Annapurna Circuit
10 days · Challenging · up to 5,416 m
Walk from green river valleys to the dry high country of Manang and cross Thorong La, one of the highest trekking passes in the world.
OVERVIEW
The Annapurna Circuit crosses a whole mountain range. You start among rice terraces and waterfalls, climb into the Tibetan-influenced villages of Manang, cross the 5,416 metre Thorong La, and descend into the desert landscape of Mustang and the Kali Gandaki gorge.
Roads now reach much of the lower valley, so I plan the route to drive past the dusty sections and spend your walking days on the best trails.
Day by day
A sample itinerary. I adjust stages and rest days to your pace, the season and the weather.
Day 12,670 m
Drive to Chame
A long jeep day from Pokhara via Besisahar up the Marsyangdi valley to Chame.
Day 23,300 m
Chame to Upper Pisang
Pine forest and the great curved rock face of Paungda Danda, ending in the upper village of Pisang.
Day 33,660 m
Upper Pisang to Ngawal
The high trail above the valley, with wide views of Annapurna II and III.
Day 43,540 m
Ngawal to Manang
An easy walk down to Manang, a stone village with monasteries and bakeries.
Day 5
Acclimatisation in Manang
A day hike to Ice Lake or the Gangapurna glacier viewpoint, then rest in Manang.
Day 64,050 m
Manang to Yak Kharka
A short day climbing into open yak pastures, keeping the altitude gain gentle.
Day 74,450 m
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Along the valley side to the last lodges below the pass.
Day 85,416 m
Over Thorong La to Muktinath
A pre-dawn start for the long climb to Thorong La, then a steep descent to the pilgrimage town of Muktinath.
Day 92,720 m
Muktinath to Jomsom
Through Jharkot and the medieval village of Kagbeni to Jomsom in the Kali Gandaki valley.
Day 10
Back to Pokhara
Fly or drive from Jomsom to Pokhara.
Included
- Licensed guide (wages, meals, lodging and insurance)
- All trekking permits
- Lodge accommodation on the trail
- Jeep transport to Chame and from Jomsom
Not included
- Meals and drinks on the trail
- Jomsom to Pokhara flight (optional)
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover
- Porter (available on request)
- Tips
Permits
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS card
I arrange the permits for you. Nepal Tourism Board permit guidance
Questions about Annapurna Circuit
How many days do I really need?
Ten days is the minimum for a safe crossing using road transport at both ends. With 14 to 16 days you can walk more of the lower valley and add side trips such as Tilicho Lake.
What if the weather is bad on Thorong La?
We only cross when conditions are safe. I build in enough flexibility to wait a day at Thorong Phedi if needed.
ALSO IN ANNAPURNA
Other treks nearby
Mardi Himal
- 5 days
- Moderate
- 4,500 m
A short, steep ridge walk from rhododendron forest to the foot of Machhapuchhre. Quieter than the classic Annapurna routes and close to Pokhara.
Price on request
See itinerary
Poon Hill & Ghandruk
- 4 days
- Easy
- 3,210 m
Stone stairways, rhododendron forest and a sunrise viewpoint over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The classic short trek from Pokhara.
Price on request
See itineraryAnnapurna Base Camp
- 8 days
- Moderate
- 4,130 m
Follow the Modi Khola valley through bamboo forest into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial amphitheatre ringed by 7,000 and 8,000 metre peaks.
Price on request
See itineraryPRIVATE TREK
Make Annapurna Circuit yours.
Send me your dates and group size, and I will reply with a tailored itinerary and price.