The Annapurna Circuit has a strong Buddhist influence
The Annapurna Circuit has a strong Buddhist influence
Group at the Thorong La (5416m), Annapurna Circuit
Above the clouds on the Annapurna Circuit trek
Trekking the iconic scenery of Annapurna circuit  | Ken Harris
Trekking towards Kang La

Annapurna Circuit via Kang La and Nar

Enjoy a fully supported quality trekking experience, with all meals included

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 30 reviews

15 Days from

$3100 USD

Trip Code: ANC
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement Hotel Only
$140 USD
Single Supplement Tent Only
$190 USD
Single Supplement
$330 USD

Duration

  • 15 Days

Activities

  • 9 day trek

Accommodation

  • 3 nights hotel
  • 9 nights wilderness camping
  • 2 nights eco lodge

Meals

Valued at USD$650

  • 11 Dinners
  • 11 Lunches
  • 14 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

5 / 10

Moderate

Annapurna Circuit Trek Trip highlights

  • Take in unrivalled views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu ranges, with countless 6000 and 7000 metre peaks on the horizon
  • Venture deep into the secluded Nar Valley where remote stone villages feel a world away from the usual trails
  • Cross two dramatic high passes, Kang La at 5320m and Thorong La at 5416m, for some of the most spectacular Himalayan vistas imaginable
  • Visit sacred Muktinath, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site set high in the mountains, rich with centuries of devotion
  • Gaze across to Mustang and Western Tibet, soaking up panoramas few trekkers ever experience

Overview

Experience the Annapurna Circuit trek the way few ever do - away from the crowds, and deep into the untouched corners of the Himalaya. Our Annapurna Circuit trek - the remote way - is a unique take on one of Nepal’s most iconic treks, thoughtfully reimagined to reflect our pioneering spirit and commitment to travelling responsibly on paths less travelled.

While the classic Annapurna Circuit has grown busier over the years, our itinerary avoids the road-accessed sections and instead detours through the secluded valleys of Nar and Phu. These ancient Tibetan enclaves were only opened to trekkers in recent decades, and still remain well beyond the main trail. Here, chortens, mani walls and prayer flags mark your passage through high-altitude settlements steeped in culture, offering a rare glimpse into a slower, deeply spiritual way of life.

We trek through dramatic alpine landscapes, ascend the lesser-known Kang La Pass (5,320m / 17,454ft) and rejoin the Annapurna Circuit to cross the famous Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,769ft). These two passes are high points in every sense - providing unparalleled mountain views and the satisfaction of a true wilderness traverse. The descent brings you into the windswept Mustang region and the Kali Gandaki, one of the deepest gorges on earth, flanked by the sheer faces of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

This is not just an alternative Annapurna Circuit route - it’s a reflection of how we believe treks in Nepal should be: low-impact, locally led, and rich in both culture and challenge. For nearly 50 years, World Expeditions has been crafting trekking experiences in Nepal that go beyond the ordinary. Our fully supported camping-based trek allows for flexibility, comfort and a deeper connection with your crew. It also employs more local people than lodge-based treks, spreading the benefits of tourism to remote villages far from the road.

You’ll walk with expert local wilderness first-aid trained guides, and your safety is our top priority with well-paced acclimatisation and comprehensive medical gear including a Portable Altitude Chamber. Your trek includes all meals, unlimited boiled water, and a quality Trek Pack with down jacket, sleeping bag and kit bag—offering real value and eliminating the need for expensive gear purchases. Our Pioneering Porter Policy ensures your support crew are well equipped, paid fairly, and treated with respect.

If you’re looking for an Annapurna Circuit trek that delivers all the grandeur of Nepal’s Himalaya without the crowds—and adds an element of true discovery - this is the way to walk it.

Itinerary

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You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Meals: Nil

From Kathmandu we drive along to the Kathmandu to Pokhara highway. We divert off the highway at the bustling town of Dumre. We follow the Marsyangdi valley to the village of Besi Sahar 820m on a plateau high above the river. Overnight: Eco Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

We continue our drive along a dirt track that winds high above the Marsyandi river. We pass through secluded villages that once defined the route of the famous Annapurna Circuit trek to the village of Koto. Here you will be greeted by our staff and porters and prepare for the exhilarating trekking stages ahead. That afternoon our local leader will ensure our special permits for the Nar Phu region are endorsed.

Meals: B,L,D

From Koto the trail diverts and follows the course of the Nar Phu river to our serene campsite – upper Koto camp – set amid pine forest at around 2750m. The rest of the day is free to take in views of Annapurna 2 (7932m) and the host of distant peaks that rise high into the Nar Phu region.

Meals: B,L,D

We ascend the Nar Phu Khola where we enter spectacular gorge with impressive waterfalls before reaching the substantial settlement of Meta. The impressive chortens and mani walls provide a constant reminder that we are entering a Buddhist region close to the Tibetan border. Just beyond Meta we descend to our camp at Nar Phedi.

Meals: B,L,D

From Meta we cross the bridge over the Nar Phu Khola and had up a side valley to the village of Nar. It’s impressive country, dotted with mani walls while yaks are grazing in the high pastures above rich barely fields that define the village. The origins of the village date back to former trading ties between Manang (in the Marsyangdi Valley) and the borders of Tibet.

Meals: B,L,D

A comparatively short stage to further acclimatise. Our camp affords magnificent views of the Damodar Range to the north while to the south west we appreciate snow bound peaks that form the Annapurna Range. The scant pasture and juniper fields leave little doubt that we are camping in the vicinity of 5000 metres.

Meals: B,L,D

The Kang La is not an unduly difficult pass and you should be able to complete the ascent to the crest of the pass in 3 to 4 hours – sometimes less depending on snow conditions. An early start is imperative to gain magnificent views of the Annapurna Range to the west, views towards the Thorong La north, and back down the main trekking valley to the south. A panorama of the villages and peaks encircling the Upper Manang valley is suitable reward for reaching the crest of the Kang La. We descend over 1000m to the valley floor before ascending through settlements and trading villages including Ngawal before continuing to Braga. A long yet exhilarating stage that augurs well for the ascent to the Thorong La.

Meals: B,L,D

We head along the main trail to the main trading town of Manang with time for a well-deserved tea break and opportunity to explore the main bazaar before we gradually ascend the trail to the popular camp at Yak Kharka. Further views of Annapurna 3 (7555m) and the distinctive Gangapurna (7454m) enhance the stage.

Meals: B,L,D

Another short, impressive stage that will put us in excellent stead for crossing the Thorong La the next day. The stage entails ascending extensive scree slopes and scant pastures to reach the ramshackle tea houses that once did a roaring trade during the days of the classic Annapurna Circuit trek.

Meals: B,L,D

A long arduous and undoubtedly rewarding stage as we cross the famous Thorong La. It is imperative to maintain a slow, regular pace as you adjust to the rarefied air. We plan to reach the pass by late morning before the notorious high winds set in. The final hour may tax your energy (with the false summits) before the sight of the massive prayer flagged cairn makes the last few steps to the pass that much easier. Savouring views across the entire Annapurna Range and to the north the ridge upon snowy ridge that extend to the borderlands of Tibet are a further highlight to this exhilarating stage. Its then literally all downhill. A 1600m decent to the Hindu pilgrim site at Muktinath where we camp in the vicinity. A day of Himalayan highs in every sense of the word!

Meals: B,L,D

A day to reflect and wind down as we head down to the Kali Gandaki river. The river forms the deepest gorge in the world as it forges a path between the 8000m Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Most of today’s walk follows the recently constructed road that now extends north through Mustang before we reach our lodge at Jomsom and a well-earned rest that afternoon. Overnight: Eco Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

A spectacular early morning flight from Jomsom heads through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge before heading across the forest and settlements of the Annapurna foothills to Pokhara and our connecting flight to Kathmandu. Please Note: should the flight from Jomsom to Pokhara be cancelled due to inclement weather we will drive to Pokhara and connect with the flight to Kathmandu the following day.

Meals: B

Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Meals: B

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • 14 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners including all meals on trek valued at US$650
  • Airport transfers if arriving on day 1 and 15 or if you booked pre/post tour accommodation at the Radisson through World Expeditions
  • flight Jomsom/Pokhara/Kathmandu US$256
  • an extra 5kg luggage allowance on Jomsom to Pokhara flight, total 20kg
  • expert bilingual guide
  • medical kit
  • good quality accommodation in Kathmandu
  • the use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
  • private air conditioned transportation
  • all park entrance fees and trekking permits
  • porters to carry all personal and group equipment
  • porter's insurance
  • accommodation in our fully serviced wilderness campsites

Not included

  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
  • Bottled water, aerated & alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
  • Tips
  • International flights
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance

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Reviews (30)

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