Annapurna Circuit Trek
Nepal's classic trans-Himalayan crossing
Duration
14 Days
Max Altitude
5,416 m / 17,769 ft (Thorong La Pass)
Best Season
March–May & September–November
Group Size
2–12 (private trips available)
Overview
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's great long-distance treks, circling the entire Annapurna massif and crossing the high Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) from the lush Marsyangdi valley into the arid, Tibetan-influenced Kali Gandaki valley. Over 14 days the landscape transforms dramatically — from rice terraces and waterfalls to pine forest, alpine yak pasture, and finally the high-desert plateau around Manang and Muktinath. Road construction has shortened some of the lower sections in recent years, and our itinerary uses jeep transfers where the trail has been affected by roads, keeping the walking on the most scenic, trail-only sections.
Trip Highlights
- Crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world
- Muktinath Temple, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists
- Manang, a high-altitude Tibetan-influenced trading town
- Dramatic transition from subtropical forest to high desert
- Views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna and Dhaulagiri
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Drive Kathmandu to Chame
Drive via Besisahar to Chame (2,710 m), starting the circuit above the roadhead.
Day 2
Trek to Upper Pisang
Walk beside the Marsyangdi river to Upper Pisang (3,300 m).
Day 3
Trek to Manang
Follow the scenic high route via Ghyaru and Ngawal to Manang (3,540 m).
Day 4
Acclimatization in Manang
Day hike to Gangapurna Lake or the Praken Gompa viewpoint.
Day 5
Trek to Yak Kharka
Gentle climb to the yak-grazing settlement of Yak Kharka (4,050 m).
Day 6
Trek to Thorong Phedi/High Camp
Short but steep climb to Thorong Phedi or High Camp (4,600–4,925 m) to prepare for the pass.
Day 7
Cross Thorong La to Muktinath
Pre-dawn crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), descending to Muktinath (3,760 m).
Day 8
Drive/trek to Marpha
Visit Muktinath Temple, then continue to the apple-orchard village of Marpha.
Day 9
Trek to Kalopani
Walk through the deep Kali Gandaki gorge, the world's deepest, to Kalopani.
Day 10
Trek to Tatopani
Descend to Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs.
Day 11
Trek to Ghorepani
Climb through forest toward Ghorepani (2,860 m).
Day 12
Poon Hill sunrise, trek to Tikhedhunga
Sunrise at Poon Hill, then descend toward Tikhedhunga.
Day 13
Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara
Final descent to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara.
Day 14
Drive/fly to Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus or flight.
Cost Includes
- Kathmandu–Chame ground transport
- Pokhara–Kathmandu return transport
- Licensed trekking guide
- Porter service
- Teahouse accommodation
- All permits
Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu/Pokhara
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear
- Tips
Permits Required
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS Card
Annapurna Circuit Trek — FAQs
Thorong La is challenging mainly because of altitude and an early pre-dawn start, not technical climbing — no ropes or crampons are needed in normal conditions. Proper acclimatization days in Manang, which we build into every itinerary, are essential.
