Annapurna Circuit

Tour description

Considered by many as one of the world’s classic treks, the Annapurna Circuit trek is a long trek of incredible diversity, panoramic views and soaring peaks. We take you from sub-tropical zones right up to the very edge of the arid Tibetan plateau. This is a hugely rewarding trek that combines the Marsyangdi valley with the sacred Kali Gandaki valley, and encircles the entire Annapurna Himal mountain range.

You begin your tour in Kathmandu with a guided tour of this bustling city. You have the chance to see the famous Durbar Square and Royal Palace along with a visit to the hilltop Stupa at Swayumbunath.

From Kathmandu you travel by road to Besi Sahar where your trek begins. You spend the nights staying in trekking lodges, where you will meet other trekkers and guides, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere after the exertions of the day's walking. From Besi Sahar, you trek through subtropical forests and across fertile, terraced valleys, following the Marsyangdi River into the Annapura Conservation Area.

You pass Manaslu and Himalchuli to your east as you ascend through the Manang valley to the highest point of your trek, the Thorung La pass.

The pass is at the very edge of the Tibetan plateaux and affords unsurpassed panoramic views. Once across the pass, you visit the pilgrimage town of Muktinath, before descending along the Kali Gandaki valley, towards Pokhara, (this last section is the reverse of the famous Jomsom trek).

Trekking past the Dhaulagiri Ice flow, you walk through the world's deepest gorge, where the powerful Kali Gandaki River has cut deep through the Himalaya between the massive peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

Hot springs await you at Tatopani followed by a magnificent sunrise looking back at the Annapurna range from Poon Hill, before descending back to Pokhara.

You have a free day to relax in the lakeside town of Pokhara, where you can also take boat trips on the lake, or do some short exploratory day walks. We keep this day free to allow for any short delays during the trek.

From Pokhara you travel by road back to Kathmandu where you have some free time to do some last minute shopping or a little more sightseeing around the city and surrounding valley.

We offer extra options to extend the tour to visit Chitwan or Bardia National Parks, or to try some white-water rafting on the exciting Bhote Khosi river. You can join one of our small-group departures, do the tour privately with one of our guides, or use this trek as the base of a tailor-made itinerary.

Note: All our prices include a trekking pack (sleeping bag, trekking poles, down jacket), and 3 meals per day on the trek.