Destination
Nepal
Difficulty
Moderate
The Annapurna Circuit trek is renowned as one of Nepal's most rewarding treks. While the southern slopes of the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges are densely populated and farmed, the higher regions are covered in thick forests of rhododendron and fir. One of the trek's main attractions is the breathtaking daily views of various mountain ranges.
Annapurna Base Camp is a natural amphitheater surrounded by Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Varahashikhar, Gangapurna, and Mt. Fishtail. The trek starts with a journey through picturesque villages and lush forests before transitioning to barren, rugged terrain.
The trail to Annapurna Base Camp ascends the valley into the sanctuary, gradually transforming from grey scree and scrub to snowfields. For five days, the path leads through an entirely uninhabited area. The trek to Annapurna Base Camp offers stunning views, particularly of the imposing Annapurna I. After spending an hour or two taking in the majestic mountain scenery, trekkers begin their return journey, which takes another five days to reach Pokhara. This trek provides an excellent introduction to high-altitude trekking without being overly strenuous.
Day 01: Arrival to Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport) (1,350m / 4,450ft), transfer to hotel
Day 02: Full-day Kathmandu Valley sightseeing and trek preparation
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (845m / 2,815ft)
Day 04: Trek from Bhulbhule (845m / 2,815ft) to Jagat (1,300m / 4,265ft)
Day 05: Trek from Jagat (1,300m / 4,265ft) to Dharapani (1,860m / 6,200ft)
Day 06: Trek from Dharapani (1,860m / 6,200ft) to Chame (2,610m / 8,890ft)
Day 07: Trek from Chame (2,610m / 8,890ft) to Pisang (3,115m / 10,200ft)
Day 08: Trek from Pisang (3,115m / 10,200ft) to Manang (3,540m / 11,300ft)
Day 09: Rest and acclimatization day at Manang
Day 10: Trek from Manang (3,540m / 11,300ft) to Yak Kharka (4,050m / 14,275ft)
Day 11: Trek from Yak Kharka (4,050m / 14,275ft) to Thorong Phedi (4,525m / 14,525ft) /Thorong High Camp
Day 12: Trek from Thorong Phedi (4,525m / 14,525ft) to Muktinath Temple (3,760m / 12,623ft) via Thorong La high pass (5,416m / 17,756ft)
Day 13: Trek from Muktinath (3,760m / 12,623ft) to Kagbeni (2,804m / 9,200ft)
Day 14: Trek from Kagbeni (2,804m / 9,200ft) to Marpha (2,665m / 8,744ft)
Day 15: Trek from Marpha (2,665m / 8,744ft) to Larjung (2,544m / 8,346ft)
Day 16: Trek from Larjung (2,544m / 8,346ft) to Ghasa (2,113m / 6,932ft)
Day 17: Trek from Ghasa (2,113m / 6,932ft) to Tatopani (1,200m / 3,940ft)
Day 18: Trek from Tatopani (1,200m / 3,940ft) to Ghorepani (2,860m / 9,385ft)
Day 19: Early morning hike to Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m / 10,525ft) then trek to Tadapani (2,630m / 8,630ft)
Day 20: Trek from Tadapani (2,630m / 8,630ft) to Chomrong (2,165m / 7,105ft)
Day 21: Trek from Chomrong (2,165m / 7,105ft) to Himalaya (2,890m / 9,425ft)
Day 22: Trek from Himalaya (2,890m / 9,425ft) to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m / 13,550ft)
Day 23: Trek from Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m / 13,550ft) to Bamboo (2,350m / 7,700ft)
Day 24: Trek from Bamboo (2,350m / 7,700ft) to Jhinu Danda (1,780m / 6,393ft) and nearby natural hot springs
Day 25: Trek from Jhinu Danda (1,780m / 6,393ft) to Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi (1,150m / 3,770ft) -drive to Pokhara (820m) via Nayapul (1,050m)
Day 26: Transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA)
The ABC Trekking in Nepal is best during two main seasons. The first is from late October to November when the weather is dry and warm. The second is from April to May, marking the beginning of spring, which brings blooming flowers but also the possibility of rain.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will spend the next day exploring the culturally and historically rich Kathmandu and after a relaxed day in the valley, your Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp trek begins with a bus ride from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule.
The trek starts with a walk from Bhulbhule to Jagat, marking the beginning of the Annapurna Circuit trail. You will then proceed along a narrow motorable road from Dharapani to Chame. Following the Marsyangdi River, you'll head to Pisang and eventually reach Manang, one of Nepal's tourist hubs. You will spend a day acclimatizing in Manang, with opportunities for side hikes, such as one to Gangapurna Lake.
Fully rested, you will continue to Yak Kharka and then to Thorong Phedi. Thorong Phedi serves as a base for crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,769ft). After a night at Thorong Phedi, you'll start early to cross Thorong La Pass and reach Muktinath, a sacred site for Buddhists and Hindus. Here, you can bathe at 108 holy water spouts, believed to cleanse your sins.
From Muktinath, the journey takes you to Kagbeni (2,804m), passing the famous sky caves. You will then proceed to Jomsom, followed by Marpha, and then Larjung (2,544m/8,346ft). From Larjung, you will head to Ghasa (2,113m) and then to Tatopani (1,200m), known for its natural hot springs. The next day, you'll reach the beautiful Thakali village of Ghorepani and spend the night there.
The following morning, you'll hike early to Poon Hill (3,210m), Nepal's most famous viewpoint. After enjoying the views, you will return to Ghorepani and head to Tadapani.
At this point, the Annapurna Circuit portion of your trek concludes, and you will proceed to Annapurna Base Camp. From Tadapani, you'll head northeast, reaching Chomrong (2,165m), Bamboo (2,350m), Himalaya (2,920m), and finally Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). On the way from Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp, you will also pass Macchapuchhare Base Camp (3,700m).
At Annapurna Base Camp, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna range, and other peaks such as Machhapuchhre, Gandharva Chuli, Flute Peak, and Himchuli. After spending a night at the base camp, you'll trek back to Bamboo (2,350m) and then to Jhinu Dada (1,780m), where you can relax in natural hot springs.
From Jhinu Dada, you'll trek to Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi and then catch a bus to Pokhara. Your Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp trek concludes in Pokhara, a wonderful city to end your adventure. You will stay overnight in a hotel in Pokhara before returning to Kathmandu the next day.
Explore UNESCO sites like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square. Check trekking permits and equipment. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Drive 200 km (7–8 hrs) through hilly roads along rivers and terraced farmlands. Stay overnight in a local lodge in Bhulbhule.
Trek 12 km (6–7 hrs) with gradual ascent of 455 m. Pass suspension bridges, forests, and small villages. Overnight in Jagat.
Trek 11 km (6–7 hrs), ascending 560 m. Trail passes terraced fields, rivers, and scenic villages. Overnight stay in Dharapani lodge.
Trek 10 km (5–6 hrs) ascending 750 m. The trail follows the Marsyangdi River and passes pine forests. Overnight in Chame, a popular village in the circuit.
Trek 9 km (5–6 hrs) with 505 m ascent. Trail passes through Rhododendron forests and small settlements. Enjoy panoramic mountain views before overnight in Pisang.
Trek 10 km (5–6 hrs), ascending 425 m. Trail gradually climbs with views of Annapurna and Gangapurna peaks. Overnight in Manang for acclimatization.
Rest day to acclimatize to high altitude. Optional short hikes to surrounding viewpoints. Prepare for higher-altitude trekking ahead.
Trek 8 km (4–5 hrs), ascending 510 m. Pass through yak pastures and alpine terrain. Overnight in Yak Kharka lodge.
Trek 7 km (4–5 hrs) with 475 m ascent. Prepare for the Thorong La pass climb. Overnight in Thorong Phedi or High Camp.
Cross Thorong La, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. Trek ~15 km (7–8 hrs) with 891 m ascent and 1,656 m descent. Visit Muktinath Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site. Overnight in Muktinath.
Descend 13 km (5–6 hrs), losing 956 m. Pass through desert-like landscapes and traditional Tibetan-style villages. Overnight in Kagbeni.
Trek 9 km (4–5 hrs), descending 139 m. Visit apple orchards, monasteries, and enjoy quaint village streets. Overnight in Marpha.
Trek 10 km (4–5 hrs), descending 121 m. Follow the Kali Gandaki River valley with spectacular canyon views. Overnight in Larjung.
Trek 12 km (5–6 hrs), descending 431 m. Pass through terraced fields and small villages. Overnight in Ghasa lodge.
Trek 15 km (5–6 hrs), descending 913 m. Enjoy natural hot springs in Tatopani for a relaxing soak. Overnight in lodge.
Trek 18 km (7–8 hrs), ascending 1,660 m. Trail climbs through rhododendron forests and villages. Overnight in Ghorepani.
Hike 4 km (2 hrs) to Poon Hill for sunrise panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Trek ~12 km (5–6 hrs) downhill to Tadapani. Overnight in lodge.
Trek 10 km (5–6 hrs), descending 465 m. Pass through forests and traditional Gurung villages. Overnight in Chomrong.
Trek 10 km (5–6 hrs), ascending 725 m. Trail passes bamboo forests, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. Overnight in Himalaya lodge.
Trek 12 km (6–7 hrs), ascending 1,240 m. Enter alpine terrain with glaciers and mountain views. Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp.
Descend 15 km (6–7 hrs), losing 1,780 m. Trail passes meadows, rhododendron forests, and waterfalls. Overnight in Bamboo lodge.
Trek 10 km (4–5 hrs), descending 570 m. Relax in nearby natural hot springs after trekking. Overnight in lodge.
Trek 12 km (5–6 hrs), descending 630 m, then drive 32 km (1.5 hrs) to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Optional sightseeing, boating on Fewa Lake, or relaxing in hotels. Overnight in Pokhara.
Drive ~200 km (6–7 hrs) or fly (30 min) back to Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport for departure.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
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