16 days / 15 nights

2024

may 10 to 25

(as part of the ght women leaders campaign)

october 9 to 24

2025

may 11 to 26

october 18 to november 2

Photo credit: Robin Boustead

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the highlights of the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal due to its world-class scenery with the views of the Annapurna range while experiencing the local villages and culture along the way. This is a WOMEN ONLY trek open to female hikers/tourists and led by a female guide. This trek supports the mission of the non-profit human rights organization, The Porter Voice Collective (PVC), which advocates for Workforce Equity for porters in Peru, Nepal & Tanzania. Hence, the trek ensures porters and guides receive fair wages, accident and illness insurance, essential gear for the trek, and proper meals & accommodations.

Note: Low-budget tour operators often offer this trek at low prices at the expense of mistreating and underpaying guides & porters. By joining this trek, you are supporting the work of PVC to create equity and inclusion for female guides and porters in Nepal.

Read more about Workforce Equity via the following articles: One Step at a Time: Creating Workforce Equity for Porters, Workforce Equity for Porters: Why It Matters & Why Travel Companies Should Be An Ally?

THE PORTER VOICE COLLECTIVE

Collectively, we

Listen.

Celebrate.

Amplify.

Elevate.

The Porter Voice.

HIMALAYAN WOMEN TRAIL LEADERS INITIATIVE

In the Spring of 2024, we sponsored the first Nepali female guide to walk 100 plus days on the Himalayan Trail including the Annapurna Circuit Trek as a way to elevate female guides in Nepal’s trekking tourism industry. You can learn more about the campaign via this page. Our Himalayan Women Trail Leaders Campaign is now a Finalist for the Launch Track of the 2024 Social Entrepreneurship in Tourism Competition with a chance to win the Pitching Competition set for November, 2024. At this competition, we are developing an initiative that aims to provide female trekking guides with field training and support in the industry. By joining our treks, you are supporting our efforts to create gender equity in the industry.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 Arrive in Kathmandu (1336 meters)

Transport to your hotel. Gear Preparation. Overnight in Kathmandu.

DAY 2 Kathmandu to Besi Sahar to Dharapani

You stat your journey via private or public transport to Besi Sahar (via Mugling Bazaar and Dumre) along the Trisuli river bank and then towards north along the Marsyangdi valley.

We will drive to Dharapani the same day by local jeep. Overnight at lodge.

Highest elevation: 1860 meters

DAY 3 Dharapani to Chame

Today is wonderful, with plenty of opportunities to soak in hot springs and stroll through mountain villages and forests. The first spring is at Lata Manang where you can also cross the Marsyangdi if the river is low enough. We then head on to Chame where there are yet more hot springs to enjoy!

Hiking time: 6 hours / Highest elevation: 2670 meters

DAY 4 Chame to Pisang

After a pleasant walk through Bhrathang village and its apple orchards, we cross the river again. A short climb to a peaceful pine forest leads into the wide Manang valley. We camp or lodge at the new Pisang village (as the old one is difficult to access on the far river bank beneath the Tibetan Monastery).

Hiking time: 5 hours / Highest elevation: 3300 meters

DAY 5 Pisang to Manang

Although Chame is the District center, Manang is the trading hub. As we approach Manang cultivation increases and we pass through some of the oldest villages in the region. There are plenty of lodges and places to shop in Manang, which also has a Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic - an ideal spot to enquire about the rigors of living and trekking at altitude.

Hiking time: 3 hours / Highest elevation: 3540 meters

DAY 6 Acclimatization in Manang

This is an important acclimatization day. Rest and explore around Manang, a fabulous trans-Himalayan valley and the base for many of the climbing peaks in the area.

Highest elevation: 3540 meters

DAY 7 Manang to Tilicho Base Camp

As we trek towards the pine forest, the path leads us towards Khangsar river. After crossing the river, we will pass Khangsar village and Sri Kharka. A beautiful glimpse of Tilicho peak can be seen from these two settlements. After passing Sri Kharka, we will reach Tilicho Base Camp.

Hiking time: 7 hours / Highest elevation: 4150 meters

DAY 8 Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho lake & back

Today we head towards Tilicho lake which is located in the Manang District. On the way, you will see yak grazing and a high alpine landscape. After some hours of walking, you will reach Tilicho lake. You will spend some time there and thereafter we walk back to Tilicho Base Camp.

Hiking time: 5 hours / Highest elevation: 4150 meters

DAY 9 Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka

Today, the trail passes thin vegetation before reaching Khangsar village. We will ascend to Thorong Khola valley and cross an old bridge. After that, we will witness the pasture for yak grazing called Yak Kharka.

Hiking time: 6 hours / Highest elevation: 4050 meters

DAY 10 Yak Kharka to Thorung High Camp

We will ascend slowly and follow the trail carefully as we cross the river through a bridge reaching Ledar village. After that, we will ascend further to a narrow trail to reach Thorung Phedi. The trail gives us a mesmerizing view of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak, and Mt. Khatungkan. We will continue on to Thorung High Camp from Thorung Phedi.

Hiking time: 5 hours / Highest elevation: 4833

DAY 11 Thorung High Camp to Thorung La Pass to Muktinath

Today is the hardest day on the trek. We first ascend steeply to 4590 meters and then trek along an undulating trail to the flat top of Thorung La Pass (5416 meters). From here, there are stunning views of the Annapurna range to the south and Mukut Himal bordering Dolpo to the West. The trail descends steeply over glacial moraine, which gives way to grassy meadows before we reach Muktinath. This is one of the most important pilgrimage sights for Hindus and is home to many ethnic Tibetans and Buddhist monks who live in monasteries scattered around the valley. The nearby temple with 108 carved spouts from which holy water flows is famous for a fire that miraculously burns in a stream of water.

Hiking time: 9 hours / Highest elevation: 5416 meters

DAY 12 Muktinath to Jomsom

Today is a short day of walking to the end of our trek. But before leaving, we will visit the Hindu-Buddhist Pilgrims in Muktinath.

We will drive to Jomsom by Jeep.

Hiking time: 2 hours

DAY 13 Jomsom flight to Pokhara

We will take a flight from Jomsom airport. The flight lands in Pokhara after 27 minutes. After reaching Pokhara, we freshen up to enjoy a leisure walk in the street of Pokhara. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.

DAY 14 Pokhara to Kathmandu

The drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu will bring back the memories. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Drive time: 7 hours

DAY 15 Kathmandu Sightseeing & Farewell Dinner

You will have a half-day tour to see Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pasupatinath in Kathmandu and a dinner at night.

DAY 16 Fly home

You will be taken to the airport by private service.

*Please note the hiking times above are estimated times; the actual hiking time can be less or more than the times noted above.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Watch the recording of our trip meeting on GHT & all our treks in Nepal via this link.

TREK STYLE

This is a STRENUOUS trek. Recent hiking and/or backpacking experience is highly recommended. You will need to prepare for a cardio workout and consult with your doctor before joining the trip given the high altitude reaching up to almost 6000 meters / 20,000 feet. You will be required to familiarize yourself with the hazards and risks of high-altitude trekking, and sign a liability waiver and terms & conditions forms. However, this is a supported trek; hence, you only carry a daypack with your essentials (porters are hired to carry your belongings). You will be staying in teahouses each night.

pricing

Per Person for a group of:

2-12 persons: $3095

This tour requires a minimum of 2 persons with a maximum group size of 12.

Note: The trip is possible with 1 person at higher pricing. E-mail us for information.

To join, you must fill out an application form and send a deposit of $950.

The trip balance is due 60 days before the departure date.
Single supplement: $ 280 for 4 nights hotel / $350 for an 11-night teahouse stay
For solo hotel and/or teahouse stays, a single supplement fee applies.

Private tours with your date of choice are available upon request.

For questions, send us an email at equity@browngaltrekker.com.
Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS and LIABILITY WAIVER before booking.

Click on BOOK NOW to reserve your spot!

BOOK NOW

INCLUSIONS

3-night hotel stay in Kathmandu with breakfast.
1-night hotel stay in Pokhara with breakfast.
Round-trip airport pick up and drop off.
Full day tour in Kathmandu.
Accommodation & three meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek in tea houses.
Ground transport to the start of the trek.
Ground transport from Pokhara to Kathmandu at the end of the trek.
Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Guide and porter salaries.
Guide and porter insurances.
Travel costs for porters.
National Park entry fee.
Trekking Information Management Service (TIMS) fees.
Trip preparation meetings and resources including gear list.
EXCLUSIONS
International airfare.
Visa fee.
Laundry and dry cleaning services.
Water, beverages & snacks outside of the itinerary.
Tips for guides and porters.
Internet and phone services during the trek.
Hot shower fees during trek.
Travel & medical insurance.
Non-scheduled meals in Kathmandu.
Trekking equipment (available as rentals).
Any other expenses outside of the scheduled itinerary.

GEAR LIST The gear list will be provided to confirmed participants. Please note that the gear list is comprehensive and covers all seasons as the weather is unpredictable in the Himalayas.

FLIGHTS

International flights are excluded. You must fly to Kathmandu Airport from your home country. Clients must book their own flights and send a copy of their flight itinerary by e-mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

After making a deposit, you are required to obtain appropriate travel and medical evacuation insurance through Global Rescue. Proof of travel insurance must be provided via electronic mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date. Failure to obtain travel insurance by the trip balance due date will result in cancellation and no refund of your trip deposit and/or applicable cancellation fees as noted in the Terms & Conditions.

Note: If you opt to buy your insurance from a company other than what we recommend, please ensure that the insurance you purchase covers high-altitude trekking as there is a limited number of companies that provides such type of coverage.

VISA & VACCINATIONS

Please check ahead of time as to the visa requirements. You are responsible for securing your own visa if required. Check the CDC website for up-to-date information on vaccine requirements.

COVID-19 TRAVEL CONDITIONS

Please consult with the U.S. State Department, the CDC website, or the website of your embassy for up-to-date information on travel.

TRIP NOTES

Upon booking, you will receive trip notes that include the recommended gear list and specific trek information.

Annapurna Circuit Trek - WOMEN ONLY (16 days / 15 nights)