Annapurna Circuit

Overview

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An adventurous itinerary trekking around the Annapurna Massif and across the Thorong La

Introduction

The Annapurna Circuit in Nepal is one of the most spectacular and varied treks in the world. Our adventurous itinerary includes additional side walks off the main trail to high mountain lakes and caves. These provide excellent acclimatisation, as well as ensuring you see more of the incredible surrounding landscape. The trip also includes a spare 'weather' day for crossing the Thorong La.

Starting from just above 1,000 metres in lush green valleys, the trek gives you a chance to explore the Himalaya from bottom to top and from many different angles and perspectives. This is a shorter version of original Annapurna Circuit trek, as the route has been affected by road building in recent years. The road into the mountains now goes as far as Jagat and you fly back to Kathmandu from Jomsom, rather than trekking through the Kaligandaki Valley. This is still a fabulous and deservedly popular walk, and a really good introductory trek in Nepal.

You may also be interested in our Everest Base Camp Trek.

Join us on the Annapurna Circuit

• Shorter version of the circuit avoiding most of the roads and including side trips to lakes and caves
• Better acclimatision profile than the standard trek, plus a spare weather day for the Thorong La
• All treks stay in "Tea Houses" rather than camping
• Jagged Globe Sherpa Guide and porters

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What to expect

The Annapurna Circuit is suitable for walkers who are able to walk for 6 - 7 hours in a day, with a light rucksack. Most trekking is on good trails, with some snow likely to be encountered on the crossing of the Thorong La. The crossing of the Thorong La is the longest day and can take between 8-10 hours.

Read our Training for Trekking and Hiking article by Steve House of Uphill Athlete.

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the trek or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

Dates & Prices

Date	With Flight	or Meeting in	Availability
Sat 24 Oct – Tue 10 Nov 2026	UK	Kathmandu	Trip Guaranteed Book now »
	£3,595	£2,395

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This trek is available to book in GBP, USD and EUR.
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Group size: 3 – 9 people.

Single room supplement: £250

For comparison, this trek starts from £133 (GBP) per day (price Without Flights).

With Flight pricing

Our 'With Flight' price includes an Economy class return airfare from the UK. The cost is based on a group fare that we have already reserved, or individual seats that we have budgeted for. Note that in some circumstances, the earlier you book, the less expensive the airfare and the 'With Flight' price.

Know Before You Go

Jagged Globe supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) 'Know Before You Go' campaign. We recommend that you read the FCDO Travel Advice for Nepal on the FCDO Website.

What the price includes

• Economy class return airfares from the UK (unless Land Only).
• UK airline taxes.
• One in-country flight between Jomsom and Pokhara by scheduled, fixed-wing aircraft*.
• One in-country flight between Pokhara and Kathmandu by scheduled, fixed-wing aircraft.
• Two return transfers between the airport and the hotel (one on arrival and departure of your international flight and one for arrival of your in-country flight).
• 3 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at a 4-star Hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis.
• 13 nights' full-board lodge ("Tea House") accommodation whilst on trek.
• Emergency equipment (oxygen for therapeutic use, Portable Hyperbaric Chamber (PAC), Satellite Communicator (either phone or InReach)) - see trip PDF for more details.
• All road transport by private vehicles.
• All costs for a Jagged Globe Sherpa guide and porters.
• Jagged Globe kitbag or lightweight fleece.

*If fixed-wing is unable to fly from Jomsom due to bad weather, you will travel by road to Pokhara via Beni.

What the price does not include

• Visa fees.
• Overseas airports taxes not paid in advance through the international airline ticket.
• Bar bills and laundry.
• Travel insurance.
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
• Optional trips and sightseeing tours.
• Tips.

Tailor Made Trips

We can organise this trek on a ‘tailor-made’ private basis for groups of friends, families, clubs, charities or any other group. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates. We will then send you a quote, with no obligation.

Insurance

You will need a travel insurance policy that caters for the activities you will undertake on your trip with Jagged Globe. It is a requirement of our booking conditions that you have such a policy. For a list of insurers who specialise in mountaineering, trekking and skiing, please see our Travel Insurance page »

Itinerary

Here is an outline itinerary for this trip. A more detailed day-to-day itinerary is available as a downloadable PDF »

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 - 2:	Fly to Kathmandu Team members joining on a "land-only", please plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 2 no later than 1630, when your services will begin. Overnight hotel.
Day 3:	Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (840m) It is a 7 1/2 hour drive to Besisahar. Overnight lodge.
Day 4:	Drive to Koto (2,600m) The road now extends further up the valley, so we drive to Koto. Overnight lodge.
Day 5:	Trek to Upper Pisang (3,300m) Walk through Chame and Brathang to enter the upper Marsyangdi Valley. The scenery changes to steep-sided valleys and forests with the Marsyangdi River roaring below. Overnight lodge.
Day 6:	Trek to Ngawal (3,660m) or to Ngawal Besi (3,280m) via Ghyaru (3,670m) Today we enjoy the first of a number of side walks away from the main trekking route. This serves as excellent acclimatisaiton, as well as providing views north towards the Chulu peaks and back south towards the Annapurna Range. Overnight lodge.
Day 7:	Trek to Braga (3,360m) A beautiful trekking day on easy terrain through forests to a small ridge at 3,450m and incredible views of Annapurna II, III and IV, Gangapurna and Glacier Dome. Descend and pass the Sabji Khola to the cliffside village of Braga. Overnight lodge.
Day 8:	Visit Ice Lake (4,620m) It is essential to spend time to acclimatise around Braga, before the big height gains over the next three days. High above the village to the north is 'Ice Lake', which sits in a hanging valley, surrounded by peaks up to 5,000m. The walk from Braga climbs up the hillside, which provides excellent views back across the main valley towards the snowy north face of Annapurna III.
Day 9:	Visit Milerapa Cave (4,200m), trek to Manang (3,540m) It's only a half hour walk from Braga to reach our next overnight spot, in Manang (3,440m). To provide additional acclimatisation today, you will visit Milerapa Cave. Overnight lodge.
Day 10:	Trek to Yak Kharka (4,018m) It's a relatively short day of trekking through the villages of Thansey and Chakadunga (3,963m) to Yak Kharka. It should take you about 5 hours in total. Overnight lodge.
Day 11:	Acclimatisation ascent to Chulu Peak base camp (c4,600m) Today you will continue to Ledar, then head north up a valley towards Chulu West base camp. It's not necessary to go all the way to base camp, as the aim is simply to climb higher before the move to Thorong Phedi tomorrow. Overnight lodge.
Day 12:	Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,450m) Walk in a north westerly direction up the tributary valley of the Jargeng Khola. Thorong Phedi is the final settlement below the Thorong La pass. Overnight lodge.
Day 13:	Cross the Thorong La (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,800m) It takes between 3 - 4 hours of steady walking over undulating snow to reach the level pass at 5,416m and a welcome tea shop! The descent is first on snow, then scree with superb views of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche. It is worth making a short detour to the temples near Muktinath. Total time 8-10 hours. Overnight lodge.
Day 14:	Spare weather day A spare day is included to provide more flexibility. In the event that the weather is poor on day 13, you will delay the crossing of the Thorong La by 24 hours. If you cross the pass on day 13 and descend to Jomson on day 14, there is a good walk to be had around Marpha on day 15.
Day 15:	Trek to Jomsom (2,710m) Descend to the busy trading centre of Jomsom, or walk via the small, typically Tibetan village of Kagbeni. In the event of bad weather and there being no flights out of Jomsom tomorrow, the alternative is to walk, jeep and bus south to Beni. Overnight lodge.
Day 16:	Fly via Pokhara to Kathmandu An early morning flight to Kathmandu via Pokhara normally departs at 0730hrs from Jomsom.
Day 17:	At Leisure in Kathmandu A chance to explore the bustling capital, with its beautiful temples and bustling markets. Overnight hotel.
Day 18:	Fly home Airport transfer. For those joining "land-only", you should book your flight home today.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, availability of porters and the health of climbers can all contribute to changes. The guides and their Sherpa assistants will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary.

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Reports & Reviews

Have you been on this trip? If you'd like to contribute a trip report then we'll post it up on the site.

Team Member Reviews

• “It was a fantastic experience and the views and people of the Nepal mountains moved me deeply at times.” EY, Annapurna Circuit - October '16
• “Beautiful mountain scenery, fantastic fellow trekkers and brilliant trek staff.” DW, Annapurna Circuit - October '15

Leader Reports

• Annapurna Circuit - 7 to 24 April '16
  “Iím writing this in the same annex of the Summit Hotel exactly a year after the first of two earthquakes that wreaked such havoc here in Nepal, killing nearly 9000 people, injuring many more, leaving tens of thousands homeless and...”
  report added 28/Apr/16
• Annapurna Circuit
  “The Annapurna Circuit, renowned as one of the most spectacular and varied walks in the world, set amongst a trio of Himalayan Giants, easily lived up to its reputation. Along with the mountain scenery, a starting point at less...”
  report added 01/May/12
• Latest Annapurna Circuit Report - Oct 2007
  “Our 22-day Annapurna Circuit trek ended just as it began with sunny skies and relaxation poolside at the Summit Hotel in Kathmandu. In between we were treated to surprising variations in weather conditions these past three...”
  report added 05/Nov/07
• Annapurna Circuit - 7 to 29 Apr '07
  “The Annapurna Circuit, renowned as one of the most spectacular and varied walks in the world, set amongst a trio of Himalayan Giants, easily lived up to its reputation. Along with the mountain scenery, a starting point at less...”
  report added 10/Jul/07
• Annapurna Circuit - 1 to 23 Apr '06
  “Jagged Globe's first Annapurna Circuit trek started with the team meeting at Heathrow on April fools day. Everything went according to plan through Doha and Kathmandu to the wonderful Summit Hotel. Our first day in Nepal was spent...”
  report added 27/Apr/06