
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Encircling the Annapurna Massif
Trip Overview

Trip Description
Annapurna Circuit Trek: Adventure, Culture & Natural Splendor
The Annapurna Circuit Trek remains a premier adventure for those craving a comprehensive Himalayan experience. Encircling the mighty Annapurna Massif, this trek delivers a dynamic blend of mountain grandeur, cultural immersion, spiritual discovery, and physical challenge—all within a thoughtfully structured yet thrilling journey.
This route is not merely a physical journey—it unfolds as a spiritual, cultural, and natural odyssey. Trek through lush valleys and rhododendron forests, experience Tibetan-influenced villages, traverse barren high-altitude deserts, and conquer the soaring Thorong La Pass—all while being shadowed by the majestic Himalayan peaks.
Crossing Thorong La (5,416 m) marks a defining moment: a testament to your stamina and spirit. The reward? Sweeping panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Nilgiri, and Tilicho Peak. After the pass, the terrain shifts dramatically as you descend into the Mustang region—a high Tibetan-flavored landscape of arid valleys, wind-sculpted monasteries, and time-frozen villages.
Wind Horse Tours brings this epic trek to life through expert logistics, genuine cultural connection, and attention to your pace. Each day brings a sense of achievement, each village a story to hear, and each vista a vivid memory.
Why do the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
- Jaw-Dropping Mountain Panoramas: Revel in uninterrupted views of towering Himalayan giants—Annapurna I (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Machhapuchhre (“Fishtail”), Manaslu, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.
- Spectacular Landscape Diversity: Journey through a full ecological corridor—from subtropical jungles and rice terraces, up through rhododendron and pine forests, then into alpine deserts and the Tibetan plateau .
- Iconic High-Point: Thorong La Pass-Ascend one of the world’s highest trekking passes (5,416 m), arriving at a 360° Himalayan panorama—an unforgettable symbol of personal triumph .
- Authentic Cultural Encounters: Experience life in Gurung, Thakali, Manangi, Magar, and Tibetan-influenced villages. Meet warm-hearted residents, visit monasteries and stupas, spin prayer wheels, and pay respects at the sacred Muktinath Temple—a revered site for both Hindus and Buddhists
Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights
- Thorong La Pass: The trek’s climactic highlight, offering sweeping mountain vistas and a true test of endurance
- Manang Village: An ideal acclimatization hub with Tibetan-style settlements, monasteries, local farm life, yak-cheese workshops, and side hikes to Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake.
- Milarepa’s Cave: A sacred meditative cave at 4,100 m near Braga, associated with the 11th century Tibetan saint Milarepa—offering spiritual depth and panoramic views
- Braga Monastery: A 500 year old gompa perched above Braga, showcasing striking thangkas, prayer wheels, and a monastic atmosphere of reflection
- Muktinath Temple: Situated at 3,800 m, this spiritual gem features the sacred 108 spouts, an eternal flame, and deep reverence across Buddhist and Hindu traditions
- Kali Gandaki Gorge: Trek through one of the deepest gorges in the world, flanked by Annapurna and Dhaulagiri—an astounding natural spectacle
- Tilicho Lake (Optional ): Visit one of the world’s highest glacial lakes (4,919 m), with pristine alpine waters that reflect surrounding peaks
Crafted for Adventurers with Heart and Pace
- Balanced Itinerary: With acclimatization stopovers, thoughtful pacing, and opportunities for side hikes such as Milarepa’s Cave or Gangapurna Lake.
- Local Connection: Stay in tea houses and small lodges run by villagers, savor home-cooked meals, and support community-led conservation.
- Guided by Experts: Licensed local guides and attentive support ensure a safe, insightful, and comfortable trekking experience.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is more than a journey—it’s a life-enriching odyssey. From whispering prayer flags to mountain-sized panoramas; from spiritual retreat to cultural immersion, it offers a transformational experience that lingers long after your return.
Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2. In Kathmandu
Day 3. Drive from Kathmandu to Tal
Day 4. Drive from Tal to Manang
Day 5. In Manang (exploration day)
Day 6. In Manang (exploration day)
Day 7. Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka
Day 8. Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Day 9. Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (via the Thorong La pass)
Day 10. Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara
Day 11. Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 12. Departure
Trip Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu
Drive to from Kathmandu to Tal
Drive from Tal to Manang
In Manang (exploration day)
In Manang (exploration day)
Trek from Manang to to Yak Kharka
Trek from Manang to Thorong Phedi
Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La pass
Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara
Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Departure
Included
- All transfers by private vehicle.
- 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu and 1 night in Pokhara in 3-4* category hotels.
- 3 nights’ accommodation in tea house lodge & 3 nights accommodation in tourist standard hotel during the trek.
- Only breakfast during the stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with coffee/tea during the trek.
- One welcome or farewell dinner with a cultural performance in Kathmandu.
- 1 full day guided city tour in Kathmandu.
- English-speaking licensed trekking guide along with a porter (1 porter for every two trekkers).
- One way airfare between Pokhara-Kathmandu.
- First aid kit and duffel bag.
- Trekking staff accommodation, wages, meals, trekking gears, and insurance.
- All necessary paperwork and permits for the trek (ACAP/TIMS card).
- All government tax and service charges.
Not included
- Nepal Visa.
- International airfare.
- Meals other than listed (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, bar, beverages).
- Bottled/boiled water, battery recharge and Wi-Fi and hot showers during the trek.
- Tips and gratuities to Guide, Porter and driver.
- Travel medical insurance covering rescue and emergency evacuation.
- Personal trekking gears and equipment’s.
- Trip cancellation cost due to your health, weather condition, political situation, and any other unforeseen events.
- Any other expenses other than the listed above.