Annapurna Round Trek

duration 21 days
usd 1,850
difficulty Hard

Among the hardest available treks but still these treks are in reach of most people however one must be fit. These trips go above 5000 meters and for the duration of 15 – 20 days walking up to 6-7 hours in a day.
best season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
max altitude From 4,600 feet at Kathmandu to 17,769 feet at Thorong-La pass

trip overview

Travel to the farthest corners of the Annapurna region and to the fabled kingdoms of Manang and Mustang. We will take you to every place there is to see in western Himalayas.

The Annapurna region is so beautiful because it is so remote. There is not much interference of modernity to debase the serenity of the region and you have to walk across mountains, rivers and forests to see these places. So we will embark on a mission of visiting all the exotic villages which give this region its unique character till we reach the ancient towns of Manang and the holy shrines of Mustang. We will only be content when we come out of this experience with rich memories.

Detail itinerary

day 01
Arrival.

A representative of Mountain Kick will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (4,600 feet). Rest overnight at your hotel musing over your Himalayan adventure ahead.
- Accomodation: Hotel
day 02
Drive to Syange (3,609ft) via Besisahar (2,490ft) by Jeep.

We will leave for Syange in the morning in a private vehicle. It takes about seven hours to get to Besisahar through serpentine roads in the hills with stops for lunch and snacks. There are several small towns among green hills and it’s certain that you will not be bored. From Besisahar, Syange village is about one hour’s ride away. You will be treated with beautiful views of Mount Annapurna II, Mount Macchapuchhre and Mount Lamjung from this village.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast
day 03
Trek from Syange to Tal (5,577ft).

This will be a tough day of trekking uphill. We have walk past the Marshyangdi River Valley via a rocky trail till we reach Tal after five hours. The panoramic view of the Himalayas will act as motivation for you to carry on.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 04
Trek from Tal to Danaque (6,102ft).

We follow the Marshyangdi River through forests and steep hills towards Danaque village. There are numerous villages and farmlands along the way where we can drink tea and gather stamina while the scenery of the river and the forests will keep you occupied during the walk.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 05
Trek from Danaque to Chame (8,596ft) - 4 hrs.

From Danaque, it is a rocky terrain uphill which is difficult to tread. After making the climb, we can again walk smoothly till Chame. It is a four-hour journey in total. There is a hot water spring at Chame that will ease your pain a little.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 06
Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (10,597ft).

We trek uphill through forests first and then vast farmlands as we pass through several villages to reach Pisang village. Half of the way is pretty smooth for walking but the other half is challenging and we will have to struggle for most parts. You will notice the vegetation and landscape is very different this high from the sea level. It takes six hours to reach Upper Pisang.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 07
Trek from Upper Pisang to Ngawal (12,008ft).

First signs of altitude fatigue will set in for most of the travellers. We will have to walk for five hours through yet more farm villages separated by rocky trails till we reach Ngawal. But you can see the majestic Himalayas during the entire trek which might provide you with some energy.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 08
Trek from Ngawal to Manang (11,614ft) via Braga (12,008ft).

Majority of the day will be spent walking on the sides of steep mountains but almost all of it is smooth. We will gain quite an altitude as we trek alongside rivers to reach Manang. Here we walk past world’s highest commercial airport, the Manang Airport, and the ancient Buddhist monastery of Braga. We will stay at a guesthouse in Manang village. We will reach our guesthouse in Manang village after five hours of trekking.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 09
Rest at Manang.

Spend the day sightseeing in Manang. You will again have to climb more than 1,500 feet the next day so rest well.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 10
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (13,156ft).

We will trek uphill to Khusang and this will be a tough climb which will take a toll on your body. However, the forests and the mountains provide a very good distraction from your fatigue. Three-fourths of the track is smooth. It takes about four hours in total to reach Yak Kharkha.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 11
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (14,600ft).

You have to climb up for five hours. This will definitely put a lot of pressure on your legs but we will pass through several villages and stops to keep you fresh. Consider views of the Himalayan peaks as pain relief.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 12
Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (12,172ft) via Thorung-La pass (17,769ft).

This is a very long and hard day of trekking. We start before sunrise and walk through a windy trail for to Thorong-La Pass, the highest point in our travel. A steep downhill trail takes us to Muktinath from there. You have to trek for eight hours this day. The Muktinath Mandir is one of the holiest shrines for both Hindus and Buddhists as is believed to be the home of the god of liberation, Lord Muktinath (Lord Shiva). A lot of devotees, including holy Sadhus, make the pilgrimage to this place.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 13
Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (8,759ft) via Lubra Pass (13,188ft).

It’s again a day for eight hours’ trekking. We make a heavy descend today all the way from the Himalayas to the lowlands. But we have to climb up first to cross the Lubra Pass. The place is so remote and rugged, you will feel like you are in one of Game of Thrones scenes. From there, we pass through Jomsom and the landscape from Jomsom is all waterfalls and steep mountain ridges alongside the Kali Gandaki River. Further downhill, apple orchards will come into view as we move towards Marpha which is famous for its apple brandy. There are souvenir shops, a monastery and breweries around the village if you wish to go for a leisurely stroll.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 14
Trek from Marpha to Kalopani (8,301ft) - 7 hrs.

We cross the Kali Gandaki River and walk past the river valley towards Kalopani. It is an easy seven hours of trekking and we can have fun hunting gems or bathing in the river.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 15
Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (3,900ft).

The Annapurna massif will be on the background throughout the six-hour trip as we pass through forests and villages to reach Tatopani. “Tatopani”, translates into “hot water” in Nepali, and you will spend the evening in the natural hot water spring here that will heal your body of all the pain of trekking so much.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 16
Rest at Tatopani.

You will be so tired upon reaching Tatopani that you will need to gather your energy before returning. So rest well and relax at the hot water spring.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 17
Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (9,430ft).

We trek further away from the Himalayas as we have to start getting back now. It’s a six hour climbing down to Ghorepani passing through several villages and forests.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 18
Hike to Poon Hill (10,535ft) & trek to Tikhedhunga (5,060ft).

Poon Hill lies in the village and we trek to its summit. People say the western part of the Himalayas look more beautiful than the eastern ranges and nowhere is this true than from Poon Hill at 10,535 feet above the sea level. After the summit, we trek all the way down to Tikhedhunga village. Steps have been laid out all the way down.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
day 19
Trek from Tikhedhunga to Nayapul (3,477ft). Drive to Pokhara (around 3,000ft in the city).

An easy walk for three hours will get us to Nayapul. Our trekking ends here and you will be taken to Pokhara from here in a private vehicle. We reach Pokhara in the afternoon and the beautiful city on the bank of the Phewa Lake offers an amazing nightlife to relax you ahead of your trekking trip.
- Accomodation: Hotel
day 20
Drive back to Kathmandu (4,600ft). Farewell dinner.

We take the long road back to Kathmandu. It is a seven hour ride through roads carved into the hills. The view of the Himalayas in the distance will surely remind you of your travel there. We will host a farewell dinner for you before you leave.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
day 21
Final Departure.

You will be on a plane back home and we will be there to see you off. Thank you and come again.
- Meal: Breakfast

Included in cost

Receive you from and drop you to the airport or hotel in our company vehicle.
Stay at a standard hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfast is on us.
Sightseeing around Kathmandu in a private vehicle with our guide. All entrance fees will be paid.
Stay at guesthouses during the trek on a twin-sharing basis.
Local government-licensed guides.
Porters (one each for a pair of travellers) and local support staff to help you trek.
Fees for entering Annapurna Conservation Area and Trekkers’ Information Management System card
Fully paid bus tickets for Kathmandu-Syange and Pokhara-Kathmandu ride. Other rides in private vehicles included in the itinerary.
A traditional Nepali feast with cultural shows as a farewell dinner.
All tourist fees, government charges and other official expenses throughout the trip.

Not included in cost

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Meals during the trek.
Additional stay before, during or after the set itinerary.
Charges at airports or other areas for excess luggage.
Alcohol, hot or cold drinks, bottled water, and other snacks.
Phone calls, internet, laundry, additional porters, and other personal expenses.
Travel insurance. (It is compulsory and covers emergency rescue and evacuation.)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Visa fees for entering Nepal.
Trekking equipment.
Other expenses not mentioned in “Included in cost” list.

Accomodation during the Trip

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 230.Also note that single rooms is easily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

faqs

How do I come to Nepal?

You have to book your own international flight from your country to Nepal and back according to your trip departure dates.
What happens after I land into Nepal?

A chauffeur from Mountain Kick will come receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Representatives of the company will visit you at the hotel itself and brief you on your trip.
What will a trekking trip with Mountain Kick involve?

You will trek in the Himalayas in a group of international travellers fully assisted by our guides, porters and local support staff. We will take care of your entire trip as soon as you land in Kathmandu and safely take to your preferred destination and back as per the package you choose. Travel will involve plenty of sightseeing and mixing with local culture.
In what physical condition do I need to be for the trip?

A regular person can complete the trip with help from our guides and porters. But it is important that you are healthy and have no physical injuries. Trekking for long hours in high altitude and difficult terrain will surely put a strain on your body and you might suffer severe physical and mental breakdown, especially if you are trekking in the Himalayas for the first time. It is, therefore, expected that you have taken light endurance training especially for longer trips.
How long do I have to trek each day?

On most days of your trips, you will trek for a couple of hours only. But some trekking days require as much as six hours to eight of walking in high altitude. However, there will be plenty time each day for rest and acclimatization.
Where will I be staying during the trip?

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. At some destinations, especially in the Himalayas, you will have to stay in a tented camp. If you want to make separate living arrangements, talk to us beforehand and we can arrange single rooms for additional $250. Some guesthouses at very high altitudes and remote places may not have attached washrooms or single rooms.
And food?

All your major meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in your trekking package except in Kathmandu (where only breakfast is provided for). You will be served local food at all places we dine but you can order anything you like on the menu which you will have to pay for yourself. You will have a range of options so there won’t be a problem if you are a vegetarian or vegan. We make sure you get healthy and hygienic food throughout your travel.
How much help do I get during the trek?

Our guides and porters always put your safety and comfort first. We have English-speaking guides who take you to all major attractions throughout the travel and are happy to answer all your queries. We have one porter assigned each for two travellers and you will have to pay separately if you want to hire extra porters. We have local support staff in all villages and camps you reach to assist you in any way possible.
What happens in case of injuries and emergencies?

The guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them to treat with minor injuries. We also have health professionals at villages and camps along the journey. The travel insurance you take (which is compulsory) covers any and all emergency rescue and evacuation
What if I want to do something beyond the itinerary?

We are always happy to accommodate your wishes during the travel so far as they do not conflict with schedules and other travellers. If you have special plans, you can talk to us beforehand so that we can arrange a customized trip for you.
What equipment do I bring?

You have to bring all travel equipment yourself. Please see the equipment list section for a standard list of required equipment prepared by our guides. Most of the items are easily available in Kathmandu in case if you miss any and we also lend you some of the gears for the duration of the trip for a small fee.
Will I get to communicate with the outer world?

There is internet and telephone connection in all of our stops for the day throughout the journey. You will be able to call back home or post your pictures on Facebook every day.
What travel documents do I need?

As soon as you land into Kathmandu, we take care of all your travel documents required during your trip. You just need to bring your passport and a copy of your travel insurance. Tourist fees and permits to enter certain areas will be arranged for by Mountain Kick.
Which is best time of the year to travel?

Most of the trekking routes are open throughout the year but September through to December and March to May are the best months to travel.
What are the modes of transportation for travel mentioned in the itinerary?

Rides for sightseeing and reaching destinations within city limits are done in a private vehicle like a car, a jeep or a microbus. Most of the long distance travel is done in luxurious tourist buses hired exclusively by the company. In some journeys, you may also need to take a public bus but as you will travel in a group with our guides and support staff, you need not worry about your safety or comfort.
How much money do I need to carry during the trip?

Around $50 will be enough to buy you lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. During your travel, you can get by with around $25 a day. But it depends on how much you want to spend. Due to the exchange rate and predominantly rural economy of Nepal, things are pretty cheap in Nepal.
Can I use my credit cards?

Almost all international credit cards are accepted in Nepal. However, not all places, especially during your travel, accept them. There may be a fee involved in processing your card.
Are tips for my guides and porters expected? How much?

Our staff do not expect you to tip them. Generally, travellers tip them if they are satisfied with the service as a means of gratitude. Even when travellers tip the guides and porters, there is no fixed rate. However, if you like to tip them, follow customs of your own country for tipping (which, as we have learned, is 10 to 15 percent of total cost for most western countries).
Where will I get a visa to come to Nepal?

You can obtain a visa at your home country through Nepal’s embassy or consular office. But you can easily get a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You just need two passport-size photographs. A tourist visa with multiple entry for 30 days costs $40 while the same for 90 days costs $100.
How do I book a tour?

Click Book Now to enter your details and we shall contact you. You can contact us directly for any further information or to prepare a customized itinerary for you. For payment information, see our Terms and Conditions.

Trip notes

You will spend three weeks in the mountains trekking on very rocky and rugged terrain with steep ascents and descents. It is recommended that you have had previous experience in high-altitude trekking and have taken endurance training before the trip.
Please make sure you take a travel insurance at home before arriving here. It is mandatory and you cannot take it in Nepal. Your insurance agent will know which insurance plan suits your travel.
It is advisable that you free up a few days before and after your trip schedule. For reasons beyond our control like flight delays, accidents and natural hazards, the itinerary may have to be altered.
Please inform us and our guides if you have any medical condition that might affect your trip. Please consult your doctor beforehand for any precautions you need to take and always carry medicines if you need them. However, our guides and local support staff have been trained in basic medical intervention and your travel insurance covers any emergency rescue or evacuation.
You may decide to alter your itinerary to some degree as long as there are no time constraints and everyone consents, if you are travelling in a group. Talk to us before embarking on the trip or you may also talk to our guides to see if we can arrange something. One thing we have learned from mountaineering all these years is however good you plan your journey, there are bound to be some improvisations to make our experience richer.

Equipment List

General

2 season sleeping bag – one.
Spring down jacket – one.
Duffel – one. (We will provide you one complementary duffel bag for you to keep.)
35-45 liter daypack – one.

Head

Hat (shade hat or baseball cap). You can additionally tie a bandana around your head or neck. (Mountain Kick provides you a baseball cap as a complimentary gift.)
You can alternatively use balaclava, beanie, or hooded jacket which will be quite sufficient to keep you warm.
Glacier glasses with side shields and 100% UV protection as you will face very intense sun rays at higher altitude with high UV radiation level. If you use prescription glasses, you can find glacier glasses with prescription lenses.
Headlamp that use lithium batteries. (It is recommended you carry spare batteries.)
Neckwarmer (optional).
Lip balm – two sticks. (You lips are bound to get chapped in the cold and dry weather.)

Hand

Synthetic liner gloves – one pair.
Winter fleece gloves or wool gloves – one pair.
Shell gloves – one pair.
Hand warmer (optional). Wearing multiple layers of your gloves should be enough.

Torso

T-shirt – two.
Lightweight thermal tops – two.
Fleece jacket – one.
Windstopper jacket (optional).
Rain jacket – one.
For women: synthetic sports bra – two.

Legs

Nylon hiking shorts – two pairs.
Trekking pants – two pairs.
Synthetic underwear – four.
Synthetic long underwear – two.
Synthetic softshell pant – one pair.
Waterproof pant – one pair.
Jeans, cotton or khaki pant – one pair.

Feet

Synthetic liner socks – four pairs.
Heavyweight socks – three pairs.
Lightweight socks – one pair.
Waterproof light trekking boots – one pair. Choose wisely as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Sneakers – one pair. (You will not be trekking throughout your vacation).
Hiking gaiters (optional).
Sandals (optional).

First aid and medicines

Extra strength Excedrin for headaches.
Ibuprofen for general pain.
Imodium or Pepto-Bismol for gas, upset stomach or diarrhoea.
Diamox for altitude sickness.
Ointment for blisters and cuts.
First aid kit (optional). Our guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them.

Do not forget

Your passport. Passport size photos – four copies.
Airline tickets.
SPF 40 sunscreen for UV protection.
A Swiss army knife.
Aqua iodine tablets.
A toiletry kit with towels, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, soaps, etc.

Optional

Trekking poles. These will provide stability, take the stress off your knees and greatly increase your trekking speed.
Munchies (all the walking might make you hungry during your trek).
Books or mp3 players (a smartphone is great).
Hydration bladder. You might also want to carry a thermos.
A pee bottle (or a pee funnel for women).

Note: The lists have been prepared by our guides based on experience and are meant as suggestion for an average trekker. Each trekker will have his/her own preferences and necessities and we recommend carrying everything that you think you might need. You will find several options for each equipment and we advise to select the best match for your particular trip. You can purchase almost everything on the lists in Kathmandu and we are happy to help you choose.

download equipment list

view all equipment list

private dates
customize your trip

We give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer.

We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary.You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.

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As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.