High pass, big views, and solid support. This Private Annapurna Circuit trek is built around the Thorong La Pass crossing, with enough structure to keep you moving smart while you pass Gurung and Magar villages, monasteries, and Himalayan scenery.

I love the way this trip handles the boring stuff for you, from ACAP permit and TIMS to meals and pre/post-trek hotels. I also like the human touch: the guide support is flexible, and past Annapurna Circuit groups have talked about guides adapting the pace to match real conditions, not just a fixed plan.

One drawback to plan for: this is still a serious high-altitude trek. At the top you’ll hit 5,416m, and there’s no porter included, so you’ll want to pack light and be realistic about your fitness.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Thorong La Pass at 5,416m (non-technical crossing): Challenging, but you don’t need technical climbing skills.
• Manang acclimatization built in: Two nights there helps you adjust before the big day.
• Meals and essentials included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek keep energy steady.
• Gear included: Trekking poles and crampons are part of the package.
• Foot massage after trekking: A simple recovery bonus after the hardest days.
• Private group experience: Only your group participates, with pickup offered and organized transport segments.

Kathmandu Setup: Your Trek Starts With Clear Ground Rules

Day 1 is all about getting you oriented in Kathmandu. You’ll be greeted by the MTA Trekking representative and moved to a deluxe budget hotel, then get a short briefing so you understand how the trip flows and what to watch for as altitude creeps up.

This is a good approach because Annapurna logistics can feel confusing if you’re doing it on your own. Having your first night taken care of also means you can focus on getting sleep, buying anything you forgot, and drinking enough fluids before the long travel days.

If you arrive tired or anxious, this first briefing matters more than people think. You’re not climbing mountains yet, but you’re learning the rhythm that keeps a high-altitude trek safer and calmer.

Getting to Besisahar: Rural Views and a Simple Start

On Day 2, you travel from Kathmandu to Besisahar (Lamjung) via public transportation. The ride takes about 4–5 hours and gives you that Nepal road feel: rural scenery, small towns, and an easy on-ramp to the trekking mindset.

Then you check into the hotel in Besisahar and keep the rest of the afternoon free. That flexibility is useful because you might need to confirm gear, handle last-minute questions, or just let your body settle after travel.

The one thing to consider here is that public transport isn’t private. Even though the trek itself is private (only your group), the early travel day can still feel shared and less controlled than a fully private transfer would be.

Chame and Pisang: Forest Steps, Prayer Flags, and Suspension Bridge Energy

Day 3 drives you from Besisahar to Chame in about 2–3 hours, passing Gurung and Magar villages plus pine and rhododendron forests. You stop at Dharapani to register for trekking permits, then continue to Chame to check into a trekking lodge for a home-cooked meal.

Day 3 is a practical “wake-up” day. You’re moving into trekking country, but not yet at the pass. You’ll get a taste of the culture and the daily mountain infrastructure without being thrown into the deep end.

Day 4 hikes from Chame to Pisang (about 4–5 hours). Expect apple orchards, rhododendron and conifer forests, and suspension bridges decorated with colorful prayer flags. You also get views of Paungda Danda, a flatter-topped peak that’s less famous than the big names but still rewarding.

The potential drawback: this is a lot of moving early in the itinerary. If you start too fast, you’ll feel it later. Keep your first days easy, and let your legs find their pace.

From Pisang to Manang: Monastery Views and Time to Adjust

Day 5 hikes from Pisang to Manang (about 5–6 hours). The route goes through evergreen forests and past villages like Humde and Braga, including a stop for the old Braga monastery. You’ll also have views around Gangapurna, Pisang Peak, and the Annapurnas, with a chance of alpine lakes along the way.

Manang is where this trek starts feeling “properly high.” You arrive in the afternoon and stay at a trekking lodge, with enough time to explore and acclimatize.

Day 6 is your acclimatization day in Manang. You rest, restock supplies, and eat at town restaurants if you want variety. You may also take an optional day hike toward Gangapurna Lake or Kicho Tal for mountain views, then return to your lodge.

This pause is not just a bonus. It’s one of the smartest safety moves you can make for Thorong La. Spending two nights in Manang lets your body adjust before you push toward 4,000m+ and eventually 5,416m.

Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi: 4,000 to 4,600m and Bridge Crossings

Day 7 takes you from Manang to Yak Kharka (around 4 hours). The trail crosses several suspension bridges, and you’ll be trekking around 4,000 meters. The goal isn’t heroics; it’s steady breathing and controlled effort.

That teahouse stop at Yak Kharka is small and quiet, with a bakery and classic teahouse accommodations. It’s the kind of place where you’ll likely spend more time sipping hot drinks and planning tomorrow than taking lots of photos.

Day 8 continues to Thorong Phedi (about 4–5 hours). You’re now around 4,600 meters, and you’ll cross another dramatic suspension bridge that feels almost unreal.

Thorong Phedi is the staging point for the pass. If the weather is clear, you’ll see big ranges like Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the Annapurnas from here. If it’s not clear, you’ll still have a reason to stay focused: sleep, hydrate, and get ready for a long day.

Thorong La Day: The 5,416m Moment and Muktinath Calm

Day 9 is the main event: crossing Thorong La Pass, at 5,416 meters. The hike is long and strenuous (about 8 hours), but it’s a non-technical pass crossing, which means you’re not using ropes or rock-climbing skills. Still, altitude is altitude, and that’s what makes it tough.

From the pass, you can see major peaks like Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. Then you descend to Muktinath, a sacred town for both Hindus and Buddhists. The shift from “achieving height” to “walking into a spiritual town” is a nice reset for your mind.

Practical advice: plan on the pass day feeling slower than you expect. Even with crampons and trekking poles, your body will likely reward patience more than speed.

Jomsom to Pokhara: Finish Strong Through Kali Gandaki Country

Day 10 moves you from Thorong-region trekking toward Jomsom (about 5 hours). This section is about keeping momentum and settling into a lower-stakes rhythm after the pass.

Day 11 brings you to Pokhara, with varied scenery along the way—from arid mountain country into greener valleys. You’ll pass through Kali Gandaki Gorge, traditional villages, terraced fields, and get views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

This end day matters because it helps you transition from “survival mode” to normal travel life. You’ll likely feel sore, but your brain will be in celebration mode too.

Price and Value: What $1,150 Buys You (and What It Doesn’t)

At $1,150 per person for an approx. 11-day private trek, the value comes from what’s included and how that reduces decision fatigue.

You get meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner during the trek) plus hotel nights: one before the trek in Kathmandu area, one after the trek, and an additional Pokhara hotel night after you finish walking. Permits are included too: ACAP permit and TIMS, along with all fees and taxes. You’ll also have an experienced guide and included gear—trekking poles and crampons—which can be a real cost saver if you’re renting.

One-hour foot massage after the trek is also a thoughtful included recovery touch. After days of steep trails, your feet will appreciate anything that loosens them up.

What’s not included is important: travel and rescue insurance, tips for guides/porters, bottled/boiled water, laundry, bar bills, and showers. Also, a porter isn’t included, so you’re carrying your own load unless you arrange otherwise.

If you want the true value, travel light and pack smart. If you overpack, you’ll feel it on summit day.

Meals, Lodges, and the Real Comfort Level You Should Expect

You’ll eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek, with lodge and teahouse stays along the route. The itinerary calls out trekking lodges in places like Chame, Pisang, and Manang, and teahouses in Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi.

This matters because high-altitude accommodations are part of the experience. You’re not paying for a luxury resort vibe here. You’re paying for a functioning base for sleep, warmth, and meals while you climb.

Also, since bottled/boiled water isn’t included, plan your hydration strategy before you get tired and thirsty at altitude. Hot drinks will help, but you still need water intake for acclimatization.

Who This Private Annapurna Circuit Trek Fits Best

This trek suits you if you have moderate physical fitness and you’re ready for altitude plus long hiking days, especially the pass crossing day and the sustained time around 4,000m+. The itinerary’s pacing includes acclimatization in Manang, which is a strong match for first-time high-pass trekkers who want structure without being babied.

It’s also a good choice if you value cultural contact and a guided rhythm. The route passes through communities and religious sites, including a monastery stop in Braga and Muktinath after Thorong La.

If you hate planning, you’ll like this. Most permits, meals, and key overnight logistics are handled. If you’re the type who wants to go ultralight with a flexible schedule, this private setup can still work well, but only if you take the pack weight seriously.

Should You Book This Private Annapurna Circuit Trek?

I’d book it if your goal is the full Annapurna Circuit experience with a focus on Thorong La Pass, organized logistics, and a safety-minded acclimatization plan through Manang. The included gear, permits, and meals reduce costs and stress, and the itinerary gives you realistic staging time for a difficult day.

I’d think twice if you know you dislike early starts, long days, or carrying your own load. There’s no porter included, and Thorong La day is not a walk in the park, even without technical climbing.

If you want an Annapurna Circuit that feels planned but still grounded, this one’s a solid bet.

FAQ

What is the highest point on this trek?

The highest point is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters.

How long is the Private Annapurna Circuit trek?

It’s listed as 11 days (approx.).

Are trekking permits included?

Yes. The package includes an ACAP permit and TIMS.

What meals are included during the trekking days?

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included during the trek (breakfast 10 times, lunch 9 times, dinner 11 times).

Do I get trekking poles and crampons?

Yes. Trekking poles and crampons are included.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered.

Is travel and rescue insurance included?

No. Travel and rescue insurance is not included.

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