Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal - THE HIGH PASS 

Check out some of my photos from the trek on Instagram: instagram.com/jpelletier

I did this Trek 47 years ago.... one may imagine how much different it was then, no signs, no maps, no google maps, no lonely planet, very few lodges, often only some shack, just trekking by instinct and the occasional help from locals....what an experience!!!!

I walked the Annapurna circuit about 25 years ago. It was one of the best things I have ever done in my life. At that time there were no roads at either end of the circuit and no one except the very rich flew out of Jomson as seems to be commonly the case now. You walked to Pokhara which adds considerably to the trek. I think it took us 21 days. The best parts were prior to Jomson though so it makes sense if you can't afford the time and are prepared to fly (it is not the safest flying - there was a plane that had run off the runway at Jomson when we were there) . Of course there was no internet, mobile phones, go pros or gps then and no electricity for most of the trek. However, the real beauty of the Himalayas are the people and the mountains and it looks like that hasn't changed. Watching these videos has encouraged me to train up my old bones and do it again with my son. I would encourage anyone to do this treck.

We (People from Kingdom of Nepal) would like to thank each and every Individual Foreign Tourists who has visited our Country and has shown such a plenty of love towards us. And want to thanks form the bottom of heart for promoting thru your's great V'logs. we really appreciate for your great effort that you have given for us. Will even appreciate indeed in future if you want to come back again. We will be ready to welcome you warm again anytime and anywhere. Thank you again !!! -Love from Kingdom of Nepal

I was blessed to do the Annapurna Trek back in 1986 when I was 42, It will always be a life changing experience. I was fortunate to be in Bragha during a ceremonial Tibetan celebration. Thanks for letting me relive it, and realize how blessed we were to do it before roads.

I walked the circuit with a group of friends from Malaysia, in 1987. It was an incredibly memorable 18 days. We walked the traditional route all the way to Pokhara and I took a short side hike to the Tibetan border. We used tents as there were far fewer lodgings then. The film of your trip brings it back. Many thanks 😊

I did this trek last December at the end of my travels through Nepal. Watching this video and recognizing all the gorgeous views and villages is amazing! Makes me want to go there again. Big recommendation to anyone who likes a good hike! Go visit Nepal, the people need you now more than ever. :)

This is a NAT GEO standard video. photography, music and narration all looks excellent. well done and thanks !!

No surprise that this film has over 2 million hits. It really captures the beauty of this region. I did the Pokhara-Jomson -Kagbeni-Annapurna base camp -Pokhara trail. The memories are undiminished and always give me pleasure to recall. Incredible place and wonderful people. A friendship formed from that time still remains close Anyone planning to visit should should definitely go!

From someone who did this trek 31 years ago this magnificent video bought back so many memories. I instantly recognised so many of the scenes, mountains and villages. The villages look much the same and I think I almost recognised some of the villagers and their animals, although of course that would be impossible. Some things have changed such as the accomodation after Manang and before the Thorong La pass. 31 years ago there was nothing but a few stone buildings after Manang from memory. Our final camp before crossing the pass was on a flat hill with one stone shack and we slept in tents. We did that walk to the pass beginning in the dark at 2am the reach the top at sunrise. That was an experience etched into my memory with a glow worm torch to see by and slippery icy paths to navigate. But to see the sunrise from Thorong La was worth every torturous step to the top. I sat on the top of the pass for as long as I could taking in the view before the cold got too much and I had to continue on to Muktinath which looked a million miles away. But with each step down the mountain it became so much easier to breath and about 7 hours later we reached the village. So saddened to hear the roads have now reach Muktinath, we had to walk the Kali Gandaki valley all the way back to Pokhara which was where the roads ended back then. Great job with the video, it made me want to go back and do it all over again, but alas that will not happen.

Bringing back some very happy memories of trekking in that area back in 2003. Happy times and now dreaming of heading back. Beautiful country with beautiful people.

I trekked the Annapurna circuit around the same time of year in 2015. One of the most amazing experiences of my life! You really captured the essence of the area and the impact of the increased tourism. Thanks for the video and the reminders of that beautiful place!

ONE OF MOST BEAUTIFUL DOCUMENTARIES MADE ON HIMALAYAS...THANKS FOR SHARING THIS MASTERPIECE.

Nepalese Himalayan > Swiss alps by far Trust me I visited both of these destination Love from Great Britain to the land of brave Gurkhas and himalayans ❤🙏

It's so great made documentry movie. One of the best I've seen on YT! There's no influencers silly faces show, disco music or appeals for subscribsion... Perfect pictures, proper narration from time to time, clear map directions and smile from beautiful woman from the roof of the world. Congratulations! You are professional movie maker, Mr Jeff.

Nepal is such a lovely country!❤️

I realize this video is now 6 years old, but I just want to tell you how much I enjoyed it! The footage, the information - all awesome.

Excellent video. You watch it (almost) accidentally for a few seconds, Booom. You're catched for 27min. Next morning you find yourself checking for flight prices. Good job.

I can't imagine how difficult it must have been to plan and execute this trek, and with cameras, you deserve a well done.

When memories come alive. Did this trek entirely on foot in 2005 in 11 days to Tatopani along with a trek to Annapurna basecamp and back to Pokhara in 4 days. A day rest/acclimatisation in Manang and a day washing and drying rags along with enjoying the Tatopani pools by the river. The weather was great for 12 days, but the last 2 days the clouds rolled in. Bottom line, it was divinely beautiful. Muktinath and Bob Marley lodge and the fun and ... disconnection. Thank you for bringing back memories.

I did this trek with big group, people from all over the world, was friendly and strong team. Guides were leading us with patience and hard work. Food in every village was unique, simple and amazing. Thank you Nepal for your hospitality ! My heart with you always 💚

I did the Annapurna Circuit in Oct-Nov 1989, and it remains an indelible memory - from Bhote Oder to Suikhet (the ends of the road at that time) in 18 days. It was with some trepidation that I opened this video, knowing how much change has been triggered by the new roads. I had seen dramatic change even from my first visit to Pokhara in 1986. I was glad to see, however, that the essence of the trek remains intact, and of course the mountains and scenery are timeless. It was great to revisit the circuit by video; I hope to return soon.

I was trekking in late 95 or something like that. Between 95 and 96 anyway. We went some other circuit but also started from Jomson. I think we went to muktinath and some place that was 4200-4300m high. I am now saving money to visit Nepal again but I think no money for trekking but there are many many other places to see those mountains which are breath taking! I love Nepal forever! Most beautiful country in the world.

This is a gem. By far the most precious video that I ever found on RU-vid

I did the little POON HILL trek in last october in Nepal and it was so beautiful, I never expected. I met a couple on their way to Annapurna circuit and now I saw this perfect video, well done, good job! Now I am infected with Nepal virus. Landscape, my guide, all the friendly people I met, I will go again and again.

I did this trek in 2020 mid February to mid March. After passing Thorong La I continued to go on foot down to Marpha, Tatopani and Gandhruk. Definitely worth it. The pass was all in snow. I'd love to do go back to Nepal and do it again, although the pass wasn't easy to go through. Thanks for the beautiful video. Brought tears to my eyes as it brought some of the most beautiful memories of my life. Love nepal. Dal bhat power 24 hour

Well done! I only watched a couple minutes in because I'm about to do the trek myself and realized I didn't want to see what things look like before I see it for myself. But great production, if this hasn't been shown on TV then it should be.

Just finished this trek last week, i was inspired by your vlog since 2019 and had been planning for this trip ever since. The annapurna circuit is overwhelmingly beautiful and i had such good memories during the trip , definitely memories of a lifetime❤

One of the most wonderful experience of my life 20 years ago with a friend who I now have no contact with. This brings back so many fond memories I wish those day's could be relieved, sad to know people can come and go in one's life. Beautiful video.

On the trail of the lake at Manang I got engaged with the most beautiful being in the world. It's so nice to see it in this video. That makes me feel lucky and happy.

I don’t know why but this is the most classical video of yours. Kudos.

This is so good, i have watched it more than 15 times in 3 months. The place is so peaceful, and your narration is damn too good. GREAT JOB.

My country Nepal such a beautiful country 🇳🇵🇳🇵🏔️✅ I walked the Annapurna circuit Traking manang to Mustang about 35 days ago. This is the best video... The part where you show the breathtaking of the manang vally . Please visit again my country Nepal 🏔️🇳🇵🇳🇵

Nearly cried... I missed those pieces of Heaven .

I was in Nepal for the Everest base camp trek in Nov. 2018....unfortunatley I had a very bad fall and injured my right Wrist, arm and shoulder. I had to be helicoptered out of Namche back to the Kathmandu hospital. Im still paying for that fall...wrist/thumb are just not the same. Watching your videos makes me want to go back and complete the trek.... sad to say the money cost is prohibitive to me now. Being retired I no longer have the income that I use to...BUT you never know. Loving your videos....

one of the finest video on Annapurna circuit, even almost after a decade.

I did this trail back in 2014 a few weeks after the freak blizzard. Thanks for allowing me to re visit my memories through your awesome videography!

9:17 when there was no technologies in the past this was the villagers alarm clock. 😍

This was the video that inspired me to do the circuit. ❤️ I come back and watch it.

I can't get enough of this video, background sound, the way you narrate , even I'm from east Nepal. Especially video quality is spectacular.

Superb footage and video. I trekked the Circuit in March 1995, taking 21 days and walking all the way back to Pokhara. It was the experience of a lifetime. Your video has brought back so clearly what, previously, only my journal and some photos could stir in my memories. Thank you.

Well, shot. I didn't even blink my eyes. Great video. Viewers may like to learn more about Annapurna Circuit Trek. Annapurna Circuit Trekking has been opened to foreign trekkers since 1977. You cannot forget this trip in your entire life. This 3-week trekking starts from a long drive from Kathmandu to Besishahar and go alone the Marshyangdi River with the great view of Manaslu, Himalchuli and Lamjung Himal. The full scenery is breathtaking which is the most incentive trekking destination of Nepal. The highest point is the Throng-la Pass (5416m), the highest pass in the world. After crossing this difficult pass (usually, walk in a clockwise direction) and passing the Muktinath (the highest temple in Nepal), the trek goes down to the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Gorge, which located between Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Then we follow the Kali Gandaki River until the natural hot spring in Tatopani. In the A. Circuit trek, you can make many records of yourself! You can see the world’s 3 highest and most popular mountains, the Manaslu(8163m), Dhaulagiri 1st (8167m) and Annapurna 1st (8091m), visit Nepal’s highest temple and go along the world’s highest pass and the deepest gorge! Moreover, you can have a touch of Tibetan village, villages with both Hindus and Buddhists culture, beautiful rivers and forests…all these make your trip unforgettable and memorable. More details of the trek can be found here:-www.missionhimalayatreks.com/annapurna-circuit-trek Feel free to ask any queries about Trekking in Nepal. #visitnepal2020

Good trek for the Bucket List. A very memorable trek for the stunning scenery, the thousands of stone steps, the distant high peaks and the cool nights in my tent. I led a group of teenagers over this trek 2004 - all so trusting, never had a problem. A good trek over 19 days finishing in Pokara, where I met an old Sergeant Major from my Gurkha service as an officer - we enjoyed a beer or two talking over our Hong Kong days.

This video should be a benchmark against which quality of other videos is measured. Discovery/BBC can use parts of this video directly. Absolute piece of Skill and Genius. I salute you :)

I just discovered your wonderful video trek. I was in Nepal in 86 and did a 3 week Khumbu Hike. I was 2 weeks into the 3 week Annapurna hike and got sick so had to bail out. I did mange to see the Annapurna Sanctuary. That place still resides in my dreams. Anyway, I started in Pokhara and did not get to Thorung La. It is very fun to see what I would have seen! My compliments on your videography. I tend to dwell on the little things while I hike and your visual flourishes were spot on. My highest compliment . . . I felt like I was walking along side you both. Thank You. I have not been back since but the next trek is already planned and I intend to do it when my situation allows. Happy Trails. Steve

In the years 95-97 I trekked west USA Argentina and Chile, and Nepal. Back then the way started at besi sahar. From Manang took side trip to Tilicho lake, which was one of the most memorable treks there. The flight from Jomson cost 55usd to phokara, and another 50 to Kathmandu. After mukthinath there was a strech of trail that went through a desert scenery complete with deep sand and wind that creates little storms. As an avid trekker all places names and natural features are engraved in memory and will not be forgotten.

Thanks for the video. I did the full circuit 10 years ago and my knees have never been the same! This video rekindled so many memories of the first half of my trek. Thank you so much.

What a great film! It brought back lots of memories. The Annapurna circuit is great in the way it takes you through a wholr range of different landscapes. You start in almost tropical rain forests and at the other extreme you have the wild-west surroundings of Mucktinath. Doing it out of season is definately a good idea. Sure you may get hampered by snow but the trails are completely empty and the lodges are really happy to see guests. I did it first in 1990, obviously from Besi-Sahar, and then again in 2003. The roads hadn't cut into the route at all at that stage. In 2003 a professional runner friend and i, already acclimatised from a month near everest, did it with just day-bags in 4 1/2 days. But that included going down to Tatopani and over Poon hill to reach the road at Naya Pul. You can borrow blankets in the lodges if you ask so it was great to be travelling so light. It is quite sad to see how far the road has now pushed into the area, especially the parts below Jomson. I guess slowly the lower parts will become like Jiri, with most people bypassing them and getting a jeep out. It's a shame because Tatopani (literally, "Hot-water!) has great hot springs/baths which are fantastic, especially if you,ve had a hard (or fast) trek! Anyway, thanks for posting the video. Good work.

This is the best video on the Annapurna circuit trek I have watched so far. Particularly, the part where you show the breathtaking beauty of the Manang valley. I hope to do this trek someday. Amazing video man, loved it! 👍

At Thorung Phedi, not high camp, I never stayed there, when I woke up, my bottle of water in my room had frozen with ice in it. It was butt cold. Once you get over the pass and start descending, you start getting this feeling of euphoria, because you've made the pass, but mostly because every bit you descend, gives you this amazing feeling because of the oxygen in your blood, and it's all downhill from then on. You feel like a million bucks all the way back down the trail. Back when I did the trail, you had to walk from Besisahar all the way to Birethanti before there were any roads. Jomson had the airport so you could fly in and out, but I was in no rush and both times so I did the whole trek. Very nice experience. Beautiful footage, thank you.

Fantastic honest video. Most people edit their videos of guest-houses and Internet cafes to give the false impression that local people live in the stone-age. Beautiful and informative.

I did this in 2007, nice to be reminded of parts of the trek, there is so much more to it

Nepal is my favourite place of all time. Had so much fun exploring the beautiful mountains when I went for Pool Hill trek. My dream is to return and complete Everest Base Camp trek and see Everest with my own eyes.

3 years ago I walked the Annapurna Base Camp and it was fantastic. Next time it might be Annapurna Circuit. And you visited Bandipur - nice and relaxing spot. I loved it.

I am currently living in Austria. But i felt like i was with you guys while watching this video. I was born in Nepal but I got to explore it through you guys. You showed me the real hidden beauty of Nepal. Great job! Keep it up! And thank you very much for making video on my country. Love you!

Wow! Thanks for this blast from the past! I did the Annapurna circuit in 1995, also off season. It's the best! I arrived in Besisahar @ February 22 on the top of a bus - a 40 year old solo female. I had hoped to meet other trekkers there, but I was the only foreigner in town! Luckily a couple of Germans showed up later. At the Thorung La, no one had gotten through for days because of the snow. Again, luckily, there was a very good Nepali guide who took all 22 of us through the pass, breaking trail all the way. In some places the snow was up to his hips. We never would have even found the trail without him. We crossed the pass on March 3. After Muktinath and Kagbeni, we knew we were in a different world. After so many days of dal bhat, some days when it was only rice and potatoes, a day when even the potatoes had frozen, we were back on the tourist trek, having left behind a magical world.

i felt in love with that country, i love going back some day and retire there!

Wonderful piece of film work......this guy really knows what he is doing with a camera.

I found this video and started reading all the comments on it. Thanks all of you for visiting our Nation and promoting tourism. You all are welcome again.

Hallelujah. Praise the lord. Tq sir Jeff to visit my country. I hope you enjoyed there.love u and God bless you and your family.

The videography poses an interesting balance between adventurous optimism, and humanistic apprehension, for what is a seemingly terrifying yet beatific environment.

I'm really happy to be reminded of my one in a lifetime experience trekking the annapurna circuit right after the snowstorm in 2014. I really enjoyed the video although I hope for you that you know by know how to carry your backpack ;) Thanks for the effort and giving me some nice memories!

thankyou everyone for loving and thankyou very much for visiting my country and my hometown we are here to welcome you all again and again love u all

Easily the best video presentation I've seen on the Himalayan - wow! Thank you

Wow. That brought back some memories. I did the Circuit in May 1991. It was tough. We started at Pokhara and ended there. We walked the whole way. The day we did the pass was terrible. Many of us got lost in a snow storm and ended up at a little tea house for the night. I still feel ill thinking about that day/night.

What a great video. Great camera work, editing and soundtrack. Well done. I lived in the Himalayas for 7 years and when I see videos of this area I feel a bit homesick. The smell of the mountains, the burning wood stoves, the cold air and even the dal and rice..... oh!

This was one of the best videos I've watched in a long time. Thanks so much for sharing your adventure with all of us. What a beautiful and enchanted place!

What an amazing video this is, informative. 11 people that gave 'thumbs down' haven't left the comfort of their living rooms, bet they are 'call of duty' warriors.

Watching 21st time this timeless masterpiece of a trekking documentary!!!! If u could make EBC, i will be forever grateful for it!!!!

Rustic accomodations ! LOL. The hotel he showed would have been a 4-star place in 1986 when I was there. I slept on hay/straw on some nights, and in NO place were there showers or an indoor toilet. I bathed in the river in the lower altitudes and skipped bathing for 2+ weeks when the water was too cold. Amazing trek. I will remember it forever. Good video - thanks for helping me relive it.

After watching this, I really feel like going... one more to the crowd. Luckily i was there 25 years ago. This movie was like walking it again. Thanx!

Annapurna is just on another level. Absolutely stunning!

The most incredible and astonishing video across youtube..great shots and great editing...i didn't even blink my eyes while watching the video! There is no any words in the dictionary to describe this incredible vlog/documentary!👏👏

Thanks Jeff for capturing such glimpses... even we're unable to continue such a long trek being a Nepali...we return back from the pun hill.... Hats up myan

WOW real great video with all the little nice things from Nepal. I have done the trail 1991 and 2011 an experience i never will forget my whole life. Things have changed but the people still remain the same.

Probably one of the best documentary I've seen on Nepal. I can't wait for this covid situation to be over so I can resume traveling. I moved to Thailand a couple years ago and plan on going to Nepal a couples times a year since it's so close.

I really like your video 👍

This is so far the most inspiring youtube video of Annapurna. Thank you for sharing this, sir.

Greetings from Belgium Jeff, Awesome job, such a pleasant and a breath catching video project you got over there. 3 years back i did the Upper Mustang Trek following my 10 days Langtang and Gosaikunda Trek. Those serene and panoramic mountains views, exotic culture, buddhist traditions ,to sum it all warm welcoming people, makes the trek more fascinating; truly a heaven on earth. Your Annapurna Circuit Trek seems super exciting and thats the first thing i will be doing on my next visit to Nepal. Thanks again for sharing such a wonderful video was indeed a treat to the eyes :)

Beautiful video!!! I lived in India for a year in 89 and met a really nice dude, who only trekked as a way of life. It seemed so inaccessible then. If I had known then what I know now, I would have done it for a while. Now, I have gout and I'm fat & old. We really have to live while we're young. Another guy I met mentioned a remote hot springs in Nepal with 12 separate waterfalls. Always imagined I'd go there someday.

Thanks for this video. I did this trek in 1996. Watching your video brought back a lot of memories. It was an experience like no other. When I did thorong la pass it was covered with snow. The track was veeery slippery.

This is beautiful, thank you for posting this! I'm seventeen and not allowed to travel alone yet, but this one and the trek to Mt Kailash are the first on my bucketlist once I become an adult😁

We biked from Muktinath to Jomson. My ass hurt so much the second day, couldn't even sit on the bike 😅 Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

So good Jeff. Again, this is a solid Gold Standard film. You never disappoint.

Thank you so much for letting me relive our trek back in 1986

I found today this vídeo, thanks a lot for revive my precious memories of the Annapurna Circuit.

Quality of Narration and Videography is at par with professionals making this video-log a Documentary by itself. My respect!

Now this is a quality production!

How can anyone dislike this? This is a gorgeous video, well filmed and it makes me want to go! :D

wow. 20 years ago i bussed to pokhara from kathmandu, flew to jomson, walked to muktinah, then turned around and walked back out to pokhara. i cannot believe they're building roads there now. i always said when traveling that i never want to return to the same place again, there's too many other places to discover. Nepal is the exception to this rule. one day i will definitely do the entire circuit.

I trekked the Annapurna trail in 1986. Dumre to Pokhara. No indoor toilets then and sometimes straw beds :-) One of my most favorite travel experiences.

Thanks for this awesome video. Its like watching a continuous stream of majestic landscape pictures. Each with its own narration. I am trekking ABC this November and planning for ACT next year. This is definitely inspiring :)

I can't believe you only have under 10K subscribers! That's so unfair. Your edits are amazing like Kraig Adams. 🤗

Looks incredible! This is on my bucket list.

Sushil Thapa says, "thankyou everyone for loving and thankyou very much for visiting my country and my hometown we are here to welcome you all again and again love u all." He literally welcomes all peoples to his country. Sounds like he's encouraging the growth of civilization by Westerners in his country.

I lived in Nepal my entire life just about 200 km 700 km away from it and never been there, you made me sell My entire share invest and start backpacking to mountain 🏔 thanks for showing such a great landscape on earth 🌍

I trekked it 20 years ago and also 17 and 15 years ago. Especially 20 years ago with little information it still was an adventure in the best sense of not knowing what lies ahead. The Moment I reached the pass and then despite knee issues since childhood reached the lodge after like 1700 m descending in altitude, I gained courage and trust in myself that carries me until today.

Who says heaven is Meath..?? Come to Nepal,it is here🤗❤️🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵

Terrific video. Great images, editing and narration. Really informative since I'll be doing it in October. First class job.

Excellent coverage and background music.Very fortunate indeed , to hv been to those beautiful part of the mighty Himalayas. Keep well , and expecting more of such coverage from Nepal, Himalayas in future.