Country | Nepal | Max-Altitude | 5,416m/17,765 ft |
Trip Start | Kathmandu | Trip End | Kathmandu |
Group Size | Min 4, Max 15 | ||
Meals | Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during trekking | ||
Complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek and Muktinath Darshan with Helicopter Flight and tick off some of the ‘must-do’ adventures on your bucket list. This short 10-day trekking adventure takes you to Nepal's classic trail, the Annapurna Circuit, a trip filled with vivid cultural insights and dramatic Himalayan views.
After an amazing helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lower Pisang, you trek through the most important and scenic section of the Annapurna Circuit. You hike for eight days, walking past traditional villages of the Nyeshangbas, Manange Gurungs, Bhotias, and Tibetan immigrants.
During your journey, you walk through hidden alleys between flat-roofed stone houses and explore ancient Buddhist Gompas. The stark treeless landscape flanked by snow-covered mountains reminds you of the Tibetan Plateau or the Spiti Valley and Ladakh. Throughout your trek, you will be greeted by the jagged summits of the Gangapurna, Annapurna II, III, and IV.
The highlight of your trip is the crossing of the Thorong La Pass, one of the highest navigable mountain passes in the world. You wrap up your Annapurna adventure with a visit to the sacred Muktinath Temple, a place where pilgrims come to attain ‘moksha’ or salvation.
The Himalayas have the power to touch your soul, and by the end of your journey, do not be surprised if the mountains bring some positive changes in you.
Annapurna Circuit Trek and Muktinath Darshan with Helicopter Flight can be best done in autumn (September, October, and November) when you can enjoy sparkling clear views of the mountains. The days are warm and nights cold during this season. The second best season is spring (March, April, and May) when the skies open up and temperature rises after a harsh winter. You can expect haze or fog to roll in sometimes.
Distance: 25 minutes drive
Accommodation: Hotel Shanker
After landing at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by Extollo’s guide, who will escort you to your hotel. Take a rest and freshen up. Late afternoon or evening, you will meet your trek guide, who will brief you about your Annapurna Circuit Trek and Muktinath Darshan.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Distance: 25 minutes drive
Accommodation: Hotel Shanker
Distance: 45 minutes flight and a 30 - minute hike
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Manang Marshyangdi
Early in the morning, you make your way to the domestic airport. You charter a private helicopter and fly towards Lower Pisang in the Annapurna Region. During the flight, you can savor aerial views of Kathmandu valley and the Himalayan range.
The chopper lands at a helipad in Lower Pisang. With a light daypack on your back, you start your trek and head towards Upper Pisang. You spend the night at a local lodge where rooms have been booked for you.
It is a short hike of about twenty minutes on a dirt trail. Upper Pisang is an old traditional village sitting opposite the mighty Annapurna II. The village has an ancient gompa that is more than two centuries old.
Overnight in Upper Pisang.
Distance: 45 minutes flight and a 30 - minute hike
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Manang Marshyangdi
Distance: 5 to 6 hours trek
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Peaceful Guest House
You start your trek after breakfast. Follow an easy track out of the village. Enjoying the majestic views of the mountains, you walk on a zigzag trail carved on the side of a mountain. After crossing a swinging bridge and mani walls, you reach the picturesque village of Ghyaru.
The village is dotted with traditional flat-roofed stone cottages, prayer flags, and mani walls. Take a brief rest and savor stunning views of Annapurna II, III, and IV before continuing towards Ngawal.
You make a steep climb and later descend to the village, which is at a lower elevation than Ghyaru. Ngawal is a large village with lots of teahouses and newly built lodges.
Overnight in Ngawal.
Distance: 5 to 6 hours trek
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Peaceful Guest House
Distance: 3 to 4 hours trek
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Tilicho Hotel
Today's destination is Manang, a beautiful village where you will spend an extra day acclimatizing.
You head out of Ngawal and take a steep descent to a green valley. After walking in a barren landscape, the patches of green trees, grasses and barley fields feel soothing. You walk past Humde and Braga or Braka, an ancient village with an important monastery. From Braga, you walk on the rough jeep track leading to Manang. The walk is easy but dusty.
Manang is one of the liveliest and busiest towns on the Annapurna Circuit. There are shops and bakeries where you can stock up on your supplies (of snacks) and enjoy treats. The frozen peaks of Gangapurna and Annapurna III rear up proudly right above the town. You spend a warm and comfortable night at a local lodge.
Overnight in Manang.
Distance: 3 to 4 hours trek
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Tilicho Hotel
Distance: 7 to 8 hours trek
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Tilicho Hotel
Before your trek up to Thorong La Pass at 5416 meters, you need to prepare your body for that altitude. Therefore, you spend an additional day in Manang, letting your body adapt to thin air.
Your guide will take you on a hike to Ice Lake or Kicho Tal, located about eight kilometers from Manang. To reach the lake, you retrace your steps to Braga and take the route leading to the Ice Lake. The views of the Annapurnas and Gangapurna are amazing. It is a steep hike with a lot of switchbacks.
There are two lakes – Upper Lake and Lower Lake. You can visit both the lakes or only the lower lake. The upper lake lies a couple of hundred meters from the lower lake. The lakes are covered with a sheath of ice and look stunning, surrounded by snow-covered mountains. After taking pictures, you hike back to Manang.
Overnight in Manang.
Distance: 7 to 8 hours trek
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Tilicho Hotel
Distance: 4 to 5 hours trek
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Himalayan View Hotel
Wake up early, pack your bags, and hit the trail. You make your way to Upper Manang, a charming village where most of the old inhabitants live. You make your way past alleyways and old stone houses with flat roofs.
The hike is steep till Gunsang, a sleepy village. Somewhere on the route, you will reach a point where the road ends, and you enter a vehicle-free zone. It will only be you, the mountains, and an occasional mule or yak train on the trail.
From Gunsang it's an easy walk with gentle ups and downs to Yak Kharka, a popular stop on the Annapurna Circuit.
Overnight in Yak Kharka.
Distance: 4 to 5 hours trek
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Himalayan View Hotel
Distance: 4 to 5 hours trek
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Thorong Phedi Guest house
From Yak Kharka, you make your way to Thorong Phedi or the Base Camp of Thorong La via Ledar. Though the distance between Throng Phedi and Yak Kharka is only about 6.5 kilometers, the walk is strenuous because of the high altitude and low oxygen levels. En route, you cross a bridge and a landslide area. Once you reach Thorong Phedi, you can rest at the teahouse or take an acclimatization hike to High Camp.
Overnight In Thorong Phedi.
Distance: 4 to 5 hours trek
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Thorong Phedi Guest house
Distance: 9 to 10 hours trek
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Yurika Inn
You wake up before dawn and, with your head torch lighting the way, proceed to High Camp. There will be ice and snow on the path, so you must tread carefully. It's a tough and steep ascent from High Camp to Thorong La.
Walk at your own pace, taking in deep and steady breaths. You are at 5000 meters, and racing to the top and straining yourself might prove harmful. Pause to take in the beautiful sunlit views of the mountains en route.
Walking through a vast field of snow, you finally arrive at Thorong La Pass, one of the highest mountains passes in the world. Decorated with prayer flags and surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world, the view from the mountain pass looks incredible.
After taking pictures and celebrating with your team, you walk down to Muktinath. The trail zigzags down to a barren valley. As you go down, you find it easier to breathe.
On reaching Muktinath, head to a lodge and enjoy a good rest.
Overnight in Muktinath.
Distance: 9 to 10 hours trek
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Yurika Inn
Distance: 1 hour and 30 minutes flight
Included meals: Breakfast and Farewell dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Shanker
You wind up your memorable Annapurna Circuit trek with a darshan of Lord Vishnu at Muktinath Temple. One of the holiest pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists, the shrine of Muktinath is the place to attain 'moksha' or salvation according to sacred texts.
Near the temple flows the Kali Gandaki, where one can find plenty of 'saligrams' (ammonite fossils said to represent Lord Vishnu).
The past few days had been an incredible test of strength and endurance. You offer prayers at the temple and thank the gods for keeping you safe during your trip. Later you charter a helicopter and fly back to Kathmandu. At the airport, our staff will receive you and drive you to your hotel.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Distance: 1 hour and 30 minutes flight
Included meals: Breakfast and Farewell dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Shanker
Included meals: Breakfast
Bid goodbye to Kathmandu and head to the international airport. Our staff will ensure you reach the airport on time to catch your flight.
If you want to extend your holiday in Nepal, please do let us know. Our travel consultant can help you plan another fantastic adventure.
Included meals: Breakfast
During your travel, you will follow two styles of accommodations. You will spend 2 nights in 4-star deluxe Hotel Shanker while in Kathmandu and 7 nights in standard teahouses and lodges during the trek. All accommodations for Annapurna Circuit Trek and Muktinath Darshan with Helicopter Flight will be on a twin-sharing basis. A single supplement will be provided on request, which will cost you an additional amount (390 USD). However, a single supplement may not be feasible all the time, especially at higher elevations.
During our Annapurna Circuit Trek and Muktinath Darshan with Helicopter Flight, you can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well as the common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouses or from a lodge menu where you spend the night, whereas lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking whereas only breakfast will be available while in Kathmandu. There will also be a Farewell Dinner hosted by Extollo Adventures upon your return from the successful excursion.
All foreign nationals are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese Visa can be obtained either prior to your arrival at a Nepalese embassy abroad or on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport. It can be also secured at entry points at Nepalese borders.
You can use this full address while filling up your visa application:
Street: Amrit Marg
House No.:
Ward No: 19
VDC/Municipality: Kathmandu
District: Kathmandu
Country: Nepal
For further information please visit: http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa
Extra personal expenses on the trip may include showering, recharging batteries, bottled/boiled water, soda, alcoholic beverages, tipping, visa fees, recreational expenses and other services not listed. Typically trekkers spend around $10 to $20 USD on a daily basis. Following are the items with extra costs during the trek:
It is mandatory for joining any of the Extollo Adventures trips is that all clients must be insured, it is strongly recommended that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. There could be comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we do not arrange or sell insurance.
For more details about Travel Insurance: https://www.extolloadventures.com/travel-insurance
Generally, we do not charge solo travelers any extra charge. You will be paired up with another traveler of same gender and hotel room will be provided on twin sharing basis in Kathmandu. On request, you will be provided a single room in Kathmandu with an extra charge. Similarly, you will need to share a room with same gender group member in tea houses during the trek. Upon request and if available we can arrange private rooms during trekking with a small single supplement charge.
Autumn (Sept to Nov) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for Annapurna Circuit Trek and Muktinath Darshan with Helicopter Flight. The weather is sunny and warm with outstanding views. If you wish to avoid crowds and enjoy some quality time with nature then taking this trip during winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) could also be an option. However, the temperature during winter could be harsh enough to obstruct the high passes with ice and snow. Trekking in the Summer or Monsoon seasons (June to Aug) will be affected by rain but the Summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanist.
With a management office in California and operational center in Kathmandu, Extollo Adventures simplifies your trip preparations to various destinations.
Our travel experts will answer your every query through email, online chat or phone calls as per your convenience 24 hours, 7 days a week.
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