“The Thorong La crossing was epic. The diversity of landscapes — from jungle to desert — was incredible. Best trek of my life.”
JC
James Chen
Sydney, Australia · October 2023
NepalModerate
4.8 (189 reviews)
Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's most celebrated treks — a 230km loop that circles the entire Annapurna massif. Starting from the subtropical lowlands of the Marshyangdi Valley, you'll ascend through diverse ecosystems from lush rice paddies to alpine meadows, crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5,416m before descending into the rain-shadow desert of Mustang. This trek offers an unparalleled variety of landscapes, cultures, and mountain views.
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Duration
18 Days
🏔️
Max Altitude
5,416m
🥾
Trek Distance
230 km
👥
Group Size
4–12 People
☀️
Best Time
Oct–Nov, Mar–May
About This Trek
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's most celebrated treks — a 230km loop that circles the entire Annapurna massif. Starting from the subtropical lowlands of the Marshyangdi Valley, you'll ascend through diverse ecosystems from lush rice paddies to alpine meadows, crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5,416m before descending into the rain-shadow desert of Mustang. This trek offers an unparalleled variety of landscapes, cultures, and mountain views.
Highlights
1Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) — one of the highest trekking passes in the world
2Visit the sacred temple of Muktinath — holy to both Hindus and Buddhists
3Explore the medieval kingdom of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang
4Witness the dramatic shift from lush green valleys to high desert terrain
5Experience Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan cultures in one trek
6Hot natural springs at Tatopani to soothe tired muscles
7Panoramic views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), and Machapuchare
8Diverse flora from rhododendron forests to alpine meadows
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar (800m)
Scenic 7-hour drive through the Marshyangdi Valley. Transfer to teahouse in Besisahar. Evening briefing and gear check.
🍽️ Meals: Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 Drive
2
Besisahar to Bahundanda (1,310m)
Begin trekking along the Marshyangdi River through terraced fields and subtropical forest. Cross suspension bridges and pass waterfalls.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 14 km
3
Bahundanda to Chamje (1,410m)
Continue along the river valley with views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. Trail passes through villages and farmland.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 12 km
4
Chamje to Dharapani (1,860m)
Enter the Manang district. The valley narrows and the landscape becomes more alpine. Views of Annapurna II and IV appear.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 11 km
5
Dharapani to Chame (2,670m)
Ascend through pine and rhododendon forest. First close views of Annapurna II. Chame is the district headquarters of Manang.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 14 km
6
Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m)
Dramatic landscape change as you enter the dry inner valley. Stunning views of Annapurna II, III, and Gangapurna. Option to take the high route via Ghyaru.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 12 km
7
Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540m)
Acclimatization day. Explore the village of Manang — the cultural heart of the region. Visit the Himalayan Rescue Association post and the Manang Gompa.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 Rest day
8
Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m)
Gradual ascent to higher altitude. The landscape becomes increasingly barren and dramatic. Views of Annapurna III and Chulu East.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 10 km
9
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m)
Final approach to Thorong La. Short but steep trek to the base of the pass. Early night — tomorrow starts at 4am.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 8 km
10
Cross Thorong La (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,800m)
The big day! Pre-dawn start for the 1,000m ascent to Thorong La Pass. Prayer flags flutter at the summit. Steep descent to the sacred temple of Muktinath.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 16 km
11
Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m) via Kagbeni
Descend through the stunning Kali Gandaki Valley — one of the world's most dramatic gorges. Visit Kagbeni's medieval fortress and Muktinath's neighbor village.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 18 km
12
Jomsom to Tatopani (1,190m)
Continue down the Kali Gandaki Valley. Arrive at Tatopani — famous for its natural hot springs. Soak your tired muscles!
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 16 km
13
Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,860m)
Climb 1,600 stone steps through terraced fields and rhododendron forest to Ghorepani — the gateway to Poon Hill sunrise.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 12 km
14
Poon Hill Sunrise (3,210m) & Trek to Tadapani
Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill for the most spectacular Himalayan sunrise — Dhaulagiri, Annapurna range, and Machapuchare in one panorama. Continue to Tadapani through rhododendron forest.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 14 km
15
Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,940m)
Descend through beautiful Gurung villages. Ghandruk is a picturesque village with traditional architecture and stunning Machapuchare views.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Teahouse📏 10 km
16
Ghandruk to Nayapul & Drive to Pokhara
Final day on the trail. Descend to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara — the adventure capital of Nepal. Evening free to explore Lakeside.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Hotel📏 12 km + Drive
17
Pokhara — Free Day
Explore Phewa Lake, visit the World Peace Pagoda, or go paragliding. Optional visit to Devi's Fall and the Gupteshwor Cave. Farewell dinner.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner🏠 Hotel
18
Drive/Fly to Kathmandu & Departure
Scenic 6-hour drive or 25-minute flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to airport for departure or extend your stay.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
Altitude Profile
5416m3108m800m
Besisahar
800m
Chame
2670m
Pisang
3300m
Manang
3540m
Phedi
4450m
Thorong La
5416m
Muktinath
3800m
Jomsom
2720m
Ghorepani
2860m
Poon Hill
3210m
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- ✓Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
- ✓2 nights hotel in Kathmandu (twin sharing)
- ✓1 night hotel in Pokhara
- ✓Domestic flight or transport: Pokhara–Kathmandu
- ✓Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- ✓TIMS card
- ✓Experienced English-speaking guide
- ✓Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
- ✓All teahouse accommodation
- ✓3 meals daily during trek
- ✓Sleeping bag (if needed)
- ✓Duffel bag (yours to keep)
- ✓First aid with altitude medication
- ✓Farewell dinner
Not Included
- ✗Nepal visa fee
- ✗International airfare
- ✗Travel insurance (mandatory)
- ✗Personal expenses
- ✗Tips for guides/porters
- ✗Extra nights in Kathmandu/Pokhara
- ✗Personal trekking gear
- ✗Hot showers on trek
Packing List
Clothing
- Base layers (2-3 sets)
- Fleece mid-layer
- Down jacket
- Waterproof shell jacket/pants
- Trekking pants (2 pairs)
- Warm hat and sun hat
- Gloves (liner + waterproof)
- Trekking socks (4-5 pairs)
- Waterproof boots
- Camp shoes
Equipment
- 40-55L backpack
- Sleeping bag (-15°C)
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp + batteries
- Water bottles + purification
- Sunglasses UV400
- Daypack
Personal
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Personal medications + Diamox
- Toiletries
- Camera + power bank
- Passport + permits
- Cash in NPR
- Snacks
Read Before You Book
Fitness Level
This is a moderate trek requiring good endurance. You should be able to walk 6-8 hours daily at altitude. Previous multi-day trekking experience is recommended.
Altitude
Thorong La Pass at 5,416m is the highest point. Our itinerary includes proper acclimatization days. Diamox can help — consult your doctor.
Weather
Best seasons: Oct-Nov (clear skies) and Mar-May (warmer, rhododendron blooms). Avoid monsoon (Jun-Sep) and deep winter.
Insurance
Mandatory: travel insurance covering trekking up to 5,500m with helicopter evacuation.
Trekker Reviews
“The teahouse arrangements were exceptional. Our guide knew every village and shortcut. Highly recommend!”
MR
Maria Rodriguez
Madrid, Spain · November 2023
“Poon Hill sunrise was unforgettable. The Mustang section felt like a different world. Great organization throughout.”
TY
Takeshi Yamamoto
Tokyo, Japan · March 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit?
Moderate difficulty. Requires good fitness — able to trek 6-8 hours daily. The Thorong La crossing is challenging but non-technical.
Can I do it without experience?
Previous multi-day trekking is recommended but not mandatory if you're very fit and well-prepared.
What about the new road?
The road has shortened some sections. We use the traditional trail wherever possible for the best experience.
Is the hot spring at Tatopani working?
Yes, the natural hot springs at Tatopani are operational and free to use.
From$1,590
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