Overview
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the great long-distance treks of the world. It loops around the whole Annapurna massif, crossing the high Thorong La pass and passing through a huge range of landscapes and cultures in under two weeks.
You start among rice fields and waterfalls in the Marsyangdi valley, climb through forests into the Tibetan-influenced villages of Manang, cross a high mountain pass, and drop into the dry, wind-carved Kali Gandaki valley, the deepest gorge in the world.
Why I love this trek
The circuit feels like a real journey. The landscape and the people change every day, and crossing Thorong La together at sunrise is a proud moment for every group. It’s a perfect trek if you already have some hiking experience and want a big challenge.
Good to know
- Roads: Roads now reach parts of the circuit, so we use quieter side trails (like the high route via Ghyaru and Ngawal) wherever possible.
- Altitude: Thorong La is high. A rest day in Manang is essential and we cross early in the morning, before the wind picks up.
- Weather: The pass can close after heavy snowfall, especially in winter. I keep a flexible day in the plan.
- Side trips: Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, can be added from Manang for extra adventure.
Trek highlights
- Crossing the Thorong La (5,416 m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world
- Manang village, with Annapurna II, III and Gangapurna right above you
- Huge changes in scenery, from subtropical forest to Tibetan-style high desert
- Muktinath, a temple sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists
- The windswept Kali Gandaki valley and the old village of Kagbeni
Day-by-day itinerary
A typical plan. Every trip is flexible, so days can be added for rest, side trips or bad weather.
- Day 1
Kathmandu → Dharapani (1,860 m)
A long, scenic drive along the Marsyangdi river into the Annapurna region.
- Day 2
Dharapani → Chame (2,670 m)
Walk through pine and oak forest with the first big views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
- Day 3
Chame → Upper Pisang (3,300 m)
Pass the huge curved rock face of Paungda Danda and climb to the old stone village of Upper Pisang.
- Day 4
Upper Pisang → Manang (3,540 m)
Take the high trail via Ghyaru and Ngawal, with some of the best mountain views of the whole circuit.
- Day 5
Acclimatisation in Manang
Hike to Gangapurna Lake or the Ice Lake viewpoint, visit the Himalayan Rescue Association talk, and rest.
- Day 6
Manang → Yak Kharka (4,018 m)
A short day into yak pastures as the valley gets higher, drier and quieter.
- Day 7
Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi (4,450 m)
Follow the valley to the foot of the pass and rest well for the big day ahead.
- Day 8
Thorong La (5,416 m) → Muktinath (3,800 m)
An early start to cross the pass at sunrise, then a long descent to the temple town of Muktinath.
- Day 9
Muktinath → Jomsom (2,720 m)
Walk down through Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, and along the windy Kali Gandaki to Jomsom.
- Day 10
Jomsom → Pokhara
A short mountain flight (or a scenic drive) back to Pokhara.
