Annapurna Circuit

Journey to Nepal

Annapurna Circuit

Journey to Nepal

One can talk endlessly about the Himalayas, ancient monasteries, buddhism and authenticity. One can come up with dozens of synonyms for the word "epic." One could create a vivid video, showing happy people in National Geographic-worthy locations having a transcendent experience. One could sprinkle in clichés like: "You’ll come back a different person" or "Your mind will be rebooted."

The problem is, any attempt to describe Nepal is just fluff and a bunch of subjectivity. Nepal is different for everyone. It’s another planet, a landing on which divides your life into 'before' and 'after.'

While you’re young and capable of making big decisions, while your body isn’t yet a disease-ridden piece of aging flesh — you must see the Himalayas and find your own Shangri-La. There won’t be a better moment.

We are forming a small group (up to 10 people) of like-minded adventurers to trek one of the most iconic routes in the world — the Annapurna Circuit. Out of the planned 16 days of travel, trekking will take 9 to 11 days, with 3 additional days allocated for transfers. The logistics involve two stages and some unique local nuances.

The highlight of the trip is the ascent to Thorong La Pass, standing at an altitude of 5,416 meters. To maximize the group’s chances of success, the itinerary includes two rest days with acclimatization hikes. We have an additional two contingency days (taken from time in Pokhara) as a buffer to wait for a weather window.

Each trekking day involves traveling between equidistant Nepalese and Tibetan villages, where we’ll stay and dine. There's no need to carry a tent or food supplies, which significantly lightens the backpack and makes the journey more comfortable.

Accommodation ↓
Throughout the trek, we’ll stay in lodges — traditional Nepalese guesthouses. Like most things in Nepal, these guesthouses are quite basic. Be prepared for the absence of heating and familiar comforts.
Food ↓
The local food is affordable and delicious. The average cost for breakfast and dinner is around 15-25$
For lunch, we’ll have snacks that can be purchased along the trekking route. We’ll also carry stoves, providing access to hot water 24/7.

Accommodation ↓
Throughout the trek, we’ll stay in lodges — traditional Nepalese guesthouses. Like most things in Nepal, these guesthouses are quite basic. Be prepared for the absence of heating and familiar comforts.
Food ↓
The local food is affordable and delicious. The average cost for breakfast + dinner is around 15-25$
For lunch, we’ll have snacks that can be purchased along the trekking route. We’ll also carry stoves, providing access to hot water 24/7.

PARTICIPATION CRITERIA:
1. Physical Fitness
Anyone in average physical condition, without excess weight or joint issues, should be able to complete the trek. However, the better your fitness level, the more you’ll be able to experience. Our well-planned acclimatization strategy will help those without prior high-altitude experience adapt to hypoxia as smoothly as possible.
2. Level-headedness and sound judgement
Level-headedness and sound judgement
3. Sense of Humor
Ability to self-irony

We have our own approach to organizing trips, their aesthetic aspect, and the kind of vibe they should have. For us, a trek is primarily a party, well-organized and set in a beautiful location.
Empathetic guides and the atmosphere are what we’re regularly praised for.

monday,
day 1

Gathering in Kathmandu

Gathering in Kathmandu in the first half of the day. We will meet you at the airport and take you to our hotel by taxi. The day will be spent on document processing and purchasing any missing gear. In the evening, we’ll have a briefing and welcome dinner.

day 2

Kathmandu → Besisahar

Early breakfast, loading, and departure for Besisahar. A full-day transfer in a comfortable, though as much as possible in Nepal, minibus. Upon arrival, check-in at the lodge, dinner, evening chats, and a restful night’s sleep.

day 3

Besisahar → Sange → Dharapani

After an early breakfast, we load into jeeps and begin the second stage of the transfer. We’ll cover about 20 km of mountain roads, saving both time and energy. From there, we start trekking through a massive gorge along the Marsyangdi River. While the distance is significant, the route is technically easy, following a mountain road.
Elevation gain 860 m
Daily distance 16 km

day 4

Dharapani → Chame

We continue trekking through the gorge as views of the first 8,000-meter peaks begin to unfold. In the evening, we’ll visit a natural hot spring. It’s going to be wonderful.
Elevation gain 820 m
Daily distance 15.5 km

day 5

Chame → Upper Pisang

The route follows the valley along the upper reaches of the Marsyangdi River. To the left, you’ll see the towering peaks of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna, while to the right stands the striking Pisang Peak. The day ends with an overnight stay in a charming tibetan village. In the evening, we’ll visit a Buddhist monastery to witness a traditional service.
Elevation gain 500 m
Daily distance 15 km

day 6

Upper Pisang → Manang

We’ll rise early to greet the sunrise over the Himalayas from a serene terrace. This day offers panoramic views of the entire Annapurna massif, making it one of the most scenic days of the journey. Along the way, we’ll visit the ancient Buddhist monastery in Braga. The day concludes with an overnight stay in the timeless town of Manang.
Elevation gain 370 m
Daily distance 15.5 km

day 7

Manang, rest day

A chill day to relax, catch up on sleep, and do some laundry — finally tackling that growing sock collection. A non-freezing shower will also be an option. After lunch, we’ll take an acclimatization hike (+400 m) to the stunning Gangapurna Glacier Lake. In the evening, it’s all about the good vibes: a warm stove, a delicious dinner, great conversations, and the feeling of celebration.

day 8

Manang → Yak Kharka

We set out on a narrow trail, leaving civilization behind for a few days. The trek is not technically difficult, but the effects of low pressure and reduced oxygen at higher altitudes become more noticeable. In the evening, we’ll reward ourselves with the best yak steak on the route.
Elevation gain 500 m
Daily distance 10 km

day 9

Yak Kharka, rest day

We’ll spend the day fueling up, acclimatizing, and adapting to life above 4,000 meters. A short acclimatization hike (+500 m) will take us to a scenic viewpoint. In the evening, depending on the weather and the group’s condition, we’ll finalize our strategy for crossing the pass. We’ll also make an offering to the mountain spirits, seeking their blessing for favorable weather.

day 10

Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi

We approach the base of the Thorong La Pass, navigating a stunning, challenging, and rugged trail. Ideally, our goal is to reach the base camp beneath the pass by the afternoon. However, in the case of bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, we’ll stay back in Yak Kharka and wait for conditions to improve.
Elevation gain 870 m
Daily distance 9 km

day 11

Thorong Phedi → Thorong La → Muktinath

This is the day your determination and endurance will truly be tested. We start the ascent under the cover of darkness, aiming to reach the 5,420-meter summit by sunrise. It will be tough but breathtakingly beautiful, and the memories of this eventful day will last a lifetime.
From the pass, we begin a dizzying descent to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both buddhists and hindus. In the evening, after a stroll and a hot shower, we’ll celebrate with a proper party — there will be plenty to toast to!
Elevation gain 550 m
Daily distance 14 km

day 12

transfer Muktinath → Pokhara

Prepare for the most scenic yet nerve-wracking ride of your life. We’ll hop onto a charming local bus and spend the day teetering over cliffs and bouncing along rugged roads.
The hardships of the journey will be rewarded with the comforts of civilization at a cozy hotel. Finally, it’ll be warm enough to ditch those thermal layers. Pokhara is serene and welcoming.

days 13 – 14

Pokhara

Absolute chill. Pokhara is the most pleasant and well-kept city in Nepal — an ideal setting for some epic adventures. By day, explore temples and landmarks; by night, dive into bars and hidden hangouts. Whatever happens in Pokhara, stays in Pokhara.

day 15

transfer Pokhara → Kathmandu

After breakfast at the hotel, we board a comfortable minibus and begin our journey back to Kathmandu. Along the way, we’ll make stops to stretch and enjoy some dal bhat. Upon arrival, we’ll check into the same hotel where our adventure began.

tuesday,
day 16

Kathmandu

Spend the day exploring one of the most vibrant and colorful cities in the world. With hundreds of landmarks to see, it’s important to prioritize — and we’ve got you covered. We’ll guide you through the most iconic spots. In the evening we’ll paint the city red.

wednesday,
day 17

Kathmandu [not included in the itinerary]

The guide team will remain in Kathmandu for an extra day — this city is worth it. If you can, book a later flight and stay with us. Remember, whatever happens in Kathmandu stays in Kathmandu.

Depending on the weather and the group’s condition, we reserve the right to adjust the itinerary. During the trekking there may be optional side trips (e.g., Tilicho Lake) that are not listed in the program. Decisions on these will be made by the guides on-site.

When?

21 april – 6 may 2025
3 − 18 november

How much?

1200$

The price includes:

The price does not include:

✓ Accommodation in hotels in Muktinath, Kathmandu, and Pokhara
✓ Accommodation in lodges on the trek
✓ All transfers as per the itinerary
✓ All necessary documents (permits and TIMS)
✓ Guide services
✓ Local guide services
✓ General first aid kit

− Flight to Kathmandu (we can help with booking tickets)
– Nepalese visa — obtained at the airport for $50
− Meals at cafes and restaurants
− Hotels not included in the tour program
− Personal expenses
− Medical insurance (mandatory!)
− Personal first aid kit

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