Annapurna · Treks
16 days · Challenging · up to 5,416 m
The classic circuit around the Annapurna massif with a side trip to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, and the crossing of the 5,416 m Thorong La.
The Annapurna Circuit loops round the whole Annapurna massif, from the green Marsyangdi valley into the dry, Tibetan-style villages of Manang, over the Thorong La and down to the temple of Muktinath and the Kali Gandaki valley.
We add the detour to Tilicho Lake (4,920 m), a turquoise lake beneath the walls of Tilicho Peak, which doubles as perfect acclimatisation for the pass. Our guides were heading this way with a group as this profile went live.
It is a challenging trek with a long pass day, but the gradual climb and acclimatisation days make it achievable for fit first-timers at altitude.
Challenging: several 6 to 8-hour days at altitude and a 9-hour pass day. Previous multi-day hiking experience is strongly recommended.
Our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. In the evening we brief you on the trek, check your gear and sort out any last purchases.
A long drive via Besisahar, switching to a jeep for the rough road up the Marsyangdi valley to Dharapani.
Through pine forest with the first views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal to Chame, the district headquarters.
Past the curved rock face of Paungda Danda to the stone village of Upper Pisang, facing Annapurna II.
The high route, with one of the best panoramas of the circuit, to the old trading town of Manang.
Hike to the Gangapurna glacier lake or Ice Lake for acclimatisation, and visit the Himalayan Rescue Association talk on altitude.
West along the Marsyangdi to Khangsar village and on to Shree Kharka.
Along a dramatic trail across scree slopes to the lodges at Tilicho Base Camp.
An early climb to Tilicho Lake (4,920 m), with Tilicho Peak rising from its far shore, then back down to Shree Kharka.
Cross the valley past Old Khangsar to rejoin the main trail at Yak Kharka.
A short day up to the foot of the pass to rest before the crossing.
A pre-dawn start for the long climb to the prayer-flagged pass at 5,416 m, then a steep 1,600-metre descent to Muktinath.
Visit the Muktinath temple at dawn, then jeep down through Kagbeni to Jomsom in the windy Kali Gandaki valley.
A spectacular 20-minute flight between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna to Pokhara. Free afternoon in Lakeside.
Drive or take a 25-minute flight back to Kathmandu. Free afternoon and a farewell dinner with the team.
Free time for souvenir shopping before we drop you at the airport three hours before your flight home.
Next departure Sat, 24 Oct 2026
From US$1,350 per person
6 dates through May 2027
Starts Sat, 24 Oct and ends Sun, 8 Nov 2026
16 days
12 seats left
Book by 17 Oct
US$1,350per person
Starts Sat, 21 Nov and ends Sun, 6 Dec 2026
16 days
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Book by 14 Nov
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Starts Sat, 19 Dec 2026 and ends Sun, 3 Jan 2027
16 days
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Book by 12 Dec
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Starts Sat, 20 Mar and ends Sun, 4 Apr 2027
16 days
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Book by 13 Mar
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Starts Sat, 17 Apr and ends Sun, 2 May 2027
16 days
12 seats left
Book by 10 Apr
US$1,350per person
Starts Sat, 15 May and ends Sun, 30 May 2027
16 days
12 seats left
Book by 8 May
US$1,350per person
Prefer your own dates? Ask for a private trip.
Choose your own datePermits we arrange: Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP), TIMS card
You don't need technical skills, but you should be comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours a day with a light daypack. Regular hiking, running, cycling or stair-climbing for 6 to 8 weeks before the trip makes a big difference.
Spring (March to May) brings rhododendron forests in bloom; autumn (October to December) has the clearest mountain views. Winter is cold but quiet and still very doable on lower routes; June to September is monsoon.
Our itineraries climb gradually and include acclimatisation days. Your guide checks your oxygen saturation each evening. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol, and tell your guide about any headache, nausea or dizziness straight away.
Travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation up to the highest altitude of your trek is required. Please send us a copy before departure.
Carry Nepali rupees for the trail: ATMs are only in towns. Most teahouses sell Wi-Fi and charging; a local SIM (Ncell or NTC) works on much of the route.
Teahouses are simple, family-run lodges with twin rooms and shared bathrooms. Menus run from dal bhat to pasta and pancakes; dal bhat is the best value and comes with refills.
A jeep road now runs along much of the valley. We use jeeps for the dusty lower stretch and walk the quieter high trails such as Ghyaru, Ngawal and Tilicho.
We wait at Thorong Phedi or High Camp; the itinerary has slack in Kathmandu for this. Your guide decides on the day for safety.
Yes. Every trip runs as a private trek on the dates you choose, as well as on our fixed group departures. Private trips cost the same per person for two or more travellers.
Our own government-licensed guides from the Annapurna and Everest regions. Most have more than ten years on the trails and speak good English.
Your guide carries a first-aid kit and an oximeter and is trained to recognise altitude sickness. If you need to descend, we arrange it immediately, including a helicopter evacuation through your insurance if necessary.
Send an enquiry with your dates. We confirm availability, then take a 20% deposit to secure your place; the balance is paid on arrival in Nepal by card, bank transfer or cash.
Refunds are a share of the total trip price. Permit and flight costs already paid to third parties can't be refunded. You can transfer your booking to another date or person free of charge up to 30 days before departure.