Annapurna Region · Nepal Himalayas
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Classic Himalayan Circumnavigation — Over Thorong La Pass
Duration
17 Days 12 Days Trekking
Max Altitude
5,416m Thorong La Pass
Trek Distance
~160 km Full Circuit
Difficulty
Challenging High Pass Crossing
Best Seasons
Spring & Autumn Mar–May · Sep–Nov
Route
Kathmandu → Besisahar → Chamje → Chame → Pisang → Manang → Thorong La Pass (5,416m) → Muktinath → Kagbeni → Jomsom → Marpha → Tatopani → Ghorepani → Nayapul → Pokhara → Kathmandu
Trip Overview
Nepal’s Greatest Classic High-Altitude Trek
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the world’s greatest classic treks, offering an extraordinary journey around the entire Annapurna massif. This legendary adventure takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and altitudes — from subtropical valleys and rhododendron forests to alpine meadows and high-altitude desert.
The undisputed highlight is the crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416m) — one of the world’s highest trekking passes — with breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges.
Along the way, explore the ancient Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site of Muktinath, the dramatic Mustang valley landscape of Kagbeni, the apple orchards of Marpha, the famous hot springs at Tatopani, and the legendary Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint before descending to Pokhara. A complete Himalayan experience from start to finish.
Day by Day
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
1,400m
▼
Welcome to Nepal. Our team will meet you at Kathmandu International Airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Activities
- Airport pickup and hotel transfer
- Trek briefing and equipment check
- Permit preparation (ACAP & TIMS)
Overnight
- Kathmandu Hotel
Day 2
Kathmandu – Besisahar
760m
▼
Drive through Nepal’s scenic countryside to Besisahar — the official starting point of the Annapurna Circuit.
Distance & Time
- Approx. 175 km · 6–7 hours drive
Highlights
- Marsyangdi River views
- Rural Nepal landscapes
- First glimpse of the Annapurna range
Overnight
- Besisahar Lodge
Day 3
Besisahar – Chamje
1,430m
▼
Begin trekking along the Marsyangdi River through villages, waterfalls, and lush subtropical forests.
Distance & Time
- Approx. 22 km · 6–7 hours
Highlights
- Marsyangdi River gorge
- Waterfalls and suspension bridges
- Traditional Gurung villages
Overnight
- Chamje Lodge
Day 4
Chamje – Chame
2,710m
▼
Pass through pine forests and dramatic mountain terrain as the valley narrows and peaks emerge.
Distance & Time
- Approx. 16 km · 5–6 hours
Highlights
- First Annapurna II and IV views
- Monastery visits
- Chame valley — Manang district headquarters
Overnight
- Chame Lodge
Day 5
Chame – Upper Pisang
3,310m
▼
Trek through apple orchards and pine forests, past the famous curved rock face, to the beautiful Upper Pisang village.
Distance & Time
- Approx. 16 km · 5–6 hours
Highlights
- Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II views
- Traditional Tibetan-style architecture
- Upper Pisang Monastery
Overnight
- Upper Pisang Lodge
Day 6
Upper Pisang – Manang
3,519m
▼
Trek through the upper Manang valley with spectacular views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.
Distance & Time
- Approx. 22 km · 6–7 hours (via high route)
Highlights
- Ghyaru and Ngawal villages
- Gangapurna Glacier Lake
- 360° Annapurna panorama
Overnight
- Manang Lodge
Day 7
Manang – Acclimatization Day
3,519m
▼
A critical rest day to acclimatize before crossing Thorong La Pass. Take a short hike to a higher elevation during the day and rest at Manang altitude.
Optional Hikes
- Ice Lake (4,620m)
- Gangapurna Lake viewpoint
- Praken Monastery
Highlights
- Annapurna III, Gangapurna & Tilicho Peak views
- Mountain culture & local life
Overnight
- Manang Lodge
Day 8
Manang – High Camp (Thorong Phedi)
4,500m
▼
A short but important day of ascent to High Camp in preparation for the early morning Thorong La crossing.
Distance & Time
- Approx. 10 km · 4–5 hours
Highlights
- High alpine terrain
- Thorong La Pass preview
- Himalayan wilderness
Overnight
- High Camp / Thorong Phedi Lodge
Day 9
Thorong La Pass – Muktinath
5,416m ★
▼
The most challenging and rewarding day of the entire circuit. Start before dawn to cross the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416m). Descend to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath.
Distance & Time
- Approx. 16 km · 7–8 hours
Highlights
- Thorong La Pass (5,416m) crossing
- 360° panoramic Himalayan views
- Muktinath Temple (3,800m)
- Hindu & Buddhist pilgrimage site
- 108 sacred water spouts
Overnight
- Muktinath Lodge
Day 10
Muktinath – Kagbeni – Jomsom
2,720m
▼
Descend through the dramatic Mustang valley landscape. Visit the ancient walled town of Kagbeni before reaching Jomsom.
Distance & Time
- Approx. 18 km · 5–6 hours
Highlights
- Kagbeni ancient walled village
- Mustang desert landscape
- Kali Gandaki river valley
- Dhaulagiri & Nilgiri views
Overnight
- Jomsom Lodge
Day 11
Jomsom – Marpha – Tatopani
1,190m
▼
Walk through Marpha — famous for its apple orchards, brandy, and charming stone alleys — then continue descending to Tatopani hot springs.
Distance & Time
- Approx. 24 km · 6–7 hours
Highlights
- Marpha apple orchards & village
- Kali Gandaki gorge — world’s deepest
- Tatopani natural hot springs
Overnight
- Tatopani Lodge
Day 12
Tatopani – Ghorepani
2,850m
▼
A steep climb through rhododendron and oak forests back to the famous Ghorepani village.
Distance & Time
- Approx. 12 km · 6–7 hours
Highlights
- Dense forest trails
- Annapurna South & Dhaulagiri views
- Ghorepani village
Overnight
- Ghorepani Lodge
Day 13
Poon Hill Sunrise – Nayapul
3,210m ★
▼
Early morning hike to Poon Hill for the iconic Himalayan sunrise. Descend all the way to Nayapul, completing the full circuit.
Distance & Time
- Approx. 14 km · 6–7 hours
Highlights
- Poon Hill sunrise (3,210m)
- Annapurna & Dhaulagiri panorama
- Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) views
- Trek completion at Nayapul
Overnight
- Pokhara Hotel
Day 14
Pokhara Rest & Exploration
822m
▼
A well-deserved rest day in beautiful Pokhara after completing the full Annapurna Circuit.
Optional Activities
- Phewa Lake boating
- World Peace Pagoda visit
- Lakeside cafés & shopping
- International Mountain Museum
Overnight
- Pokhara Hotel
Day 15
Pokhara – Kathmandu
1,400m
▼
Scenic 25-minute flight back to Kathmandu with Himalayan views from the air.
Overnight
- Kathmandu Hotel
Day 16
Kathmandu – Contingency Day
1,400m
▼
Buffer day for any delays or to explore more of Kathmandu.
Activities
- Thamel shopping
- Cultural sightseeing
- Farewell dinner
Overnight
- Kathmandu Hotel
Day 17
International Departure
Kathmandu
▼
Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your final departure. End of the Annapurna Circuit adventure.
What You’ll Experience
Trek Highlights
Thorong La Pass crossing (5,416m)
Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint (3,210m)
Muktinath sacred temple visit
Kagbeni — ancient Mustang gateway
Marpha apple orchards & village
Kali Gandaki — world’s deepest gorge
Tatopani natural hot springs
Annapurna, Dhaulagiri & Manaslu views
Diverse landscapes — jungle to high desert
Gurung & Thakali culture & villages
Package Details
Cost Includes & Excludes
✓ Cost Includes
Airport transfers
Kathmandu hotel with breakfast
Pokhara hotel accommodation
Trekking lodge accommodation
Full board meals during trek (B/L/D)
Tea and coffee during trekking
Experienced local trekking guide
Porter service
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
TIMS card
All ground transportation as per itinerary
Pokhara – Kathmandu flight ticket
First aid kit
Emergency oxygen support if required
Staff equipment, insurance & allowances
✕ Cost Excludes
International airfare
Nepal visa fee
Travel insurance
Emergency rescue and medical expenses
Personal expenses
Drinks, snacks, charging, Wi-Fi & laundry
Personal trekking equipment & gear
Extra accommodation/meals due to delays
Tips for guide and porter
Trek Difficulty
Challenging — High Pass & Long Daily Stages
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a physically demanding adventure due to the altitude of Thorong La Pass (5,416m), the overall length of the route (~160km), and multi-day consecutive trekking stages. Good physical fitness, previous trekking experience, and mental determination are strongly recommended.
With proper acclimatization days, the right pace, and our experienced local guides managing your safety and itinerary, the Annapurna Circuit becomes one of the most achievable and deeply rewarding long-distance Himalayan adventures available.
Complete the Full Annapurna Circle
One of the world’s greatest trekking routes — diverse landscapes, high passes, ancient cultures, and an unforgettable crossing of Thorong La. Let us guide your circuit adventure.