Annapurna Seven Passes Trek - Epic 24-Day Himalayan Adventure

Annapurna Seven Passes

The Annapurna Seven Passes Trek is a demanding and extraordinary journey designed for experienced trekkers and adventure seekers. This extensive trek goes beyond the standard circuits, traversing off-the-beaten-path trails and crossing seven formidable high mountain passes, including Thorong La (5,416m), Kang La (5,320m), and Meso Kanto La (5,121m). It encompasses the diverse landscapes of the Annapurna region, from lush subtropical valleys to the arid, Tibetan-like terrain of Manang and Mustang. Trekkers are rewarded with absolute solitude in remote areas, profound cultural encounters with isolated mountain communities, and staggering, panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges. This is the ultimate test of endurance and a truly once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan expedition.

Annapurna Seven Passes Trek

Signature Experiences

Expedition Highlights

Cross seven challenging high-altitude passes, pushing your limits in the Himalayas.

Trek through diverse terrains, from lush jungles to the stark, high-altitude desert of Mustang.

Experience genuine remoteness and solitude on less-traveled trails in the Annapurna region.

Witness spectacular, uninterrupted views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tilicho Peak.

Visit the pristine Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world.

Trail Logs & Itinerary

Arrival Day Elev: 1,400 m

• Welcome upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
• Private transfer to hotel; trek briefing, document check, and gear preparation.
• Free evening to explore vibrant local markets in Thamel.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Trek Preparation and Briefing.
• Gear check, permit acquisition, and an extensive briefing about the 7 passes trek.
• Arrive at Preparation and Briefing; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Scenic Drive Elev: 2,710 m

• Scenic drive through winding river valleys, terrace fields, and rural townships.
• Countryside vistas featuring rolling hills and distant snowcapped peaks.
• Arrive at Chame; evening dinner, team briefing, and overnight lodge stay.

Trekking Day Elev: 3,300 m

• Trail route: Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300 m).
• Trek through deep pine forests and dramatic rocky landscapes to Upper Pisang.
• Arrive at Upper Pisang; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Trekking Day Elev: 3,660 m

• Trail route: Trek to Ngawal (3,660 m) via Ghyaru.
• Take the high route via Ghyaru for stunning views of Annapurna II and IV.
• Arrive at Ngawal; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Trekking Day Elev: 3,540 m

• Trail route: Trek from Ngawal to Manang (3,540 m).
• Early start to cross our first pass, Kang La, offering spectacular views, then descend to Manang.
• Arrive at Manang; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Acclimatization Day

• Active acclimatization hike to elevated ridge viewpoints around in Manang.
• Breathtaking 360-degree mountain panoramas and exploration of local culture.
• Restful afternoon, hydration, and leisurely walk around the settlement.

Trekking Day Elev: 3,734 m

• Trail route: Trek from Manang to Khangsar (3,734 m).
• Leave the main Annapurna circuit and head towards the Tilicho region.
• Arrive at Khangsar; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Trekking Day Elev: 4,150 m

• Trail route: Trek from Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m).
• Trek along a precarious landslide area to reach Tilicho Base Camp.
• Arrive at Tilicho Base Camp; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Trekking Day Elev: 4,919 m

• Early pre-dawn start to cross Visit Tilicho La before afternoon high winds.
• Challenging high-altitude ascent rewarded with breathtaking summit panoramas.
• Steady descent to valley floor; celebratory dinner and overnight at mountain lodge.

High Pass Crossing Elev: 5,340 m

• Early pre-dawn start to cross Cross Eastern Pass before afternoon high winds.
• Challenging high-altitude ascent rewarded with breathtaking summit panoramas.
• Steady descent to valley floor; celebratory dinner and overnight at mountain lodge.

High Pass Crossing Elev: 5,121 m / 2,720 m

• Early pre-dawn start to cross Cross Meso Kanto La Pass before afternoon high winds.
• Challenging high-altitude ascent rewarded with breathtaking summit panoramas.
• Steady descent to valley floor; celebratory dinner and overnight at mountain lodge.

Acclimatization Day

• Active acclimatization hike to elevated ridge viewpoints around Jomsom.
• Breathtaking 360-degree mountain panoramas and exploration of local culture.
• Restful afternoon, hydration, and leisurely walk around the settlement.

Trekking Day Elev: 2,800 m

• Trail route: Trek to Kagbeni (2,800 m).
• Trek north along the Kali Gandaki riverbed to the fortress town of Kagbeni.
• Arrive at Kagbeni; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Trekking Day Elev: 3,800 m

• Trail route: Trek to Muktinath (3,800 m).
• Ascend to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath.
• We climb higher into the Marsyangdi or Kali Gandaki valley, where the landscape transitions into a dry, alpine rain-shadow area.

Trekking Day Elev: 2,670 m

• Trail route: Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2,670 m).
• Climb to the legendary Thorong La pass, the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit, and descend to Thorong Phedi.
• Today is the ultimate challenge.

Trekking Day Elev: 2,530 m

• Trail route: Trek from Marpha to Kalopani (2,530 m).
• Descend into the valley and trek towards Ledar.
• Arrive at Kalopani; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Trekking Day Elev: 1,190 m

• Trail route: Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1,190 m).
• Ascend towards the Chulu range and camp at Chulu West Base Camp.
• Arrive at Tatopani; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Trekking Day Elev: 2,860 m

• Trail route: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,860 m).
• Cross another high-altitude pass in the region and descend to Yak Kharka.
• Arrive at Ghorepani; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Trekking Day Elev: 3,210 m / 1,540 m

• Trail route: Hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m), Trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540 m).
• Short trek as we navigate back towards the main trails.
• Arrive at Tikhedhunga; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Scenic Drive

• Trail route: Trek to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara.
• Return to Thorong Phedi.
• Arrive at Pokhara; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Explore Pokhara.
• Take an early morning scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
• Arrive at Pokhara; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Scenic Drive

• Scenic drive through winding river valleys, terrace fields, and rural townships.
• Countryside vistas featuring rolling hills and distant snowcapped peaks.
• Arrive at Kathmandu; evening dinner, team briefing, and overnight lodge stay.

Departure Day

• Leisure breakfast at hotel; free time for last-minute souvenir shopping.
• Optional exploration of Kathmandu's historic Durbar Squares.
• Private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight.

Annapurna Seven Passes Trek

Inclusions

Airport pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle.
Standard teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek.
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek.
An experienced, English-speaking, and government-licensed trekking guide.
Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers).
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (TIMS, National Park Fees).
A comprehensive medical kit carried by the guide.
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu to celebrate the successful trek.

Exclusions

International flight airfare.
Nepal entry visa fee (obtainable on arrival at Kathmandu airport).
Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory).
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters).
Tips for guide and porters (customary but not mandatory).

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits are required for trekking in the Annapurna region?

You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card. Our team secures these for you in Kathmandu before the trek, and they are covered by your booking fee.

How do we travel from Kathmandu to the Annapurna region?

The gateway is Pokhara. You can either take a scenic 25-minute domestic flight or a 6-to-8 hour tourist bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, we take private jeeps to the specific trailheads.

What is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit?

The highest point is the Thorong La Pass, situated at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 ft). It is a challenging day of walking but offers unforgettable panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Are ATMs available in the Annapurna region?

ATMs are available in Pokhara, Besisahar, and Jomsom. However, on the mountain trail itself, there are no banking facilities. You must carry sufficient cash in Nepalese Rupees to cover daily personal expenses.

What is the accommodation style in Annapurna teahouses?

Annapurna teahouses are cozy, family-run mountain lodges. Most have twin-share rooms with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets. Many lower-altitude teahouses now offer attached bathrooms, hot showers, and Wi-Fi.

Is altitude sickness common in the Annapurna region?

Altitude sickness can affect anyone above 2,500 meters. Our itineraries feature safe ascent rates and dedicated rest days. Our guides monitor oxygen saturation levels daily to ensure everyone acclimatizes correctly.

How do I access clean drinking water on the trail?

To limit single-use plastic waste, we discourage buying plastic water bottles. Instead, fill your reusable bottles with boiled water from teahouses or tap water treated with purification tablets or UV purifiers.