Annapurna Circuit trek
1 340,00 €
Perfect for those short on time, the Annapurna Half Circuit is a condensed version of the classic trek — but don’t let “half” fool you! This two-week journey still offers breathtaking views of the entire Annapurna range.
Starting in Besisahar, the trek gradually climbs through the Marsyangdi Valley, shifting from lush sub-tropical landscapes to drier, high-altitude terrain above 3,000 meters. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional Brahman, Gurung, and Tibetan villages, with prayer flags fluttering in the wind, marking Buddhist communities.
As you gain altitude, Himalayan giants like Manaslu, Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna appear on the horizon. Crossing the Thorong-La Pass at 5,400 meters brings you into the unique landscapes of the lower Mustang Valley: wider, more arid valleys with stunning ochre, red, and green rock formations.
- Nepal Country
- Hiking and trekking Thématique
- Difficult Difficulté
- 15 days Duration
- 11 days Hiking days
- 5 416 m Max. altitude
- Yes Guide
- Hôtel, Lodge Hébergement
- kathmandu → Kathmandu Departure / Arrival
- Pokhara – Kathmandu Domestic flights
Scheduled departures
- 21 Mar. 4 Apr. 2027 Planned 1 340 € per person
- 11 Apr. 25 Apr. 2027 Planned 1 340 € per person
- 25 Apr. 9 May 2027 Planned 1 340 € per person
- 10 Oct. 24 Oct. 2027 Planned 1 340 € per person
- 17 Oct. 31 Oct. 2027 Planned 1 340 € per person
- 31 Oct. 14 Nov. 2027 Planned 1 340 € per person
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel.
Early morning transfer by private vehicle to Besisahar (950 m). Then drive to Dharapani by local reserve jeep.
Duration of drive: 6 hours on the highway and 4 hours off-road
Climb steeply up a trail to reach Timang. Walk through a beautiful pine forest.
We walk through several Gurung villages. Splendid views of the Himalayan range from Manaslu to Annapurna II. As we climb higher, the landscape gradually becomes more arid, but we still come across settlements of cultural significance.
We now reach the upper Marsyangdi valley at high altitude, north of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna and Mt. Tilicho. Depending to weather, we visit the Pisang monastery. In the afternoon, we arrive at Ngawal, an old Tibetan village known for its monastery, its chortens, and above all, for its fantastic view of the Annapurnas II, III, IV, Gangapurna and Mount Tilicho.
Along the way, we find ourselves looking at the flowless valley, then, in the end, at the bottom of the valley, Mungji and Braga, beautiful villages of Manangis, and visit a 500-year-old monastery. We finally reach Manang.
Today’s hike is along the Marsyangdi river, ascending to Khangsar, the last village of the region. We stop for lunch and rest; then continue walking on the mountainside to get to Tilicho Base Camp.
It’s a pleasant climb by the moraines to reach Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world at around 5000 m. Tilicho Lake is formed by glacial meltwaters accumulated from the entire northern Annapurna range. The lake is a Hindu pilgrimage site mentioned in the Ramayana. spectacular views of the Annapurna ice walls and the Tilicho peak (7134 m). The lakefront, which gets a burst of colourful wildflowers during spring and summer, is ideal for camping.
Descend till Manang and then climb up again to reach Letdar.
We walk along gradual but often steep slopes to reach High Camp. Afternoon free time and walking around.
We start climbing up early in the morning and reach the Thorong La (Pass) in about 3 hr to reach. Then we negotiate a steep descent to Muktinath. This is the first village we encounter in the Mustang district, a religious pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus. We visit the famous Muktinath temple.
We first climb up to reach a short, wild pass, then descend (occasionally steep) down to the Bönpo village of Lupra. We then follow the Kali Gandaki’s windy banks till we come upon the Thakali village of Jomsom.
NB: Alternate trail, same duration but less difficult, via Kagbeni at the gates of Mustang.
Jomsom – Pokhara (200 km, 6-8 hours): A winding road along the Kali Gandaki Valley, offering breathtaking scenery of cliffs, gorges, and Himalayan villages, gradually transitioning to verdant hills before arriving in Pokhara. Free day at Lakeside in Pokhara.
Meals not included
Flight Pokhara – Kathmandu (25-30 min): Fly over verdant valleys and Phewa Lake, then enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks before arriving in Kathmandu.
Dinner at your leisure
Transfer to TIA (Kathmandu Airport) for your return flight. End of our services.
Practical Info
– Walking times are approximate as they depend on the group, photos, and stops. Elevation changes are also general indications and not GPS measurements. – Depending on weather and operational conditions, the guide reserves the right to modify this itinerary for your safety and that of the group.
What is included
- All transfers by private vehicle as per itinerary
- Transfers from Besisahar to Dharapani and from Jomsom to Pokhara by local jeep(s)
- 2 nights at the Holy Himalaya Hotel or similar in Kathmandu (bed and breakfast)
- 1 night at the Batika Hotel (bed and breakfast)
- During trek, Full board in Lodge.
- English speaking Guide for trekking.
- Trekking team: assistant (minimum 4), porters (depending on group size) for the entire trek
- Luggage transfer (up to 13 kg/person) during the trek
- Trekking permits
- Staff insurance
What is not included
- Meals in Kathmandu, excluding breakfast and entrance fees to sites in Kathmandu
- Nepal visa ($30 + photo).
- International flight and PCR tests if required
- Repatriation insurance + rescue and search required
- Tips, personal expenses and equipment, drinks…
- Mandatory supplement for Pokhara-Kathmandu flight: 125 $
- Supplement per single room for 3 nights in a hotel: 88 $
FAQ
In just a few days, this Annapurna half circuit takes you through a remarkable diversity of landscapes: rice terraces, pine forests, narrow gorges and arid high plateaus, all the way to the mineral relief of Mustang. This geographical richness goes hand in hand with great cultural variety. From Gurung villages to high-altitude Tibetan hamlets, via Brahmin and Manangi communities, every stage of the trek brings authentic encounters and human discoveries. Cultures and religions intermingle in an ever-changing setting, to the rhythm of prayer flags and the smiles of the inhabitants.
At 5,416 metres, the Thorong La is one of the highest passes in Nepal that can be crossed on foot, and the high point of the trek. Prepared by a gradual climb and well-planned acclimatisation, the crossing is the physical and emotional climax of the circuit. Reaching the top of the pass reveals a striking panorama of the Damodar, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs. It is a moment of surpassing yourself, of euphoria and contemplation. As you drop down to the Mustang side, a new world opens up, drier and more mineral, but just as fascinating.
The trek offers a strong cultural immersion in two emblematic regions: Manangi country to the east and the Thakali villages of Mustang to the west. In Ngawal and Manang, you discover the typical architecture of Tibetan villages, with stupas, gompas and dry-stone houses. Traditions are alive here, carried by an ever-present spirituality. Further on, descending towards Jharkot and Lupra, the Buddhist and shamanic influences of Mustang come to light. These lower-altitude stages mark the gradual return to the valley while extending the wonder through the rich heritage of the Himalayan peoples.
