Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek begins the moment you land at Tribhuvan International Airport. After immigration, our guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. This first day is for resting, hydrating, and recovering from your long international flight.

In the afternoon, you attend a trek briefing and gear check. This session helps reduce risks later in the cold, high-altitude zones above 5,000 m (16,404 ft). Your sleeping bag should be rated to at least –15 °C (5 °F), as temperatures at the pass can drop below –10 °C (14 °F) at night. You also need a proper down jacket for high camps and windy passes.

Make sure your boots are broken in to prevent blisters and nail damage during long descents. You will confirm your base layers, fleece or insulated mid-layers, and waterproof outer shell. By this point, we will have also managed your permits and all other necessary documents.

Today is about leaving city roads for mountain terrain. You leave Kathmandu and follow the Trishuli corridor toward Muglin. This city connects central and western Nepal. After Muglin, the road follows the Marsyangdi River valley. This river later becomes your walking companion on the trail. Road upgrades and monsoon damage can slow traffic in some sections.

At Besisahar, which is the administrative center of Lamjung District, the paved road ends. From here, the track becomes rough and unpaved until it reaches Dharapani. The drive in this section shows why the region has been remote for decades before road access. Dharapani is a gateway to the Annapurna Conservation Area. You must keep your ACAP permit ready because officials check documents at Jagat and Dharapani to regulate entry and protect local resources.

Today, you leave Dharapani and begin walking on the Annapurna Circuit Trek towards Chame. The trail follows the Marsyangdi River and passes Bagarchap and Danaque. They are traditional stone houses that reflect old mountain architecture. After crossing a suspension bridge, you climb toward Timang. From this ridge, you get clear views of Annapurna II rising above 7,900 m (25,919 ft). The altitude gain today is gradual, which helps your body begin natural acclimatization.

Beyond Timang, the path moves through pine and fir forest where the air feels cooler and thinner. You reach Thanchok, which is a junction for the restricted Nar Phu Valley route. Permit checks take place here to control access within the conservation area. This regulation supports local management and environmental protection. After completing formalities, you continue to Chame, which is the district headquarters of Manang. The village has a hydropower supply and even a natural hot spring where you can relax after your first full trekking day.

After breakfast, you’ll leave Chame and walk toward Bhratang Apple Farm, which is about 1-2 hours away. This village is known for fresh apple juice, apple donuts, and local cider. The trail then opens toward Paungda Danda. It is 1,500 m (4,921 ft) tall and is formed straight above the Marsyangdi River. Locals call it a sacred gateway.

At Dhikur Pokhari, you reach a common lunch stop. It is one of the best places for Annapurna sightseeing. Here, the trail splits. The left path leads you to Upper Pisang, while the lower route leads to Lower Pisang. We’ll stay at Upper Pisang as it has a lot of facilities and better amenities.

This village has an old Buddhist monastery called Nyungne Gompa, where monks chant during prayer hours. Staying here supports acclimatization before moving higher toward Manang.

The day begins early at Upper Pisang. You can enjoy a beautiful sunrise view of Annapurna II from this place. Within the first part of the trail, you reach a suspension bridge over Marsyangdi Khola. After crossing it, the serious ascent to Ghyaru village begins.

It takes around 1.5 hours to reach Ghyaru. It is a home to the Manangi people, where the stone house and conjoined path give it a traditional feel. Many trekkers stop here to rest and enjoy local apple pie and coffee, and you can do the same.

From Ghyaru, the path follows a high hillside all the way to Ngawal. During this part of the trek, you can witness Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, and Pisang Peak. They look beautiful from here. From Ngawal, you can hike to a hill above the village for a short stroll around the cave. The surrounding scenery is equally beautiful from here.

Today’s trek is a short walk from Ngawal to Manang village. The trail starts with a downhill section lasting about 30–40 minutes. After the descent, the path rises again and becomes easy and comfortable. You can stop at a tea shop along the way for a short break.

The landscape gradually changes, becoming dry and open like Mustang. From the tea shop, you reach Jululu village, a flat and wide area. About 30 minutes later, you arrive at Bhraga village, which is large and known for its old houses and an ancient monastery. You can have lunch here, though many trekkers prefer to continue to Manang.

The final stretch leads to Manang. The wind can blow strongly during the day in this valley. Before entering the village, you pass through a large welcoming gate. After that, you walk uphill to reach the parking area for jeeps and motorbikes, mainly used by visitors who come directly to Manang. Once you check in at your hotel, you can stroll around the small market and explore the village streets.

It is an acclimatization day at Manang today. The morning is set for a hike to the hillside above the village. A teahouse stands on the hill where you can take a sip of tea at a small cost. From this point, the views are wide and clear. The Annapurna range appears in front, along with Tilicho Peak, Khangsar Peak, and Gangapurna Himal. Below you can see Manang village, Tenki Manang Valley, and Gangapurna Lake.

After spending time on the hill, you walk down toward Gangapurna Lake. You spend time near the water and take photos. There is another route from the lake that leads back to Manang. The hike forms a small circle as one path is used to go up and another to return. It feels like a Kora walk and reflects the spirit of Kora Adventure.

On the way back, you cross a bridge and reach Manang. The village looks beautiful from this side. The narrow paths and stone houses feel similar to Bhaktapur near Kathmandu. The day ends with good rest in Manang.

After breakfast, you’ll leave the Manang valley and climb higher into open land. The last patches of greenery slowly disappear. The landscape turns rugged and rocky. After about 1–2 hours, you reach Gunsang village. This small settlement is a good place for a tea break. From here, you can see Annapurna III and Gangapurna.

The trail then continues toward Yak Kharka. It is a large flat grazing area. Many trekkers stop here for lunch, but we don’t stay here. After leaving Yak Kharka, you cross the Jarsang Khola on a small wooden bridge. A short and steep climb follows. At the top, you reach Ledar.

You are now sleeping above 4,000 m (13,123 ft). The risk of Acute Mountain Sickness increases at this height. You must walk slower than you think you need to. The rule today is bistari bistari, which means slowly slowly. If you feel a strong headache, nausea, or dizziness, you must inform your guide at once.

The trail begins with an uphill walk from Ledar. A new road has been built in this section, which reduces some walking hours. After a short trek, you’ll reach a tea shop on the way where you can take a short rest. From there, the path follows a ridge-like trail. You cross a long bridge before the climb continues to reach Thorong Phedi. Lunch is taken at Thorong Phedi.

After lunch, a steep ascent begins toward Thorong La High Camp. The climb takes about 1–2 hours. The path is totally uphill until you reach the high camp area. There is only one hotel at High Camp, and it is large with space for three to four hundred guests.

Near the lodge, there is a small viewpoint. You can walk there to enjoy the mountain views if you still have some energy left.

The climb begins very early from High Camp. You’ll start between 3 AM and 5 AM with headlamps and lunchpack. The goal is to reach the top before mid-morning to avoid winds that rise after 10 AM. Oxygen at this height is only about half of sea level, so each step feels slow and heavy, and strong focus is needed.

The summit of Thorong La Pass is at 5,416 m, where a large mound of stones and Buddhist prayer flags indicate the top. From here, large views of the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, and the Kali Gandaki Valley can be seen. A small tea shop is at the pass serving hot tea and snacks, but the stay should be brief due to the cold air and high altitude.

The descent toward Muktinath is long and demanding. The trail drops about 1,600 m over loose gravel with possible ice or snow. Many trekkers find this section harder on the body than the climb. Do use trekking poles if you have them, as they help protect your knees on the steep walk down.

The day begins at Muktinath, where the trail climbs from Ranipauwa toward Lupra Pass. The landscape at the pass is dry and open with high desert views. From the top, the views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the Annapurna range are very beautiful. The path then drops steeply into a Lupra valley, also known as Lubra. This village follows the ancient Bon religion that is older than Buddhism. The Bon Po Monastery is an important spiritual site here.

From Lupra, the trail follows the Panda Khola riverbed downstream. The path joins the floor of the Kali Gandaki valley until it reaches Jomsom. Jomsom is known for its apple orchards, and the facilities here are far better than those in the upper Annapurna villages.

Today you travel from Jomsom to Pokhara. One option is the adventure drive by a local jeep or take a flight, which costs extra. The drive journey takes about 7–9 hours, depending on road conditions and landslides. The route passes through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, which is known as the deepest gorge in the world. You travel through Tatopani and Beni as the landscape changes from alpine desert to sub-tropical forest.

Another option is a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The flight takes about 20 minutes. You fly between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. It saves a full day of long driving. Flights operate only in the early morning before strong winds rise in the Kali Gandaki valley. Delays and cancellations are common due to weather. The cost ranges from 125 to 150 USD for foreigners.

The day begins with a morning drive up to Sarangkot. It is a hilltop viewpoint where many people come to watch the sunrise over Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), the Annapurna Range, and the Dhaulagiri Range, and we do the same. After soaking in the views, you’ll return to Pokhara for lunch.

The afternoon is for exploring Pokhara’s key sights. You’ll first visit the World Peace Pagoda and then continue to Pumdikot, where a large Shiva statue adds a different mood to the day. Afterward, you’ll head to the International Mountain Museum, where you can explore exhibits on Himalayan climbing history, mountain communities, and the flora and fauna of the region.

Later, you will drive to Devi’s Falls, and just across the road, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave leads you down to a sacred shrine hidden inside the rock. In the evening, you will enjoy a boat ride on Phewa Lake to reach Tal Barahi Temple, a small temple located on an island in the middle of the lake.

After breakfast in Pokhara, you begin the scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The route takes you through winding mountain roads, rivers, and picturesque villages, offering glimpses of rural Nepal along the way. On arrival in Kathmandu, you check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to relax, unwind, and enjoy the city at your leisure. An optional flight is available at extra cost if you prefer to avoid the long drive.

Day 15 is your final day in Nepal. It is usually reserved for last-minute exploration, souvenir shopping, or preparing for your international flight.

For departure, make sure you leave for Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) at least 3 hours before your flight. Pack any sharp souvenirs like Khukuri knives in checked luggage to comply with airline security rules.

If you have extra time, you can explore heritage sites in Kathmandu. Walk clockwise around Boudhanath Stupa and spin prayer wheels. Climb 365 steps at Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) for views of the valley. Visit Pashupatinath Temple to observe sacred rituals or stroll around Patan Durbar Square to see traditional Newari architecture. You can also relax at the Garden of Dreams or enjoy a post-trek massage to recover from the trek.