Annapurna Circuit Trek

How has road construction changed the Annapurna Circuit?

A road now runs alongside much of the lower and eastern sections of the circuit, reducing the wilderness feel. Most experienced trekkers now start at Chame or Dharapani to skip the motorable lower sections.

The Annapurna Circuit has changed significantly since the 1980s when it was widely considered the world's greatest trek. A road now runs from Besisahar to Manang and another from Jomsom down to Beni. These roads have brought development and reduced the sense of remoteness in the lower sections.

The solution is straightforward: start higher. Beginning at Chame (accessible by jeep) and exiting at Jomsom by flight or jeep skips the worst sections and saves 3 to 4 days without sacrificing any of the high-altitude highlights.

How should I prepare for Thorong La?

Thorong La is serious. A full rest day at Manang is mandatory, not optional. Many failed crossings are by trekkers who rushed the acclimatisation stages.

The pass at 5,416 m is the highest point on any standard teahouse route in the Himalayas. The combination of altitude, cold, and the length of the crossing day mean you should arrive at it well-rested and properly acclimatised.

The mandatory strategy: spend two nights at Manang and do the Ice Lake day hike for active acclimatisation. Move to High Camp the day before the crossing. Leave by 4am to be at the summit before noon and clear the descent before afternoon cloud and wind make the trail treacherous.

Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary, day by day

The full 16 day schedule, with sleeping altitude, walking hours and overnight stop for every day. The acclimatisation days are the ones that decide whether people finish.

1. 1

   Day 1

   Kathmandu or Pokhara to Besisahar

   • 760 m
   • Rest day
   • 175 km
   • Sleep: Besisahar

   Travel to the circuit trailhead in the Marsyangdi River valley.

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   Besisahar is the gateway town. Most trekkers take a morning bus from Kathmandu or Pokhara. Organise permits here if not already done.

   Transport: Bus 6 to 7 hours from Kathmandu or 4 hours from Pokhara

2. 2

   Day 2

   Besisahar to Bahundanda

   • 1,310 m
   • Up 550 m
   • 16 km
   • 5 to 6 h
   • Sleep: Bahundanda

   Enter the Annapurna Conservation Area and begin climbing through rice terraces and subtropical forest.

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   The lower Marsyangdi valley is lush and warm. Bahundanda is a ridge-top village with views back down the valley. Many trekkers begin at Bhulbhule to skip the road section below Bahundanda.

3. 3

   Day 3

   Bahundanda to Chamje

   • 1,430 m
   • Up 120 m
   • 12 km
   • 4 to 5 h
   • Sleep: Chamje

   Follow the Marsyangdi River through deep gorge terrain.

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   The trail drops and climbs across several suspension bridges as the river cuts through a narrow gorge. Waterfalls cascade from the cliffs above.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Chamje to Chame

   • 2,670 m
   • Up 1,240 m
   • 20 km
   • 6 to 7 h
   • Sleep: Chame

   Significant altitude gain as the valley narrows and pines replace subtropical species.

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   Chame is the district headquarters of Manang and the best supplied town on the circuit. Hot springs are available near Khotro, a short walk south. Stock up on supplies here.

5. 5

   Day 5

   Chame to Upper Pisang

   • 3,310 m
   • Up 640 m
   • 17 km
   • 5 to 6 h
   • Sleep: Upper Pisang

   First views of Annapurna II. The Paungda Danda rock face is one of the most dramatic on the trek.

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   Take the high route via Upper Pisang for better mountain views and a more authentic village experience. The curved rock face of Paungda Danda (2 km wide, 1.5 km high) is a striking geological feature.

   Highlight: First views of Annapurna II (7,937 m)

6. 6

   Day 6

   Upper Pisang to Manang

   • 3,500 m
   • Up 190 m
   • 20 km
   • 5 to 6 h
   • Sleep: Manang

   Enter the arid Manang valley with views of the Annapurna range across a glacial plateau.

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   Cross into the rain shadow. The vegetation changes abruptly to scrubby juniper and the air becomes noticeably drier and crisper. Manang is the main acclimatisation hub before the pass.

7. 7

   Day 7

   Acclimatisation Day at Manang

   • 3,800 m
   • Up 300 m
   • 8 km
   • 3 to 4 h
   • Sleep: Manang

   Essential rest day. Hike to the Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake for acclimatisation.

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   Do not rush this day. The Himalayan Rescue Association has a clinic in Manang that gives an excellent afternoon talk on altitude sickness — strongly recommended. Hike to Ice Lake (4,600 m) for acclimatisation.

8. 8

   Day 8

   Manang to Yak Kharka

   • 4,018 m
   • Up 518 m
   • 10 km
   • 3 to 4 h
   • Sleep: Yak Kharka

   Begin the climb toward the pass. Yak herders' pastures and open sky.

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   A short but important acclimatisation stage. Above the tree line now, with views across to the Annapurna range. Yak Kharka is named for the yak pastures that define the landscape.

9. 9

   Day 9

   Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

   • 4,540 m
   • Up 522 m
   • 8 km
   • 3 to 4 h
   • Sleep: Thorong Phedi High Camp

   Move to the base of the pass. Sleep as high as possible for an early start.

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   Most trekkers continue beyond Thorong Phedi to High Camp at 4,850 m, reducing the ascent time the following morning. Prepare all gear tonight.

10. 10

    Day 10

    Thorong Phedi over Thorong La to Muktinath

    • 3,760 m
    • Down 1,090 m
    • 16 km
    • 7 to 9 h
    • Sleep: Muktinath

    The great crossing. Thorong La at 5,416 m is the highest trekking pass in the world regularly crossed by teahouse trekkers.

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    Leave at 4am from High Camp. The ascent to the pass takes 3 to 4 hours in the cold and dark. At the pass, flags and a stone cairn mark the high point. The descent to Muktinath is long and steep — allow 3 to 4 hours. Muktinath is a major Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site.

    Highlight: Thorong La at 5,416 m — the high point of the entire circuit

11. 11

    Day 11

    Muktinath to Jomsom

    • 2,720 m
    • Down 1,040 m
    • 20 km
    • 5 to 6 h
    • Sleep: Jomsom

    Descend into the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest river gorge on earth.

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    The Kali Gandaki gorge is flanked by Annapurna I (8,091 m) to the east and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) to the west — the greatest altitude differential of any river gorge on the planet. Afternoon winds are strong and constant from noon; start early.

12. 12

    Day 12

    Jomsom to Marpha and Tukuche

    • 2,590 m
    • Down 130 m
    • 14 km
    • 4 to 5 h
    • Sleep: Tukuche

    Walk through Marpha, famous for its apple orchards, apple brandy and white-washed Thakali village architecture.

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    Marpha is the most aesthetically striking village on the circuit. Flat-roofed stone houses, covered alleyways, and apple trees everywhere. Try the local apple cider and apple pie.

13. 13

    Day 13

    Tukuche to Kalopani

    • 2,530 m
    • Down 60 m
    • 12 km
    • 4 to 5 h
    • Sleep: Kalopani

    The gorge narrows and vegetation returns as altitude decreases.

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    Kalopani has exceptional views of Dhaulagiri. The wind continues to be a challenge in the afternoons; start early.

14. 14

    Day 14

    Kalopani to Tatopani

    • 1,190 m
    • Down 1,340 m
    • 19 km
    • 5 to 6 h
    • Sleep: Tatopani

    Descend dramatically to the Kali Gandaki valley floor. Hot springs await at Tatopani.

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    Tatopani means 'hot water' in Nepali. The natural hot springs are a magnificent reward after the high altitude. Soak the tired legs in the geothermal pools.

15. 15

    Day 15

    Tatopani to Ghorepani

    • 2,860 m
    • Up 1,670 m
    • 18 km
    • 7 to 8 h
    • Sleep: Ghorepani

    A tough re-ascent through rhododendron forest to the ridge at Ghorepani.

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    This is one of the hardest days of the circuit in terms of sustained climbing. The forest is beautiful. Ghorepani at 2,860 m is the takeoff point for the famous Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint.

16. 16

    Day 16

    Poon Hill sunrise, then descend to Nayapul for Pokhara

    • 827 m
    • Down 2,033 m
    • 24 km
    • 6 to 7 h
    • Sleep: Pokhara

    Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill for the most photographed sunrise in Nepal, then complete the circuit.

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    Leave Ghorepani at 4:30am for the 45-minute climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m). Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and many other peaks light up at sunrise. Descend through Tikhedhunga to Nayapul and take transport to Pokhara.

    Transport: Taxi or bus from Nayapul to Pokhara (1 hour)

    Highlight: Poon Hill sunrise: the most iconic mountain panorama in Nepal

What is included and what is not

The altitude and duration are the main challenges. The walking itself is rarely technical, but Thorong La at 5,416 m is the highest trekking pass in the world that is regularly crossed and demands thorough acclimatisation at Manang.

Permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

  Issued by National Trust for Nature Conservation

  Foreign

  NPR 3,000

  SAARC

  NPR 1,500

  Buy at the NTB office in Kathmandu, NTNC office in Pokhara, or at the Besisahar checkpost.

• TIMS Card

  Issued by Nepal Tourism Board

  Foreign

  NPR 2,000

  SAARC

  NPR 1,000

  Available at NTB offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Required along with ACAP.

What to pack

Good general fitness for walking 5 to 7 hours per day for two weeks. The Thorong La crossing day is 8 to 10 hours.

Frequently asked questions