Annapurna Circuit Trek

Detailed itinerary

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

  Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, you’ll have a trek briefing session where you’ll meet your guide who will provide detailed information about the journey ahead. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, or simply rest and prepare for your upcoming trek.

  Points of Interest:

  • Thamel district (shopping and restaurants)

  • Durbar Square (if time permits)

  • Local markets and temples

   

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

  After an early breakfast, we’ll depart Kathmandu by tourist bus for Besisahar, the traditional starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. The journey takes approximately 7-8 hours along the Prithvi Highway, offering spectacular views of terraced farmlands, lush hills, and river valleys. The scenic drive follows the Trishuli River until Muglin, then continues alongside the Marsyangdi River, passing through several Gurung villages. The bus will make stops for meals and refreshments along the way.

  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)

  Today we’ll take a jeep ride from Besisahar to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. This exciting off-road journey follows the Marsyangdi River through rugged terrain and beautiful landscapes. The road conditions can be challenging, but the breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), lush forests, and charming villages make it worthwhile. We’ll pass through several settlements including Khudi, Bhulbhule, and Tal before reaching Chame by late afternoon.

  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)

  Our first full day of trekking begins with a climb through alpine forests of pine and oak. The trail follows the northern bank of the Marsyangdi River, passing through apple orchards and a beautiful valley surrounded by high peaks. After crossing a suspension bridge, we’ll hike through a spectacular rock face called Paunga Danda, considered sacred by the local people. The trail then opens to reveal stunning views of Annapurna II (7,937m) and Pisang Peak (6,091m) before we reach Lower Pisang. From here, we’ll take the more challenging but scenic route to Upper Pisang, offering magnificent mountain vistas.

  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 we’ll take the high route from Upper Pisang to Ngawal, which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range. The trail climbs steeply to Ghyaru (3,670m), a beautiful stone-built village with panoramic mountain views. After exploring the ancient monastery here, we continue along a high traversing path to Ngawal. This alternative high route provides better acclimatization and more impressive mountain scenery than the lower route through Humde and Braga.

  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)

  From Ngawal, we descend to join the main trail and continue to Manang, the largest settlement in the upper Manang Valley. The path offers spectacular views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. Before reaching Manang, we’ll visit Braga village to explore its 900-year-old Tibetan-style monastery housing ancient Buddhist artifacts, thangkas, and statues. Manang is a fascinating village with traditional stone houses reflecting Tibetan architectural influence.

  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)

  Today is dedicated to proper acclimatization, crucial for safely crossing the high Thorong La pass in the coming days. Rather than complete rest, we’ll take an acclimatization hike to either Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake (Kicho Tal). The turquoise Gangapurna Lake is fed by the Gangapurna Glacier and offers stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks. The more challenging Ice Lake trek reaches 4,600m and provides spectacular mountain views. In the afternoon, you can attend the free altitude sickness prevention lecture offered by the Himalayan Rescue Association or explore Manang’s many bakeries, coffee shops, and souvenir stores.

  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)

  After proper acclimatization in Manang, we begin our ascent toward Thorong La pass. Today’s trek is relatively short but steady uphill to allow for gradual acclimatization. The trail climbs out of the Manang Valley, following the Jarsang Khola (river) through sparse juniper vegetation. As we gain altitude, the landscape becomes increasingly barren with amazing views of the surrounding peaks. Yak Kharka, meaning “yak pastures,” is a small settlement where you’ll likely see yaks grazing on the sparse vegetation.

  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)

  Today’s trek is another short but important acclimatization day as we continue to gain altitude. After breakfast, we cross a suspension bridge over the Kone Khola and climb to Ledar (4,200m). From here, the trail descends to cross the Jarsang Khola, then climbs steeply up to Thorong Phedi, which means “foot of the hill.” This is the last settlement before crossing Thorong La pass. For those feeling strong and well-acclimatized, there’s an option to hike up to High Camp (4,850m) in the afternoon to make the next day’s crossing easier, though most trekkers stay at Thorong Phedi.

  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)

  Today is the highlight and most challenging day of the entire trek. We’ll start very early (around 4:00 AM) to cross Thorong La pass before the strong winds that typically develop later in the day. The ascent is steep but steady, taking 4-5 hours to reach the pass marked by colorful prayer flags and a small teahouse. At 5,416m (17,769ft), Thorong La is one of the highest trekking passes in the world, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Mustang region, and Tibetan plateau.

  After celebrating at the pass, we begin the long, knee-testing descent of about 1,600m to Muktinath, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. The descent offers changing landscapes as we enter the arid region of Upper Mustang, dramatically different from the lush valleys on the eastern side of the pass.

  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)

  After the challenging previous day crossing Thorong La Pass, begin with a morning visit to the sacred Muktinath Temple complex to explore the 108 water spouts and eternal flame before starting the trek to Kagbeni. The trail descends through the dramatic landscape transition from the high alpine environment to the arid Trans-Himalayan terrain of Upper Mustang. Pass through the villages of Jharkot and Khingar as you make your way down the Kali Gandaki valley to reach Kagbeni, the medieval gateway village to the restricted Upper Mustang region.

  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 00
  Today’s trek follows the Kali Gandaki River south through the world’s deepest gorge. From Kagbeni, the trail passes through Eklebhatti village before reaching Jomsom, the administrative center and transport hub of the Mustang district . Continue trekking from Jomsom to the picturesque village of Marpha, renowned throughout Nepal for its apple orchards, traditional whitewashed Thakali architecture, and famous apple brandy production. The trail passes through beautiful apple orchards and vegetable farms as you experience authentic Thakali culture.

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

  After breakfast in the beautiful apple village of Marpha, begin the scenic drive down the Kali Gandaki valley to Tatopani. The journey passes through traditional Thakali villages including Larjung and Ghasa, offering views of changing vegetation zones from temperate to subtropical as you descend. The route includes a stop at the spectacular Rupse Chhahara waterfall before reaching Tatopani, meaning “hot water” in Nepali, famous for its natural hot springs that provide therapeutic relief after days of trekking.

  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 to Pokhara (822m/2,697ft)

  After breakfast, we’ll continue our journey by road to Pokhara, Nepal’s beautiful lakeside city. The drive follows the Kali Gandaki River through scenic villages, terraced farmlands, and lush forests. As we approach Pokhara, you’ll get magnificent views of the Annapurna range, including the distinctive fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre (6,993m).

  Upon arrival in Pokhara, check into your hotel and spend the evening relaxing by Phewa Lake. Pokhara offers numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops along the lakeside, perfect for unwinding after your trek. You might choose to enjoy a boat ride on the lake or simply relax with a drink while watching the sunset over the mountains.

  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.

  After breakfast, we’ll board a tourist bus for the return journey to Kathmandu. The drive follows the scenic Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River, offering views of terraced farmlands, rural villages, and distant mountains. We’ll make stops for meals and refreshments along the way.

  Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. You might choose to do some souvenir shopping in Thamel or visit any cultural sites you missed at the beginning of your trip. In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine and cultural performances to celebrate the successful completion of your Annapurna Circuit Trek.

  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.

  After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu. Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. If you’re extending your stay in Nepal or planning another adventure, our team will be happy to assist with arrangements.

  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