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An immense ice pyramid, glittering in the sun like a crystal, rose up more than 23,000 feet above us. The south face, shining blue through the morning mists, was unbelievably lofty, out of this world. We were speechless in the face of this tremendous mountain.
French Mountaineer Maurice Herzog,
on his first sight of Dhaulagiri in 1950
The Annapurna Circuit
24 Days: 20 days Trekking, Monastery stay in Kathmandu
From only $1,499 fully inclusive
Trek-only from $1,199
Full Service Tented Trekking from $1,999
This classic trek is one of the most famous walks in the world, with good reason.
Herzog was one of the first westerners to see the Kali Gandaki river valley, the western leg of the trip, on his way to climb Annapurna. It took his party a year of preparation and two weeks walk just to get to their base camp. Today trekkers can make an entire circuit of the Annapurna Massif, more than 100 miles, with just determination and in less than three weeks.
The most varied route in Nepal, this trek takes you from 1,500 feet/ 400 meters to 18,000 feet/5,400 meters and back. You'll meet ten ethnic groups, pass through four climate zones, and wear both t-shirts and your heaviest clothing.
We walk this route counter-clockwise, for better acclimatization and safety. Most of the route is at moderate altitude, and there is a high pass, the Thorong La, required to complete the circuit. The challenge of this pass brings a real feeling of accomplishment, and we'll bring it to you. Occasionally snow blocks the pass or the altitude is too much for someone, but folks in their 20s and 60s and distinctly non-athletic types can do this trek. A positive mental attitude and desire to walk the greatest trail on earth are all that are required.
We top this off with four days in Kathmandu tailored to the Buddhist experience. You'll visit some of the greatest monuments on the planet and stay overnight in a monastery, joining the monks in morning worship, with options for yoga or meditation classes. And you can tailor your time with whatever interests you - architecture, handicrafts, shopping... you name it.
Trip Highlights Include...
A first-class expedition with a march of porters, cooks, and English speaking Sherpas
Beautiful forested valleys, charming towns, rushing rivers, monasteries and 3,000 year old pilgrimage site.
Buddhist Kathmandu - Ancient monuments, dazzling temples and palaces, butter lamps in monasteries and reincarnate Lamas living their special path.
Accommodations in good tourist hotels in Kathmandu, Luxury tents on Trek, and private room in a monastery.
Breakfasts in Kathmandu, full meals on trek prepared to your tastes by a first-rate chef using healthy local goods and staples.
All transportation, permits, fees & taxes.
Unforgettable Memories
One of our previous guests has written up her experiences on this route and the Annapurna Sanctuary, which she and her friend did as one trek. You might enjoy her journal.
Itinerary
- Day 1
- Arrive Kathmandu. We'll meet you at the airport, take you to the hotel and handle check in.
- Day 2
- In Kathmandu. We'll do your trekking permits while you see some sights. Meet your guide for a short briefing and an opportunity for questions about the program.
- Day 3
- Morning flight to Pokhara. Take a taxi from the airport and start trekking, but only for a couple of hours. Walk to Pothana and camp for the night.
- Day 4
- Climb to Landrung through forests and villages of Gurung people. Nice views of Macchapuchhare (whose name literally means fish-tail) as you reach local high spots along the walk.
- Day 5
- Start the day going downhill to the Modi Khola and then back up the other side of the valley to Ghandrung. Out of Ghandrung the trail is more level. Stay at Tadapani.
- Day 6
- An easier day, mostly contouring around the hills and on through rhododendron forest to Ghorapani.
- Day 7
- Up before the sun to climb Pun Hill for spectacular views of Macchapuchhare, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the Annapurnas. Then downhill, giving back all the elevation you gained yesterday. Overnight at Tatopani.
- Day 8
- A spectacular day going north along the Kali Gandaki, much of it spent with open views high above the river, waterfalls, and forests. Stay in Ghasa, a lovely town of stone buildings and walls.
- Day 9
- A spectacular day going north along the Kali Gandaki, much of it spent with open views high above the river, waterfalls, and forests. Stay in Ghasa, a lovely town of stone buildings and walls.
- Day 10
- Walk to Jomsom, only a half day away. This is the district headquarters, and there's an airport here. Look for fossil snails ("shaligrams" to the Nepalese) in the riverbed north of town. Some of them are nearly a foot across!
- Day 11
- Walk up the Kali Gandaki valley to Kagbeni. This dusty town is relatively unchanged by trekkers, and sits at the border of the Mustang region. This is another short day, but good for altitude adjustment as Kagbeni is at about 3,000 meters.
- Day 12
- Hike up to Muktinath (almost 4,000 meters), a very holy spot which has been the object of pilgrimages for 2,000 years. If you have significant altitude problems, we're prepared to backtrack to Jomsom. Otherwise spend the night here.
- Day 13
- Walk uphill for a couple of hours and stay at the solitary teahouse under the pass at about 14,000 feet. Leave your gear there and walk up another thousand feet or so, then return to the teahouse to help your altitude acclimatization.
- Day 14
- Over the Thorong La, a difficult day but spectacularly beautiful. Start early (about 5:00) before the trail becomes muddy and slippery. Over the pass continue a couple of hours to Ledar.
- Day 15
- An easy downhill day to Manang, a prosperous Thakali town on the north side of the Annapurna Massif, set above a glacial lake.
- Day 16
- Follow the Marsyangdi Khola river east to Pisang, divided into an upper and lower town. The monastery in the upper village is interesting.
- Day 17
- Continue along the river to Chame, district headquarters and a pleasant town. If you arrive on market day you'll find the town full of hustle and bustle.
- Day 18
- The river turns south, and you follow along to Bagarchap. You are losing altitude rapidly now, and the plant and animal life is much more varied.
- Day 19
- A couple of smaller and one especially nice waterfall grace the day's walk to Tal, a town built on the now dry bed of an old lake. This is the largest flat spot you've seen for quite some time!
- Day 20
- Continue south to Syange, where the agriculture returns to rice rather than the barley and wheat crops of higher altitudes.
- Day 21
- A longish day to the roadhead at Besisahar completes the circuit.
- Day 22
- Lurch down to the main road in a bus, and then back to Kathmandu on a decent road.
- Day 23
- Free day in Kathmandu to relax. Afternoon visit to a monastery and stay overnight.
- Day 24
- Morning activities at the monastery, then day activities and sightseeing. Overnight in Kathmandu.
- Day 25
- Depart Kathmandu . We'll take you to the airport and assist with baggage and check-in.
Extend Your Trip
India: 5 Days from only $475
Visit the Taj Mahal, ride camels in
the desert, stay in a palace, and
wander ancient bazaars.
Tibet: 8 Days from only $900
Journey overland to Lhasa thru high
Tibet. 3 days sightseeing in Lhasa,
and fly back to Kathmandu.
Both Programs include hotels, transportation, sightseeing with English-speaking guide, all
permits and entrance fees.
Program Summary
24 Days: Kathmandu, Annapurna Circuit Trek
4 days Kathmandu, 20 days trek, Monastery stay
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