Annapurna Circuit Trek
Nepal’s most varied trek — from subtropical rice paddies to the 5,416 m Thorong La, looping the entire Annapurna massif.
About this trek
No other trek packs in so much change. The Annapurna Circuit begins in warm, green lowland valleys and climbs steadily through villages, pine forest and high desert to the windswept Thorong La pass, before dropping into the arid, Tibetan-flavoured kingdom of Mustang and the sacred temples of Muktinath. Every day looks and feels different from the last.
We pace the eastern climb slowly for acclimatisation, with a rest day in Manang before the pass. The circuit finishes in lakeside Pokhara — the perfect place to unwind once the loop is closed.
Trek highlights
- Cross the Thorong La pass (5,416 m)
- The sacred temples of Muktinath
- Tibetan-influenced Manang valley
- Dramatic shift from paddies to high desert
- Apple orchards and pine forest of Marpha
- Finish on the lake in Pokhara
The itinerary
A typical day-by-day plan. We tailor pace and rest days to your group, and your guide adjusts on the ground for weather and acclimatisation.
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Arrive in Kathmandu
1,400 mAirport transfer, evening briefing and gear check.
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Drive to Chame
2,710 mA long, scenic mountain drive up the Marsyangdi valley to the trailhead town.
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Trek to Upper Pisang
3,300 mEnter pine forest with the first big views of Annapurna II.
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Trek to Manang
3,540 mTake the high route via Ghyaru for superb panoramas into Manang.
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Acclimatisation in Manang
3,540 mA view hike to Gangapurna lake or Ice Lake, then rest in the old town.
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Trek to Yak Kharka
4,050 mClimb above the treeline into high pasture country.
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Trek to Thorong Phedi
4,540 mA short stage to the base of the pass to rest before the big day.
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Cross Thorong La to Muktinath
5,416 mA pre-dawn start for the long climb to the prayer-flagged pass, then down to the temples of Muktinath.
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Trek to Marpha
2,670 mDescend into the Kali Gandaki gorge and the apple village of Marpha.
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Trek to Kalopani
2,530 mWalk the world’s deepest gorge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
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Trek to Tatopani
1,200 mA long descent to the welcome hot springs at Tatopani.
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Trek to Ghorepani
2,860 mA steep climb back up through rhododendron forest.
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Poon Hill sunrise, trek to Tikhedhunga
3,210 mA dawn climb of Poon Hill for a classic panorama, then a long descent.
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Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara
820 mThe final trail stage to the road, then a short drive to lakeside Pokhara.
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Drive to Kathmandu
1,400 mA scenic return drive, or upgrade to a 25-minute flight.
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Departure
1,400 mAirport transfer for your onward flight, or extend your stay.
What's included
In your trip price
- Private ground transfers per the itinerary
- Licensed, English-speaking local guide
- Insured porter team (one porter per two trekkers)
- All national-park entry and trekking permits
- Teahouse lodging throughout the trek
- Three freshly cooked meals a day on the trail
- Group medical kit, pulse oximeter and first aid
Not included
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (required)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Drinks, snacks and personal expenses
- Tips for your guide and crew (at your discretion)
From people who walked it
4.8 / 5 from 164 verified reviews
Every single day looked different. The variety on this route is unreal and the crew were wonderful.
Thorong La at sunrise, then hot springs two days later — perfectly judged pacing throughout.
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Make the Annapurna Circuit yours
Tell us your dates and we’ll tailor this itinerary around you — at no cost until you book.