Annapurna Circuit Trek
Max Altitude
5,416 m
Duration
14 Days
Difficulty
Hard
Best Season
Spring & Autum
Start Point
Kathmandu
Group Size
2-15 People
Trip Overview
The 14-day Annapurna Circuit Trek follows one of Nepal's most varied mountain routes, crossing from the forested Marsyangdi Valley into the high-altitude landscapes of Manang and Mustang. The journey combines changing Himalayan scenery, traditional settlements, Buddhist heritage and the challenging crossing of Thorong La Pass at 5,416 metres.
Your trip begins in Kathmandu before a long overland journey to Dharapani, the starting point of the trek. From here, the trail climbs gradually through Chame and Upper Pisang. As the elevation increases, dense forests and cultivated hillsides give way to a broader, drier landscape surrounded by the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges.
The route continues to Manang at 3,540 metres, an important settlement that serves as both a cultural highlight and a valuable acclimatization stop. Spending an additional day here allows your body to adjust before you proceed into the higher sections of the circuit.
From Manang, the trek climbs through Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi. These shorter walking days are designed to support gradual altitude gain before the most demanding stage of the journey. On Day 9, you begin early for the ascent to Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,416 metres, offering expansive views across the surrounding peaks and high mountain valleys when weather conditions are clear.
After crossing the pass, the trail descends steeply to Muktinath at 3,760 metres, an important pilgrimage destination for both Hindu and Buddhist visitors, marking the transition into the arid landscape of Mustang. From here, the itinerary returns by road to Pokhara for a sightseeing day before the final journey to Kathmandu, followed by a free day and departure.
Hatti Hatti Treks operates this itinerary with a licensed trekking guide, porter support, the required Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and teahouse accommodation. Because the route reaches a significant elevation, participants should arrive with suitable physical preparation, appropriate travel insurance and a flexible attitude toward mountain conditions.
This itinerary is suitable for active travellers who want to experience the principal highlights of the eastern circuit Thorong La Pass and Muktinath within a defined timeframe. It is demanding, particularly because of the long drives and high-altitude crossing, so good fitness and previous hiking experience are strongly recommended.
Accommodation & Food standards
Standard
- Teahouse/Lodge accommodation
- Basic but comfortable rooms
Premium (Comfort)
- Upgraded lodges or boutique hotels (where available)
- Private rooms and better facilities
Meal Types
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day-By-Day
Your 14-Day Itinerary
A Hatti Hatti Treks representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After checking in, rest and recover from your journey. The team will provide the necessary information about the trek and help you prepare for the overland journey to Dharapani.
Max Altitude
1,400 m
Accomodation
Four-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals
Not included
Leave Kathmandu for the long overland journey to Dharapani, taking approximately 8–10 hours. The drive passes through river valleys, market towns, rural settlements and sections of winding mountain road before reaching the starting point of the trek. Road conditions and travel times can vary, so flexibility is important.
Max Altitude
1,960 m
Accomodation
Teahouse/lodge in Dharapani
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Begin the approximately 5–6 hour trek through the upper Marsyangdi Valley. The trail passes through forested sections and mountain settlements as it gradually gains elevation towards Chame, the administrative centre of the Manang district.
Max Altitude
2,670 m
Accomodation
Teahouse/lodge in Chame
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Continue on an approximately 5–6 hour trek through pine forest and alongside the Marsyangdi River. The trail climbs into a wider valley as the landscape gradually becomes drier and more open, offering a striking introduction to the high-altitude scenery of the Manang region.
Max Altitude
3,300 m
Accomodation
Teahouse/lodge in Upper Pisang
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Follow the trail towards Manang during an approximately 6–7 hour trek through traditional settlements and open mountain terrain, with extensive views of the surrounding Annapurna landscape when conditions are clear.
Max Altitude
3,540 m
Accomodation
Teahouse/lodge in Manang
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Spend an additional night in Manang to help your body adjust to the increasing elevation ahead of the Thorong La crossing. Your guide may recommend a gentle acclimatization walk according to the group's condition, weather and local trail conditions.
Max Altitude
3,540 m
Accomodation
Teahouse/lodge in Manang
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Leave Manang and continue on an approximately 4–5 hour trek into a more exposed alpine environment. The walking day is kept relatively short to support safe altitude adjustment as vegetation becomes increasingly sparse.
Max Altitude
4,050 m
Accomodation
Teahouse/lodge in Yak Kharka
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Continue gradually towards Thorong Phedi during an approximately 4–5 hour trek, as the surrounding terrain becomes increasingly rugged and the effects of altitude more noticeable. Rest during the afternoon and organise equipment for the early start the following morning.
Max Altitude
4,525 m
Accomodation
Teahouse/lodge in Thorong Phedi
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Begin before sunrise for the most demanding day of the trek. During an approximately 8–9 hour journey, the route climbs steadily to Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the itinerary. After reaching the pass, descend carefully towards Muktinath, long and tiring after the early ascent, but a welcome place to rest after completing the crossing. The guide makes safety-based decisions according to weather, trail conditions and the health of the group.
Max Altitude
5,416 m
Accomodation
Teahouse/lodge in Muktinath
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Travel by road from Muktinath to Pokhara, a journey of approximately 7–9 hours through the Kali Gandaki corridor towards Nepal's well-known lakeside city. Road conditions can affect total travel time.
Alternatively, travellers who prefer a quicker return can request an optional domestic flight: drive from Muktinath to Jomsom (approximately 1.5–2 hours) and take a flight of approximately 20–25 minutes to Pokhara. Jomsom flights are weather-dependent, generally operate in the morning, and carry an additional charge; delays or cancellations are possible.
Max Altitude
3,760 m
Accomodation
Hotel in Pokhara
Meals
Breakfast
Spend the day exploring Pokhara and recovering after the trek. The specific sightseeing programme and applicable entrance fees are available on request; you may also relax around the lakeside area or explore the city independently.
Max Altitude
Approximately 822 m
Accomodation
Hotel in Pokhara
Meals
Breakfast
Return to Kathmandu either by road or domestic flight, depending on the transport option selected at booking. Domestic flight arrangements may require an additional charge. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Max Altitude
1,400 m
Accomodation
Four-star hotel in Kathmandu
Meals
Breakfast
Enjoy a free day to rest, organise belongings, purchase souvenirs or explore Kathmandu independently. This day also provides limited flexibility following the trek and travel schedule.
Max Altitude
1,400 m
Accomodation
Not included
Meals
Not included
Your Annapurna Circuit Trek concludes today. A Hatti Hatti Treks representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your international departure schedule.
Max Altitude
1,400 m
Accomodation
Not included
Meals
Not included
We Accept
What's Covered
Inclusion And Exclusions
What's Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
- Two nights at a four-star hotel in Kathmandu
- Two nights of hotel accommodation in Pokhara
- Tourist bus or private vehicle transportation from Kathmandu to Dharapani
- Tourist bus or private vehicle transportation from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the overland journey to Dharapani and throughout the trek
- Breakfast in Pokhara and Kathmandu on non-trekking days as specified in the itinerary
- Experienced, government-licensed trekking guide
- Porter service, subject to the confirmed baggage allowance
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Guide and porter salaries, meals and accommodation
- Insurance for the guide and porter
- Group medical and first-aid kit
- Applicable government taxes and service charges
What's Not Included
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance and emergency evacuation coverage
- Additional Kathmandu or Pokhara accommodation outside the scheduled hotel nights
- Accommodation and meals on Day 13 unless separately arranged
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara outside of trekking days
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Hot showers during the trek
- Wi-Fi and device-charging fees
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Bottled water
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the guide and porters
- Excess baggage or additional porter services beyond the confirmed baggage allowance
- Optional Jomsom–Pokhara flight
- Costs resulting from weather, route changes or itinerary modifications
- Expenses caused by illness, early withdrawal or unforeseen circumstances
- Costs resulting from changes requested by the participant
- Any service not mentioned under Cost Includes
Common Questions
FAQs
This package runs for 14 days, including arrival in Kathmandu, road transportation, the trek to Muktinath, the return via Pokhara, a free day in Kathmandu, and final departure.
This itinerary covers the eastern approach through Manang, the Thorong La crossing and the descent to Muktinath. It does not include every section associated with longer versions of the traditional circuit.
The trek is challenging. Participants must manage several consecutive walking days, significant elevation gain, and an 8–9 hour pass-crossing day.
Thorong La Pass is the highest point at 5,416 metres.
The itinerary includes one acclimatization day in Manang. Individual responses to altitude vary, and no schedule can eliminate altitude risk.
The package includes two nights in Kathmandu, two nights in Pokhara, and teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided throughout the trekking section. The Day 13 free day and meals outside the trek are not included.
The package includes the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which is mandatory for this route. As of 2026, the TIMS card is generally no longer enforced on the Annapurna Circuit; current requirements should be confirmed at the time of booking.
Yes, an optional Jomsom–Pokhara flight can be requested. It carries an additional charge and is subject to weather, availability and operational conditions.
The guide will assess the situation and recommend the safest available course of action. This may involve waiting, changing the route or discontinuing the crossing. Additional costs caused by such circumstances are excluded.
Yes. Your policy should cover high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies and helicopter evacuation up to the maximum elevation of the trip.