Annapurna Circuit
Wellness Trekking Tour
September through May
On request
21 Days / 20 Nights
Min. 4 / Max 12 Trekkers
Strenuous
Mountain Lodges
Max 5416 m Mt
At a glance
- 300 km from subtropical forests at 800 m to Thorung La Pass at 5,416 m
- Diverse landscapes, from rice paddies to high-altitude deserts
- World’s deepest gorge on the Kali Gandaki
- Views of Himalayan giants like Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
- Superfood-based meals for detox and better acclimatisation
- Expert-led treks focused on safety and less crowded routes
- Concludes at picturesque Pokhara for relaxation
300 Km of remarkable range of landscapes and elevations
The Annapurna Circuit trek is renowned for its exceptional diversity and breathtaking scenery, making it one of the world’s most sought-after treks. Spanning approximately 300 kilometres, the complete circuit takes you through a remarkable range of landscapes and elevations.
The trek can be initiated in the sub-tropical forests below 800 meters. As you ascend, you will traverse rice paddies, pine forests, and countryside reminiscent of the Tibetan Plateau as you make your way towards Manang. Beyond Manang, the trail climbs further on the northern slope of the Himalayas, revealing high-altitude ice deserts and eventually leading to Thorung La Pass, situated at an impressive 5,416 meters.
Descending from Thorung La Pass, you will continue to trek through stunning locales such as Muktinath and Jomsom until you reach the forested areas below Tukuche. The ever-changing scenery offers a visual feast throughout the journey, each day showcasing a new aspect of nature’s grandeur. One of the highlights of the Annapurna Circuit is the Kali Gandaki River, which carves a deep ravine between the majestic peaks of Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters) and Annapurna (8,091 meters). This river gorge is five times deeper than the Grand Canyon, standing as the world’s deepest.
As you continue along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, you will be surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains, diverse forest flora, and remarkable fauna. The trail eventually leads you to Ghorepani, a picturesque village known for its panoramic sunrise view from the nearby Poon Hill. Finally, you will descend to Birethanti, where the Annapurna Circuit trek concludes, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind and relax in the tranquil lakeside city of Pokhara.
Experience gastronomic trekking in the Himalayas, complete with varied, exciting menus tailored to different dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more. Enjoy the health benefits of trekking as it detoxifies the body and nourishes the soul, with superfood ingredients boosting fitness and aiding acclimatisation at high altitudes. Immerse yourself in pristine mountain air, savor nutritious meals, and embrace a truly complete Himalayan adventure.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at the airport, our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel. During a group briefing, you will have the opportunity to meet the other members of your trekking group and receive essential information about the trip. This briefing ensures that everyone is well-informed and prepared for the upcoming adventure.
Our journey begins with an early morning departure from Kathmandu. We will embark on a scenic drive towards Ngadi along the same highway to Pokhara. As we leave the Kathmandu Valley, we will follow the path alongside the Trishuli River, enjoying the picturesque views.
Our first significant waypoint is Mugling, where we continue onwards to Besisahar. From Besisahar, we take the crossroad at Dumre, leading us to Ngadi. The entire drive from Kathmandu to Ngadi typically lasts around 7 hours.
Once we reach Ngadi, our trekking adventure commences. We will start hiking from Nagdi for approximately two and a half hours until we reach our destination, Bahun Danda. This part of the trek allows us to immerse ourselves in the stunning natural surroundings as we gradually ascend towards our next stop.
During this portion of the journey, you can expect to witness breathtaking landscapes, encounter local communities, and begin to experience the charm of the trekking route. It is an opportunity to appreciate the Nepalese countryside’s beauty and prepare for the memorable journey ahead.
Our trail for the day starts with a steep descent towards the Marshyangdi River, offering a thrilling beginning to our adventure. After crossing the river, we ascend the valley towards Germu Phant, following an undulating path with varying terrains and landscapes.
Leaving Germu Phant, our route takes us through fields and forests on a steep ascent, gradually leading us to our lunch stop at Tallo Chiple. This small homestay is nestled in a beautiful village untouched by the newly constructed road, providing a charming and authentic experience.
Following a brief descent, we encounter a short but steep climb, chosen to bypass a landslide-prone area. This section leads us towards Maththillo Chipla (Upper Chipla). As we descend steeply again, we arrive at the Marshyangdi River, which we cross using a suspension bridge just before the village.
From here, we rejoin the main trail and continue our journey towards Jagat. The trail involves a steep uphill section lasting approximately 20 minutes. Once we reach Jagat, we are just one more hour from our overnight stop in Chyamche, where we will rest and rejuvenate for the night.
This part of the trek offers a blend of challenging ascents, rewarding descents, and breathtaking natural scenery, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the region’s raw beauty while progressing towards our next destination.
Today brings some big 8000M mountains. As we continue along the Kali Gandaki River, there are scenic views of Annapurna, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri, some of the world’s highest mountains.
We ride as far as Muktinath, where we visit the holy site of the Muktinath Temple and Buddhist Monastery before backtracking to stay in Kagbeni.
Overnight is at Mountain Lodge
We are at altitude now and in the morning we have a chance to explore Kagbeni while we get our permits at the check point.
We follow the Kali Gandaki River and pass through a village at 3800m before crossing the Nya La Pass at 4010M.
We stay in Ghami for the night.
Overnight is at Mountain Lodge
Lo Manthang district borders on Tibet and is the furthest destination for us in Mustang.
We will have panoramic views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri and stay a 3850M.
This region was restricted for many years, and relatively few make it this far into Mustang.
Overnight is at Mountain Lodge
After breakfast, we will explore around Lo-Man- thang village by walking and visiting The Chode Gompa, The Jampa Monastery and Thupchen Gompa.
After lunch, we will ride and visit Choosar Cave and return to Lo-Manthang to stay.
Overnight is at Mountain Lodge
Back down the Mustang Valley today, and we head to Chussang. You are already familiar with the valley and what we are likely to encounter on route? We are still at quite a decent elevation, around 3000 meters.
Overnight is at Mountain Lodge
We continue to retrace our steps down the Mustang Valley, visiting Muktinath Temple at 3800m, eventually arriving at Tatopani via Jomsom. Tatopani has hot springs to soak in the mountains outdoors.
Overnight is at Mountain Lodge
After days at high altitude, remote Himalayan riding, and with the Mustang Valley and all its difficulties behind us, we are back at Pokhara with its beautiful lake and hustle and bustle. It’s time to have a beer and reflect on our accomplishments.
Overnight is at Hotel Pokhara
From Pokhara to Kathmandu, an adventure that blends thrilling riding with breathtaking scenery. The approximately 200 km route along the Prithvi Highway offers stunning views of lush hills, terraced fields, and the Trishuli River, making it a memorable experience.
Expect a journey of 6 to 8 hours, with some stretches presenting potholes and traffic, especially during busy times and monsoon season. This ride tests your skills and encourages self-discovery as you navigate winding roads and steep inclines.
Take time for rest stops at local teahouses and restaurants, with highlights like Kurintar’s cable car views and Mugling for snacks. Prepare for varying weather conditions, embracing the unique beauty of misty rain, cool breezes, or warm sun.
Today you can enjoy the city of Kathmandu or an optional Everest flight, a unique chance to see Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks from an aeroplane, all without the physical demands of trekking. These one-hour scenic flights depart from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, generally in the morning, for clearer skies, providing a convenient and comfortable way to experience the Himalayas. Passengers enjoy breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam, with some airlines allowing a quick cockpit visit. The planes fly around 25,000 feet with top-notch safety measures. The best time to take this flight is from October to mid-June, which is perfect for those wanting to experience t
Time for farewells. We hope you enjoyed the time in Nepal with us.
Inclusions
- Boutique hotel in Kathmandu on a bed-and-breakfast basis
- Boutique hotel in Pokhara on a bed-and-breakfast basis
- Hotel/lodges on a twin-sharing basis
- All transportation
- Responsible Adventures’ expert trek leader or Trek with Raj
- Complimentary T-shirt
- Use of trekking kit bag during the trek
- One assistant guide between 4 trekkers
- Trekking Chef
- One porter between two trekkers
- Proper clothing for porters and crew
- Food for porters & crew members (we are less than a handful of trekking companies that provide this facility)
- Insurance for team and porters
- All permits
- All meals on the trek (the healthiest and most varied trekking meals in the whole of the Himalayas)
- Twin sharing room on the trek
- Domestic airfare
Exclusions
- International airport taxes
- Visas
- All optional additional tours or activities during free time
- Transportation outside of the tour program
- Travel insurance (compulsory to have insurance that covers helicopter evacuation)
- Tips (suggested amount US$75 per week for staff only); Leader’s tips at your discretion
- Items of a personal nature, e.g., alcoholic drinks, bottled beverages, laundry, souvenirs, etc.
