Annapurna Circuit Trek 17 Days

Overview Departures Itinerary Inclusion Exclusion Gallery

Trip Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most diverse and iconic trekking adventures in the Himalayas, offering an extraordinary journey around the Annapurna massif through lush subtropical forests, arid high-altitude landscapes, and traditional mountain villages. The trek combines breathtaking mountain views, rich cultural experiences, and the challenge of crossing the legendary Thorong La Pass in a single remarkable expedition.

The trek begins in the lush lowlands of Besisahar before following the Marsyangdi River through terraced farmlands, pine and rhododendron forests, and dramatic gorges. As the trail ascends, the landscape transforms into a rain-shadow desert with sweeping views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), and Manaslu. The route passes through diverse ethnic communities, including Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi settlements, each offering unique cultural traditions and hospitality.

The highlight of the journey is the crossing of Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, one of the world's highest mountain passes, connecting the Manang District to the Mustang region. The trek then descends through the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, with its ancient temples and 108 water spouts, before continuing through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge—the world's deepest gorge—and finally ending in the scenic town of Pokhara.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is ideal for trekkers seeking a varied and culturally rich Himalayan adventure with spectacular mountain panoramas, diverse landscapes, and the thrill of crossing a high-altitude pass in one of Nepal's most beloved trekking regions.

Best Seasons to Travel

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, offering stable weather, clear mountain views, blooming rhododendron forests, and safe crossing conditions at Thorong La Pass.

Notes to Travelers

This trek is physically demanding and recommended for trekkers with good fitness levels and prior high-altitude trekking experience. The circuit reaches altitudes over 5,400 meters, requiring proper acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.

Accommodation throughout the trek is in teahouses and mountain lodges with basic but comfortable facilities. The trail offers excellent teahouse infrastructure with varying levels of comfort as altitude increases.

Crossing Thorong La Pass requires good endurance, proper acclimatization, and preparedness for rapidly changing mountain weather. Snow and ice can occasionally make the pass crossing challenging, so flexibility in itinerary planning is essential.

Road construction has extended motorable roads to some sections of the traditional route, but the core trekking trail remains intact and offers a wilderness experience. The Annapurna Circuit Trek remains one of Nepal's most spectacular and diverse trekking adventures, combining natural beauty, cultural immersion, and high-altitude challenge in a complete Himalayan journey.

Highlights

  • Cross the legendary Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters

  • Spectacular panoramic views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Machhapuchhare (6,993m), Manaslu (8,163m), and Tilicho Peak

  • Explore diverse landscapes from subtropical forests to arid high-altitude deserts

  • Experience rich cultural heritage of Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi communities

  • Visit ancient monasteries, prayer flags, and the sacred Muktinath Temple with its 108 water spouts

  • Trek through the world's deepest gorge—the Kali Gandaki Gorge

  • Natural hot springs at Tatopani for relaxation

  • Walk through the stunning rhododendron forests in spring bloom

  • One of Nepal's most complete and diverse trekking experiences

Fixed Departure Dates

Early booking recommended due to limited seats.

September 30, 2026
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December 31, 2026
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March 01, 2027
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May 30, 2027
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Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

    • Highlights: Arrival in the capital city of Nepal, welcome by our representative, first glimpse of the Himalayan atmosphere

    • Activity: Transfer to hotel, trek preparation and briefing, last-minute gear shopping, rest and recovery from your flight

  • Day 2 : Drive Kathmandu to Dharapani (1,960m / 6,430ft)

    • Highlights: Scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, views of Trishuli River, lush hillsides, first views of Manaslu and Annapurna ranges

    • Activity: Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani, crossing suspension bridges, arrive at the traditional village of Dharapani

     

  • Day 3 : Trek Dharapani to Chame (2,670m / 8,760ft)

    • Highlights: Entering the Manang District, dense pine forests, views of Annapurna II, Paungda Danda rock face

    • Activity: Trek through forests, cross the Marsyangdi River, ascend through the valley to the district headquarters of Chame

     

  • Day 4 : Trek Chame to Pisang (3,300m / 10,827ft)

    • Highlights: Dramatic gorges, waterfalls, views of Annapurna IV and Pisang Peak, apple orchards

    • Activity: Trek through narrow gorges, cross suspension bridges, traverse pine forests to Pisang village

     

  • Day 5 : Trek Pisang to Manang (3,540m / 11,614ft)

    • Highlights: Panoramic mountain views, Gangapurna Glacier, ancient monasteries, Manang Valley

    • Activity: Trek along the upper or lower Pisang route, visit Barge Monastery, arrive at the bustling town of Manang

     

  • Day 6 : Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Manang

    • Highlights: Exploration of Manang village, Gangapurna Lake, Himalayan Rescue Association talk on altitude sickness

    • Activity: Acclimatization hike to nearby viewpoints, visit local monasteries, rest and prepare for high altitude

     

  • Day 7 : Trek Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m / 13,484ft)

    • Highlights: Gradual ascent, yak pastures, views of Gangapurna and Annapurna III, high-altitude landscape

    • Activity: Trek above the tree line, cross grazing pastures, arrive at the small settlement of Yak Kharka

     

  • Day 8 : Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m / 14,600ft)

    • Highlights: High mountain scenery, wildlife spotting (blue sheep), views of Thorong La Pass

    • Activity: Trek through rugged terrain, cross streams, arrive at the base camp for Thorong La

     

  • Day 9 : Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath (5,416m / 17,769ft to 3,800m / 12,467ft)

    • Highlights: THORONG LA PASS CROSSING - one of the world's highest passes, panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, sunrise from the pass, prayer flags

    • Activity: Early morning start, ascent to the pass, celebration at the top, descent to Muktinath

     

  • Day 10 : Explore Muktinath and Trek to Kagbeni (2,800m / 9,186ft)

    • Highlights: Sacred Muktinath Temple with 108 water spouts, eternal flame, views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri, ancient Kagbeni village

    • Activity: Visit the Muktinath Temple complex, descend through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Valley, explore Kagbeni village

     

  • Day 11 : Trek Kagbeni to Marpha (2,670m / 8,760ft)

    • Highlights: Kali Gandaki Gorge (world's deepest gorge), apple orchards, Thakali culture, Marpha's narrow streets

    • Activity: Trek through the windy valley, visit apple orchards and cider factories, explore the beautiful village of Marpha

     

  • Day 12 : Trek Marpha to Tatopani (1,190m / 3,904ft)

    • Highlights: Gradual descent through rhododendron and pine forests, views of Dhaulagiri, natural hot springs

    • Activity: Trek through forests and villages, arrival at Tatopani, relaxation in natural hot springs

     

  • Day 13 : Trek Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m / 9,350ft)

    • Highlights: Ascent through rhododendron forests, traditional villages, views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna

    • Activity: Steep climb through forests, cross streams, arrive at the popular viewpoint of Ghorepani

     

  • Day 14 : Sunrise at Poon Hill and Trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540m / 5,052ft)

    • Highlights: POON HILL SUNRISE - panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhare, and more than 30 peaks, spectacular sunrise

    • Activity: Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise, return to Ghorepani, descend through forests to Tikhedhunga

     

  • Day 15 : Trek Tikhedhunga to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft)

    • Highlights: Final descent through farmland and villages, views of Machhapuchhare, completion of the Annapurna Circuit

    • Activity: Final trekking section to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara, celebration and rest

     

  • Day 16 : Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu

    • Highlights: Scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, views of the Trisuli River, return to the capital

    • Activity: Scenic drive back to Kathmandu, free time for shopping and celebrations

     

  • Day 17 : Departure

    Activity: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, farewell

Cost Inclusion

  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure in a private vehicle
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB plan (twin-sharing basis)
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Pokhara on BB plan (twin-sharing basis)
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu to Besisahar transportation by local bus/private vehicle
  • Besisahar to Dharapani by sharing jeep
  • Jomsom to Pokhara by sharing jeep/local bus
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu transportation by tourist bus
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit
  • Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card
  • Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek (twin-sharing basis)
  • Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • One experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
  • Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers) to carry your main luggage
  • Insurance, salary, meals, and accommodation for guide and porters
  • Medical kit (basic first aid)
  • All government taxes and official expenses
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu With Himalayan Karma Team
  • Complimentary duffel bag from Himalayan Karma Treks for storing and carrying your trekking gear

Cost Exclusion

  • International airfare to and from Nepal
  • Nepal entry visa fee (available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport)
  • Travel and medical insurance (mandatory, covering emergency evacuation and high-altitude trekking)
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, internet, battery charging, hot showers, etc.
  • Alcoholic beverages, cold drinks, bottled water, and snacks
  • Extra meals and accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara beyond the itinerary
  • Extra porter services (if required beyond the standard 1:2 ratio)
  • Tips for guide, porters, and drivers (recommended but at your discretion)
  • Any additional costs due to flight cancellations, weather delays, natural disasters, or other unforeseen circumstances
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Emergency evacuation and medical treatment costs
  • Anything not explicitly mentioned in the "Cost Includes" section
Altitude
5,416m
Duration
17 Days
Group Size
5-20 Climbers
Best Season
Spring and Autumn
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