Tour Overview
Trek through the incredible Annapurna region and be awed by the Nepalese Himalayas on this 15-day adventure. These snow-capped peaks, mist-shrouded valleys, isolated communities and remote monasteries will inspire those with a bold spirit and a yearning for a definitive nature experience. Reach altitudes of more than 5000 metres, discover the ancestral traditions of the local people and immerse yourself completely in the spectacular mountain wilderness of the Annapurna Circuit. This is a challenging trip, but the sense of accomplishment will leave even the most seasoned trekker with some unforgettable memories. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm in Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal. This place is a fascinating blend of traditional architecture and symbols of the 20th century. Its rich artistic and cultural heritage is evident where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples. If you arrive early, why not check out Durbar Square with its temples, markets and busy atmosphere. It’s also worth the climb to visit the Swayambhunath – the 'monkey temple'. Explore the network of street markets and alley bazaars and Pashupatinath. For those with a few extra days in Kathmandu, the neighbouring towns of Patan and Bhaktapur are also well worth a visit.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Ngadi (930 m/3051 ft)
Location: Ngadi (930 m/3051 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
Accommodation Name: Teahouse
Start your Annapurna Circuit Trek with a morning drive from Kathmandu to Ngadi. During the journey, you'll see stunning views of the Trishuli River, green hills, terraced fields and the Himalayas. Following the Marshyangdi River, you’ll pass through charming towns and Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Arrive in Ngadi by late afternoon, check into your guesthouse and relax as you prepare for your trek.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Chamje (1430 m/4692 ft)
Location: Chamje (1430 m/4692 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
Accommodation Name: Teahouse
Keep an eye out for dazzling cascades along your trail today as it makes its way through a deep wooded canyon with a few stretches of steep climbing. Wander through rice paddies, follow winding trails through sub-tropical forest, cross suspension bridges swaying over raging rivers, pass waterfalls of melted snow and climb steep mountain passes. Over the next ten days you’ll come across isolated mountain communities, each with different ancestral customs and traditions. Be prepared to be inspired, mesmerised, challenged and delighted.
Day 4: Dharapani (1860 m/6102 ft)
Location: Dharapani (1860 m/6102 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
Accommodation Name: Teahouse
Today’s trek continues through the deep wooded canyon embellished by stunning waterfalls. You’ll be venturing into the Manang district of the mountain range, with much of the trail ascending throughout the day.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Chame (2670 m/8760 ft)
Location: Chame (2670 m/8760 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
Accommodation Name: Teahouse
Marking the end of the great Marsyangdi Gorge, make a steep climb to Timang, then the trail settles into gentler slopes as the vegetation transforms from dense pine forests to drier slopes. The district headquarters of Manang, Chame, is the largest settlement after Besisahar.
Day 6: Pisang (3200 m/10,499 ft)
Location: Pisang (3200 m/10,499 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
Accommodation Name: Teahouse
A slew of breathtaking scenery is on the cards today as the trail goes through a deep gorge then past the great sweeping slope of Paungi Danda. On the way to Chame stop at a beautiful apple orchid for a tea break. Today is mostly an easy walk with a few ascending stretches of trail dotted throughout the day.
Day 7: Manang (3540 m/11,614 ft)
Location: Manang (3540 m/11,614 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
Accommodation Name: Teahouse
Trek the northern trail via upper Pisang and Ghyaru – an area renowned for its spectacular views.You're sure to come across local farmers herding yaks. Here’s a hot tip – Tibetan yaks take a special interest in people wearing red, so choose your gear carefully today!
Day 8: Manang (3540 m/11,614 ft)
Location: Manang (3540 m/11,614 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
Accommodation Name: Teahouse
Spend a day here to acclimatise by trekking to a higher altitude, then returning to the lower altitude of Manang for the night. Manang, a village of about 500 flat-roofed houses, offers excellent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Chulu East.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Yak Kharka (4050 m/13,287 ft)
Location: Yak Kharka (4050 m/13,287 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
Accommodation Name: Teahouse
Today will be a steadily uphill climb into the alpine region of the mountain range. You’ll arrive at Yak Kharka, ready for an easier day of trekking tomorrow to acclimatise to the high altitude.
Day 10: Phedi (4525 m/14,846 ft)
Location: Phedi (4525 m/14,846 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
Accommodation Name: Teahouse
Due to the altitude, feel free to take the next section of the climb at a leisurely pace, meaning you’ll have time to admire the magnificent views from this part of the route. Once at Phedi, there’ll be plenty of time to rest and acclimatise to the higher elevations ready for the next part of the climb, where you’ll encounter the Thorung La Pass – the highest point on this Annapurna Circuit.
Day 11: Muktinath (3800 m/12,467 ft)
Location: Muktinath (3800 m/12,467 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouse
Accommodation Name: Teahouse
Setting off very early to cross the Thorung La Pass (5416 m), the trail is steep but easy to follow. After a climbing trek, reach the Pass's peak, adorned with prayer flags, a traditional stupa (chorten) and stone cairns built by travellers. Stop to admire the stunning views and marvel at how far you've climbed. Further along, the trail descends steeply proceeding towards Chabarbu. From here on, the trail crosses meadows, drops into a deep ravine, climbs out and follows a wide trail into Muktinath – a pilgrimage site held in great reverence by both Hindu and Buddhist populations.
Day 12: Kalopani (2526 m/8287 ft)
Location: Kalopani (2526 m/8287 ft)
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse
Veer off the main trekking trail to make a side trip to an ancient village of Purang. Further up from the village, continue to take the less frequented route going past another village with a medieval feel to it – Jhong. From Jhong, descend to the Jhing Khola (river), following the course which you emerge on to Kagbeni. After lunch, visit the village of Marpha, known for its natural beauty, culture and heritage. Wander around the village and explore beautifully designed buildings and perhaps try some locally produced apple jam. After, drive to Kalopani. Admire stunning views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountain ranges including Annapurna 1, and relax while taking in the panoramic Himalayan vistas.
Included Activities:
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Day 13: Pokhara
Location: Pokhara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
After breakfast, depart from Kalopani by 4WD enjoying a scenic journey through Nepal’s diverse landscapes. As you travel, take in the lush greenery of the terraced fields, charming rural villages, and the winding roads alongside the Seti River. The route offers occasional glimpses of the majestic Himalayas in the distance. Arrive in Pokhara by the afternoon.
Day 14: Pokhara
Location: Pokhara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Enjoy a free day in Pokhara to unwind, relax and give those muscles a rest after all that trekking. Your leader can advise you of sightseeing opportunities. It is worth taking a boat for a row out on the lake, especially if the weather's fine. The lakeside area has great shopping and cafes. Pokhara has an interesting old area as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery. Perhaps visit the Peace Pagoda, where spectacular views of the mountains await. You can see the Annapurnas from here, and the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, and back across to Pokhara. You can also visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum to learn some amazing tales of past climbing expeditions.
Day 15: Pokhara
Location: Pokhara
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. Pokhara is a stunning and peaceful lakeside haven, so if you would like to spend more time here, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
What's Included
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Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night), Hotel (3 nights), Teahouse (10 nights) -
Meals
1 dinners -
Annapurna Circuit - Porterage of One Bag (10kg/22lbs max)
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Annapurna Circuit - 11D/10N Trek
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Annapurna - Octopus Waterfall
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Manang - Acclimatisation Hike
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Marpha Village walk
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Included Activities
Transport
- LUGGAGE LIMITS:
- Domestic flights in Nepal have strict weight limits - 10kg of check-in luggage and 5kg of carry-on hand luggage per person is included with your flight ticket. Excess baggage (up to 5kg per person only) will be charged at your own expense.
- TRAVEL BETWEEN KATHMANDU & POKHARA:
- On itineraries that include road travel between these destinations, past travellers have often decided to fly this route independently to avoid the long overland journey (200km, approx 6+ hours). The flight takes around 35mins. Should you decide to fly, this will be at your own expense with no refunds for road travel available.
- ROAD TRAVEL:
- Roadworks and infrastructure projects can cause significant delays on major roads within cities and highways between destinations. Road travel can also be disrupted due to demonstrations and bandhs (strikes) without warning. Major roadworks are currently ongoing in and around Kathmandu and the roads to Chitwan National Park. Delays, heavy traffic, poor road conditions and dust are a reality of road travel in Nepal.
- MONSOON:
- The monsoon season is from June to September and weather conditions can disrupt travel during this time due to flooding and landslides. Disruption of air travel and airport closures are also possible. Be prepared that the itinerary may need to change at short notice.
Accommodation
- TEAHOUSES:
- Accommodation at local lodges - better known as teahouses - are simple but comfortable. Toilets and washing facilities are shared and rudimentary, and the food is plain and filling. In a teahouse, travellers are provided with small twin share rooms with twin beds, mattresses and pillows. At times, in high seasons, and in places where there are limited number of teahouses, travellers may have to make do with dormitories. In some places, teahouses don't have access to electricity, depending on solar powered lighting instead. In more remote regions, teahouses don't have running water and toilets can mean just a hole in the ground. Hot shower facilities are available in some teahouses for a price but occasionally a hot shower means a bucket of hot water, enough to wash your body. Electricity to charge devices as well as WiFi is usually for an additional fee when available.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement will only be included on Days 1,13,14 (Hotel) and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. You must bring 2 passport size photographs for your trekking permit.
- 3. Due to the demands of travelling at high altitudes a Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip. Please also see here for information: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/altitude-sickness
- 4. With climate change the weather on the Annapurna Circuit is becoming less predictable, and heavy rains have on occasions causes significant damage to the trail even outside of rainy season. Should this occur, and local conditions make trekking the circuit unsafe, we will switch to the Annapurna Base Camp itinerary instead. See https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au
epal/annapurna-base-camp-trek-126570 for further details. - 5. There are dirt roads stretching from Besisahar until Manang. Travellers may need to walk on the road in most of the trekking sections at the beginning. We try to use the alternate walking track to avoid the road as much as possible. The jeep ride from Kagbeni to Kalopani on Day 12 is also on a dirt road and can be bumpy.
- 6. This trip ends in Pokhara. Intrepid offers a pre-arranged transfer and flight service option back to Kathmandu airport. Enquire with your agent at least 30 days prior to your trip departure.
- 7. You must bring an emergency fund of USD 500 in cash with you on this trip, which you may need to use in case of delayed or cancelled flights. This is especially important should you choose to opt to take a helicopter as this will be at the travellers expense.
- 8. As this trip ends in Pokhara, if you wish to transfer your stored luggage from Kathmandu to Pokhara, we can arrange this by a private vehicle. Additional cost is 100 USD. This cost is divided among the interested participants.
- 9. Please be aware that in the event of an emergency evacuation, Intrepid does not have control over which helicopter service may be used. Some helicopters are not in regular use with Intrepid and have not passed our internal safety auditing.
- 10.Your health and safety is our priority. Your leader may delay or stop your ascent based on your medical conditions and AMS symptoms. Please ensure your insurance includes coverage for activities above 5500m, mountain rescue, and helicopter evacuation costs. Without adequate insurance cover, helicopter evacuation requires upfront payment.
Mode of Transport
- TRAVEL BETWEEN KATHMANDU & POKHARA:
- On itineraries that include road travel between these destinations, past travellers have often decided to fly this route independently to avoid the long overland journey (200km, approx 6+ hours). The flight takes around 35mins. Should you decide to fly, this will be at your own expense with no refunds for road travel available.
- ROAD TRAVEL IN NEPAL:
- Roadworks and infrastructure projects can cause significant delays on major roads within cities and highways between destinations. Road travel can also be disrupted due to demonstrations and bandhs (strikes) without warning. Major roadworks are currently ongoing in and around Kathmandu and the roads to Chitwan National Park. Delays, heavy traffic, poor road conditions and dust are a reality of road travel in Nepal.
- MONSOON:
- The monsoon season is from June to September and weather conditions can disrupt travel during this time due to flooding and landslides. Disruption of air travel and airport closures are also possible. Be prepared that the itinerary may need to change at short notice.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This trip involves an 11-day trek at high altitude (up to and above 5000 metres) – precautions and acclimatisation are undertaken, but be aware of the effects altitude can have. An excellent level of fitness is required on this trip, with treks of up to 9 hours a day at high altitude. See our guide to trekking in the region here to help decide if this trip is what you are looking for in a holiday: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/annapurna-circuit-hiking-guide
With climate change the weather on the Annapurna Circuit is becoming less predictable, and high risk weather conditions can cause significant damage to the trail even outside of rainy season, and during the winter months the Thorong La Pass can be closed due to heavy snowfall. Should this occur, alternative arrangements will be made by your group leader, and you might switch to the Annapurna Base Camp itinerary instead. For further details: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/nepal/annapurna-base-camp-trek-144945
Accommodation on this route is in simple teahouses, which also allows you to experience the friendly spirit of the local Nepalese people.
Please read our packing list for required equipment carefully, and remember that you don’t necessarily have to bring it all with you – you can hire or buy some of it in Kathmandu.
Trying to decide between trekking in the Annapurna or Everest regions? This might help you decide: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/annapurna-vs-everest ...more ...less -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
15 Days Starting in Kathmandu and ending in Pokhara
Visiting: Kathmandu, Ngadi (930 m/3051 ft), Chamje (1430 m/4692 ft), Dharapani (1860 m/6102 ft), Chame (2670 m/8760 ft), Pisang (3200 m/10,499 ft), Manang (3540 m/11,614 ft) , Manang (3540 m/11,614 ft), Yak Kharka (4050 m/13,287 ft), Phedi (4525 m/14,846 ft), Muktinath (3800 m/12,467 ft), Kalopani (2526 m/8287 ft), Pokhara ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HNXR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
