Annapurna Circuit Trek
Nepal · 18 Days · Strenuous
Classic Trek From US $1,330 Mantra Adventure
Trip at a Glance
Destination
Nepal
Duration
18 Days / 17 Nights
Difficulty
Strenuous
Activity
Trekking
Transport
Drive + Car
Group Size
Max 16 People
Accommodation
Tea House / Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max Altitude
5,416m / Thorong La
Overview
Nepal's classic grand circuit crossing the 5,416m Thorong La — diverse landscapes from sub-tropical to arctic.
Trip Highlights
- Maximum altitude: 5,416m / Thorong La
- Duration: 18 days / 17 nights
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Expert English-speaking certified guide
- All meals during the trekking
- All permits and TIMS card arranged
- Airport transfers included
- Mantra Adventure duffel bag provided
Package Pricing (Per Person)
| Package | Includes | Price / Person |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Quality accommodation & core services | US $1,130 |
| Comfort Recommended | Boutique hotels, private guides | US $1,330 |
| Luxury | Ultra-luxury, full butler service | US $1,640 |
Group Discount Pricing
| Group Size | Standard | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Pax | US $1,130 | US $1,330 | US $1,640 |
| 2 - 3 Pax | US $1,020 | US $1,200 | US $1,480 |
| 4 - 7 Pax | US $940 | US $1,100 | US $1,360 |
| 8 - 13 Pax | US $860 | US $1,010 | US $1,250 |
| 14+ Pax | US $790 | US $930 | US $1,150 |
All prices are per person. Larger groups receive progressive discounts.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
📍 Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and meet your Mantra Adventure guide. The Annapurna Circuit — circumnavigating the entire Annapurna Massif through five climate zones, from subtropical river gorges to Tibetan rain-shadow plateau — is widely considered one of the world's great long-distance treks. Evening briefing and welcome dinner. Meals: Dinner.
Day 2
Day 2: Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar, Jeep to Chame (2,670m)
📍 Chame
Drive 4 hours to Besisahar then continue by jeep up the beautiful Marsyangdi Valley — turquoise river, terraced hillsides, waterfalls — to Chame, the Manang district headquarters. The upper Marsyangdi begins to assert its character: deep forested gorges, pine-scented air and the first glimpses of the Annapurna peaks. Meals: All included.
Day 3
Day 3: Chame to Pisang (3,300m)
📍 Pisang
Trek past the extraordinary natural curved rock wall above Chame — one of the largest in the Himalaya — and emerge into the wide Manang Valley. Upper Pisang offers a monastery with excellent views and is the starting point for the high ridge route above the valley floor. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 4
Day 4: Pisang to Manang (3,519m) via Ghyaru
📍 Manang
Take the high route through Ghyaru and Ngawal — two of the finest viewpoints on the entire circuit — with continuous panoramas of Annapurna II, III and IV, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. Arrive in Manang, the last major village before the high pass. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 5
Day 5: Acclimatisation in Manang — Ice Lake Hike (4,600m)
📍 Manang
Rest day with an acclimatisation hike to Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) at 4,600 metres. The climb is strenuous but the views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna and the upper Marsyangdi are extraordinary. Equipment check with your guide. Meals: All included.
Day 6
Day 6: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m)
📍 Yak Kharka
Short ascent to Yak Kharka through high pasture grazed by yak herds. The landscape becomes increasingly barren and elemental. Walking time: 3–4 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 7
Day 7: Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp (4,850m)
📍 Thorong High Camp
Continue ascending to Thorong Phedi and then climb steeply to High Camp at 4,850 metres — the staging post for tomorrow's pass crossing. Arrive with daylight for rest and preparation. Walking time: 3–4 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 8
Day 8: Cross Thorong La (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,800m)
📍 Muktinath
The defining day. Pre-dawn start (3–4am) for the 3-hour ascent to Thorong La — the world's highest regularly trekked pass. At the top, a sea of prayer flags, stone cairns and the extraordinary sense of having crossed the Himalayan divide. The descent to Muktinath on the Mustang side drops 1,600 metres in 10 kilometres. Visit Muktinath's sacred temple before resting. Walking time: 8–10 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 9
Day 9: Muktinath to Marpha (2,665m)
📍 Marpha
Descend through the Kali Gandaki Gorge — the world's deepest river gorge, flanked by Dhaulagiri (7,982m) and Annapurna (8,091m). Marpha is one of Nepal's most charming villages: spotless stone lanes, apple orchards and the famous Marpha apple brandy. Walking time: 3–4 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 10
Day 10: Marpha to Ghasa (2,010m)
📍 Ghasa
Continue south through the Kali Gandaki Gorge past Tukuche and the ancient trading village of Lete. The gorge narrows dramatically at sections; the wind funnels through it with remarkable force in the afternoons. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 11
Day 11: Ghasa to Tatopani (1,190m) — Hot Springs
📍 Tatopani
Descend through the subtropical lower valley to Tatopani — famous for its natural hot springs on the Kali Gandaki riverbank. The thermal pools are a profound reward after the altitude of Thorong La. Walking time: 4–5 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 12
Day 12: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,860m)
📍 Ghorepani
A sustained climb from river level to the ridge top at Ghorepani — one of the greatest single-day elevation gains on the circuit. Rhododendron forest the entire way; stunning views at the ridge. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 13
Day 13: Poon Hill Sunrise (3,210m), Trek to Tikhedunga
📍 Tikhedunga
Pre-dawn Poon Hill sunrise — the Annapurna chain and Dhaulagiri blazing in the first light, a fitting farewell to the mountains you have circled for twelve days. Descend to Tikhedunga. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 14
Day 14: Tikhedunga to Nayapul, Drive to Pokhara
📍 Pokhara
Final trekking day through farming villages to Nayapul, then jeep to Pokhara. Walking time: 2–3 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 15
Day 15: Leisure Day in Pokhara
📍 Pokhara
Rest day in Pokhara. Phewa Lake, International Mountain Museum, paragliding or a well-earned lakeside massage. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 16
Day 16: Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu
📍 Kathmandu
Morning flight to Kathmandu. Afternoon free. Celebration dinner. Overnight: Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.
Day 17
Day 17: Kathmandu Sightseeing
📍 Kathmandu
Full day exploring Kathmandu Valley: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and Patan Durbar Square. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 18
Day 18: Final Departure
📍 Kathmandu
Airport transfer for your international departure. The Annapurna Circuit — three weeks, five climate zones, the world's deepest gorge and its highest regularly-trekked pass — is one of the great journeys of a lifetime. Meals: Breakfast.
What's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Domestic transport per itinerary
- All accommodation during the trip
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Experienced English-speaking certified guide
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers, max 15kg)
- All trekking permits and national park fees
- TIMS card
- Mantra Adventure duffel bag
- First aid kit
✗ Not Included
- International flights
- Nepal visa (USD 30-100 on arrival)
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory)
- Meals in Kathmandu/Pokhara
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (available on request)
- Alcoholic beverages, hot showers, personal items
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide and porters
Travel Tips & Useful Information
➤ What is the best season for this trip?
The best seasons are Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). Spring brings rhododendron blooms and stable weather; Autumn offers crystal-clear post-monsoon visibility. Nepal trips in these windows deliver optimal mountain views.
➤ How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
This trip is rated Strenuous. Requires good fitness and ideally prior high-altitude or multi-day trekking experience. Begin cardio and hiking training 3 months before departure.
➤ Do I need a visa?
Most nationalities get Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport for USD 30 (30 days). Indian nationals do not require a visa.
➤ What permits are required?
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (USD 30) + TIMS card. Arranged by Mantra Adventure. No extra hassle for you.
➤ What is included in the price?
Included: Airport transfers; domestic flights/transport per itinerary; all trek accommodation; all meals during trek; English-speaking guide; porters (1 per 2 trekkers); all trekking permits; Mantra Adventure duffel bag. Not included: International flights; Nepal visa; personal travel insurance (mandatory); personal gear; tips.
➤ What fitness level is required?
For Annapurna Circuit Trek (Strenuous): Cardiovascular fitness built over 3-4 months including hill walks with a pack. Prior trekking experience strongly recommended.
➤ Is altitude sickness a concern?
Maximum altitude is 5,416m / Thorong La. Altitude sickness is a real risk above 3,500m. Our itinerary includes acclimatisation days and our guides carry supplemental oxygen. Diamox can be taken as prophylaxis — consult your doctor. Emergency evacuation insurance is mandatory.