Classic Circuit

Annapurna Circuit Trek

A 12-day odyssey through the legendary Annapurna Circuit — cross the mighty Thorong La Pass, explore ancient temples, soak in natural hot springs, and witness sunrises that touch the soul.

12 Days
2-10 Guests
Moderate-Challenging Difficulty
Mar-May & Sep-Nov Best Season
Starting From
$1,800 USD
Group Size
2-10 Guests
Private treks available on request
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The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's most iconic long-distance treks — a complete circumnavigation of the Annapurna massif that takes you through an astonishing diversity of landscapes, from lush subtropical valleys and terraced rice paddies to arid high-altitude deserts and glacial moraines. Over 12 days, you will witness Nepal's remarkable geographic and cultural tapestry unfold step by step.

The crown jewel of this trek is the crossing of Thorong La Pass at 5,416 metres — one of the highest trekking passes in the world. From there, descend to the sacred Muktinath Temple, soak your tired muscles in the natural hot springs of Tatopani, and cap it all off with the legendary Poon Hill sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.

Along the way, you will pass through traditional Gurung and Manangba villages, visit ancient Buddhist monasteries, and experience the warmth of Nepali teahouse hospitality. This is not just a trek — it is a journey through the heart and soul of the Himalayas.

Annapurna mountain range and trekking trail in Nepal

Destinations

✈️
Kathmandu
1 Night
🚌
Besisahar
Transit
🏔️
Chame
1 Night
⛰️
Upper Pisang
1 Night
🏔️
Manang
2 Nights
⛺️
Thorong La High Camp
1 Night
🛕
Muktinath
1 Night
Tatopani
1 Night
🌸
Ghorepani
1 Night
🏔️
Pokhara
1 Night
✈️
Kathmandu
1 Night

Journey Highlights

From crossing one of the world's highest passes to soaking in natural hot springs, every day on the Annapurna Circuit brings a new wonder.

⛰️

Thorong La Pass (5,416m)

Cross one of the world's highest trekking passes

🛕

Muktinath Temple

Sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists

🏔️

Manang Valley

High-altitude valley with stunning mountain panoramas

🌍

Diverse Landscapes

From subtropical forests to alpine deserts in one trek

Hot Springs at Tatopani

Soak in natural thermal springs after the pass

🌅

Poon Hill Sunrise

Iconic sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna

🏠

Annapurna Panorama

360-degree views of the Annapurna massif

👪

Sherpa & Gurung Culture

Immerse in traditional mountain village life

Detailed Itinerary

01 Day

Arrive in Kathmandu

📍 Kathmandu

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. Meet your trekking guide for a detailed trek briefing covering the route, altitude acclimatization, and gear check. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine while getting to know your fellow trekkers and preparing for the adventure ahead.

Airport Transfer Trek Briefing Gear Check Welcome Dinner

Optional Activities

  • Thamel evening exploration
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square visit
02 Day

Drive to Chame

📍 Kathmandu – Besisahar – Chame (2,670m)

Early morning departure from Kathmandu for the scenic 7-hour drive through the lush Middle Hills to Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, and onward to Chame. The road winds along river valleys and through charming hill towns. Arrive in Chame, the headquarters of Manang district, and settle into your lodge. Enjoy your first views of Annapurna II towering above the valley as the sun sets.

Scenic Drive Besisahar Annapurna II Views Lodge Check-in
03 Day

Trek to Upper Pisang

📍 Chame – Upper Pisang (3,300m) · 5-6 hrs

Begin your trek through fragrant pine forests along the Marsyangdi River valley. The trail gradually climbs through a dramatic narrow gorge with towering rock walls on either side. As you ascend, the landscape opens up to reveal your first breathtaking views of the Annapurna range. Arrive in Upper Pisang, a traditional stone village perched on the hillside with a centuries-old Tibetan-style monastery.

Pine Forests Annapurna Views Upper Pisang Village Tibetan Monastery
04 Day

Trek to Manang

📍 Upper Pisang – Manang (3,540m) · 5-6 hrs

Trek along the upper trail with stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. The path passes through the village of Ghyaru before descending to the Marsyangdi Valley. Arrive in Manang, a fascinating high-altitude settlement with flat-roofed stone houses and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Visit the ancient Braga Monastery, one of the oldest in the region, housing centuries-old clay statues and Buddhist scriptures.

Panoramic Mountain Views Ghyaru Village Braga Monastery Manang Village
05 Day

Acclimatization in Manang

📍 Manang (3,540m)

A crucial rest day for altitude acclimatization before the big pass crossing. Choose between a challenging hike to Ice Lake (4,600m) with its stunning turquoise glacial waters, or a gentler walk to Gangapurna Lake at the base of the Gangapurna Glacier. In the afternoon, explore the traditional Gurung village of Manang, visit the local mountaineering museum, and browse handicraft shops. Attend an optional altitude sickness lecture at the Himalayan Rescue Association post.

Acclimatization Day Ice Lake Hike Gangapurna Lake Gurung Village

Optional Activities

  • Ice Lake hike (4,600m)
  • Gangapurna Lake walk
  • HRA altitude lecture
  • Village handicraft shopping
06 Day

Trek to Thorong La High Camp

📍 Manang – Thorong La High Camp (4,450m) · 4-5 hrs

Leave Manang and trek steadily upward through the increasingly barren and dramatic high-altitude terrain. Pass through Yak Kharka (yak pastures) and Thorong Phedi before reaching the High Camp at 4,450m. The landscape is stark and awe-inspiring — rocky moraines, glacial valleys, and towering peaks surround you. Settle in early, eat a hearty dinner, and prepare for the pre-dawn start to cross the pass. Early night is essential.

Yak Kharka High Altitude Terrain Thorong Phedi High Camp 4,450m
07 Day

Cross Thorong La Pass & Descend to Muktinath

📍 High Camp – Thorong La (5,416m) – Muktinath (3,760m) · 8-10 hrs

The biggest day of the trek! Depart before dawn (around 4-5 AM) and begin the steep climb to Thorong La Pass at 5,416m — the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit. The ascent is challenging but the reward is extraordinary: prayer flags whipping in the wind, a panoramic sweep of Himalayan giants, and an immense sense of achievement. After celebrating at the top, descend steeply to the sacred town of Muktinath. Visit the revered Muktinath Temple, a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists with its 108 water spouts and eternal flame.

Pre-Dawn Start Thorong La Pass 5,416m Highest Point Muktinath Temple
08 Day

Descend to Tatopani

📍 Muktinath – Tatopani (1,190m)

Trek and drive from Muktinath down through the dramatic Kali Gandaki gorge — the deepest gorge in the world, flanked by the massive peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Arrive in Tatopani, which translates to "hot water" in Nepali, and reward yourself with a long, relaxing soak in the natural hot springs beside the river. Celebrate the successful pass crossing with your team over a well-earned dinner.

Kali Gandaki Gorge Natural Hot Springs Celebration Dinner Rest & Recovery
09 Day

Trek to Ghorepani

📍 Tatopani – Ghorepani (2,860m) · 5-6 hrs

Ascend from Tatopani through beautiful terraced farmland and into lush rhododendron forests that burst into spectacular bloom during spring (March-May). The trail climbs steadily through Sikha and Chitre villages, offering glimpses of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South along the way. Arrive in the charming hillside village of Ghorepani, set early for tomorrow's iconic Poon Hill sunrise. Evening at leisure in the cosy teahouse.

Rhododendron Forests Terraced Farmland Mountain Villages Ghorepani Village
10 Day

Poon Hill Sunrise & Drive to Pokhara

📍 Ghorepani – Poon Hill (3,210m) – Nayapul – Pokhara

Wake before dawn for the 45-minute hike to the summit of Poon Hill (3,210m) for one of Nepal's most iconic sunrise experiences. Watch as the first rays of light illuminate the entire Himalayan panorama — Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Annapurna I stretching across the horizon. Descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast, then continue the trek downhill to Nayapul. Drive to Pokhara and check into your lakeside hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Poon Hill Sunrise Himalayan Panorama Nayapul Pokhara Arrival
11 Day

Free Day in Pokhara

📍 Pokhara

A free day to relax and celebrate your achievement in beautiful Pokhara. Stroll along the peaceful shores of Phewa Lake, browse the vibrant lakeside shops and cafes, or simply soak up the mountain views from your hotel terrace. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a signature lakeside restaurant to share stories and memories from the trek with your fellow adventurers.

Lakeside Relaxation Phewa Lake Free Exploration Farewell Dinner

Optional Activities

  • Paragliding over Phewa Lake
  • Boat ride to Tal Barahi Temple
  • Davis Falls & Gupteshwor Cave
  • Lakeside spa & massage
12 Day

Departure

📍 Pokhara – Kathmandu

Enjoy a final lakeside breakfast before flying or driving back to Kathmandu. Depending on your departure schedule, there may be time for last-minute shopping in Thamel or a visit to one of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our team assists with airport transfers and onward travel arrangements. Depart Nepal with a lifetime of Himalayan memories.

Return to Kathmandu Airport Transfer Departure Assistance

Inclusions & Exclusions

✓ Included in Your Journey

  • 11 nights accommodation (hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara, teahouses on trek)
  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
  • Porters to carry your luggage (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
  • TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara transport (flight or drive)
  • All ground transfers and airport pickups/drop-offs
  • Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
  • Farewell dinner in Pokhara

✕ Not Included

  • International flights
  • Nepal visa fee
  • Travel insurance (mandatory for trekking)
  • Meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara (except welcome/farewell dinners)
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Hot showers on trek ($2-5 per shower)
  • Tips for guide and porters
  • Emergency helicopter evacuation
  • Drinks and beverages (bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol)

Important Information

📅 Best Time to Trek

  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Clearest skies, stable weather, best mountain views — peak trekking season
  • Spring (Mar-May): Warm temperatures, rhododendron blooms, clear mornings
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold but quiet trails, Thorong La may be snow-blocked
  • Monsoon (Jun-Aug): Not recommended — heavy rain, leeches, landslide risk

💡 Trip Notes

  • Good physical fitness required — you will trek 5-8 hours daily at altitude
  • Prior trekking experience recommended but not mandatory
  • Acclimatization day in Manang is essential — do not skip
  • Thorong La crossing is weather-dependent and may require alternate routing
  • Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage is mandatory
  • Itinerary may be adjusted due to weather or trail conditions
  • Customization options available — just ask!

Ready for the Circuit?

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Let us craft this unforgettable 12-day Himalayan odyssey for you. Contact us to check availability, customize your dates, or ask any questions.

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