Annapurna Circuit trek
Annapurna Circuit trek
Annapurna Circuit Itinerary: A High-Altitude Shortcut and the popular trek of Nepal.
Perfect for those short on time, the Annapurna Half Circuit is a condensed version of the classic trek — but don’t let “half” fool you! This two-week journey still offers breathtaking views of the entire Annapurna range.
Starting in Besisahar, the trek gradually climbs through the Marsyangdi Valley, shifting from lush sub-tropical landscapes to drier, high-altitude terrain above 3,000 meters. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional Brahman, Gurung, and Tibetan villages, with prayer flags fluttering in the wind, marking Buddhist communities.
As you gain altitude, Himalayan giants like Manaslu, Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna appear on the horizon. Crossing the Thorong-La Pass at 5,400 meters brings you into the unique landscapes of the lower Mustang Valley: wider, more arid valleys with stunning ochre, red, and green rock formations.
- Trek across the Thorung La (5,400m).
- The Manangi and Thakali villages of Ngawal, Jharkot & Lupra
Daytime
Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel.
- Meals on your own
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Duration of drive: 6 hours on the highway and 4 hours off-road
- Accommodation: Lodge
Climb steeply up a trail to reach Timang. Walk through a beautiful pine forest.
- Ascent: + 900 m
- Descent: - 150 m
- Duration of hike: 5 hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: +750 m
- Duration of hike: 5 hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
We now reach the upper Marsyangdi valley at high altitude, north of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna and Mt. Tilicho. Depending to weather, we visit the Pisang monastery. In the afternoon, we arrive at Ngawal, an old Tibetan village known for its monastery, its chortens, and above all, for its fantastic view of the Annapurnas II, III, IV, Gangapurna and Mount Tilicho.
- Ascent: +400 m
- Descent: -100 m
- Duration of hike: 4 hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
Along the way, we find ourselves looking at the flowless valley, then, in the end, at the bottom of the valley, Mungji and Braga, beautiful villages of Manangis, and visit a 500-year-old monastery. We finally reach Manang.
- Ascent: +150 m
- Descent: -250 m
- Duration of hike: 4 to 5 hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
Today’s hike is along the Marsyangdi river, ascending to Khangsar, the last village of the region. We stop for lunch and rest; then continue walking on the mountainside to get to Tilicho Base Camp.
- Ascent: +700 m
- Descent: -50 m
- Duration of hike: 5 hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
It’s a pleasant climb by the moraines to reach Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world at around 5000 m. Tilicho Lake is formed by glacial meltwaters accumulated from the entire northern Annapurna range. The lake is a Hindu pilgrimage site mentioned in the Ramayana. spectacular views of the Annapurna ice walls and the Tilicho peak (7134 m). The lakefront, which gets a burst of colourful wildflowers during spring and summer, is ideal for camping.
- Ascent: +700 m
- Duration of hike: 5 hr
- Accommodation: Same lodge in Tilicho Base Camp
Descend till Manang and then climb up again to reach Letdar.
- Ascent: +500 m
- Descent: -500 m
- Duration of hike: 5 hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
We walk along gradual but often steep slopes to reach High Camp. Afternoon free time and walking around.
- Ascent: +600 m
- Duration of hike: 4 hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
We start climbing up early in the morning and reach the Thorong La (Pass) in about 3 hr to reach. Then we negotiate a steep descent to Muktinath. This is the first village we encounter in the Mustang district, a religious pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus. We visit the famous Muktinath temple.
- Ascent: +600 m
- Descent: -1700 m
- Duration of hike: 7 hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
We first climb up to reach a short, wild pass, then descend (occasionally steep) down to the Bönpo village of Lupra. We then follow the Kali Gandaki’s windy banks till we come upon the Thakali village of Jomsom.
- Ascent: 400 m
- Descent: 1200 m
- Duration of hike: 5 hr
- Accommodation: Same as the previous day
*NB: Alternate trail, same duration but less difficult, via Kagbeni at the gates of Mustang.
Jomsom – Pokhara (200 km, 6-8 hours): A winding road along the Kali Gandaki Valley, offering breathtaking scenery of cliffs, gorges, and Himalayan villages, gradually transitioning to verdant hills before arriving in Pokhara. Free day at Lakeside in Pokhara.
- Accommodation: Hotel Batika (bed and breakfast)
- Meals not included
- Accommodation: Holy Himalaya Hotel (bed and breakfast) or similar
- Dinner at your leisure
Transfer to TIA (Kathmandu Airport) for your return flight.
End of our services.
Notes
- Depending on weather and operational conditions, the guide reserves the right to modify this itinerary for your safety and that of the group.
Pour votre prochain trek avec nous en Himalaya, voyagez léger et en conscience : Base Camp vous offre un savon biodégradable fabriqué au Népal, pour ne laisser aucune trace…
Include
- All transfers by vehicle (jeep and car as needed) are private according to the itinerary- 4 nights at the Mandala hotel or similar in Kathmandu in BB
- 1 night at the Vissudhalaya hotel in half-board in Namobodha
- Trekking in full board
- English-speaking guide for the entire trek
- Guided tours in Kathmandu with a vehicle.
- Trekking team: assistant (from 4), porters for the entire trek.
- Luggage carrying up to 13 kg/person during the trek
- Staff insurance
Not Include
- Meals in Kathmandu, excluding breakfast and entrance fees to sites in Kathmandu- Nepal visa ($30 + photo).
- International flight and PCR tests if required
- Repatriation insurance + rescue and search required
- Tips, personal expenses and equipment, drinks…
- Mandatory supplement for Pokhara-Kathmandu flight: 110$
- Supplement per single room for 3 nights in a hotel: 90$
