In summary
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Sports
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Duration17 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationHimalaya / Annapurnas
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions5268.38 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
Nepali
In a few words
The Annapurna Circuit, one of the most beautiful treks in Nepal ! Considered a must- do for any trekking enthusiast, this route promises total immersion in an incredible diversity of landscapes . The adventure begins in Jagat, in the heart of the Marsyangdi Gorge, the gateway to the northern slopes of the Annapurna massif .
Your gradual ascent will take you through verdant rice paddies and dense forests before you encounter the majesty of the high mountains. The appearance of the first stupas and mani walls marks your entry into Buddhist territory, where you will meet the Nepalese-Tibetan ethnic groups. Passing through villages, you will walk beneath the imposing gaze of Annapurna II, III, and IV , whose snow-capped peaks rise to over 4,000 meters above you.
The highlight of this journey? The legendary ascent of the Thorong La pass , reaching an altitude of 5,416 meters . A day of intense effort rewarded by a spectacular descent into the arid landscapes of Mustang and a breathtaking panorama of the east face of Dhaulagiri I (8,167 meters) . After returning to civilization at the Hindu sanctuary of Muktinath and enjoying a final walk in Lower Mustang, a flight will take you back to the tranquility of Pokhara . It is on the shores of Phewa Lake , overlooking the peaks you have just climbed, that you will enjoy a final evening of relaxation to conclude this unforgettable trip.
The highlights
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A unique variety of landscapes and cultures, along a legendary route.
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The excursion to the glacial lake Tilicho, a turquoise jewel perched at an altitude of 4,919 m
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The evening in Pokhara, near Phewa Lake
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 665 m
- Average daily descent: 498 m
Management
This trip is led by a French-speaking Nepalese trekking guide. A local team will assist you during the trek (depending on the group size and logistical needs):
- Sirdar : he is in charge of logistics, and of the team of porters.
- Porters : During the trek, our belongings are carried by porters. Porterage is a historical tradition in Nepal, dictated by the very rugged terrain. Being very mindful of our team's working conditions, we ensure that our porters work in the best possible conditions. On our trips, we provide one porter for every two travelers, and the load is limited to 30kg per porter. We therefore ask that you limit your belongings to 12kg per person (belongings carried by the porter).
- Assistant guides : In addition to the French-speaking guide, non-French-speaking assistant guides are present. They are responsible for actively assisting clients, particularly by leading or bringing up the rear, to allow all participants to walk at their own pace.
Program
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Flight to Kathmandu
- Transportation Plane - 13h - 8478km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
✈️ International flight to Kathmandu.
Day 1 -
Arrival in Kathmandu
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival in Kathmandu! Our assistant will be waiting for you at the airport exit. Transfer to the hotel, located in Kathmandu city center. Free afternoon , then, in the early evening, initial briefing with the guide and welcome dinner.
In the event that some participants are late, the welcome dinner will be replaced by a "farewell" dinner at the end of the stay.
Day 2 -
Kathmandu - Besishahar - Jagat (1290 m)
- Transportation Car - 08h - 250km
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The road leads to the Annapurna massif. We depart early for the village of Besishahar (850 m), where we meet our porters. From there, we continue by 4x4 to Jagat, the starting point of our trek. It's a long day's drive , offering a beautiful glimpse of the Nepalese countryside. On a clear day, we can see the various Himalayan ranges: Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Annapurnas...
Day 3 -
Jagat - Dharapani - Chame (2670)
- Transportation Car - 02h - 33km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 970 m
- Negative elevation 230 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early this morning, we depart by car for Dharapani (approximately 2 hours), then begin our day's trek . We cross the Dudh Khola valley, which flows from the southwest face of Manaslu, and walk through a landscape of blue pines and oaks. Manang villages, monasteries, stupas, and prayer flags announce our arrival in Chame. We enter Buddhist territory. The inhabitants, of Tibetan origin, have preserved many traditions. At Kodo, we enjoy a view of the summit of Annapurna II. Opposite us lies the deep canyon that leads into the pristine Naar Valley. We reach Chame, the capital of the Manang district.
Day 4 -
Chame - Upper Pisang (3200 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 865 m
- Negative elevation 295 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We hike through a dense forest in a narrow, steep-sided valley that eventually opens onto the land of Manang and its Tibetan architecture. After the hamlet of Dhikur, we cross a bridge to reach the north bank of the Marsyangdi River. In the afternoon, we visit the authentic village of Upper Pisang and its monastery . We stand before the immense north face of Annapurna II, 7,937 meters. We enjoy the exceptional panorama before descending back to the lodge.
Day 5 -
Upper Pisang - Ngawal (3640m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 655 m
- Negative elevation 195 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Our journey continues , facing the gigantic Annapurna range, whose peaks all rise to over 7,000 meters. A truly exceptional setting! Today, we traverse the upper Marsyangdi Valley via a variant of the historic trail, now covered by the road leading to Manang. From Pisang, a beautiful balcony trail offers views of the old Tibetan villages of Ghyaru and Ngawal. We arrive in Ngawal in the afternoon and visit the village and its monastery.
Day 6 -
Ngawal - Manang (3520 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 255 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A beautiful day of hiking on a balcony trail overlooking the valley. We then descend and follow the river to reach the village of Braka. We can visit the village and its old monastery before continuing on to Manang. The afternoon is free to relax in Manang. For those who wish, there is the option of an acclimatization hike to Gangapurna Lake, or a climb to the promontory overlooking the lake and the village.
Day 7 -
Manang – Khangsar (3800m) – Tilicho Base Camp (4200m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 50 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We cross the majestic Marsyangdi River and explore the foothills of the Annapurnas towards the picturesque village of Khangsar . The adventure continues after lunch, eventually leading us to Tilicho Base Camp. An exceptional journey awaits us.
Day 8 -
Excursion to Lake Tilicho
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The ascent through the moraines reveals a breathtaking view of Lake Tilicho, a glacial wonder perched at approximately 5,000 meters above sea level. You will be awestruck by the impressive ice walls of Annapurna and Tilicho Peak (7,134 m). A unique experience, offering a magnificent spectacle of nature.
Day 9 -
Tilicho – Manang – Yak Kharka base camp (4200m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 620 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin our descent towards Manang, then turn north to start the ascent into the Thorung Khola Valley. Our leisurely pace leads us to the charming hamlet of Yak Kharka, nestled alongside the majestic Chulu Peak to the east. Across the high pastures of Yak Kharka, we'll have the opportunity to admire the herds of yaks and wild goats that roam the area. An authentic experience in the heart of nature awaits you.
Day 10 -
Yak Kharka - Thorang Phedi (4500 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 520 m
- Negative elevation 50 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A short day's hike to Thorong Phedi, the "foot" of the pass. The trail crosses numerous yak pastures, alternating between ascents and descents. We progress slowly towards the valley floor to conserve our energy. In the afternoon, there's an option for an acclimatization hike, a round trip to the Thorong advanced base camp (+400m and -400m).
Day 11 -
Thorong Phedi - Thorong La (5416 m) - Muktinath (3800 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 8h30
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 1750 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A beautiful and challenging day of trekking at high altitude awaits us! Early in the morning, we begin the ascent to the summit of the famous Thorong La pass (5,416 m). The first part of the climb is steep, leading to High Camp, before becoming gentler. As the altitude increases, our pace slows considerably. The final section is a series of short, steep climbs, which ultimately leads to the pass's summit, framed by the towering peaks of Thorong Peak and Yakwakang. Prayer flags fluttering in the wind celebrate our arrival, and the breathtaking panorama finally rewards all our efforts. After savoring the moment, we begin the long descent to Muktinath. Upon arrival, we visit this renowned Hindu temple and settle into our lodge. We are now in a completely different world: the Mustang region.
Day 12 -
Muktinath - Lupra (2790 m) - Jomsom (2743 m)
- Transportation Car - 01h - 45km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 360 m
- Negative elevation 1260 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave the village of Muktinath and cross a small pass, traversing stunning mountain scenery. Along the way, with a bit of luck, we might spot the bharal, the blue sheep of the Himalayas. A fairly steep descent leads us to Lupra, a small village nestled in the Lupra Khola gorge. Far from the main hiking trails, the village has managed to retain all its charm. After a short break in the village, we descend into the Kali Gandaki gorge and end the day in Jomsom.Day 13 -
Jomsom - Pokhara
- Transportation Car - 01h - 160km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
✈️ Early this morning, we board a domestic flight to Pokhara . From the moment we take off, we can admire the view of South Nilgiri, which rises to 6,839 meters! Upon arrival in Pokhara, we transfer to your hotel, near the Lakeside tourist district. The afternoon is free: everyone can take the opportunity to stroll along the shores of Phewa Lake or do some shopping on the main shopping street.
In case of adverse weather, the Jomsom-Pokhara flight may be delayed or canceled by the airline. In this case, we will have to reach Pokhara by road (7 to 8 hours by jeep).
Day 14 -
Kathmandu
- Transportation Car - 01h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to Pokhara airport for your domestic flight to the capital. Transfer to your hotel and the rest of the day is free. From the hotel, you can easily explore the Thamel district, the old city, and Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, all within walking distance. The historical sites of the Kathmandu Valley are also accessible by taxi.
In case of cancellation of the Pokhara-Kathmandu flight, we will have to take the road back to Kathmandu (7-8 hours by road).
Option "Visit to the Kathmandu Valley" (to be paid upon registration).
Day 15 -
Free time and return international flight
- Transportation Plane - 13h - 8478km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You must vacate your room before noon. You'll have free time to soak up the Nepalese atmosphere a little longer and do some last-minute shopping. In the afternoon, we'll be taken to Kathmandu airport for our international flight back to France.
Day 16 -
Paris
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrived in Paris during the day.Day 17
Note
Depending on weather and operational conditions, the guide reserves the right to modify this itinerary, for your safety and that of the group.
Accommodation
In Kathmandu, Pokhara and Muktinath You will be staying in comfortable 3-star hotels (local standards) located near the city center. You will be in an air-conditioned twin or double room with a private bathroom and hot water.
Lodges during the trek : Nepalese houses converted to accommodate hikers. Most often, you'll find twin rooms (two single beds per room) with 5-6 cm thick mattresses and pillows. The rooms are not heated: bring a sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures (between -5°C and 10°C depending on the season). Bathrooms are shared , and hot showers cost extra (approximately €2 per person).
Access
For Nepal, our partner buys a block of seats departing from Paris on certain dates, in order to guarantee you the best prices and flight plans for as long as possible.
You will primarily fly with Gulf carriers, such as Emirates or Qatar Airways. Depending on availability at the time of your booking, we may also offer other airlines. There are no direct flights to Nepal, and all these airlines require a stopover. Departures from other regional cities are possible for an additional fee.
Go to the starting point
✈️ Your assistant guide will be waiting for you at the airport exit, then transfer to the hotel, located in downtown Kathmandu.
These are overnight flights on the outbound journey, so you arrive at your destination the following day. On the return journey, flights may be during the day or at night depending on the departure dates.
Price details
The price includes
- Return flights Paris / Kathmandu
- Domestic flights and road journeys
- The trip will be led by a French-speaking Nepalese guide.
- The services of a local team during the trek
- Accommodation and full board, with the exception of meals indicated as "not included" in the program
- Trekking permits (TIMS, ACAP)
- The necessary safety equipment during the trek
The price does not include
- Visa fees (to be paid upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, see Formalities)
- Drinks (except tea and coffee during meals)
- Showers during the trek (expect to pay between €2 and €8 per shower depending on the lodge)
- Meals are not included (expect to pay between €2 and €10 per meal).
- Tips for local teams
Options
- Additional night in Kathmandu in a double room with breakfast : CHF54.89 / unit
- Excursion to the Kathmandu Valley : CHF123.50 / unit
- Single room supplement for hotel-only nights during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara : CHF178.39 / unit
- Hotel/Airport transfer in Kathmandu: price per transfer for 1 to 2 people, one way : CHF18.30 / unit
- Hotel/Airport transfer in Kathmandu, price per transfer for 3 to 5 people, one way : CHF22.87 / unit
- Additional night in Kathmandu in a single room with breakfast : CHF91.48 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Hyperbaric chamber (in case of Acute Mountain Sickness)
- First aid kit
- Satellite phone
Equipment to bring
- Lightweight crampons are recommended to facilitate walking when crossing the Thorong La pass in early spring (March-April). They can be purchased during the trek if needed.
- Gaiters (optional, potentially useful in spring)
- Telescopic hiking poles
- Sleeping bag (comfort temperature -5/-10°C)
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- One 1.5 litre water bottle or two equivalent ones (camel bag or rigid water bottles)
- Water filter or tablets for water treatment
- Toiletries (preferably biodegradable products)
- Quick-drying towel
- Biodegradable cleaning wipes
- Sunglasses with a high protection rating
- High protection sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Handkerchiefs
- Toilet paper
- Books, card games... to keep busy at the end of the day
Rental of certain equipment is available on site (sleeping bag, down jacket, crampons, etc.). Expect to pay approximately €35 per item for a 2-week trip and €50 for 3 weeks (payable on site). If you wish to rent one or more items of equipment before your departure, please let us know so our local team can ensure everything is available upon your arrival. Feel free to contact us for more information.
For those who wish to use their trip to Nepal to help local communities, you can bring clothing, hiking equipment, or school supplies with you. Our local team will take care of delivering everything to a local NGO.
Clothing to bring
- Equipment suitable for mountain trekking
- Cap or hat
- Neck warmer or scarf
- Warm hat
- T-shirt or shirt made of synthetic material (quick-drying)
- Thermal underwear
- Warm fleece jacket
- Jacket suitable for high-altitude trekking: windproof, waterproof and breathable
- Compact down jacket for breaks or evenings
- Comfortable walking pants
- Hiking boots suitable for high mountains: robust, comfortable, waterproof, and crampon-compatible
- A pair of lightweight gloves and a warm pair
- Lightweight shoes for evenings and travel days
- Sandals (useful after days of walking)
- Hiking socks
- Warm gloves
Feel free to donate your old hiking gear to your guide. Our local agency will then distribute it to our porters, in addition to the work equipment we provide them.
They traveled with us
The Paulin team
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- ✅ A 100% identical offer: Same dates, same services, same sales conditions.
- ✅ A public and accessible price: The offer must be proposed by a French professional website, in euros.
- ❌ Flights and transport in your name: Airline or train tickets already issued in your name are not refundable under this guarantee.
- ❌ Specific named services: Certain personalized services (such as a special permit or a named registration for a race or accommodation) may be excluded.
- You pay a 30% deposit today to reserve your stay.
- The balance (the remaining 70%) must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.
- ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
- ✅ Whose departure is in more than 30 days.