Are you an adventure enthusiast who craves the thrill of trekking in the Himalayas but hesitates to join because of basic accommodation and services? We are glad to present a new luxury adventure trek in the Annapurna region, tailored to offer premium amenities with high-altitude trekking!
While you may be familiar with the Annapurna Circuit trek, the Annapurna Circuit luxury trek is a whole new experience. This exclusive package is designed to provide travelers with added comfort and a luxurious journey along this offbeat, remote route.
Annapurna Circuit and luxury sounds unbelievable, right? But it’s more than possible now.
We have altered the standard itinerary a bit and picked villages with luxury lodges. Do not worry; you will explore all the major villages on this famous circuit trek, such as Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, and Muktinath, and definitely cross the challenging Thorong La Pass.
It is a 15-day trek, and trekkers spend seven days trekking and the rest of the days commuting in a private four-wheeler and exploring Kathmandu and Pokhara. Our Annapurna Circuit luxury trek 15 days perfectly balances adventure and relaxation.
Note that a few sections of the trail require more effort, so you have to be in decent shape. The good news is you will not overexert yourself and will have a fantastic bedtime every day in your luxury accommodations. The journey is scenic, thrilling, and once in a lifetime.
The bookings for the Annapurna Circuit luxury trek 2024/2025 are open. Get your seat now and start preparing for this incredible voyage. One of our travel consultants will help you at every step of booking and preparations.
Why should you do the Annapurna Circuit luxury trek? Is it worth it?
The Annapurna Circuit luxury trek is a once-in-a-lifetime voyage. You will traverse lush Himalayan foothills, spend the night in picturesque villages, eat delicious organic meals, and enjoy stunning mountain panoramas.
The Annapurna Circuit luxury trek is a journey through a variety of landscapes. From lush rhododendrons and pine forests to shrubs and green pastures above the treeline, trekkers will be treated to a diverse and ever-changing scenery.
On the way, there are many steep and narrow tracks, several suspension bridges, and a few wooden bridges. While the trek is filled with adventure, it also offers a rich cultural immersion. You'll have the opportunity to interact with different communities and learn about their culture and way of life. It will be a fantastic experience.
The trail is dotted with temples, stupas, and prayer flags. Talking about the scenery changes with the increase in elevation. The views change from lush valleys to barren terrains to trans-Himalayas landscapes and back to greenery.
Mountains like Fishtail (6993m.|22943ft.), Annapurna (8091m.|26545ft.), Dhaulagiri (8167m.|26795ft.), Nilgiri (7061m.|23166ft.), Hiunchuli (6441m.|21132ft.), Gangapurna (7455m.|24459ft.), Tukuche (6920m.|22703ft.), Tilicho Peak (7134m.|23406ft.), and many others are seen during the trek.
The Annapurna Circuit luxury trek itinerary
The Annapurna Circuit luxury trek starts with your arrival in Kathmandu. You will spend two nights in the five-star Marriott or Hyatt Regency Hotel, enjoying modern luxury with traditional Nepali hospitality.
During your time in Kathmandu, you will do the shopping for the trek and explore a few tourist sites like Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square with our professional tour guide.
You will find all kinds of trekking-related clothes, gear, and essentials in Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu. Grab all the essentials and pack your duffle bag. On the third day of the tour, you will leave Kathmandu in the early morning hours with your mountain guide. Enjoy a scenic ride to Besisahar.
The highway follows rolling, lush green hills and rivers. You can also see beautiful views of terraced fields, waterfalls, and mountains. The last 1-2 hours of the ride get a bit bumpy. Spend a night at Besisahar and drive to Chame or Brathang village the following day.
There is a lovely luxury lodge in Brathang, and you will also get to tour a small wine plant and taste some local wines made from organic apples. From Bratang onwards, you will start trekking. The trail follows lush hills and goes through verdant forests.
You will come across a large rock called Paungda Danda rock. It rises 1,500 meters (4,921 ft) from the Marshyangdi River. The mountain views are superb along the trail. Spend a night in Pisang, or if you have energy, hike to Nagwal village. From Pisang village, you will continue trekking, following the upper trail that goes through Geru.
This trail is extremely gorgeous, with stunning mountain vistas. Manang is the biggest village on the Annapurna Circuit and has many modern services. You will spend two nights here to acclimatize. Explore the village and hike to Hidden Ice Lake.
Following our itinerary, you will trek from Manang village to Yak Kharka. However, you have an option to extend the trek to Tilicho Lake. It will take 4 to 5 days to hike to the lake and rejoin the Annapurna Circuit trail. There is no luxury accommodation on this route. However, the landscapes you will see and the adventure it offers are just mind-blown. We highly recommend it.
Anyways, back to Yak Kharka. From here, the trail leaves the Marshyangdi Khola River and enters the Jarsang Khola River. You will mostly see shrubs and junipers on the way because the elevation goes above 4,000 meters. Yak Kharka onwards, the trail ascends to Thorong Phedi, which is the last settlement before Thorong La Pass.
Some trekkers also like to spend the night at the High Camp. There are few tea houses at the High Camp, but less busy than Thorong Phedi. The next day, you will wake up around 2:00 AM and get ready to leave your accommodation by 3:00 AM.
You will climb to the top of the Thorong La Pass and cross it before sunrise to avoid the strong wind that hits around mid-morning. The climb is tough, but the view from the top of the pass is outstanding. Enjoy the view and begin descending from the pass to Muktinath Temple.
The descent requires caution as well. You will navigate rock terrain and landslide debris. The walking part ends in Muktinath. From here, you will drive to Ghorepani village. It will be around a 90km jeep ride. During the drive, you will see diverse landscapes that range from arid to lush.
The next morning, you will hike to the Poon Hill viewpoint to witness a gorgeous sunrise and descend to Banthanti village. Take a four-hour ride from Banthanti to Pokhara. Spend a night in the luxury Fish Tail Resort or Temple Tree Resort & Spa.
The next day, you will explore the city with your guide and take a later afternoon flight back to Kathmandu. Your hotel will be all ready to welcome you back. We have kept one more full day in Kathmandu to allow you to explore the city, rest, and shop.
You can do the Everest Experience Flight or EBC Helicopter Tour on this day. Our Annapurna Circuit luxury trek package does not include expenses for these activities, so you need to pay the charge.
On the day 15th of your trip, you will leave Kathmandu and fly back to your home. Our team will drop you at the international airport.
Annapurna Circuit Luxury trek cost
You might think the package will be super expensive because it is a luxury trek, but fortunately, that is not the case. Compared to our standard Annapurna Circuit trek package, the price of the luxury trek is definitely high, but it will not break your bank.
Below, we have made a table for Annapurna Circuit luxury trek cost for different group sizes:
Number of participants | Package price | Booking link |
1 | USD 2,649 per person | Book here |
2 - 3 | USD 2,449 per person | Book here |
4 - 5 | USD 2,300 per person | Book here |
6 - 10 | USD 2,199 per person | Book here |
Major attractions on the luxury Annapurna Circuit trek
During the luxury Annapurna Circuit trek, you will explore the following destinations:
Tourist sites in Kathmandu
Kathmandu has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, temples, museums, and local markets to explore. You will get one full day before and after the trek in the city. Before the trek starts, you will spend half a day visiting some tourist sites with a tour guide.
After the trek, you will have one full day in the city for post-trek relaxation and shopping. Visit monuments like the Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square.
These are a few of the most famous historical sites in Kathmandu, where you will learn about Nepali culture, traditions, art, and architecture. The tour guide will brief you about the places, and you will also discover the local markets around the sites.
Beautiful luxury lodge in Bratang village and wine plant excursion
Bratang is a small village between Chame and Pisang villages. It is an apple heaven. Just a couple of years ago, a luxury lodge was opened in Bratang, which provides a fantastic retreat amidst the mountain with premium amenities. Likewise, backpackers can explore apple farms and a wine plant here, taste delicious wines, and enjoy a serene time.
Manang village and hike to Ice Lake
Manang village is the biggest settlement on the Annapurna Circuit. This village has many modern services, an old theater that plays some set movies, museums, and a bustling small market. During the trek, you will spend two nights here.
Manang is also your acclimatization point. From here, trekkers usually hike to Praken Gompa and Ice Lake. Suited 4,600 meters (15,092 ft) above sea level, it is a stunning lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The hike takes around 5 hours.
Thorong La Pass
Thorong La Pass is the highest mountain pass in Nepal. It connects the Annapurna region with Lower Mustang. The pass is located 5,416 meters (17,769 ft) above sea level in the Damodar Himal range. Trekkers cross it while doing the Annapurna Circuit trek from east to west, which is safer and easier than west to east.
Crossing Thorong La Pass, in general, is strenuous. Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass to Muktinath Temple requires 8 to 9 hours of walking. Trekkers start climbing before the sun rises and descend to Muktinath. You have to be physically strong to cross the pass.
Muktinath Temple
Located 3,710 meters (12,172 ft) above sea level, the Muktinath Temple is one of the important pilgrimage sites in Nepal. This temple is dedicated to Hindu Lord Vishnu and is also important to Buddhists. Among the 108 Divya Desams, Muktinath is the only one located outside of India. Moreover, this temple is also associated with one of the 51 Shakti Pitha.
The Muktinath temple is known as a center of liberation. It is a place where devotees visit to rinse their sins and get liberation. Pilgrims run across the 108 water sprouts and take a dip into the pond. It believes in clearing your sins and soul.
Likewise, for Buddhists, the Muktinath temple is an abode of Avalokiteśvara. In Tibetan Buddhism, this place is known as Chumig Gyatsa (the Hundred Springs).
Drive through the Kali Gandaki Gorge
The Kali Gandaki Gorge is considered one of the deepest gorges in the world. You will drive through this gorge while traveling from Muktinath to Ghorepani village. The upper part of the gorge is home to the Thakali community. The gorge separates Mt. Dhaulagiri in the west and Mt. Annapurna in the east.
Ghorepani village and Poon Hill viewpoint
Ghorepani is one of the most beautiful and famous villages in the lower Annapurna region. And the same goes for Poon Hill's viewpoint. This place offers a stunning sunrise and jaw-dropping panorama of the 20+ western Himalayan mountains.
Ghorepani is situated at 2,874 meters (9,429 ft) above sea level. Rhododendron forests and snow-capped mountains surround the village. It is home to the Magar and Gurung communities. Similarly, Poon Hill is located at 3,210 meters from sea level.
Tour in Pokhara
Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region. It is the second biggest city in Nepal and is very loved by foreigners. The city is home to numerous lakes. You can see views of Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Fishtail from many parts of the city. During your time here, you will explore the lovely Phewa Lake, bustling Lakeside Market, Davis Falls, International Mountain Museum, Gupteshwor Cave, etc.
The services during the Annapurna Luxury Trek
We, Nepal Nirvana Trails, are known for our service and hospitality. We ensure all our guests are well taken care of during their time with us in Nepal. Our team arranges all the logistics for the trek and helps you with your requirements. Below are some of the perks of the Annapurna Circuit luxury lodge trek:
Airport pick up and drop off:
We have a dedicated team for airport pick up and drop off. On your arrival day, one of our representatives and a driver with a private four-wheeler will welcome you at the Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to the hotel. Likewise, on your departure day, they will make sure you reach the international airport on time and safely.
Experienced guide and friendly porter:
Our Annapurna Circuit luxury trek cost includes a professional mountain guide and porter. They will accompany you throughout the trek. You can share any discomfort with your guide and freely ask them questions that interest you.
Five-star hotel in Kathmandu:
In a luxury trek package, travelers spend nights in a five-star hotel in Kathmandu. You will most likely stay at the Marriott Hotel or the Hyatt Regency Hotel in this city.
Luxury resort in Pokhara:
In Pokhara, you will stay at Fish Tail Resort or Temple Tree Resort & Spa. Both of these resorts are extremely beautiful and offer luxury amenities.
Luxury lodges along the trekking route:
We will pick the best luxury lodges along the Annapurna Circuit trail for your night stays. You may have to adjust a little at Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi. Most of the services, like charging, WiFi, and hot showers, will be included in the room cost. Still, we recommend you plan a daily allowance for personal expenses.
Comfortable vehicle for road transportation and Pokhara to Kathmandu flight:
During the trek, you will drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, Besisahar to Chame or Bratang, and Muktinath to Pokhara. We provide premium four-wheelers with experienced drivers as per the group size. From Pokhara to Kathmandu, you will take a short flight. Likewise, a nice four-wheeler will be available for all the airport commutes as per the itinerary.
Complimentary seasonal fruit every day during trekking and water purification tablet:
Trekkers get complimentary seasonal fruit once a day. The fruits will be organic and locally sourced. Likewise, we also provide our guests with a water purification tablet that they can use to treat the water before drinking it in the mountains.
Company t-shirt, trekking map, and trek certificate souvenir:
At the start of the trek, you will receive a company t-shirt and trekking map. You can take them with you as a souvenir. Likewise, after the trek ends, we also provide a trek certificate as a souvenir.