Overview
The Annapurna Circuit is known as one of the finest trekking routes in the world. Beginning in the green, subtropical lowlands around Besisahar, the trail passes bamboo forests, terraced fields, and villages of centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist culture before the scenery shifts to a stark landscape reminiscent of the Tibetan plateau. The journey's highlight is the crossing of Thorong La at 5,416 m — one of the world's great high-pass treks.
Beyond the pass lies Muktinath, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The wind- and snow-carved badlands of the Mustang rain shadow reveal a face utterly unlike the lush valleys you have walked so far. On the return, descend the Kali Gandaki gorge — passing through a region famous for its apples and cider — down to Pokhara.
Highlights
- Cross Thorong La (5,416 m) — one of the world's great high-pass treks
- Visit Muktinath temple, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists
- Explore the Tibetan-influenced villages of Manang and Pisang
- Spectacular Kali Gandaki gorge and the Mustang rain-shadow badlands
- Sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from Poon Hill
- Experience five or more cultural and climate zones in one journey
Itinerary
Drive Kathmandu → Chame (2,710 m)
Leave Kathmandu early and drive north via Besisahar, following the Marsyangdi river. The road climbs deeper into the mountains as dramatic Himalayan scenery opens up, reaching Chame — the district headquarters of Manang and the effective starting point of the high-altitude trek. Overnight in Chame.
Chame → Pisang (3,200 m)
Walk through a valley framed by huge rock walls and into the high Manang valley. On a clear day, the magnificent forms of Annapurna II and IV appear. Overnight in Pisang.
Pisang → Manang (3,519 m)
Choose the upper route past an old monastery or the lower valley route to Manang — a day defined by Tibetan-flavoured settlements and dry, high-altitude scenery. Overnight in Manang.
Acclimatisation Day — Manang
A day to adjust to the altitude. Recommended options include a hike to Gangapurna Lake or a nearby viewpoint, or a visit to the Milarepa cave — preparing your body for the higher days ahead. Overnight in Manang.
Manang → Yak Kharka (4,110 m)
Leave the forest behind and climb gradually into sparse, high-alpine country, watching grazing yaks as you gain height slowly. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi (4,450 m)
An important day preparing for tomorrow's Thorong La crossing. The distance is short, but you move carefully and deliberately with the altitude in mind. Overnight in Thorong Phedi.
Cross Thorong La (5,416 m) → Muktinath (3,800 m)
Set out before dawn for the great highlight of the trek — the Thorong La crossing. From the 5,416 m pass, a vast Himalayan panorama unfolds. After a long descent, arrive at Muktinath, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Overnight in Muktinath.
Muktinath → Jomsom → Pokhara (private vehicle)
In the morning, drive via Jomsom and head south down the Kali Gandaki gorge. The dry Mustang canyon country gives way to ever-greener hill landscapes. Arrive in the lakeside city of Pokhara in the afternoon. Trek ends.
Includes & Excludes
✓ Included
- All accommodation on trek (teahouse)
- All meals on trek
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
- ACAP permit & TIMS card
- Private vehicle (Kathmandu ⇔ Chame; Jomsom ⇔ Pokhara)
- First-aid kit
- Government taxes
✕ Excluded
- International flights
- Nepal visa fees
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide and porter
- Personal drinks & snacks
- Kathmandu / Pokhara hotel
Trek Photos
Cancellation Policy
| Notice Period | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more | 90% refunded |
| 45 – 59 days | 75% refunded |
| 30 – 44 days | 50% refunded |
| 15 – 29 days | 25% refunded |
| 14 days or fewer | No refund |
| No show | No refund |