Annapurna Circuit Trek

Intrepid Travel · 15 days

4.6

19 Reviews

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Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Demanding

Guide Language

English

Experience 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.

Highlights

Ascend to the clouds and reach an altitude of 5416 metres as you cross the Thorung La Pass along the Annapurna Circuit. Testing your mind and body, this is one incredible accomplishment.
Uncover a different side of the Himalayas, trekking past terraced rice fields, oak and rhododendron forests, there’s a diverse array of nature that awaits in the Annapurna region.
Learn about life in Nepalese mountain communities, get to know locals and meet other trekkers while you stay in teahouses in the small communities along the way.
Discover Nepal’s compact capital in Kathmandu. With a limited amount of time spent here to discover its bazaars and temples, why not extend your stay beforehand to get a real feel of Nepalese culture.
Spend time in the peaceful haven of Pokhara after your trek has finished. Relax with your small group on the banks of Phewa Lake and take in the mountainous surrounds that you have conquered!

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Private vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Kathmandu, Nepal

Finishes

Pokhara, Nepal

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Walking & Trekking

Physical Rating

Demanding

Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu

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:

Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight (240 USD)
Kathmandu - Panorama Hike Urban Adventure (74 USD)
Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure (59 USD)
Kathmandu - Explore Patan & Bhaktapur Urban Adventure (104 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Ngadi (930 m/3051 ft)

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:

Annapurna Circuit - Porterage of One Bag (10kg/22lbs max)
Annapurna Circuit - 11D/10N Trek

Accommodation:

Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Chamje (1430 m/4692 ft)

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.

Accommodation:

Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Dharapani (1860 m/6102 ft)

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:

Annapurna - Octopus Waterfall

Accommodation:

Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Chame (2670 m/8760 ft)

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.

Accommodation:

Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Pisang (3200 m/10,499 ft)

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.

Accommodation:

Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Manang (3540 m/11,614 ft)

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!

Accommodation:

Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Manang (3540 m/11,614 ft)

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. Visit one of the oldest houses in the area, learn the history of Manag and the Mananges, with story telling & Tibetan Tea.

Included Activities:

Manang - Acclimatisation Hike
Manang - Story telling & Tibetan Tea

Accommodation:

Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Yak Kharka (4050 m/13,287 ft)

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.

Accommodation:

Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Phedi (4525 m/14,846 ft)

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.

Accommodation:

Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Muktinath (3800 m/12,467 ft)

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.

Accommodation:

Teahouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Kalopani (2526 m/8287 ft)

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:

Marpha Village walk

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Pokhara

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.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Pokhara

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.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: 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).

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,095

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Demanding

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 09 May 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Jan

Traveled, March 2024

03/30/2024

Our trip was excellent. Our leader Prem was experienced and professional. Most teahouses and lunch venues are well-selected and comfortable in the context of their remote location. Assistant leader Dawa was also excellent, with lots of experience and enthusiasm. I can see Dawa being a leader himself for sure. My main constructive feedback comment is that the trip would benefit from an additional altitude acclimatisation day between 4000 and 5000m. I would also encourage our second assistant guide to try and be more proactive in learning the skills of a leader, though I realise this was her first trip.

4.0

Graham

Traveled, March 2024

03/28/2024

Been wanting to walk Annapurna Circuit for years. The opportunity arose and the trip exceeded all my expectations.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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