The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular in the Nepalese Himalayas. The trip provides trekkers with breathtaking views of the Annapurna Mountain range as well as the opportunity to gain an understanding of the region's cultural traditions. Fall in Nepal brings moderate temperatures, waterfalls, and fewer crowds than the busy spring season..

We'll start with arrival in Kathmandu International Airport (KTM). Here you'll be picked up by our guide company and transported to the Yak and Yeti hotel. We've been staying here for years; it's popular with 8,000 meter peak climbers and has a fantastic breakfast buffet! You have two nights at the hotel to adjust to the time zone change, explore and shop in Thamel and visit several UNESCO sights in Kathmandu.

On day three our adventure begins with a long drive to Chame. We then spend the next few days hiking to high elevation villages, staying at teahouses, and soaking up the amazing Himalayan views. The crux of the trek is the challenging Thorong La Pass which is located at an elevation of 17,769 ft (higher than Everest Base Camp).

We finish the circuit by driving down to Jomsom and flying back to Pokhara where we have a day to see the town and enjoy the lake, restaurants, and shopping. Finally we fly back to Kathmandu for one more night at the Yak and Yeti followed by your flight home.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek Express is a tough and rewarding adventure that provides the opportunity to explore the natural beauty, culture, and traditions of the Annapurna region. You'll want to be in good physical shape for this trek, able to walk 6-8 hours per day for multiple days while carrying a light (10-15 lb) day pack. This trek is guided by a local certified trekking guide and is porter supported so you only carry water, snacks, sunblock, and some clothing layers while hiking.

Dave Ashley is your trip leader for this Annapurna Circuit trek. He has climbed numerous high elevation peaks around the world, including Mount Everest, Makalu, Island Peak, and Lobuche East in Nepal.

Single supplement is available during the 4 hotel nights. During the trek, teahouses may offer a single supplement payable in cash on arrival if available.

If you want to arrive early or departure late just let us know. We can arrange for airport transfers, extra hotel nights in Kathmandu, and set up tours in and around the city.

Kathmandu (4,386 ft)

Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Pay for your visa, collect your luggage, and meet an Expedition Himalaya representative just outside baggage claim for a ride to our group hotel.

Lodging: Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu 

No meals included

Kathmandu (4,386 ft)

Begin your day with fellow DASH Adventure trekkers for a generous buffet breakfast at the Yak and Yeti. Take an optional tour of a UNESCO World Heritage cultural site or shop in the tourist district of Thamel. This afternoon you'll meet with trip leaders for a gear check. End your day with the group for a traditional Nepalese dinner at a local restaurant that's included in your tour price.

Lodging: Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu 

Breakfast and Dinner included

Drive: Kathmandu (4,386 ft) to Chame (8,694 ft)

Today we'll see the Nepali countryside from our private transport. Our drive is approximately 10 hours to reach Chame. We'll stop for lunch on the way, with the option to stop for photos a scenic overlooks as well.

Breakfast and Dinner Included

Chame (8,694 ft) to Upper Pisang (10,827 ft)

Today we transition from the warmer, more humid climate of the lower valley to a cooler, drier alpine environment. Chame is surrounded by green hills, dense pine forests, and the Marsyangdi River. There will be views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. Upper Pasang offers a more traditional Tibetan Buddhist feel. The air becomes drier here, foreshadowing the terrain to come.

Highlights include the Upper Pisang Monastery, colorful prayer flags, and stunning vistas of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Tilicho Peak.

Lodging: Teahouse

All Meals Included

Upper Pisang (10,827 ft) to Manang (11,545 ft)

Manang is a popular acclimatization stop and situated in the Marsyangdi River valley.

Lodging: Teahouse

All Meals Included

Rest day in Manang (11,545 ft)

Trekking at higher elevations can lead to altitude sickness and other severe illnesses. Drink water, rest and recover!

Lodging: Teahouse

All Meals Included

Manang(11,545 ft) to Ledar (13,878 ft) 

The trek from Manang to Ledar is a steady, gradual climb that follows the Jarsang Khola river valley and offers views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna mountain ranges.

Lodging: Teahouse

All Meals Included

Ledar (13,878 ft) to Thorong Pedi (14,895 ft)

Today we are up and moving early for a challenging but rewarding journey to Throng Pedi, the base of the Thorong La Pass.

Lodging: Teahouse

All Meals Included

Thorong Pedi (14,895 ft) to Muktinath (12,172 ft) via Throng Pass (17,769 ft) and drive to Jomsom (8,999 ft)

The Thorong La Pass is a formidable yet awe-inspiring gateway to some of the most breathtaking trekking adventures in the Himalayas. At an altitude of 17,769 feet, this high mountain pass traverses the rugged terrain between the Manang and Mustang districts, offering intrepid trekkers an unforgettable journey through Nepal's majestic landscapes. Thorong La Pass, strategically positioned along this circuit, connects the Manang and Mustang districts. It is one of the highest passes in the world also. 

The Annapurna Circuit, one of the world's most renowned trekking routes, takes adventurers through the Thorong La Pass, presenting them with a true test of endurance and resilience. The ascent to the pass is a challenging yet rewarding experience, as each step brings trekkers closer to the awe-inspiring vistas that await them at the summit.

As trekkers approach the pass, they are greeted by a stunning panorama of snow-capped peaks and glaciers that stretch as far as the eye can see. The Annapurna Massif, with its towering peaks like Annapurna I (8,091 meters) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), dominates the skyline, leaving trekkers in awe of nature's raw power and beauty.

Crossing the Thorong La Pass requires physical and mental fortitude, as the thin air and harsh conditions challenge even the most seasoned trekkers. However, the sense of accomplishment and the breathtaking views from the summit make every step worth the effort. 

Thorong La Pass is always crossed from east to west for safety and convenience. Almost everyone aiming to cross Thorong La Pass spends the night at Thorong Phedi (4,540 meters / 14,895 ft)  or Thorong High Camp (4,880 meters / 16,010 ft). To avoid the afternoon wind, trekkers rise as early as three am at Thorong Phedi and battle the icy cold winds and challenging terrain to cross the Thorong La Pass before sunrise and arrive at Muktinath. 

As we survive this difficult crossing, we take a short 1 hour car ride from Muktinath to Jomsom to save our tired legs! Jomsom sits on the Kali Gandaki River, straddling the line between the Annapurna and Mustang regions. Expect strong afternoon winds and a stark, rocky landscape. This town is a hub for travel to Upper Mustang and Muktinath and provides flights to Pokhara (which we'll take tomorrow!) The riverbed is a good place to search for fossilized stones called shaligram.

Lodging: Teahouse

All Meals Included

Jomsom (8,999 ft) to Pokhara (2,700 ft)

Today we catch a short flight from Jomsom to Pokhara in the morning, weather permitting. Once in Pokhara you can enjoy the many sights; shop at the local stores, or simply recover at your hotel. A celebration dinner tonight is recommended! Congratulations on completing the Annapurna Circuit Trek...It's a tough one, and that's no April Fools joke.

Lodging: Hotel in Pokhara

Breakfast Included

Pokhara (2,700 ft) to Kathmandu (4,386 ft)

We return in the morning to Kathmandu on a short flight. You'll be picked up from the airport and transported to the Yak and Yeti for one more night. Enjoy Thamel, dinner with your new friends, and prepare to head home!

Lodging: Yak and Yeti

Breakfast Included

Kathmandu (4,386 ft)

Today we'll say our goodbyes, and drop you off at the Kathmandu airport for the flight home. On behalf of Dash Adventures and Expedition Himalaya, we hope you enjoyed Nepal and the Annapurna Circuit trek. More importantly, we all wish to see you again soon!

Lodging: Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu

Breakfast included

We recommend you schedule one extra day for your stay in Nepal. Weather may cause a delay for the flights between Jomsom and Pokhara, and the stress of making a flight takes away from the experience. If we return on schedule are many sights to see in Kathmandu. Namaste!

Lodging and Breakfast: Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu (not included, available at extra cost; no extra cost for airport transfer)