Annapurna Circuit Trek
The world's greatest long-distance trek
The Annapurna Circuit is widely regarded as the best long-distance trek on Earth. Over 16 days, you circle the entire Annapurna massif, crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416m — one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The trail passes through an astonishing diversity of landscapes: subtropical rice paddies, pine forests, high alpine desert, and the arid Mustang region. You experience Hindu, Buddhist, and Tibetan cultures in a single journey.
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Day-by-Day Itinerary
A detailed look at each day of your Annapurna Circuit Trek adventure. Every itinerary is crafted to balance trekking, acclimatization, and cultural experiences.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Drive or fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m). The lakeside city is the gateway to the Annapurna region. Trek briefing, gear check, and evening on the shores of Phewa Lake.
Day 2: Pokhara to Besisahar (760m) — Drive to Dharapani (1,860m)
Early morning drive to Besisahar, the traditional start of the Circuit. Continue by jeep to Dharapani, saving 2 days of road walking through the lower valley. This is now standard practice as the road has extended into the Marsyangdi valley.
Day 3: Dharapani to Chame (2,670m)
Trek along the Marsyangdi river through dense forest. Enter the Manang district. Chame is the district headquarters — the last town with proper shops and ATM. Walking time: 5-6 hours.
Day 4: Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m)
The landscape opens up dramatically. Walk through an enormous apple orchard and pine forest. The first close-up views of Annapurna II (7,937m) appear. Upper Pisang offers stunning views. Walking time: 5-6 hours.
Day 5: Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540m)
Take the upper trail through Ghyaru and Ngawal for the best mountain views — Annapurna, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the entire Manang valley spread below. Descend to Manang. Walking time: 6-7 hours.
Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Manang
Critical rest day before Thorong La. Options include hiking to Gangapurna Lake (3,580m), visiting Praken Gompa above town, or walking to Khangsar village. The Himalayan Rescue Association runs a free altitude sickness lecture at 3 PM — highly recommended.
Day 7: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,018m)
Leave Manang and climb gradually through increasingly barren landscape. The vegetation thins to scrub and grass. Yak Kharka (yak pasture) is a small settlement used primarily by trekkers. Walking time: 4-5 hours.
Day 8: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,525m)
Short but important trek to Thorong Phedi (foot of the pass). The afternoon is for resting, hydrating, and preparing for the pass crossing. Early dinner. Bed by 7 PM. Walking time: 3-4 hours.
Day 9: Thorong La Pass (5,416m) — Descend to Muktinath (3,800m)
The crux of the Circuit. Start at 4:00 AM for the steep climb to Thorong La (5,416m). Prayer flags mark the highest point. The descent to Muktinath is long and knee-testing. Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple — holy to both Hindus and Buddhists. Walking time: 8-10 hours.
Day 10: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m)
Descend into the Kali Gandaki valley — the deepest gorge on Earth, flanked by Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m). Arrive at Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang. Afternoon winds are fierce. Walking time: 5-6 hours.
Day 11: Jomsom to Marpha to Kalopani (2,530m)
Trek south through apple orchards to Marpha — the apple brandy capital of Nepal. Continue to Kalopani with stunning sunset views of Dhaulagiri. Walking time: 5-6 hours.
Day 12: Kalopani to Tatopani (1,190m)
Big descent into the subtropical zone. The temperature rises noticeably. Tatopani means 'hot water' — natural hot springs await you by the river. Perfect for tired muscles. Walking time: 5-6 hours.
Day 13: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,860m)
The toughest climb on the descent side — 1,700m gain up stone steps through terraced farmland and rhododendron forest. Arrive exhausted at Ghorepani. Walking time: 6-7 hours.
Day 14: Poon Hill Sunrise (3,210m) — Ghorepani to Nayapul — Drive to Pokhara
4:30 AM start for Poon Hill — one of Nepal's most famous sunrise viewpoints. 360-degree panorama of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu. Descend to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara. Walking time: 5-6 hours.
Day 15: Pokhara — Free Day
Rest day in Pokhara. Explore Phewa Lake, paraglide over the lake, visit the International Mountain Museum, or simply rest. Celebration dinner.
Day 16: Pokhara to Kathmandu — Departure
Drive or fly to Kathmandu. Airport transfer for departure. Or extend your trip.
What Is Included
Included in Your Trip
- All Permits & Fees
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit), TIMS card, and all local fees included.
- Experienced Local Guide
A certified guide with extensive Annapurna Circuit experience, including Thorong La pass crossings in all conditions.
- Teahouse Accommodation
Twin-share teahouse lodging along the entire Circuit, plus hotel in Pokhara and Kathmandu.
- All Meals on Trek
Three meals daily on the trail — dal bhat, momos, pasta, and local specialties at each teahouse.
- Porter Support
Porters carry your main luggage (up to 15kg) so you only carry a daypack.
- Transportation
Kathmandu-Pokhara transfer, Pokhara-Besisahar drive, Nayapul-Pokhara return, and Pokhara-Kathmandu transfer included.
Not Included
- International flights to and from the destination
- Travel insurance (required, purchased separately)
- Personal gear and equipment
- Tips for guides and support staff (recommended)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Understanding what to expect helps you prepare properly and enjoy your trek to the fullest.
Fitness Requirements
- Able to walk 6-8 hours on consecutive days over varied terrain
- Good cardiovascular fitness — the Thorong La day is 8-10 hours starting at 4 AM
- Prepared for temperatures ranging from 30C at low elevations to -15C at Thorong La
- Comfortable with basic teahouse accommodation throughout the trek
- 16 days available for the complete experience
Annapurna Circuit Trek — Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Annapurna Circuit still worth doing with the road development?
How dangerous is Thorong La Pass?
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