Key Strengths
A trek through a cultural mix of different ethnic groups in Nepal.
The highlight of this trek is Thorong-la pass with an elevation of 5416m.
One can experience a gentle ritual in Muktinath.
A day at the hot spring in Tatopani.
A stunning view of the entire Himalayan range from Manaslu to Dhaulagiri from Punhill
Grand Annapurna Circuit with Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
Discovering the Annapurnas: A trek in the heart of the Himalayas
Nepal: From sacred cities to snow-capped peaks
A journey between ancient culture and Himalayan peaks
This unique 26-day journey immerses you in the heart of Nepal, a land of vibrant spirituality, cultural diversity, and high-altitude adventure. From the mythical Kathmandu Valley to the breathtaking panoramas of the Annapurna massif, you will experience a journey that is at once human, physical, and profoundly spiritual.
The Kathmandu Valley: Cradle of traditions and living gods
Your journey begins in the Kathmandu Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Three ancient royal capitals— Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur —reveal their treasures: sumptuous palaces, Hindu temples, and Buddhist stupas with piercing gazes. You will encounter the Kumari, a living goddess, stroll through Durbar Square, and visit Pashupatinath and Bodhnath, sacred spiritual sites in Nepal. This immersion in the cultural heart of the country prepares you for a mountain imbued with the same fervor.
On the trails of the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake: The call of the altitude
From the village of Dharapani begins one of the world’s most iconic treks: the Annapurna Circuit , enhanced here by a spectacular variant that includes Lake Tilicho , Nepal’s highest mountain lake (4,920 m). Each day, you’ll walk alongside glacial rivers, through pine forests, and past villages perched high in the mountains, inhabited by the Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi peoples.
The views are breathtaking: Annapurna II , Gangapurna , Tilicho Peak , and Dhaulagiri rise like silent giants. You will cross the legendary Thorong La pass (5,416 m) , a true physical challenge and a moment of visual ecstasy, before descending to Muktinath , a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Mardi Himal: A wild ridge facing Machhapuchhre. After the classic traverse of the massif, the route continues towards a more secluded and spectacular itinerary: the Mardi Himal trek . Ascending slowly towards High Camp (3,600 m) and then Base Camp at 4,500 m , you will climb the narrow ridges facing Machhapuchhre , a sacred mountain nicknamed “Fishtail” because of its distinctive silhouette. This more intimate and wild trek offers breathtaking sunrises over the surrounding peaks.
Pokhara and back to Kathmandu: A gentle transition back to civilization
After your exertions, you’ll enjoy the tranquility of Pokhara , a city on the shores of Phewa Lake, a place for relaxation and contemplation. Cultural visits, mountain views, and a peaceful atmosphere conclude your Himalayan adventure. The return to Kathmandu marks the end of this extraordinary loop, with a final free day to stroll, meditate… or perhaps already dream of returning.
A journey for the soul, body and heart
This journey is an invitation to introspection, to raw beauty , and to encountering others in landscapes that inspire humility. It is a sporting challenge, certainly, but also a path to wonder, accessible to any motivated trekker, well-prepared and accompanied by an experienced local guide.
Answer the call of the Himalayas
From the sanctuaries of Kathmandu to the vertiginous passes of the Annapurna Circuit, passing through the sacred waters of Lake Tilicho and the peaks of Mardi Himal, this journey is an ode to the mountains and to humanity. An adventure that will transform you, forever.
Door: 01ANNA
Daily Schedule
Day 01: Arrival and welcome at Kathmandu airport and transfer to the hotel.
Day 02: Guided tour of the Kathmandu Valley and transport included.
A day trip to Kathmandu, including historical sites such as the ancient city of Kathmandu and the Kumari (living goddess), the former royal palace, and the numerous temples of Durbar Square, the heart of Hinduism; Pashupatinath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in Asia; Bodhnath and its Tibetan quarter; and Swayambhunath, a magnificent stupa steeped in the mythology of the Kathmandu Valley’s origins. Overnight in Kathmandu, standard hotel.
Day 3: A day of sightseeing in Patan, the third ancient capital of the Malla dynasty, including the Royal Palace, the Krishna Temple, the Golden Temple, the Temple of a Thousand Buddhas, and in the late afternoon, a visit to Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visits include the ancient 17th-century Royal Palace, the Temple of the Golden Gate (an exceptional five-story temple), Nyatapole, and Dattatreya.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu, standard hotel.
Day 04: Transfer to the bus station and bus journey from Kathmandu to Benishahar, 6/7 hours and shared jeep to Dharapani: 1860 m, 3/4 hours. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 05: Dharapani-Chame: 2,670 m, 6/7 hours.
Day 06: Chame-Pisang: 3,133, 6/7 hours.
Day 07: Pisang-Manang 3,540m via Ghyaru, 3,670m and Ngawal 3,660m, 7 hours.
Day 08: Rest day in Manang: Excursion to Kicha Tal (Ice lake) 4,600m, 6 hours.
Day 09: Manang-Tilicho base camp 4,150m, 5 hours.
Day 10: Tilicho Base Camp – Tilicho Lake, 4,920m – Thare Gompa 4,000m, 6/7 hours.
Day 11: Thare Gompa- Letdar: 4,200m, 5 hours.
Day 12: Letdar-Thorong Phedi: 4,450m, 5/6 hours.
Day 13: Thorong Phedi-Thorong Pass: 5,416m and Muktinath: 3,800m, 7/8 hours.
Day 14: Muktinath-Jomsom: 2,713m and Marpha: 2,667m, 7/8 hours.
Day 15: Marpha-Tatopani by local bus: 1,189m, 6 hours.
Day 16: Tatopani-Shikha: 1,920m- Ghorepani: 2,880m, 7/8 hours.
Day 17: Ghorepani-Punhill: 3,210m and Tadapani: 2,800m, 7/8 hours.
Day 18: Tadapani-Ghyandruk: 1,900m and Landruk: 1,565m, 6/7 hours.
Day 19: Landruk-Forest camp: 2550m, 5/6 hours.
Day 20: Forest Camp – High camp: 3,600m, 5/6 hours.
Day 21: High camp-Upper view point: 4,450m-Mardi Himal base camp: 4,500m-High camp: 3,600m, 6/7 hours.
Day 22: High camp- Low camp: 2,970m-Sidhing: 1700m and cummin jeep to Pokhara: 800m.
Day 23: Sightseeing day in Pokhara including Devi’s fall, Gupteshwor gufa, Tibetan refugee camp and Shanti Stupa.
Day 24: Tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu and transfer back to the same hotel.
Day 25: Free day in Kathmandu.
Day 26: Transfer to Kathmandu airport or to another program.
The price includes:
Trekking:
The entire trek includes full board.
Accommodation and meals in the lodges (good quality local food, the guide orders the meals).
All transport (to/from the trek location and during the trek), Kathmandu-Bensishahar bus, Bensishahar-Dharapani jeep, Marpha-Tatopani bus, Shidhing-Pokhara jeep and Pokhara-Kathmandu tourist bus.
Accompaniment by a professional French-speaking guide.
One carrier for 2 people (maximum 22 kg for 2 people).
Trekking and national parks permit and Punhill entrance.
All necessary transfers.
In Kathmandu:
Airport reception, airport welcome and transfer to hotel/airport.
5 nights in a standard, quality hotel with breakfast included. Shower. Hot water. Very quiet hotel with a restaurant, located 2 minutes from Thamel.
Two days of guided and accompanied tour in the Kathmandu Valley with a French-speaking cultural guide and private vehicle.
French-speaking professional guide.
All necessary transport.
In Pokhara:
Standard quality hotel 2/3 stars near the lake with breakfast.
Guided tour to the indicated locations with trekking guide and transport.
The price does not include:
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Drinks (except tea or coffee at breakfast)
Travel insurance (accident/helicopter repatriation) must be purchased in your country of origin.
Entrance fees to monuments, cities and museums (for visits in major cities)
The Nepalese visa.
Tips.