Annapurna Circuit Luxury Trek
Overview
The legendary Annapurna Circuit circumnavigates the entire Annapurna massif, crossing the dramatic Thorong La Pass at 5,416m. This luxury version features the best available lodges, private transfers where roads permit, and a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara to conclude this epic journey through diverse landscapes from subtropical forests to high-altitude desert.
Route
Kathmandu → Besisahar → Chame → Manang → Thorong La Pass → Muktinath → Jomsom → Pokhara → Kathmandu
Highlights
- Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the world's highest trekking passes
- Experience dramatic landscape transitions from rice paddies to arid moonscape
- Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple (3,800m) revered by Hindus and Buddhists
- Explore the medieval walled town of Manang with its Tibetan Buddhist culture
- Scenic flight from Jomsom along the deepest gorge on Earth (Kali Gandaki)
- Stay in premium lodges with hot showers and mountain-view dining
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 18 Days / 17 Nights
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Group Size
- 2-8 guests
- Max Altitude
- 5,416m
- Best Months
- March-May, October-November
- Starting From
- $3,750 pp
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your luxury hotel. Afternoon trek briefing, gear inspection, and welcome dinner with your trekking team.
Drive to Besisahar, Trek to Bhulbhule
Private vehicle transfer from Kathmandu to Besisahar (6-7 hours) through the scenic Prithvi Highway along the Trisuli and Marsyangdi rivers. Short trek from Besisahar to Bhulbhule through rice terraces and subtropical forest.
Trek to Jagat
Follow the Marsyangdi river upstream through Ngadi and Bahundanda. The trail passes through lush terraced fields, waterfalls, and small Gurung and Magar villages. Gradual ascent as the valley narrows.
Trek to Dharapani
Continue through Chamje and Tal — a flat, dramatic valley enclosed by vertical cliffs with a beautiful waterfall. The vegetation shifts as you gain altitude, and Tibetan Buddhist culture becomes more prominent. Pass through Dharapani, the gateway to the Manaslu region.
Trek to Chame
Trek through dense forest and past spectacular waterfalls to Bagarchhap with its characteristic flat-roofed Tibetan-style houses. Continue to Chame, the administrative headquarters of Manang District, where hot springs await near the river.
Trek to Upper Pisang
Walk through an incredible deep forest and emerge to see the stunning face of Annapurna II (7,937m). Cross the Marsyangdi and ascend to Upper Pisang, perched on a hillside with one of the best mountain views on the circuit — Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and the Manang Valley stretching ahead.
Trek to Manang
Take the scenic high route through Ghyaru and Ngawal for the best Annapurna views. Pass ancient mani walls and prayer flags. Descend to Braga with its famous 500-year-old gompa clinging to the cliff face. Continue to Manang, a prosperous trading town at the head of the valley.
Acclimatization Day in Manang
Essential rest day for altitude acclimatization. Hike to Gangapurna Lake (3,580m) beneath the hanging glaciers of Gangapurna (7,455m) or climb to the Praken Gompa viewpoint (3,960m). Visit the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic for an altitude sickness lecture. Explore Manang's unique Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Trek to Yak Kharka
Leave Manang and trek through Tenki and past the village of Gunsang. The landscape becomes increasingly arid and barren as you approach the rain shadow of the Annapurna range. The trail climbs gently but steadily to Yak Kharka (yak pasture).
Trek to Thorong Phedi
Short but important trek to Thorong Phedi (literally 'foot of the pass'), your base for the crossing. The trail crosses the Marsyangdi headwaters and ascends through rocky terrain. Arrive early for rest and early dinner — you'll depart before dawn tomorrow.
Cross Thorong La Pass, Descend to Muktinath
Depart at 4am for the summit push. The climb is steady and relentless through snow and scree. Reach the prayer-flag-adorned summit of Thorong La (5,416m) for extraordinary views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Long, steep descent on the western side to the sacred pilgrimage town of Muktinath.
Explore Muktinath, Trek to Kagbeni
Morning visit to the sacred Muktinath Temple complex, a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists with its 108 water spouts and eternal flame fueled by natural gas. Descend through the arid Mustang landscape to the medieval fortress town of Kagbeni, where Upper Mustang begins.
Trek to Jomsom
Easy morning walk along the Kali Gandaki riverbed — the world's deepest gorge between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri I. Strong afternoon winds funnel through the gorge, so depart early. Arrive in Jomsom, the administrative center of Mustang District with its airstrip and apple orchards.
Fly to Pokhara
Early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (20 minutes) following the Kali Gandaki gorge with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna soaring on either side — one of the most scenic short flights in the world. Transfer to your lakeside luxury resort. Afternoon at leisure by Phewa Lake.
Pokhara Leisure Day
Full day to relax and recover in beautiful Pokhara. Optional activities include a boat ride on Phewa Lake, visit the World Peace Pagoda, explore the International Mountain Museum, or indulge in a spa treatment. Sunset views of the Annapurna range reflecting in the lake.
Fly or Drive to Kathmandu
Morning scenic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu (25 minutes) or private vehicle transfer (6-7 hours). Afternoon free for shopping or sightseeing. Optional visit to Patan Durbar Square.
Kathmandu Heritage Tour
Private guided heritage tour visiting Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Farewell dinner at a traditional Newari restaurant with cultural performance.
Departure
Private airport transfer for your international flight. Trip concludes.
What's Included
- All accommodation in best available lodges on the circuit and 5-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Private licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers, max 15kg each)
- Kathmandu–Besisahar private vehicle transfer
- Jomsom–Pokhara and Pokhara–Kathmandu domestic flights
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
- Kathmandu heritage sightseeing tour with entrance fees
- Airport transfers in private vehicle
- First aid medical kit and oximeter
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Alcoholic and cold beverages
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Tips for guide, porters, and hotel staff
Find Your Flights
Main international gateway to Nepal. Most flights connect via Doha, Istanbul, or Delhi. Direct flights available from select Asian cities.
Typical airlines: Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Himalaya Airlines, Nepal Airlines, Air India, FlyDubai
International flights are not included in CuratedAscents packages.
Customize This Journey
This itinerary is a starting point. Our AI Expedition Architect will tailor every detail — dates, accommodations, activities — to create your perfect trip.