Annapurna Circuit Trek
Classic trek around the Annapurna massif
Trip Overview
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's greatest treks, circumnavigating the entire Annapurna massif and crossing the challenging Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. This epic journey showcases the incredible diversity of Nepal, from lush subtropical valleys to high-altitude desert landscapes resembling Tibet.
Experience dramatic changes in scenery as you journey through terraced rice fields, dense rhododendron and pine forests, alpine meadows, and the arid landscapes of the Mustang region. The trek offers spectacular views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna II, Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and many other peaks over 7,000 meters. Crossing Thorong La Pass is the trek's highlight, and the descent leads through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world's deepest gorge, into the ancient kingdom of Mustang with its Tibetan-influenced culture.
- Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2 : Drive to Besisahar (760m) - 6-7 hours
- Day 3 : Besisahar → Jagat (1,300m) - 5-6 hours
- Day 4 : Jagat → Dharapani (1,860m) - 6-7 hours
- Day 5 : Dharapani → Chame (2,670m) - 5-6 hours
- Day 6 : Chame → Pisang (3,200m) - 5-6 hours
- Day 7 : Pisang → Manang (3,540m) - 6-7 hours
- Day 8 : Acclimatization day in Manang
- Day 9 : Manang → Yak Kharka (4,018m) - 4-5 hours
- Day 10 : Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi (4,450m) - 3-4 hours
- Day 11 : Thorong Phedi → Thorong La Pass (5,416m) → Muktinath - 8-10 hours
- Day 12 : Muktinath → Kagbeni (2,800m) - 3-4 hours
- Day 13 : Kagbeni → Jomsom (2,720m) - 3-4 hours
- Day 14 : Jomsom → Tatopani (1,190m) - 7-8 hours
- Day 15 : Tatopani → Ghorepani (2,860m) - 7-8 hours
- Day 16 : Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Tadapani - 6-7 hours
- Day 17 : Tadapani → Nayapul → Pokhara / Kathmandu
- Day 18 : Final departure
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Welcome to Nepal! Transfer to hotel, meet your guide, and attend pre-trek briefing. Evening free to explore Kathmandu.
Day 2: Drive to Besisahar (760m) - 6-7 hours
Scenic drive through the beautiful countryside to Besisahar, the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit trek.
Day 3–7: Besisahar to Manang
Begin trekking along the Marsyangdi River through terraced fields and traditional Gurung villages. Pass through Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang and reach Manang (3,540m), a large village in the Annapurna region with spectacular views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
Day 8: Acclimatization day in Manang
Rest day for acclimatization. Visit Gangapurna Lake, Milarepa Cave, or hike to nearby viewpoints for mountain views.
Day 9–10: Manang to Thorong Phedi
Shorter days as you gain altitude through Yak Kharka (4,018m) to Thorong Phedi (4,450m), base camp before the pass. Early dinner and rest for the challenging pass crossing.
Day 11: Thorong Phedi → Thorong La Pass (5,416m) → Muktinath (3,760m) - 8-10 hours
Early start (around 4 AM) to cross Thorong La Pass at sunrise. Descend to Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Day 12–17: Muktinath to Nayapul via Kagbeni, Jomsom, Tatopani, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Tadapani
Descend through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge to Kagbeni and Jomsom. Continue to Tatopani (hot springs), then steep ascent to Ghorepani. Early morning hike to Poon Hill for sunrise views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Trek to Tadapani, then to Nayapul. Drive to Pokhara and/or Kathmandu.
Day 18: Final departure
Transfer to airport for your departure flight.
Upper body layers
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| T-Shirts – walking | 2 | Merino wool or synthetic; no cotton |
| Base layers | 1 | Lightweight or mid-weight long-sleeved |
| Fleece / insulating layer | 1 | |
| Rain jacket | 1 | |
| Down jacket | 1 |
Lower body & footwear
| Equipment | Quantity | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal long johns | 1 | |
| Trekking trousers | 2 | Quick-dry; zip-offs good |
| Rain pants | 1 | |
| Hiking boots | 1 | Well worn, ankle support |
| Socks | 3 |
Miscellaneous
- Water bottles (2 × 1 litre), purification drops; sunscreen SPF 30+, lip balm
- Personal first aid kit, sunglasses, head torch + batteries
- Travel towel, wash kit, hand sanitizer; sun hat, warm hat, gloves
- Trekking poles optional; camera; passport photos; document photocopies
Your trek cost includes
- Pre-trip advice and detailed information
- Expert trip leadership and motivated staff
- Airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
- Accommodation pre- and post-trek in Kathmandu
- Transportation to and from trek start and finish
- Teahouse accommodation during trek (twin sharing)
- All meals on full board during trek
- All permits and fees; porters; staff insurance and equipment
- Rescue assistance; group medical kit
Your trek cost does NOT include
- International flights; Nepal visa
- Travel insurance (evacuation mandatory; correct altitude cover)
- Personal expenses (drinks, snacks, hot showers, etc.)
- Meals unless specified; sightseeing; gratuities
- Excess baggage on internal flights; delays beyond our control
