Annapurna Circuit Classical Trek
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsWalk the whole Annapurna Circuit from Besisahar, over Thorong La Pass and out via Poon Hill, with our own licensed guides
Friends paying separately still get the group price.
On The Trail
What It Really Looks Like
Annapurna Circuit Classical Trek: What to Expect
One of the highest trekking passes in the world, crossed on foot
Every trek is led by one of our own guides, not a freelancer hired for the trip
Walk from Besisahar to Nayapul, including the lower valleys shorter trips drive
Simple teahouses on the trek, 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara
The Annapurna Circuit Classical walks the whole circuit. You start on foot at Besisahar at 760m, cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416m, and finish with sunrise on Poon Hill before walking out to Nayapul. The slow climb up the Marsyangdi valley gives your body time to adjust before the pass. ACAP and TIMS permits are included. Since April 2023, Nepal’s rules require foreign trekkers on most routes to trek with a licensed guide. Every MountainKick trek includes one.
You walk on 15 days, with an acclimatisation day in Manang and a rest day in Tatopani. Day 12 over Thorong La is the longest, 8 to 10 hours with a 4:00 AM start. You don’t need Himalayan experience, but 2 to 3 months of cardio and leg training before you come makes a big difference.
Highlights
- Cross Lubra Pass (4,020m) to Lubra, a Bon village most itineraries skip
- Soak in the natural hot springs at Tatopani after two weeks on the trail
- Visit Braga Monastery near Manang, one of the oldest in the valley, with old thangkas inside
- Sample apple brandy in Marpha, a whitewashed Thakali village in the Kali Gandaki valley
Comparing routes? Read our Annapurna Circuit vs ABC guide.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. Your guide runs a full briefing that evening covering the route, gear check, and acclimatisation strategy. Use the afternoon to explore Thamel, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, or rest before three weeks on the trail.
Drive to Besisahar
The bus follows the Prithvi Highway west before turning north into the Marsyangdi valley. Terraced rice fields give way to forested hillsides as the mountains start closing in around Besisahar. It is a long day in a seat but the scenery does the work. Stock up on any last supplies here the trail starts properly in the morning.
Trek to Chamje
The first full day on foot follows the Marsyangdi River north through farming villages, suspension bridges, and rocky trail. This is the section that vehicle-assisted itineraries skip entirely — subtropical gorges, terraced fields, and the first real sense of the mountains ahead. Your legs will know they have worked by the time Chamje comes into view.
Trek to Danaque
The trail continues north along the Marsyangdi River through dense forest and steep hillsides. Several small villages break up the walking and the river stays close for most of the day. A steady moderate stage that lets you settle into the rhythm of the circuit before the terrain starts getting serious above Chame.
Trek to Chame
The trail climbs over rocky terrain before easing into the broader valley approaching Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. Pine forest replaces the subtropical vegetation and the first clear views of the Annapurna range open up as you gain height. There is a natural hot spring at Chame worth soaking tired legs in before dinner.
Trek to Upper Pisang
The trail climbs through pine and oak forest past apple orchards and small villages with the first dramatic views of Annapurna II (7,937m) and Pisang Peak (6,091m) appearing through the trees. From Lower Pisang take the upper trail to Upper Pisang for better mountain panoramas and a traditional Tibetan-style monastery worth visiting before dinner.
Trek to Ngawal via Ghyaru
The high route from Upper Pisang traverses above the valley floor through Ghyaru, a stone-built village with sweeping views of Annapurna II, III, and IV and one of the finest monasteries in the valley. The path stays high all the way to Ngawal with the Annapurna range in near-continuous view. First signs of altitude may appear today. Keep your pace measured.
Trek to Manang
Descend from Ngawal to join the main trail and stop at Braga before reaching Manang. The 900-year-old monastery here is one of the oldest in the Annapurna region, still housing original thangkas, bronze statues, and Buddhist manuscripts. Manang itself sits in a semi-arid bowl with commanding views across to Gangapurna glacier and is your base for tomorrow’s acclimatisation day.
Acclimatisation Day in Manang
Do not rest completely today. Hike up to Gangapurna Lake (3,800m) for a shorter option or push to Ice Lake (4,600m) for stronger acclimatisation before the pass. Sleep back in Manang either way. In the afternoon attend the free altitude sickness lecture at the Himalayan Rescue Association station. It covers AMS symptoms and the Thorong La crossing in practical detail.
Trek to Yak Kharka
A steady climb out of the Manang valley following the Jarsang Khola river north toward the pass. Vegetation thins to sparse juniper scrub and the trail opens up to views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak (7,134m). Yak Kharka means yak pastures and you will likely see herds grazing the hillsides around the settlement. A deliberately short day to keep acclimatisation on track.
Trek to Thorong Phedi
Another short but important day as you close in on the pass. The trail crosses a suspension bridge over the Kone Khola, climbs through Ledar, and rises to Thorong Phedi, which means foot of the hill. This is the last settlement before the crossing. Eat a full meal, drink plenty of water, and get to bed early. The alarm goes off at 4am.
Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath
Departure at 4am with headlamps to reach the pass before the afternoon winds build. The climb takes 4 to 5 hours through thin, cold air to the prayer flags and small teahouse at the summit. The descent drops 1,600m over 3 to 4 hours into the arid landscape of Mustang. Muktinath temple, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, marks the end of the crossing.
Trek to Marpha
An early start to climb Lubra Pass (4,020m) through remote high-desert terrain before dropping into Lubra, an ancient Bon culture village rarely visited on standard itineraries. The descent continues through the Kali Gandaki Gorge past Jomsom and south to Marpha, Nepal’s apple capital. The whitewashed Thakali lanes, orchards, and local apple brandy distilleries make it one of the most satisfying stops on the circuit.
Trek to Kalopani
The trail follows the Kali Gandaki valley south through traditional Thakali villages and pine forest. Annapurna I (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m), two of the world’s ten highest peaks, flank the trail for much of the day. The valley is also known for its black ammonite fossils, sacred to Hindus, which locals collect from the riverbed. A welcome moderate day after yesterday.
Trek to Tatopani
A long descent through forests and villages as the vegetation transitions from temperate to subtropical. Tatopani means hot water in Nepali and the natural thermal springs here are exactly what two weeks of hard trekking calls for. The town has good teahouses, small cafes, and a relaxed end-of-high-altitude atmosphere. Soak as long as you like. You have earned it.
Rest Day at Tatopani
A full day to recover before the climbing resumes tomorrow. Back in the hot springs, explore the village, or simply sit and eat well. After the Thorong La crossing and the long descent through the Kali Gandaki, your legs need this. The trail climbs hard to Ghorepani tomorrow so use today properly. This rest day is built into the itinerary for a reason.
Trek to Ghorepani
A demanding climb back into the mountains through Magar villages and dense rhododendron forest. The route gains nearly 1,700m from the low point of Tatopani and your legs will feel every metre of it. In spring the rhododendrons are in full bloom and the forest turns crimson and pink. Ghorepani is a busy teahouse village and the gateway to Poon Hill tomorrow morning.
Sunrise at Poon Hill, Trek to Tikhedhunga
Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill for sunrise. The panorama stretches from Dhaulagiri (8,167m) across the full Annapurna range to Machhapuchhre (6,993m) and is one of the finest mountain viewpoints in Nepal. Back to Ghorepani for breakfast then descend through traditional Gurung villages and stone-stepped trails to Tikhedhunga. A long day with an early start but the views at the top make it worthwhile.
Trek to Nayapul, Drive to Pokhara
An easy 3-hour walk through the final section of trail brings you to Nayapul where the trekking ends. A private vehicle transfers you to Pokhara in around 90 minutes. Arrive by early afternoon with the rest of the day free on the lakeside promenade. After 17 days on the trail, Pokhara’s food, lake views, and flat ground feel like a different world.
Drive to Kathmandu, Farewell Dinner
The Prithvi Highway back to Kathmandu follows the Trishuli River gorge through some of Nepal’s finest lowland scenery with meal stops along the way. Arrive in Kathmandu by early evening. The day ends with a farewell dinner of traditional Nepali food and a cultural performance with the team. Three weeks on the trail deserves a proper send-off.
Final Departure.
Breakfast at the hotel then a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport timed to your flight. If you have a late departure the team can arrange luggage storage or a final morning at Boudhanath or Pashupatinath. Three weeks, 300km, one of the world’s great trekking routes. Done.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
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Airport and hotel transfers Private vehicle throughout, all Kathmandu pickups and drop-offs
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Tourist class hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara 2 nights Kathmandu, 1 night Pokhara, twin-sharing, breakfast included
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Teahouse accommodation on trek Twin-sharing, 17 nights across the full classical route
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Licensed guide for the full 21 days NTB-certified, English speaking, experienced on this route
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Porter service One porter for every two trekkers. Keep your duffel to about 10 to 15kg. Porters are insured
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Tourist bus Kathmandu to Besisahar Return Pokhara to Kathmandu included
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Private vehicle Nayapul to Pokhara End of trek transfer on Day 19
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Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Arranged in Kathmandu before you leave
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TIMS card Trekkers Information Management System
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Farewell dinner in Kathmandu Traditional Nepali food and cultural show, Day 20
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MountainKick duffel bag Yours to keep
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Oximeter and first aid kit Carried by guide throughout the trek
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All government taxes and official fees Nothing added at checkout
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International flights To and from Kathmandu, booked independently
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Nepal visa fee On arrival at Tribhuvan Airport. 15 days $30, 30 days $50, 90 days $125
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Travel insurance Must cover trekking to 5,416m and helicopter evacuation
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Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara Breakfast only is covered at the hotels
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All meals on trek Available at teahouses. Budget $30-40 per day
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Personal trekking gear Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented through us. We lend trekking poles for free.
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Guide and porter tips Customary and appreciated. Roughly 10-15% of trip cost
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Hot showers and Wi-Fi on trail Small charge at teahouses, typically $2-5 each
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Alcohol and personal drinks Available at teahouses throughout the route
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Extra nights if flights or roads are delayed Hotel nights and meals from weather or road delays are paid by you
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Helicopter rescue Paid to the helicopter company by your insurer, or by you. We arrange it but don't pay for it
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Personal expenses Laundry, calls, souvenirs, snacks
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
Kathmandu and Pokhara: 3-star hotels, twin-sharing, breakfast included, private bathroom and Wi-Fi. Single rooms available at extra cost.
On trek: Simple teahouse rooms with a bed, pillow, and blankets. What to expect:
- Bathrooms mostly shared throughout
- Hot shower available at most stops, small extra charge
- Wi-Fi available at most teahouses, small extra charge
- Private rooms with attached bathrooms at some stops on lower sections
- Facilities get more basic above Manang
- Blankets provided but a sleeping bag is essential above 3,500m
Teahouses serve dal bhat, noodle soups, fried rice, eggs, pasta, momos, porridge, and Tibetan bread. Vegetarian options at every stop. Above Manang, stick to vegetarian — meat storage at altitude is unreliable.
| Meals per day (3 meals) | $30 to $40 / day |
| Hot shower | $3 to $5 |
| Battery charging | $2 to $3 per device |
| Wi-Fi | $2 to $4 per day |
| Bottled or filtered water | $1 to $3 per litre |
What Our Trekkers Say
“An incredible journey around the Annapurnas”
We did the Annapurna Circuit as a couple and loved every part of it. The landscape shifts constantly, from the lower valleys up to the high mountains around Thorong La. Our guide was excellent and made the long days feel far more manageable. MountainKick handled the arrangements well and everything…
“More than just a trek”
What I loved most about the Annapurna Circuit was the variety, the scenery felt completely different every few days, and the villages and local life made the journey even more interesting. The MountainKick team were very helpful both before and during the trek. Crossing Thorong La was hard going, but…
“Brilliant experience in Nepal”
Our group of four had a fantastic time on the Annapurna Circuit. It got genuinely challenging as we climbed higher, but the organization was excellent and our guide kept everyone comfortable and on pace. We especially enjoyed the quieter villages and the views around Manang. MountainKick is a great local…
“A trek I will always remember”
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the best travel experiences I've had. Trekking with a small group, I really appreciated the slower pace through the different valleys and villages. The scenery around Thorong La was spectacular. MountainKick handled the practical side of everything, which meant we could just enjoy the…
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this harder than the 16-day Annapurna Circuit?
Both are rated Hard. This one is longer, but you start walking low at Besisahar, so you climb more slowly and adjust to the altitude better. Most days are 5 to 8 hours. The hardest days are Day 12 over Thorong La, 8 to 10 hours with a 4:00 AM start, Day 13 over Lubra Pass to Marpha, and Day 17, which climbs about 1,700m from Tatopani to Ghorepani. If you only have two weeks, see our 16-day Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
No, but you need to be fit. You spend 17 days on the trail, with an acclimatisation day in Manang and a rest day in Tatopani. Start cardio and leg training 2 to 3 months before you come. Some multi-day hiking at home helps, but it isn’t required.
Is a guide mandatory on this route?
Yes. Since April 2023, Nepal’s rules require foreign trekkers on most routes to trek with a licensed guide. Every MountainKick trek includes one. Your guide knows the route over Thorong La and Lubra Pass, spots the signs of altitude sickness early, and makes the call on conditions each day.
Do your group dates run if I’m the only one booked?
Yes. Every group date runs, even with one booking. Groups are small, 8 trekkers at most. The group price is $910 per person. If 4 or more of you book together, you each pay $827
Can I do this trek solo?
Yes. You can book a private trip at the solo price of $1,337, or join one of our group dates at $910. Every group date runs, even if you’re the only one booked. Female guides are available on request
What permits do I need and are they included?
You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. Both are included, and we arrange them in Kathmandu before you leave. ACAP is NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. TIMS is NPR 2,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.
Are meals included on the trek?
Meals on the trek are not included. Teahouse menus have fixed prices, so you pay the same as anyone else. Budget about $30 to $40 a day for three meals and hot drinks. Breakfast is included at the hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and so is the farewell dinner.
What is the biggest risk on this trek?
Altitude sickness. You cross Thorong La at 5,416m on Day 12 and Lubra Pass at 4,020m the next day. Watch for a headache that won’t go away, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and tiredness. Tell your guide straight away if any of these start. Your guide carries an oximeter and checks your oxygen levels each day. If symptoms get worse, the answer is to go down.
What is the best time of year to do this trek?
October and November give the clearest skies and the most settled weather. March and April are the next best, with rhododendrons in bloom around Ghorepani. December and January are quiet and cold, and heavy snow can close Thorong La for a few days. June to August is the monsoon, with rain, leeches and cloud, so we don’t recommend it.
What is the Lubra Pass section and why does it matter?
Lubra Pass (4,020m) is an alternative descent from Muktinath that bypasses the main road and drops into the ancient Bon culture village of Lubra. Bon is the pre-Buddhist spiritual tradition of the Himalayas and Lubra is one of the last living Bon communities in Nepal. Most trekkers on shorter itineraries never see it. The terrain is remote and atmospheric. It is one of the details that makes the 21-day classical route genuinely different from a fast version of the same circuit.
Can I add Tilicho Lake to this itinerary?
Yes. Tilicho Lake sits at 4,919m and is one of the highest lakes of its size in the world. It adds 2 days from Manang. The walk is steep, with a landslide section on the way in. Tell us when you book and we’ll build it in.
What travel insurance do I need?
You need travel insurance that covers trekking to 5,416m and helicopter evacuation. We can’t confirm your booking without it. A helicopter rescue from the Annapurna region usually costs $3,000 to $5,000. If you need one, we arrange it with your guide and your insurer. Your insurer, or you, pays the helicopter company directly. Carry a printed copy of your policy. Our travel insurance guide for Nepal trekking explains what to look for.
Can I customise the dates or itinerary?
Yes. We run this trip privately on your dates. Popular add-ons are Tilicho Lake (2 extra days), extra nights in Pokhara for paragliding or rafting, and Upper Mustang. Upper Mustang starts from Kagbeni, a short detour off this route, and needs a restricted area permit. Message us on WhatsApp or send an enquiry and we’ll send you a plan with a price.
What happens if roads are blocked or the weather delays us?
Your guide changes the plan to keep you safe, and we rebook any transport at no charge. Extra hotel nights and meals caused by weather or road delays are paid by you. We suggest leaving 1 or 2 spare days before your flight home.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Your dates, your group, your way
Same route and guides, just your group. Tell us when you'd like to go and how many of you there are, and we'll send you a day by day plan with a price.
- Nothing to pay now
- Plan and price by email
- Confirm with a 20% deposit
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Rather chat? Message us on WhatsApp
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20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
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80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsPacking List
Footwear
ⓘ Boots matter more than any other item on this list. Do not buy new ones in Kathmandu and wear them the next day.
Base and Mid Layers
ⓘ Teahouses along the route offer laundry for a small charge on rest days. You do not need clothes for every single day.
Outer Layers
ⓘ The down jacket and hardshell are both rentable in Thamel, Kathmandu. We connect you with reliable shops at the pre-trek briefing. No need to fly with bulky gear if you prefer to rent.
Head and Hands
Trekking Equipment
ⓘ Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented through us. We lend trekking poles for free
Health and First Aid
ⓘ Your MountainKick guide carries a group first aid kit and an oximeter throughout the trek. The Himalayan Rescue Association operates a medical post in Manang staffed by doctors during trekking season.
Documents and Money
Electronics
Trekking in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Trekking in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ Monsoon is not recommended for the classical Annapurna Circuit. The lower trail sections become muddy and slippery, views are obscured for days at a time, and Thorong La can be blocked by fresh snow after monsoon storms. If you must trek in this season, speak to Kumar directly about current conditions before you commit.
Leave at home
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Cotton clothing Absorbs sweat, stays wet, and makes you dangerously cold at altitude. Leave all cotton at home.
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Heavy DSLR with multiple lenses Dead weight on 17 active trekking days. A good mirrorless or phone camera covers everything you need.
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Hardshell suitcase Porters carry duffel bags. A rigid suitcase cannot be strapped properly and damages easily on mountain terrain.
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Jeans or heavy trousers Heavy, slow to dry, restrictive on steep trail. Leave them in Kathmandu.
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More than 2 pairs of shoes Boots and camp sandals. That is all you need. Extra shoes are dead weight from day one.
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Full-size toiletries Decant into small containers. Shampoo, soap, and laundry detergent are available at most teahouses.
Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented through us in Kathmandu. We lend trekking poles for free. For anything else, we point you to shops we trust at the pre-trek briefing, the evening before you leave for Besisahar. Every trekker gets a MountainKick duffel bag
Annapurna Circuit Classical Trek
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about gear, fitness, altitude or a private group.
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