Annapurna Circuit Trek
Trip overview
Annapurna Circuit Trek, in full
Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary, cost, map, permits, altitude, difficulty, best time, route details and complete trekking guide with Real Himalaya.
Your trip at a glance
- Destination
- Annapurna Region
- Duration
- 13 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Max elevation
- 5416 m
- Group size
- 8-12 people
- Activities
- Trekking
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
- 1
Arrival in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport
Namaste and welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport , you are greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel in Thamel, the vibrant heart of Kathmandu. The lively streets filled with trekking shops, colorful prayer flags, ancient temples, and the distant silhouette of snow-capped peaks prepare you for the adventure ahead. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine with a cultural show, followed by a comprehensive briefing about your Annapurna Circuit journey.
- 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani
An early morning departure takes you on a scenic drive through the middle hills of Nepal. The road winds past terraced rice fields, traditional villages, and lush subtropical forests as you follow the Marsyangdi River valley deeper into the Annapurna region. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as the valley narrows and the first glimpses of snow-capped peaks appear. You pass through the town of Besisahar, the traditional starting point of the circuit, before continuing to Dharapani (1,860 m) , a small village at the entrance to Manang District. The long drive allows you to acclimatize gradually while witnessing Nepal's stunning rural scenery.
- 3
Trek from Dharapani to Chame
Your trekking adventure begins as you follow the trail along the Marsyangdi River through pine and rhododendron forests. The path passes through several villages, including Bagarchhap , where the architecture begins to show Tibetan influence with flat-roofed stone houses and Buddhist monasteries. Waterfalls cascade down the valley walls, and the first views of the Annapurna peaks and Lamjung Himal appear through the trees. By afternoon, you arrive at Chame (2,670 m) , the district headquarters of Manang. This bustling village offers hot springs, shops, and stunning views of Annapurna II rising dramatically at the head of the valley.
- 4
Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang
Today's trek takes you deeper into the dramatic Manang Valley. The trail passes through dense forest with glimpses of the soaring rock walls of the Paungda Danda , a sheer cliff face rising over 1,500 meters from the valley floor. You cross the Marsyangdi on a suspension bridge and continue through apple orchards and small settlements. The landscape opens up as you enter the broader upper valley, with Annapurna II (7,937 m) dominating the view ahead. You climb steeply to Upper Pisang (3,300 m) , a traditional village clinging to the hillside with an ancient gompa (monastery), stone houses, and spectacular sunrise views of the Annapurna range.
- 5
Trek from Upper Pisang to Ngawal
An exhilarating day on the high route offers some of the finest views on the entire circuit. The trail climbs above Upper Pisang through juniper and pine forests, with ever-expanding panoramas of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Pisang Peak, and Chulu . The path traverses high above the valley floor, passing ancient chortens, mani walls carved with sacred mantras, and small shrines. You arrive at Ngawal (3,660 m) , a peaceful village far from the main trail. This hidden gem offers spectacular views, a beautiful monastery, traditional stone houses, and an authentic glimpse into Himalayan life untouched by mass tourism.
- 6
Trek from Ngawal to Manang via Bhraka
A shorter day allows you to explore the cultural treasures of the upper Manang valley. The trail descends gently through fields of barley and buckwheat to Bhraka (3,360 m) , home to an important monastery perched dramatically on a cliff above the village. Continuing along the broad valley floor with views of the glacial lake below Gangapurna, you arrive at Manang (3,540 m) , the largest village in the region. This fascinating settlement has been a trading center for centuries, with the Manangis traditionally traveling to Southeast Asia for commerce. Stone houses, Buddhist gompas, prayer wheels, and the friendly local people create an atmosphere of timeless Himalayan culture. Spend the aftern
- 7
Acclimatization Day at Manang Village
A crucial rest and acclimatization day prepares your body for the high altitudes ahead. Manang is a serene place to soak in the panoramic views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the Great Barrier that walls in the valley. Options for the day include hiking to the Gangapurna Glacier and Lake , visiting the Praken Gompa perched on the hillside above the village, exploring the village museum, or simply relaxing with a book and enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery. The Himalayan Rescue Association post offers a helpful altitude sickness lecture in the afternoon.
- 8
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka
Leaving the relative comfort of Manang, you enter increasingly wild and remote terrain. The trail climbs gradually through the upper valley, passing the small settlements of Tenki and Gunsang , where hardy locals tend herds of yaks in the high pastures. The vegetation becomes sparse as you gain altitude, with only hardy grasses and shrubs surviving in the thin air. Views of the Chulu peaks, Thorong Peak, and the Annapurna range accompany you throughout the day. You arrive at Yak Kharka (4,050 m) , a small collection of stone huts and basic lodges where herders bring their yaks to graze in summer. The night is cold, and the stars are brilliant at this altitude.
- 9
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
The landscape becomes increasingly stark and beautiful as you approach the base of Thorong La. The trail continues climbing through high-altitude desert terrain scattered with glacial moraines and occasional patches of snow. You pass Ledar (4,200 m) , a tiny settlement with a few teahouses, before the final climb to Thorong Phedi (4,525 m) , meaning 'foot of the hill.' This remote base camp sits in a dramatic amphitheater beneath the steep walls leading to Thorong La. Some trekkers choose to continue to High Camp (4,850 m) to shorten the next day's climb. The evening is spent resting, hydrating, and preparing for the challenging pass crossing.
- 10
Cross Thorong La Pass and Trek to Muktinath
The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek! An early start (typically 4-5 AM) ensures you cross the pass before afternoon clouds and winds arrive. The trail climbs steeply through switchbacks over rocky terrain, with the altitude making every step demanding. As you climb higher, the views expand dramatically. Finally, you reach the prayer-flag-adorned summit of Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) , one of the highest trekking passes in the world. Panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri ranges stretch across the horizon. The descent to Muktinath (3,760 m) is steep and long, dropping nearly 1,700 meters through a dramatically different landscape. At Muktinath, visit the sacred
- 11
Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara
A scenic drive takes you through the dramatic landscapes of Mustang and the Kali Gandaki valley , the deepest gorge in the world, with Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Annapurna I (8,091 m) rising over 7,000 meters above the river. The road passes through Jomsom, Marpha (famous for apple brandy), Tukuche, and Kalopani, each with its own character and mountain views. The landscape transitions from high-altitude desert to lush forest as you descend. By evening, you arrive at Pokhara , Nepal's adventure capital. The tranquil waters of Phewa Lake reflect the Annapurna range, colorful boats drift on the surface, and the vibrant Lakeside area awaits. Celebrate your trek with dinner overlooking the lake.
- 12
Drive or Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Choose between a scenic 6-7 hour drive along the Prithvi Highway following the Trisuli River, or a quick 25-minute flight with spectacular mountain views back to Kathmandu. The morning is free to explore Pokhara, perhaps taking a boat ride on Phewa Lake, visiting the World Peace Pagoda, or browsing the shops of Lakeside. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping in Thamel or visiting cultural sites. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating your incredible achievement of completing the legendary Annapurna Circuit.
- 13
Final Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast, you are transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. As your plane soars over the Himalayas, you carry with you the unforgettable memories of crossing Thorong La, the sacred temples of Muktinath, the traditional villages of Manang, the warm hospitality of the Himalayan people, and the ever-present majesty of the Annapurna range . Thank you for choosing Real Himalaya. For any queries, contact us at +977 985-1026840 www.realhimalaya.com Speak to an Expert Gokul Thapa +977-9851026840 View Dossier Online
