ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK
The Annapurna Circuit is one of Nepal’s classic long distance treks, winding through changing landscapes from lush valleys and mountain villages to high alpine terrain. Crossing the Thorong La Pass, the route offers incredible views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges while showcasing the diverse cultures and landscapes of the region.
Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nayapul, Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Tadapani, Chhomrong, Dovan, Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Bamboo, Jhinu Danda, Nayapul, Pokhara, Kathmandu
16 Days
DEPOSIT: £350
TOTAL COST: £1,620
DURATION: 16 Days
GROUP SIZE: 15 people max
DIFFICULTY: Moderate/Challenging
MAX ELEVATION: 4,130m
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
DAY 1 KATHMANDU
Welcome to Kathmandu!
Upon your arrival today, a member of our ground team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel, where you'll be spending your first night. Take this time to recover from your international flight, explore local shops, or visit some of Kathmandu's fascinating sites. We highly recommend spending two nights here to fully experience the UNESCO World Heritage sites the city has to offer. Please let us know if you would like to add an extra night pre-trek.
This evening, we'll gather for a briefing and welcome dinner, where you'll have the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and your guide, who will accompany you throughout your trek.
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel · Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
DAY 2 KATHMANDU > BESISAHAR (760m / 2,493ft)
Today, you'll begin your overland journey towards Besisahar, leaving Kathmandu behind as the road opens out into hillsides and river valleys.
The route will take you past terraced fields, winding rivers and scattered villages.
Travelling alongside the Trishuli and Marshyangdi Rivers, you'll pass through small roadside settlements where daily life moves at a slower, more traditional pace. By late afternoon, you'll arrive in Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit. After checking into your teahouse, you'll have time to organise your gear and take a short walk through the local streets.
Accommodation: Tea House · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + 1 hot drink at every meal
DAY 3 BESISAHAR > JAGAT (1,300m / 4,265ft)
Today will shift things up a gear as you head off road, deeper into the Annapurna region. The road will become more rugged, cutting through dramatic valleys and constantly changing mountain scenery. Along the way, you'll pass through villages such as Bhulbhule and Syange, where the surroundings will already start to feel more remote.
The Marshyangdi River will remain a constant companion, guiding the route as it narrows and winds further into the mountains.
By the time you reach Jagat, the change will be clear. The atmosphere will feel quieter and more tucked away, with traditional stone homes and a noticeably slower pace of life. It will be your first real introduction to the mountain villages that will shape the days ahead.
Accommodation: Tea House · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + 1 hot drink at every meal
DAY 4 JAGAT > DHARAPANI (1,860m / 6,102ft)
Your first day of trekking on the Annapurna Circuit will begin as you follow the Marshyangdi River, with the trail weaving along rocky paths and past cascading waterfalls.
After a few hours, you'll pass through Chamje before continuing on to Tal, where the valley will open out unexpectedly, revealing one of the most striking sections of the day. From here, the landscape will begin to shift as you enter the Manang district.
The trail will then lead you to Dharapani, an important stop on the route towards Thorong La Pass. Once you arrive, you'll settle into your teahouse and have time to explore the village and take in your surroundings.
Accommodation: Tea House · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + 1 hot drink at every meal
DAY 5 DHARAPANI > CHAME (2,670m / 8,760ft)
The day will begin with a steady climb along quiet forest trails as you gain elevation deeper into the Manang region, passing through villages such as Bagarchhap and Danakyu.
The route will wind through pine forest before opening up to your first clear views of Lamjung Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna II on the horizon.
From there, the valley will widen as you continue to Chame. Once you arrive, you'll have time to explore, with the option to visit the nearby natural hot springs.
Accommodation: Tea House · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + 1 hot drink at every meal
DAY 6 CHAME > PISANG (3,200m / 10,499ft)
Today's walk will take you from Chame to Pisang. The trail will pass through Bhratang and Dhukur Pokhari before reaching Lower Pisang, alternating between forest sections and stretches of rough jeep track.
A standout feature of the day will be Paungda Danda (Swarga Dwar), a vast curved rock wall rising dramatically above the valley, often described locally as a gateway to the heavens.
From Lower Pisang, you'll continue on to Upper Pisang, a quieter hillside settlement with traditional stone houses, prayer walls and a clear change in cultural feel. If you wish, you'll be able to visit the monastery above the village, where you'll find wide valley views and a calm setting for evening prayer.
Accommodation: Tea House · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + 1 hot drink at every meal
DAY 7 PISANG > MANANG (3,540m / 11,614ft)
Today, you'll have the choice of two routes to Manang. The lower trail from Lower Pisang will follow the valley floor via Humde, Mungji and Braga. It will be more direct and easier underfoot.
The upper route from Upper Pisang will be longer and steeper, passing through the traditional villages of Ghyaru and Ngawal. In return, you'll be rewarded with far more open mountain views, with sweeping panoramas of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak throughout the walk. You'll arrive in Manang, marked by prayer flags, chortens and a welcoming archway.
Accommodation: Tea House · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + 1 hot drink at every meal
DAY 8 MANANG ACCLIMATISATION (3,540m / 11,614ft)
Now that you're above 3,500 metres, you'll follow the acclimatisation principle of climbing high and sleeping low, helping your body adjust ahead of Thorong La Pass. You'll head out on a morning hike to a viewpoint above the village, looking out over Gangapurna and its glacial lake, before returning to Manang for the night.
If you'd prefer a gentler day, you'll be able to stay in Manang itself, exploring the Tibetan style streets, small shops and prayer wheels while resting and preparing for the ascent ahead.
Accommodation: Tea House · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + 1 hot drink at every meal
DAY 9 MANANG > YAK KHARKA (4,050m / 13,287ft)
Today's route won't be especially long, but the altitude gain will keep the pace slow and measured.
You'll follow a steady climb beyond Manang, passing small settlements like Gunsang, where prayer flags and carved stones line the trail.
As you gain height, the scenery will become more open and stripped back. Looking behind you, the Manang Valley will stretch out below, while ahead the terrain will turn dry and expansive, with very little vegetation.
You'll arrive in Yak Kharka, a quiet grazing area dotted with simple lodges. You'll often see yaks nearby, and the setting will give you a clear sense of life at this altitude.
Accommodation: Tea House · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + 1 hot drink at every meal
DAY 10 YAK KHARKA > THORONG PHEDI (4,525m / 14,846ft)
Today will mark another key step in your acclimatisation before crossing Thorong La Pass, as the landscape becomes increasingly stark and barren. The trail will lead on from Yak Kharka through Churi Ledar, a small, quiet stop with a handful of teahouses.
Throughout the day, peaks such as Chulu West, Annapurna II and Gangapurna will frame the valley as it tightens ahead. You'll arrive at Thorong Phedi, meaning "base of the pass", the final stopping point before the crossing. If conditions allow, there will be the option to continue up to High Camp for a short acclimatisation hike.
Accommodation: Tea House · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + 1 hot drink at every meal
DAY 11 THORONG PHEDI > THORONG LA PASS (5,416m / 17,769ft) > MUKTINATH
Today will be one of the most demanding, but exciting, days of the circuit, covering around 16 to 18km and taking up to 12 hours. It will mark a major shift, as you cross from the alpine landscapes of Manang into the dry, rugged terrain of Mustang.
You'll set off before dawn from Thorong Phedi, climbing steadily on steep switchbacks over loose scree in cold, thin air. When you reach Thorong La Pass, prayer flags will mark the high point, with wide views across Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, the Chulu peaks and Tilicho in the distance. At 5,416m, this will be the highest point of your trek. Congratulations!
By the end of the day, you'll arrive in Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, known for its temple complex, water spouts and sacred flame.
Accommodation: Tea House · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + 1 hot drink at every meal
DAY 12 MUKTINATH > KAGBENI (2,810m / 9,219ft)
This morning will begin with a visit to Muktinath, one of the region's most important pilgrimage sites. Here, you'll see the 108 stone water spouts, where pilgrims pass beneath the icy flow before taking ritual dips in the nearby pools. You'll also visit the Jwala Mai temple, known for its naturally burning flame.
Afterwards, you'll leave Muktinath and begin the descent towards Kagbeni, following the Kali Gandaki River. Passing through Jhong, with its old fort remains and traditional features, the trail will continue down the valley until you reach Kagbeni.
Accommodation: Tea House · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + 1 hot drink at every meal
DAY 13 KAGBENI > JOMSOM (2,720m / 8,924ft)
Today's walk will continue through Mustang's dry, open terrain, following the wide bed of the Kali Gandaki, often cited as the deepest gorge in the world. The path will cross pebbled riverbanks, framed by red and orange canyon walls and barren hillsides.
Along the way, you may spot Shaligrams, sacred fossils closely associated with Vishnu. The route will be exposed in places, with strong winds lifting sand and dust as you make your way down the valley. A short stop at Ekle Bhatti will give you a chance to rest before continuing.
By the time you reach Jomsom, the atmosphere will shift. With its small airport, bakeries and busier streets, it will feel like a return to a more connected world.
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel · Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
DAY 14 JOMSOM > POKHARA (822m / 2,697ft)
Today, you'll leave Mustang's dry landscape behind as you drive towards Pokhara. The journey will follow the Kali Gandaki valley, passing riverside villages, steep cliffs and winding mountain roads.
As you descend, the scenery will gradually soften, with barren hills giving way to greener valleys and warmer temperatures. The contrast with the days before will be clear, marking your return from the high Himalaya.
After checking into your hotel, you'll have time to relax, with the option to head down to Phewa Lake and unwind by the water.
DAY 15 POKHARA > KATHMANDU (1,400m / 4,593ft)
Today, you'll transfer to Pokhara Airport for a short 25 minute flight back to Kathmandu. On a clear day, you'll get one last look at the Himalaya from the window.
Once you've checked into your hotel, you can relax and enjoy a very well earned shower!
Tonight, you'll celebrate with the group over evening drinks and a farewell dinner.
Tomorrow, you will catch your international flight home.
DAY 16 FAREWELL!
It's your last day in Nepal...until next time!
Dates and prices
Trek Name | Description | Duration (Days) | Manual sort | Image 1 | Inclusions | Exclusions | Image 2 | Pic for Block | Cost | Image 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the world’s great adventures. At 5,364m, it’s the gateway to the highest peak on Earth and a journey through dramatic Himalayan scenery, Sherpa villages, and ancient trails. Reaching base camp is a huge achievement, with Everest towering above and the camaraderie of fellow trekkers all around. It’s a trek that blends challenge, culture, and breathtaking landscapes into an adventure you’ll never forget - and one that stays with you long after you return home. | 14 Days | 3 |
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| £1,599 | |||||
Combine the legendary Everest Base Camp trek with the spectacular Gokyo Valley and summit of Gokyo Ri. This route takes you through remote Sherpa villages, turquoise glacial lakes and some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas, with incredible views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu along the way.
| 18 Days | g |
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| £2,020 |

WHY SUMMIT WILD
Small groups, led by people who've been there.
Small groups. Expert local guides. Proper time to acclimatise. We plan every detail so you can focus on the mountain, the views and the people beside you.
We've trekked these trails ourselves, so we know what makes a trip truly special. From the first briefing to the final celebration dinner, we're with you every step of the way.
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