Annapurna Circuit Trek

Your adventure begins when you land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Our representative from Next Trip Nepal will be waiting at the arrival gate holding a sign with your name, ready to welcome you with traditional Nepali greeting and white khata (ceremonial scarf). The drive to your hotel in Thamel takes approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

After settling into your hotel, you can rest or explore the vibrant Thamel neighborhood known for its trekking shops, restaurants, and colorful streets. In the evening, you will meet your trekking guide at the hotel for a comprehensive trek briefing. During this session, your guide will review the complete 14 day itinerary with daily plans and altitude profiles, discuss altitude sickness symptoms and prevention methods, check your trekking gear, answer all questions, provide included equipment (duffel bag, down jacket, sleeping bag), and collect copies of your passport and insurance documents.

The journey begins early, typically departing Kathmandu between 6 and 7 AM to maximize daylight driving hours. The route follows the Prithvi Highway, one of Nepal’s main roads connecting Kathmandu to Pokhara. Initially, the road descends toward the Trishuli River, passing through small towns and roadside settlements.

The first major stop comes at Mugling, where the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers meet. From Besisahar, a rough jeep track follows the Marsyangdi River through increasingly narrow valley sections. The road passes through Ngadi, Bahundanda, Syange, and Jagat, with waterfalls cascading beside the route and dramatic cliff faces rising above.

The landscape transforms from lowland rice paddies to hill farms and eventually pine forests as elevation increases. Small suspension bridges cross side streams, and the roar of the Marsyangdi River provides constant background sound.

Dharapani sits at approximately 1,860 meters where the main Annapurna Circuit trail meets the route from Manaslu region. The village features basic but comfortable teahouses with stone houses and slate roofs. Upon arrival, you check into your lodge, settle into your room, and enjoy your first dinner on the trek.

Walking Distance: 14 to 15 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 810 meters
Accommodation: Teahouse lodge in Chame
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Your first full day of trekking begins after breakfast, typically starting between 7 and 8 AM. The trail initially follows the valley floor through pine and oak forests, with occasional glimpses of snow peaks through the trees. The path alternates between forest sections and open areas where the river valley widens.

Bagarchap village appears within the first hour of walking. This settlement marks a clear transition into Tibetan Buddhist cultural zones, with characteristic white painted houses, flat roofs, and ornate wooden windows. A large chorten at the village entrance displays prayer wheels that locals spin while passing.

Beyond Bagarchap, the trail continues through Danakyu and then climbs to Timang village. This section offers expanding mountain views when weather permits. The trail narrows in some sections where it has been carved into cliff faces above the river. These passages include steel cable handrails for safety.

Chame appears after crossing a final suspension bridge. As the district headquarters of Manang, Chame feels more developed than previous villages. Stone buildings line the main street, housing lodges, shops, a post office, and administrative offices. The village is known for nearby hot springs located about 10 to 15 minutes walk from the main settlement.

Your lodge in Chame typically offers rooms with attached bathrooms and hot showers (for a small charge). The dining room provides a cozy space to rest, journal, or chat with other trekkers. Evening temperatures drop noticeably compared to lower elevations, making the wood stove warmth particularly welcome.

Walking Distance: 14 to 15 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 630 meters
Accommodation: Teahouse lodge in Upper Pisang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast in Chame, the trail continues climbing gradually through forest and occasional open sections. One of the trek’s most dramatic sections appears about 90 minutes from Chame where the valley narrows considerably with sheer rock walls rising hundreds of meters on both sides.

Bhratang village marks an important stop, known for its extensive apple orchards. Locals produce fresh apple products including pies, crumbles, juice, cider, and dried apple slices. The village’s bakeries serve trekkers seeking sweet treats and caffeine.

Beyond Bhratang, the trail crosses to the north side of the river via a long suspension bridge. The landscape opens dramatically as you approach Dhukur Pokhari area. Suddenly, the view expands to reveal massive peaks ahead. Annapurna II dominates the northern skyline while Pisang Peak rises impressively to the northeast.

The village of Pisang splits into two sections: Lower Pisang beside the river and Upper Pisang on the hillside about 200 meters higher. Most trekkers choose Upper Pisang for its superior views and quieter atmosphere. Upper Pisang maintains traditional character with stone houses clustered together and extensive agricultural terraces below the village.

The mountain panorama from Upper Pisang lodges is exceptional. From your lodge’s windows or outdoor seating areas, you can see Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Annapurna III, and Pisang Peak

Walking Distance: Approximately 16 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 240 meters
Accommodation: Teahouse lodge in Manang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today presents a choice between two routes to Manang: the lower route following the valley floor and road, or the upper route via ancient villages of Ghyaru and Ngawal. We take the upper route, which offers far superior views and cultural experiences despite requiring more climbing.

The trail climbs steeply from Upper Pisang, gaining approximately 300 meters in the first 90 minutes. Looking back, the Marsyangdi valley stretches south with a patchwork of agricultural terraces, scattered villages, and the massive Annapurna II and IV peaks forming the eastern wall.

Ghyaru village perches dramatically on a ridgetop at approximately 3,670 meters. The settlement exemplifies traditional Tibetan style architecture with flat roofed stone houses, covered walkways, and buildings clustered tightly together for wind protection. Narrow stone lanes wind between buildings with prayer flags fluttering from rooftops throughout the village.

From Ghyaru, the trail continues contouring along the hillside with minimal elevation change. The landscape has become noticeably drier as you enter the rain shadow effect of the Annapurna range.

Ngawal village appears after about 90 minutes of walking from Ghyaru. Larger and slightly more developed than Ghyaru, Ngawal maintains similar traditional architecture and atmosphere.

From Ngawal, the trail begins descending gradually toward Manang. The route passes through Braga, another traditional village notable for its ancient monastery clinging to the cliff face above the settlement. Braga Monastery dates back approximately 500 years and houses impressive wall murals, religious texts, and sculptures.

The final section from Braga to Manang follows a nearly level path, taking about 30 to 45 minutes. Manang stands as the largest settlement in this region and the cultural heart of Manangi culture.

In the late afternoon around 3 PM, trekkers can attend a free altitude sickness lecture at the Himalayan Rescue Association aid post. This informative session covers how altitude affects the human body, symptoms of altitude sickness, prevention strategies, and when to descend.

Rest Day with Optional Short Hikes
Optional Hiking: 3 to 4 hours
Accommodation: Same teahouse lodge in Manang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This rest day follows the critical mountaineering principle of “climb high, sleep low” for proper acclimatization. Rather than complete rest, you will take a short hike to higher elevation before returning to Manang’s altitude for the night.

Option 1: Gangapurna Lake and Glacier (Most Popular)
This hike takes approximately 3 to 4 hours round trip and reaches around 3,900 meters maximum elevation. Gangapurna Lake sits in a basin below the towering south face of Gangapurna peak (7,455m). The milky turquoise water comes from glacial melt, giving it a distinctive color. Beyond the lake, a rough trail continues to the glacier tongue where you can observe the massive river of ice descending from Gangapurna’s higher slopes.

Option 2: Milarepa’s Cave and Ridge Viewpoint
This alternative hike climbs the ridge east of Manang to approximately 4,000 meters. The steep trail passes Milarepa’s Cave, a religious site where the famous Tibetan Buddhist yogi Milarepa reportedly meditated. Continuing above the cave, the ridge trail reaches open slopes offering panoramic views of the entire Manang valley.

Option 3: Khangsar Village and Tilicho Lake Base Camp Trail
More ambitious trekkers might walk toward Khangsar village at the entrance to Tilicho Lake trek. This longer option (4 to 5 hours) reaches about 4,000 meters.

After returning from the morning hike, the afternoon provides time to relax, wash clothes, catch up on journaling, or explore Manang village. The village has several bakeries serving fresh baked goods, coffee, and hot chocolate.

Walking Distance: 10 to 11 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 510 meters
Accommodation: Basic teahouse lodge in Yak Kharka
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Leaving Manang marks the beginning of the high altitude section of the trek. The trail climbs more noticeably today, and the air feels perceptibly thinner. The first village beyond Manang is Tengi, a small settlement. Beyond Tengi, the valley narrows and the trail begins climbing more steadily through juniper scrubland.

Gunsang village appears after about 2 to 3 hours of walking. This tiny settlement consists of just a few stone buildings serving as teahouses. From Gunsang, the landscape becomes progressively more barren. Vegetation reduces to low grasses, hardy shrubs, and occasional alpine flowers.

The trail climbs into genuine alpine zone habitat. Yaks graze these high pastures during summer months, giving Yak Kharka its name which literally means “yak pasture.” You might see these shaggy animals grazing the slopes. Blue sheep occasionally appear on distant slopes.

Yak Kharka settlement consists of just three or four basic lodges built to serve trekkers and seasonal herders at approximately 4,050 meters. The lodges offer basic twin rooms with foam mattresses and heavy blankets. Sleeping bags are absolutely essential. Bathroom facilities are shared outhouses.

Dining rooms center around a yak dung or wood burning stove. Temperature drops significantly after sunset, often reaching 0 degrees Celsius or below. Some people experience mild altitude symptoms tonight including slight headache, reduced appetite, or broken sleep. These are normal adjustments.

Walking Distance: 6 to 7 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 400 meters (or 800m if continuing to High Camp)
Accommodation: Basic lodge at Thorong Phedi or High Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today’s relatively short walking day allows continued gradual acclimatization before tomorrow’s challenging pass crossing. The trail continues up the valley from Yak Kharka, initially crossing relatively flat sections before beginning steady climbing.

The trail passes through Letdar, a seasonal settlement even smaller than Yak Kharka. Beyond Letdar, the trail climbs more noticeably. The landscape becomes increasingly stark and rocky. The trail crosses the Jarsang Khola via a substantial suspension bridge before climbing through switchbacks carved into the mountainside.

Thorong Phedi comes into view after this climb. The name translates as “base of the hill” referring to Thorong La Pass rising steeply above. The tiny settlement consists of three or four lodges at approximately 4,450 meters.

Upon arrival, you face a decision with your guide: stay at Thorong Phedi for the night, or continue climbing another hour to High Camp at 4,850 meters. Most groups with members feeling strong continue to High Camp, which shortens tomorrow significantly. However, anyone showing altitude sickness symptoms should definitely stay lower at Phedi.

High Camp consists of a single lodge complex with basic dormitory style accommodation. The facilities are minimal, reflecting the extremely difficult logistics of operating at this altitude.

Regardless of where you stay, tomorrow requires an extremely early start. Dinner is served early, around 5 or 6 PM. Organize your gear for tomorrow, ensuring your warmest layers are easily accessible. Your guide will discuss the plan: wake up around 3 or 4 AM, simple breakfast, departure by 4:30 or 5 AM.

Walking Distance: Approximately 16 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 966 meters (from Phedi) or 566m (from High Camp)
Elevation Loss: 1,616 meters total descent
Accommodation: Lodge in Muktinath
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

This is the trek’s longest and most challenging day. Your alarm sounds around 3 AM (from Phedi) or 4 AM (from High Camp). The pre dawn cold is intense, with temperatures typically between minus 10 and minus 15 Celsius. Dress in all your warm layers.

Breakfast consists of simple items: porridge, bread, eggs, and hot tea or coffee. Headlamps light the trail as you start walking in complete darkness. The trail climbs steadily, following a broad ridge or gully system toward the pass. The path zigzags in switchbacks, gaining elevation gradually.

The most important strategy is moving slowly and steadily. Walking too fast leads to exhaustion at altitude. As dawn approaches around 5:30 to 6 AM, the sky begins lightening and surrounding peaks emerge from darkness.

Around 6:30 to 7:30 AM, depending on your starting point and pace, you reach Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. The pass is marked by a wooden sign surrounded by prayer flags in all five colors. Views extend in multiple directions with the Annapurna range to the south and glimpses of the Tibetan plateau to the north.

Most groups spend 15 to 30 minutes at the pass taking photos and resting before the descent. Strong winds often build by mid morning, making prolonged stops uncomfortable.

The descent begins on the north side of the pass, dropping steeply down a rocky hillside. Some sections may have snow or ice. After about 1.5 to 2 hours of steady descent, you reach Chambar Phedi where some lodges operate for lunch or rest.

Muktinath comes into view across a flat plain. Muktinath is a significant pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple complex features 108 water spouts arranged around a courtyard. An eternal flame burns inside the temple, fueled by natural gas seeping from the rocks.

Your lodge in Muktinath provides welcome comfort after the challenging day with heated dining rooms and hot showers available.

Walking Distance: 16 to 17 kilometers
Elevation Loss: 1,080 meters
Accommodation: Lodge in Jomsom
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After yesterday’s intensity, today’s trek feels like a recovery walk. The trail descends continuously but gradually. The first village south of Muktinath is Jharkot, an ancient settlement clinging to the hillside with historic monastery and sky caves.

The trail continues through Khingar before reaching Kagbeni, one of the most atmospheric medieval villages in Nepal. Kagbeni sits at the official entrance to Upper Mustang with fortified appearance and narrow alleyways. Kagbeni makes an excellent lunch stop.

From Kagbeni, the trail enters the heart of the Kali Gandaki valley. The landscape is remarkably arid with brown hills and sparse vegetation. The Kali Gandaki River flows powerfully through the center. Black stones called shaligrams can be found along the riverbanks – fossil ammonites considered sacred in Hinduism.

The valley is famous for strong winds that build during the day, sometimes reaching gale force speeds by afternoon. Most groups try to complete walking by midday.

Jomsom appears as a substantial town with government offices, an airport, shops, restaurants, and the largest permanent population between Manang and Pokhara. Jomsom’s lodges range from basic to surprisingly comfortable. The afternoon provides free time to rest, wash clothes, or explore the town.

Your guide will discuss tomorrow’s flight plan. Flights from Jomsom to Pokhara operate frequently but can be delayed or cancelled due to wind or weather.

Flight Duration: 20 minutes
Backup Option: 5 to 7 hour jeep drive if flight cancelled
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast included

The morning starts early with wake up around 5 or 6 AM. Jomsom Airport operates only during early morning before strong valley winds develop. After breakfast, you transfer to the airport for check in.

The aircraft used are small Twin Otter or Dornier planes with capacity for 15 to 20 passengers. Weather conditions determine whether flights operate. Your group might wait hours if conditions are marginal.

The flight south through the Kali Gandaki valley offers spectacular mountain views with Dhaulagiri to the west and Annapurna to the east. The aircraft flies at relatively low altitude. About halfway through, the aircraft crosses a pass and the landscape changes dramatically from arid browns to greens.

A vehicle transfers you to your hotel in the Lakeside area of Pokhara. The rest of the day is free time to relax. Many trekkers take long hot showers and enjoy being clean and warm. Lakeside offers numerous restaurants serving international cuisine.

Alternative: If flights don’t operate, a jeep drive to Pokhara takes 5 to 7 hours along a rough but scenic road through the valley.

Driving Distance: Approximately 200 kilometers
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast included

After breakfast and hotel checkout, you board a tourist bus for the journey back to Kathmandu. Departure is typically around 7 or 8 AM. Tourist buses are more comfortable than local buses with cushioned seats and fewer stops.

The Prithvi Highway winds through mountainous terrain. The route passes through Dumre, Mugling, and follows the Trishuli River valley. Traffic increases noticeably as you approach Kathmandu with arrival in mid afternoon.

After checking into your Kathmandu hotel, the afternoon provides free time for shopping, visiting local sites, or resting.

Alternative: Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu
A 25 minute domestic flight is available at approximately USD 100 to 150 per person (paid separately). The flight offers excellent mountain views on clear days.

Free Day for Rest or Exploration
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast included

This extra day serves as buffer for any delays during the trek, particularly flight cancellations from Jomsom. If your trek proceeded on schedule, today becomes a bonus day to explore Kathmandu Valley or rest.

Popular activities include visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites like Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, or Bhaktapur. You might book an Everest mountain flight, take a cooking class, visit the Garden of Dreams, or simply shop and relax.

Airport Transfer
Meals: Breakfast included

Your final morning in Nepal. The company arranges airport transfer three hours before your scheduled international departure. The drive from Thamel to Tribhuvan International Airport usually takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.

As you depart Nepal, you carry memories of mountain passes crossed, cultures experienced, challenges overcome, and landscapes that will remain vivid for years.