Nepal · Trekking

15-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal with Thorong La and Muktinath

15 Days Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Admire the views of the Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu
  • 02 Enjoy the natural vegetation and wildlife of the Annapurna Conservation Area
  • 03 Visit Tilicho Lake, situated at one of the highest altitudes in the world
  • 04 Marvel at the sound of the roaring Marshyangdi River
  • 05 Visit the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath and the Kali Gandaki River
  • 06 View the Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world
  • 07 Observe the culture, lifestyle, and traditions of the locals

Go on the Annapurna Circuit trek and cover the major highlights of the entire Annapurna region. Admire the beautiful scenery of yak grazing lands and snow-capped mountain ranges, mainly Annapurna I, II, III, and Mount Dhaulagiri. The trek begins from Bulbule, heading towards Jagate and Dharapani, crosses the Thorong La Pass, visits the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, and ends at Jomsom before returning via Tatopani and Pokhara.

Trek from Thorong Phedi across Thorong La, one of the highest passes in the world, to reach the famous Muktinath Temple.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 15 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Annapurna, Besisahar, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong La, Jomsom, Tatopani, Muktinath, Dharapani
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu

  • Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and meet your tour guide.

Drive to your hotel in Kathmandu for an overnight stay.

2
Day 02

Drive from Kathmandu to Bulbule

  • Make your way towards the Annapurna Circuit.
  • Take a bus to Bulbule from Kathmandu. The route follows the Trishuli River towards Pokhara, then continues from Pokhara to Besisahar and onward to Bulbule, which is situated alongside the Marshyangdi River.

The journey takes about 8-9 hours from Kathmandu to reach Bulbule.

3
Day 03

Trek from Bulbule to Jagate

  • Begin your trek on foot from Bulbule to Jagate.
  • Follow the trail alongside the Marshyangdi River.
  • Pass through rural village settlements and farmlands along the way.

Stay overnight in a guest house or lodge.

4
Day 04

Trek from Jagate to Dharapani

  • Begin the journey early after breakfast and walk the trail alongside the Marshyangdi River.
  • Reach the village of Tal and see a few waterfalls on the way. The trail continues through farmlands, crosses a suspension bridge, and includes a short uphill climb before reaching Dharapani.

Stay overnight in a guest house or lodge.

5
Day 05

Trek from Dharapani to Chame

  • Follow the trail through forests of pine, fir, oak, and maple trees alongside the Marsyangdi River to reach Chame, the district headquarters of Manang.
  • Surround yourself with greenery and remarkable picturesque views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV.
  • Stop by a small hot spring to relax for a while.

Stay overnight in a guest house or lodge.

6
Day 06

Trek from Chame to Pisang

  • Begin the trek to Pisang through narrow, steep trails via pine forests alongside the Marshyangdi River, enjoying the scenery of apple orchards and tea houses in stone-built homes.
  • Cross a suspension bridge and enjoy views of Pisang Peak along with other mountain peaks.

Stay overnight in a guest house or lodge.

7
Day 07

Trek from Pisang to Manang

  • Hit the trail to begin your journey to the beautiful village of Manang.
  • See the change in landscapes as you ascend towards Manang.
  • Witness various winter crops swaying in the cool wind, yaks grazing in the pasturelands, and a significant number of monasteries around the village depicting the strong belief in Buddhism.

Stay overnight in a guest house or lodge in Manang.

8
Day 08

Acclimatisation Day in Manang

  • Allow your body and respiratory system to adapt to the higher altitude and thinner oxygen levels as you stop to acclimatise in Manang.
  • Visit local monasteries and observe the culture, lifestyle, and local traditions.

Stay overnight in a guest house or lodge.

9
Day 09

Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka

  • Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka, enjoying the scenic beauty of the mountains, pasturelands, and desert-like landscapes.
  • Cross the Ghyangchang River and visit a local monastery. There are huge pasturelands around the area, where you can see yaks grazing.

Stay overnight in a guest house or lodge at Yak Kharka.

10
Day 10

Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

  • Trek for 6-7 hours today to reach Thorong Phedi (4,525 metres) from Yak Kharka, the base of the Thorong La Pass.

Stay overnight in a guest house or lodge.

11
Day 11

Cross Thorong La to Muktinath

  • Trek from Thorong Phedi across Thorong La, one of the highest passes in the world, to reach the famous Muktinath Temple.
  • Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus. People bathe under all 108 taps here, believing that their sins will be forgiven, as the name "Muktinath" means the Lord of Forgiveness. Both Hindus and Buddhists pay their devotion to Lord Muktinath here.

Stay overnight at Muktinath.

12
Day 12

Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom

  • Hit the trail from Muktinath to reach Jomsom, the windiest place in Nepal.
  • Jomsom is famous for its apples, and nearby Marpha is known for its apple brandy, popularly called Marpha. Jomsom lies beyond the Himalayas and is very dry, as it receives very little precipitation.
13
Day 13

Trek to Tatopani and Drive to Pokhara

  • Trek from Jomsom to Tatopani, and from Tatopani take a bus to Pokhara.

Stay overnight in a guest house or lodge.

14
Day 14

Drive Back to Kathmandu

  • Take a bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The drive takes about 7-8 hours.

Drive to the hotel, where you will spend the night.

15
Day 15

Final Departure from Kathmandu

  • Transfer from the hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure.
Annapurna massif, Thorong La pass, Muktinath pilgrimage site, Marshyangdi River valley

Where this trip takes you

Annapurna massif, Thorong La pass, Muktinath pilgrimage site, Marshyangdi River valley

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 13 cities · 15 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All airport pickup and drop-off
  • Kathmandu heritage sightseeing, including a tour guide, entry fee, and private vehicle
  • Two nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Bliss International or similar category) with breakfast on a twin-share basis
  • One night in a 3-star hotel in Pokhara (Hotel Crystal Palace or similar category) with breakfast on a twin-share basis
  • Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu - Besisahar and Pokhara - Kathmandu by local and tourist bus
  • Nayapul - Pokhara by private vehicle
  • Accommodation in lodges or tea houses during the trek on a twin-share basis
  • Food during the trek: three meals a day - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - with tea/coffee
  • English-speaking, government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (1 assistant guide for every 4 trekkers), plus a professional insured porter (1 porter for 2 guests), including their salary, meals, accommodation, transportation, and insurance
  • All necessary paperwork and permits (National Park permit and TIMS)
  • Sleeping bag, trekking pole, and trekking map (sleeping bag and trekking pole are to be returned after trip completion)
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes

What's Not Included

  • Nepal visa fee (bring small denomination cash in USD and two passport photographs)
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Extra sightseeing activities beyond the itinerary
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain for any reason beyond the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Kathmandu - Besisahar and Pokhara - Kathmandu by private vehicle or flight
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Travel and health insurance - emergency helicopter rescue insurance is highly recommended
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, showers, etc.)
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and porters

What to bring

Please check the below equipment checklist before packing your bags.

  • Head:
    • Sun hat or scarf
    • Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
    • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Lower Body:
    • Lightweight cotton long pants or hiking shorts
    • Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
    • Waterproof shell pants, preferably in breathable fabric
  • Feet:
    • Thin, lightweight inner socks
    • Thick, warm wool hiking socks
    • Hiking boots with spare laces
    • Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
  • Upper Body:
    • T-shirts
    • Fleece jacket or pullover
    • Waterproof shell jacket, preferably in breathable fabric
    • Down vest and/or jacket
  • Hands:
    • Lightweight gloves
  • Accessories:
    • Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F
    • Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
    • Trekking bags/duffel bag
    • Basic first aid kit
    • Large plastic bags for keeping items dry inside the trek bag
    • Trekking poles
    • Water bottles
    • Toiletries (small wash towel, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Toiletries (it's up to your comfort level):
    • 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel
    • Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
    • Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
    • Deodorants
    • Nail clippers
    • Face and body moisturizer
    • Feminine hygiene products
    • Small mirror
  • Personal Hygiene (it's up to your comfort level):
    • Wet wipes (baby wipes)
    • Tissue/toilet roll
    • Anti-bacterial hand wash
    • Diamox (drugs for altitude sickness, if needed)
    • Water purification pills
  • Extras/Luxuries (it's up to your comfort level):
    • Binoculars (optional)
    • Reading book
    • Journal and pen
    • Pencils and small notebooks
    • Travel games such as chess, backgammon, or scrabble

Know before you go

  • Normally, Annapurna Circuit trekking in Nepal can be done at any time of the year. However, February, March, April (spring) and September, October, and November (autumn) are the main seasons for this trek. During these months, the weather is clear and there is a good chance to see amazing mountain views. Most days are sunny, warmer, and easier for walking. While trekking, you can also see different types of flowers and fauna.
  • During the winter season (December-January-February), most trekking routes are covered by snow and the weather is extremely cold. Views may be covered by fog and snow, although some travellers come specifically to enjoy the snow.
  • The monsoon season (June-July-August) is an unfavourable time for trekking. There is heavy rain during this period, making trekking difficult and reducing the chances of mountain views.
  • A 3-star hotel, "Hotel Bliss International" or a similar category hotel, is provided in Kathmandu on a peaceful street on the edge of Thamel. In Pokhara, accommodation is at "Hotel Crystal Palace" or a similar category hotel near Phewa Lake. During the trek, basic tea houses or local lodges are provided. All accommodation is on a twin-share basis. A single supplementary charge of $200 applies.
  • Buffet breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara is included in the cost. During the trek, three meals per day - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - are provided from the selected menu available in the lodges and tea houses. Food during the trek is not as well presented as in Kathmandu and Pokhara; however, most of it is prepared by local people using produce from their fields. The food is organic, delicious, and quite healthy.
  • Annapurna Circuit trekking is a moderate trek in the Annapurna region, so it can be done by any age group with good health and fitness. No previous trekking experience is required.
  • It is not recommended for travellers who have suffered from blood pressure issues, disease, or any serious medical condition within the past year. Consulting a doctor before the trek is highly recommended.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Walk Mountain Pvt. Ltd., Chhusya Galli, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tour start
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 15 days finish where they began, in Kathmandu 44600.

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Estimated room rates

Single Room $990.00 — $1,050.00
Double Sharing $990.00 — $1,050.00

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