-
Sumba Sherpa (Co-Founder & CEO)
+977-9849643731
Since 1998 15,000+ Happy Guests Sherpa Owned & Operated Company
The Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary is a 16-day Himalayan journey through some of the most diverse landscapes in Nepal. The route begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar and Chame before continuing on foot through the Manang Valley, across the high-altitude Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m (17,770 ft), and down into the culturally rich Mustang region.
This itinerary combines mountain trekking, acclimatization hikes, traditional Himalayan villages, high mountain passes, road journeys, and time in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The current package is designed for moderate to experienced trekkers and includes carefully planned acclimatization before the Thorong La crossing.
One of the biggest highlights is the gradual change in scenery. You begin among green valleys and forests, move into the alpine landscape of Manang, cross Thorong La, and then descend into the dry landscapes of Lower Mustang before finishing in Pokhara.
|
Day |
Route / Activity |
Highest Altitude |
Approx. Time |
|
Day 1 |
Arrival in Kathmandu |
1,300 m / 4,264 ft |
Arrival |
|
Day 2 |
Kathmandu to Besisahar |
760 m / 2,494 ft |
5–6 hrs drive |
|
Day 3 |
Besisahar to Chame |
2,670 m / 8,760 ft |
3–4 hrs drive |
|
Day 4 |
Chame to Upper Pisang |
3,300 m / 10,827 ft |
4–6 hrs trek |
|
Day 5 |
Upper Pisang to Ngawal via Ghyaru |
3,660 m / 12,008 ft |
5–7 hrs trek |
|
Day 6 |
Ngawal to Manang |
3,540 m / 11,614 ft |
About 3 hrs |
|
Day 7 |
Manang acclimatization hike |
— |
Day hike |
|
Day 8 |
Ice Lake acclimatization hike |
4,620 m / 15,157 ft |
Day hike |
|
Day 9 |
Manang to Yak Kharka |
4,050 m / 13,287 ft |
3–4 hrs trek |
|
Day 10 |
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi |
4,450 m / 14,600 ft |
4–5 hrs trek |
|
Day 11 |
Thorong La Pass to Muktinath |
5,416 m / 17,770 ft |
8–9 hrs trek |
|
Day 12 |
Muktinath to Kalopani |
2,530 m / 8,300 ft |
4–5 hrs drive |
|
Day 13 |
Kalopani to Pokhara |
820 m / 2,690 ft |
4–5 hrs drive |
|
Day 14 |
Pokhara sightseeing + massage |
820 m / 2,690 ft |
Full day |
|
Day 15 |
Pokhara to Kathmandu + city tour |
1,300 m / 4,264 ft |
Flight + tour |
|
Day 16 |
Departure from Kathmandu |
- |
Departure |
The itinerary and altitude figures above are based on the current package itinerary.
Your Annapurna adventure begins when you arrive in Kathmandu. A guide and driver meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel by private vehicle.
After checking in, you can rest or explore the nearby area. In the evening, you meet your senior trekking guide for a briefing about the route, preparation, safety, and the days ahead.
The package includes accommodation in a 4-star or 5-star hotel and a welcome dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant.
After breakfast, you leave Kathmandu by private car and drive west toward Besisahar.
The journey takes around 5–6 hours and covers approximately 185 km. The route passes through Mugling and Dumre before following the Marsyangdi River toward Besisahar.
Along the way, you will see changing landscapes, rivers, hills, villages, and eventually views toward the Lamjung Himal.
If conditions and timing allow, there is also an option to continue toward Ngadi by local Jeep.
After breakfast, you drive by private jeep from Besisahar to Chame.
The drive takes approximately 3–4 hours according to the current itinerary and follows the Marsyangdi River valley. Along the route, you pass settlements including Syange, Jagat, Chamje, Dharapani, Bagarchhap, Timang and Koto.
The landscape becomes increasingly mountainous, with forests, waterfalls, traditional villages, and rugged Himalayan scenery.
Chame is the administrative headquarters of Manang District. After checking into the lodge, you can rest and enjoy the surroundings.
Today you begin trekking.
The walk from Chame to Upper Pisang takes approximately 4–6 hours and covers around 9–10 km. The trail follows the Marsyangdi River and passes through scenic landscapes and Bhratang village.
The gradual ascent takes you deeper into the mountain environment. Upper Pisang sits at approximately 3,300 m / 10,827 ft, providing a beautiful setting for your overnight stay.
You will stay in a local mountain lodge and have time to relax after the day's walk.
After breakfast, the trek continues toward Ngawal via Ghyaru.
The walk takes approximately 5–7 hours, depending on your pace and stops. The trail passes through traditional villages, monasteries, and cultural landmarks.
This section involves a gradual increase in altitude and forms an important part of the itinerary's acclimatization strategy.
Ngawal is situated at approximately 3,660 m / 12,008 ft. The village has traditional houses, prayer flags, and Buddhist stupas, creating a distinct high-mountain cultural atmosphere.
Today you trek from Ngawal to Manang.
The walk takes approximately 3 hours and covers around 5–6 km. The trail descends gently through alpine meadows and villages before reaching Manang.
Manang is an important acclimatization point on the Annapurna Circuit. After reaching the village, you will check into your lodge and have lunch.
Later, your guide will take you on an acclimatization hike before returning to the lodge for the night.
Day 7 is not simply a day off. It is an important part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary because your body needs time to adjust to the higher elevation.
The current itinerary offers options including a hike toward Gangapurna Glacier or Praken Gompa.
The Gangapurna area provides views of the glacier and surrounding mountains, while Praken Gompa offers a different perspective over the Manang Valley.
The aim is to spend time at a higher elevation during the day while returning to Manang for the night.
Proper acclimatization is particularly important because the route will continue above 4,000 m before reaching Thorong La at 5,416 m.
Day 8 is another important acclimatization day.
After an early breakfast, you hike from Manang toward Ice Lake at 4,620 m (15,157 ft). The trail climbs through Barga Village and increasingly alpine terrain.
From higher elevations, you can see impressive views of the Annapurna range, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak and surrounding glaciers.
The hike is physically demanding, but returning to Manang after reaching the higher elevation allows you to sleep at a lower altitude before continuing toward Thorong La.
It is important to remember that acclimatization reduces the risk of altitude-related problems but does not eliminate it. Trekkers should always communicate symptoms to their guide and follow appropriate safety advice.
After acclimatization in Manang, you continue toward Yak Kharka.
The trek takes approximately 3–4 hours and covers around 9 km.
The trail gradually climbs alongside the Marsyangdi River before entering a more alpine environment. You cross the Jharsang Khola and continue through pastures and juniper woodland.
Yak Kharka sits at approximately 4,050 m / 13,287 ft and provides a peaceful overnight stop before the higher sections of the trek.
Today you climb higher toward Thorong Phedi at 4,450 m (14,600 ft).
The trek takes approximately 4–5 hours. After passing Ledar, the trail becomes more rugged, with steep mountain terrain and exposed sections.
Thorong Phedi is the main staging point before crossing Thorong La.
The current itinerary recommends spending the night at Thorong Phedi rather than moving higher because it provides an important opportunity to rest and prepare for the following day's pass crossing.
After an early dinner, you should get to bed early. The next morning begins around 4:00 AM.
Day 11 is the most demanding and memorable day of the Annapurna Circuit itinerary.
The day begins very early, usually around 4:00 AM, from Thorong Phedi. Starting early helps trekkers aim to reach the pass before stronger winds typically develop later in the day.
The climb toward Thorong La takes several hours. The trail is steep in places, but it is an established route used by trekkers and local communities.
At 5,416 m (17,770 ft), Thorong La is the highest point of the itinerary.
At the pass, prayer flags and a chorten mark the crossing. From here, the landscape changes dramatically toward the Mustang side, with views toward the Kali Gandaki Valley and surrounding mountains.
After reaching the pass, the trail descends toward Muktinath. The descent is long and can be hard on the knees, especially after the high-altitude climb.
The total walking time is approximately 8–9 hours, covering around 16 km (9.5 miles).
Muktinath is also an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus and Buddhists, adding a strong cultural element to this part of the journey.
After the demanding Thorong La crossing, the itinerary changes from primarily trekking to road travel.
You travel by private Jeep from Muktinath toward Kalopani, with approximately 4–5 hours of driving.
The route follows the Kali Gandaki Valley and passes through dramatic changes in landscape.
A short side trip to Dhumba Lake at around 2,830 m (9,285 ft) is included near Jomsom. You then continue to Marpha at 2,670 m (8,760 ft), a famous village known for its whitewashed buildings, stone streets and apple orchards.
The drive continues through Tukuche and Kobang before reaching Kalopani.
At around 2,530 m (8,300 ft), Kalopani provides a much lower and more comfortable overnight stop, with mountain views toward Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.
The journey takes around 4–5 hours and follows the Kali Gandaki Valley.
Along the route, you pass through Ghasa and see Rupse Chhahara waterfall. The road continues through Dana and Tatopani before reaching Beni, Maldhunga and Nayapul.
The scenery changes quickly as you descend from the mountains into greener valleys and lower elevations.
By the afternoon, you arrive in Pokhara and transfer to your hotel near Phewa Lake.
For travelers who want to explore both major cities before or after their trek, the Kathmandu and Pokhara Tour is another relevant option.
After completing the high-altitude section of the circuit, Day 14 is designed for relaxation and sightseeing.
The itinerary includes visits to several major attractions in Pokhara, including:
A one-hour Ayurvedic massage is also included to help you relax after the trek.
This gives you time to enjoy Pokhara without immediately moving on to another demanding activity.
After breakfast, you take a short flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The flight takes approximately 25 minutes and can provide Himalayan views when the weather is clear.
After arriving in Kathmandu, the itinerary continues with a guided city tour.
The current itinerary includes:
You then return to your hotel and have free time to explore Thamel.
Your Annapurna Circuit adventure ends with a private transfer to Kathmandu's airport.
After breakfast, your representative takes you to the airport for your international flight home.
This is the final day of the 16-day itinerary.
Altitude is one of the most important factors when planning the Annapurna Circuit.
The itinerary starts at a relatively low elevation in Kathmandu and gradually moves higher through the Manang Valley before reaching Thorong La.
|
Location |
Elevation |
|
Kathmandu |
1,300 m / 4,264 ft |
|
Besisahar |
760 m / 2,494 ft |
|
Chame |
2,670 m / 8,760 ft |
|
Upper Pisang |
3,300 m / 10,827 ft |
|
Ngawal |
3,660 m / 12,008 ft |
|
Manang |
3,540 m / 11,614 ft |
|
Ice Lake |
4,620 m / 15,157 ft |
|
Yak Kharka |
4,050 m / 13,287 ft |
|
Thorong Phedi |
4,450 m / 14,600 ft |
|
Thorong La Pass |
5,416 m / 17,770 ft |
|
Muktinath |
3,760 m / 12,336 ft |
|
Kalopani |
2,530 m / 8,300 ft |
|
Pokhara |
820 m / 2,690 ft |
The gradual progression is one of the most important features of the itinerary. The route includes acclimatization in Manang and an Ice Lake hike before the final ascent toward Thorong La.
For another detailed high-altitude trekking option, you can also explore the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
The current package describes the Annapurna Circuit Trek as challenging and suitable for moderate to experienced trekkers.
The most demanding part is the combination of high altitude and the long crossing of Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,770 ft.
You should prepare for:
You can also read this guide on how to prepare for trekking in Nepal for broader preparation advice.
The Annapurna Circuit itinerary includes acclimatization before the route reaches its highest elevations.
The progression is approximately:
Chame → Upper Pisang → Ngawal → Manang → acclimatization hikes → Ice Lake → Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi → Thorong La
The Manang acclimatization days are particularly important because the trek moves above 3,500 m before reaching 4,000 m and eventually crossing 5,416 m.
The itinerary includes hikes toward Gangapurna Glacier or Praken Gompa and a separate hike to Ice Lake at 4,620 m.
Acclimatization can help your body adjust to increasing altitude, but it does not guarantee that you will avoid altitude sickness. If you develop symptoms such as severe headache, unusual fatigue, dizziness, vomiting or difficulty breathing, inform your guide immediately.
One of the biggest attractions of the Annapurna Circuit is how dramatically the environment changes throughout the journey.
The lower sections around Besisahar and Chame feature rivers, forests, waterfalls and green mountain valleys.
As you climb higher, the landscape becomes drier and more rugged. Villages such as Upper Pisang, Ngawal and Manang have strong Tibetan cultural influences, Buddhist monasteries and traditional architecture.
The route then enters high-altitude terrain before crossing Thorong La at 5,416 m.
After the pass, the landscape changes again. Muktinath, Jomsom, Marpha, and the Kali Gandaki Valley introduce dry mountain landscapes, traditional villages, and Thakali cultural influences.
Finally, the route descends toward Pokhara, where the environment becomes greener and warmer again.
This combination of landscapes and cultures is one reason the Annapurna Circuit remains one of Nepal's classic long-distance treks.
The modern Annapurna Circuit itinerary combines trekking with road transportation.
The current package includes:
|
Section |
Transportation |
|
Kathmandu → Besisahar |
Private car |
|
Besisahar → Chame |
Private Jeep |
|
Chame → Thorong La |
Trekking |
|
Thorong La → Muktinath |
Trekking |
|
Muktinath → Kalopani |
Private Jeep |
|
Kalopani → Pokhara |
Private Jeep |
|
Pokhara → Kathmandu |
Flight |
This is important for travelers who expect to walk every kilometer of the historic Annapurna Circuit. The current itinerary uses road transport on several sections, while the central high-altitude portion remains a trekking experience.
Accommodation is included throughout the itinerary.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, the package provides centrally located hotels according to the selected package. During the trekking section, you stay in mountain lodges and guesthouses.
The accommodation information on the package includes:
The company also offers different city hotel categories, allowing travelers to select a package according to their preferred level of comfort.
For travelers specifically interested in a more comfortable Annapurna experience, the Annapurna Circuit Luxury Trek provides luxury hotel and lodge accommodation.
Food is included throughout the trekking section.
You receive breakfast, lunch and dinner every day during the trek, with freedom to choose from available lodge menus.
Typical breakfast options include:
Lunch options can include:
Dinner options include:
The package also includes 5–6 cups of warm beverages per day, safe drinking water arrangements, and fresh fruit according to the stated inclusions.
The package includes a broad range of trekking and travel services.
The package provides:
The current package excludes several personal and travel-related expenses, including:
Travel insurance should be arranged before the trek, particularly coverage appropriate for high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
Travel insurance is an important part of preparing for a high-altitude trek.
The company information recommends insurance that can cover situations such as:
The trekking company can also provide a letter and invoice to support an insurance claim if necessary.
Travel insurance is not included in the trekking package, so trekkers should arrange appropriate coverage before starting the journey.
For more detailed information about coverage for high-altitude trekking in Nepal, see the Nepal Travel Insurance guide.
Packing light is important because you will be trekking at different elevations and in changing weather conditions.
The company recommends keeping the packed kit bag at approximately 15 kg / 33 lb or less.
The company also provides some trekking equipment, including a waterproof duffel, walking pole, water bottle, down jacket, and sleeping bag when required.
The company highlights several reasons for choosing its Annapurna Circuit service.
The trekking team consists of local Sherpa guides from the Everest region. The company states that its guides are experienced, government-certified, and trained to prioritize safety, acclimatization, and guest care.
The itinerary includes dedicated acclimatization days in Manang and a hike to Ice Lake before the Thorong La crossing.
Private transportation is used for the main road sections, including Kathmandu to Besisahar, Besisahar to Chame, and the journey toward Pokhara.
The package combines city hotels with mountain lodges and provides meals throughout the trekking section.
One porter is provided for every two trekkers according to the package information, helping carry luggage during the trek.
The company highlights fair wages, insurance, appropriate equipment, and support for its guides and porters.
Mountain Sherpa Trekking also describes its community work through the Mountain Sherpa Foundation, including support for schools, health facilities, and families in remote areas of Nepal.
The itinerary can be customized around travel dates, group size, accommodation preferences, pace, and other requirements.
The current package recommends two main trekking periods:
March to May: Spring provides favorable conditions for trekking and mountain views.
Mid-September to December: Autumn and early winter are also listed as recommended periods for the Annapurna Circuit.
Weather conditions can change in the mountains, so trekkers should still prepare for different temperatures and conditions.
The current package lists two main accommodation options:
|
Package |
Price per Person |
|
4-Star Hotel Package |
USD 1,970 |
|
5-Star Hotel Package |
USD 2,270 |
The exact accommodation arrangement depends on the selected package.
The company also offers private customized trips, with pricing varying according to group size and trip arrangements.
Because prices and availability can change, travelers should confirm the current package details before booking.
The current itinerary is designed for moderate to experienced trekkers.
It can be suitable for travelers who:
The trek is not simply about walking distance. Altitude, terrain, weather, and the long Thorong La crossing all contribute to the overall challenge.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary combines high-altitude trekking, traditional villages, mountain landscapes, acclimatization days, and comfortable transportation into a 16-day journey.
The major highlight is the crossing of Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,770 ft, but the experience is much broader than the pass itself. The route takes you from Kathmandu to Besisahar and Chame, through Upper Pisang, Ngawal and Manang, across the high-altitude section toward Thorong Phedi and Muktinath, and finally through Kalopani to Pokhara.
For trekkers considering this route, the most important preparation areas are physical fitness, acclimatization, appropriate equipment, travel insurance, and understanding the long Thorong La crossing.
With private transportation, mountain lodge accommodation, meals, experienced Sherpa guides, porter support, and acclimatization days included, the itinerary is designed to provide structured support throughout the journey.
The current package is 15 nights and 16 days, including Kathmandu and Pokhara stays, trekking, transportation, and sightseeing.
The highest point is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,770 ft.
The package classifies the trek as challenging and recommends it for moderate to experienced trekkers.
This itinerary begins with arrival in Kathmandu, followed by a private drive to Besisahar and a Jeep journey to Chame, where the main trekking section begins.
After crossing Thorong La and reaching Muktinath, the itinerary continues by private vehicle through Kalopani to Pokhara. The journey then concludes in Kathmandu after a flight from Pokhara.
Walking time varies by day. Some trekking days are around 3–4 hours, while the Thorong La crossing takes approximately 8–9 hours.
Yes. The itinerary includes acclimatization in Manang, including hikes to Gangapurna Glacier or Praken Gompa and a separate hike to Ice Lake at 4,620 m / 15,157 ft.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided throughout the trekking section. Warm beverages and fresh fruit are also included according to the package.
No. Travel insurance is excluded from the package. The company recommends obtaining suitable coverage for medical emergencies, rescue, cancellation, delays, and other potential trekking-related situations.
Yes. The company states that the itinerary can be modified and that private trips can be customized around dates, group size, accommodation preferences, pace, and other requirements.
