Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Max altitude
- 5,416 m · Thorong La Pass
- Pricing
- Custom quote
Every angle of the route
Photo gallery
At a glance
Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a classic Himalayan journey around the Annapurna massif, linking the lush Marsyangdi valley with the high Buddhist villages of Manang and the dry Mustang landscape beyond Thorong La Pass. This 14-day Kathmandu-to-Kathmandu itinerary follows the scenic upper route through Upper Pisang, Ghyaru, Ngawal, and Manang, crosses Thorong La at 5,416 m, then descends through Muktinath, Tatopani, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill before returning via Pokhara.
Trip highlights
- +Cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, the high point of the Annapurna Circuit
- +Follow the classic upper route through Chame, Upper Pisang, Ghyaru, Ngawal, and Manang
- +Experience Manang acclimatization before entering the high alpine route to Ledar and Thorong Phedi
- +Descend into Mustang to visit Muktinath, Jomsom, Marpha, and the Kali Gandaki valley
- +Relax at Tatopani hot springs and finish with Poon Hill sunrise before returning to Pokhara
Know before you choose
Why this journey stands out
The defining experiences, trail character and route rhythm that make Annapurna Circuit Trek distinctive.
Signature experience
Cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, the high point of the Annapurna Circuit
Follow the classic upper route through Chame, Upper Pisang, Ghyaru, Ngawal, and Manang · Experience Manang acclimatization before entering the high alpine route to Ledar and Thorong Phedi
Trail character
Challenging · 5,416 m · Thorong La Pass
A 14 days journey with a challenging trail profile, paced around the route's key elevations and experiences.
Sense of place
Trekking, Nepal
Travel through the landscapes and communities that define Trekking, supported by locally led interpretation throughout the journey.
Best suited to
Travelers ready for a challenging adventure
Ideal for guests who value cross thorong la pass at 5,416 m, the high point of the annapurna circuit and follow the classic upper route through chame, upper pisang, ghyaru, ngawal, and manang and can commit 14 days to the experience.
Route rhythm
Your journey at a glance
- 01 · The openingArrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, meet the Shailung Trails team, transfer to your hotel, and review the Annapurna Circuit route, permits, gear, and departure plan.
- 02 · The heartTrek from Ledar to Thorong Phedi or High Camp
Walk gradually uphill across narrow trails, ridges, and river crossings to Thorong Phedi. Depending on weather, health, and guide assessment, continue to High Camp or stay lower for safer acclimatization.
- 03 · The finaleFinal departure from Kathmandu
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight, or extend your stay in Nepal with extra sightseeing or another Himalayan journey.
Day by day
Your itinerary
01Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, meet the Shailung Trails team, transfer to your hotel, and review the Annapurna Circuit route, permits, gear, and departure plan.
02Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar
Drive west from Kathmandu through river valleys, terraced hillsides, and highway towns to Besisahar, the traditional gateway to the Annapurna Circuit in Lamjung.
03Drive from Besisahar to Chame
Continue by local sharing jeep on the mountain road toward Chame, passing Bhulbhule, Syange, Jagat, Chamje, Tal, Dharapani, Timang, waterfalls, and Marsyangdi valley scenery.
04Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang
Begin the full trekking section through pine forest, apple-growing villages, prayer wheels, and the upper Marsyangdi valley, with views of Annapurna II, Chulu East, Chulu West, and Pisang Peak.
05Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang via Ghyaru and Ngawal
Take the scenic upper route through Ghyaru and Ngawal rather than the lower road trail. This demanding but rewarding day opens wide views across the Annapurna range before descending to Manang.
06Acclimatization day in Manang
Spend a vital acclimatization day in Manang with a hike toward Gangapurna viewpoint, Gangapurna Lake, or Ice Lake conditions permitting. The goal is to climb high, sleep low, and prepare safely for Thorong La.
07Trek from Manang to Ledar
Enter the arid high-country landscape above Manang, climbing past Ghunsang and Yak Kharka toward Ledar with views of Gangapurna, Chulu East, Chulu West, and alpine grazing terrain.
08Trek from Ledar to Thorong Phedi or High Camp
Walk gradually uphill across narrow trails, ridges, and river crossings to Thorong Phedi. Depending on weather, health, and guide assessment, continue to High Camp or stay lower for safer acclimatization.
09Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath
Start before dawn for the trek’s hardest and highest day, climbing to Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m before descending into Mustang and the sacred pilgrimage area of Muktinath.
10Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani via Jomsom and Marpha
Visit Muktinath in the morning, then drive through the Kali Gandaki valley past Kagbeni, Jomsom, Marpha, and Rupse Waterfall to Tatopani, where natural hot springs help tired legs recover.
11Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani
Climb from the warmer Kali Gandaki valley through villages, forest, and steep hillside trail toward Ghorepani, a ridge settlement known for rhododendron forests and mountain views.
12Poon Hill sunrise, trek to Ulleri, drive to Pokhara
Hike early to Poon Hill at 3,210 m for sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range, descend to Ghorepani for breakfast, trek down to Ulleri, then drive to Pokhara.
13Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Travel back to Kathmandu by tourist bus or private vehicle along the Prithvi Highway. After arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a final evening in the capital.
14Final departure from Kathmandu
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight, or extend your stay in Nepal with extra sightseeing or another Himalayan journey.
Clear and transparent
What your trip covers
What's included
- +Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
- +Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per itinerary
- +Kathmandu to Besisahar transfer and Besisahar to Chame local sharing jeep
- +Muktinath to Tatopani drive and Ulleri/Nayapul to Pokhara transfer
- +Pokhara to Kathmandu tourist bus transfer
- +Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek
- +Meals on trek as per itinerary
- +Licensed English-speaking trekking guide and porter support
- +Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card
- +Guide and porter insurance, wages, meals, and accommodation
What's excluded
- -International flights and Nepal visa fees
- -Travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage up to at least 6,000 m
- -Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara unless specified
- -Private vehicle or flight upgrades unless selected
- -Personal expenses such as hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, laundry, snacks, and drinks
- -Personal trekking gear, sleeping bag, and down jacket rental unless included separately
- -Tips for guide, porters, and drivers
- -Extra nights, meals, or transport caused by weather, road conditions, illness, or itinerary changes
Before you go
Essential trip information
Best season
- +Spring and autumn are generally most reliable.
Recommended gear
- +Layered clothing
- +Trekking footwear
- +Waterproof outer shell
Permits
- +Applicable local permits are arranged before departure.