The journey
This 21-day combo trek is the ultimate Annapurna experience, combining two of Nepal's greatest treks into one epic journey. You'll complete the full Annapurna Circuit, crossing the legendary Thorong La Pass at 5,416m, before heading straight into the Annapurna Sanctuary to reach Base Camp at 4,130m.
The Circuit takes you through an astonishing range of landscapes: from subtropical lowlands and rice paddies, through pine forests and Tibetan-influenced villages, across the highest pass on any major trekking route, and down into the arid desert landscape of the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
After a rest day in Pokhara, you'll head into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheatre ringed by Annapurna I, Machapuchare, and a dozen other peaks above 7,000m. Two treks, one incredible journey. This is for those who want to see everything Annapurna has to offer.
Trek Photos
Trail Life
Marsyangdi Valley
Annapurna
River Crossing
Base Camp ViewpointThe trail
Route overview: Kathmandu to ABC via Thorong La and Annapurna Sanctuary
The day to day
Part 1: Annapurna Circuit (Days 1 to 14)
Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m)
+Airport pickup, hotel transfer, trek briefing with your guide. Gear check and final preparations.
Drive to Chame (2,670m)
+Scenic drive along the Marsyangdi River valley to Chame, the capital of Manang district. First views of the Annapurna range.
Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m)
+Trek through apple orchards and pine forest. Upper Pisang offers panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, and IV, plus the dramatic Pisang Peak.
Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540m)
+Walk through the Manang Valley, a dry, Tibetan-influenced landscape. Visit the ancient Braga Monastery with 500-year-old clay statues.
Acclimatisation Day in Manang
+Critical rest day. Optional hike to Gangapurna Lake or the Ice Lake (4,600m) for stunning views. Visit Manang's Himalayan Rescue Association post.
Manang to Yak Kharka (4,018m)
+Gradual ascent through scrubland. Vegetation thins as altitude increases. Yak Kharka means "yak pasture," and you'll see why.
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,525m)
+Short but meaningful trek to the base of Thorong La. Rest and prepare for the big pass crossing tomorrow. Early dinner, early bed.
Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,800m)
+The big day. Start at 4am, climb to the highest point on the trek. Prayer flags mark the pass, with views of Dhaulagiri and the Kali Gandaki. Long descent to the sacred temple town of Muktinath.
Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m)
+Descend through the arid Mustang landscape along the deepest gorge in the world. The Kali Gandaki Valley is otherworldly, with desert colours framed by 8,000m peaks on both sides.
Jomsom to Tatopani (1,190m)
+Continue down the gorge to Tatopani, which means "hot water." Soak tired legs in the natural hot springs after days of high-altitude trekking.
Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,860m)
+Climb out of the gorge through terraced farmland and rhododendron forest. Ghorepani is famous for its sunrise viewpoint.
Poon Hill Sunrise (3,210m), trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara
+Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill for the most famous sunrise in Nepal: Dhaulagiri, the entire Annapurna range, and Machapuchare lit up gold. Descend to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara. Circuit complete.
Rest Day in Pokhara (820m)
+A well-earned rest day on the shores of Phewa Lake. Relax, resupply, and recharge before heading into the Sanctuary.
Part 2: Annapurna Base Camp (Days 14 to 21)
Pokhara to Ghandruk (1,940m)
+Drive to Nayapul, trek through rice terraces to the Gurung village of Ghandruk.
Ghandruk to Bamboo (2,310m)
+Descend to the Modi Khola, then climb through dense bamboo and rhododendron forest into the Sanctuary.
Bamboo to Deurali (3,230m)
+Steady climb through the narrowing valley. Cross avalanche-prone slopes (seasonal). Above treeline by afternoon.
Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)
+Pass Machapuchare Base Camp and continue to ABC. The amphitheatre reveals itself, surrounded by Annapurna I, South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare.
ABC to Bamboo (2,310m)
+Sunrise in the Sanctuary, then descend rapidly. The thick air at lower elevations feels incredible.
Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,780m)
+Take the alternative trail via Jhinu Danda. Celebrate with a soak in natural hot springs by the river.
Jhinu to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara, fly to Kathmandu
+Final descent, drive to Pokhara, and fly back to Kathmandu. Both treks complete.
Departure Day
+Airport transfer for your onward journey. 21 days, two legendary treks, one incredible adventure.
What you get
Included
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- All accommodation (hotels + teahouses)
- Three meals per day on both treks
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Domestic flight (Pokhara to Kathmandu)
- All permits (ACAP, TIMS)
- Ground transport (Kathmandu to Chame, Pokhara transfers)
- First aid kit and oximeter
- Trek briefing and gear check
- Rest day accommodation in Pokhara
Not Included
- International flights to/from Kathmandu
- Travel insurance (required)
- Nepal tourist visa
- Personal trekking gear
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Hot showers and device charging on trek
- Tips for guide and porters
- Personal expenses
Common questions
Is 21 days a realistic commitment?
+It's a big trip, but this is the complete Annapurna experience. Most trekkers who do the combo say the Base Camp section feels like a deserved and spectacular finale after the circuit. If you're going to Nepal, doing both at once makes far more sense than two separate trips.
Do I need previous high-altitude trekking experience?
+Yes, strongly recommended. This is a Hard-rated 21-day trek including a 5,416m pass crossing. Experience on at least one previous multi-day trek (Nepal or otherwise) is strongly advised before taking this on.
How fit do I need to be?
+Very fit. You're walking 6–8 hours daily for three weeks at high altitude, including a 5,416m pass crossing. Serious training in the 3–4 months before the trek is essential — this is not a trip to approach casually.
What is the highest point on the combo?
+Thorong La Pass at 5,416m on the Annapurna Circuit section. This is higher than Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m. The pass crossing comes on Day 9 — by that point you'll be well-acclimatised from the circuit approach.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
+Yes, solo trekkers are welcome. Combo departure spots fill quickly given the length and logistics, so get in touch early to secure your place.
Is travel insurance required?
+Yes, mandatory. Must cover trekking to 6,000m and emergency helicopter evacuation. We confirm your policy before departure.
Are tips for guides and porters expected?
+Yes. Tips are not included in the price. Guideline: guide $15–20 AUD/day, porter $8–10 AUD/day, split across the group. We brief you on this before the end of the trek.
What's the cancellation policy?
+A $500 deposit secures your spot. Full payment is due 60 days before departure. Cancellations with 60+ days notice receive a full deposit refund. Contact us for cancellations inside 60 days.