Annapurna Circuit Trek

About 6-7 hour drive (180+25 km)

After breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar through scenic countryside, following the Prithvi Highway past terraced hills, rivers, and traditional settlements. After lunch, continue by four-wheel-drive jeep toward Syange along the Marsyangdi River. The road passes waterfalls, forested hills, and remote mountain villages. Upon arrival in Syange, settle into your teahouse and enjoy the peaceful Himalayan surroundings. Overnight at a teahouse.

First day on trail Distance 16 KM, 4-5 hours walk, Altitude 1960 M.

Begin your trek along the Marsyangdi River, walking through lush forests and passing cascading waterfalls, suspension bridges, and traditional mountain villages. Continue through Jagat and reach Tal, a beautiful settlement beside the river, where you can stop for lunch. The trail then climbs gradually through pine forests and dramatic landscapes before reaching Dharapani. This important village marks the junction of the Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu trekking routes. Overnight at a teahouse.

Distance about 16 KM. Altitude 2670 M.

Today’s trail follows the Marsyangdi Valley through peaceful pine and fir forests, passing Bagarchhap, Danaque, and Timang. From Timang, enjoy impressive views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. Continue along forested trails and across mountain streams before reaching Chame, the administrative center of Manang District. Surrounded by spectacular peaks, Chame is a pleasant mountain settlement. If time permits, relax in the nearby natural hot springs. Overnight at a teahouse.

Distance to Upper Pisang 14 KM. about 5 hours walk elevation. 3,300 M.

After breakfast, follow the trail through pine forests and apple orchards as the valley gradually widens. Cross the Marsyangdi River and continue along dramatic mountain paths with magnificent views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. The landscape opens into a broad glacial valley surrounded by towering peaks. Arrive at Upper Pisang, a traditional Tibetan-style village with stone houses and an ancient monastery. Overnight at a teahouse.

Distance about 18 KM. 6-7 hours walk, Altitude 3,540 M.

Take the spectacular high trail through Ghyaru and Ngawal 3,660 M., enjoying magnificent panoramas of Annapurna II, III, and IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Pisang Peak. Pass traditional Tibetan-influenced villages decorated with prayer wheels, chortens, and colorful prayer flags. Continue through the Manang Valley, passing Braga and its historic monastery, before reaching Manang. Spend the afternoon exploring the village or relaxing in the mountain surroundings. Overnight at a teahouse.

Distance 9-10 KM. Altitude 4,620 m./ 15,157 ft.

Today is dedicated to acclimatization before ascending farther into the high Himalayas. After breakfast, hike toward Ice Lake, also known as Kicho Tal, at approximately 4,600 meters. The demanding ascent rewards you with spectacular views of the Annapurna range, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the Chulu peaks. After enjoying the mountain scenery, descend carefully to Manang and spend the evening resting and preparing for the next stage. Overnight at a teahouse.

Distance 6-7 KM. Altitude 4,000 M./ 13,123 ft, 2-3 hours walk.

Enjoy another acclimatization day with a hike to Milarepa Cave, associated with the renowned Tibetan Buddhist meditation master Milarepa. The trail passes through rugged alpine terrain and offers beautiful views over the Marsyangdi Valley and surrounding mountains. Spend time exploring the peaceful spiritual site before returning to Manang for lunch. The additional night at altitude allows your body to adapt before the challenging ascent toward Thorong La Pass. Overnight at a teahouse.

Distance 10.5 KM. 4-5 hours walk, Altitude 4036 M/13,241 ft.

Leave Manang and follow the trail gradually upward through alpine meadows and increasingly sparse vegetation. Pass Gunsang and enjoy impressive views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Chulu West. Along the route, you may see grazing yaks and other wildlife adapted to the high Himalayan environment. Continue steadily to Yak Kharka, a small settlement traditionally used as seasonal grazing land. Spend the afternoon resting and acclimatizing for the ascent toward Thorong Phedi. Overnight at a teahouse.

Distance 7 KM. 2 hours walk, Altitude 4544 M/14,900 ft./ Distance 1.5-2 KM. 1.5-2 hours walk, Altitude 4,850 M/15,900 ft.

Today’s relatively short trek prepares you for the crossing of Thorong La Pass. Follow the rocky trail across hillsides, small streams, and mountain bridges toward Thorong Phedi, the final settlement below the pass. Depending on weather, fitness, and acclimatization, you may continue for approximately one hour to High Camp. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing for the early start tomorrow. Overnight at a mountain teahouse at Thorong Phedi or High Camp.

Thorung Phedi to High Camp and Thorung La Pass:
Approx. 7.5 km | 4–5 hours of walking | Max. altitude: 5,416 m (17,770 ft)

Thorung La Pass to Muktinath:
Approx. 14 km | 5–6 hours of walking | Muktinath altitude: 3,800 m (12,467 ft)

Begin early for the challenging ascent to Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,416 meters. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges before beginning the long descent toward Muktinath. Prayer flags and dramatic high-altitude landscapes accompany the trail. Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. If time permits, visit the temple and sacred water spouts. Overnight at a teahouse.

Distance 175 KM. 5-6 Hours drive in a Jeep.

After breakfast, drive from Muktinath through the spectacular Kali Gandaki Valley toward Pokhara. The route passes Jomsom, Marpha, traditional Thakali villages, and dramatic landscapes between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Continue through Tatopani and Beni before reaching the greener middle hills. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check into your hotel and relax beside beautiful Phewa Lake. Enjoy the evening exploring Lakeside, dining at a local restaurant, or simply resting after the trek. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Full day in Pokhara, aday on your own.

Enjoy a relaxing day in Pokhara after completing the high-altitude section of your trek. An early-morning excursion to Sarangkot offers spectacular sunrise views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri. Later, explore attractions such as Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, or the International Mountain Museum. You may also enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake or spend the afternoon relaxing at a lakeside café. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Flight time approx. 30 minutes in domestic flight.

After breakfast, take a scenic domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, enjoying aerial views of the Himalayan range and surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Thamel. The remainder of the day is free for shopping, sightseeing, relaxation, or exploring Kathmandu’s vibrant streets. You may purchase traditional handicrafts and trekking souvenirs before enjoying a final evening in Nepal. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Checkout from your hotel and transfer to International Airport.

Your Annapurna Circuit adventure comes to an end today. Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation. Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your departure. We recommend arriving at the airport at least three hours before your international flight. Take home unforgettable memories of spectacular Himalayan landscapes, mountain villages, rich cultures, and warm Nepalese hospitality. Safe travels!