Moderate

Annapurna Circuit Trek

12 days · Annapurna Conservation Area · Max altitude 5,416m

$1,050
Check Dates & Book
The Annapurna Circuit trek is a 12-day, 5,416m guided route that loops around the Annapurna massif, crossing Thorong La Pass between the Manang and Mustang valleys. It requires no technical climbing, costs from $1,050 with our team, and runs best in the March–May and September–November windows.

Route Overview

The circuit is famous for its climate variety: you begin in subtropical lowland villages, climb through pine and rhododendron forest, and cross into the high, dry Mustang plateau before descending again toward Muktinath. The trail is fully teahouse-supported and includes one acclimatisation day at Manang before the pass crossing.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1
Drive Kathmandu → Besisahar → Chame (2,710m)

Road transfer plus first trekking hours along the Marsyangdi valley.

Day 2
Chame → Pisang (3,300m)

5 hrs. Forest gives way to pine and juniper.

Day 3
Pisang → Manang (3,540m)

6 hrs via the scenic upper route with Annapurna II and IV views.

Day 4
Acclimatisation day in Manang

Short hike to Gangapurna Lake and viewpoint.

Day 5
Manang → Yak Kharka (4,050m)

4 hrs, gaining altitude gradually.

Day 6
Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi (4,540m)

3 hrs. Short day to prepare for the pass.

Day 7
Thorong Phedi → Thorong La (5,416m) → Muktinath (3,760m)

7-8 hrs, starting before dawn. The trek's high point, in both senses.

Day 8
Muktinath → Jomsom (2,720m)

4 hrs descending into the windy Mustang valley.

Day 9-11
Jomsom → Tatopani → Ghorepani (Poon Hill sunrise)

Optional hot springs stop, then the classic Poon Hill viewpoint at dawn.

Day 12
Drive Pokhara → Kathmandu

Trip ends with a debrief at our Thamel office.

What's Included

✔ ACAP conservation permit
✔ TIMS trekking card
✔ Licensed English-speaking guide
✔ Kathmandu ↔ trailhead transfers
✔ Teahouse lodging, 11 nights
✔ Pokhara → Kathmandu return transfer

FAQ

It's rated moderate. Daily walks average 5-6 hours on well-graded trails, with the main difficulty being the single high-altitude crossing of Thorong La Pass at 5,416m on day 7.

Thorong La is a 5,416m pass connecting the Manang and Mustang valleys, and the highest point of the circuit. It's crossed in one long day, typically starting before dawn to avoid afternoon wind.

Yes — many trekkers now start or end with a jeep transfer to skip lower-altitude road sections. Ask us for a shortened 9-day version that keeps the pass crossing and Poon Hill.

Trip Facts

  • Max altitude: 5,416m (Thorong La)
  • Duration: 12 days
  • Group size: Max 12
  • Starts / ends: Kathmandu
  • Best season: Mar–May, Sep–Nov
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
Check Availability