Annapurna Circuit Trek
Classic Himalayan trek circling the Annapurna massif with diverse landscapes and cultures
Days
18 Days
Difficulty
Challenging
Max Altitude
5,416m
Best Season
Mar-May, Oct-Nov
Trip Overview
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's greatest treks. Experience diverse terrain from tropical lowlands to high-altitude desert, with spectacular views of the Annapurna range.
Trip Information
- Day 1 : Arrival In Kathmandu (1350)
- Day 2 : Sight Seeing- Trek Briefing & Official Procedures (1350)
- Day 3 : Drive To Chame (8-10, 2710m)
- Day 4 : Trek To Upper Pisang (5-6, 3300m)
- Day 5 : Trek To Ngawal (5-6, 3650m)
- Day 6 : Trek To Manang (4-5, 3519m)
- Day 7 : Acclimatization Day (3-4, 3519m)
- Day 8 : Trek To Yak Kharka (3-5, 4110m)
- Day 9 : Trek To Thorang Phedi (3-4, 4600m)
- Day 10 : Trek To Muktinath Via Thorang Lah Pass (7-9, 5416m)
- Day 11 : Drive To Tatopani (4, 1200m)
- Day 12 : Trek To Ghorepani (6-9, 2850m)
- Day 13 : Trek To Poon Hill - Tadapani (6, 2630m)
- Day 14 : Trek To Ghandruk (3-4, 1940m)
- Day 15 : Trek To Syauli Bajar & Drive To Pokhara (6, 827m)
- Day 16 : Fly From Pokhara To Kathamandu (30min, 1350)
- Day 17 : Final Departure
Day 1: Arrival In Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350 · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Nepal! Step off the plane into Kathmandu's warm chaos, where a Meander Himalaya teammate will be waving you down at arrivals. The drive into the city is pure sensory overload in the best way, prayer flags fluttering over rooftops, temple bells, the smell of incense drifting through Thamel's alleys. Settle into your hotel and let the excitement build, tomorrow the road to Annapurna begins.
Day 2: Sight Seeing- Trek Briefing & Official Procedures
Altitude: 1350 · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
A day to soak in Kathmandu's magic before the mountains take over. Wander through Boudhanath's vast stupa and Pashupatinath's riverside temples, then sit down with your guide for a full briefing on the circuit ahead. Grab any last bits of gear from Thamel's shops, you're one drive away from the trailhead
Day 3: Drive To Chame
Distance: 238km · Walking: 8-10 · Altitude: 2710m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A long, scenic drive out of Kathmandu takes you along winding mountain roads, following rivers and terraced hillsides deep into the Annapurna region. Watch the landscape shift dramatically as you climb toward Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district, with your first proper close-up views of snow-capped peaks waiting at the
Day 4: Trek To Upper Pisang
Distance: 15km · Walking: 5-6 · Altitude: 3300m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trekking begins in earnest today, following the Marsyangdi River through pine forest with towering rock walls on either side. As you approach Pisang, the valley opens up and Annapurna II makes its first big appearance, a proper "wow" moment that sets the tone for the days ahead.
Day 5: Trek To Ngawal
Distance: 10km · Walking: 5-6 · Altitude: 3650m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take the scenic high route today through Ngawal, a quieter, less-trodden alternative that rewards you with sweeping views of Annapurna II, III, and IV. The trail winds through juniper forest and traditional villages, offering a real taste of Tibetan-influenced mountain culture as you gain altitude.
Day 6: Trek To Manang
Distance: 10km · Walking: 4-5 · Altitude: 3519m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A relatively easy, scenic walk brings you into Manang, the biggest village on the circuit and a great place to rest up before the high pass ahead. The valley here feels vast and dramatic, framed by glaciers and towering peaks on every side, take a moment to just stand and take it all in.
Day 7: Acclimatization Day
Distance: 5km · Walking: 3-4 · Altitude: 3519m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A smart, well-earned rest day in Manang. Hike up to Gangapurna Lake or the Praken Gompa viewpoint for stunning views and some valuable altitude prep before the big push over Thorong La. Spend the rest of the day resting, refueling, and soaking in Manang's laid-back mountain vibe.
Day 8: Trek To Yak Kharka
Distance: 12km · Walking: 3-5 · Altitude: 4110m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trail climbs steadily above the tree line into wide, open high-altitude terrain, with the chance of spotting blue sheep grazing on the hillsides. Yak Kharka is a small, quiet settlement that feels a world away from the crowds, a good spot to feel the scale of what's ahead.
Day 9: Trek To Thorang Phedi
Distance: 8km · Walking: 3-4 · Altitude: 4600m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short but steady climb brings you to Thorong Phedi, literally "foot of the pass", your launchpad for tomorrow's crossing of Thorong La. Rest up, hydrate well, and get an early night, tomorrow is the biggest day of the whole trek.
Day 10: Trek To Muktinath Via Thorang Lah Pass
Distance: 16km · Walking: 7-9 · Altitude: 5416m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is the big one. An early, cold start takes you up to Thorong La, the highest point of the entire circuit, with sweeping views across the Annapurna and Mustang ranges. Crossing this pass is one of trekking's great achievements, and the long descent into Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, is an unforgettable way to close out the day.
Day 11: Drive To Tatopani
Distance: 72km · Walking: 4 · Altitude: 1200m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With the pass behind you, enjoy a scenic drive down through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest gorges on earth, toward Tatopani. As the name suggests ("hot water"), natural hot springs await here, a perfect, relaxing reward after conquering Thorong La.
Day 12: Trek To Ghorepani
Distance: 19km · Walking: 6-9 · Altitude: 2850m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Back on foot today, climbing steadily through forest and small villages toward Ghorepani. This charming hilltop settlement is famous for its sunrise views, and after the high desert landscapes of Mustang, the lush greenery here feels like a welcome change of scenery.
Day 13: Trek To Poon Hill - Tadapani
Distance: 13km · Walking: 6 · Altitude: 2630m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early pre-dawn climb up Poon Hill delivers one of the most famous sunrise views in Nepal, a sweeping panorama of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre glowing gold in the morning light. From there, trek onward through beautiful rhododendron forest to Tadapani, a fittingly scenic day near the end of your journey.
Day 14: Trek To Ghandruk
Distance: 8km · Walking: 3-4 · Altitude: 1940m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend through terraced fields and dense forest to Ghandruk, one of the most picturesque Gurung villages in the Annapurna region. With Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre's iconic fishtail peak rising above the rooftops, this is a beautiful, relaxed way to wind down the trekking portion of your journey.
Day 15: Trek To Syauli Bajar & Drive To Pokhara
Distance: 57km · Walking: 6 · Altitude: 827m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A final, easy descent through forest and farmland brings you down to Syauli Bazar, where a short drive delivers you into Pokhara, Nepal's lakeside adventure capital. Trade your trekking boots for a lakeside cafe seat tonight, you've more than earned the relaxation.
Day 16: Fly From Pokhara To Kathamandu
Walking: 30min · Altitude: 1350 · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
A short, scenic flight back to Kathmandu offers one last aerial glimpse of the Annapurna range before city life takes over again. Use the rest of the day to relax, explore Thamel, or pick up souvenirs to remember this incredible journey by.
Day 17: Final Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Time to say farewell to Nepal, at least for now. With Thorong La, Poon Hill sunrises, and unforgettable mountain villages all behind you, our team will see you off at the airport for your onward journey. Namaste, and until next time!
Note: The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice.
Required equipment
- Backpack (30 to 40 liters) for daily use
- Duffel bag (provided by us)
- Sleeping bag rated for -15°C or lower (provided by us)
- Trekking poles (provided by us)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (2 to 3 liters)
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Trekking boots, waterproof and broken-in
- Camp shoes or sandals for evenings
Clothing list
- Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom)
- Fleece or wool mid-layers
- Insulated down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell (jacket and pants)
- Trekking trousers, 2 to 3 pairs
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff or scarf
- Gloves, lightweight and insulated pair
- Warm wool socks, 4 to 5 pairs
Personal items
- Passport (with visa) and passport-size photos
- Travel insurance documents
- Cash (Nepali Rupees) for personal expenses
- Personal first-aid kit and any personal medication
- Diamox (for altitude, consult your doctor)
- Sunscreen (high SPF) and lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, etc.)
- Quick-dry towel
- Power bank and universal adapter
- Snacks or energy bars
- Camera (extra batteries, memory cards)
Technical climbing equipment
- Not required for this trek (Annapurna Circuit is a teahouse trek, no technical climbing gear needed)
Your trek cost includes
- Airport pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle
- 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu (4-star, B&B basis)
- 1 night hotel in Pokhara (similar standard, B&B basis)
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu at a traditional Nepali restaurant
- Farewell dinner to celebrate the successful trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek, with tea/coffee included and fresh seasonal fruit served every evening
- One-way domestic flight, Pokhara-Kathmandu, for you and your guide(s), including airport taxes
- All ground transportation by private vehicle as per itinerary (Kathmandu-Chame drive, Ghandruk/Nayapul-Pokhara drive, and other local transfers)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit
- Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card
- Experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
- Assistant trek leader for groups of 6 or more trekkers
- Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers, carrying up to 15 kg)
- Wages, food, accommodation, equipment, insurance, and transportation for all Nepalese staff
- High-altitude first-aid medical kit carried by the guide
- Oximeter checks twice daily to monitor pulse, oxygen saturation, and AMS symptoms
- Emergency helicopter rescue arrangement (cost covered by your travel insurance)
- Satellite phone with the guide for emergency communication (available for member use at an extra charge)
- Complimentary use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking poles (returned after the trip)
- Meander Himalaya trekking duffel bag, t-shirt, and detailed trekking map to keep
- Trip achievement certificate on successful completion
- All applicable Government of Nepal taxes and fees
Your trek cost does NOT include
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport ($50 USD for 30 days; other durations available)
- Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except the welcome and farewell dinners), including in case of an early return from the trek
- Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara due to early arrival, late departure, flight cancellations, or early return from the trek
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), must cover medical treatment, high-altitude rescue, air evacuation, trip cancellation, and repatriation
- Personal expenses: phone calls, internet, toiletries (soap, shampoo, tissue paper, etc.), laundry, battery charging, hot showers, and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages (including mineral water, soft drinks, extra tea/coffee) purchased during the trek
- Personal trekking gear: clothing, packing items, bags, and your own medical kit
- Excess baggage charges on domestic flights (beyond the 10 to 15 kg limit)
- Special permits and fees for filming, cameras, and drone use
- Tips for guides, porters, and drivers (expected and appreciated)
- Any other service or activity not explicitly listed under "Cost Includes"
1. How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek? Can beginners do it?
It's achievable for first-time trekkers who commit to 8 to 12 weeks of cardiovascular and strength training beforehand. Proper acclimatization is key, and the rest day in Manang (3,540m) is essential for altitude adaptation. We provide pre-trek guidance, including training recommendations and packing lists, to help you prepare.
2. What permits are required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
i) All foreign trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide ii) TIMS card fees are reduced when booking through a registered agency iii) Permits cannot be processed online and require in-person submission We manage all permit documentation and processing on your behalf. Just provide your passport copy and photographs.
3. When is the best time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Spring and autumn are the prime seasons. Monsoon season and the depths of winter are best avoided due to poor visibility, landslide risk, and heavy snow at high passes.
4. What accommodation and food can I expect?
Accommodation: i) Teahouses (basic mountain lodges) along the route ii) Twin-sharing rooms with beds and blankets (sleeping bag recommended) iii) Communal dining halls with wood-burning stoves iv) Hot showers and Wi-Fi available for an extra fee in most villages Facilities get more basic at higher elevations Food: i) Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables, pickle) with unlimited refills ii) Fried rice, noodles, pasta, and soups iii) Momos, Tibetan bread, chapati, and pancakes iv) Eggs, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables v) Tea, coffee, and ginger lemon honey
5. Can the Annapurna Circuit Trek be shortened?
Yes, we offer fully customizable itineraries tailored to your schedule, fitness level, and preferences.
6. Why trek with us?
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's premier trekking experiences, spanning diverse ecosystems, rich culture, and the formidable Thorong La Pass. Trekking with us gives you local expertise, personalized service, and a strong focus on safety throughout the journey.
Have more questions?
Reach out by email, phone, or through our website on FAQ Page for anything on altitude safety, equipment, training, insurance, or itinerary customization.
Have Additional Questions?
Our team can help with altitude safety, packing lists, insurance, or a custom itinerary.
