Annapurna Circuit & Nar Phu Valley Trek
22 days
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Group Tour
The Annapurna Circuit offers the greatest diversity of flora, fauna & landscape of any trek in Nepal and was regularly rated the world's best trek. Our route adds the remote Nar & Phu Valleys and avoids nearly all of the new road
From$2,565
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Overview
Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
What's this trip about?
The Annapurna Circuit offers the greatest diversity of flora, fauna & landscape of any trek in Nepal and was regularly rated the world's best trek. Our route adds the remote Nar & Phu Valleys and avoids nearly all of the new road
Compare to similar trips
Details
Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 1 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityBesisahar
End CityBandipur
Destinations
Min Group Size
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- All accommodation (4 nights in mid-range hotels, 1 night in Bandipur hotel, 16 nights in trekking lodges)
- 24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
- Private car for journeys to Besi Sahar and back from Pokhara
- Shared jeep from Besi Sahar to Koto and Jomsom/Marpha to Pokhara
- Services of a trekking guide and porter(s) throughout the trek
- All meals on trek
- Insurance for porters and guides
- Trekking area permissions/permits
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (breakfasts in hotels, all meals on trek)
View Similar Trips
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel
After being welcomed at the airport and being transported to your hotel, our Encounters Travel rep will help settle you in and explain the agenda of your tour.
OVERNIGHT:
Kathmandu hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and free time
The morning starts with a pre-trek briefing and an introduction to your trekking guide, after which you'll take a relaxed walking tour through the tourist district of Thamel, through tiny markets, past local temples and on to the central Durbar Square with its splendid a...
OVERNIGHT:
Kathmandu hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Day 3: Kathmandu to Besi Sahar
We start the day bright and early as we leave Kathmandu and head West along the main road towards Pokhara - here you'll travel in a private car/minibus and, once clear of the city’s surrounding hills, you may be rewarded with a wonderful panorama of snow-capped peaks as ...
OVERNIGHT:
Besisahar trekking lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Day 4: Jeep from Besi Sahar to Koto (2600m)
Today we'll travel along the newly constructed road and start heading up through the Marsyangdi valley to Koto.
The classic full Annapurna Circuit trekking route starts from Besi Sahar itself, but since the road has been built we find it a better experience to drive th...
OVERNIGHT:
Koto trekking lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Day 5: Trek from Koto to Meta (3560m)
We’ll be making an early start today as we journey from Koto to Meta. Our day begins with a hike along the banks of the Soti Khola, passing through pine and rhododendron Forests and crossing suspension bridges before we make our way to Dharmasala, our mid-way point.
We then have a steep ascent towards Meta village where you will be rewarded with views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
OVERNIGHT:
Meta trekking lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Day 6: Trek from Meta to Phu (4080m)
This morning, we make our way out of Meta and pass by colourful Tibetan Chortens and through interesting villages. We'll also get good views along the way of the Nar Phedi Monastery which we'll visit - and stay at - on day eight.
As we get closer to Phu, you'll cross over a bridge and pass by a line of Chortens which greet you on approach to the village.
OVERNIGHT:
Phu trekking lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Day 7: Day to acclimatise in Phu, optional hike to Himlung Himal base camp
The risk of experiencing altitude sickness increases as we increase our altitude even more - we have therefore built in an acclimatisation day today in Phu which can be used for an additional hike to Himlung Himal base camp or exploring the local village.
Phu village i...
OVERNIGHT:
Phu trekking lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Day 8: Trek from Phu to Nar Phedi (3490m)
Today we'll begin retracing our route back towards Meta, however, we'll divert off route to Nar Phedi Monastery where you'll be spending the night.
The rooms at the monastery are modest but clean and comfortable. In the evening you'll be able to join the novice monks for their evening prayer before joining a communal meal.
OVERNIGHT:
Nar Phedi monastery
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Day 9: Trek from Nar Phedi to Nar (4110m)
Today will be much easier despite gaining altitude again. Expect to arrive at Nar village at around lunchtime.
As we say goodbye to Nar Phedi we'll begin our ascent towards Nar following a winding path, which, if the weather is clear, rewards you with views of the snow...
OVERNIGHT:
Nar trekking lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Day 10: Trek to Ngawal (3660m) via the Kang La Pass (5320m)
Today will be one of the longest and hardest days on this trek, so expect an early start. As we leave Nar Village, we'll head towards the Kang La Pass on a pleasant path which takes us through farms and yak grazing lands, and once on top of the Pass, you'll want to pause...
OVERNIGHT:
Ngawal trekking lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Day 11: Trek to Manang (3500m)
We have a relatively easy day today - trekking along the Marsyangdi River for about an hour before entering Braka Village to explore the monasteries. After time in Braka, we’ll push on and trek the remainder of the distance to Manang - Manang is by no means a large town, however, you will find a good selection of guest houses here and even some trekking supply shops.
OVERNIGHT:
Braka or Manang trekking lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Day 12: Trek to Yak Kharka (4050m) or Churi Leather (4200m)
On leaving Manang, the trail follows the Jargeng Khola, a tributary of the bigger Marsyangdi Khola.
Here, we'll continue to gain altitude as we travel through small villages eventually arriving at Yak Kharka (3,950m). Excellent views abound, especially of the Glacier Dome.
OVERNIGHT:
Yakkharka or Churi Lethar trekking lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Day 13: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4525m)
Pressing on from Yak Kharka, anticipate a trek through the tiny cluster of buildings at Churi Leather where you'll cross the Jargeng Khola - just a bit further to Thorung Phedi.
This is second short day's walking, but you are gaining altitude still and taking this steadily is sensible, especially as there is a long hard day tomorrow.
OVERNIGHT:
Thorong Phedi trekking lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Day 14: Cross the Thorung La Pass (5416m) to Muktinath (3802m)
The day kicks off early with a long, slow, and steep ascent ahead and you need to lose considerable altitude again after crossing the high pass before you can rest for the night.
Leaving early helps to ensure better weather as the views are spectacular. Your guide will...
OVERNIGHT:
Muktinath trekking lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Day 15: Trek to Kagbeni (2850m) or Ekle Bhatti (2740m)
After yesterday's long hard day crossing the Thorung La, you have the choice of either taking the quicker and easier route downhill from Muktinath, following the road along several sections of the route to Kagbeni or a longer more scenic trek avoiding the road - the alte...
OVERNIGHT:
Kagbeni or Ekle Bhatti trekking lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Day 16: Trek to Dhagarjung village (3200m)
You could finish the trek today and take a jeep back down towards Pokhara. However, we like to add another couple of days here to make the most of your time high in the mountains.
This itinerary's route, therefore, leaves the main Annapurna Circuit path again today to ...
OVERNIGHT:
Dhagarjung trekking lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Day 17: Trek to Marpha (2670m) via the Windy Pass (3472m)
Your final day's trekking today takes you over one last pass, the 'Windy Pass' of Bhatase Bhanjyang at 3472m before you descend back into the valley floor at Jomsom.
There is an airport in Jomsom with an option to fly to Pokhara if you'd like to shorten the tour - idea...
OVERNIGHT:
Marpha trekking lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Day 18: Jeep to Tatopani (1190m), afternoon in the hot springs
Expect an early morning as we'll be driving the rest of the journey - we'll take a bus or shared jeep further down the Kali Gandaki valley through Kalopani and Ghasa and on down to Tatopani.
This drive should take around 3 1/2 hours. In the afternoon, the hot springs can provide welcome relief from the past few weeks walking. Only the good food on offer is enough to drag some out of the steaming pools.
OVERNIGHT:
Tatopani trekking lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Day 19: Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara. Free afternoon
Your final drive out of the mountains leg takes you the remainder of the way from Tatopani by shared jeep or bus to the lakeside town of Pokhara.
The city is enchanting and dominated by views of the Annapurnas and of Machhapuchhare. The Lakeside area is refreshing and ...
OVERNIGHT:
Pokhara hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Day 20: Morning drive to Bandipur. Afternoon hike to Ramkot, or free time
Today we leave Pokhara and drive to the Newari hilltop village of Bandipur - the beautiful centre has been lovingly restored and much of the town is now a pedestrian-only zone and surrounded by artistic old buildings.
After settling into your hotel, you can spend the a...
OVERNIGHT:
Bandipur hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Day 21: Time around Bandipur. Drive to Kathmandu
There's more free time this morning to explore Bandipur before driving back to Kathmandu - roughly 4-5 hours, subject to the traffic on arrival in Kathmandu.
You can start at a time of your choosing which depends on where you'd rather spend more time - Bandipur or in K...
OVERNIGHT:
Kathmandu hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Day 22: Free time in Kathmandu. Departure airport transfer
You'll have some free time in Kathmandu until being transferred to the airport for departure.
Extensions are available if you'd like to do some other trekking, try some white-water rafting, or add a visit to one of Nepal's national parks.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
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Dates & Availability
Price From $2,565
Price per day$117
Last Updated: 2/23/2024
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Encounters Travel.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- International flights (available on request)
- Visa fees (available on arrival for most nationalities)
- Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
- Tips for guides and porters
- Sleeping bag (available for hire in Kathmandu as part of a trekking pack)
- Any other items not mentioned above
Accommodation
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against
unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies.
It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before
or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements.
For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements,
please visit this link
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
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