A complete circuit of the Annapurna massif and one of the world's great long-distance treks. The route climbs from subtropical valleys through alpine meadows to the high desert of Manang, crossing the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) before descending to the sacred temple of Muktinath and the apple orchards of Marpha.
Land at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. The evening is for a trip briefing, meeting your guide, and any last-minute gear shopping in the lanes of Thamel.
A long, scenic highway day following the Trishuli and then the Marsyangdi river through terraced hillsides and busy bazaar towns to Besisahar, the gateway town of the Annapurna region.
Swap the coach for a rugged 4WD jeep and grind up the Marsyangdi gorge, pausing at thundering roadside waterfalls. The air cools as you reach Chame, the administrative seat of Manang district, with your first close mountain views.
The trek proper begins. Walk through fragrant pine and fir forest beneath the immense curved rock slab of Paungda Danda, then climb to the atmospheric upper village of Pisang with its prayer flags, chortens and timber houses.
Take the higher, more scenic upper trail for sweeping views of Annapurna II, III and IV and Gangapurna. Pass the hilltop Tibetan-Buddhist villages of Ghyaru and Ngawal before descending to Manang on its windswept plateau.
A vital rest day to adjust to the altitude. Stay active with a hike to Gangapurna Lake and its glacier viewpoint, or climb toward Ice Lake. Drop in on the daily Himalayan Rescue Association talk on altitude safety.
A short, steady climb above the treeline into stark, open high country. The landscape turns arid and Tibetan in feel — keep an eye out for grazing yaks and herds of blue sheep on the slopes.
Cross a couple of exposed landslide sections to reach Thorong Phedi, the cluster of lodges at the very foot of the pass. Fit trekkers can push an extra hour up to High Camp to shorten the big day ahead.
The crux of the circuit. Set off before dawn for the long, lung-busting climb to Thorong La (5,416 m), strung with prayer flags and crowned with Himalayan views. A knee-testing 1,600 m descent then drops you to the sacred temple town of Muktinath.
Visit the revered Muktinath temple — sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists — at first light, then descend through Kagbeni into the dramatic Kali Gandaki valley. End the day soaking in the natural hot springs at Tatopani.
Leave the river for a long, sustained climb past the villages of Sikha and Chitre, the trail rising into mossy rhododendron and oak forest to reach the ridge-top settlement of Ghorepani.
A pre-dawn climb to the famous Poon Hill viewpoint for sunrise over Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre. Return for breakfast, descend to the trailhead, then drive to the lakeside city of Pokhara to relax.
Return to Kathmandu by tourist coach along the Prithvi Highway (a 25-minute flight is an optional upgrade). The evening is yours, finishing with a celebratory farewell dinner.
Free time until your final transfer to the airport for your onward flight — or the start of another adventure in Nepal.
Choose the package that fits your style and budget. All are guided and fully tailorable — prices are per person and vary with group size and season.
Guaranteed departures. Don't see a date that suits you? Private departures can be arranged year-round.
It is a long, demanding day — an early-morning start of 7–9 hours to the 5,416 m pass. With proper acclimatisation in Manang and good fitness it is achievable for most fit trekkers, but it is the toughest part of the circuit.
Yes — many trekkers now drive in as far as Chame and fly out from Jomsom, cutting the classic 18 days to around 12–14 while still crossing Thorong La.
If you have time and are well acclimatised, Tilicho (4,919 m) — one of the world's highest lakes — is a spectacular addition that adds 2–3 days.
Yes, and it must specifically cover helicopter evacuation at altitude. Standard policies often do not — check the fine print before you travel.
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