Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna

Annapurna Circuit

The classic Himalayan circuit around the entire Annapurna massif, crossing the legendary Thorong La Pass at 5,416m. One of the world's great long-distance treks.

Strenuous14 days5,416 mMar–May, Oct–Nov
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Duration
14 days
Max altitude
5,416 m
Permits
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card
Accommodation
Teahouses, lodges, and camping where required
Network
Patchy in upper sections
Drinking water
Available at lodges; purification recommended
Budget
USD 900-2,200

Overview

Trek overview

Long-form route context for planning, pacing, and realistic expectations.

The classic Himalayan circuit around the entire Annapurna massif, crossing the legendary Thorong La Pass at 5,416m. One of the world's great long-distance treks.

This itinerary is synced from TrekGuard mobile app data and includes 14 planned days, 160 km of walking, and 8,500 m of total elevation gain.

Highlights include Thorong La Pass (5,416m), Muktinath Temple, Manang Valley, Kali Gandaki — deepest gorge in the world.

Itinerary

Daily route plan

Day 1

Besisahar to Jagat

6 hrs / 18 km / sleep 1,300 m

Begin the trek along the Marsyangdi River valley. Pass through small villages and cross suspension bridges through terraced farmland.

Day 2

Jagat to Dharapani

6 hrs / 14 km / sleep 1,860 m

Follow the rocky trail along the Marsyangdi River. Pass through Tal — the first village in Manang District — where the scenery dramatically changes.

Day 3

Dharapani to Chame

6 hrs / 15 km / sleep 2,670 m

Ascend through pine and fir forests with views of Annapurna II (7,937m) emerging. Chame is the administrative center of Manang District.

Day 4

Chame to Upper Pisang

5 hrs / 13 km / sleep 3,300 m

Trek through deep forest and past a massive rock face. A dramatic curved wall of rock marks the entrance to the Manang Valley.

Day 5

Upper Pisang to Manang

6 hrs / 16 km / sleep 3,540 m

Take the upper trail through Ghyaru and Ngawal for superior views. Manang is the largest town in the region with bakeries, shops, and the HRA clinic.

Day 6

Manang acclimatization

4 hrs / 6 km / sleep 3,540 m

Essential acclimatization day. Hike to Ice Lake (4,600m) or Gangapurna Lake. Attend the HRA daily altitude sickness briefing.

Day 7

Manang to Yak Kharka

4 hrs / 9 km / sleep 4,110 m

Leave the Manang valley behind and climb across open meadows and yak pastures. The landscape becomes increasingly arid and barren.

Day 8

Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

3 hrs / 7 km / sleep 4,450 m

Short trek to the base camp for Thorong La. Rest and prepare for the early morning pass crossing tomorrow. Some trekkers push to High Camp (4,925m).

Day 9

Thorong Phedi to Muktinath

8 hrs / 15 km / sleep 3,760 m

The biggest day. Start before dawn to cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m). The climb is steep but the views are extraordinary. Long, knee-punishing descent to Muktinath.

Day 10

Muktinath to Marpha

6 hrs / 20 km / sleep 2,670 m

Descend through Kagbeni and along the Kali Gandaki riverbed — the deepest gorge on Earth between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Marpha is famous for apple brandy.

Day 11

Marpha to Tatopani

7 hrs / 22 km / sleep 1,190 m

Long descent through Jomsom and down the Kali Gandaki valley. The temperature rises as you drop. Hot springs await at Tatopani.

Day 12

Tatopani to Ghorepani

7 hrs / 13 km / sleep 2,860 m

Steep climb through terraced fields and rhododendron forests to Ghorepani. This is the hardest ascent of the return journey.

Day 13

Ghorepani to Nayapul

7 hrs / 18 km / sleep 1,070 m

Optional pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Then descend via Ulleri to Nayapul. Drive to Pokhara.

Day 14

Pokhara to Kathmandu

0 hrs / 0 km / sleep 1,338 m

Drive or fly from Pokhara back to Kathmandu.

Map

Interactive route preview

Leaflet route rendering with checkpoints, altitude markers, and GPX geometry where published.

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GPX and KML downloads

Static route references for offline planning.

Duration
14 days
Altitude
5,416 m
Updated
2026

Route files are planning references only. Always follow current trail conditions, local notices, and guide advice.

Packing checklist

Use a mobile-friendly checklist for clothing, electronics, medicine, documents, and trail gear.

Altitude and safety

Prepare before pushing higher.

Climb gradually and take acclimatization seriously.

Check weather, wind, and daylight before long days.

Descend and seek help if altitude symptoms worsen.

Planning aid — not a guide or rescue service. GPX lines, checklists, forecasts, and altitude readouts support your judgment. Trails, weather, permits, and illness can change faster than any app. Download offline map packs before signal ends; fresh weather and Streets/Satellite tiles need network. SMS SOS sharing needs cellular texting — not satellite.

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