Trip Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most legendary and diverse long-distance treks in the world, renowned for its unparalleled variety in landscapes, culture, and climatic zones. Encircling the entire Annapurna Massif, this classic trek takes you through lush subtropical forests, arid high-altitude deserts, and snow-capped alpine regions—all within a single journey.
Spanning 160–230 km, depending on the route and detours, the Annapurna Circuit typically begins in the lower hills of Besisahar and ascends through the Marsyangdi Valley, crossing the world-famous Thorong La Pass (5,416m)—the highest point of the trek—before descending into the sacred valley of Muktinath and the windswept landscapes of Lower Mustang. The trail continues through Kagbeni, Jomsom, and Tatopani, eventually leading to Poon Hill for a stunning sunrise view of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.
Trekkers experience a wide array of ethnic cultures, from the Gurung and Magar communities in the lower hills to Tibetan-influenced Thakali and Manangi people in the trans-Himalayan region. This circuit also passes ancient Buddhist monasteries, Hindu pilgrimage sites, and charming mountain villages with breathtaking Himalayan backdrops.
Ideal for trekkers seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience, the Annapurna Circuit Trek requires good physical fitness but no prior high-altitude trekking experience. The best seasons for the trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when skies are clear and the trail is at its most scenic.
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Thorong La Pass (5,416m) – One of the highest trekking passes in the world
Diverse Landscapes – From green valleys to arid plateaus and glacial peaks
Cultural Diversity – Explore Hindu, Buddhist, and Tibetan-influenced villages
Pilgrimage Sites – Visit sacred Muktinath Temple and ancient monasteries
Poon Hill Sunrise – Panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machapuchare
Road Access – Flexible itinerary with road access points for shorter versions
Natural Hot Springs – Relax at Tatopani after your trek
Itinerary
Day 1Kathmandu: Arrival in Kathmandu
At an arrival at the international airport we will be picked up and then transferred to the hotel. Check in at the hotel and stay overnight.
Day 2Jagat: Drive Kathmandu to Jagat [9-10 Hrs. Drive; 215 Kms / 1209 Meters, 4232 Ft]
Set off from Kathmandu in the early morning in to reach Jagat in the early evening. The road out of the Kathmandu Valley and onto the lower-lying lands follows the Trisuli River, where you may see people enjoying white water rafting. There are plenty of good coffee and lunch stops on the way. The road turns towards Pokhara, and we follow this good road until we turn off at Besisahar and enter Manang, with its more winding roads.
Day 3Hike Jagat to Chame [6-7 Hrs. Trek; 10 Km / 2650 Meters, 8694 Ft.]
We start our trek from Jagat and trek to Chame Village. Chame is a beautiful village and is a district headquarter of Manang district.
Day 4Pisang: Trek Chame to Pisang [6-7 Hrs. Trek; 11 Km / 3250 Meters, 8562 Ft.]
Chame to Pisang is a trail through the sparsely populated Pine forest apple farms, etc. It is neither long nor tedious walk to reach the Pisang village. We pass through Bhratang and Dhukur Pokhari village to reach Pisang village.
Day 5Manang: Trek Pisang to Manang [4-5 Hrs. Trek; 9.2 Km / 3540 Meters, 11615 Ft.]
Today our bodies appreciate the shorter trekking time and less steep trails. Our spirits also enjoy the rich Buddhist heritage we will see today. Leaving Pisang we pass through small rivers, small villages, mani walls etc. to reach Manang. We also pass Braga Gompa, which is around 900 years old, and the Gompa of Godzo before crossing the Ghatte Khola and reaching the town of Manang, where we overnight.
Day 6 Manang: Manang Acclimatization Day [4-5 Hrs. Trek; 9.2 Km / 3540 Meters, 11615 Ft.]
On the acclimatization day we will keep our body moving and keep it warm so that it can acclimatize to the surrounding altitude. We have multiple options on this day to choose from where we want to go for acclimatization. Ice Lake, Gangapurna Glacier view point etc. are the locations we can chose to visit on this day.
Day 7Yak Kharka: Trek Manang to Yak Kharka [trek; 3 Hrs, 10 Km / 4020 Meters, 13188 Ft.]
Another short day in this stunning Tibetan-like landscape. There are steep sections of the trail, but some shops in Manang are exciting. And some artifacts are being sold on the trail. But remember, the Thorong La Pass is coming, so don’t buy too much!
Day 8Thorung Phedi: Trek Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi [8-9 Hrs. Trek; 14 Km / 4550 Meters, 14928 Ft.]
The stark landscape continues, and there is a landslide area to pass today. Pay close attention to your guide’s advice. Since it is a relatively short trek, you should spend the afternoon hiking to High Camp in preparation for Tomorrow’s high-altitude pass crossing. Alternatively, enjoy the surrounding mountains, Annapurna II, III, IV, Pisang Peak, Chulu, and Tilicho, while enjoying a cinnamon roll. Yes, last time we were there, there was a bakery at one of which we highly recommend is make complete preparation for the morning. We will be setting off early to cross the Thorong La Pass so please pack your belongings the night before and get a good night’s rest.
Day 9Muktinath: Trek Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi [8-9 Hrs. Trek; 14 Km / 4550 Meters, 14928 Ft.]
The stark landscape continues, and there is a landslide area to pass today. Pay close attention to your guide’s advice. Since it is a relatively short trek, you should spend the afternoon hiking to High Camp in preparation for Tomorrow’s high-altitude pass crossing. Alternatively, enjoy the surrounding mountains, Annapurna II, III, IV, Pisang Peak, Chulu, and Tilicho, while enjoying a cinnamon roll. Yes, last time we were there, there was a bakery at one of which we highly recommend is make complete preparation for the morning. We will be setting off early to cross the Thorong La Pass so please pack your belongings the night before and get a good night’s rest.
Day 10 Jomsom: Trek Muktinath to Jomsom [trek; 5-6 Hrs, 10 Km / 2743 Meters, 8999 Ft.]
After breakfast, you have time to visit the temple of Muktinath with its 108 water spouts. No need to bathe in them all unless you are Hindu or particularly enjoy cold showers! Then we trek down to the airport town of Jomson. Suppose you wish to spend more time in Muktinath or explore the interesting village of Kagbeni on the route. In that case, it is possible to take a jeep down from Muktinath to Jomson or Kagbeni (then it’s around a 2-3 hour walk from Kagbeni to Jomson). In Jomsom, we find many shops, bars, and hotels to relax in.
Day 11Pokhara: Flight Jomsom to Pokhara [flight; 20 Minutes / 826 Meters, 2696 Ft.]
This itinerary includes the early morning flight to Pokhara, which gives you a whole day in this vibrant lakeside town. An alternative would be to continue your trek for another 3 or 4 days down through Mustang and perhaps up to the famous Poon Hill. Please discuss this with us when booking your trek.
Day 12Kathmandu: Fly Back to Kathmandu and Rest Day [flight; 25 Minutes]
After spending relaxing day in Pokhara we will then head to Kathmandu. We will take a short flight back to Kathmandu and stay overnight. You can use the free time on this day on your disposal for personal activities.
Day 13Departure
Our airport representative will help you with checkout procedure and then escort you to the airport for final departure from Nepal for your onward journey.
Route Map
What’s Included
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Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara on twin sharing basis on BB Meal Plan (pre- and post-trek)
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Accommodation in local tea houses/lodges during the trek
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All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
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Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
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Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
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Necessary Trekking Staffs
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All necessary trekking permits (ACAP, and TIMS)
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Private ground transportation as per itinerary (including to/from trek trail head)
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Domestic Flights as per the itinerary
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Insurance for guide, porter and trekking staffs involved.
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Farewell dinner at a local Nepali restaurant
What’s Not Included
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International flights and Nepal visa fees -
Personal trekking gear and equipment
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Travel and medical insurance (including emergency evacuation)
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Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
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Tips for guide, porter, and drivers
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Personal expenses: beverages, snacks, laundry, phone/internet, etc.
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Additional costs due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., weather delays, landslides, political strikes)
