Annapurna Circuit Luxury Trek With Mountain Lodges
- 14 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We guide you across Thorong La Pass at 5416 m and through the Kali Gandaki valley while staying in the finest available mountain lodges.
At a glance
Trip overview
The Annapurna Circuit is widely regarded as one of the most complete trekking routes on earth. It crosses Thorong La Pass at 5416 m, passes through the sacred town of Muktinath, descends into the ancient pastoral kingdom of Lower Mustang, and frames the full Annapurna massif at close range.
Our 14-day guided private tour is built for travelers who want the full circuit experience without compromising on comfort, privacy, and quality. In practice, that means every overnight lodge stop has been carefully picked by our experts, every transfer is private, and every detail from accommodation to meals is covered upfront.
For families traveling together, older adults, and couples who value a well-organized journey, this premium Annapurna Circuit package offers something the standard route simply cannot. Accommodation moves from Kathmandu's and Pokhara’s five-star hotels through best available mountain lodges of Nepal in Bandipur, Chame, to heated rooms with attached bathrooms at Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi, and finally to the historic Marpha Palace set among the apple orchards of Mustang.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Thorong La Pass
Cross one of the highest trekking passes in the world at 5416 m with our experienced lead guide.
Bandipur Hilltop
Step into the medieval Newari settlement of Bandipur for panoramic Himalayan views on our second day.
Lower Mustang
Descend through the Kali Gandaki valley, the world's deepest gorge, flanked by wind-carved cliffs.
Muktinath Temple
Visit the sacred pilgrimage site at 3710 m, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Meals: B
Our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you directly to the Yak and Yeti Hotel. Your lead guide conducts a pre-trek briefing covering the full itinerary and safety protocols.
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Bandipur (1,030m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Bandipur (1,030m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our private vehicle departs Kathmandu after breakfast, following the Prithvi Highway west before climbing into the hills toward Bandipur. The mountain views from the pedestrian bazaar are wide and clear.
Day 3
Drive from Bandipur to Chame (2,670m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Drive from Bandipur to Chame (2,670m)
Meals: B / L / D
We continue west toward Besisahar, turning north into the Marsyangdi River valley. Waterfalls drop beside the jeep track as pine forests replace lowland greenery.
Day 4
Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m)
Meals: B / L / D
The trail leaves Chame along the Marsyangdi River, passing through Bhratang before the valley narrows dramatically. We visit Pisang Monastery before dinner.
Day 5
Trek from Upper Pisang to Nagwal (3,660m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Trek from Upper Pisang to Nagwal (3,660m)
Meals: B / L / D
Today follows the upper route above the valley, passing through Gyaru to aid gradual acclimatization. Annapurna II and III stay in view throughout the walk.
Day 6
Trek from Ngwal to Manang (3,540m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Trek from Ngwal to Manang (3,540m)
Meals: B / L / D
We descend gently from Ngwal through Julu and Humde before reaching Braga and its cliffside monastery. Manang sits beneath the imposing walls of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.
Day 7
Acclimatization Day in Manang (3,540m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Acclimatization Day in Manang (3,540m)
Meals: B / L / D
We follow the high-altitude principle of climbing high and sleeping low with a morning hike to Gangapurna Lake. This gives our bodies proper altitude exposure.
Day 8
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,018m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,018m)
Meals: B / L / D
The path leaves the tree line behind, climbing steadily through sparse alpine scrubland. We reach Yak Kharka by early afternoon for proper rest.
Day 9
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m)
Meals: B / L / D
A short pull takes us across scree slopes beneath towering rock walls to Thorong Phedi. We rest early in heated rooms to prepare for tomorrow's pass.
Day 10
Cross Thorong La (5,416m) and Trek to Muktinath (3,710m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Cross Thorong La (5,416m) and Trek to Muktinath (3,710m)
Meals: B / L / D
We start before dawn to beat the high winds, making a steady ascent up the moraine to reach Thorong La Pass. A long, careful descent brings us down to Muktinath.
Day 11
Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2,670m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2,670m)
Meals: B / L / D
The trail passes through Lupra before dropping into the apple orchard village of Marpha. We spend the night at Marpha Palace in Lower Mustang.
Day 12
Drive from Marpha to Pokhara (820m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Drive from Marpha to Pokhara (820m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our private jeep carries us south through the Kali Gandaki valley to Pokhara. We check into Temple Tree Resort near the Lakeside area.
Day 13
Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400m)
Meals: B / L / D
A short morning flight returns us to Kathmandu over the central midhills. The afternoon is free for final preparations or rest.
Day 14
Final Departure
Meals: B
Day 14
Final Departure
Meals: B
Our driver transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your return flight home.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup on arrival
- ACAP entry permit and TIMS card
- Twin-share luxury lodge rooms on trek
- All meals on trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Government-licensed guide and porters
- Private vehicle transfers throughout
Not included
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue
- Personal trekking gear and tips
Before you go
Good to know
Acclimatisation approach
We build dedicated rest days into our itineraries above 3,500 m to allow your body to adapt. Our guides monitor pulse rates and daily well-being throughout the journey.
Lodging standards
We select the best available mountain lodges offering private rooms and heated dining spaces where possible, ensuring high standards of hygiene and comfort.
Fitness expectations
This is a strenuous high-altitude trek involving 5 to 7 hours of daily walking on uneven terrain. Previous multi-day hiking experience is required.
Hydration and diet
We recommend drinking at least four litres of treated water daily. Our meals use fresh local ingredients prepared to strict hygiene guidelines.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Ankle-supporting boots broken in prior to arrival.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero temperatures at Thorong Phedi.
Water purification tabletsEssential
Safety
Essential for safe drinking water along the route.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Trekking polesEssential
Camping
Crucial for knee protection during the descent from Thorong La.
UV-protection sunglassesEssential
Safety
Category 3 or 4 lenses for high-altitude glare.
Sleeping bag liner
Camping
Adds extra warmth inside lodge blankets.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Must cover emergency helicopter rescue up to 6,000 m.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.ACAP Entry Permit
PermitAnnapurna Conservation Area Project entry fee required for all foreign trekkers.
TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System card for tracking and safety.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Thorong La Pass crossing?
The pass sits at 5,416 m and requires a pre-dawn start. While technically non-technical, the altitude and duration make it physically demanding.
What kind of accommodation is available on the trail?
We secure the finest available mountain lodges along the circuit, featuring private rooms and heated spaces where possible.
Do I need prior trekking experience?
Yes, previous multi-day mountain hiking experience is essential given the consecutive days above 3,000 m.
How are medical emergencies handled?
Our guides carry comprehensive first aid kits, oximeters, and maintain communication for helicopter evacuation if required.
Are meals included during the trek?
All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are fully covered from day 3 through day 11.
What permits are required for this route?
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card, which we arrange.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 14 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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