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Annapurna Circuit Trek — 13 Days

13 days5,416 mFrom Besisahar / KathmanduBest: Oct–Nov, Mar–May5.0 (1)
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Duration

13 days

From

$1,400/person

Max Altitude

5,416 m

Difficulty

Challenging

Starts

Besisahar / Kathmandu

Group Size

2–12 People

Stay

Tea House

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Best Season

Oct–Nov, Mar–May

Trip Highlights

Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) — world's most famous mountain trek pass
Muktinath Temple — 108 sacred water spouts and eternal flame; holiest spot on the Circuit
Tilicho Lake side excursion option (4,919 m) — world's highest lake by altitude
Kali Gandaki Gorge — awe-inspiring canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon
Manang Valley acclimatisation day — Annapurna III and Gangapurna glacier views
Kagbeni medieval village — gateway to the forbidden Upper Mustang kingdom
High-altitude desert of Mustang: ochre canyons and Tibetan-heritage villages
Marpha apple orchard village and Tatopani hot springs on the descent
Kathmandu valley heritage included: Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath

Thirteen days around the entire Annapurna massif — Thorong La at 5,416m, the descent into Mustang's high desert, teahouses that have fed trekkers for half a century. You'll cross the pass at dawn with the wind at your back and understand why trekkers come back to Nepal for a second time. And a third.

Day-by-Day Itinerary(13 days)

Altitude Profile

Peak: 4,925 m · Day 7
7602.8k4.9k4,925 mD1D3D5D7D9D11D13

Depart Kathmandu by private vehicle along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli then Marsyangdi river valleys to Besisahar — the traditional starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. Approximately 7–8 hours of scenic midhill driving. Overnight to rest before the trek begins.

760 mDrive185 kmB, DTea House

The 13-day Annapurna Circuit from Kathmandu is the complete highland circuit with Kathmandu-to-Kathmandu logistics — all transport between Kathmandu and the trailhead, the full Thorong La crossing (5,416 m), and the Jomsom mountain flight exit to Pokhara included in one seamless package. Unlike Pokhara-start itineraries, this version includes the Kathmandu overland to Besisahar and the jeep transfer up to Chame — adding one travel day but eliminating separate booking of intercity transport.

The circuit's high points — the Manang valley acclimatisation with its dramatic views of the Annapurna massif, the Thorong La pre-dawn crossing, Muktinath's sacred pilgrimage atmosphere, and the Kali Gandaki gorge with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna facing each other across a 6 km gap — are all included. The Jomsom–Pokhara mountain flight exit replaces the lower valley descent, which has been significantly affected by jeep road construction.

This itinerary suits travellers flying into Kathmandu who prefer the logistics of a single end-to-end package without needing to arrange separate Kathmandu–Pokhara transport independently.

Best seasons: October–November and March–May. Thorong La: 5,416 m. Start/end: Kathmandu.

What's Included

Included

  • Government-registered English-speaking trek guide
  • Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
  • ACAP permit and TIMS card
  • Kathmandu–Besisahar bus plus Besisahar–Jagat 4WD jeep
  • Jomsom–Pokhara mountain flight
  • Pokhara–Kathmandu tourist bus (or flight option)
  • All teahouse accommodation on trek
  • 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Kathmandu hotel/airport transfers
  • All government taxes and service charges

Not Included

  • International airfare to/from Kathmandu
  • Nepal entry visa fee ($30–$50 on arrival)
  • Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation
  • Meals not listed in daily itinerary
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Beverages, hot showers, and battery charging at teahouses (payable direct)
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Any costs arising from illness, injury, or early departure

Best Time to Go

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Best season. Stable skies, perfect temperatures, dramatic mountain colours. November can be cold at Thorong La — dress accordingly.

Low: -15°C Thorong La High: 18°C lower valleys November: likely at pass

Spring (Mar–May)

Excellent. Rhododendrons in bloom on lower sections, good visibility. Pass fully open by April. Slightly warmer than autumn.

Low: -10°C Thorong La High: 22°C Tatopani March: possible at pass. April–May clear

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Thorong La may be snowed in (5,416 m). Possible for experienced trekkers in good weather windows. Very cold on the pass and Manang plateau.

Low: -25°C Thorong La High: 10°C lower valleys Heavy above 4,500 m

Monsoon (Jun–Aug)

Not recommended for the circuit. Heavy rain, slippery trails, poor visibility. Consider Upper Mustang instead.

Low: 10°C High: 25°C None

Permits Required

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

USD 30

Single-entry. Required for the full circuit.

TIMS Card

USD 20

Required for all trekkers.

Manang District Checkpoint

Included in ACAP

Your guide carries all permits.

All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.

What to Pack

Moisture-wicking base layers
Fleece mid-layer
Down jacket (800+ fill)
Hardshell jacket and pants
Trekking trousers (2 pairs)
Merino socks (5 pairs)
Balaclava for Thorong La (-20°C possible)
Warm hat and sun hat
Insulated waterproof gloves
Thermal underwear

A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Customer Reviews(1)

5.0

1 reviews

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Yuki Tanaka

🇯🇵

December 2024

Crossing Thorong La at 5,416m before 8am, with the Kali Gandaki valley still in shadow below us and the sky that particular blue you only get at altitude — I have been hiking in the Japanese Alps for fifteen years and nothing compares. Our guide Hari knew when to push and when to let us stand still. I would do this again immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

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$1,400

/ person · all-inclusive

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