Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's great classic treks - a complete circumnavigation of the Annapurna massif in Nepal, passing through diverse landscapes from subtropical forests to high-altitude desert. The highlight of the circuit is crossing Thorong La Pass at 5416 meters - the highest point of the trek - with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges stretching in every direction. This 16-day adventure takes you through traditional Gurung and Manangi villages, past ancient Buddhist monasteries, and through the dramatic Kali Gandaki gorge - the world's deepest valley.
Trip details
- Country: Nepal
- Summit elevation: 5416m
- Duration: 16 days
- Price: from $2500
- Success rate: 90%
- Recommended seasons: April-May, September-October
Highlights
- Thorong La Pass 5416m
- Annapurna panoramas
- Kali Gandaki gorge
- Traditional Nepalese villages
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu!
Before landing in Kathmandu, enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas from the plane. After landing, we transfer to Hotel Barahi in Kathmandu, passing through scenic rural and mountain landscapes along the way. Once checked in, rest from the flight; in the evening we meet for a festive welcome dinner at a Nepali restaurant with a traditional dance show and get to know the group.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi, Kathmandu
Day 2: Gear check and orientation in Kathmandu
On our second day in Kathmandu we prepare for the trek. In the morning we meet the local guides for a briefing, equipment check and packing. We head out for any last-minute gear shopping and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the city before the journey begins.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi, Kathmandu
Day 3: Jeep drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani (1860m)
After breakfast we set off on a long jeep day from Kathmandu to Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna region, along the Trishuli River past rice terraces and local villages. From Besisahar we continue up the Marsyangdi valley, past forests, waterfalls and the picturesque village of Tal, to Dharapani, where we spend the night before our first day on foot.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Dharapani
Day 4: Dharapani - Chame (2670m)
Our first day on foot. From Dharapani we walk up the Marsyangdi valley, pass the village of Bagarchhap and climb through pine and oak forest to Timang, with a first view of Manaslu. We continue through Koto, with views of Annapurna II, to Chame, the centre of the Manang district.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Chame
Day 5: Chame - Pisang (3200m)
Leaving Chame we begin climbing toward Pisang through open terrain. The trail runs along a narrow, breathtaking valley past a rock revered as sacred by locals. Annapurna II reveals itself to the south and Pisang Peak rises to the northeast, framing a landscape of nature, culture and unforgettable views.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Pisang
Day 6: Pisang - Ngawal - Manang (3540m)
A long, rewarding day on the upper trail. From Pisang we climb to Upper Pisang and the villages of Ghyaru and Ngawal, perched on the mountainside, past ancient monasteries, prayer wheels and colourful flags. The upper trail opens sweeping views of the Annapurna range, Gangapurna, Pisang Peak and Tilicho Peak, and the extra height helps acclimatization. We then descend via Braga to Manang.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Manang
Day 7: Acclimatization day in Manang (3540m)
We stay in Manang today to acclimatize and adjust to the thinner air. A short hike to Gangapurna Lake, a glacial lake below the Gangapurna glacier, and a visit to the monasteries around the village keep us active without overexerting. This rest day is essential for preventing altitude sickness and lets us enjoy the sweeping panoramas of Annapurna, Gangapurna and the surrounding peaks.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Manang
Day 8: Manang - Shri Kharka (4080m)
After breakfast we begin climbing toward Shri Kharka. The trail passes through wild and impressive scenery including deep valleys and steep cliffs, while rushing rivers and small streams cross the path. The trail steepens as we approach Shri Kharka, rewarding us with breathtaking viewpoints over the Annapurna massif.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Shri Kharka
Day 9: Shri Kharka - Tilicho Base Camp (4150m)
We leave Shri Kharka and begin gaining altitude steadily toward Tilicho Base Camp. The effects of altitude become more noticeable as the winding trail delivers spectacular mountain views. The day serves as important preparation for the days ahead as we enter the higher reaches of the circuit.
Accommodation: Teahouse at Tilicho Base Camp
Day 10: Tilicho Base Camp - Tilicho Lake (4919m) - Tilicho Base Camp
An early start as we climb to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world at 4919 m. The views of the lake set against soaring peaks are nothing short of spectacular. After taking in the scenery we descend back to base camp for lunch and rest before tomorrow's long day.
Accommodation: Teahouse at Tilicho Base Camp
Day 11: Tilicho Base Camp - Leddar (4200m)
After the unforgettable Tilicho Lake experience we rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit trail. We trek from Tilicho Base Camp to Leddar, a vital day for ongoing acclimatization and energy conservation in preparation for the centrepiece challenge: crossing Thorong La Pass.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Leddar
Day 12: Leddar - Thorong High Camp (4880m)
We move from Leddar to Thorong High Camp via steep trails and suspension bridges, with magnificent views throughout. The hard climb to high camp rewards us with a sense of achievement. The day is also about mental and physical preparation for the crossing of Thorong La, one of the most challenging sections of the entire trek.
Accommodation: Teahouse at Thorong High Camp
Day 13: Thorong High Camp - Thorong La Pass (5416m) - Muktinath (3800m)
An early start as we push for Thorong La Pass at 5416 m. Panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri (8167 m - the world's 7th highest peak) and the Mustang region unfold before us. After the pass we descend to Muktinath, where we can visit one of Hinduism's most revered temples. A breathtaking yet demanding day requiring both physical and mental strength.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Muktinath
Day 14: Jeep drive from Muktinath to Pokhara (820m)
A long jeep drive via Jomsom down the Kali Gandaki valley, one of the deepest gorges in the world, between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival in Pokhara we check into the hotel and rest after the trek; in the evening you can stroll along Phewa Lake and sit at one of the lakeside restaurants.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi, Pokhara
Day 15: Domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu
An early wake-up and a short domestic flight back to Kathmandu. After check-in at the hotel we have the day free - explore the colourful streets, pick up souvenirs or simply rest. In the evening we gather for a festive farewell dinner at a Nepali restaurant with a traditional dance show, celebrating the completed circuit.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi, Kathmandu
Day 16: Flight back home!
After a final breakfast at the hotel we pack up, check out and transfer to Kathmandu airport for our flight home. On board we swap stories and memories from an extraordinary journey - full of photos and tales to share for years to come.
What's included
- Gift kit - cap, dry-fit shirt and 100L duffel bag!
- A personal area for every customer in the HighAir app
- Transfers from/to Kathmandu airport to hotel
- Dinners at a restaurant before and after the trek
- 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu, single room, on B&B basis
- 1 night in a 4-star hotel in Pokhara, single room, on B&B basis
- Internal jeep transfers
- Domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu at the end of the trek
- Teahouse accommodation in shared rooms throughout the trek
- All entry permits for the trek and the Annapurna Conservation Area
- 3 meals per day from menu throughout the trek
- 2 liters of hot water a day
- Shower and attached toilet during the trek, as available on the route
- Professional local English-speaking guides
- Porters for personal gear (up to 15 kg per person)
- First aid kit carried by the guides
- Pulse oximeter (one per group)
- Satellite device
- Personal gear checklist and an online gear consultation
- Online preparation call with your group and guide before departure
- Meaningful donation to the fight against cancer!
What's not included
- International flights (we recommend the best routes from your city)
- Travel & medical insurance, including evacuation cover (required)
- Lunch and dinner at the hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal gear - clothing and footwear
- Tips for guides and porters - $250 per person
- Nepal visa fees - $50 per person
- Vaccinations and medical advice at a travel clinic
- Internet, laundry, alcohol, extra meals etc. at teahouses
- A fourth hotel night in Kathmandu (if needed)
- Anything not listed in the included section
- Optional extras:
- Single room at teahouses during trek - $20/night
Good to know
- The Annapurna trek requires ACAP and TIMS permits - both are included in the package.
- Thorong La Pass (5416m) is crossed in intense cold and often strong winds - full winter gear is required including thermal layers, gloves and balaclava.
- Departure from Annapurna High Camp is before dawn (03:00-04:00) to reach the pass before weather deteriorates.
- The descent on the other side drops ~1600m over 10 km - healthy knees are essential.
- Medical clearance required - including fitness for 5416m altitude and 16 trekking days.
- Trek runs in groups of up to 10 participants.
- Safety before summit - weather conditions at Thorong La may delay the crossing. Guides make all decisions.
- In the event of an early descent from the mountain, for any reason, all additional costs involved are the traveler's responsibility, such as extra hotel nights, meals, and any required flight changes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Base Camp trek?
The Annapurna Circuit is more varied in scenery and culture - it crosses villages of different styles, forests and passes, while Everest Base Camp is more focused on the altitude challenge and the "heart of the Himalayas" feeling. Annapurna is perfect for the full Nepal experience; EBC for when altitude is the goal.
What is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit?
The highest point is the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the highest mountain passes in the world crossed on foot. The pre-dawn ascent to it, into a sunrise view above the clouds of Nepal, is the highlight of the trek and an experience that stays with you.
Is the trek clockwise or counter-clockwise?
We walk the circuit anticlockwise, up the Marsyangdi valley and through Manang to the Thorong La Pass, then down to Muktinath. This makes the ascent to the pass gradual and allows better acclimatization, and from Muktinath we drive by jeep to Pokhara.
Do I need experience for the Annapurna Circuit?
No climbing experience is needed. Anyone who can walk 6-8 hours a day and arrives in reasonable shape can complete the trek. The main challenge is the Thorong La Pass, which requires a start in the dark and a long ascent - and our guides prepare you for it along the way.
What is included in the Annapurna Circuit and what is not?
Included: transfers, lodge accommodation, three meals a day, a guide and the area entry permits. Not included: international flights, travel insurance, the Nepal visa ($50) and personal gear. A detailed gear list is sent after registration.