Key Facts

Difficulty

Moderate

Dates

Feb - Nov

Walk to Ice Lake, Manang (rest/acclimatization day)

Annapurna Circuit Quest

Annapurna Circuit Mindful Trekking

Embark on an Epic Quest Through the Annapurna Circuit.

Annapurna Circuit Quest, aka, the Annapurna circuit trek offers you an opportunity to explore the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Himalayas, while immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region. This 17-day itinerary is tailored to give you a unique and sustainable travel experience that combines the best of trekking, culture, and community engagement. You will be guided by local experts, who will give you a deeper understanding of the local culture, customs and history. You will also be staying in community homestays and explore side trails that benefit the local communities, allowing you to make a positive impact while on your journey. During the trek, you will cross the Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416m, visit the sacred temple of Muktinath, and the holy lakes of Tilicho. You will also enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other peaks. Join us on this journey and create unforgettable memories while making a positive impact on the local community.

Trip Gallery

Experience the breathtaking landscapes, culture and sacred heritage of the Annapurna region, while making a positive impact on local communities through sustainable trekking

Trip Highlights

Embark on a 14-day Annapurna circuit trek, using alternative routes, community homestay breaks, and side trails
Explore diverse landscapes, including subtropical forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude deserts
Cross Thorong La Pass, one of the highest passes in the world, at an altitude of 5,416m
Visit sacred temples and holy lakes such as Muktinath and Tilicho
Enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks
Experience local culture and customs with the help of local guides
Support local communities by staying in community homestays and exploring side trails
Make a positive impact on the local community while exploring one of the most beautiful regions of Nepal

Trip Details
Itinerary
Cost Info
FAQ
Map

Trip Details

Circuit Quest, aka, the Annapurna circuit trek is an iconic and challenging trek in the Himalayas of Nepal, known for its diverse landscapes, stunning mountain views, and rich cultural heritage. This 14-day itinerary offers an alternative experience by incorporating the use of local guides, staying in community homestays, and exploring side trails that benefit the local community directly and promote sustainable tourism.

By using local guides, clients will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture, customs, and history. The guides are not only knowledgeable about the trekking routes but also the local culture and they can help clients to engage with the local community and gain a more authentic and immersive experience.

Community homestays are a great way to support the local economy and to experience the local lifestyle firsthand. Staying in homestays means clients will be staying with local families, who will provide them with meals made from locally sourced ingredients, giving clients the opportunity to try traditional Nepalese dishes.

Exploring side trails is an excellent way to discover hidden gems and to support local businesses. This itinerary includes a rest day in Jomsom, where clients can take a side trail to Marpha and Tukuche, two charming villages known for their apple orchards and traditional Tibetan-style houses. Visiting these places not only give clients an opportunity to learn about the local culture and customs but also to support local farmers, and small-scale businesses.

This kind of trip is interesting to clients who are looking for a more authentic and sustainable travel experience. It is different from typical offerings as it allows clients to have a deeper understanding of the local culture and customs, to support the local economy, and to have a more immersive and authentic experience.

In summary, this Annapurna circuit trek itinerary offers a unique and sustainable travel experience that combines the best of trekking, culture, and community engagement. It is an opportunity for clients to explore one of the most beautiful regions of Nepal, and to make a positive impact on the local community.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and stay/exploration in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4593 ft)
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and meet your representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Check-in and rest for a while. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore some of the attractions of Kathmandu city such as Kathmandu Durbar Square4, Boudhanath Stupa2, Garden of Dreams2, Swayambhunath Temple1 or Thamel area1. You can also try some of the local cuisines such as momos, dal bhat, samosa or sel roti1. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760 m / 2493 ft) and then take a jeep to Chame (2,670 m / 8760 ft)
Start your journey with a scenic drive along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. Reach Besisahar after about 6 hours and then take a jeep to Chame, the headquarters of Manang district. Enjoy the views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and IV along the way. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 3: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,200 m / 10498 ft)
Continue your trek through pine forests and apple orchards. Cross a suspension bridge over Marsyangdi river and enter the lower part of Pisang village. Enjoy the views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 4: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3,540 m / 11614 ft) via Upper Pisang and Ghyaru
Choose between two routes: the lower route that follows the valley floor or the upper route that offers better views of Annapurna III and IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak and Pisang Peak. The upper route passes through Upper Pisang and Ghyaru villages, which have ancient Tibetan-style houses and monasteries. Both routes converge at Mungji village and then continue to Braga, where you can visit a 12th century monastery. From Braga, it is a short walk to Manang, a large village with many facilities for trekkers. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 5: Acclimatization day in Manang
Spend a day in Manang to acclimatize to the high altitude. You can explore the village and its surroundings, visit Gangapurna Lake or hike up to Ice Lake or Milarepa’s Cave for stunning views of the mountains. You can also attend an altitude lecture by Himalayan Rescue Association at their clinic near Manang airstrip. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 6: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110 m / 13484 ft)
Leave Manang and ascend gradually through Tenki village towards Jarsang Khola valley. Cross a wooden bridge and follow a narrow trail along a steep slope. Pass by a small village of Gunsang and continue to Yak Kharka, a grazing area for yaks and horses. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 7: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600 m / 15091 ft) or High Camp (4,800 m / 15748 ft)
Climb further up from Yak Kharka to Ledar and then cross a suspension bridge over Kone Khola. Ascend along a rocky trail to Thorong Phedi, which means “foot of the hill”. This is the base camp for crossing Thorong La Pass. If you feel energetic, you can hike up to High Camp for better acclimatization and shorter walk for the next day. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 8: Trek from Thorong Phedi or High Camp to Muktinath (3,800 m / 12467 ft) via Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17769 ft)
Start early in the morning and ascend steeply to Thorong La Pass, the highest point of your trek. Enjoy the panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and other peaks from the top of the pass. Then descend gradually to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Visit Muktinath temple and its surroundings. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 9: Trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni (2,810 m / 9219 ft) via Jharkot and Lupra
Leave Muktinath and descend along a dusty road to Jharkot village, where you can see an ancient monastery and traditional houses. Then take an off-road trail to Lupra village, which follows the Kali Gandaki river. Lupra is one of the few villages that still practice Bon religion, an ancient pre-Buddhist faith. From Lupra, continue along the river bank to Kagbeni, a medieval village that marks the entrance to Upper Mustang. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 10: Trek from Kagbeni to Marpha (2,670 m / 8760 ft) via Jomsom
Follow the Kali Gandaki river downstream to Jomsom, the headquarters of Mustang district. Jomsom is a windy town with an airport that connects it to Pokhara and Kathmandu. You can visit the Eco Museum and learn about the local culture and history. From Jomsom, trek further south to Marpha, a charming village famous for its apple orchards and products. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 11: Trek from Marpha to Kalopani (2,530 m / 8300 ft) via Tukuche and Larjung
Leave Marpha and cross a wooden bridge over Kali Gandaki river. Pass by Tukuche village, which has a distillery that produces apple brandy. Then continue through pine forests and apple orchards to Larjung village, where you can see some caves carved into cliffs. From Larjung, follow a dirt road to Kalopani, which offers splendid views of Annapurna I, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri peaks. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 12: Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1,190 m / 3904 ft) via Ghasa and Rupse Chhahara
Descend further down from Kalopani to Ghasa village, which marks the end of the Tibetan plateau and the beginning of subtropical vegetation. Cross a suspension bridge over Kali Gandaki river and pass by some waterfalls and terraced fields. Reach Rupse Chhahara, where you can see a stunning waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff. From there, continue along a dirt road to Tatopani, which means “hot water” in Nepali. Enjoy a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs near the river. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 13: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850 m / 9350 ft) via Shikha and Chitre
Leave Tatopani and ascend steeply through villages and farmlands. Pass by Shikha village, which has a large Magar community. Then continue through rhododendron forests and bamboo groves to Chitre village. From there, climb further up to Ghorepani, which means “horse water” in Nepali. Ghorepani is a popular stop for trekkers who want to see the sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Poon Hill. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 14: Hike up to Poon Hill (3,210 m / 10531 ft) and trek down to Tadapani (2,700 m / 8858 ft) via Deurali
Wake up early in the morning and hike up to Poon Hill, one of the best viewpoints in Nepal. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri I and other peaks as they glow in the morning light. Then descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast. After that, trek along a ridge through pine and rhododendron forests to Deurali village. Then descend steeply through more forests to Tadapani village, which offers another great view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 15: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,940 m / 6365 ft) and drive to Pokhara (820 m / 2690 ft) via Naya Pul
Leave Tadapani and descend through forests and terraces to Ghandruk village, one of the largest Gurung settlements in Nepal. You can visit the Gurung Museum and learn about their culture and history. From Ghandruk, take a jeep or bus ride to Naya Pul, where you can catch another vehicle to Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful lakeside city that offers many activities and attractions for tourists. You can enjoy boating, paragliding, cycling, shopping or just relaxing by the lake. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 16: Drive or fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4593 ft)
Depending on your preference and availability, you can either take a scenic drive or a short flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The drive takes about 6-7 hours and passes through scenic hills and valleys along the Prithvi Highway. The flight takes about 25 minutes and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Once you reach Kathmandu, you can explore the city’s cultural and historical sites or do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 17: Departure day
Your Annapurna Circuit trek comes to an end today. You can either extend your stay in Nepal or catch your flight back home. A representative will drop you off at the airport according to your flight schedule. Have a safe journey and hope to see you again!

Cost Info

Price includes

Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport
Transportation to and from, including any domestic flights
Food all along the trip (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels or teahouses
Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide (and porter, if relevant) during the trip
First Aid Medical Kit (Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
All the required permits and paperwork

Price excludes

International Airfare
Visa Charges
Extra Hotel Expenses (some packages do include hotel expenses)
Your travel and medical insurance
Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
Services not mentioned or not promised directly
Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter

FAQ

FAQ 1: What is the Annapurna Circuit?
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world’s classic long-distance hiking trails that takes you around the Annapurna massif in Nepal. It starts from Besisahar and ends at Nayapul, passing through diverse landscapes, cultures, and climates. You will cross the highest point of the trek, Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), and visit the holy site of Muktinath. You will also enjoy stunning views of Annapurna I (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Manaslu (8,156 m), and other peaks along the way.
FAQ 2: How long does it take to complete the Annapurna Circuit?
The length of the Annapurna Circuit depends on your pace, fitness level, acclimatization schedule, and personal preference. Generally, it takes 12 to 21 days to complete the circuit. For this itinerary, you will trek for 17 days with an average of 6 hours per day.
FAQ 3: How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit?
The difficulty of the Annapurna Circuit varies depending on your experience, physical condition, weather conditions, and altitude. The trek is considered moderate to challenging as it involves long days of walking on uneven terrain with some steep ascents and descents. The most challenging part is crossing Thorong La Pass which requires good stamina and proper acclimatization. You should also be prepared for cold temperatures and possible snow at higher elevations.
FAQ 4: What is the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit?
The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is clear and dry with moderate temperatures. These seasons also offer excellent views of the mountains and flowers. However, these are also peak seasons so expect more crowds on the trail and higher prices for accommodation and services. Winter (December-February) can be very cold and snowy but less crowded while summer (June-August) can be hot and rainy with chances of landslides and leeches.
FAQ 5: What do I need to pack for the Annapurna Circuit?
You need to pack light but warm clothing layers that can be adjusted according to changing weather conditions. You also need a good pair of hiking boots or shoes that are comfortable and broken-in before your trip. Other essential items include a sleeping bag rated for -10°C or lower; a backpack with rain cover; a down jacket; a fleece jacket; thermal underwear; hiking pants; t-shirts; woolen socks; gloves; hat; sunglasses; sunscreen; lip balm; water bottle or hydration bladder; toiletries; first aid kit; flashlight or headlamp; trekking poles (optional); camera (optional); power bank (optional); snacks (optional); books or games (optional). You can also rent or buy some items in Kathmandu or Pokhara if needed.

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