12 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek

Private Tour Trekking Annapurna Thorong La Pass
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Overview:

This 12-day Annapurna Circuit trek takes you from lush green valleys near Dharapani, over the high Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to the sacred site of Muktinath, finishing in the dramatic Kali Gandaki valley before your return via Pokhara.

Group Size: Minimum 2 people
Min. Duration: 12 days
Max. Elevation: 5,416m
Start/finish: Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Trek style: Teahouse Trek
Accommodation: 8 nights Teahouse on trek
1 night Hotel in Jomsom
1 night 3-Star hotel in Pokhara
2 nights 4-Star hotel in Kathmandu

Highlights:

High-Altitude Adventure: Conquer the formidable Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, one of the highest trekking passes in the world.

Diverse Landscapes: Journey from the lush, green forests of the lower Annapurna region to the stark, arid beauty of the Manang and Mustang districts.

Cultural & Spiritual Sites: Explore the ancient village of Manang, visit remote gompas, and experience the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.

Himalayan Panoramas: Witness breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, Pisang Peak, and other towering Himalayan giants.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel for your overnight stay.

Overnight | 4-star Hotel Lo Mustang, Kathmandu
Meals | No

Day 2: Kathmandu - Dharapani

Altitude: 1960m Drive: 200 km | Duration: 8–9 hours

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel for an early departure from Kathmandu. The scenic drive follows the Trishuli River to Besisahar, where you'll switch to a 4WD Jeep. The final leg of the journey is an adventurous off-road drive to Dharapani, the official starting point of your trek.

Overnight | Teahouse
Meals | Lunch & Dinner included

Day 3: Trek from Dharapani to Pisang

Altitude: 2320m Trek: 15 km | Duration: 6–7 hours

The first day of trekking takes you through beautiful pine forests, past cascading waterfalls, and over suspension bridges. You will pass through charming villages like Timang and Koto, enjoying the gradual ascent and the changing mountain scenery.

Overnight | Teahouse
Meals | Full board inclusive

Day 4: Trek from Pisang to Ngawal

Altitude: 3660m Trek: 14 km | Duration: 6–7 hours

Today you will be rewarded with spectacular mountain views as you take the upper Pisang route via the village of Ghyaru. This challenging but scenic trail offers stunning panoramas of the Annapurna range (II, III, IV), Gangapurna, and Pisang Peak. You arrive in the traditional village of Ngawal for the night.

Overnight | Teahouse
Meals | Full board inclusive

Day 5: Acclimatization & Rest Day in Ngawal

Altitude: 3660m

To adapt safely to the high altitude, you will spend an acclimatization day in Ngawal. Options include taking a short hike to a nearby viewpoint for even better mountain vistas, exploring local gompas (monasteries), or simply resting and enjoying the serene atmosphere of the village.

Day 6: Trek from Ngawal to Manang

Altitude: 3540m Trek: 10 km | Duration: 4–5 hours

A relatively easy day of trekking involves a gentle descent from Ngawal. The trail winds through a stark, beautiful landscape, eventually leading you to the large village of Manang. This is the main trading hub for the region, where you can explore ancient monasteries and observe the unique local culture.

Overnight | Teahouse
Meals | Full board inclusive

Day 7: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka

Altitude: 4050m Trek: 9 km | Duration: 4–5 hours

Leaving Manang, the trail ascends gradually into a high-altitude landscape. The vegetation becomes sparse, replaced by alpine grasses and hardy juniper bushes. You are now truly in the high mountains, and you may spot yaks grazing peacefully in the pastures of Yak Kharka ("Yak Pastures").

Overnight | Teahouse
Meals | Full board inclusive

Day 8: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

Altitude: 4450m Trek: 6 km | Duration: 4–5 hours

Today is a short but important day of trekking as you steadily climb towards the base of the Thorong La Pass. The trail crosses suspension bridges and traverses scree slopes, bringing you to Thorong Phedi ("Foot of the Pass"). Here, you will rest and prepare for the challenging day ahead.

Overnight | Teahouse
Meals | Full board inclusive

Day 9: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass

Altitude: 5416m (Pass) - 3760m (Muktinath) Trek: 16 km | Duration: 7–9 hours

The highlight and most challenging day of the trek. You will start before dawn to begin the long, steep ascent to Thorong La Pass. Reaching the prayer-flag-adorned summit at 5,416m is a major achievement. From the pass, you will begin a long descent with incredible views, finally arriving at the sacred site of Muktinath.

Overnight | Teahouse
Meals | Full board inclusive

Day 10: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom

Altitude: 2720m Trek: 18 km | Duration: 5–6 hours

In the morning, you can visit the revered Muktinath temple complex, a holy site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Afterward, you will descend through the dramatic, windy Kali Gandaki Valley, known as the world's deepest gorge, to reach the administrative center and airport hub of Jomsom.

Overnight | Hotel
Meals | Full board inclusive

Day 11: Jomsom - Pokhara

You have two options to reach Pokhara. The first is a spectacular 25-minute morning flight (not included) that takes you through the heart of the Himalayas. The second option is a long but scenic drive (included) via Beni. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you can relax and enjoy the city's lakeside charm.

Overnight | 3-Star Hotel at Pokhara
Meals | Breakfast

Day 12: Drive or Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Complete your journey with a return to Kathmandu. You can choose between a comfortable 6-7 hour tourist bus (included) drive or a quick 25-minute flight (not included). Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Overnight | 4-star Hotel Lo Mustang, Kathmandu
Meals | Breakfast

12 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Tour Map

✓ What's included

Accommodation

8 nights Teahouse on trek
1 night Hotel in Jomsom
1 night 3-Star hotel in Pokhara
2 nights 4-Star hotel in Kathmandu

Transportation

All ground transportation (private car/jeep, tourist bus) as per the itinerary.

Guides & Porters

Experienced, government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
1 porter per 2 trekkers (max combined weight: 25 kg).
Guide and porter’s salary, meals, and insurance included.

Trekking Permits

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) permit.

Additional Services

First aid kit for emergency use.
All government taxes and company service charges.

✕ Not included

International Flights

Travel to/from Nepal.

Domestic Flights

Optional flights:
-From Jomsom to Pokhara
-From Pokhara to Kathmandu
can be arranged for an additional fee (from $115 per flight).

Nepal Entry Visa

Payable upon arrival at the airport.

Gratuities

Recommended tips for guides and porters.

Personal Purchases

Snacks, beverages, souvenirs, Wi-Fi, battery charging, etc.

Travel Insurance

Mandatory insurance covering trekking up to 5,500m and emergency evacuation.

Hot Showers

Available at most teahouses for an additional charge.

Extra Accommodation & Meals

The cost of any additional hotel nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara due to early/late trek completion or flight cancellations.

ⓘ Need-to-know

Visa & Entry Requirements
Travellers are responsible for checking visa requirements. A visa on arrival is available for many nationalities at Kathmandu's airport.


Accommodation
Teahouses on this route are basic. Shared facilities (toilets & showers) are common.


Meals & Dietary Requests
Vegetarian options are widely available. Please inform us of any specific dietary needs in advance.


Climate & Packing Essentials
Please be aware that Himalayan weather is unpredictable. In the event of adverse conditions, such as heavy snow closing the Thorong La Pass, your guide will prioritize your safety and arrange the best alternative itinerary.

To be prepared for these changing conditions, it is essential to pack appropriately. We strongly recommend bringing layered clothing, a warm down jacket, sturdy hiking boots, sunscreen, and sunglasses.


Health & Safety
Your safety is paramount. Your guide may alter the trek based on your health or altitude sickness symptoms. Mandatory travel insurance is required and must cover activities above 5,500m, mountain rescue, and helicopter evacuation. Without proper coverage, evacuations require upfront payment. Note that in an emergency, we do not control which helicopter service is deployed.


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