14 Days • 5,416 m • Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit follows the Marsyangdi River valley into the high, dry region of Manang, where Tibetan-influenced Buddhist villages sit above the tree line. A three-day side trip reaches Tilicho Lake (4,920m), one of the highest lakes in the world. The trek's high point is Thorong La Pass (5,416m), crossed before dawn, followed by the descent to Muktinath and the Kali Gandaki valley — the deepest gorge on Earth.
Subtropical river valleys, a trans-Himalayan desert and a 5,416-meter pass — all inside fourteen days.
The circuit's high point — a pre-dawn crossing over the pass at 5,416 meters.
A dedicated three-day side trip to the deep-blue waters of one of the highest lakes on the planet.
Tibetan-style stone villages and chortens on one side of the pass — an ancient pilgrimage temple on the other.
A full loop of the Annapurna massif with the Tilicho Lake side trip built in — acclimatized and unhurried, start to finish.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Thamel.
The rest of the day is spent on trek preparation, equipment checks, permit processing and a welcome briefing with your guide.
A long but scenic drive takes us from Kathmandu through Besisahar and along the Marsyangdi River valley to Chame, the administrative headquarters of Manang district.
The road passes waterfalls, terraced hillsides and lush green valleys.
We pass through pine forests and walk under the dramatic curved rock face of Bhratang, often called Heaven's Gate.
We then cross a suspension bridge to reach Lower Pisang, with splendid views of the Annapurna range.
Trekkers can choose between the lower route or the upper route via Ghyaru and Ngawal — more challenging but with spectacular panoramas of Annapurna II, III and Gangapurna.
Manang welcomes us with traditional Tibetan-style stone houses and chortens.
A rest and acclimatization day in Manang before the high pass.
We hike up to Ice Lake for superb panoramic views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and the surrounding glaciers, then return to Manang. You can also visit the HRA altitude clinic.
Climb high, sleep low — today's hike primes your body for Thorong La later in the week.
Branching off the main circuit toward Tilicho Lake, we head west through Khangsar village and climb to Siri Kharka — a scenic resting point with open views of the Tilicho massif and surrounding high terrain.
We continue through the dry, landslide-prone area to reach Tilicho Base Camp, situated at the base of the massive Tilicho Peak.
We rest early tonight to prepare for the high-altitude lake hike tomorrow.
An early morning climb takes us to spectacular, pristine Tilicho Lake — one of the highest lakes in the world, its deep blue waters ringed by glaciers and Tilicho Peak.
After time at the lake, we descend back to Siri Kharka for the night.
We rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit route and climb gradually to Yak Kharka, a high-altitude grazing area.
The landscape here is stark and beautiful, with views of the Chulu peaks and the upper Marsyangdi valley.
We make a slow, steady climb to Thorong Phedi, crossing a suspension bridge and passing through dramatic highland terrain.
We rest at the tea houses at the foot of the pass to prepare for tomorrow's long crossing.
The most challenging and rewarding day. We start around 3:00 AM, climbing steadily for several hours to the summit of Thorong La Pass.
After celebrating at the prayer-flag-draped top, we make the long, steep descent to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath.
Temperatures at the pass can drop to -10°C — windproof outerwear, heavy thermals and winter gloves are essential.
We visit the sacred Muktinath Temple in the morning before heading down to Jomsom by jeep.
From Jomsom, a scenic drive along the windswept Kali Gandaki valley brings us to Pokhara for a comfortable evening by the lake.
A scenic 25-minute flight takes us from Pokhara back to Kathmandu.
In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner in Thamel featuring traditional Nepalese cuisine.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule.
Our team confirms your departure time the evening before, so there's no last-minute scramble on your way to the airport.
One clear package covers the full loop — transport, permits, lodges and guiding — with no surprises on the trail.
From the moment you land in Kathmandu until your final departure, every logistical and safety detail is handled by our local team.
Pass-crossing veterans who read the mountain weather daily
ACAP permits and TIMS card processed before you arrive
Ice Lake day and gradual gains before the 5,416m crossing
The best available tea houses booked ahead at every stop
Hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners on every trekking day
Every drive and flight between Kathmandu, the trail and Pokhara
Emergency coordination and helicopter rescue on standby
Every service in your itinerary is confirmed upfront, before you leave home
"Prayer flags crack in the wind at 5,416 metres — behind you the valleys of Manang, ahead the holy springs of Muktinath."
— On Thorong La Pass
A glimpse of what awaits around the great circuit — click any photo to view it full size.
Thorong La Pass, Day 11
Tilicho Lake, Day 8
Ice Lake, Day 5
Muktinath Temple, Day 12
High trail toward the pass
We would rather show you nothing than show you something we made up. Reviews from trekkers who have walked this route with us will be published here in their own words, with their permission.
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Annapurna Circuit • 14 Days • Free quote within 24 hours
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