Annapurna Circuit Treks
Trip Facts
Trip Duration
18 days
Trip Difficulty
Challenging
Max. Altitude
5,416m (Thorong La Pass)
Destination
Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal
Activity
Trekking & Hiking
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Region
Annapurna Region, Western Nepal
Meals
Breakfast in cities; breakfast, lunch & dinner during trek
Accommodation
3-star hotels in cities, locally run teahouses and lodges on trek
Transportation
Private tourist vehicle, local jeep transfers as per itinerary
Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Treks
Complete the legendary Annapurna Circuit with a safe Thorong La Pass crossing (5,416m)
Experience drastic landscape changes from lush valleys to arid Himalayan deserts
Stay in traditional Gurung, Thakali and Manangi villages with rich mountain culture
Soak in the natural hot springs of Tatopani after high-altitude trekking days
Enjoy sunrise panoramas of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from iconic Poon Hill
Visit the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath and explore the Kali Gandaki Gorge
Acclimatize comfortably with a full rest day and side hikes around Manang
Relax by Phewa Lake in Pokhara at the end of the trek with time to explore
Trip Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most iconic long-distance treks in the world, renowned for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and panoramic views of some of the highest peaks on the planet, including Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), and Machhapuchhre (6,993m).
Over 18 days, you’ll trek from lush lowlands through rhododendron forests, arid Himalayan deserts, and high-altitude mountain passes, with Thorong La (5,416m) being the dramatic highlight of the journey. You'll pass through authentic mountain villages, interact with diverse ethnic communities like the Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan-influenced Manangi people, and soak in hot springs, deep gorges, and sacred monasteries.
From jungle-lined river valleys to snow-covered peaks and windswept plateaus, every step of the Annapurna Circuit is a new adventure.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport where a Landscape Adventure representative greets you and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. After time to rest, meet your trekking guide for a detailed briefing covering gear, trail conditions and cultural etiquette, then explore the lively streets, shops and cafes of Thamel at your own pace in the evening.
Leave Kathmandu by private vehicle and follow the Trishuli and Marshyangdi river valleys westward. Watch the scenery shift from city traffic to terraced fields, small roadside towns and forested hills. By late afternoon you arrive in Besisahar, the main trailhead town for the Annapurna region, and settle into your guesthouse.
Board a local jeep for an adventurous off-road journey from Besisahar to Chame. Pass classic villages such as Jagat, Tal and Dharapani as the road narrows and the cliffs grow steeper. Rushing rivers, cascading waterfalls and the deep Marsyangdi Gorge accompany you all the way to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang.
Begin your first full day on foot, following riverside trails and entering fragrant pine forests. Cross long suspension bridges and pass through small settlements, with improving views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak as you gain altitude. Reach the village of Pisang and enjoy your first night in a classic Annapurna teahouse.
Take the higher, more scenic route through Ghyaru and Ngawal for sweeping views of the Annapurna range. The trail climbs steeply above the valley floor and weaves through ancient stone villages, chortens and mani walls. After a rewarding day, descend to the broad Manang Valley and arrive in the bustling village of Manang, surrounded by dramatic peaks and glaciers.
Use a full day in Manang to support proper acclimatization. Join an optional side hike to Gangapurna Lake or higher viewpoints such as Ice Lake, moving slowly to help your body adjust. In the afternoon, visit local monasteries, explore the village and attend a Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) talk about high-altitude safety.
Leave Manang and gradually climb through open hillsides, juniper scrub and yak pastures. The air becomes thinner as you cross small wooden bridges and follow a steady ascending trail to the small settlement of Yak Kharka, a traditional grazing area with a handful of lodges.
Continue along a narrower, rockier trail towards Thorong Phedi, the last major stop before Thorong La Pass. The path traverses scree slopes and areas prone to landslides, so you walk carefully and steadily. Arrive at Thorong Phedi by early afternoon, giving you time to rest, hydrate and prepare for the big pass crossing the next day.
Start well before sunrise with headlamps, following a zigzagging trail up towards Thorong La Pass. The climb is demanding at high altitude, but the sense of achievement at the prayer-flag-draped summit is unforgettable, with panoramic views over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs and the arid Mustang region. After celebrating and taking photos, descend long switchbacks to the sacred town of Muktinath for a well-earned rest.
In the morning, visit Muktinath Temple, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, with its eternal flame and holy water spouts. Then board a jeep for the descent through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, passing Jomsom and other Mustang settlements before reaching Marpha. Wander its narrow stone lanes, whitewashed houses and apple orchards in the afternoon.
Continue driving down the Kali Gandaki Valley, deeper into what is known as the world’s deepest gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Arrive in Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the warm pools by the river to soothe tired muscles after the high-altitude trek.
Leave the road and rejoin stone stairways and forested trails, climbing steadily from Tatopani through terraced fields and villages. Enter lush rhododendron and oak forests as you gain altitude, eventually arriving in Ghorepani, a colourful village set on a ridge just below Poon Hill.
Wake very early and hike up to Poon Hill for a classic Himalayan sunrise. Watch first light paint the summits of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre in golden hues. After returning to Ghorepani for breakfast, trek through enchanting rhododendron forests and undulating trails to reach the forested hamlet of Tadapani.
Descend through thick forest and occasional clearings with mountain views toward the large Gurung village of Ghandruk. Explore its stone-paved alleys, traditional houses and small museums, and enjoy close-up views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre from the village.
On your final trekking day, follow stone steps and village paths down to the roadhead at Nayapul. Here you meet your private vehicle for the short drive to Pokhara. Check into your lakeside hotel and celebrate the completion of the circuit with a relaxed evening by Phewa Lake.
Enjoy a free day in Pokhara to rest and explore at your own pace. Options include a boat ride on Phewa Lake, visiting the World Peace Pagoda or Devi’s Falls, paragliding (optional, extra cost), or simply relaxing in lakeside cafes and shops.
Leave Pokhara and follow the scenic Prithvi Highway alongside rivers and hills back to Kathmandu. After checking into your hotel, enjoy some last-minute shopping or exploring before a special farewell dinner hosted by Landscape Adventure in the evening.
Depending on your flight time, you may have free time for shopping or relaxing in Kathmandu. A Landscape Adventure representative will then transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport. Receive your Certificate of Journey and a small farewell gift as a memento of your Annapurna Circuit adventure.
What's Included
- Accommodation: Comfortable 3-star standard hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on twin-sharing basis
- Accommodation: Carefully selected eco-friendly lodges and teahouses during the trek
- Meals: Breakfast included in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per hotel policy
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek with traditional Nepali and local cuisine
- Transportation: All private ground transportation as per itinerary, including airport transfers
- Guides: Government-certified, English-speaking local trekking guide with deep cultural knowledge
- Permits: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
- Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit
- Equipment: Group safety gear for trekking and associated adventure activities as required
- Taxes: All applicable government taxes and official service charges
- First Aid: Group medical supplies including a standard first aid kit carried by the guide
- Support Staff: Necessary support staff and porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
- Special Meal: Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with traditional Nepalese cuisine
- Airport Services: Arrival and departure transfers for international flights
What's Excluded
- International flight fare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee (payable on arrival or online via Nepal Immigration)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment (available for rent or purchase in Kathmandu)
- Travel and medical insurance, including coverage for emergency evacuation and high altitude
- Emergency evacuation or rescue costs, if required
- Personal expenses such as laundry, snacks and additional drinks
- Charges for battery charging, Wi-Fi and hot showers at teahouses
- Costs for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages on the trek
- Tips for guide, porters and support staff (customary but not mandatory)
- Any extra costs due to delays, natural calamities, strikes, political unrest or other unforeseen events
Essential Trip Information
Trip Duration
18 days / 17 nights
Max Altitude
5,416m at Thorong La Pass
Trip Grade
Challenging, high-altitude trek
Group Size
1-12 trekkers per group
Best Season
March–May and September–November
Accommodation
3-star hotels in cities, teahouses and mountain lodges on trek
Transportation
Private tourist vehicle and local jeep transfers
Start/Finish
Start: Kathmandu | Finish: Kathmandu
Frequently Asked Questions
The Annapurna Circuit is graded as a challenging, high-altitude trek. You will be trekking for 5–7 hours on most days, with one long day of 8–9 hours over Thorong La Pass at 5,416m. Previous multi-day hiking experience and good physical fitness are strongly recommended, but you do not need to be a professional athlete. We pace the itinerary with acclimatization days and gradual altitude gain to support safe trekking.
The best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). During these months the weather is generally stable, skies are clearer for mountain views, and the trails are in better condition. Winter can be very cold with snow on the pass, and in the monsoon months (June–August) the lower trails can be wet, muddy and prone to landslides.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara you stay in comfortable 3-star standard hotels on a twin-sharing basis. On the trek you stay in locally run teahouses and lodges that provide basic but cozy rooms with shared facilities. During the trek, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, typically featuring Nepali and international dishes such as dal bhat, noodles, soups, rice and vegetable curries.
Yes, altitude sickness is a potential risk on any trek that goes above 3,000m, and Thorong La Pass reaches 5,416m. This itinerary includes a full acclimatization day in Manang and gradual altitude gain to minimize risk. Your guide is trained to recognize symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and will monitor your health daily. Walking at a steady pace, staying hydrated, eating well and avoiding alcohol all help reduce the risk.
For this trek you need a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit. Both of these permits are arranged by Landscape Adventure and are fully included in the package cost, so you do not need to organise them yourself.
Your main bag will be carried by porters, with one porter typically shared between two trekkers. We recommend keeping your duffel or backpack to a maximum of around 10–12 kg per person. You only need to carry a small daypack with water, snacks, extra layers and personal items while trekking each day.
Yes. While this is our classic 18-day circuit including Poon Hill and Pokhara, we can customize the itinerary to match your timeframe and interests—for example, shortening the trek, adding extra acclimatization days or adjusting the start and end points. Please contact us with your preferences and we will tailor the program accordingly.
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