Annapurna Circuit Trek 16 Days

Tour highlights

Itinerary Overview

Travel Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) – Welcome and Preparation Day

  Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by our airport representative and transferred to your hotel in the Thamel area, the main tourist hub of Nepal. After hotel check-in, you will have time to rest, recover from your journey, and adjust to the new environment. The remaining part of the day is free for leisure activities such as walking around Thamel, visiting trekking gear shops, or enjoying local cafés. In the evening, a detailed trek briefing session will be conducted where your guide will explain the complete itinerary, safety procedures, altitude awareness, trekking rules, and essential preparation guidelines for the upcoming journey.

  Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Kathmandu.

• Day 2 : Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m) and Jeep Ride to Syange/Ngadi – Entry to Annapurna Region (7-9 Hours Drive)

  After breakfast in Kathmandu, you will begin a scenic overland journey toward Besisahar via the Prithvi Highway. The drive moves along the Trishuli River, passing through green hills, terraced farmlands, small roadside towns, and river valleys that reflect the rural beauty of Nepal. As you travel westward, the scenery gradually becomes more mountainous and peaceful, offering your first real glimpse of the Himalayan foothills.

  
  

  Upon reaching Besisahar, you will switch to a local shared or private jeep for the off-road drive toward Syange or Ngadi, depending on road conditions and seasonal accessibility. The route becomes rougher and more adventurous as it follows narrow gravel roads, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and cliffside sections carved into the hills. This transition officially marks your entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area and trekking region.

  
  

  Accommodation: Tea House in Syange or Ngadi

• Day 3 : Trek from Syange to Chamje (1,410m) – First Day of Walking Adventure (5–6 hours Trek)

  Today you begin your first official trekking day on the Annapurna Circuit trail. The route follows the Marsyangdi River, where the sound of flowing water accompanies your walk through stone steps, suspension bridges, and forested paths. The trail alternates between gradual ascents and short steep climbs, offering a balanced introduction to Himalayan trekking.

  
  

  You will pass through small settlements inhabited mainly by Gurung communities, where traditional mountain lifestyles are still preserved. Along the way, you will experience waterfalls cascading from cliffs, lush green vegetation, and peaceful natural surroundings. The rhythm of walking becomes steady and immersive as you adapt to trekking life in the Himalayas.

  Accommodation: Tea House in Chamje

• Day 4 : Trek from Chamje to Dharapani (1,860m) – Entering Manang District (6–7 hours Trek)

  The trail today continues deeper into the Marsyangdi Valley, gradually gaining altitude through forested hills, rocky cliffs, and river crossings. You will pass through Tal village, a wide valley settlement known for its waterfall and open landscapes, which feels like a natural transition point between lower hills and higher mountains.

  
  

  As you move forward, the environment begins to shift culturally and geographically. Buddhist influences become more visible, with prayer flags, mani walls, and stone chortens appearing along the trail. The trekking pace remains steady with a mix of gradual ascents and short challenging sections. By the end of the day, you officially enter the Manang district region.

  
  

  Accommodation: Tea House in Dharapani

• Day 5 : Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,710m) – Gateway to Upper Himalayas (5–6 hours Trek)

  Today’s trail takes you into a more dramatic Himalayan environment with noticeable changes in altitude, temperature, and landscape. The route passes through dense pine and fir forests, wooden bridges, and narrow valley paths carved along steep hillsides. Throughout the walk, you will enjoy increasingly clear views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal, rising dramatically above the valleys.

  
  

  As you approach Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, the environment becomes more alpine and peaceful. Chame is a well-developed mountain settlement known for its natural hot springs, local shops, and strong Tibetan cultural influence. The air feels noticeably cooler and fresher, signaling your gradual ascent into higher Himalayan territory.

  
  

  Accommodation: Tea House in Chame

• Day 6 : Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,300m) – Alpine Landscape Transition (5–6 hours Trek)

  The trail becomes narrower and more scenic as you move deeper into the Annapurna region. Today’s walk takes you through dense forests, rocky cliffs, and river valleys with constant views of snow-covered peaks. The terrain becomes more rugged and alpine, with fewer trees and more open mountain scenery dominating the surroundings.

  
  

  You will walk alongside dramatic landscapes shaped by glaciers and rivers, while encountering small Buddhist settlements along the way. Pisang village offers one of the most stunning viewpoints of the trek, with panoramic views of Pisang Peak and surrounding Himalayan ranges glowing in the distance.

  
  

  Accommodation: Tea House in Pisang

• Day 7 : Trek from Pisang to Manang (3,540m) – Cultural Heart of Annapurna Circuit (6–7 hours Trek)

  Today’s route offers two options: the lower trail and the upper trail. The upper route is more challenging but highly rewarding, offering wide panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. The lower route is easier and follows a more gradual river valley path. Both routes eventually lead to Manang village.

  
  

  As you arrive in Manang, the landscape transforms dramatically into a dry, high-altitude valley with Tibetan-style architecture, prayer flags, and ancient monasteries. Manang is one of the most important cultural and acclimatization hubs of the entire circuit, offering both beauty and essential facilities for trekkers.

  Accommodation: Tea House in Manang

• Day 8 : Acclimatization Day in Manang – Rest, Exploration, and Altitude Adaptation (3–5 hours optional hiking)

  This important rest day is dedicated to acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to higher altitude before ascending further. You will take short but rewarding hikes around Manang, such as Gangapurna Lake, Ice Lake viewpoint trails, or ridge-top walks overlooking the valley. These hikes are essential for improving oxygen adaptation and reducing altitude risk.

  
  

  The rest of the day is spent resting, hydrating, and preparing equipment for higher altitude trekking ahead. You may also explore Manang village, visit local monasteries, or interact with locals to understand their unique Himalayan lifestyle.

  
  

  Accommodation: Tea House in Manang

• Day 9 : Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m) – Entering High Alpine Zone (4–5 hours Trek)

  Today’s trail ascends gradually into a more remote and high-altitude environment. Vegetation becomes sparse, and the landscape shifts into open alpine terrain with rocky hills, yak grazing fields, and scattered vegetation. The trail is less crowded and more peaceful, offering wide Himalayan views throughout the journey.

  
  

  As you climb higher, the air becomes thinner, requiring a slow and steady walking pace. You may spot yaks grazing in open fields and experience the raw beauty of the high mountains. Yak Kharka provides a quiet resting stop surrounded by dramatic Himalayan scenery, preparing you for the more challenging days ahead.

  Accommodation: Tea House in Yak Kharka

• Day 10 : Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m) – Final Approach to High Pass Base (3–4 hours Trek)

  Today’s trekking route is relatively short in distance but demanding in terrain, as the trail gradually ascends into a more rugged and high-altitude landscape. You will walk through rocky slopes, glacial valleys, and exposed hillside sections where careful movement and steady pacing are essential. The vegetation becomes minimal, and the environment turns increasingly alpine and remote.

  
  

  As you continue climbing, you will feel the effects of higher altitude, so the pace remains slow and controlled with frequent rest stops. The trail offers dramatic mountain views and a sense of isolation in the high Himalayas. Upon reaching Thorong Phedi, the final base camp before the pass, you will check into your lodge and rest early to prepare physically and mentally for the challenging ascent of Thorong La Pass the next day.

  
  

  Accommodation: Tea House in Thorong Phedi

• Day 11 : Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and Trek to Muktinath (3,800m) – Highest Point of the Journey (8–10 hours Trek)

  This is the most demanding, longest, and most unforgettable day of the entire Annapurna Circuit Trek. You will start very early in the morning, usually before sunrise, to take advantage of stable weather conditions and avoid strong winds at higher altitude. The ascent toward Thorong La Pass is steep, slow, and physically challenging, where every step requires steady breathing, patience, and careful energy management. The trail becomes increasingly cold and exposed as you climb above the snowline, offering a raw and dramatic Himalayan environment.

  
  

  Upon reaching Thorong La Pass, you will stand at 5,416 meters, one of the highest trekking passes in the world, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After spending some time at the summit for rest, photographs, and celebration of achievement, you will begin a long and careful descent toward Muktinath. The downhill section is equally demanding on the knees but gradually becomes easier as altitude decreases. Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, offers a peaceful spiritual atmosphere with temples and the famous eternal flame, marking a meaningful end to this challenging mountain day.

  Accommodation: Tea House in Muktinath

• Day 12 : Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom via Kagbeni (2,720m) – Entering Mustang Valley (5–6 hours Trek)

  After breakfast, you will begin your descent into the Mustang region, where the landscape dramatically transforms into a dry, windy, and desert-like environment. The trail passes through open valleys, arid hills, and traditional settlements influenced by Tibetan culture.

  
  

  A key highlight of the day is Kagbeni, an ancient and culturally rich village located at the gateway to Upper Mustang. Here, you will experience narrow alleys, old monasteries, prayer flags, and historic architecture that reflects centuries-old Himalayan traditions. After exploring Kagbeni, you will continue your journey toward Jomsom, a major administrative and commercial hub of the region known for strong winds, apple orchards, and wide valley views.

  
  

  Accommodation: Tea House in Jomsom

• Day 13 : Flight or Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara (820m) – Transition to Lakeside Relaxation (25-minute flight or 6–7 hours drive)

  After breakfast, you will either take a scenic mountain flight or an overland jeep drive from Jomsom to Pokhara. The flight is short but extremely scenic, offering aerial views of deep valleys, river systems, and towering Himalayan peaks. The drive option, while longer, passes through rugged roads, riversides, and remote villages, offering a different perspective of Nepal’s mountain geography.

  
  

  Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will transfer to your hotel near Phewa Lake. The rest of the day is free for relaxation, boating, café visits, or simply enjoying the calm atmosphere of Nepal’s most beautiful lakeside city. This is a perfect place to unwind after completing the high-altitude section of the trek.

  
  

  Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Pokhara

• Day 14 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu – Return Through Scenic Hills and Rivers (6–8 hours Drive)

  Today you will travel back to Kathmandu by tourist bus or private vehicle. The journey follows the winding Prithvi Highway, passing through rivers, waterfalls, terraced farmland, hillside villages, and green valleys. This scenic drive provides a final opportunity to reflect on the completed Himalayan journey while observing Nepal’s diverse rural landscapes.

  
  

  Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will check into your hotel and have free time for rest or optional evening exploration in Thamel, where restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions are easily accessible.

  
  

  Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Kathmandu

• Day 15 : Leisure Day in Kathmandu – Cultural Exploration and Relaxation

  This full leisure day is designed for rest, cultural exploration, and personal activities after completing the trekking journey. You may choose to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, or Pashupatinath Temple, each offering deep cultural and spiritual experiences.

  
  

  Alternatively, you can spend the day shopping for souvenirs in Thamel, enjoying traditional Nepali cuisine, or simply relaxing at your hotel. This day provides a smooth transition from high-altitude trekking back to urban comfort.

  
  

  Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Kathmandu

• Day 16 : Final Departure from Kathmandu – End of Himalayan Adventure

  After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. Our team will assist you with departure arrangements and ensure a smooth transfer. This marks the completion of your Annapurna Circuit Trek, leaving you with lifelong memories of Himalayan landscapes, cultural encounters, and high-altitude adventure experiences.

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