Annapurna Circuit Trek

  • Duration: 16 Days

Overview

  • Difficulty LevelStrenuous
  • Trip ModeTea House
  • Best TimeOct -May
  • Max Altitude5,16 m

Annapurna Circuit Trek - an Exploration of the Diverse Culture, Lifestyles, Topography.

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the classics, most diverse, and stunning tea house trek in Nepal. This Annapurna Circuit trekking route explores the fascinating ethnic groups having their own language and tradition. The incredible views of some of the most stunning 8000 meters peaks including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges - simply wonderful. We explore the natural diversity from lush, tropical rice paddies to moss-laden rhododendron forests. Besides that the Tibetan fortresses clinging to rocky cliffs - great natural diversity. Walking through the naturally rich terrain of diverse topography trekker has a chance to experience the rich cultural diversity of Hinduism, Buddhism. The mysterious Bon-Po religion still co-exists and intermingle with others at the same place.

We have specially designed this classic circuit hike of Annapurna itinerary making it shorter. It avoids the walk-on recently build the road as long as possible. We start the trek from Bulbule after a drive from Kathmandu. We finish our walk at Jomsom from where we take a flight to Pokhara. This hiking route keeps all the main highlights of the classic Annapurna circuit trek intact. The hiking route includes the Great Himalayan trail from Dharapani to Kagbeni, the Tibetan Buddhist dominated settlements. Furthermore, we explore the Braga monastery, the oldest in the region at Manang. Not to miss the shine of Muktinath, a famous pilgrimage site being worshiped by both Hindu and Buddhist devotees together.

Crossing the Thorung la pass - Diverse and Classic Route

No doubt climbing over the challenging pass of Thorung la at 5416 meters is tough but rewarding to the great sense of achievement. Undoubtedly the view from the pass is truly spectacular on this Annapurna circuit trek in Nepal. It spreads from the northwest wind-eroded "Once Forbidden Kingdom" of Mustang valley to incredible mountain ranges of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri to the southwest. Originally the pass was initially used as a trade route, herding agricultural products on yaks and donkeys. In fact, the people of Mustang identify themselves closer with Tibet and the Mustang region has actually been part of Tibet in past. In the end, we also do explore the peaceful lake city of Pokhara to end the exhilarating journey to the diverse region of Annapurna in the Himalayas.

Itinerary

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Annapurna Circuit Itinerary:

Details day by day Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. We start our hike below 1000 meters and cross the Thorung La over 5000 meters on this classic Circuit trekking route to the Annapurna region.

  • 1 Day
    Arrive Kathmandu / Nepali dinner with ethnic cultural program.
    • Hotel
    • Welcome Dinner
    • 1340 m
    • Car
    • Airport pick up

    • Arrive at Kathmandu airport and transfer to the hotel and check-in.
    • Pre Trek Briefing about Route/facilities and other information will be given.
    • Evening group dinner at Nepali traditional Restaurant.

  • 2 Day
    Cultural tour to Boudhnath Stupa and Hindu Cremation site / Trip preparation.
    • Hotel
    • Tour @ 9 am
    • Breakfast
    • 1340 m
    • Hiace
    • Tour & Trek Briefing

    • Morning half day city tour in World Heritage sites
    • PM. Distribution of your kit bag, down jacket, sleeping bag etc.

  • 3 Day
    Drive to Besishahar and walk to Bulbule
    • Tea house
    • B, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
    • 840 m
    • Hiace
    • Drive and trek starts

    • Early Departure from Kathmandu to Bulbule trek starting point.
    • Drive along the Trisuli and Marshyangdi River famous for Whitewater Rafting,
    • Lunch at Besisharhar and first entry point of Annapurna conservation Area.
    • Views of mountains Lamjung Himal (6,931m) Himalchulee (7,893m) Manaslu (8,156m), Peak 29(7,541m)

  • 4-5 Day
    Hiking along the Marsayandi River to Dharapani
    • Tea house
    • B, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
    • 1860 m
    • Trekking

    • Cross Musi Khola Hydropower and climb to the village of Bahundanda (1,311m).
    • Descend the valley to lunch at Syange (1,136m).
    • Afternoon the track follows near-vertical cliffs high above the river camp at Jagat (1,341m), a Tibetan village that served as a customs post on the long-standing trading route from Tibet.
    • We follow the classic route narrower and steeper.
    • The walk passes several high waterfalls and suspension bridges.
    • Lunch at beautiful village Tal by the Marchyangdi River with the cool bridge of nearby waterfall.
    • Reentry permits at Police check post before the camp.

  • 6-7 Day
    Hike through alpine terrain of Chame and Pisang, great views.
    • Tea house
    • B, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
    • 3300 m
    • Trekking

    • Chame Town is the Administrative Center of Manang District. Very refreshing day walk through the forest and numerous teahouses along the way.
    • Come across excellent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II (7,937M), and Annapurna III (7,555m) up the valley, and to the west Manaslu and Peak 29 soar magnificently to the skies.
    • A trekking permit is checked at the police post at Koto, a short distance from before Chame (2,685m).
    • Pisang (3,475m) Walk approx. 5 hrs.
    • A trail now leads through fields of barley and buckwheat, to reach the apple orchards at Brathang (2,840 m), a formal Khampa (Tibetan rebels) settlement.
    • After crossing the river into thick fir forest where you will have a glimpse of Lamjung and Annapurna towering high above the trail.
    • The forest ends and reaches a clearing to reveal the huge rock slabs of Paungda Danda.
    • Continue to follow the valley to reach the flat-roofed stone houses of Pisang village (3,300m) and our lodge in full view of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak (6,092m).

  • 8-9 Day
    Continue hiking to Manang, with stunning mountain panorama.
    • Tea house
    • B, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
    • 3540 m
    • Trekking

    • We walk through Pisang village and cross the River Marsyangdi to detour the main road,
    • Adorable views an indication of the arid trans-Himalayan terrain.
    • We pass some terraced farmlands to grow seasonal crops barley, wheat, buckwheat or potatoes can be grown.
    • To supplement their living many locals run hotels and teahouses as well as having herds of goats and yaks that graze on the hillsides high above the valley.
    • Afternoon walking is fairly easy along the valley to Braga (3,475m) where the houses are stacked on top of each other perched high on the valley cliffs.
    • The Monastery of Braga, the oldest and most interesting in the area, is estimated to be above 500 years old. From the village of Braga, it is only a short walk to the village of Manang.
    • Manang (3,535m) acclimatization and exploration.
    • Off day is designed to aid acclimatization not to relax hike above and around the village where you will be rewarded with great views of the Mountains and valley.
    • Manang is a tight compact village of about 500 flat-roofed houses set among spectacular scenery.
    • The huge Ice fall of Annapurna rears over the village. Annapurna II and IV (7,525m) tower dramatically above the valley floor to the southeast, with Tilicho (7,132m), Roc Noir (7,485m), and the Grand Barrier to the west. Chulu West (6,630m) and East (6,200m) lay behind the village a hauntingly beautiful panorama.

  • 10-11 Day
    Climb to Phedi, amazing views, preparation to cross the Thorong la pass.
    • Tea house
    • B, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
    • 4700 m
    • Trekking High

    • Ledar (4,200 m) Walk approx. 5 hrs
    • A relaxed walking day, taken at a slow pace to avoid the effects of altitude.
    • You will leave in the morning and slowly ascend to village Tengi then away from Marsyangdi Valley.
    • You pass Teashops and yak pastures before stopping at the pleasant meadow of Ledar (4,200m).
    • Trek to Thorong high camp (4,700 m) 
3 -4 hrs. 

    • The walk leads along a small glacial stream past the herders’ shades, towards yak pastures, which leads to a left side of River valley and a good spot to establish the Thorong La Base Camp at 4,100m/ after 3-4 hrs.
    • We continue upwards after lunch to High Camp for a night's stay.

  • 12 Day
    Hike to Muktinath after the Cross over Thorong La Pass. Stunning Panoramic views.
    • Tea house
    • B, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
    • 3750 m
    • Cross the Thorung la pass @ 5416 m

    • Thorong La pass (5,416 m) Muktinath (3,700 m) Walk approx. 7 – 9 hrs.
    • The pass poses no technical problems though need to start early morning, lately by 5 AM, so you can proceed slowly and safely. The trail is not steep but long, gradual approach passes several false summits before reaching some stone cairns making the crest of the pass at 5416 m. in fine conditions the views from the pass are truly fantastic.
    • ·Spread out the entire Annapurna range to the south, the Mukut and Mustang Himal to the west, and the incredibly Kali Gandaki valley below.
    • Peaks of Chulu West and east lie to the north, and on either side of the pass are Thorungtse (6,462 m) to the north and snow dome of Thorung peak (6,484 m) to the south.
    • The steep descent from the pass is guaranteed to make the knees wobble, but you are compensated with the view of mighty Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Tukche peak (6,920 m). You will arrive at the first village on the other side of the pass, Muktinath, in the late afternoon.

  • 13 Day
    Desend to Jomsom with historical visit to Kagbeni, the gate of Upper Mustang.
    • Tea house
    • B, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
    • 2720 m
    • Traditional village trek

    • Kagbeni is situated at the junction of the Jhong Khola and the Kali Gandaki, and gateway to upper Mustang. It is a fascinating village with many Tibetan influences.
    • We pass the medieval village of Jharkot, Shakya Monastery, a traditional medicine center, and incredibly photogenic whitewashed houses and streets.
    • The scenery is truly wonderful – soft light, patchworks of fields, peaks overhead, villagers out plowing the fields, horses tethered next to the houses, apple trees providing texture to the landscape.
    • Down the Kali Gandaki riverbed, looking for Saligrams along the way, to Jomsom, the administrative center for the region.

  • 14 Day
    Fly to Pokhara /stay at hotel / free exploration day.
    • Hotel
    • Breakfast
    • 820 m
    • Plane
    • Flight & Explore Pokhara lake city

    • We take a morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara – a fantastic way to round off the trek, flying right along the Kali Gandaki Gorge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
    • Almost a day to explore lake city Pokhara, Overnight stay at Hotel.

  • 15 Day
    Drive to Kathmandu / PM free to explore.
    • Hotel
    • Breakfast
    • 1340 m
    • Hiace
    • Drive & Explore

    • This morning, we have a drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. It is a thrilling/ exciting drive on High way through paddy fields and villages/towns with the Himalayas in the background. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

  • 16 Day
    Annapurna Circuit Trek ends / Airport transfer.
    • Breakfast
    • Airport transfer

    • Transfer to International Airport with exhilarating experiences of Nepal in mind.
    • Please make sure that you have collected all your valuable before handover your room key to the Front desk.

Trip Inclusion

  • Customize airport arrival and departure transfers as per your flight details.
  • Standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a twin share bed- and- breakfast basis as per the itinerary.
  • Welcome dinner with cultural program as listed in the itinerary.
  • Half-day guided city tour as listed in the itinerary.
  • Jomsom Pokhara flight with airport tax as listed in the itinerary.
  • Private transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek as applicable.
  • Full board meals ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea, Coffe,e and drinking water) while on trek.
  • Responsible trekking of 0ne trekker: One porter.
  • Accommodation in comfortable lodge or Teahouse on the whole hike.
  • Professional local trekking group leader well trained in Wilderness First Aid.
  • Supplementary Oxygen Cylinder with Comprehensive First Aid Kit as a safety back up
  • Trek supporting crew including porter with wages, accommodation, food, required insurance and gear
  • Complimentary Mountain Monarch trek Duffle bag, T-shirts, trek map.
  • Annapurna region trek permit and conservation entry fees.
  • Your Travel Insurance
  • Nepal entry Visa fees
  • International Airfare and Airport Tax
  • Your Travel Insurance
  • Drinks and main meals in cities.
  • Tips and Items of a personal nature like postage, a hot water, internet, and laundry

Cost and Dates

Annapurna Circuit Trip Dates:

Here below is the confirmed trek departure dates for the trekking to the round Annapurna trip for 2021 and 2022. One of the best tea house trekking destination. Join the guaranteed group trip for more fun and safety at the affordable inclusive trip cost of the Around Annapurna holidays.

Start DateEnd DateStatusPrice 
20 Mar, 202104 Apr, 2021AvailableUS$1490

Media Gallery

  • Lake in annapurna region
  • Lupra-village
  • Mystic mountain
  • Teahouse trek in Annapurna
  • Trek-porters
  • Trek group from uk
  • Climbing up thorung la pass
  • Tea house annapurna region trek
  • Taking-oxygen
  • Photos of Annapurna circuit trek
  • Annapurna circuit trekking
  • Break-on-trek
  • Chola-pass-trek
  • Chola-pass-trekking
  • Happy-trekkers-himalaya
  • Trekkers in Everest trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek map

Client Reviews

11 Reviews
Vasu & Cecile
Switzerland26 October 2016

Memorable trek to Annapurna circuit

We would like to thank Mountain Monarch Team for organizing a memorable trek to the Annapurna circuit for us (Sep-Oct, 2016). We did a fair bit of research before deciding on the trek and booking with Mountain Monarch and we are very happy with our choice!

At the outset, their website was very helpful and provided good information on various treks. Subsequently, Mr. Pradip was quick to respond to our queries on email and phone, and these discussions helped us plan well for the trip, sitting far away from Nepal!

Once in Nepal, we met our guide Arjun and our porters and pretty much relied on them for the next few weeks during our hike. What we liked the most about Arjun and other Mountain Monarch guides we met en route was the professionalism, knowledge (of local conditions + medical), and friendliness. Arjun was well equipped with a good medical kit and knowledge of what conditions to look for in customers. Arjun was also extremely thorough in his daily briefings and flexible to adapt to our constraints and interests.

We could also see Arjun and other guides constantly communicate on trail conditions, and update each other. We felt safe with that kind of meticulous planning. We were also impressed with the policy of “One porter for one customer”, and we could see our porters were taken better care of by their management than that of porters from other companies.
As we did a teahouse trek, we were reliant on Mountain Monarch for having a good local network to get us the better teahouse for stay or lunches, at the villages where it got crowded, and they did indeed met or exceed our expectations.

As a result, we had very less to worry about in terms of logistics, trail difficulty etc. and could just free our mind to enjoy a beautiful trekking experience, and the spectacular views.
Starting from 800 m to crossing the Thorong La pass at 5,400 m, and climbing down to Muktinath at 3,800 m, while enjoying great views of Annapurna ranges, and diverse landscape each day, was an experience we will never forget in our lifetime. If we go back to Nepal for another adventure in the future, it would be with Mountain Monarch!

Ken And Group
Australia12 January 2015

Well organised Trip

In September 2014 a group of seven Aussies went trekking and climbing with Mountain Monarch. The experience we all had was amazing. The trip was well organised and all of us enjoyed the friendship and company of the Mountain Monarch team.

They were always helpful and willing to adapt to any changes and had good knowledge and experience of the Annapurna circuit. Two of us split from the original group and climbed Mt Chulu West.

Climbing and camping gear was provided. We had excellent cooks and a comfortable base and high camps. The skill of our climbing guides Prakash and Santa gave us a lot of confidence to tackle this peak. This climb was one of the most rewarding challenges that both of us have experienced. Thank you Pradip and your Mountain Monarch team for an amazing trek and climb

Ken And Karen
Canada29 April 2014

Successful and safe experience with Mountain Monarch

We recently completed the Annapurna Circuit with Mountain Monarch. We would unreservedly recommend them for those wishing to trek in Nepal. For context, we have hiked worldwide with Western adventure companies; Explore, World Expeditions and Exodus. MM was superior in many ways and deficient in none. Their goal was to ensure a successful and safe experience for all clients. From the hand sanitizer they carried and put out whenever we ate (reducing the chance of illness) to provide one guide and two assistant guides plus three porters for only 5 of us, to the extensive first aid kit – visibly carried by one guide (for quick access) we felt our needs were being looked after. Pradip was very willing to adjust the trip to meet our travel needs and always had a quick reply to any emails. It was a treat to have Pradip himself or our guide Arjun meet/drop us off at the airport, rather than negotiating that on our own, late at night, as we’ve had to do with other providers.
We appreciated that Mountain Monarch is a local Nepali company, but very aware of the needs and standards of western travelers. We plan on returning to Nepal in 2015 to hike the Everest Circuit with Mountain Monarch.
A special thank you to Arjun, your cheery disposition and bursts of singing were appreciated.

Tom And Diane Browning
United States11 August 2011

Mountain Monarch was wonderful

With the help of Mountain Monarch, my wife and I, 59 and 57, completed the Annapurna Circuit hiking in Nov 2008. The scenery was spectacular, the cultures fascinating. Mountain Monarch was wonderful. Our guide Gyanendra and Phurba were true professionals but ended up being our family. From bringing tea first thing in the morning, to taking care of minor first aid, to monitoring food preparation, they took care of us every step.

They shared their culture, religion and beliefs, pointed out things of interest and entertained us. If there was a hazard on the trail, they were right at our elbow to assist if need be. I miss their companionship. Our porters were amazing. Big loads, steep hills, and always a smile on their faces.

I was impressed that Mountain Monarch ensured that they had all the equipment they needed to keep them safe and warm. Pradip kept in contact with us from beginning to end, answering our questions and ensuring that our needs were met. He took us on our unforgettable tour of Kathmandu. I initially was impressed with the Mountain Monarch website, the feedback, the endorsement for Lonely Planed.

I was probably most impressed with how reasonable their prices were, but I was a little worried that the prices were too good. No need to worry. We stayed in the same quality of rooms and ate the same quality of food and received the same if not the better guide service than those trekkers on the same route that were paying 2 -3 times as much. I wholeheartedly endorse Mountain Monarch. If I am ever fortunate enough to return to Nepal, I will look no furthers. Thank you Mountain Monarch for the trip of a lifetime.

Brian , Yvonne White, John And Wendy Matthews
United Kingdom16 September 2009

Very good trekking

Although the four of us had never trekked with MMA before, (using UK based companies previously) from our initial and tentative inquiries Pradip provided all of the answers and assurances that prompted us to cost-effectively book the Annapurna Circuit trip in October 2009.

From the time of our arrival in Kathmandu, all of our transfers, additional flights, and hotel arrangements worked out very well, right down to our departure too. It was good to stay at the Shanker hotel in Kathmandu before and after the trek. Yugal the guide and his support team were very good, helpful, knowledgeable, and supportive. The trek itself was a fantastic experience, with very good trekking days and stunning and varied scenery, which rates alongside the Everest Base Camp trek for us.

Despite wanting to go camping initially, the tea house experience proved to be better for us all (despite the difficulty in securing some accommodation because of the popularity of the circuit trek), generally staying at very friendly and welcoming tea houses.

Pradip's recommendation for an extra day in Pokhara was well worth it too. In summary, we would definitely recommend MMA and use them again. Our only problem is finding a trek to rival the round Annapurna.

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