Experience one of Nepal's classic Himalayan journeys on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, crossing the 5,416-meter Thorong La Pass through Manang, alpine valleys, traditional villages, Muktinath and the dramatic landscapes of the Annapurna region.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Meet the trekking team for an Annapurna Circuit briefing, equipment check and introduction to the journey.
Travel west from Kathmandu toward Besisahar and continue into the Marsyangdi Valley toward Dharapani. Road conditions may determine the exact vehicle change and final driving point.
Begin trekking through forests and mountain villages along the Marsyangdi Valley. Gradually climb toward Chame, the administrative center of Manang District, while enjoying views of Annapurna II and surrounding peaks.
Follow the Marsyangdi River through pine forests and dramatic rock formations. The valley opens gradually as the trail approaches Upper Pisang, providing increasingly impressive Himalayan scenery.
Continue through the upper Manang Valley with magnificent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and surrounding mountains. Pass traditional villages and Buddhist cultural sites before reaching Manang.
Spend a full day in Manang to acclimatize before moving to higher elevations. Take an optional hike to a nearby viewpoint or explore the village while enjoying views of Gangapurna and the Annapurna range.
Leave Manang and gradually climb through increasingly sparse alpine terrain toward Yak Kharka. The shorter trekking day allows continued adaptation to the higher altitude.
Continue into the high Himalayan environment toward Thorong Phedi at the base of Thorong La. Walk slowly and prepare for the following day's demanding pass crossing.
Begin before sunrise for the most demanding and rewarding day of the trek. Climb steadily to Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, enjoy spectacular mountain views and then make a long descent toward Muktinath in Mustang.
Visit the sacred Muktinath area in the morning before continuing through the arid Mustang landscape toward Jomsom. Depending on package operation and road conditions, this section can include trekking and local vehicle transportation.
Travel from Jomsom to Pokhara by scheduled mountain flight when operating or by road depending on weather and package arrangements. Arrive in Pokhara and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Travel from Pokhara back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time for shopping, sightseeing or rest.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your international flight schedule, concluding the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with locally operated tea houses or mountain lodges throughout the trekking route in Dharapani, Chame, Upper Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, Muktinath and Jomsom.
Private or tourist ground transportation from Kathmandu toward the Annapurna Circuit trailhead, local jeep transportation where required, transportation from Muktinath toward Jomsom, and flight or road transportation between Jomsom and Pokhara depending on weather and package operation.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided during trekking days. Tea houses generally offer dal bhat, rice dishes, noodles, soups, potatoes, pasta, eggs, Tibetan bread and other locally available trekking meals.
Helpful answers before you plan this journey.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered challenging because of long trekking days, substantial altitude gain and the crossing of Thorong La at 5,416 meters. Good fitness and proper acclimatization are important.
The highest point on this itinerary is Thorong La Pass at approximately 5,416 meters above sea level.
March to May and September to November are generally the preferred trekking seasons because conditions are usually more stable and mountain visibility is often better.
Yes. A full acclimatization day is included in Manang before trekking toward Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi.
The Annapurna Circuit passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, so the applicable Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit is required. The trekking company can arrange the required documentation according to current regulations.
Accommodation is primarily in locally operated tea houses and mountain lodges. Facilities are generally comfortable at lower elevations and become simpler as altitude increases.
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is useful but not mandatory. Trekkers should have good cardiovascular fitness and prepare for several consecutive days of mountain walking.
Heavy snow, strong winds or unsafe trail conditions can occasionally prevent the crossing. The guide will make safety decisions based on conditions, and the itinerary may need to be modified.
Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, trip interruption and helicopter evacuation is strongly recommended.
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