Annapurna Circuit Trek 16-Day via Thorong La & Muktinath

Experience the ultimate 16-day Annapurna Circuit Trek. Cross Thorong La Pass, visit Muktinath, explore Pokhara & Kathmandu. Book your Himalayan adventure today

Highlights:

  • A beautiful circuit of Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Lamjung Himal, Mount Fishtail, Nilgiri Mountains, Tilicho, Gangapurna, and Rock Noir, among others.
  • Enjoy the beauty and sacredness of the Nyesyang Territory in the Annapurna Massif.
  • Visit medieval villages and monasteries nestled above 4000 meters. Cross the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters.
  • Visit Muktinath, a sacred religious center for Buddhists and Hindus.
  • Visit Nepal’s most beautiful city, Pokhara. Visit six UNESCO-recognised medieval sites in Kathmandu, all in just 16 days!

Introduction:

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is an unforgettable journey through the majestic Annapurna Himalaya, a breathtaking circuit trail between the iconic Dhaulagiri and Manaslu mountain ranges. This 16-day sightseeing walk showcases some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, including the towering Annapurna I, II, III, and IV, the majestic Mount Fishtail, and the serene Nilgiri Mountains. As you traverse this enchanting Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will experience not only natural beauty but also cultural encounters, particularly in the sacred Nyesyang Territory, renowned for its medieval villages and historic monasteries, and the Sacred Muktinath, perched above 4,000 meters.

Your Annapurna Circuit Trek begins with arrival in Kathmandu, where you will marvel at the vibrant culture and ancient architecture of the Kathmandu Valley and visit six of seven UNESCO-recognized sites, before and after the trek. This beautiful sightseeing walk takes you across the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters and brings you to Muktinath, a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus. The scenic journey connects to the picturesque city of Pokhara, with several attractive lakes, grand mountain views, Stupas, temples, viewpoints, guest houses, and 5-star hotels and restaurants, all offering a serene contrast to the high-altitude trek.

With a mix of easy to challenging terrain, daily walks of 3 to 6 hours, and comfortable accommodations ranging from hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara to cozy lodges during the trek, this sightseeing Annapurna Circuit Trek suits trekkers of all levels. You will have opportunities to explore local culture, meet the Manangis and Thakalis (major ethnic groups of the region), and enjoy grand scenery, all while savoring a delicious à la carte menu at each meal along the route. This itinerary blends the thrill of a beautiful walk with the richness of Nepalese culture, creating memories that will last a lifetime for our guests.

Itinerary

Arrive, complete formalities, transfer to the hotel, and enjoy a free day; optional city stroll.

Visit Swayambhunath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square & Museum, Basantapur, and Ason Bazaar.

9-hour drive via Besisahar (820 m). Scenic overland journey along the Marsyangdi River through terraced fields and villages. Arrive Dharapani with Annapurna views.

5-hour trek. Walk through rhododendron and pine forests via Bagarchap and Timang, with views of Manaslu and Annapurna II.

5-hour trek. Cross the Marsyangdi, enjoy forest walks to Brathang, then follow a cliffside trail to Pisang with Annapurna and Pisang Peak views.

3-hour trek. Take the high scenic route past Mring Tso lake and chortens, climbing steeply to Gyaru village. Great views of Annapurna II and III.

4-hour trek. Level traverse through pine forest to Ngawal, descend to Humde, and continue to Braga. Visit the 600-year-old Braga Monastery.

6-hour round trip. Optional tough hike to Ice Lake for rewarding Annapurna views. Evening walk to Manang village.

3-hour trek. Climb past Tenki village, traverse the Jarsang River valley, and enjoy views of Annapurna II and IV. Afternoon acclimatization walk.

4-hour trek. Leisurely start, climb past Thorong Phedi (4,416 m), and reach High Camp with expanding mountain views.

6-hour trek. Early start to cross the pass with grand views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Dhaulagiri. Descend 1,600 m to sacred Muktinath.

5-hour trek. Visit Muktinath temple and Dzarkot, then trek via Lupra and Thini villages with Dhaulagiri views. Farewell party in Jomsom.

Scenic flight with Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna views. Free afternoon; evening stroll around Phewa Lake.

Sunrise panorama from Sarangkot. Visit Pumdikot Shiva temple and World Peace Stupa. Boat across Phewa Lake, then fly to Kathmandu.

Visit Pashupatinath Temple (holiest Hindu shrine) and Bagmati River ghats. Explore Bhaktapur’s UNESCO medieval city: 55-Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, Pottery Square. End at Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas. Farewell dinner.

Free morning. Transfer to the airport 3 hours before the flight.

Includes / Excludes

Includes

  • Airport pick-up and departure services as per itinerary
  • 4 nights of 4-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis, breakfast included
  • Happy Feet Mountaineers Trekking Kit Bag for each member
  • Kathmandu to Syange road transportation by 4×4 Land Cruiser.
  • Kathmandu to Jomsom full board service (a
  • accommodation in the Lodge)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area entry permits and TIMS permit
  • Trekking staff: one guide in the group and
  • one porter between every two members and one Sherpa-guide-helper for every six members in the group
  • Jomsom to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu airfare (tax included)
  • One night in a 4-star hotel in Pokhara, breakfast included.
  • Guided tour of Pokhara (transport and monument entry fee included)
  • A satellite mobile phone for emergency communication.
  • An emergency medical kit box for first-aid purposes
  • Insurance and expenses of all local staff

Excludes

  • International air tickets to and from Nepal
  • Travel insurance (helicopter evacuation and medical assistance) mandatory.
  • Nepal entry visa and visa fee
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic and mineral beverages during the trek
  • Other charges such as usage of the internet, telephone, and laundry services
  • Tips for Nepali staff/porters and those not mentioned in the above price include section.

Seasons

Spring and fall are the best times to trek in the Annapurna region. However, October to December is undoubtedly the best time to visit the Annapurna Region. The weather remains crystal clear, with breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the landscapes. However, it is colder at high altitudes during both seasons.

Theoretically, spring is the second-best season, but many consider it the best. Spring is more interesting because rhododendrons and wildflowers bloom in Nepal’s mid-hill region. Areas from Syange to Pisang and from Jomsom to Ghorepani are prime rhododendron spots, especially on the Annapurna Full Circuit Trek. However, spring is the time when monsoon clouds build up for summer, and you may encounter occasional rain in the lower valleys and hail at high altitudes.

Summer, monsoon season in Nepal, is also a beautiful time to visit the high dry land, from Manang and Tilicho to Muktinath, Kalopani, and Lo Manthang. Monsoon rain feeds the highlands, turning the meadows into lush green valleysDeclaration8 and hills. In summer, the high plateau is carpeted with yellow and multi-colored flowers, and streams and medicinal plants support the Yaks and sheep that graze in the region.

In the Manang and Muktinath region, winter temperatures may drop to -15 degrees from sunset to sunrise, especially in January-February. Daytime temperatures remain 0 to 18 degrees. Local people live in all villages year-round.

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Trip Overview

Destination Annapurna Region
Duration 16 Days
Starts from Kathmandu
Ending Point Kathmandu
Trip Style Trekking
Difficulty Easy to Challenging
Best Time Spring / Autumn
Transportation Vehicle and flights
Accommodation 4* Hotel & Teahouse Lodge
Max Altitude 5416 m.
Meal BB in City & full board on trek
Group Size 2 - 16 Pax

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