Overview

  • Duration: 16 Days
  • Diffculty: Strenuous 
  • Best Time: Oct -May
  • Max. Altitude: 5416 m

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

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the classic, most diverse, and stunning tea house treks 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 - are 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 the Annapurna itinerary making it shorter. It avoids the walk-on recently build 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 the 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.

Trip in Nutshell

  • Classic Around Annapurna Trekking
  • Cross the Thorung La pass over 5416 meter
  • Explore the diverse cultural and topography
  • Explore the Manang village and Muktinath temple
  • Medically trained trek guide with Supplementary Oxygen tank
  • Responsible trekking policy of 1 trekker: 1 Porter
  • Full board meals on a trek with tea and coffee
  • Exploration of sights and sounds of Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Hotel, transportation, and permits: all looked after

Itinerary

  • 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.
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsWelcome Dinner
  • Altitude1340 m

  • Morning half day city tour in World Heritage sites
  • PM. Distribution of your kit bag, down jacket, sleeping bag, etc.
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude1340 m

  • 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)
  • AccommodationTeahouse
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
  • Altitude840 m

  • 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.
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
  • Altitude1860 m

  • 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 the 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)
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
  • Altitude3330 m

  • 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 Icefall 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.
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
  • Altitude3540 m

  • 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.
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
  • Altitude4700 m

  • Thorong La pass (5,416 m) Muktinath (3,700 m) Walk approx. 7 – 9 hrs.
  • The pass poses no technical problems though needs to start early morning, lately by 5 AM, so you can proceed slowly and safely. The trail is not steep but a 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.
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
  • Altitude3750 m

  • Kagbeni is situated at the junction of the Jhong Khola and the Kali Gandaki, and gateway to the 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.
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee & Drinking water
  • Altitude2700 m

  • 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.
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude920 m

  • 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.
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude1340 m

  • 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.
  • MealsBreakfast

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.

What's Included
  • 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 backup
  • 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.
What's Excluded
  • 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

Dates & Availability

Annapurna Circuit Trip Dates:

Here below are the confirmed trek departure dates for the trekking to the round Annapurna trip for 2022 and 2023. One of the best tea house trekking destinations. Join the guaranteed group trip for more fun and safety at the affordable inclusive trip cost of the Around Annapurna holidays.

March Departure
     
Start DateStart DateMarch 13, 2022End DateEnd DateMarch 28, 2022StatusStatusAvailablePriceUS$1490
Start DateStart DateMarch 27, 2022End DateEnd DateApril 11, 2022StatusStatusAvailablePriceUS$1490

FAQs

  • Q1. How difficult is Annapurna Circuit ? Can anyone join this trip?

    This round Annapurna trek which once used to be the world's no. 1 trekking destination during departed years and which once served as a fundamental trading route between Nepal and Tibet is by far the most admired and beautiful trekking destination of all. the route is challenging, though the trek rises to an altitude of 5416m / 17,769 feet the daily altitude gain is very gradual which prepares undemanding grounds for going over the highest Thorong La pass. Anyone with reasonable fitness can join because the altitude is a major issue than the level of fitness. However, our itinerary is very well designed with slow pacing and ample time for acclimatization strategy. It's indeed heaven for keen walkers.

  • Annapurna Circuit is more than a moderate trek with longer hours of walking. Since the altitude gain is very gradual it is suitable for anyone with reasonable fitness. However, anyone with a knee, ankle, heart, or lungs pre-medical history needs to seek medical consent before considering the trek to Annapurna Circuit. Though Mountain Monarch itinerary is so designed that the walks are challenging but not very exhausting yet some pre-training is a must to figure out how many hours or how much weight you can handle. With some physical preparation, anyone can be ready to benefit from the paradise-like setting of the diverse Annapurna region.

  • Acute mountain sickness is something we get when our body fails to adapt to the thin air environment. Though Annapurna Circuit trail has very gradual ascent yet altitude sickness has been reported among many trekkers. Mountain Monarch provides medically professional leaders with medications, oxygen cylinders, and oxygen chamber bags to deal with any altitude-related ailments. Besides, your leader will put forth some basic guidelines to get away with altitude sickness, and as well there are multiple things you can do as precautions to ward off AMS eg taking Diamox etc. so far there has not been any record of fatal altitude sickness misfortune with mountain monarch groups.

  • In cases of emergency, the necessary prompt assistance will be available only if you are affiliated with a reputed company. Furthermore, if you are looking for a hassle-free holiday in terms of issuing permits, hotels, flights, and transportation, etc. It's best to go with a reputed company that offers you leaders who are knowledgeable and professionals. Reputed companies are there to provide you with quality service at a very competitive price and are there to guarantee your safety which I suppose is the biggest concern. Leaders, besides giving you all the necessary information, are there to cater to you at times of any crisis no matter if it’s a mountain ailment or any weather mayhem.

  • Other than your group leader you will have assistant guides in your group. Your leader will sort out assigning each of his assistants in the group systematically while he takes responsibility for the slow walking people being at the tail of the group making it utterly non-strenuous. Nevertheless, your leader would be counseling everyone in the group to stay together and walk collectively as a team.

  • Usually not more than 6 to 8 hours excluding lunch. Since the Annapurna circuit is feasible doing counter clockwise walking hours are longer also because there is more of a gradual up walking trail. However, it also depends on your pace though we allow you enough time to set up your own pace to make everyday more entertaining. We usually start early so that you could reach the destination on time leaving you enough time to explore and enjoy the serenity of the place.

  • Tea houses in Annapurna Circuit trail provide you with hygienic family-oriented lodges with twin bed sharing rooms with clean common toilets and occasional rooms with attach toilet bathrooms. Since advance booking is not possible sometimes these tea houses during peak season provide you with dormitory facilities or a dining hall with a heated chimney. However, we have always given our best to accommodate our group in rooms available. You have a variety of choices for the food and in Annapurna circuit tea houses cooks are proficient in preparing the variety that is in their menu. So far there have not been any complaints whatsoever in regards to food and accommodation provided by us.

  • Annapurna circuit which is approximately 248 km / 154miles in total length comprises four different constituencies of Nepal namely – Lamjung, Manang, Mustang and Myagdi that go through Beshisahar, Thorong La, Jomsom, Poonhill and Pokhara. The everyday shifting transformation in the vegetation and landscape is mystifyingly very touching.

  • Any sort of vaccination is not mandatory while visiting our country. But we strongly suggest personal medical consent before you sign up for this trip if you have any pre-medical history.

  • Mountain Monarch provides you with a very warm sleeping bag and feather duvet jackets which people have used even while climbing peaks which is the mother of all warm clothing. We also provide you with a Duffle bag to fit all your gears in and a very warm fleece liner that goes into your sleeping bag to keep you warm and cozy during night chill.

  • Natural Annapurna Trekking Trails (NATTs) has indeed introduced the latest trail to assist the embarrassment of the trekkers walking into the jeep road. Though we are giving our best to skip the jeep road and take the trekking trial and since NATTs isn’t fully functional due to the survey delay after the 2015 earthquake we would in some-way or the other encounter the motorway. As a result, out of compulsion, we may not fully guarantee your walk on the off beaten track but we are ready to go an extra mile to bring you very close to nature.

  • Nepal air aviation is quite strict about these small planes flying high into the remote mountain airstrips like Jomsom. There are possibilities of flight delays and sometimes cancellations. Since Jomsom happens to be the valley of winds of Nepal the airport would be momentarily closed whenever there is the slightest weather chaos or high-velocity winds. So there is no need to fear about flying to Jomsom. However, there is also an alternative of driving to Pokhara on the same day in case of bad weather for this flight.

  • April to mid-June during spring and September to November during autumn before the harsh winter is the best time to trek around Annapurna when the view of Annapurna massif, beautiful gorges, and startling landscapes are at its best state. Keen walkers from around the world come to visit Annapurna Circuit during winter (December till February) despite the serious chill factor and lower temperature since the day time in winters offers crystal clear weather and exceptional mountain views. However, there might be chances of the closure of the Thorung La pass due to snowfall. As climate change has basically altered the pattern of weather factor winter trekking is doable if there is no heavy snow, all you need to do is prepare for the worst of chill weather circumstance.

  • The charging privilege for any of your electronic devices is possible all the way around the trek except for few settlements in the high elevation as they are void of hydroelectricity and totally rely on solar panels which may not be very reliable. So it is always wise to carry some extra batteries or the fully charged power bank batteries since your batteries run out pretty quick in the cold. Availability of hot showers may be on and off in the trek and also your leader may suggest you not having the shower in high elevation regarding the health issues.

  • Yes, as per the time convenient to you and the level of fitness we can always modify this classic circling of Annapurna massif trip routes. Depending on your schedule you can either book for the whole circuit via Poonhill or semi circuit i.e. flying from Jomsom airport to Pokhara after the highest Thorong La pass. Mountain Monarch has always been successful in organizing customized trek for the clients as per their requirements.

Book with flexibility
All-Inclusive CostUS$1490

This trip can be booked privately if you’re travelling solo or private.

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Customer Reviews

  • C
    Christina White 5.0AustraliaPublished September 18, 2017

    Thank You MM

    Thank you, Pradip, our wonderful guide Netra and our fantastic porters and driver on an incredible journey hiking the Annapurna circuit via The Thorong La Pass. For three Aussies with limited trekking experience, we had a brilliant time trekking in the off-peak season (September) staying at some incredible tea houses, tasting Nepalese cuisine and culture with an extremely experienced and well-equipped support crew lead by Netra. He looked after us very well at altitude, entertained us on the long trekking days, and always ensured we stayed at the best quality tea houses and remained well nourished. Thank you so much Mountain Monarch, we are sad to be leaving an incredible country and I'm certain I'll come back again to explore some more mountains.🙂

  • V
    Vasu & Cecile 5.0SwitzerlandPublished October 29, 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!

  • K
    Ken And Karen 5.0CanadaPublished April 26, 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.

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