Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary (Complete Guide)
Route around the Annapurna region, Nepal
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most legendary trekking routes in Nepal and the world. This classic Himalayan journey circles the entire Annapurna massif, offering an incredible combination of lush green valleys, deep gorges, high mountain passes, glaciers, and traditional Himalayan villages.
The trek crosses the famous Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world, and passes through culturally rich villages influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and ancient mountain traditions.
This trek is considered one of the most diverse trekking routes on Earth, as it moves through multiple climate zones—from subtropical forests to high-altitude desert landscapes.
🧭 Trip Overview
Duration: 12 Days (excluding arrival/departure in Kathmandu)
Max altitude: 5,416m (Thorong La Pass)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
Best seasons: March–May & September–November
Starting point: Kathmandu → Besisahar
Ending point: Pokhara
📅 Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
🗓️ Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar → Dharapani (1,960m)
Driving time: 7–9 hours
Road condition: Highway + off-road mountain road
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu along rivers, hills, and small towns. After Besisahar, the road becomes rough as you enter the Annapurna region.
Dharapani is a beautiful village surrounded by mountains and forests, marking the true beginning of the trek.
Overnight: Teahouse in Dharapani
Highlights: River valleys, mountain roads, first Himalayan views
🗓️ Day 2: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,710m)
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
The trail follows forests, rivers, and waterfalls. You walk through small villages and cross suspension bridges with beautiful views of Lamjung Himal.
Chame is the district headquarters of the Manang region.
Overnight: Chame
Highlights: Pine forests, waterfalls, river trails
🗓️ Day 3: Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m)
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
The trail climbs gradually through dense forests and opens up to dramatic mountain scenery. You start seeing clear views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak.
Upper Pisang offers Tibetan-style architecture and cultural villages.
Overnight: Upper Pisang
Highlights: Mountain views, alpine transition, cultural villages
🗓️ Day 4: Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540m)
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
One of the most scenic days of the trek. The landscape becomes dry and alpine as you enter the Manang Valley.
Manang is a beautiful Himalayan village surrounded by giant peaks and Buddhist monasteries.
Overnight: Manang
Highlights: Wide valleys, Tibetan culture, Annapurna views
🗓️ Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Manang
Optional hikes: Gangapurna Lake, Ice Lake viewpoint
This is an important rest day for altitude adjustment. Short hikes around Manang help your body adapt to high elevation.
Overnight: Manang
Highlights: Acclimatization, glacier views, monastery visits
🗓️ Day 6: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m)
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
The trail becomes more rugged and dry. You enter high alpine terrain with yak grazing fields and wide mountain landscapes.
Overnight: Yak Kharka
Highlights: High-altitude scenery, yak pastures, open valleys
🗓️ Day 7: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m)
Trekking time: 3–4 hours
A short but important ascent to the base of Thorong La Pass. The air becomes thinner and colder.
Thorong Phedi is the final stop before the high pass crossing.
Overnight: Thorong Phedi
Highlights: Glacier valleys, preparation for pass crossing
🗓️ Day 8: Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) → Muktinath (3,800m)
Trekking time: 8–10 hours
🏔️ The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Early morning climb to Thorong La Pass (5,416m) with breathtaking panoramic Himalayan views.
From the top, you see Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Mustang landscapes. A long descent leads to the sacred pilgrimage site Muktinath Temple.
Overnight: Muktinath / Jomsom area
Highlights: High pass crossing, spiritual site, Himalayan panorama
🗓️ Day 9: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m)
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Descend into the Kali Gandaki Valley, the deepest gorge in the world. The landscape becomes dry and desert-like due to Mustang influence.
Overnight: Jomsom
Highlights: Mustang landscape, deep valley, river trails
🗓️ Day 10: Fly or Drive Jomsom → Pokhara (820m)
A scenic flight or drive brings you to Pokhara. Enjoy lakeside relaxation and mountain views.
Overnight: Pokhara
Highlights: Flight views, lakeside city, rest day
🗓️ Day 11: Pokhara Free Day / Relax
Optional sightseeing in Pokhara including lakes, caves, and viewpoints.
Highlights: Leisure, lakeside atmosphere, mountain reflection
🗓️ Day 12: Drive Pokhara → Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus or private vehicle. Trek ends.
🏔️ Trek Highlights
✔ Cross the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world
✔ Experience dramatic landscape changes from tropical forests to high-altitude desert
✔ Explore traditional Tibetan-influenced villages like Manang and Pisang
✔ Walk through deep river valleys, waterfalls, and suspension bridges
✔ Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists
✔ Explore Manang valley, one of the most beautiful high Himalayan settlements
✔ Witness panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Tilicho ranges
✔ Experience the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world
✔ Walk through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and rocky landscapes
✔ Stay in traditional teahouses operated by local mountain communities
✔ Combine culture, nature, and high-altitude adventure in one journey
🎯 Trek Difficulty & Preparation
Moderate to challenging trek
5–7 hours walking per day
High altitude up to 5,416m
Good fitness required
Acclimatization included in itinerary
🌄 Best Season
Spring (March–May) 🌸 – flowers and clear skies
Autumn (September–November) 🍁 – best visibility and weathe
