The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular and challenging trek in Nepal, renowned for its stunning mountain vistas, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. The trek encircles the Annapurna massif, taking trekkers through a variety of terrains, from lush subtropical forests to arid, high-altitude landscapes.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu’s bustling tourist hub. After check-in, you can rest or explore nearby attractions like Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Garden of Dreams. In the evening, we will hold a pre-trek briefing, where we discuss the trek details and ensure you have all necessary gear. A welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine will be served at a traditional restaurant.
We start our journey early in the morning with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Jagat. The 8-9 hour drive takes us along winding roads, passing through beautiful landscapes, river valleys, and villages. The road follows the Trishuli River before merging with the Marsyangdi River as we enter Besisahar (760m), the traditional starting point of the Annapurna Circuit.
From Besisahar, we take a jeep ride on an off-road path, passing small villages like Syange and Chamje, where the Marsyangdi River cascades through steep gorges. The road climbs gradually, offering our first glimpses of the Himalayas. After a long but scenic journey, we finally arrive in Jagat, a picturesque stone-built village surrounded by lush greenery.
- Driving Time: 8-9 hours
- Road Conditions: Paved until Besisahar, then off-road
- Accommodation: Tea house in Jagat
Our first day of trekking begins! The trail leads through forests, waterfalls, and suspension bridges as we follow the Marsyangdi River upstream.
The first section involves a gentle ascent to the charming village of Chamje (1,410m), where traditional stone houses and lush terraces make for a scenic stop. From Chamje, the trail descends briefly, crossing a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River before climbing steeply to Tal (1,700m), the first village in the Manang District.
Tal is uniquely beautiful, as it sits in a wide valley formed by the Marsyangdi River, with waterfalls cascading down from the cliffs. After a break in Tal, we continue along a gradual uphill trail, passing small settlements and crossing wooden bridges before reaching Dharapani (1,860m), a large Tibetan-influenced village surrounded by pine forests.
- Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours
- Trail Conditions: Rocky paths, forest trails, and suspension bridges
- Highlights: Tal village, Marsyangdi River, waterfalls
- Accommodation: Tea house in Dharapani
oday's trek takes us deeper into the Manang region, where the scenery changes from green forests to alpine landscapes.
We begin with a steady ascent through pine and rhododendron forests, following the riverbank. After 2 hours, we reach Bagarchhap (2,160m), a beautiful Tibetan village with traditional houses and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. As we continue, we pass Danakyu (2,300m) and begin a steep climb to Timang (2,750m), a small settlement with incredible views of Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
From Timang, the trail becomes gentler, passing through dense forests and small hamlets before reaching Chame (2,670m), the district headquarters of Manang. Chame is a lively town with hot springs, bakeries, and stunning views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
- Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours
- Trail Conditions: Forest paths, steep climb to Timang, easier trail to Chame
- Highlights: Manaslu views, Tibetan villages, hot springs
- Accommodation: Tea house in Chame
As we leave Chame, the valley narrows into a steep gorge, with towering cliffs on both sides. The trail winds along rocky paths, crossing suspension bridges before opening into wide meadows near Bhratang (2,950m), an apple-farming village.
Beyond Bhratang, we reach a spectacular rock face known as the Paungda Danda (a 1,500m vertical rock wall), which rises dramatically from the valley floor.
After lunch, we gradually ascend through sparse pine forests before reaching Upper Pisang (3,300m), a charming village with traditional Tibetan houses, monasteries, and breathtaking views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak.
- Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours
- Trail Conditions: Gradual ascent, narrow gorges, open alpine terrain
- Highlights: Paungda Danda rock face, Upper Pisang monastery
- Accommodation: Tea house in Upper Pisang
This is one of the most scenic days of the trek, with two route options:
- Lower Route: Follows the Marsyangdi Valley, an easier path with gradual elevation.
- Upper Route (Recommended): A more challenging but rewarding trail through Ghyaru (3,670m) and Ngawal (3,660m), offering stunning views of Annapurna II, III, and IV.
The Upper Route begins with a steep ascent to Ghyaru, a medieval village with stone-built houses and yak pastures. We then trek along a ridge with breathtaking mountain views, passing Ngawal before descending to the wide valley of Manang.
Manang is a beautiful high-altitude town, home to Buddhist monasteries, bakeries, and yak farms. It is the last major settlement before Thorong La Pass.
- Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
- Trail Conditions: Steep climb to Ghyaru, ridge walk, descent into Manang
- Highlights: Panoramic Annapurna views, Tibetan culture, Manang’s monasteries
- Accommodation: Tea house in Manang
Since we have now reached a significant altitude, we take a rest and acclimatization day in Manang. This is crucial to help our bodies adjust to the lower oxygen levels before ascending further.
Instead of staying idle, we explore Manang and its surroundings to help with acclimatization. Here are some activities for the day:
1. Hike to Gangapurna Lake and Viewpoint (3,900m) – 2 to 3 hours
A short but steep hike from Manang leads to Gangapurna Lake, a stunning glacial lake formed by the melting ice of Gangapurna Glacier. From here, a further ascent takes us to the Chongkor Viewpoint, offering a spectacular panorama of the Annapurna Massif, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.
Leaving Manang, the vegetation becomes sparser, and we enter the alpine zone, where trees disappear, replaced by shrubs and grasslands. The oxygen levels drop, so we take slow, steady steps.
The trail climbs gradually through Tengi and Gunsang (3,950m), where we pass yak pastures, frozen waterfalls, and wooden bridges. After a gentle but steady climb, we reach Yak Kharka (4,050m), a small settlement with a few teahouses.
- Trekking Duration: 4–5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 510m
- Highlights: Yak pastures, panoramic Annapurna views
- Accommodation: Tea house in Yak Kharka
Today, we trek towards Thorong Phedi (base of the Thorong La Pass), climbing steadily as the landscape turns barren and rocky.
- We first descend slightly to cross a wooden bridge over the Marsyangdi River, then climb again to Ledar (4,200m).
- The trail then follows steep, narrow paths with some landslide-prone sections.
- After 4–5 hours, we reach Thorong Phedi (4,450m), a small settlement nestled at the foot of the Thorong La Pass.
For those feeling strong, there is an option to climb an additional 300m to High Camp (4,880m) to shorten the next day's trek. However, this is recommended only for well-acclimatized trekkers.
- Trekking Duration: 4–5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 400m
- Highlights: Harsh high-altitude landscapes, preparation for Thorong La Pass
- Accommodation: Tea house in Thorong Phedi
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek, as we cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m), the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit.
- We start trekking at 3:30–4:00 AM to avoid strong winds at the pass.
- The steep, icy ascent takes 4–5 hours of slow, careful trekking.
- After reaching the top, we see breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Ranges.
After celebrating this massive achievement, we descend steeply for 3–4 hours to Muktinath (3,800m), a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists.
- Trekking Duration: 7–8 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: +966m / -1,616m
- Highlights: Thorong La Pass summit, stunning views, Muktinath Temple
- Accommodation: Tea house in Muktinath
After a morning visit to Muktinath Temple (3,800m), we begin our descent through the Kali Gandaki Valley. The drive passes through Jharkot and Kagbeni, offering views of dry, barren landscapes and Tibetan-style villages.
Reaching Jomsom (2,720m), the district headquarters, we take a short break before continuing through Marpha (2,650m), a village famous for its apple orchards and traditional stone houses. The road follows the deep Kali Gandaki Gorge, passing Tukuche (2,590m) and Kalopani (2,530m), where we get stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.
As we descend further, the terrain transforms into lush greenery. After 6-7 hours of driving, we arrive at Tatopani (1,200m), known for its natural hot springs, where we can relax and relieve fatigue.
- Driving Duration: 6–7 hours
- Elevation Change: 3,800m to 1,200m
- Highlights: Muktinath Temple, Kagbeni, Jomsom, Marpha, Kali Gandaki Gorge
- Major Attraction: Natural hot springs in Tatopani
- Accommodation: Tea house in Tatopani
After a relaxing night in Tatopani, we begin our steep ascent toward Ghorepani (2,874m). The trail starts by crossing a suspension bridge over the Kali Gandaki River, then ascends gradually through terraced farmlands and Magar villages.
As we climb higher, the landscape transitions from subtropical fields to dense rhododendron and oak forests. In Sikha (1,935m) and Chitre (2,310m), we take short breaks, enjoying mountain views and glimpses of Dhaulagiri (8,167m).
The final stretch is a steep climb through rhododendron forests, offering occasional views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. After 6-7 hours, we reach Ghorepani, a vibrant village famous for its sunrise viewpoint at Poon Hill (3,210m).
- Trekking Duration: 6–7 hours
- Elevation Gain: 1,674m
- Highlights: Rhododendron forests, Magar villages, views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
- Accommodation: Tea house in Ghorepani
We wake up early at Ghorepani to hike for about 1 hour to reach Poon Hill (3,210m). Here, we witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges, with views of Machapuchare (Fishtail Peak). The early morning light makes the mountains look even more spectacular, and this is one of the most iconic moments of the trek.
After soaking in the views, we return to Ghorepani for breakfast before starting our downhill trek to Nayapul. The 5-6 hour trek takes us through dense forests, charming villages, and terraced fields, as we descend towards the lower altitudes.
Once we reach Nayapul, we take a private vehicle for the scenic drive back to Pokhara (820m), where we can relax, enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery, and reflect on the incredible journey.
- Trekking Duration: 6–7 hours
- Elevation Gain: +336m (Poon Hill)
- Highlights: Sunrise at Poon Hill, views of Annapurna, Machapuchare, and Dhaulagiri
- Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
After breakfast in Pokhara, we begin our journey back to Kathmandu. The 6-7 hour drive takes us along the scenic Prithvi Highway, passing through lush valleys, rivers, and mountain views. Along the way, we pass through small villages, terraced fields, and the bustling town of Mugling, which marks the midway point.
If you prefer a quicker and more scenic option, you can opt to fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu for an additional $90. The flight takes around 25 minutes, offering stunning aerial views of the Himalayas and the beautiful landscapes of Nepal.
For those who choose to drive, the journey is comfortable, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenic beauty of Nepal. As we approach Kathmandu, the landscape gradually transforms into urban surroundings. We reach Kathmandu in the afternoon, where you can rest or explore the city for a final time before your departure.
- Drive Duration: 6–7 hours (or 25-minute flight for $90)
- Highlights: Scenic views along the Prithvi Highway, rivers, and villages
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
On the final day of your adventure, we will ensure a smooth transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport based on your flight schedule. Our team will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport in plenty of time for your international or domestic flight.
Whether you are returning home or continuing your travels, we will bid you farewell, hoping that your journey through the Annapurna Circuit has been a memorable experience filled with incredible views, cultural encounters, and a sense of accomplishment.
- Departure: Based on flight schedule
- Transfer: Hotel to Kathmandu Airport
- End of Trip: Safe travels and departure!
