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The Annapurna Circuit
12 - 16 days
Age 12+
Year-round
12-16 days trekking, depending on side trips
Herzog was one of the first westerners to see the Kali Gandaki river valley, the western leg of the trip, on his way to climb Annapurna. It took his party a year of preparation and two weeks walk just to get to their base camp. Today trekkers can make an entire circuit of the Annapurna Massif, more than 100 miles, with just determination and in less than two weeks. This classic trek is one of the most famous walks in the world, with good reason.
The most varied route in Nepal, this trek takes you from 1,500 feet/ 400 meters to 18,000 feet/5,400 meters and back. You'll meet ten ethnic groups, pass through four climate zones, and wear both t-shirts and your heaviest clothing.
Most of the route is at moderate altitude, and there is a high pass, the Thorong La, required to complete the circuit. The challenge of this pass brings a real feeling of accomplishment. Occasionally snow blocks the pass or the altitude is too much for someone, but folks in their 20s to 60s and distinctly non-athletic types can do this trek. A positive mental attitude and desire to walk the greatest trail on earth are all that are required.
One of our previous guests has written up her experiences on this route and the Annapurna Sanctuary, which she and her friend did as one trek. You might enjoy her journal
Day 1 - Kathmandu to Besisahar, then Dharapani
Driving Time: 9-12 hours total
Altitude: 1,860 m
Your journey starts early with a drive west from Kathmandu toward Besisahar, the historical trailhead for the Annapurna Circuit. The first leg takes roughly 6 to 8 hours depending on highway traffic. Upon arrival in Besisahar, you will transfer to a jeep to navigate the rugged mountain roads up to Dharapani. This bumpy jeep ride adds another 3 to 4 hours, bringing you deep into the Manang district by evening.
Day 2 - Dharapani to Chame
Walking Time: 5-6 hours | Distance: 15-16 km
Altitude: 2,710 m
After breakfast, follow the Marsyangdi River upstream as the trail weaves through thick pine and fir forests. You will cross suspension bridges and pass quiet mountain hamlets where traditional stone architecture and fluttering prayer flags start to replace the sub-tropical lower scenery. Towering cliffs begin to hem in the valley, giving you your first true glimpse of the high peaks hiding just beyond the trees. Chame, the administrative headquarters of the region, welcomes you with closer mountain views.
Day 3 - Chame to Upper Pisang
Walking Time: 5-6 hours | Distance: 13-15 km
Altitude: 3,200–3,300 m
The trail presses deeper into the narrow gorge today, passing beneath massive rock walls—most notably the sweeping curve of the Paungda Danda cliff. As you gain elevation, dense pine woods begin to thin out, replaced by valleys and mountain streams. Push past Lower Pisang to reach Upper Pisang. This traditional, Tibetan-influenced village clings to the hillside beneath a local monastery, offering incredible golden afternoon light across the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
Day 4 - Upper Pisang via Ghyaru to Ngawal
Walking Time: 4-6 hours | Distance: 10-11 km
Altitude: 3,660 m
Today features the famous high route, widely considered one of the most scenic stretches of the trek. The path climbs steeply out of upper Pisang up toward Ghyaru (3,370 m). While the climb is demanding due to the rising altitude, you are greeted with panoramic, jaw-dropping views of Annapurna II, III, IV, and Pisang Peak. From Ghyaru, a high traverse contouring dry hillsides leads you to the peaceful stone-walled village of Ngawal.
Day 5 - Ngawal to Manang (via Brakha)
Walking Time: 4-5 hours | Distance: 9-12 km
Altitude: 3,540 m
Descend gently from Ngawal back toward the valley floor, passing through the quiet settlements of Mungji and Brakha. Take time to stop at Brakha to explore its remarkable ancient monastery built directly into the mountain cliffside. Afterward, complete a short walk to Manang, one of the major hubs of the circuit. The environment here shifts dramatically into a high-altitude, rain-shadow desert characterized by barren cliffs and vast open skies.
Day 6 - Acclimatisation Day in Manang
Activity: Rest and valley exploration
Altitude: 3,540 m
A vital rest day designed to help your body adapt to the thinner air. Head out on a short, gentle day hike up toward the Gangapurna Glacier viewpoint or explore the old quarters of Manang village. Returning to sleep at Manang's altitude ensures safe acclimatisation before heading higher into the alpine zone.
Day 7 - Manang to Yak Kharka
Walking Time: 4-5 hours | Distance: 9-11 km
Altitude: 4,000 m
The route leaves Manang behind and climbs steadily into open alpine territory. Trees vanish completely, replaced by wide, sweeping meadows where yaks and blue sheep graze. The physical effort feels more pronounced here as the air loses oxygen, requiring a slow, measured pace and steady breathing. You will reach Yak Kharka by early afternoon, where the mountain air turns notably crisp and cold.
Day 8 - Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Walking Time: 3-5 hours | Distance: 7-9 km
Altitude: 4,450 m
A shorter walking day designed to keep you from ascending too quickly. The trail inches closer to the mountains through rugged terrain until it reaches Thorong Phedi—the base camp tucked right beneath the massive Thorong La pass. The atmosphere feels deeply remote and dramatic. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and organizing your gear so you are fully prepared for an early alpine start the next morning.
Day 9 - Cross the Thorong La Pass and descend to Muktinath
Walking Time: 7-9 hours
Altitude: 5,416 m (Pass) / 2750 m (Muktinath)
The pinnacle of the Annapurna Circuit. You will set off in the dark hours (around 4:00 AM) with headlamps cutting through the chill as you steadily climb toward the pass. Reaching Thorong La at 5,416 m is a major milestone. After the summit, begin the long, careful descent down into the Mustang region. The landscape transitions into a wind-sculpted, rust-colored desert before you finally reach Muktinath, a revered pilgrimage site sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.
Day 10 - Muktinath to Tatopani
Driving Time: 3-5 + hours
Altitude: 1,190 m
Bid farewell to the high mountains by boarding a vehicle in Muktinath. The road winds down the Kali Gandaki river valley (famous for its strong afternoon winds) past Jomson and down through changing ecosystems. You will eventually drop down to Tatopani, whose name translates to "Hot water". Spend your afternoon relaxing your tired muscles in the village's natural hot springs.
Day 11 - Tatopani to Ghorepani
Walking Time: 8-9 hours | Distance: 15-18 km
Altitude: 2,850 - 2,875 m
Prepare for one of the most physically demanding and longest days on the trek. Leaving the low-altitude warmth of Tatopani behind, the trail climbs steeply upward, gaining roughly 1,600 metres. You will pass through terraced fields and villages like Ghara and Shikha before entering dense, cool forests of oak and rhododendron. In the spring months, these woods burst into vibrant crimson red and pink blooms, eventually guiding you up to the ridge settlement of Ghorepani.
Day 12 - Early morning hike to Poon Hill, famous for its majestic sunrise, then down to Birethainti, and drive to Pokhara
Walking Time: 5-7 hours (including Poon Hill) | Drive: To Pokhara
Altitude: 3,210 m (Poon Hill)/ Pokhara Lakeside
Wake up before dawn for a 45-to-60-minute climb up Poon Hill. As the sun rises over the horizon, it sets a fiery glow across a massive panorama of peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). After soaking in the stunning views and having breakfast back in Ghorepani, you will descend through the iconic stone steps and forest trails all the way down to Birethainti, where a vehicle will be waiting to drive you to Pokhara.
Day 13 - Rest and Relaxation in Pokhara
Activity: Free day by the lakeside
After the challenging and adventurous trek, enjoy a well-deserved day of leisure in the famous lake city of Pokhara. Set right beside the tranquil waters of Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range watching over the skyline, Pokhara offers comfortable cafés, bakeries, optional boat rides, and soothing massage spots to help your body rejuvenate.
Day 14 - Pokhara to Kathmandu
Travel Time: –30 minute flight OR 6–8+ hours by road. Conclude your trek with a short 30-minute mountain flight back to Kathmandu, or opt for a scenic overland journey by tourist bus or private vehicle along the Prithvi Highway. Your unforgettable Annapurna Circuit adventure officially wraps up upon arrival in Kathmandu.
"An immense ice pyramid, glittering in the sun like a crystal, rose up more than 23,000 feet above us. The south face, shining blue through the morning mists, was unbelievably lofty, out of this world. We were speechless in the face of this tremendous mountain."
French Mountaineer Maurice Herzog, on his first sight of Dhaulagiri in 1950 - France
