A legendary 19-day journey crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5,416m, exploring ancient villages, diverse cultures, and the stunning landscapes of the Annapurna massif.
Journey
19 Days
Trail Days
10 Days
Difficulty
challenging
Max Altitude
5,416m
The Annapurna Circuit is widely considered one of the greatest treks on Earth. This 19-day journey takes you on a complete circumnavigation of the Annapurna massif, crossing the legendary Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters—one of the highest trekking passes in the world.
The adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Taal, where the trail winds along the Marsyangdi River through lush subtropical forests. As you ascend, the landscape transforms dramatically: rice paddies give way to pine forests, which in turn yield to the stark beauty of the high-altitude trans-Himalayan region. Along the way, you’ll pass through villages that transition from Hindu to Buddhist culture, each with its own distinct architecture, traditions, and warmth.
The crossing of Thorong La is the defining moment of the trek. After days of careful acclimatization in the medieval villages of Manang and the high camps, you’ll rise before dawn to tackle the pass. The descent delivers you to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, before continuing through the Kali Gandaki Gorge—the deepest canyon on the planet. The journey concludes with a stay in a community homestay at Barang Village, offering an intimate glimpse into rural Nepali life.
| Day | Itinerary | Distance | Duration | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1,100m | ||
| 2 | Drive to Taal | 8 hrs | 1,700m | |
| 3 | Trek to Danaque | 12 km | 6 hrs | 2,300m |
| 4 | Trek to Chame | 14 km | 6 hrs | 2,650m |
| 5 | Trek to Upper Pisang | 11 km | 5 hrs | 3,210m |
| 6 | Trek to Ngawal | 8 km | 7 hrs | 3,670m |
| 7 | Trek to Manang | 8 km | 5 hrs | 3,500m |
| 8 | Acclimatization in Manang | 4 hrs | 3,500m | |
| 9 | Trek to Yak Kharka | 10 km | 4 hrs | 4,018m |
| 10 | Trek to Thorong Phedi | 8 km | 4 hrs | 4,525m |
| 11 | Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath | 16 km | 8 hrs | 5,416m |
| 12 | Trek to Kagbeni, Drive to Marpha | 10 + 15 km | 5 hrs | 3,550m |
| 13 | Drive to Pokhara | 9 hrs | 820m | |
| 14 | Rest Day in Pokhara | 820m | ||
| 15 | Drive to Barang Village | 4 hrs | 1,400m | |
| 16 | Community Experience in Barang | 1,400m | ||
| 17 | Return to Kathmandu | 6 hrs | 1,350m | |
| 18 | Kathmandu Sightseeing | 1,350m | ||
| 19 | Departure | 1,100m |
Rest | Elevation: 1,100m
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the vibrant Thamel district. Spend the evening exploring the narrow streets, sampling local cuisine, and preparing for the adventure ahead.
Drive : 8 hours | Elevation: 1,700m
The journey begins with a scenic drive through the Nepali countryside. Leaving Kathmandu, the road winds through terraced hills and alongside the Trishuli River before joining the Marsyangdi River valley. The landscape shifts from bustling towns to peaceful villages as you approach Taal, a tranquil settlement that marks the start of the trekking route.
Trek : 6 hours, 12 km | Elevation: 2,300m
Your first day of trekking follows the Marsyangdi River through charming villages. Notice the architectural transition as you ascend—mud-and-wood houses give way to sturdy stone structures designed for the colder climates ahead. You'll pass your first mani walls and chortens, Buddhist shrines that will become familiar companions on the trail.
Day 3: Marsyangdi River ValleyThe Marsyangdi River winds through lush green hills at the start of the trekking route.
Day 3: Road to the MountainsA mountain road leads through terraced fields with snow-capped peaks rising above the clouds.
Day 3: Marsyangdi Valley OverlookA sweeping view of the Marsyangdi River carving through a deep green valley dotted with villages.
Trek : 3 hours, 8 km | Elevation: 2,270m
The trail continues through fragrant pine and rhododendron forests. You'll cross several suspension bridges and pass through Timang, which offers spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu.
Trek : 3 hours, 6 km | Elevation: 2,650m
Arriving in Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, treat yourself to a soak in the natural hot springs—the perfect remedy for tired muscles.
Day 4: Terraced Rice PaddiesVibrant green rice terraces curve across the hillside, a staple of the lower Marsyangdi valley.
Day 4: Suspension Bridge CrossingA trekker crosses a metal suspension bridge over the roaring Marsyangdi River toward a hillside village.
Day 4: Marsyangdi River RapidsThe Marsyangdi River rushes through boulders with terraced green hills and a trail bridge in the distance.
Day 4: Trail Above the ValleyTrekkers navigate a narrow mountain trail carved into a cliff face high above a forested valley.
Trek : 2 hours, 5 km | Elevation: 2,850m
Today you'll pass through the famous apple orchards of Bhratang before climbing to Upper Pisang.
Trek : 3 hours, 6 km | Elevation: 3,210m
Upper Pisang is a medieval village perched on the hillside. The traditional Tibetan-style houses, built from stone and wood with flat roofs, are adorned with prayer flags. Visit the ancient monastery and watch the sunset paint Annapurna II in golden hues.
Trek : 3 hours, 4 km | Elevation: 3,670m
This challenging day rewards you with some of the finest views of the trek. The high route through Ghyaru offers panoramic vistas of the Annapurna massif, including Annapurna II, III, IV, and the impressive Gangapurna.
Trek : 4 hours, 4 km | Elevation: 3,660m
The village of Ngawal sits on a plateau with sweeping views of the Marsyangdi Valley.
Day 6: Pine Forests Above the CloudsDense pine and fir forests cloak the mountainsides as the trail climbs higher into the clouds.
Day 6: Wooden Bridge Over a Mountain StreamTrekkers cross a rustic wooden footbridge over a clear mountain stream in a lush forest.
Day 6: Mountain View From a TeahouseSnow-capped peaks emerge through clouds beyond the flower gardens and tin rooftops of a mountain teahouse.
Day 6: Village Life on the TrailDaily life in a stone village along the trail, with prayer flags fluttering and firewood stacked against the walls.
Trek : 3 hours, 5 km | Elevation: 3,450m
A gentler day as you descend toward Manang, passing through the ancient village of Bhraga with its impressive monastery—one of the oldest in the region.
Trek : 2 hours, 3 km | Elevation: 3,500m
Manang is the cultural heart of the upper valley and an important acclimatization stop. Explore the Gangapurna Glacier and Lake, a short hike from town.
Day 7: Teahouse KitchenA wood-burning stove heats a traditional teahouse kitchen lined with pots and pans.
Day 7: Upper Marsyangdi ValleyThe landscape transforms as pine forests give way to the arid, eroded slopes of the upper Marsyangdi valley.
Day 7: Firewood Carrier Near ManangA villager carries a heavy load of firewood along a dirt road beside the river in the wide Manang valley.
Day 7: Barley Fields in the Manang ValleyGolden barley fields ripen beside the braided river channels with eroded mountain walls beyond.
Acclimatization : 4 hours | Elevation: 3,500m
A crucial rest day to help your body adjust to the altitude. Hike to the Praken Gompa above the village for sweeping views, or attend an informative talk at the Himalayan Rescue Association about altitude sickness prevention. The extra day here significantly improves your chances of a successful pass crossing.
Day 8: Prayer Wheels in ManangA row of ornate bronze prayer wheels lines a stone wall, inscribed with Buddhist mantras.
Day 8: Ancient Stone GatewayA villager walks through a centuries-old stone gateway with prayer wheels and painted Buddhist murals.
Day 8: Upper Manang ValleyThe barren, windswept upper valley stretches toward the high passes with terraced fields clinging to the slopes.
Day 8: Barley HarvestVillagers harvest barley by hand in the fields below the eroded mountain walls of the Manang district.
Trek : 4 hours, 10 km | Elevation: 4,018m
The landscape becomes increasingly stark as you leave Manang behind. The trail passes through Tangki, following the Jarsang Khola valley. Yak Kharka ('yak pasture') is a small settlement where yaks graze on the high pastures and wildlife spotters may see blue sheep (bharal) on the rocky slopes. The views of Chulu and Gangapurna are spectacular.
Trek : 4 hours, 8 km | Elevation: 4,525m
A shorter but important day as you approach the base of the pass. The trail climbs steadily through barren terrain to Thorong Phedi ('foot of Thorong'), the last settlement before the pass crossing. Some trekkers continue another hour uphill to High Camp (4,925m) for a shorter summit day. Rest early and prepare for the pre-dawn start tomorrow.
Trek : 4 hours, 6 km | Elevation: 5,416m
The defining day of the trek. You'll start in darkness, climbing steadily toward the pass. Each step at this altitude requires effort, but the sense of achievement upon reaching the prayer flag-draped summit is profound.
Trek : 4 hours, 10 km | Elevation: 3,760m
After soaking in the views, descend rapidly to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site featuring 108 water spouts and an eternal flame.
Day 11: Approaching Thorong LaSnow and ice cling to the steep rocky slopes as the trail nears the 5,416m Thorong La Pass.
Day 11: Trekker Above the CloudsA trekker stands on the barren high-altitude scree above a sea of clouds on the approach to the pass.
Day 11: Near the SummitA trekker crosses the dark rocky terrain beneath glaciers and cloud-wrapped peaks near the top of the pass.
Day 11: Descent to MuktinathThe long descent from Thorong La reveals the vast Muktinath valley and the arid landscape of Mustang below.
Trek : 1 hours, 3 km | Elevation: 3,550m
Descend through the picturesque villages of Jharkot and Kagbeni.
Trek : 2 hours, 7 km | Elevation: 2,800m
Kagbeni is a gateway to the forbidden kingdom of Upper Mustang.
Drive : 2 hours, 15 km | Elevation: 2,670m
A short drive takes you to Marpha, famous for its apple orchards and brandy. The white-washed buildings and cobblestone streets give the village a distinctly Tibetan character.
Day 12: Village Life in MuktinathVillagers work together to process a yak outside a traditional stone house adorned with prayer flags.
Day 12: Trekkers in the Kali GandakiTrekkers hike along a dusty trail dwarfed by the towering barren peaks of the Kali Gandaki valley.
Day 12: Kali Gandaki RiverThe wide braided channels of the Kali Gandaki River flow through the world's deepest gorge.
Drive : 9 hours | Elevation: 820m
Today's drive takes you through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest canyon on Earth, carved between the peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The journey is dusty but spectacular. Arriving in Pokhara, you'll be greeted by the serene beauty of Phewa Lake and the relaxed lakeside atmosphere.
Day 13: Goat Herd in MarphaA large herd of mountain goats fills the cobblestone street of a Kali Gandaki village.
Day 13: Kali Gandaki GorgeThe river carves through a dramatic gorge flanked by towering green mountainsides with a dirt road alongside.
Day 13: Terraced ValleySun-drenched rice terraces fill a steep valley as the route descends toward lower elevations.
Day 13: Through the GorgeThe trail passes through massive rock faces with distant snow-capped peaks visible through the gorge.
Rest | Elevation: 820m
A well-deserved rest day. Optional activities include boating on Phewa Lake, visiting the World Peace Pagoda, or simply relaxing at a lakeside cafe. For the adventurous, paragliding offers unforgettable views of the Annapurna range and the city below.
Drive : 4 hours | Elevation: 1,400m
Leave the tourist bustle behind and travel to Barang Village for an authentic community homestay experience. You'll be welcomed into a local family's home, sharing meals prepared with organic ingredients from their garden and learning about traditional agricultural practices.
Sightseeing : — | Elevation: 1,400m
Spend the day immersed in village life. Participate in farming activities, learn traditional crafts from local artisans, or simply enjoy the stunning views of the Annapurna range. Evening brings traditional music and dance, offering a glimpse into customs passed down through generations.
Drive : 6 hours | Elevation: 1,350m
Bid farewell to your host family and return to Kathmandu. Depending on your preference, travel by domestic flight or scenic drive. The evening is free to explore Thamel's markets for last-minute souvenirs.
Sightseeing : — | Elevation: 1,350m
A full day to explore Kathmandu's rich cultural heritage. Visit the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) for panoramic city views, the sacred Pashupatinath Temple along the Bagmati River, the massive Boudhanath Stupa, and Durbar Square with its ancient temples and palaces. A farewell dinner concludes your Nepal adventure.
Rest | Elevation: 1,100m
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, carrying memories of mountain passes, mountain people, and the magic of the Himalayas.
Marsyangdi ValleyA sweeping view of the Marsyangdi River carving through a deep green valley dotted with villages.
Thorong La CrossingSnow and ice cling to the steep rocky slopes as the trail nears the 5,416m Thorong La Pass.
Upper Marsyangdi ValleyThe landscape transforms as pine forests give way to the arid, eroded slopes of the upper Marsyangdi valley.
Prayer WheelsA row of ornate bronze prayer wheels lines a stone wall, inscribed with Buddhist mantras.
Kali Gandaki GorgeThe wide braided channels of the Kali Gandaki River flow through the world's deepest gorge.
Mountain LifeA villager carries a heavy load of firewood along a dirt road beside the river in the wide Manang valley.
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