ANNAPURNA REGION · 10–16 DAYS · CHALLENGING
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The greatest trek on earth, many call it. A loop through subtropical valleys, Manang’s high desert and the Thorong La pass at 5,416 metres, descending to the sacred temple of Muktinath and the apple village of Marpha. One trail, a dozen worlds, guided by our local team.
5,416 m
Thorong La Pass
160–230 km
Distance
10–16
Days
Mar–May / Oct–Nov
Best Season
THE TREK
One circuit, a complete world of landscapes.
The Annapurna Circuit is the trek that built Nepal’s reputation. You walk a vast arc around the Annapurna massif, passing through more variety of landscape and culture than almost any trek on earth: rice terraces and waterfalls in the Marsyangdi valley, pine forest and apple orchards around Chame and Manang, then the stark, Tibetan-influenced high desert leading to the pass.
The centrepiece is the crossing of Thorong La at 5,416 metres, the literal and emotional high point, followed by the descent to Muktinath, a temple sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Road building means most trekkers now start higher, at Chame, rather than the traditional trailhead of Besisahar. This is a longer, higher, more demanding trek than Base Camp, and it rewards every step. Our package covers permits, transport, teahouses, meals and an experienced licensed guide.
AT A GLANCE
Difficulty: Challenging
Traditional start: Besisahar (760 m)
Trek start (road): Chame (2,650 m)
End: Jomsom / Pokhara
Highest point: Thorong La, 5,416 m
Highlight: Thorong La pass & Muktinath
Guide: Licensed, English-speaking
DAY BY DAY
Your day-by-day itinerary.
A classic circuit starting from Chame, crossing Thorong La east to west for safe acclimatisation. Length varies with road access and side trips, and is fully customisable.
Day 1
Kathmandu to Chame (2,650 m)
Long scenic drive via Besisahar and Dharapani into the Manang valley to begin the trek.
Day 2
Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300 m)
Through pine forest and apple country, with first close views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak.
Day 3
Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540 m)
Take the high route via Ghyaru and Ngawal for superb views, descending to Manang, the main acclimatisation hub.
Day 4
Acclimatisation day in Manang
A vital rest day with an acclimatisation hike, such as to Gangapurna Lake or the Ice Lake viewpoint.
Day 5
Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050 m)
A short, steady climb through Tanki Manang and Gunsang as the air thins and the landscape opens.
Day 6
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,540 m)
Climb via Ledar to the foot of the pass. An early night before the big crossing.
Day 7
Cross Thorong La (5,416 m) to Muktinath (3,760 m)
A pre-dawn start to cross the pass before the afternoon winds, then the long descent to the sacred temple of Muktinath.
Day 8
Muktinath to Marpha (2,670 m)
Descend via Kagbeni into the Kali Gandaki valley to Marpha, the village famous for its apples.
Day 9
Marpha to Jomsom, drive or fly to Pokhara
Conclude the trek at Jomsom and travel to lakeside Pokhara.
Day 10
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu by scenic flight or drive.
What's included
✓ All ground transport per itinerary
✓ All teahouse accommodation on trek
✓ Three meals a day during the trek
✓ Licensed English-speaking guide
✓ Porter support (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
✓ Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
✓ TIMS card
✓ Guide and porter wages, insurance and meals
What's not included
– International flights to Nepal
– Nepal visa fee
– Travel and high-altitude insurance
– Hotels in Pokhara and Kathmandu
– Meals in cities
– Personal trekking gear
– Jomsom–Pokhara flight (if chosen over drive)
– Tips for guide and porters
PRICING
Transparent pricing, no surprises.
This guided trek starts from USD 1,500 per person
Final price depends on group size, season, and private vs small-group trekking. Solo travellers and custom itineraries welcome. Contact us for an exact quote within 24 hours, no obligation.
FAQ
Your questions answered.
How hard is the Annapurna Circuit compared to Base Camp?
Harder. The Circuit is longer, climbs higher, and crosses Thorong La at 5,416 m, which exceeds even Everest Base Camp. It demands more days and fitness. ABC is the gentler option; the Circuit is for trekkers wanting a bigger, more varied challenge.
How long does the Annapurna Circuit take?
Traditionally up to 16–18 days from Besisahar, but road access now lets most trekkers start at Chame, bringing it to around 10–13 days. We tailor the length to how much of the classic trail you want to walk rather than drive.
Why do you cross Thorong La from Manang to Muktinath?
The pass is always crossed east to west (Manang side first). This lets you acclimatise gradually in Manang and Yak Kharka before the crossing. Going the other way forces a dangerously fast ascent, so this direction is standard safe practice.
How dangerous is the Thorong La pass?
The pass is the hardest part: very high, cold and weather-dependent. We schedule proper acclimatisation in Manang, start the crossing pre-dawn to beat the winds, and monitor conditions closely. It is challenging but achievable for fit, well-acclimatised trekkers with a good guide.
What permits do I need?
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card, both arranged by us as part of the package.
When should I trek the Annapurna Circuit?
Autumn (October–November) is the most reliable, with clear skies and an open pass; spring (March–May) is also excellent. The pass can close with snow in winter, and the monsoon (June–August) brings rain and leeches at lower elevations.
BEFORE YOU GO
Read these first.
Plan with our honest trekking guides:
Annapurna Circuit vs Base Camp: Which is Right for You? · Upper Mustang: The Forbidden Kingdom · Best Time to Visit Nepal
The mountains are calling.
Tell us your dates and we’ll send a custom Annapurna Circuit itinerary within 24 hours. No obligation, no pressure.