The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most complete trekking experiences in the Himalayas. The trail loops around the entire Annapurna Massif, taking you through almost every kind of landscape Nepal has to offer, from subtropical rice paddies and rhododendron forests in the lower valleys to dry, wind-swept highlands that feel like you’ve stepped onto the Tibetan Plateau. Over 15 days, you cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416m, one of the highest Trekking passes in the world and finish with a sunrise hike up Poon Hill before descending to Pokhara.
The Annapurna Circuit takes you around the entire Annapurna Massif through six districts Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Mustang and Myagdi, covering 160 to 230km of trail that barely repeats itself. Every day brings a different landscape, a different culture, and a different set of mountains filling your horizon. From the lush river valleys of the Marsyangdi to the desert plains of Mustang, this is Nepal at its most complete.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a 15 days trek which covers roughly 160–200km depending on your route. You start by driving from Kathmandu to Syange, where the trail begins. The lower section of the trek winds through villages like Jagat, Chamje, and Dharapani. The pace here is steady and the altitude manageable, which makes it a great way to ease into the rhythm of trekking.
By the time you reach Manang at 3,450m, you’re surrounded by mountain scenery in Nepal. The crossing of Thorong La Pass is the centrepiece of the entire journey. The climb is long and steep, and the thin air makes every step a conscious effort. The moment you reach the summit at 5,416m makes complete sense why people do this trek.
The Annapurna Circuit trek is physically demanding. However, no mountaineering experience was needed. Make sure you build strong legs, have good stamina, and have the mental grit to walk 10–21km a day for two weeks. The biggest challenge might be altitude, as at Thorong La Pass (5,416m), even walking slowly takes real effort.
Make sure you train yourself before departure. You can include long hikes with a loaded backpack, stair climbing, and cardio 4–5 times a week to get you there. Focus on leg strength too, as the descent from the pass to Muktinath is long and steep.
On the trail, pace yourself, drink water constantly, and never ignore early signs of altitude sickness. Early signs usually include headaches, dizziness, nausea, or loss of appetite. If symptoms show up, descend. No summit or schedule is worth pushing through Sickness.
Safety comes first on the trek. Make sure you get a medical check-up before departure. It is recommended to carry travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation. And as altitude sickness can hit anyone, never take it lightly. A mandatory rest day at Manang (3,450m) is built into the itinerary to help your body adjust. Our guides will monitor trekkers daily for early signs of illness and are trained in wilderness first aid.
If you have not enough time you can do the short Annapurna Circuit Trek click here for more information .
| Day | Destination | Sleep altitude | Duration | Distance | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Kathmandu | 1345 m | 30 min | 7 km | Arrival, transfer, trek briefing |
| 02 | Syange | 960 | 8/9 hrs | 230 km | Drive Besisahar along the Marsyangdi River |
| 03 | Dharapani | 1860 m | 6/7 hrs | 15 km | Trek via Jagat, Chamje, Tal |
| 04 | Chame | 2670 m | 6/7 hrs | 16 km | Trek through pine forest and Buddhist villages |
| 05 | Pisang | 320 m | 5/6 hrs | 14 km | Trek through pine forest and Buddhist villages |
| 06 | Manang | 3530 m | 6/7 hrs | 17 km | Trek via Braga Monastery and the high valley |
| 07 | manang | 3530 m | Full Day | Full Day | Acclimatization hikes and glacier views |
| 08 | Yak Kharka | 4200 M | 5/6 hrs | 12 km | Gradual ascent with mountain panoramas |
| 09 | Thorong High Camp | 4800 m | 5/6 hrs | 13 km | Trek to Thorong Phedi or High Camp |
| 10 | Mukathinath | 3860 m | 8/9 hrs | 13 km | Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) |
| 11 | Tatopani | 1715 m | 4/5 hrs | 60 km | Drive via Jomsom and Marpha |
| 12 | Ghorepani | 2840 m | 8/9 hrs | 21 km | Uphill trek through villages and forest |
| 13 | Pokhara | 820 m | 8/9 hrs | 60 km | Sunrise hike to Poon Hill, trek to Hille, drive to Pokhara |
| 14 | Kathmandu | 1345 m | 6/8 hrs | 200 km | Return drive to Kathmandu |
| 15 | Departure | Departure | 30 min | 7 km | Departure |
On reaching Kathmandu via respective airlines well received by company guides and staff for a short drive in the hub of Kathmandu city where your hotels are located. After checking into your lovely rooms and getting refreshed join in at the hotel lobby for a group briefing regarding treks and other useful information to make your stay in Nepal enjoyable.
Annapurna Circuit trekking begins with the overland drive to Nepal Mid West taking a comfortable coach or Tourist Bus to reach scenic Pokhara, a beautiful and leading tourist place in the Himalaya range, with warm sub-tropical temperatures and close views of Annapurna Himalaya with Mt. Manaslu. On reaching Besisar, a large town and headquarters of Lamjung district, the drive continues on the dirt road following the Marysangdi River to reach Syange for the overnight stop in this nice farm village.
The first-day walk begins uphill after leaving the Marysangdi River behind to reach Jagat village, a farm village with many lodges for trekkers. From Jagat, the village walk continues on the winding path to Chamje, and back at Marysangdi River to cross the eastern bank into the forested area, with views of Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges, as our walk advances on a wide path to Tal Besi. Here for the refreshing break, and then a few hours, the walk continues to Dharapani village for the overnight stop, Dharapani is a nice village situated on the junction of the Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trekking trail.
After Dharapani walks on the wide winding trail with rhododendron and pine forests past Bagachap and Danque village, and then uphill to Timang village, from here onwards entering more Buddhist cultural villages offering views of Mt. Manaslu. From Timang few hours’ trek to Koto and then to reach Chame town for the overnight stop, Chame is a large and headquarter town of Manang district.
From here onwards air gets cooler and fresher as the walk leads close towards mountains, a morning walk through the alpine forest of rhododendrons and pine trees, following the Marshyangdi River upstream with a few short ups and down hills to Bhratang village. From Bhratang village walk follows uphill into cooler woodland to reach a ride to the small village of Dhukure Pokhari with a few teahouses and lodges overlooking views of Chulu’s and Pisang peaks, a possible lunch break here, and the afternoon walk descends to reach lower Pisang village for the overnight stop.
Pisang village offers great views of mountains and surrounding landscapes, from here altitude gains slowly as the walk leads into a small forested area with short uphill offering views of staggering Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna Chulu’s, and Pisang peak. From the ridge top entering a flat valley at Hongde village, from here onward tree lines disappear for barren, arid landscapes with cold, dry arctic climate. Before Manang, visit the old Braga monastery with old Buddhist relics, ancient wall paintings,s and frescos, and stunning views of Annapurna Himalaya, from here an hour’s walk reaches Manang village. The houses are built in traditional Tibetan style, Manang people are known for their rich culture and traditions.
A necessary rest day for acclimatization before heading higher altitude towards Thorang-La pass, at Manang taking short walks and explore Manang village and its beautiful valley, Manang is the main large village of the areas placed on the windswept valley by the bank of Marsyangdi River beneath towering Annapurna II-III and Gangapurna mountain range, a nice walk uphill for views of Gangapurna Glacier and the Manang emerald Lake.
After a good rest at Manang, morning walk leads towards Ghunsang village on the uphill path to Yak Kharka, an interesting high-altitude trekking with super views of snowcapped mountains, then crossing a small stream river to reach Yak Kharka, a small settlement with grand views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Chulu Peaks.
As the walk advances to a higher area, getting closer to the base of Thorang-la where the walk leads to cross a bridge and then a climb along the riverbank of Jarjung, as the walk leads at Thorang Phedi, here depending upon the physical conditions of the clients if all goes well an hour steep climb to Thorang High Camp for an overnight stop.
Our hardest and main adventure of the trek having an early breakfast walk leads to the long steep climb to reach on top of Thorang-la at 5,416 m. The top of the pass is marked with Buddhist color prayer flags and a signboard with the name and altitude of Thorang-La Pass, with views of dramatic landscapes and high snowcapped peaks, from here a long descent takes you to Muktinath at 3,800 m. At holy Muktinath areas for the overnight stop, regarded as the most sacred spot for both Hindus and Buddhists, the name Muktinath means ‘place for Nirvana or Liberation’.
From Muktinath, the rest of the journey is much easier on downhill hills where our walk stops for short intervals due to the motorable road, taking a drive with a big drop of 1,200m to Kaligandaki River valley. We had to adjust ourselves in a public vehicle on a sharing basis for the day today rather than on the vast Kaligandaki River valley to reach Jomsom, the headquarters town of Mustang region with a small airstrip above Kaligandaki River. After Jomsom reached past Marpha, one of the most charming villages of all Himalaya regions with whitewashed houses, paved streets, and numerous well-kept lodges. As drive leads towards Kalapani and Lete back into tree lines with dramatic changes in vegetation and landscapes from dry, arid desert to pine and conifer forested area, as the ride leads in between Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna mountains forming the world’s deepest gorge. Journey enters Ghasa village which is the end of Mustang areas and then another hour of good drive brings you to warmer areas at Tatopani village a nice village with large hot spring pools by the bank of Kaligandaki River.
After a marvelous time at Tatopani, the journey continues on a winding trail for an hour, then heading uphill within steep terraced hillsides, dotted with farms and villages. After the steep section coming to a gradual path past the dense alpine forest to Chitre, from here an hour of climb brings to Ghorepani village with fabulous views of Mt. Dhaulagiri range with Annapurna South and Vara-Shikar or Annapurna Fang. Ghorepani is located on a high spot within a beautiful forest surrounding, inhabited by Pun / Magar tribal people.
The morning before dawn an hour’s hike up to Pun-Hill at 3,210m offers stunning views of the sunrise over the array of snow peaks with the world’s three highest mountains Dhaulagiri-Annapurna and Manaslu with Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail’ the virgin and unclimbed peaks of the whole Himalaya. From here back to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue the last day walk of the great adventure to complete Annapurna Circuit trekking, Ghorepani morning walks start within the cool shade of the forest, and then downhill with views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Himalaya then reach at warmer areas within paddy fields at Tirkhedhunga and Hille village. Our adventure finally ends onboarding into a vehicle for the ort drive to Pokhara by the Phewa Lakeside after completing a grand adventure on Annapurna Circuit trekking.
After a wonderful time around high mountains and hills, take a morning driving journey back to Kathmandu, on reaching Kathmandu after 5-6 hours of nice interesting driving, transfer to respective hotels with an afternoon free at leisure or last day shopping souvenirs and handicrafts.
Last day in Nepal in the country of high Himalayan mountains with fascinating culture, after a memorable adventure on Annapurna Circuit Trekking with marvelous time and experience, as per your international flight time our staff will transfer you to the airport for the flight homeward bound or to your next port of call and respective countries.
OPTIONAL ADDONS
This list is a guide to help you pack for your trip. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list; rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel necessary for your comfort and convenience .we also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.
Head
• The warm hat that covers your ears
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Headlamp with extra batteries
Upper body
• T-shirts
• Fleece jacket or sweater
• Fleece wind–stopper jacket
• Waterproof shell jacket
• Down vest and /or jacket (optional)Hands
• Lightweight gloves (water /windproof)
• Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Lower body
• Underwear
• Hiking trousers
• Fleece or woolen trousers
• Lightweight thermal bottoms
• Lightweight cotton pants
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric )shell pants Feet
• Thin lightweight inner socks
• Heavy poly or wool socks
• Hiking boots with spare laces
• Camp shoes (sneakers and sandals)
Sleeping
• Sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C de 14 degrees F)
• Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)
Toiletries
• Toothbrush /paste
• Multi-purpose soap
• Nail clippers
• Deodorants
• Medium-sized quick-drying towel
• Face and body moisturizer
• Small mirror
• Female hygiene products
Personal hygiene
• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Tissue/toilet roll
• Antibacterial hand wash
Medical
• Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
• A cough and /or cold medicine
• Anti –altitude sickness pills; Diamox or acetazolamide
• Stomach antibiotic
Extras /luxuries
• Reading book
• Trail map /guidebook
• Journal and pen
• Travel game(chess, backgammon, playing cards etc)
• Modest swimsuit
• Binoculars
• Camera
The best times to experience the Annapurna Circuit Trek are during the spring and autumn seasons. These months bring the clearest skies, stable mountain weather, and the safest trail conditions over the high pass, making it much more reliable to complete the full loop successfully.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is conducted during the spring and autumn seasons. These months bring the clearest skies, stable mountain weather, and the safest trail conditions over the high pass, making it much more reliable to complete the full loop successfully.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a physically demanding journey compared to standard short trekking routes because it involves walking continuously for two weeks across rugged terrain. It requires traversing remote environments and conquering a high-altitude mountain pass at 5,416 meters. You need excellent physical stamina and focused determination for this adventure.
Autumn (September–November) and Spring (March – May ) are ideal due to stable weather, clear skies, and pleasant temperatures. The monsoon season (June–August) can bring heavy rains and leeches, making trails slippery. Winter (December–February) offers fewer crowds and clear skies but can be quite cold, with snowmaking access to the base camp challenging.
Yes, the risk of altitude sickness is real because the Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you well over 5,000 meters at its highest point. To keep you safe, our itinerary features a mandatory rest and acclimatisation day in Manang Village (3,450m), giving your body plenty of time to adapt slowly to the thin mountain air.
Accommodation options on the Annapurna Circuit Trek consist of comfortable city hotels during your time in Kathmandu. Along the actual trekking trail, you will utilise local mountain teahouses and guesthouses positioned at designated daily stops like Syange, Chame, Manang, and Muktinath.
Crossover Thorang – la 5416 meters Altitude sickness can be a concern, so acclimatization and hydration are important to ensure a safe ascent.
While you do not need to be a professional alpine mountaineer, having previous experience with high-altitude trekking is strongly recommended for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Being comfortable walking on rough, steep terrain for multiple hours a day will help you manage the long descent from the pass easily.
For a successful Annapurna Circuit Trek, you must bring essential gear, including sturdy trekking boots, trekking poles, and heavy insulated clothing layers. You also need thermal underwear, a heavy down jacket, quality rain gear, and a sleeping bag rated for freezing mountain weather.
Yes, most teahouses along the main trail on the Annapurna Circuit Trek offer electricity for charging devices and Wi-Fi access for a small fee. However, keep in mind that these services become more expensive as you go higher, and connectivity can be unpredictable in remote areas.
Safety is our top priority on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Our team monitors mountain weather forecasts every single day. If a heavy snowstorm or strong winds block the route up Thorong La Pass, your experienced trekking guide will safely adjust the timing or wait at a lower camp until conditions clear up.
During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will only carry a small personal day pack weighing around 5 to 7kg. This pack will hold your daily essentials like water, a warm jacket, rain gear, and your camera. Our professional local porters or support crew will carry the rest of your heavy baggage.
The teahouses on the Annapurna Circuit Trek offer a surprisingly varied menu featuring options like traditional Nepali Dal Bhat, pasta, noodles, and eggs. These high-energy hot meals are designed to keep your physical strength high throughout the long multi-week journey.
No, completing the Annapurna Circuit Trek alone is not recommended. Travelling with a licensed guide ensures your safety while navigating high mountain terrain, helps monitor for early signs of illness, and assists in organising the necessary entry documents and logistics smoothly.
Mountain roads and highways in Nepal can be highly unpredictable due to traffic, road maintenance, or weather delays. The drives at the start and end of the Annapurna Circuit Trek take a full day, which is why we always recommend booking a few extra buffer days in town before your international flight home.
Available Sources: Streams, rivers, and taps are common along the trail. Safety: These sources are not safe for direct consumption without treatment because they may contain bacteria, parasites, or other contaminants.
Availability: Most tea houses and lodges offer boiled water, which is a safe option. Cost: The price increases as you ascend due to transportation and fuel costs. Eco-Friendliness: Using boiled water reduces the need for single-use plastic bottles.
Availability: Bottled water is sold at tea houses and shops along the trail.Cost: Prices increase at higher altitudes due to the difficulty of transportation.Environmental Concerns: Plastic waste management is a significant issue in remote areas. Avoid this option if possible.
Options: Carry water purification tablets (e.g., iodine or chlorine), or use portable water filters or UV sterilizers (e.g., SteriPen).Advantages: Lightweight, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.Effectiveness: Kills bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Ensure proper use based on the manufacturer’s instructions.