Annapurna Circuit Trek
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsTrek the full Annapurna Circuit and cross Thorong La Pass with guides who know every step.
On The Trail
What It Really Looks Like
Annapurna Circuit Trek: What to Expect
One of the world's highest trekking passes at 5,416m
Annapurna specialists, not contractors or agency outsourcing
Clean guesthouses every night, no camping required
One-way circuit, no backtracking, ends at Phewa Lake
The Annapurna Circuit is a 160km one-way trek around the Annapurna massif, ending in Pokhara. This 16-day itinerary uses vehicle support on the lower road-damaged sections so your walking days focus on the best terrain. Two permits required, ACAP and TIMS both included.
Expect 5 to 7 hours of walking per day across 9 active trekking days. The Thorong La crossing on Day 10 runs 8 to 10 hours with a 4:00 AM start. No prior Himalayan experience needed, but 2 to 3 months of cardio training before arrival is strongly advised.
Trail highlights:
- 900-year-old Braga Monastery with original thangkas and bronze statues
- Muktinath Temple — 108 water spouts, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists
- Natural hot springs at Tatopani after the high-altitude section
For a full cost breakdown, see our Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost 2026 guide.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Our team meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. That evening your guide runs a full briefing covering the route, gear check, acclimatisation plan, and what to expect at altitude. Use the rest of the day to explore Thamel or rest before the journey starts tomorrow.
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar
Early departure by tourist bus along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers through terraced hillsides and traditional villages. Besisahar is the traditional starting point of the Annapurna Circuit and the administrative centre of Lamjung district. Arrive by late afternoon and settle in before the trek begins properly tomorrow.
Drive from Besisahar to Chame
A private jeep follows the Marsyangdi River through deep gorges, past waterfalls and traditional villages. First views of the Annapurna range appear as the valley narrows toward Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. There is a small natural hot spring in Chame worth soaking in after the bumpy ride.
Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang
The first full trekking day climbs through pine and oak forest above the Marsyangdi River, passing apple orchards and suspension bridges. Views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak open up as the valley widens. Take the higher trail into Upper Pisang for better mountain panoramas and a traditional Tibetan monastery worth exploring before dinner.
Trek from Upper Pisang to Ngawal
Take the high route from Upper Pisang through Ghyaru, a stone-built village with sweeping views of Annapurna II, III, and IV. One of the finest monasteries in the valley sits here and is worth a stop. The traversing path to Ngawal stays above the valley floor with the entire Annapurna range in continuous view.
Trek from Ngawal to Manang
Stop at Braga before Manang to visit its 900-year-old Tibetan monastery, one of the oldest in the Annapurna region, housing ancient thangkas and bronze statues. Manang is the largest village in the upper valley, a semi-arid settlement of traditional stone houses with commanding views across to Gangapurna glacier. A short day with time to explore.
Acclimatisation Day in Manang
Do not rest completely today. Hike to Gangapurna Lake at 3,800m or push higher to Ice Lake at 4,600m for stronger pass preparation. In the afternoon, attend the free altitude sickness lecture at the Himalayan Rescue Association station in Manang. Early night and plenty of water before the climbing days ahead.
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka
A steady climb north out of Manang following the Jarsang Khola river as vegetation thins to sparse juniper scrub. Yak Kharka means “yak pastures” and you will likely see herders grazing animals through the trekking season here. Views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak stay with you throughout the ascent.
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
A short but important day as you approach the base of the pass. The trail crosses a suspension bridge over the Kone Khola, climbs through Ledar, then rises to Thorong Phedi, meaning “foot of the hill.” Eat a full meal, drink plenty of water, and get to bed by 8:00 PM tonight.
Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath
Depart at 4:00 AM with headlamps. The ascent takes 4 to 5 hours of steady climbing to reach the prayer flags at the summit. The descent drops 1,600m over 3 to 4 hours into the arid landscape of Upper Mustang, a dramatic shift from everything on the eastern circuit. Muktinath marks the end of the crossing.
Trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni
Begin with an unhurried morning visit to Muktinath Temple — 108 water spouts and an eternal flame of natural gas make it one of the most unusual pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas. The trail descends through the stark wind-carved landscape past Jharkot and Khingar to Kagbeni, a medieval mud-brick village at the boundary of Upper Mustang.
Trek from Kagbeni to Marpha
Follow the Kali Gandaki River south through the deepest gorge on earth, flanked by Dhaulagiri at 8,167m to the west and Nilgiri at 7,061m to the east. Pass through Jomsom before reaching Marpha, Nepal’s apple capital. The whitewashed stone lanes, local apple brandy distilleries, and Thakali architecture make it one of the most charming stops on the circuit.
Drive from Marpha to Tatopani
A scenic drive down the Kali Gandaki valley past traditional Thakali villages and the spectacular Rupse Chhahara waterfall. Tatopani means “hot water” in Nepali and the natural thermal springs here are your reward after the high-altitude section. Soak as long as you like. Good teahouses and cafes make it a genuine rest stop.
Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara
The drive follows forested valleys and terraced farmland into the Pokhara valley, where the fishtail profile of Machhapuchhre dominates the skyline on a clear day. Check into your lakeside hotel and spend the evening on Phewa Lake’s promenade. Optional paragliding, a sunset boat ride, or simply eating well after two weeks on the trail.
Tourist Bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu
The Prithvi Highway back to Kathmandu follows the Trishuli River gorge with meal stops en route. Arrive by late afternoon with time for last-minute shopping in Thamel or a visit to Boudhanath Stupa. The day ends with a farewell dinner featuring traditional Nepali food and a cultural performance.
Final Departure from Kathmandu
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)
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
-
Airport and hotel transfers Private vehicle on arrival and departure days
-
3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara Twin-sharing with breakfast included
-
Teahouse accommodation on trek Twin-sharing throughout all trekking nights
-
Licensed Annapurna guide NTB licensed, full time, dedicated to your group
-
Porter service One porter carries your duffel for every two trekkers
-
ACAP and TIMS permits Both arranged in Kathmandu before you leave
-
Tourist bus Kathmandu to Besisahar Comfortable tourist class, Day 2
-
Jeep Besisahar to Chame Off-road vehicle support on Day 3
-
Vehicle Marpha to Pokhara Scenic drive via Tatopani hot springs, Days 13 and 14
-
Tourist bus Pokhara to Kathmandu Return leg on Day 15
-
Farewell dinner with cultural show Traditional Nepali food and performance, Kathmandu
-
Duffel bag MountainKick kit, yours to keep
-
All taxes and official charges No hidden fees added after booking
-
International flights To and from Kathmandu, booked independently
-
Nepal visa $30 / $50 / $125 on arrival at Kathmandu airport
-
Meals on trek Budget $30 to $40 per day for three meals
-
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara Breakfast only is covered at both hotels
-
Travel insurance Must include helicopter rescue to 5,500m minimum
-
Personal trekking gear Rental options available in Kathmandu through us
-
Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging on trail Small extra charge at each teahouse
-
Drinks and bottled water Available at every teahouse, costs increase with altitude
-
Tips for guides and porters 10 to 15% of trip cost is the standard across Nepal
-
Costs from illness or itinerary changes Travel insurance covers most of these scenarios
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
In Kathmandu and Pokhara you stay in 3-star hotels on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast included. Rooms are clean and comfortable with private bathrooms, hot water, and Wi-Fi. Single room upgrades are available on request.
On the trek you stay in teahouse guesthouses throughout. Rooms are simple with a bed, pillow, and blankets. Bathrooms are mostly shared. Facilities become more basic above Manang. Private rooms with attached bathrooms exist at some teahouses for a small extra charge. Expect cold nights at higher elevations regardless of the season.
Teahouse menus are consistent across the circuit. Dal bhat, noodle soups, pasta, fried rice, momos, eggs, porridge, and Tibetan bread are available at every stop. Vegetarian options are at every teahouse. Avoid meat above Manang as supply chains are unreliable at altitude. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are available everywhere. Food prices increase with altitude as supplies are porter-carried from the valley.
| Meals and drinks per day | $30 to $40 / day |
| Hot shower | $3 to $5 |
| Wi-Fi | $2 to $4 per day |
| Battery charging | $2 to $3 per device |
| Bottled water | $1 to $3 per litre |
What Our Trekkers Say
“An amazing trek around the Annapurnas”
Kumar made the whole trek genuinely enjoyable, and as a couple we appreciated how flexible he was with our pace. The scenery changed completely every few days, and crossing Thorong La was a huge highlight. MountainKick handled everything well, we never once had to worry about logistics.
“Wonderful experience with MountainKick”
Furi looked after our group of three friends extremely well, friendly, knowledgeable, and always seemed to know when we needed to rest. We loved the villages around Manang and the dramatic scenery higher up. Thorong La was tough, but reaching the top made every step of it worth it.
“A fantastic route through Nepal”
Jeevan made a genuinely great experience out of the Annapurna Circuit. The route gives you such variety of landscapes, and he made the journey more interesting by telling us about the villages and local life we passed through. MountainKick were very professional and easy to communicate with before the trek.…
“One of our best trips in Nepal”
Gopal was excellent with our family group, patient with the kids, kept everyone comfortable, and never once rushed us. We especially enjoyed the days around Manang and the walk towards Thorong La. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding, and MountainKick made the whole thing feel very well organized.
“Hard work but completely worth it”
Kishor was great company for two weeks on the trail. The higher sections were demanding, but he kept us at a sensible pace and checked in regularly on how we were feeling. The views from Thorong La were incredible, and we also really enjoyed the villages and shifting landscapes along…
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit trek?
Rated Hard. You walk 5 to 7 hours per day across 9 active trekking days on mixed terrain. The Thorong La crossing on Day 10 runs 8 to 10 hours with a 4:00 AM start at high altitude. No prior Himalayan experience is required but 2 to 3 months of cardio and leg training before arrival makes a significant difference. See our trek difficulty guide for a full breakdown.
What permits do I need and are they included?
Two permits are required: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. Both are included in the package and arranged in Kathmandu before departure. Bring one passport photo and your passport details. No permit offices to visit on your part. For current fees read our Nepal trekking permits guide for 2026.
How do I prepare for the Thorong La Pass crossing?
Start cardio and leg training at least 2 months before departure. On the trek, do not skip the acclimatisation day in Manang and attend the free Himalayan Rescue Association lecture there. The night before the crossing eat a full meal, drink plenty of water, and sleep by 8:00 PM. On crossing day depart at 4:00 AM, carry 2 litres of water, high-energy snacks, trekking poles, and full cold-weather layers. Your guide makes the final call on conditions that morning.
What are the altitude sickness risks on this trek?
The route climbs above 3,000m from Day 4 and reaches 5,416m on Day 10. Symptoms to watch for include persistent headache, nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite. Tell your guide immediately if any appear. The itinerary follows the climb-high sleep-low principle with a full rest day in Manang and two short ascent days before the pass. Discuss Diamox with your doctor before departure as a preventive option. Read our altitude sickness guide for full detail.
What travel insurance do I need?
Travel insurance is mandatory and must cover emergency helicopter rescue and medical evacuation to a minimum altitude of 5,500m. Without a valid policy MountainKick cannot confirm your booking. Helicopter evacuation from the circuit costs approximately $3,000 to $5,000 USD and is covered by any reputable adventure trekking policy. Carry a printed copy of your policy on the trek. Read our travel insurance guide for Nepal trekking before purchasing.
What is the difference between the 16-day and 21-day Annapurna Circuit?
The 21-day Annapurna Circuit Classical Trek walks the full traditional route on foot from Besisahar including the lower subtropical sections through the Marsyangdi River valley. The 16-day version covers those road-affected sections by vehicle and focuses your walking days on the high mountain terrain. Both cross Thorong La and include every classic circuit landmark. If you have three weeks and want the complete original walking experience, choose the 21-day. If you have two weeks and want every highlight without road-walking, the 16-day is the better choice.
How does the Annapurna Circuit compare to Annapurna Base Camp?
The Circuit is a full circumnavigation of the Annapurna massif reaching 5,416m at Thorong La Pass, typically 15 to 21 days. Annapurna Base Camp is an out-and-back trek into the glacier amphitheatre at 4,130m, typically 10 to 15 days. The Circuit covers more terrain, more cultural zones, and includes a high pass crossing. ABC offers a more intimate experience deep inside the peaks. For a detailed side-by-side comparison read our Annapurna Circuit vs ABC guide.
Can I add a Tilicho Lake side trip to this itinerary?
Yes. Tilicho Lake at 4,919m is one of the highest lakes in the world and sits roughly 2 days off the main circuit from Manang. Adding it requires 2 extra days and is physically demanding. MountainKick can build this into a customised itinerary on request. If Tilicho Lake is a priority consider our dedicated Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek.
Is the Annapurna Circuit suitable for solo trekkers?
Yes. The circuit has a dense teahouse network and a well-signed trail throughout. MountainKick arranges solo departures with a private guide at the solo price of $1,260 per person. A guide is strongly recommended for solo trekkers, particularly for the Thorong La crossing where conditions can change quickly. Female guides are available on request for solo female trekkers.
What gear is essential for the Thorong La crossing?
The must-haves for crossing day are a headlamp with fresh batteries for the 4:00 AM start, a down jacket and full windproof outer layer, thermal base layers, warm hat and gloves, trekking poles, at least 2 litres of water, and high-energy snacks. Temperature at the pass can be well below zero even in October. Your guide will advise on microspikes the night before if icy conditions are present. See the full packing list on this page for everything else you need for the trek.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Can't find a group date that works? Run this trip privately on any date you choose. Same route and guides, just your own group. The price depends on how many of you there are.
| Travellers | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,260 |
| 2-3 | $770 |
| 4-7 | $643 |
Ready to go? Request your preferred dates or message us on WhatsApp. We confirm availability within a few hours.
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
"*" indicates required fields
-
1
20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
-
2
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
Clothing
ⓘ Temperatures swing from 30°C at the start to below -15°C at Thorong La. Layer, do not bulk. Avoid cotton entirely.
Footwear
ⓘ Break your boots in for at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure. New boots on Thorong La is one of the most common mistakes we see.
Sleeping Gear
ⓘ Teahouse blankets exist but are thin. Your own sleeping bag is essential above 3,500m. Do not rely on the blankets provided.
Trekking Equipment
ⓘ Trekking poles are non-negotiable on this trek. The descent from Thorong La drops 1,600m on tired legs. Your knees will thank you.
Documents and Money
ⓘ ATMs disappear after Chame on Day 3. Withdraw all cash you need in Kathmandu before departure. Carry small denomination notes as change is limited at high altitude teahouses.
Personal Items
ⓘ Keep your daypack under 8kg. Your porter carries your duffel. Everything in your daypack is carried by you every day including on Thorong La crossing day.
First Aid and Medications
ⓘ Discuss Diamox with your doctor before departure as a preventive option for altitude sickness. Do not self-prescribe on the trail without medical advice.
Electronics
ⓘ Charging costs $2 to $3 per device at most teahouses. Power cuts are common above Manang. A power bank is more reliable than depending on teahouse electricity.
Bags and Packs
ⓘ Your porter carries your duffel with a 20kg limit. Pack your daypack to under 8kg for the pass crossing day. Everything above that weight comes out of your knees on the descent
Trekking in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Trekking in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ The Annapurna Circuit is not recommended during peak monsoon. Trails below Chame are muddy and leech-heavy, river crossings become dangerous, and mountain views are blocked for days at a time. If your dates fall in June through August, speak to our guide before booking.
Leave at home
-
Cotton clothing Holds moisture, dries slowly, dangerous at altitude
-
Heavy DSLR lenses Dead weight above 4,000m, your phone camera is enough
-
Hardcover books Pack a Kindle or download before you leave
-
Extra pair of shoes Camp sandals cover everything you need off the trail
-
Valuables and jewellery No safe storage on the trail, unnecessary risk
-
"Just in case" items If you are not sure you need it, leave it at home
Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented through us in Kathmandu. Trekking poles are best purchased in Thamel. We connect you with trusted shops at the pre-trip briefing. A duffel bag is provided to every trekker as part of the package.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about gear, fitness, altitude or a private group.
Tales from the Himalayas
Essentials Family Trekking in Nepal: Best Treks for Kids, Ages and Tips
The best treks in Nepal for families with kids, which ages suit which routes, altitude and safety, and how we…
Everest Region EBC Trek in March: Weather, Snow, Crowds and What to Expect
March brings clear mountain views and quieter trails to the Everest Base Camp trek, but nights stay very cold up…
Annapurna Region Tilicho Lake Trek: Altitude, Route, Difficulty and Best Time
One of the highest lakes of its size in the world, three days off the Annapurna Circuit. Here’s how to…