Annapurna Circuit Trek

Accommodation: Hotel

After arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. Keep the first day relatively relaxed after the journey.

There is usually time to meet your trekking team, check your equipment, and make sure anything missing from your packing list is taken care of. A welcome dinner in the evening provides an easy introduction to the trip before the long journey into the mountains begins.

Accommodation: Hotel

Spend the day exploring Kathmandu Valley and getting some cultural context before heading into the mountains.

Depending on your schedule, you can visit historic temples, Buddhist sites, traditional markets, and old parts of the city. This is also a useful opportunity to purchase or rent any final trekking equipment.

Keep the day reasonably easy. The following morning involves a long drive.

Elevation: ~1,860–1,960 m
Accommodation: Teahouse

The journey from Kathmandu toward Dharapani takes you out of the capital and gradually deeper into Nepal's mountain landscape. The road follows river valleys and passes through increasingly rural areas as the settlements become smaller.

The final portions of the drive can be rough and winding, so this is likely to feel like a long travel day rather than a sightseeing trip.

Dharapani is where the main walking section of this itinerary begins. Because vehicles now travel much farther into the Marsyangdi valley, many modern Annapurna itineraries use Dharapani or another higher starting point instead of following the older route from Besisahar entirely on foot.

Elevation: ~2,710 m
Distance: Approximately 15–16 km
Walking Time: 5–7 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse

The first proper trekking day follows the Marsyangdi valley toward Chame.

Much of the route passes through forest, with the river often running below the trail. There are gradual climbs, stone sections, and occasional stretches where the road and walking route come close together.

As you approach Chame, the surrounding peaks begin to feel more imposing and the temperature becomes noticeably cooler. Chame is the administrative center of Manang District and has more facilities than many of the smaller settlements along the route.

Elevation: ~3,300 m
Distance: Approximately 13–15 km
Walking Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse

The journey toward Pisang brings another noticeable change in the environment. Forest remains in places, but the valley opens up and the mountains begin to dominate the horizon.

There are upper and lower route options around Pisang. The higher route through Upper Pisang generally involves more climbing but rewards the effort with stronger mountain views and a different perspective of the surrounding villages. Since you are now above 3,000 meters, there is no advantage in rushing. A comfortable walking rhythm is more useful than trying to arrive early.

Elevation: ~3,500–3,540 m
Distance: Approximately 17–20 km, depending on route
Walking Time: 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse

Today is one of the longer walking stages before the high pass.

From Pisang, the route continues through increasingly dry terrain toward Manang. If you choose the upper route, you can pass through Ghyaru and Ngawal, where traditional stone buildings and dry hills create a very different atmosphere from the forested sections below.

Manang is the main settlement and acclimatization center in this part of the circuit. Reaching it is an important milestone because the next stages take you well above the elevation at which altitude begins to have a much greater effect.

Accommodation: Teahouse

This is not simply a day to remain inside the lodge.

A short hike to higher ground helps your body adjust before the route climbs toward Thorong La. Depending on weather, energy levels, and the advice of your guide, you can walk toward Gangapurna Lake, a nearby viewpoint, or another trail above Manang before returning to the village to sleep.

The idea is to gain some altitude during the day without moving your sleeping elevation higher.

Use the remaining time to rest, eat well, drink regularly, and organize your equipment for the colder days ahead.

Elevation: ~4,200–4,250 m
Distance: Approximately 9–12 km
Walking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse

This is one of the days where pacing matters more than distance.

The route climbs from Manang through the high settlements around Yak Kharka before continuing toward Ledar. Depending on the exact trail and overnight point, the sleeping elevation increases by roughly 650–700 meters.

The walking distance is relatively short, which can make the day look easier on paper than it actually feels. At more than 4,000 meters, every uphill section requires more effort.

Elevation: ~4,400–4,525 m
Distance: Approximately 7 km
Walking Time: 3–5 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse

The distance is shorter today, but the altitude makes the stage important.

The route continues through open, high-altitude terrain toward Thorong Phedi, the main overnight staging area before the pass. Vegetation is now sparse and the landscape feels much more exposed.

Some itineraries continue from Phedi to High Camp, while others spend the night at Phedi. The right choice depends on the route, weather, trail conditions, and how well the group has acclimatized.

Once you reach your lodge, focus on eating, hydrating, preparing your clothing and headlamp, and getting as much rest as possible. The pass crossing begins early.

Elevation: Thorong La – 5,416 m
Muktinath: ~3,710–3,760 m
Distance: Approximately 15–18 km
Walking Time: 8–10 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse

This is the stage the entire trek has been building toward.

Most groups leave before sunrise. The first climb takes place in the cold and often in darkness, with headlamps lighting the trail ahead. The pace should remain steady because the thin air makes even a moderate incline feel considerably harder.

Thorong La itself is not a technical climbing route, but the combination of altitude, cold, sustained climbing, and the long descent makes this a serious physical day. The pass sits at 5,416 meters and is usually crossed early because winds and cloud can increase later in the day.

At the top, prayer flags and stone cairns mark the pass. Take time for photographs and a short rest, but avoid staying exposed to the cold for longer than necessary.

The descent toward Muktinath is long and can be hard on the knees. The drop in elevation, however, usually brings noticeable relief as the air becomes warmer and denser. Muktinath itself has a completely different atmosphere, with religious sites important to both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.

Elevation: Marpha ~2,670 m
Walking Time: Approximately 7–8 hours if walking the full section
Accommodation: Teahouse

After the pass, the route continues downward into the dry Kali Gandaki valley.

The terrain around Muktinath and Jomsom has a stark, high-desert appearance. Strong winds are common in parts of the valley, particularly later in the day, so an early start can make the walking more comfortable.

Marpha provides a welcome change. Its whitewashed buildings, narrow stone lanes, and surrounding apple orchards give the village a distinctive character. Apple-based products are particularly associated with the area.

Because roads now run through much of the Kali Gandaki corridor, some trekking programs use vehicles for sections of this stage. If your intention is to walk the route rather than drive it, confirm the exact arrangement with your trekking agency beforehand.

Elevation: ~2,530 m
Walking Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse

Leaving Marpha, the route continues down the Kali Gandaki valley.

The scenery gradually becomes greener as the elevation decreases. Dry slopes give way to more vegetation, while traditional settlements and mountain views continue along the valley. Kalopani makes a comfortable overnight stop. On a clear day, the surrounding mountains provide excellent views, including sections of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.

Elevation: ~1,200 m
Walking Time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse

Today involves a major drop in elevation.

The route follows the Kali Gandaki toward warmer, greener country. The vegetation becomes increasingly dense as you leave the high-altitude environment behind, and waterfalls and steep valley walls become more common.

Tatopani means "hot water" in Nepali, and the village is well known for its natural hot springs. After several demanding days at altitude, spending some time in the warm water can be one of the more relaxing moments of the itinerary. Check the current local conditions and entry arrangements before planning your visit to the springs.

Elevation: ~2,850 m
Distance: Approximately 16–17 km
Walking Time: 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse

After several days of descending, the route starts climbing again.

The journey from Tatopani toward Ghorepani is a substantial uphill stage, passing through forest and mountain settlements. The climb can feel harder than expected because your legs have become accustomed to descending during the previous days.

Keep your pace steady and take short breaks before fatigue becomes excessive.

Ghorepani is the final overnight stop before the early-morning climb to Poon Hill.

Elevation: Poon Hill ~3,210 m
Walking Finish: Birethanti
Accommodation: Hotel

The alarm will usually ring before sunrise.

The short climb from Ghorepani to Poon Hill is timed so that trekkers reach the viewpoint as the first light begins to spread across the mountains. From the top, the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges form the backdrop, with Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South among the prominent peaks visible in good weather.

After enjoying the sunrise, return to Ghorepani for breakfast before continuing downhill.

The route descends through forest and lower-elevation settlements toward Birethanti, where the main walking section of this itinerary comes to an end. From there, continue by road to Pokhara.

Accommodation: Hotel

Return to Kathmandu either by domestic flight or overland transportation, depending on your preference and the conditions on the day.

The flight is much faster, while traveling by road takes considerably longer but provides another opportunity to see Nepal's changing hill landscapes.

Keep some flexibility in your schedule because mountain-region transportation can be affected by weather, traffic, and road conditions.