving Kagbeni, we follow the Kali Gandaki valley to Eklebati and Jomsom. It is a windy valley, and wind and dust are often hit after 11:00 AM.

Jomsom is the administrative headquarters of Mustang district, a busy town. We head to the beautiful village of Marpha, which is well known for its apple garden, apple pie, apple brandy, etc.

Meals include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
Leaving Marpha, we take a new trekking route to reach Kalopani via the village of Chokhopani to avoid the road. Today, we see views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, and Annapurna I (8091m). We walk through the Kali Gandaki valley, well-known as the deepest gorge in the world, and through pine and juniper forests to reach Kothethanti and Kalopani, where we spend a night.

Meals include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
We descend to the village of Ghasa, cross the bridge, and catch the proper trekking trail, bypassing several villages that avoid the road to reach Tatopani. Here, in the late afternoon, we take a bath in the Hot spring.

Meals include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
Our journey today is mostly uphill. We leave Kali Gandaki River valley and walk uphill to Ghara and Shikha village through a terraced farmland with a subtropical forest. From here, we head up to Chitre and Ghorepani through the Rhododendrons forest and mountains. Ghorepani is colorful for Rhododendrons flowers in March/April/May.

Meals include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
We wake up early morning and climb up stone stairs to get up the famous Poon Hill viewpoint at an elevation of 3210m. Sunrise on the Annapurna is a truly unforgettable experience from Poon Hill. There are 180-degree panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges and beautiful Machhapuchhare. We went back to Ghorepani for breakfast and packed the bags. From here, we walk through Rhododendrons forest to reach Gandruk village. Here, we experience the rich culture of the Gurung ethnic and magnificent views of South Annapurna, Hiuchuli, and Machhapuchhare.

Meals include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
After breakfast, we tour the old village of Gandruk and visit the museum and traditional customs center. Then, we descend to Nayapool through terraced farmland. Here, our trek ends, and we catch a vehicle to travel to Pokhara for an hour.

Meals include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee.
Today, we are going back to Kathmandu. The bus leaves Pokhara at 7:30 A.M. We will have breakfast and lunch on the way. While driving to Kathmandu, we will see some towns, the countryside, Marsyangdi, and the Trisuli River valley. We will take you to your Hotel from the last bus stop.

Meals include: breakfast and lunch with tea/coffee.
Kathmandu has many exciting things to see. We can tour Patan and Bhaktapur, which are very culturally interesting.

Our company representative offers you Khata (good luck scrap) and drops you at Kathmandu Airport in time for the flight back home.
The Trek itinerary can be changed for an exciting side trip and additional acclimatization day if needed while on the trek.

Do you have any questions about the Annapurna Circuit Trek? Would you like to see how it can be customized to your needs? Please DM us.

Cost & Date:

The following costs and dates are per person for online booking. If the trek departure dates do not match your needs, please DM us, and we will happily customize your trip on the date that you need.

Note: We offer a discount on the package if you are in a group (2 to 15 people).

Fixed departure dates.
Trip Date Trip Name Price Space Left Status -
23 Oct 2024 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
30 Oct 2024 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
4 Nov 2024 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
11 Nov 2024 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
18 Nov 2024 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
25 Nov 2024 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
2 Dec 2024 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
9 Dec 2024 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
16 Dec 2024 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
23 Dec 2024 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
30 Dec 2024 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
5 Jan 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
12 Jan 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
19 Jan 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
26 Jan 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
7 Feb 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
14 Feb 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
21 Feb 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
28 Feb 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
5 Mar 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
12 Mar 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
19 Mar 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
26 Mar 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
2 Apr 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
9 Apr 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
16 Apr 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
23 Apr 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
30 Apr 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
5 May 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
12 May 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
19 May 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
26 May 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
6 Jun 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
13 Jun 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
20 Jun 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
27 Jun 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
6 Jul 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
13 Jul 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
20 Jul 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
27 Jul 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
4 Aug 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
11 Aug 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
18 Aug 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
25 Aug 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
2 Sep 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
9 Sep 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
16 Sep 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
23 Sep 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
30 Sep 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
4 Oct 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
11 Oct 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
18 Oct 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
25 Oct 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
3 Nov 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
10 Nov 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
17 Nov 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
24 Nov 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
4 Dec 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
18 Dec 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
25 Dec 2025 Annapurna Circuit Trek $1400 per person 15 Open
Cost includes:
  • International Airport pick up and departure.
  • Two nights accommodation (standard twin beds room with breakfast at 2** Hotel) in Kathmandu.
  • Annapurna Conservation hiking passes.
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) cards.
  • Kathmandu to Besishar Micro bus tickets and Besishar to Nadi public bus tickets.
  • Teahouse meals for clients: 20 breakfasts, 20 luches and 19 dinners with tea/coffee. Meals can be secelected from menu and will have plenty three times meals.
  • Accommodation (twin bed room) at teahouse/lodge while on the trek.
  • Nepali staffs: an experinced guide and necessary porters.
  • Meals and daily salary for guide and porters.
  • Insurance of guide and porters.
Cost does not include:
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Personal trekking equipment of clients.
  • Mineral/bottle water, Fanta, Sprite, Coke, Beer, Biscuits, fresh fruits, can fruits and whiskey etc.
  • Personal Insurance of clients (medical and emergency Helicopter rescue evacuation covered).
  • Expences of personal nature: hot showers, laundry, donations, battery charge, telephone and email/Internet etc.
  • Private bathroom while on the trek. If the clients prefer private bathroom, there have to pay difference between common and private bathroom.
  • Horse/Yak renting while on the trek.
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur etc. Note:- tour guide and transpotration can be arranged on client's request.
  • International flight tickets and Nepal Tourist visa (you can obtain Nepal Tourist visa upon arrival in Kathmandu Airport).

More info for extra cost:

Please read carefully the cost, including and not including the above. All the meals are included with tea/coffee while on the trek. We do not include drinking or boiled water, which you can buy at the lodge; this is $1 to 3 per liter. You can take water-purifying tablets or Seripen for a cheaper solution. Wi-Fi, battery charge, and hot showers are omitted. Wi-Fi is S1 to 3. The battery charge is $1 to 3 per hour per device (you can take a power bank for a cheaper solution). The gas shower is USD3 to 5 per head.

We insure trekking staff and provide warm enough equipment. We do our best for your safety. However, we suggest you buy comprehensive travel insurance covering flight cancellation, medical treatment, and Helicopter rescue emergency evacuation. Please buy the policy that can cover trekking activity up to 5550m for the days you will be trekking.

Inquiry

    List of trekking gears:
    • Comfortable trekking boot. Four pairs of socks. Sandals.
    • A down jacket, fleece jacket, three T-shirts, two trekking trousers, two drip-dry T-shirts, one long underwear, a woolen/fleece hat, glove, water/windproof jacket and trouser, Sunglass, lip balm, Sunscreem (50+), Sun hat, a light scarf, soap/shampoo, and trekking towel, etc.
    • Sleeping bag (-20 degree centigrade) with hood.
    • Water purifier tablets, 2L water bottle, hiking poles, medical kit, and torchlight with spare batteries, etc.
    • A few interesting books and a pack of cards.
    • Snow gaiters and micro-spikes for the winter trip.
    • Plastic bag for waste and toilet papers.
    • A padlock.
    • A day bag (25 to 35L) or rucksack large enough (65 to 75L) size.

    Note: We have a down jacket and sleeping bag renting facilities for our clients. The cost is US$1.5 per sleeping bag and down jacket daily.

    The following are the reasons for booking a trip with us.
    • We are registered with the Department of Nepal Tourism and have the authority to operate a trek and climb in the Himalayas of Nepal. We are the taxpayers of the Nepal Government. We are a healthy and up-to-date local hiking agency based in Kathmandu.
    • You can book the trip in a minimal advance and pay the balance upon arrival in Kathmandu.

      Pay method:

      Please read the terms and conditions carefully before booking a package trip. Once you agree with the terms and conditions, payment is an unavoidable part of the agreement. The following are different methods of trip booking advance payments for your convince.

      1) American Dollar Account:

      Name of the Bank:- Everest Bank Limited,

      Bank branch address: Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal.
      Name of Account Holder's (beneficiary):- High Camp Trekking (P) Ltd.
      Account No:- 03500105200138
      Swift Code No:- EVBLNPKA.

      2) If you would like to transfer the deposit to Western Union, MoneyGram, and IME, you can use the name of our company owner/manager, Norsang Lama.

      Note:- Please pay any amount charged to you by the Bank or Western Union, MoneyGram, or IME for transferring the booking in advance to us.

    • The trip departure is guaranteed once you have booked the trip with us. If you want to postpone the trip's departure date, you do not need to pay an extra fee. We will never let you down after we receive payment. We do hard work for every single dollar.
    • We organize essential trips for group members. Our package is all-inclusive (no hidden costs). We customize the trip itinerary based on your enjoyable side trip, holiday length, and the activities you need. Let us know your holiday length.
    • Our experienced, trained, and professional guide takes good care of the clients. Our guide never gets tired of your questions about plants, people, animals, and, of course, the mountains. You can feel the difference between having a great hiking guide through our agency.
    • We respond to every email/inquiry in less than 24 hours. You can call us anytime on Whats-app: +977-9841876395 (our support team is available 24/7).

    Note: The names of other agencies are more similar to us. Please remember that we are known as “High Camp Trekking.”   

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