Annapurna Seven Pass Trek
The Annapurna Seven High Passes Trek is ideal for adventurous trekkers seeking a challenging journey through the Himalayan wilderness. This trek offers a combination of high-altitude adventure, cultural exploration, and remote natural beauty, crossing seven major mountain passes in the Annapurna region.
Overview of the Trek
The 23-day Annapurna Seven High Passes Trek provides a unique blend of natural and cultural experiences. Trekkers navigate seven high passes, four of which exceed 5,000 meters, experiencing remote landscapes and traditional communities rarely visited by outsiders. The route includes camping, homestays, and teahouses, offering a mix of comfort and adventure. Secluded settlements like Naar and Phu, previously restricted, are now accessible, providing trekkers with an authentic Himalayan experience.
The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani, situated on the banks of the Marshyangdi River. From Dharapani, the journey continues to Tilche, passing waterfalls, rivers, and verdant landscapes, before proceeding to Tache and Shongle villages. The route then ascends through Kuchumro Phedi, Yarcha Pass, and Kuchumro Pass to Namakyu Village, followed by Meta Pass to Meta Village and onward to Phu Village. Nar and Phu Valley, once restricted, are now open for trekking, offering trekkers an opportunity to explore these hidden regions.
From Phu Village, the trek continues across Phu Pass and Nar Pass to Nar Village. The route then ascends to Kang La Phedi and crosses Kang La Pass, leading to Ngawal and then to Manang. From Manang, the trail passes through Yak Kharka and Thorong High Camp, before crossing Thorong La Pass to reach Muktinath. Thorong La Pass offers breathtaking views of the northern Annapurna, Damodar, Bhrikuti, and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trek concludes in Jomsom, from where a flight to Pokhara is available, followed by a drive back to Kathmandu.
Experience and Scenery
The Annapurna Seven High Passes Trek takes trekkers through some of Nepal’s most remote and striking landscapes. Seven high passes, including four above 5,000 meters, are crossed during the 23-day journey. Trekkers enjoy a rare combination of challenging terrain, pristine alpine nature, secluded valleys, and traditional communities. The trek also features vibrant rhododendron forests, especially in spring (March to May), and is most suitable for autumn trekking (September to November). Winter trekking is more challenging due to snow and harsh weather conditions.
What to Expect
- Cross seven high mountain passes in the Annapurna region, including four above 5,000 meters and three above 4,000 meters.
- Experience stunning mountain vistas, serene landscapes, and remote settlements.
- Explore the hidden valleys of Nar and Phu and visit historic villages.
- Observe local Tibetan-influenced culture, monasteries, and artifacts.
- Encounter Nepal’s unique flora and fauna and possibly spot red pandas in remote forests.
- The trek is physically demanding, requiring proper acclimatization and preparation to prevent altitude sickness.
Suitability
The Annapurna Seven High Passes Trek is recommended for experienced and well-prepared trekkers. It is ideal for those who have previously completed treks such as Annapurna Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit and are seeking a more challenging adventure. Beginners are discouraged due to the high altitudes and strenuous nature of the trek.
Highlights of the Annapurna Seven High Passes Trek
- Trek through seven high mountain passes, crossing mystical valleys and historic settlements: Kuchumro Pass (4,900 m), Yarcha Pass (4,834 m), Meta Pass (4,635 m), Phu Pass (5,043 m), Naar Pass (5,390 m), Kang La Pass (5,300 m), and Thorong La Pass (5,416 m).
- Enjoy spectacular views of alpine meadows while avoiding crowds and traffic.
- Visit the secluded Nar Phu Valley, the sacred Muktinath Temple, and Jomsom, the gateway to Upper Mustang’s restricted Kingdom of Lo Manthang.
- Witness pristine snow-covered mountains, serene landscapes, and untouched wilderness.
- Experience the sunrise from Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the Annapurna Seven High Passes Trek.
- Immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Tibetan-influenced communities, exploring historic monasteries and artifacts.
- Enjoy panoramic views of three of the world’s fourteen 8,000-meter peaks, including Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Mt. Annapurna I, along with numerous other majestic summits.
- Take in breathtaking sights during the alpine flight from Jomsom across one of the world’s deepest valleys.
Preparation
Physical and mental preparation is essential. Trekkers should begin training months in advance, focusing on endurance, strength, and hill walking with a backpack. Carrying a 6–12 kg pack while hiking on uneven terrain for 6–7 hours daily will help prepare the body. Acclimatization strategies are critical to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. Mental readiness is equally important, as the trek involves long days, variable weather, and high-altitude challenges.
With proper preparation, the Annapurna Seven High Passes Trek offers an unforgettable adventure, combining the grandeur of the Himalayas with Tibetan-influenced culture and remote alpine landscapes.
Fixed Departure Dates
| Trip Date | Seats Remaining | |
|---|---|---|
| October 21 - January 1 | 10 Seats Left | Book Now |
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,275 m)
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will complete the necessary customs and visa formalities. Our representative will be waiting at the arrival gate holding an Everest View Treks and Expedition sign. You will then be transferred to Hotel Marshyangdi or a hotel of similar category. Overnight stay includes breakfast.
Drive to Tal (Approx. 10 Hours)
After an early morning breakfast, we begin our drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar via the paved road. A lunch stop will be made in Besisahar where we change vehicles and continue the journey in a Jeep as the road beyond this point becomes less accessible. Along the way, we pass through the checkpoint at Khudi Gaon, cross several iron bridges and pass a tunnel constructed during the building of a 50 MW hydroelectric project by the Chinese government.
We make a short stop at Chyamje to enjoy tea and view a scenic waterfall before continuing along the bumpy road to Tal. This picturesque Gurung village, located on the banks of the Marshyangdi River, has approximately 300 inhabitants and offers comfortable lodges. Overnight stay at a guesthouse with meals included (B/L/D).
Trek to Tilje (2,300 m) – 6 to 7 Hours
After breakfast, we begin our trek through the village, following the side of the Marshyangdi River as it flows through the valley. After approximately two hours of walking, we reach Khotro (2,200 m), from where we begin an uphill climb toward Nache (2,200 m), taking around 2.5 hours.
Nache is a small hilltop village with about 40 households and a few homestays. We stop here for lunch before continuing with a short descent to a 130-meter-long suspension bridge. One of the highlights of the day is crossing this bridge, which offers panoramic views of the villages of Bagarchap, Dharapani, and Timang along the Marshyangdi corridor.
The trek continues through a pine forest where we can visit a small monastery, then we follow the trail to meet a motorable road and cross another small suspension bridge before arriving at Tilje. Tilje is a small village also used as an overnight stop on the Manaslu trek route. Overnight stay at a guesthouse with meals included (B/L/D).
Trek to Tachai (2,340 m) – 5 Hours
Today, we begin our trek through the village and cross a small Bailey bridge. After walking for approximately 20 minutes, we take a short detour to visit a stalagmite cave, a small cave believed to have been a meditation site for lamas.
Returning to the main trail, we continue through pine forests and cornfields until we reach a suspension bridge. A brief 10-minute walk brings us to a resting spot, after which we trek through the forest for about one hour to arrive at Tachai, a small Gurung village perched on a hilltop.
Tachai has around 28 homestays where we will spend the night. A hot spring is also located about a 20-minute walk from the village. Overnight stay at a teahouse with meals included (B/L/D).
Trek to Shongle (3,360 m) – 8 Hours
We begin our trek today with stunning views of the surrounding villages, including Ghelinchok, and looking back, we can admire Tachai, where we spent the previous night. Today’s trek is moderately strenuous as we ascend uphill from the village for approximately two and a half hours, reaching the saddle of Chonga Dada (3,282 m). Along the way, there is a chance to observe wildlife such as Himalayan Griffons and monkeys.
After a short rest, we descend through pine forests to reach the Chonga River. The trail continues along the river upstream with a gradual ascent, crossing the river via a small wooden bridge. After about an hour, we stop for our first lunch prepared by the kitchen staff beside the river.
Continuing to gain altitude, we trek through pine and rhododendron forests to arrive at an open area at Shongle Kharka, where we spend the night in tents. Overnight stay with meals included (B/L/D).
Trek to Kuchumro Phedi (4,217 m) – 4 to 5 Hours
After breakfast prepared by our kitchen team, we begin our trek amid towering hills on both sides. After approximately 45 minutes of walking, we pass a small shepherd’s hut and continue our ascent toward Kuchumro Phedi, situated at an altitude of 4,217 m.
We set up camp here in preparation for the major climb the following day. Overnight stay at camp with meals included (B/L/D).
Trek to Namakyu (4,445 m) via Kuchumro Pass and Yarcha Pass – 10 Hours
Today is a long and challenging trek, primarily uphill, as we cross Kuchumro Pass and Yarcha Pass. The day begins with spectacular views of Manaslu to the east and Lamjung and Annapurna ranges to the west. After approximately 2.5 kilometers and three hours of walking, we reach the summit of Kuchumro Pass (4,900 m), where trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of Manaslu and the Lamjung range. Proper equipment such as gaiters and crampons is required to cross the snowy pass safely.
Following Kuchumro Pass, we descend for about 30 minutes before ascending again to Yarcha Pass (4,860 m). From Yarcha Pass, stunning views of Kangaru Himal (6,941 m) and Annapurna II unfold. We then descend to Namakyu (4,595 m), where we camp by the riverside with direct views of Lamjung Himal and Kangaru Himal. Overnight stay in a tent with meals included (B/L/D).
Trek to Meta (4,204 m) via Meta Pass (4,635 m) – 8 Hours
Wake up early to enjoy the stunning morning views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Gangapurna to the southwest with Kangaru Himal towering to the north. The clear sky and panoramic mountain scenery create the perfect ambience to begin the day.
After breakfast, we walk uphill for approximately 10 minutes then descend for 15 minutes to cross a small glacial river. The trail then gradually ascends with Annapurna II in front and Kangaru Himal behind. After about two hours, we are greeted by Pisang Peak rising majestically above Pisang Monastery and we continue a gradual ascent with Pisang Peak in view.
We reach Meta Pass (4,800 m) where a packed lunch is recommended due to limited water availability before the pass. Following lunch, we begin a long descent of approximately four hours toward Meta. We cross a river via a small bridge then ascend for about one hour to reach Meta, a small village with a few houses. Overnight stay at camp with meals included (B/L/D).
Trek to Phu (4,204 m) – 9 Hours
Today is a moderate but long trek. We begin early to witness the sunrise over Lamjung Himal to the south and Pisang Peak to the west. After breakfast, we start with a gradual and easy walk, enjoying views of Pisang Monastery across the hill.
After approximately 1.5 hours, we reach a Khampa settlement at Jhunum, which is now used as a winter residence by villagers of Nar. Continuing on, we cross a glacial river and arrive at another Khampa settlement at Chyakhu. We then trek gradually uphill and descend to a small Bailey bridge to cross the river, followed by a 20-minute ascent to Kyang, another Khampa settlement situated in a valley among rugged mountains. Lunch is taken here.
After lunch, the trail continues along a cliff-carved path with Phu River on the left for about three hours until we reach a wooden bridge. During the monsoon season, if the river is high, we stay on the same side instead of crossing. Approaching the final descent to Phu, we encounter a large canyon followed by a 15-minute uphill to reach the village gate. A 30-minute walk brings us to a suspension bridge, marking the official entrance to Phu Village. Overnight stay at camp with meals included (B/L/D).
We then cross Phu Pass and begin our descent to the base of the hill, crossing a small wooden bridge and continuing for another hour to reach today’s camp at Loang. A packed lunch is recommended due to limited water along the route. Overnight stay in a tent camp with meals included (B/L/D).
Trek to Loang (4,680 m) via Phu Pass (5,200 m) – 7 to 8 Hours
We begin the day with an early morning walk to Tashi Lakhang Monastery, an important Buddhist religious site. The visit takes approximately 30 minutes, after which we return for breakfast while enjoying panoramic views of Himlung Himal and Kangaru Himal.
Following breakfast, we start our trek through Phu Village, ascending through scree fields to gain approximately 1,000 meters in elevation above the village. Continuing along the trail, we reach a viewpoint offering clear views of Himlung, Bhrikuti, and Kangaru Himal. The final stretch to Phu Pass involves about one hour of moderate walking.
Trek to Chekchu (4,410 m) via Nar Pass (5,400 m) – 6 to 7 Hours
We wake up to breathtaking views of Himlung and Kangaru Himal. The trek begins with an ascent toward Nar Pass, with stunning views of Himlung and Kangaru Himal accompanying us throughout the three-hour climb. The scree fields near the pass make the final approach challenging, but upon reaching Nar Pass (5,400 m), we are rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Bhrikuti, Himlung, Kangaru to the east, and Chulu and the Annapurna range to the southwest.
After taking photographs and enjoying the scenery, we begin our descent, losing approximately 1,400 meters through scree fields to reach Chekchu, where we set up camp for the night. Overnight stay in a tent camp with meals included (B/L/D).
Trek to Nar Village (4,110 m) – 5 Hours
After breakfast, we begin with a descent of approximately one hour to reach a suspension bridge. From there, we ascend toward Nar Village for about two hours to reach the top.
Continuing for another 20 minutes, we arrive at a small valley surrounded by large hills with a cave formation at the top. A final steep ascent of about three hours brings us to the picturesque Nar Village, where we spend the night. Overnight stay in a tent camp with meals included (B/L/D).
Trek to Kangla Phedi (4,530 m) – 3 Hours
Today is an easy day. After breakfast, we explore Nar Village and its surroundings. Following lunch, we depart Nar Village and take a gentle walk through the Pisang Valley, with Pisang Peak on the left and other snow-capped mountains on the right.
After approximately three hours of trekking, we arrive at Kangla Phedi (4,530 m), where we set up camp in preparation for crossing the final pass the following day. Overnight stay in a tent camp with meals included (B/L/D).
Trek to Ngawal (3,360 m) via Kang La Pass (5,350 m)
We begin early in the morning, ascending toward Kang La Pass to reach the summit in time to enjoy spectacular views of Pisang Peak and Chulu Far East Peak before descending to Ngawal. The trek starts with a crossing of a small glacial stream, followed by a gradual ascent to the top ridge of Kang La over approximately three hours.
From the summit, we are rewarded with panoramic views of Annapurna, the Chulu range, and Lamjung Himal. The descent from Kang La Pass takes about three hours through scree fields and a wide valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. We arrive at Ngawal and spend the night at Ngawal Mountain Home, enjoying comfortable beds, hot showers, and delicious meals. Overnight stay at guest house with meals included (B/L/D).
Rest Day in Ngawal (3,360 m)
Today is a rest day in Ngawal. You can spend time exploring the village and interacting with the local community. Ngawal is a small village with a population of approximately 300 people and is one of the seven village development committees in the Manang district of Northern Nepal. Overnight stay at a guest house with meals included (B/L/D).
Trek to Manang (3,519 m) – 4 Hours
We continue along the south side of the river, ascending a long ridge that passes through Upper Pisang via Ngawal, offering spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna and Pisang Peak. Along the trail, we pass through pine forests, villages such as Braga and farming terraces. As we approach Manang, the climate becomes colder and drier. Overnight stay at a guest house with meals included (B/L/D).
Trek to Letdar (4,250 m) – 5 to 6 Hours
We continue our trek, ascending steadily toward Thorong La Pass. The trail passes through Tenki and gradually leaves the Marshyangdi Valley, following the Jarsang Khola Valley. We arrive at Letdar, situated at an elevation of 4,251 meters. Overnight stay at a guest house with meals included (B/L/D).
Trek to Phedi or High Camp (4,600 m)
We begin with a steady uphill trek from Letdar toward Thorong Phedi. The trail continues to ascend through towering cliffs, offering spectacular views of Mt. Ghundang and Mt. Syagang along the way. We reach Thorong Phedi, where we stay overnight at a guest house with meals included (B/L/D).
Trek to Muktinath via Thorong Pass – 8 to 9 Hours
The trek begins with a steep ascent immediately after leaving Thorong Phedi. Following rocky ridges, we climb toward Thorong La Pass, where the Great Barrier Ridge comes into view. This is an excellent spot for photography before descending into Muktinath Valley at the base of the pass.
At the pass, we are greeted by traditional chortens, prayer flags, and cairns, along with a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks and the vast Kali Gandaki Valley to the west. Overnight stay at a guest house with meals included (B/L/D).
Trek to Jomsom (2,710 m) – 5 Hours
Today's trek begins with a downhill walk into the Kali Gandaki Gorge, where arid landscapes open toward the Tibetan Plateau to the north and snow-covered peaks such as Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri Himal dominate the south. Along the way, we pass through Jharkot and Kagbeni, both of which are worth visiting.
Continuing the descent, we reach Marpha, a charming Thakali village known for its narrow alleys that provide shelter from the strong winds of the gorge. Marpha is also famous for apples, apple cider and apricot and peach wine. From Marpha, we continue our trek to Jomsom. Overnight stay at a guest house with meals included (B/L/D).
Fly to Kathmandu via Pokhara
We take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, enjoying spectacular aerial views along the way. From Pokhara, we catch a connecting flight back to Kathmandu. By evening, we arrive at our hotel, Marshyangdi, where we can relax and enjoy a chilled beverage. Overnight stay at the hotel with breakfast included (B/B).
Departure – Fly Home
Today marks the end of your Himalayan journey in Nepal. We hope you have enjoyed your tour and that the memories of the mountains will inspire your next adventure. Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Everest View Treks and Expedition will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport. You will have ample time to complete your departure formalities and plan your next visit to the beautiful country of Nepal.
Includes/Excludes
- All Hotel airports transfer by Private Vehichle as per itinerary.
- Kathmandu Hotel two nights with bed and breakfast plan.
- Kathmandu to Besisasar via drive from private vehicle and jomsom to pokhara-Kathmandu flight tickets for clients & guide.
- Best available lodge and tea house accommodation during the trek.
- Full Board Meals( Breakfast, Lunch ,dinner) &3X(Tea or Coffee)
- A trekking or hiking leader - Fluent English speaking, experienced, knowledgeable with assistant trek guide (4 hikers:1 assistant guide) and needed Sherpa porters (2 trekkers:1 porter) together with their payments, assurance, gears, foods and accommodations.
- All necessary national park fees, permits and paper works (Annapurna Conservation park permits and TIMS) &Entire administration and local Taxes.
- Guide and porter salary , food & insurance.
- Fresh Fruit after dinner everyday + 1 pc snickers or mars chocolate each person every day.
- Trekking certificate
- Trekking Kit bag
- Farewell dinner
- Complimentary Annapurna seven pass map
- Nepal Visa fees on your airport arrival (You should bring accurate USD cash and two passport size picture)
- Personal expenses (Shopping, Laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, mineral water or boiled water, Phone calls, hot shower etc)
- Your Lunch and dinners in Kathmandu (This apply also early come back from trek then the fixed itinerary)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu than above itinerary.
- International fare/arrival taxes/departure taxes to and from Kathmandu
- Tips for guides and porters
- Rescue in case emergency