Annapurna Circuit Trek
A classic 16-day Himalayan circuit through Manang and Mustang, crossing the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and descending to the sacred Muktinath Temple.
- Duration 16 Days
- Difficulty Strenuous
- Group Size 12 People
- Max Altitude 5416m
- Region Annapurna
Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most complete Himalayan journeys, combining dramatic altitude change, cultural diversity, and legendary mountain views. The route follows the Marsyangdi River through forested valleys and villages such as Chame and Upper Pisang before opening into wide alpine terrain with strong Tibetan influence around Manang. From there it climbs through Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi to the Thorong La Pass at 5,416m, one of the highest trekking passes in the world, before descending into Mustang to the sacred Muktinath Temple. The trail then continues via Jomsom and Tatopani's hot springs to a sunrise finale at Poon Hill.
Itinerary
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Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to a 5-star hotel. Evening trek briefing.
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Day 2 Drive to Dharapani
Long, scenic private vehicle drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani, the traditional trailhead of the circuit.
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Day 3 Trek to Chame
Follow the Marsyangdi River through forested valleys and villages to Chame, the administrative center of Manang district.
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Day 4 Trek to Upper Pisang
Trek toward Upper Pisang with widening valley views and first close-up sightings of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak.
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Day 5 Trek to Ngawal
Take the high route through Ghyaru and Ngawal, entering wide alpine terrain with strong Tibetan cultural influence.
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Day 6 Trek to Manang via Bhraka
Descend to the heart of the circuit at Manang village via Bhraka, with views of Annapurna II and Gangapurna.
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Day 7 Acclimatization Day in Manang
A crucial rest day to help the body adapt to altitude, with optional short hikes to Gangapurna Lake or nearby viewpoints.
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Day 8 Trek to Yak Kharka
Climb through increasingly high-altitude scenery, with glaciers and snow-capped peaks coming into view.
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Day 9 Trek to Thorong Phedi
A short but steep stretch through landslide-prone terrain to Thorong Phedi, the base for the pass crossing.
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Day 10 Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath
Start before dawn for a steady, demanding ascent to Thorong La Pass at 5,416m, then a steep descent into Mustang to the sacred Muktinath Temple.
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Day 11 Drive to Tatopani via Jomsom
Shared jeep/local bus transfer through Jomsom and down the Kali Gandaki gorge to Tatopani's natural hot springs.
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Day 12 Rest Day at Tatopani
A relaxed day to bathe, recover, and soak in the natural hot springs after the high-altitude push.
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Day 13 Trek to Ghorepani
A significant climb back into forested terrain, arriving at Ghorepani, a well-known sunrise viewpoint village.
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Day 14 Poon Hill Sunrise & Drive to Pokhara
Early morning hike to Poon Hill for panoramic Himalayan sunrise views, then trek down to Birethanti and drive to Pokhara for the evening.
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Day 15 Fly to Kathmandu
Short scenic flight back to Kathmandu, with the rest of the day free.
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Day 16 Final Departure
Transfer to the airport for departure.
Cost Details
What’s Included
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee) during the trek
- Hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast, 3-star standard, twin-sharing
- Pokhara–Kathmandu domestic flight
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- Kathmandu–Dharapani drive by private tourist vehicle
- English-speaking trekking guide, including salary, insurance, meals, and accommodation
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS card
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast, 5-star standard, twin-sharing
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu
- Muktinath–Tatopani transfer by shared jeep/local bus
- All local taxes and entry fees
- Porter service, including insurance
What’s Excluded
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Cold beverages and other personal expenses
- Nepal visa fee
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver
- Personal travel and trekking insurance
Highlights
- Muktinath Temple: Visit this sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site just beyond the pass.
- Cultural diversity: Pass through Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali communities with distinct customs.
- Thorong La Pass: Cross one of the highest trekking passes in the world at 5,416m.
- Tatopani hot springs: Soak and recover in natural hot springs along the Kali Gandaki valley.
- Two great river valleys: Follow the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki through contrasting terrain.
- Manang acclimatization: Rest and explore a Tibetan-influenced village beneath Annapurna II and Gangapurna.
- Diverse landscapes: Trail shifts from subtropical river valleys to high alpine desert and back to lush forest.
- Poon Hill sunrise: Panoramic Himalayan sunrise views to close out the trek.
Why Choose This Trek
- Comfortable bookend stays: 5-star Kathmandu and Lakeside Pokhara hotel nights before and after the trek.
- Well-established teahouse route: Reliable lodging and food available despite the trek's remoteness.
- Full support included: Guide, porter, permits, and all transport arranged throughout.
- Complete circuit variety: Combines river valleys, high desert, sacred sites, and forest in a single trek.
- A genuine high-altitude achievement: One of the world's highest trekking passes, reached without technical climbing skills.
- Built-in acclimatization: A rest day in Manang plus gradual altitude gain protects against altitude sickness.
Essential Information
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the clearest conditions for crossing Thorong La. Monsoon (June–August) brings landslide risk on the lower Marsyangdi sections, and peak winter (December–February) can bring heavy snow and closure risk at the pass.
Rated strenuous. The pass-crossing day involves a sustained ascent from roughly 4,525m to 5,416m followed by a steep descent to 3,760m in a single 8–9 hour push. Good fitness and some prior high-altitude experience are recommended.
Teahouse/lodge accommodation on a shared, twin-sharing basis throughout the trek, basic above Manang with limited hot showers and Wi-Fi at extra cost, bookended by a 5-star hotel in Kathmandu and a 3-star Lakeside hotel in Pokhara.
Full board meals included during the trek — dal bhat, thukpa, momos, pasta, and soups are common, with bakery items available in Chame and Manang. Vegetarian options are widely available at teahouses.
- Licensed guide: A registered trekking agency guide is mandatory for this region
- ACAP: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit — mandatory, checked at multiple checkpoints along the route
- TIMS Card: Trekkers' Information Management System card
- Trekking poles: Recommended for the long descent from the pass to Muktinath
- Sleeping bag: Four-season rated bag, often provided by the trekking agency
- Personal kit: Personal medicines, altitude medication as advised by a doctor, and toiletries
- Trekking boots: Sturdy, broken-in boots with warm socks and gaiters for snow near the pass
- Rain/wind jacket: Windproof/waterproof outer layer and trekking pants
- Headlamp: Essential for the pre-dawn start on the Thorong La crossing
- Down jacket: Insulated jacket plus thermal base layers and warm gloves
- Sun protection: Sunglasses (ideally glacier-rated), sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle
Thorong La Pass at 5,416m is the trek's highest point. Acclimatization matters above 3,000m — drink 3–4 liters of water daily, walk at a steady pace, and watch for headache, nausea, and dizziness as early symptoms of altitude sickness. Discuss altitude medication with a doctor before departure.
