Annapurna Circuit Trek

Detailed itinerary

• day 01
  Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,600ft)

  Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. After check-in, your guide holds a full trek briefing covering the route, acclimatisation strategy, gear check, and what to expect at altitude. The afternoon is yours to explore Thamel’s markets and restaurants, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, or simply rest before the journey ahead.

  • Accommodation: 3 star hotel in Kathmandu
  • Meal: None
• day 02
  Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m/2,490ft)

  Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. After check-in, your guide holds a full trek briefing covering the route, acclimatisation strategy, gear check, and what to expect at altitude. The afternoon is yours to explore Thamel’s markets and restaurants, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, or simply rest before the journey ahead.

  Drive Distance: 180km | Drive Duration: 7-8 hours

  Points of Interest:

  • Scenic views of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers

  • Terraced hillsides and distant mountain peaks

  • Rural Nepali villages

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Meal: Breakfast
• day 03
  Drive from Besisahar to Chame (2,670m/8,760ft)

  A private jeep takes you from Besisahar to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. The off-road drive follows the Marsyangdi River through deep gorges, past waterfalls and traditional villages including Khudi, Bhulbhule, and Tal. First views of the Annapurna range appear as the valley narrows. Chame has teahouses, small shops, and a natural hot spring where you can ease your muscles after the bumpy ride.

  Drive Distance: 65km | Drive Duration: 6-7 hours

  Points of Interest:

  • First views of the Annapurna range

  • Impressive waterfalls and the deep Marsyangdi River gorge

  • Traditional Tibetan-influenced architecture in Chame

  • Small hot spring where you can relax your muscles after the bumpy ride

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Meal: None
• day 04
  Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m/10,827ft)

  The first full trekking day begins with a climb through pine and oak forest above the Marsyangdi River. The trail passes through apple orchards and crosses suspension bridges before reaching Paunga Danda, a dramatic rock face considered sacred by the local people. Stunning views of Annapurna II (7,937m) and Pisang Peak (6,091m) open up as you approach Lower Pisang. From here you take the higher trail to Upper Pisang for better mountain panoramas and a traditional Tibetan-style monastery worth exploring before dinner.

  Trek Distance: 15km | Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate

  Points of Interest:

  • Dramatic views of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and the Manaslu range

  • Pine and rhododendron forests

  • Paunga Danda sacred rock face

  • Upper Pisang’s traditional stone houses and ancient Tibetan-style monastery

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 05
  Trek from Upper Pisang to Ngawal (3,660m/12,008ft)

  Today takes the high route from Upper Pisang across to Ngawal, the better choice for both acclimatisation and scenery. The trail climbs to Ghyaru (3,670m), a stone-built village with sweeping views of Annapurna II, III, and IV. An ancient monastery in Ghyaru is one of the finest in the valley. The high traversing path to Ngawal stays above the valley floor with the entire Annapurna range in near-continuous view.

  Trek Distance: 10km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Ancient monastery in Ghyaru

  • Panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, and IV

  • Traditional stone houses with flat roofs

  • Prayer wheels and mani walls

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 06
  Trek from Ngawal to Manang (3,540m/11,614ft)

  Descend from Ngawal to join the main trail and continue to Manang, the largest village in the upper valley. Before Manang, stop at Braga to visit its 900-year-old Tibetan-style monastery, one of the oldest and best-preserved in the Annapurna region. It houses ancient thangkas, bronze statues, and Buddhist manuscripts that have survived here for nearly a millennium. Manang itself is a fascinating semi-arid settlement of traditional stone houses with commanding views across to Gangapurna (7,455m) and its hanging glacier.

  Trek Distance: 9km | Trek Duration: 3-4 hours | Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

  Points of Interest:

  • Braga Monastery with ancient Buddhist artifacts

  • The Manang Valley with its unique semi-arid landscape

  • Traditional stone houses of Manang

  • Views of Gangapurna Glacier and Lake

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 07
  Acclimatization Day in Manang (3,540m/11,614ft)

  A full rest and acclimatisation day in Manang before the high-altitude push to Thorong La. Active acclimatisation is strongly recommended rather than complete rest. The two main options are a hike to Gangapurna Lake (a turquoise glacial lake at 3,800m) or the more demanding Ice Lake (Kicho Tal at 4,600m), which provides stronger preparation for the pass crossing and spectacular high-altitude views. The golden rule applies: climb high, sleep low.

  In the afternoon, attend the free altitude sickness lecture at the Himalayan Rescue Association station in Manang. Their seasonal staff provide up-to-date advice on AMS symptoms, the Thorong La crossing, and emergency procedures. Read our altitude sickness guide for a full overview of symptoms, prevention, and treatment on the trail.

  Optional Hike Distance: 5-10km round trip | Hike Duration: 3-5 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Gangapurna Lake’s turquoise waters

  • Views of Gangapurna (7,455m), Annapurna III (7,555m), and Chulu East (6,584m)

  • 500-year-old Manang Monastery

  • Himalayan Rescue Association center

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 08
  Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft)

  A shorter but steady ascent out of the Manang Valley following the Jarsang Khola river north toward the pass. Vegetation thins to sparse juniper scrub as the trail gains altitude. Yak Kharka, meaning “yak pastures,” is a small high-altitude settlement where local herders graze their animals through the trekking season. Views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak (7,134m) remain impressive throughout the day.

  Trek Distance: 10km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate

  Points of Interest:

  • Panoramic views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak

  • The transition to high alpine terrain

  • Traditional herding lifestyle as local people tend to their yaks

  • Dramatic mountain landscapes

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 09
  Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m/14,600ft)

  Another short but important acclimatisation day as you approach the pass. The trail crosses a suspension bridge over the Kone Khola, climbs to Ledar (4,200m), then descends briefly before the final climb up to Thorong Phedi, which means “foot of the hill.” This is the last settlement before the crossing. Some well-acclimatised trekkers hike a further hour up to High Camp (4,850m) in the afternoon to reduce the next day’s climb, but most stay at Phedi. Eat a good meal, drink plenty of water, and get to bed early tonight.

  Trek Distance: 7km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Dramatic views of Thorong Peak and Chulu West

  • Stark high-altitude landscape

  • Last glimpses of the eastern side of the Annapurna Circuit

  • Optional afternoon hike to High Camp

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 10
  Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft) to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft)

  The defining day of the trek. Departure is at approximately 4:00 AM with headlamps to reach the pass before the afternoon winds. The ascent takes 4 to 5 hours of steady climbing in thin, cold air. At the summit, prayer flags mark Thorong La at 5,416m, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The panoramic views across Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and the Mustang plateau are extraordinary and fully earned.

  The descent is a 1,600m drop over roughly 3 to 4 hours, a long and knee-testing descent into the arid landscape of Upper Mustang. The change in terrain from lush green valleys to high desert scrubland is dramatic and immediate. Muktinath, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, marks the end of the crossing and your first glimpse of the trans-Himalayan world.

  Trek Distance: 16km | Trek Duration: 8-10 hours | Difficulty Level: Very Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Panoramic views from Thorong La pass

  • Dramatic change in landscape from green to arid

  • Muktinath Temple complex with 108 water spouts

  • Buddhist monastery and eternal flame of natural gas

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 11
  Trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni (2,800m/9,186ft)

  Begin with an unhurried morning visit to the Muktinath Temple complex before departing. The 108 water spouts and the eternal flame of natural gas make it one of the most unusual pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas. The trek to Kagbeni is short and easy, descending through the stark, wind-carved landscape past the Tibetan-influenced villages of Jharkot and Khingar. Kagbeni sits at the boundary of the restricted Upper Mustang kingdom, its medieval mud-brick architecture and ancient red monastery giving it a completely different character from anywhere on the eastern circuit.

  Trek Distance: 13km | Trek Duration: 2.5-3 hours | Difficulty Level: Easy

  Points of Interest:

  • Morning visit to Muktinath Temple before departure
  • Dramatic landscape transition from alpine to arid desert terrain
  • Traditional Tibetan-style villages of Jharkot and Khingar
  • Medieval architecture and ancient monastery of Kagbeni
  • Gateway views to the forbidden Upper Mustang kingdom
  • Cultural shift from Hindu pilgrimage sites to Buddhist Tibetan communities

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 12
  Trek from Kagbeni to Marpha

  Follow the Kali Gandaki River south through the deepest gorge on earth, flanked by Dhaulagiri (8,167m) to the west and Nilgiri (7,061m) to the east. Pass through Eklebhatti before reaching Jomsom, the administrative centre of Mustang district with its busy airstrip. Continue south along the river to the pretty whitewashed village of Marpha, Nepal’s apple capital. The orchards, local apple brandy distilleries, and traditional Thakali stone-paved lanes of Marpha make it one of the most charming stops on the entire circuit.

  Trek Distance: 15km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

  Points of Interest:

  • Walk through the world’s deepest gorge along Kali Gandaki River
  • Views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche peaks
  • Jomsom’s administrative center and airport facilities
  • Marpha’s famous apple orchards and local apple brandy distilleries
  • Traditional Thakali architecture with whitewashed stone houses
  • Buddhist monastery and cultural center in Marpha

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 13
  Drive to Tatopani (1,200m/3,937ft)

  A scenic drive down the Kali Gandaki valley through traditional Thakali villages, changing vegetation zones from temperate to subtropical, and past the spectacular Rupse Chhahara waterfall. Tatopani, which means “hot water” in Nepali, is your reward at the end of the drive. The natural thermal hot springs here are famous for providing therapeutic relief after days of high-altitude trekking. Soak as long as you like. The town has good teahouses, cafes, and small restaurants.

  Drive Distance: 85km | Drive Duration: 6-7 hours

  Points of Interest:

  • Traditional Thakali villages of Larjung and Ghasa
  • Rupse Chhahara waterfall – one of Nepal’s most dramatic waterfalls
  • Changing vegetation zones from temperate to subtropical
  • Natural hot springs for therapeutic relaxation and healing
  • Views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges during descent
  • Traditional end point for classic Annapurna Circuit variations

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 14
  Drive Tatopani to Pokhara (822m/2,697ft)

  The drive follows the river through forested valleys and terraced farmland toward Nepal’s most beautiful city. As the road descends into the Pokhara valley the unmistakeable fishtail profile of Machhapuchhre (6,993m) dominates the skyline. Check into your lakeside hotel and spend the evening on Phewa Lake’s promenade. Pokhara’s combination of mountain views, fresh food, and peaceful atmosphere makes it the perfect place to unwind after the circuit. Optional activities include paragliding, a sunset boat ride on the lake, or simply eating well.

  Drive Distance: 105km | Drive Duration: 6-7 hours

  Points of Interest:

  • Views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre from Pokhara

  • Peaceful Phewa Lake with mountain reflections

  • Pokhara’s vibrant lakeside area with its mix of Nepali and international cuisine

  • Optional activities: paragliding, boating, or visiting the International Mountain Museum

  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
• day 15
  Tourist Bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,600ft). Farewell dinner.

  The Prithvi Highway back to Kathmandu follows the Trishuli River gorge through some of Nepal’s finest lowland scenery. Meal stops are made en route. Arrive Kathmandu by late afternoon. Check into your hotel and take the afternoon at leisure for last-minute shopping in Thamel or a visit to Boudhanath Stupa. The day ends with a farewell dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine and a cultural performance, a fitting close to one of the world’s great trekking routes.

  Drive Distance: 200km | Drive Duration: 6-7 hours

  Points of Interest:

  • Scenic views along the Prithvi Highway

  • Trishuli River gorges

  • Farewell dinner with traditional Nepali cuisine and cultural performances

  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
• day 16
  Final Departure.

  Breakfast at the hotel, then a transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport timed to your flight. If you have a late departure, the team can assist with luggage storage or a final morning of sightseeing in Thamel, Pashupatinath, or Swayambhunath. Safe travels.

  Airport Transfer: Scheduled according to your flight time (typically 3 hours before international flights)

  Practical Information:

  • Standard hotel check-out time is 12:00 PM

  • Luggage storage available for those with evening flights

  • Late check-out may be arranged (subject to availability and additional cost)

  • Meal: Breakfast