Annapurna Circuit Trek
Experience Overview
On this incredible trekking adventure, spend 13 challenging days traversing rhododendron forests, isolated hamlets, and mountain villages. For six to seven hours a day, follow the trails of this challenging circuit on and around one of the world’s highest mountains while encountering temples, monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes. Led by expert guides and assisted by support staff throughout, you’ll be greeted by locals who offer a fascinating glimpse of traditional rural life and majestic views few ever experience.
Highlights
- Take in stunning Himalayan views
- Trek along the Kaligandaki Gorge; one of the deepest gorges of the world
- Traverse Thorong La Pass and view the stunning Annapurna Ranges from the top
- Stay the night in the Narchyang community Homestay
- View a sunrise from Poon Hill
- Meet local yak herders
Trip Details
Product Code: 1553
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Bus, walking, 4WD Jeep.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Active
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: ANTA
Starts: Kathmandu, Nepal
Finishes: Kathmandu, Nepal
Duration: 18 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Challenging
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Narchyang Community Homestay, Narchyang
- English-speaking local guide and full support team of porters and assistants for the Annapurna Circuit trek
- Walk along the Marshyangdi River
- Visit Bung chahara Water fall
- Experience the unique architecture of Bagarchhap region
- Explore Manang village and hike to the stupa
- Relax in hot springs of Narchyang
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels/guesthouses (3 nts), homestay (1 nt), tea house lodges (13 nts).
- 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Transport
- Bus, walking, 4WD Jeep.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, trekking support staff.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1574 ($87 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Attend the group welcome meeting today and enjoy a brief orientation walk around Thamel.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Activity - Get a taste of this lively capital city, which is fascinating at every turn. Accommodation - Kantipur Village
Day 2: Kathmandu/Chamje
Travel through scenic landscapes, picturesque countryside, and small towns along the way to Besi Sahar. The group will arrive in time for lunch. After lunch, the group will take the local transportation to Chamje along a winding, narrow road. Spend the night at the teahouse.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Accommodation - Eco Lodge
Day 3: Chamje/Bagarchhāp
Begin 13 days of challenging trekking in one of the highest mountain ranges on Earth. Experience stunning Alpine pastures, forests of rhododendron, temples, rural villages and local people, waterfalls, glaciers, and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery known to man. Today, the group will travel 20km on foot from Chamje to Bagarchhap. Ascend through forested areas of rhododendron (seasonal) and pine trees. Pass by waterfalls, traditional villages, and terraced fields of crops.
For almost 2 weeks, we immerse ourselves into the spectacular mountain wilderness of the Annapurna Range. At 8,091m (26,545ft) Annapurna 1 is one of the highest mountains in the world. Its surrounding sister mountains are equally imposing, creating magnificent panoramas from any view point. Throughout the trek we come across isolated mountain communities, each observing different ancestral customs and traditions, resulting in not only a visually superb expedition but also a culturally rich one. Amid the rugged mountain scenery, we meet warm and welcoming locals herding yaks and goats on grassy pastures, and visit their monasteries and temples. Along the way, we see waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers, broad plains, and high mountain passes and reward ourselves with a soak in natural hot springs (you've earned this!). The trekking is challenging, averaging 6-7 hrs a day, often at high altitudes. The highest point we reach, occurring on Day 9, is the 5,416m (17,769ft) Thorung Pass.
Given the dangers of altitude sickness, it is imperative that we take at least 3 days to ascend to this height. A couple of days are also allowed for rest and acclimatisation.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Cross breathtaking landscapes and winding paths around the mountains. Steep sided valleys filled with lush vegetation line the way to Bagarchhap. Leave Chamje behind to walk along the Marshyangdi River and pass through beautiful forests of rhododendron (seasonal) and pine trees to reach the village of Tal, where we stop for lunch. As the group approaches Bagarchhap (2160m), the trail becomes steeper and you'll begin to see the houses of the Manang Region – built from stone and slate roofs.
Walking distance - 20 Kms. Time 8-9 hours. Elevation gain - 750m
Terrain: mostly rocky terrain with mixed forested areas.Accommodation - Royal Mountain Lodge
Day 4: Bagarchhāp/Chame
Today, trek from Bagarchhap to Chame (2,670m, 8,760ft). Breathe in the fresh mountain air and climb up along the trail through dense pine and fir forests. Enjoy stunning views along the way of Manaslu and other peaks of the Annapurna range. Have lunch in Thanchok before continuing on to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Trek from Bagarchhap to Chame and watch as the scenery changes to more Alpine surroundings. Breathe in the fresh mountain air. Climb up along the trail through dense pine and fir forests to reach the village of Timang (2630m), and enjoy stunning views along the way of Manaslu and other peaks of the Annapurna range. After reaching the village, the trail continues to climb up through the forest to reach Thanchok where the group will have lunch. From there, pass through the Marshyangdi River, apple orchards, and more small villages before reaching Chame. Chame is the district headquarters of Manang with a few shops and guest houses, which are mostly traditional Manang styled houses.
Walking distance – 16 kms. Time 6-7 hours. Elevation gain - (510m)
Terrain: Rocky, crossing through pine forests with a mix of steep and gradual ascentsAccommodation - Marshyangdi Mandala
Day 5: Chame/Pisang
Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,300m,10,827ft). Leave the village of Chame behind, walk out past the prayer wheels and cross wide rivers and pine forests on the way to Pisang. As you hike, enjoy stunning scenery, narrow canyons, and valleys with Annapurna Range as the backdrop. Have lunch in the small, beautiful village of Dhukur Pokhari. Arrive in Pisang and visit the village monastery.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Leave the village of Chame behind, walk out past the prayer wheels and cross wide rivers and pine forests on the way to Pisang. Today, the trail is moderately challenging with several uphill and downhill stretches, but the group will be rewarded with the stunning scenery of waterfalls, narrow canyons, and valleys with Annapurna Range as the backdrop. Today our lunch spot will be the small, beautiful village of Dhukur Pokhari. Upon reaching Pisang, take a short hike to Upper Pisang village and visit the monastery of the village.
Trekking distance 16km. Trek Time 6-7 hours. Elevation gain - 630m.
Terrain: Mix of rocky trails, forested areas, and open fields.Accommodation - New Tibet Lodge
Day 6: Pisang/Manang
Trek from Pisang to Manang (3,540m, 11,614ft). Today, enjoy stunning views of Annapurna Range, pass through the village of Braga, with its ancient monastery from the 8th Century. Then, continue towards Manang village, passing through fields of barley and buckwheat.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Cross the Marsyandi River on the way out to Manang. Leave Pisang behind, head out west, passing several small villages and fascinating Buddhist monasteries before arriving at Manang, the largest village in the area. Stop in Manang overnight.
Trekking Distance 17km. Trek time 6-7 hours. Elevation gain - 240m.
Terrain: Initial part is flat along the banks of Marshyangdi river, later it is dusty and rocky
terrain as the trail climbs up through dense pine and juniper forest.Accommodation - Mountain Lake Lodge
Day 7: Manang
Enjoy an acclimatization day in Manang. Set off on a short excursion hike to Gangapurna Lake sitting at 3550m and Choser View Point at 3700m. Have lunch in Manang and explore the village before hiking to a Stupa located in the hills outside of Manang.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - The dramatic setting of Manang makes for a pleasant rest and acclimatization day with the added benefit of hot showers. The best way to acclimatize is to do some high climbing then return to the lower altitude of Manang for sleeping.Accommodation - Mountain Lake Lodge
Day 8: Manang/Yakkharka
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharta (4,018m, 13,182ft). Today, is a relatively short walking day with only 9kms in distance covered. Trek slowly and climb higher as the trail passes through a sparse forest of juniper and scrub. After lunch in Yak Kharka, complete an acclimatization hike in the surrounding area.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Trek through Manang, where the altitude continues to rise as the route snakes through the mountains and up to Yak kharka. Today, is a relatively short walking day with only 9kms in distance covered. Trek slowly and climb higher, feeling the temperature drop significantly as there is a decrease in oxygen levels. The trail passes through a sparse forest of juniper and scrub. Yak Kharka is a very small settlement with a handful of teahouses. After lunch in Yak Kharka, complete an acclimatization hike in the surrounding area for another hour or two.
Trekking distance 9km. Trek time 6-7 hours. Elevation gain - 478m
Terrain: Mostly uphill, rocky trails, and steep ascents, landscape becomes barren,
possibility of snow.Accommodation - Hotel Gangapurna
Day 9: Yakkharka/Thorong Phedi
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m, 14,600ft). Enjoy a short, but challenging hike today from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi. Begin with a gradual ascent through the alpine landscape and pass through pastures of grazing yak, small chortens, and streams en route.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Trek from Yak kharka via pastures of grazing yak, small chortens, and streams before arriving at Thorong Phedi. The hiking time will be shortened today as the group continues to trek into higher altitudes. Begin with a gradual ascent through the alpine landscape. The final stretch of the trek is quite challenging.
Trekking distance 6-7 km. Trek time 4-5 hours. Elevation gain - 432m
Terrain: Barren landscape, rocky and rugged with scattered vegetation, possibility of
snow during winters.Accommodation - Gangapurna Guest House
Day 10: Thorong Phedi/Muktināth
Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m, 12,467ft). Today the group will reach the highest point of the trek. This is the toughest uphill walking day. Keep a slow steady pace and enjoy the views while hiking. After reaching the top of Thorong La Pass (5416m) the group will follow the trail as it descends steeply for several kilometers to Muktinath – an important pilgrimage site for both Hindu's and Buddhists.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Today is the “THE DAY” of our Annapurna Circuit Trek. Begin around 3AM or 4AM with a steep climb up to Thorong La Pass (5416m) – the highest point of the trekking route. We begin the day early in order to avoid the strong wind at Thorong La and to enjoy the majestic and panoramic views of the mighty Annapurna Ranges at the top. Hiking this early requires a headlamp or torch to light the way. After reaching the top, the trail descends steeply for several kilometers to Muktinath – an important pilgrimage site for both Hindu’s and Buddhists.
Trek Distance 18km. Trekking time 10-11 hours. Elevation gain - 966m
Terrain: Mostly rocky with steep drops on one side, and rugged cliffs on the other, narrow
path and possibility of snow.Accommodation - Hotel Bob Marley
Day 11: Muktināth/Ghasa
Trek for 2 km, then take a local bus from Muktinath to Ghasa, losing 1800m in elevation, and take a break from trekking for the day. On the drive, view the contrasting yellow hills against green farmland of the valley. See the Kaligandaki, the deepest gorge in the world. Witness the dramatic changes in landscape of the Kaligandaki River and journey past several picturesque villages.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Drive from Muktinath to Ghasa in a local bus. The drive time is about 2.5 hours and a total of 57km. Some parts of the road are black topped while some are still bump, mountainous roads.The route passes through the Kaligandaki Gorge, which is the one of the deepest gorges in the world. Along the way, witness the dramatic changes in landscape of the Kaligandaki River and several picturesque villages.
Trekking Distance: 2km, 30 minutes
Terrain: Varied Terrain, some sandy and some rocky trails, leading to Kaligandaki river. Later, steep with steps and a rocky path.Accommodation - Narchyang Community Homestay
Day 12: Ghasa/Narchyang
Trek from Ghasa to Narchyang today. Travel on foot through the Kali Gandaki Valley and the lower Mustang region of Nepal. Walk along the Kali Gandaki River and through lush forests of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo. Upon arriving at Narchyang, our host community members will welcome the group. Narchyang once used to be the gate for North Annapurna Base Camp Trekking route. But with the Annapurna Base Camp being shifted to south, the village has remained isolated and devoid of tourism for a long time. In order to boost the amount of visitors to the region, the community has recently been active through Narchyang Community Homestay and started welcoming trekkers to their homes. The community is mostly of Magar Culture and are known for their innocence, simplistic ways of life, and bravery.
Meals included: Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - The trek from Ghasa to Narchyang takes the group through the Kali Gandaki Valley and the lower Mustang region of Nepal. Cross the Kali Gandaki River and walk through the lush forest of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo. Upon arriving at Narchyang, our host community members will welcome the group to their
village and community. Later in the afternoon walk for around 30 minutes and enjoy a dip in a natural hot spring to sooth those aching muscles from the trek.
Trekking distance 14km. Trekking duration 4-5 hours. Elevation change - 800m
Terrain: Some steep descents, some gentle climbs, varied vegetation, sub tropical forest
and stone steps.Activity - Set in the lower village, the Narchyang homestay offers a glimpse into traditional village life. Learn about the Magar culture and the Magar Kura language from your hosts and embrace this unique opportunity to live like a local. Get to know your hosts more over dinner as you enjoy a homemade meal of Nepali Dhido Set - typical cuisine for the area. Set in the lower village, the homestay provides the perfect starting point for exploring. Hike to the upper village for spectacular mountain views.Accommodation - Narchyang Community Homestay
Day 13: Narchyang/Sikha
Today the group will ascend once again on the trek. Walk through the forests and terraced fields, and climb uphill admiring the stunning views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli along the route. Reach a mesmerizing view of ascending levels of teahouses and lodges with the mountains surrounding. Today's hike will be 4-5 hours.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Walking through the beautiful rhododendron (seasonal) forests and terraced fields and trek uphill admiring the stunning views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
Trekking Distance 11 Kms. Trekking Duration. 4-5 hours. Elevation gain 715m.
Terrain: Mix of rocky trails, dense forest, occasional streams and terraced farmlands.Accommodation - See You Lodge
Day 14: Sikha/Ghorepani
Today trek from Sikha to Ghorepani (2,860m, 9,137ft). The route is seeped in history and the views of Machhupuchare and the Himalayas from Ghorepani are absolutely unmatched on a clear day. View local villages, teahouses, and settlements along the uphill route.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - From Sikha, take a route seeped in history all the way to Ghorepani; myths and stories of the origins of the indigenous people of the Annapurna region abound. The views of Machhupuchare and the Himalayas from Ghorepani are absolutely spectacular on a clear day. The trek while relatively short, is a very steep climb through the forest offering beautiful views of the mountains and valley below.
Trekking Distance 8km. Trekking Duration 4-5 hours. Elevation gain - 945m.
Terrain: Terraced fields, uphill ascents through the rhododendron and oak forests.Accommodation - See You Lodge
Day 15: Ghorepani/Ramghai
Enjoy an early morning excursion to Poon Hill for sunrise. Then venture through Ghorepani to Ramghai, enjoying spectacular views of the Annapurna range along the way. Cross through forests, streams, and bridges to reach the final destination, Ramghai.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Take in the incredible mountain scenery that lines the route from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3210m). Enjoy the views across rhododendron forests and of spectacularly coloured birds during the trek. Arrive at Poon Hill to enjoy some of Nepal's best vistas.
Walking distance : 4kms
Time: 3 hours
Elevation gain: 350m
Terrain: mostly rocky terrain with mixed forested areas.Activity - Trek from Ghorepani to Ramghai. The views from the trek are absolutely stunning and are known to be among the best in the area. The trail starts with a steep uphill climb through the rhododendron forest. After breakfast at the top, the group will begin the down hill walk all the way to Ramghai. This is the last day of the trek. Enjoy a final day in the mountains with the team of our guides and porters, thanking them for their effort in endlessly supporting our trek and making it successful.
Trekking Distance 15km. Trekking Duration 6-7 hours. Elevation loss - 1525m.
Terrain: Mostly downhill, through rhododendron forests and farmlands.Accommodation - Ever Green Lodge
Day 16: Ramghai/Pokhara
Take a short hike from Ramghai to Birethanti where our bus will be waiting to take us to Pokhara. Rest and take a well-deserved shower in this lakeside resort town.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Complete the final leg of your trek with a 1-hour hike to Birethanti where the bus awaits.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Lake Star
Day 17: Pokhara/Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu.
We travel back to Kathmandu where the rest of the day is free for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing in one of the many rooftop cafés.
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Enjoy some free time in Kathmandu by shopping, sightseeing, or simply enjoying a cup of warm chai in a roadside café.Accommodation - Kantipur Village
Day 18: Kathmandu
Depart at any time.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Elena E. - Traveled, January 2024
Well organized, professional, ethical, easy booking.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
Patrick O. - Traveled, January 2024
My excellent recent experience on the Annapurna circuit
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
Clarence L. - Traveled, January 2024
Great Itinerary Great Experienced CEO and Assistant Guides Hard-Working Porters Great choices for Teahouses
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/28/2024
Ryan M. - Traveled, January 2024
The trip was fantastic from start to finish.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/28/2024
Bryce C. - Traveled, December 2023
Very well organized, and employment of all local communities which puts money straight into the local economy
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/28/2024
Meghann G. - Traveled, December 2023
Ashok! Incredible guide, really made the trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/28/2024
Daniel C. - Traveled, December 2023
We found the experience to be seamless and when facing any obstacles/pressure the experience of the tour CEO and guides showed. My girlfriend and I had a wonderful experience. Personally this is my second time using G in Nepal and love using G.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/28/2024
Eleanor H. - Traveled, November 2023
The trip was extremely well run and despite weather conditions causing the itinerary to change our guide, with the help of head office were able to create a new itinerary so that we did not miss out on too much. I liked the small group sizes and all the staff (guide, assistant guides and sherpas) were INCREDIBLE! I have also found G Adventures to be really helpful throughout the entire booking process
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/28/2024
David P. - Traveled, November 2023
This tour was probably the most amazing holiday I've ever taken! Bikram & Meg as well as the entire porter team including BK, Harri, Pemba, and everyone else were all so amazing the entire trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2023
Amber M. - Traveled, November 2023
well organized, good reputation, good personal experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2023
Vanessa M. - Traveled, November 2023
Really great guides and porters. Looked after us well
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2023
Joshua C. - Traveled, November 2023
The CEO Bikram, Assistant guide Meg looked after us extremely well and always ensured we were feeling healthy, had drinks, food, were approachable in asking questions whether information regarding the trek or about the region they were knowledgeable and happy to help. The porters were fantastic and it was clear that they were all extremely proud of their jobs and of their country. The only change I would suggest would be changing accommodation from the Eureka Inn (after the Thorong La Pass) due to the hotel not functioning properly (toilets frozen only one squat toilet that was not usable). This however was only a minor problem within the scope of the trip. I would highly recommend G Adventures to use and I will look at using you again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2023
Andrew N. - Traveled, November 2023
Just really on top of everything I guess
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2023
Michael B. - Traveled, November 2023
he Annapurna Circuit trip by G Adventures was very professionally run at all levels. This includes the trip itself, but also all the interactions I had with G Adventures staff during phone calls to book and prepare for the trip as well as the web site. The actual trip was very well run with the guide (Sujan) looking out for our health and making the trip enjoyable by explaining about Nepal and the area.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Emma E. - Traveled, November 2023
The trek was amazing AND it was actually more amazing than I ever thought it would be. Everything I experienced was brilliant but the thing that made it what it was, was our guide Susan. He was very knowledgeable, organized and fun. He made the whole group come together with ease and assisted everyone in every way he could. He is one of the most incredible guide I have experienced whilst travelling and he is just a wonderful person. Thank you so much for appointing Susan as the guide for this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Nathalie R. - Traveled, November 2023
This was a perfect active trip- challenging but the technicalities were dealt with for you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Marie S. - Traveled, November 2023
Well organized and planned
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Luke T. - Traveled, November 2023
Excellent organization
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Sinead L. - Traveled, November 2023
The G Adventures team on this trek was fantastic I had an excellent time. The main guide was so knowledgeable and funny and the assistant guide was the most diligent worker I have ever seen. Bibekn keep checking on us as we were walking, he would even kick stones out of the way as we were walking to ensure our comfort and safety it was excellent. He made sure we all got our food in a timely manner, remembered everyone's names instantly and took the job so seriously putting his heart and soul into the work. I could not rate him highly enough and he deserves praise for his efforts on the trip. The sherpas were also so lovely and I also enjoyed how we supported local teahouses and teahouses run by women.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Liam T. - Traveled, November 2023
The experience provided by G was exceptional - this is a trip I'll never forget. I feel it's important to state that I believe our CEO, guide and porters made it the amazing trip it was, as well as the incredible country that Nepal is!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
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