1 daysEasy4,130 mAnnapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour — 1 Day
From / person
$900




Duration
10 days
From
$1,150/person
Max Altitude
5,416 m
Difficulty
Challenging
Starts
Besisahar (drive from Pokhara)
Group Size
2–12 People
Stay
Tea House
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Best Season
Oct–Nov, Mar–May
Scenic 5-hour drive northwest along the Marsyangdi river to Besisahar (760 m), then continue by jeep or trek to Bahundanda for the first night in the Marsyangdi valley.
The 10-day Annapurna Circuit is our compressed highland circuit — the same Thorong La crossing (5,416 m), Manang valley acclimatisation, and Jomsom flight exit as the full 14-day programme, achieved in 10 days by jeeping from Besisahar to Chame to skip the lower circuit and maintaining a steady (not rushed) pace in the mountains. It is appropriate for fit trekkers with prior altitude experience who have 10 days and don't want to spend them on the lower circuit's jeep-track sections.
The itinerary reaches Manang on day 4 (via Chame and Pisang), takes one full acclimatisation day before the Thorong La crossing, and crosses the pass on day 6 for a night at Muktinath. The descent to Jomsom on day 7 ends with the mountain flight to Pokhara — completing the circuit in the most time-efficient way that still respects the altitude physiology of the high section.
One acclimatisation day (at Manang, 3,519 m) is non-negotiable even on this compressed schedule. The Thorong La at 5,416 m requires adequate preparation; rushing the acclimatisation stage below it is the primary cause of Thorong La failures on short-itinerary circuits.
Prior altitude experience: Required (3,500+ m preferred). Best seasons: October–November and March–May. Max altitude: Thorong La 5,416 m.
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Best season. Stable skies, perfect temperatures, dramatic mountain colours. November can be cold at Thorong La — dress accordingly.
Spring (Mar–May)
Excellent. Rhododendrons in bloom on lower sections, good visibility. Pass fully open by April. Slightly warmer than autumn.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Thorong La may be snowed in (5,416 m). Possible for experienced trekkers in good weather windows. Very cold on the pass and Manang plateau.
Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Not recommended for the circuit. Heavy rain, slippery trails, poor visibility. Consider Upper Mustang instead.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
USD 30Single-entry. Required for the full circuit.
TIMS Card
USD 20Required for all trekkers.
Manang District Checkpoint
Included in ACAPYour guide carries all permits.
All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.
A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
On the Trail
Your Himalaya Awaits
Private departures on any date, a hand-picked NMA guide, and an itinerary built around you. Tell us your dates — we usually reply within a few hours.
$1,150
/ person · all-inclusive