The Annapurna Circuit Trek is spectacular in both natural beauty and wide cultural variety. Along the route, you will find snow-peaked whites, crystal-clear lakes, and quaint villages while treading serene trails far from vehicular traffic. It winds through two major river valleys and culminates at the Thorung La Pass with breathtaking panoramic views at an altitude of 5,416 m (17,769 ft) above the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, and surrounding peaks.
Highlights of the Trek to Annapurna Circuit Trek:
Trekking Annapurna Circuit Trek:
The Annapurna Circuit Trek begins from the city of Pokhara. The trekking trail passes through the villages of Bhulbhule, Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang, following the Marsyangdi River Valley. Following acclimatization at the village of Manang, the trekking trail passes through the villages of Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi and up to the high pass of Thorung La. However, before reaching the pass, you will have the chance to visit the holy temple of Muktinath. Additionally, the villages you will visit will provide you with the chance to experience the local lifestyle. As the trek comes to an end, you will descend to the forests and streams and then arrive at the natural hot springs of Tatopani. Here, you will have the chance to relax. Afterward, the trek ends with a drive back to Pokhara from the village of Birethanti.
Welcome! To Kathmandu, Nepal. You will be welcomed by an Asian Heritage Travel representative with a nameplate upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, and you will then be taken to your hotel located within the busy tourist district known as Thamel in Kathmandu. You will see some of the highlights of the city while traveling to the hotel, including Pashupatinath Temple, Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum, and the peaceful Garden of Dreams. Once you arrive at your hotel, a representative will meet you to discuss your itinerary and answer any questions you might have about it. After you check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the busy streets, cafés, and shops of Thamel or relax at your hotel.
Includes: Private transport and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Begin your sightseeing excursion by meeting your guide and boarding your private vehicle. Your first stop will be Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will walk among centuries-old royal palaces, intricate carvings on numerous temples, and traditional courtyard-style buildings that are indicative of the venerable history of ancient Kathmandu.
Your next destination on your journey is Swayambhunath, commonly referred to as the Monkey Temple. Swayambhunath is a sacred stupa located atop a hill that contains both Buddhist and Hindu cultural influences, and provides fabulous views of the Kathmandu Valley and the distant peaks of the Himalayas.
The next stop on your tour is Pashupatinath Temple, one of the premier Hindu pilgrimage destinations in Southeast Asia. Pashupatinath Temple is built on the banks of the Bagmati River, where you will get a glimpse of the open-air cremation ceremonies and experience the spiritual practices surrounding the temple complex.
The last stop of the day is the incredible Boudhanath Stupa (another UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is one of the largest stupas in the world. The stupa dates back to approximately 600 A.D. and represents the center of Tibetan Buddhist culture, surrounded by local life, monasteries, and prayer wheels.
After an amazing day of cultural experiences, you will head back to your accommodation to rest and relax.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, English-speaking Tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Early in the morning, you will leave for Dharapani in a private vehicle. The drive should take approximately nine hours and includes passage along some serpentine roads that go through some lush green mountain ranges. You should get to see some of the nearby settlements along the way and enjoy some excellent mountain sights that include Annapurna II, Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung.
Includes: Private transport, Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dharapani.
Today’s trekking trail provides magnificent views of the Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525 meters), surrounded by the fascinating Annapurna range. Additionally, the trekking route presents a natural hot spring that will provide you with an ideal place to relax before heading onward.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Chame.
Today, the trek will take you through dense forests covering the narrow valley gorge. During the trek, you will enjoy the breathtaking view of the Paungda Danda and catch glimpses of glacial erosion. After that, the trek will take you through the peaceful forests and emerge into the upper Manang Valley. Proceeding further, we will head to the beautiful village of Pisang, which has welcoming lodges where you will enjoy tasty meals, serving as the perfect refreshment for your trekking experience.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and Overnight hotel accommodation at an available local lodge in Pisang.
Today, we trek toward Manang, passing through the picturesque villages of Ngawal and Ghyaru. Along the way, you’ll be treated to spectacular mountain vistas and breathtaking views of the valley below. The trail follows the northern bank of the river, leading us first to Ngawal, where you can enjoy some free time to explore the village and immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Manang.
If the climate is favorable, we can take a boating experience in Gangapurna Lake. In addition, you can go around and visit some of the nearby monasteries if you wish. After enjoying your stay at Manang, you should make sure that you take all advice seriously from the Himalayan Rescue Association. This is essential as your stay at Manang will be reflected in your next destination, Annapurna Base Camp.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Manang.
Today, the trekking journey starts by crossing a stream and ascending to Tengi. Then we walk upwards out of the Marsyangdi Valley and reach Ghunsang, a point that is 3,950 meters above sea level. This journey involves trekking through meadows of barberries, junipers, and wild rose trees. After crossing a large stream, we finally arrive at Yak Kharka, a high-altitude village that is 4,050 meters above sea level. To finally get to Ledar, it will take an hour’s trekking.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Ledar.
At the beginning of the day, a deviation to the right is followed by a crossing of a suspension bridge. Turning left after that, we move on into the valley. We will proceed along the ascent route until we attain Thorung Phedi at 4,450m (14,596 ft). The trek then proceeds directly up to high camp. Along this journey, you will have magnificent scenes of Thorung Peak and various other mountains.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Highcamp.
Today’s trek begins early, around 4:00 a.m., as we embark on the challenging ascend to Thorung La Pass at 5416m (17,764 ft)-one of the highest trekking passes in the world. From the top, you will see breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri Massif directly to the west. After descending from the pass, we reach the bottom village of Chirabu and continue toward Muktinath.
From here, the path descends sharply for about 1,600 meters. Muktinath is a holy place for both Buddhists and Hindus alike; thus, no other pilgrimage site in Nepal boasts this strategic position. Heading downhill, you will find Tibetan traders, sadhus, or holy men, and plenty of stone piles that visitors leave to bring them good fortunes in their next life.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Muktinath.
Today is the final day of trekking during the Annapurna Circuit. Early in the morning, we will go and visit the Muktinath Temple. The temple is considered a major location for both Hinduism and Buddhism. At this location, you will also have a chance to visit the monastery. Additionally, you will see the Flames of Muktinath, a natural gas flame. From here, take in the views of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountains.
We then embark on an easy downhill trek to Kagbeni. While trekking, we pass through typical Tibetan villages. Kagbeni is in the lower Mustang region and provides ample opportunities to explore the local monastery and village. While there, we can interact with the local people and learn about their unique culture and way of life. We then head to Jomsom in the evening in preparation to take a flight the next day to Pokhara.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Jomsom.
Depending on your flight schedule, you will head off to Jomsom Airport so as to take a 30-minute flight to Pokhara. On this flight, you shall have an opportunity to see the mountains and trails leading down to Tatopani and Ghorepani. On arrival, check into your accommodation.
The rest of your day can be spent exploring this lovely place called Pokhara. You can stroll along the shores of this lake, take a relaxing boat ride in Phewa Lake, and try to capture in your memory a stunning image of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri reflecting in Phewa Lake. Such a view is enough to capture the essence of this place.
Includes: Breakfast, Airfare, an English-speaking Trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Crystal Palace or a similar hotel in Pokhara.
The experience begins with an early morning start and a drive to Sarangkot to experience the beauty of sunrise over Pokhara and the first rays of sunlight reflecting off the majestic Himalaya mountain range. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Machapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, and the surrounding mountain ranges from this spectacular vantage point.
Once you have taken in the spectacular views, you will then return to your hotel in Pokhara for your breakfast. Your day will then continue with a sightseeing tour where you will visit David Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, International Mountain Museum, and the final stop of the day will be World Peace Stupa to take in the breathtaking views of Phewa Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Includes: Breakfast, private transport, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Crystal Palace or a similar hotel in Pokhara.
After having breakfast, you’ll take a scenic road trip from Pokhara to Kathmandu, enjoying all of the beautiful scenery during the trip. Upon arrival, our representative will transfer you to your hotel for relaxation after the long trip.
That evening, you will attend a free time activity, where you can wander around Thamel’s busy streets, full of shops, restaurants, and local culture. This is a great time to experience Kathmandu’s bustling energy before concluding your tour.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, English-speaking Tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today’s journey takes you just outside Kathmandu to explore two of the valley’s most historic and culturally vibrant cities: Patan and Bhaktapur. The overall historical and cultural history of this valley includes many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As you begin your visit to Patan, you will have the opportunity to see several of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites, especially the Krishna Temple and Patan Durbar Square, which feature beautiful examples of Newari craftsmanship. After visiting the Krishna Temple and Patan Durbar Square, you will visit the Patan Museum for an in-depth look at the art, culture, and royal history of the Malla dynasty, as well as see the Golden Temple, a sacred place for Hindus and Buddhist,s and the Banglamukhi Temple, which is a well-known site for pilgrims.
Your next stop will be Bhaktapur, a living museum where you can see beautifully preserved architecture and experience the traditional way of life. Additionally, the intricate wood carvings add to the rich cultural experience of Bhaktapur. Stroll through Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll see ancient palaces, stone temples, and artisan workshops on the cobblestone streets of this historic centre. Be sure to visit the Nyatapola Temple, one of the highest and most magnificent pagoda-style temples in Nepal, which towers over Taumadhi Square.
After a day filled with cultural discovery, you will return to Kathmandu, check into your hotel, and relax for another enjoyable evening.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, English-speaking Tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is the last day of your journey. Three hours before your scheduled departure back to your home or another location, our representative will pick you up in a private vehicle after breakfast and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
We hope you travel safely and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Includes: Breakfast and private Transport.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
