Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu to Besisahar to Dharapani
You'll drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, where the Annapurna Circuit Trek officially begins. From there, continue on to Dharapani at 1,900m, a traditional village that sits along the Marsyangdi River. The landscape here includes terraced rice fields climbing the hillsides, rocky cliffs towering overhead, thick forests, and scattered prayer flags. Traditional stone architecture lines the village streets, giving you a real sense of rural Nepalese life before the trek gets more challenging.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Besisahar to Dharapani
Landmarks Marsyangdi River - Day 2
Dharapani to Chame
Today's trek takes you from Dharapani through dense pine and oak forests heading toward Chame at 2,650m, the main town in Manang district. You'll pass through several traditional Nepalese villages along the way, navigating moderate terrain that includes steep sections and rocky ground. The climbing is real, but from various points you get views of Annapurna II towering above. Near Chame there are two small hot springs worth checking out if you have energy left after the day's walk.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Dharapani to Chame
Optional Activities
- Chat with friendly locals in traditional villages
Landmarks Annapurna II - Day 3
Chame to Pisang
The trek from Chame to Pisang at 3,205m takes you through a narrow valley with Annapurna II, III, and IV visible for much of the day. The path climbs gradually at first along well-marked trails, then gets steeper and rougher as you approach Pisang village. It's a full day of trekking, but the views and the charming stone village at the end make it worthwhile. The elevation gain is noticeable but steady.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Chame to Pisang
Landmarks Annapurna II Annapurna III Annapurna IV - Day 4
Pisang to Manang
You're now in the drier upper Manang district where the trail splits into two routes, both meeting up at Mungji. The northern route through Ghyaru gives you better mountain views and is worth taking if conditions allow. The southern route via Hongde at 3,325m involves less climbing if you're feeling the altitude. Either way, you'll continue through Bryanga at 3,475m and finally reach Manang at 3,500m. The landscape here is noticeably different from the lower regions, with sparse vegetation and expansive views.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Pisang to Manang via either northern or southern route
Landmarks Marsyangdi River - Day 5
Manang (Acclimatization Day)
Today you stay put at Manang for acclimatization at 3,500m. Many trekkers use this time to hike up to the ice lake or explore the area around the village on easier walks. Spending a full day here helps your body adjust to the elevation before pushing higher. The views from around Manang are excellent, and the pace is much more relaxed than trekking days.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Acclimatization day walks around Manang
- Optional ice lake hike
Optional Activities
- Hike to ice lake
- Nearby excursions around Manang
- Day 6
Manang to Ledar
After breakfast, you leave Manang gradually as the air gets thinner and the elevation climbs. The walk through Tenki and out of the Marsyangdi Valley is gentle, then you follow the Jarsang Khola Valley with sparse vegetation becoming more noticeable. By the time you reach Ledar at 4,200m, the landscape is rocky and barren. This is a shorter day, which helps with acclimatization.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Manang to Ledar
Landmarks Jarsang Khola Valley - Day 7
Ledar to High Camp
The day starts with descending to cross the river at 4,310m, then the path climbs back up to Phedi at 4,420m. From there you continue higher to High Camp at 4,600m where you'll sleep tonight. This elevation is significantly higher than where you started the trek, so the air is thin and the landscape is mostly bare rock and snow. High Camp is short and purposeful, positioned to give you the best chance for crossing Thorong La pass tomorrow.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Ledar to High Camp
- Day 8
High Camp to Thorong La Pass
This is the big day. You start early from Phedi (which means 'foot of the hill') and face a steep climb to Thorong La pass at 5,416m. The track is well-traveled and easy to follow, though altitude sickness and snow can make the ascent challenging. The climb itself takes about four hours on rocky terrain. Once at the summit, you'll find chortens and prayer flags marking the pass, and if weather cooperates, the views across the mountains are something you won't forget.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Phedi to Thorong La Pass (5,416m)
Landmarks Thorong La Pass - Day 9
Thorong La to Jomsom
After crossing Thorong La, you descend toward Jomsom at 2,700m, stopping at Muktinath Temple at 3,800m along the way. This temple is significant for both Hindus and Buddhists, and you can see the natural gas flames and the 108 water spouts that locals consider healing. From there, the trek continues downhill through the Kali Gandaki Valley, passing through Kagbeni and Jharkot before reaching Jomsom. The landscape shifts from alpine to lower valleys, and Jomsom itself has an airport, so some trekkers fly out from here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Muktinath Temple
- Trek from Thorong La Pass to Jomsom
Landmarks Muktinath Temple Kali Gandaki Valley - Day 10
Jomsom to Tatopani
You trek from Jomsom to Tatopani, a journey that takes 6 to 7 hours mostly downhill. The village's name literally means 'hot springs' in Nepali, and you can soak in natural hot water at the end of the day. Along the way, you'll pass through Ghasa at 2,010m, the southernmost Thakali village, and Marpha with its 108 houses and Buddhist monastery. There's a chance to see how apple brandy is made in nearby Tuksche if you're interested. Throughout the day, you see Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountains in the distance.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Jomsom to Tatopani
- Soak in natural hot springs
Optional Activities
- Visit apple brandy production facility in Tuksche
- Explore local villages and interact with residents
Landmarks Nilgiri Dhaulagiri - Day 11
Tatopani to Pokhara
The final trekking section takes you from Tatopani to Pokhara, which is a 4 to 5 hour drive rather than a walk. You'll pass through small villages including Ghara and Shikha while descending through terraced hillsides. Pokhara is Nepal's second-largest city and marks the end of the Annapurna Circuit. Once you arrive, you have free time to explore Phewa Lake, visit the World Peace Pagoda for views over the city, check out the International Mountain Museum, or simply relax after completing the trek.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Transfer from Tatopani to Pokhara
Optional Activities
- Visit Phewa Lake
- Visit World Peace Pagoda
- Visit International Mountain Museum
- Explore Pokhara city
Landmarks Phewa Lake World Peace Pagoda International Mountain Museum
