Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Take time to rest and recover from your flight. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore Thamel, the lively trekking hub with shops, cafés, and cultural highlights. Evening trek briefing and welcome dinner.
Annapurna Circuit Classic Trek Itinerary - 16 Days
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,330m / 4,364ft)
Day 2 Drive Kathmandu – Besisahar (760m / 2,493ft) – Chamche (1,100m / 3,609ft)
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, following rivers and valleys with glimpses of villages, terraced fields, and mountains. From Besisahar, continue by jeep on a bumpy off-road track to Chamche, a small village beside the Marsyangdi River and waterfalls.
• Drive Hours: 8–9 hours
Day 3 Trek Chamche – Tal – Dharapani – Danaque (2,300m / 7,546ft)
Cross suspension bridges and follow the Marsyangdi River upstream. The trail passes through Tal (1,700m / 5,577ft), a beautiful riverside village set on a flat terrace. Continue through forests and stone-paved paths to Dharapani, then climb gently to Danaque, surrounded by pine forests.
• Walking Distance: 15km / 9.3mi
• Walking Hours: 6–7 hours
Day 4 Trek Danaque – Timang – Chame (2,670m / 8,759ft)
A steady uphill walk through pine and oak forests takes you to Timang, a village with excellent views of Manaslu (8,163m). Continue along a scenic path with apple orchards and local settlements before reaching Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, with hot springs nearby and superb views of Annapurna II.
• Walking Distance: 13km / 8mi
• Walking Hours: 5–6 hoursDay 5 Trek Chame – Bhratang – Dhikur Pokhari – Pisang (3,200m / 10,498ft)
The trail passes through a deep gorge lined with pine forests, then opens up to spectacular views. You’ll pass Paungda Danda, a dramatic curved rock formation, before reaching Pisang, a picturesque village offering wide views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Pisang Peak (6,091m).
• Walking Distance: 14km / 8.7mi
• Walking Hours: 5–6 hoursDay 6 Trek Pisang – Ghyaru – Ngawal – Manang (3,540m / 11,614ft)
Take the upper trail via Ghyaru and Ngawal, a challenging climb but one that rewards with panoramic views of the Annapurna range. Along the way, pass prayer wheels, mani walls, and traditional Tibetan-style houses. Descend into the wide valley of Manang, a large village surrounded by snowcapped peaks.
• Walking Distance: 17km / 10.5mi
• Walking Hours: 6–7 hoursDay 7 Acclimatization Day in Manang (3,540m / 11,614ft)
Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude. Options include a short hike to Gangapurna Lake (3,900m / 12,795ft), a turquoise glacial lake, or to Bhojo Gompa (4,000m / 13,123ft) for stunning mountain views. This rest day helps your body adapt before heading to higher altitudes.
• Walking Distance: 3–5km optional hikes
• Walking Hours: 2–4 hours optionalDay 8 Trek Manang – Yak Kharka (4,018m / 13,182ft)
Leave Manang and climb gently through alpine meadows where yaks graze. The vegetation thins, and the air becomes cooler as you ascend towards Yak Kharka, a small settlement with impressive views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna.
• Walking Distance: 10km / 6.2mi
• Walking Hours: 4–5 hoursDay 9 Trek Yak Kharka – Thorong Phedi (4,450m / 14,600ft)
Cross a wooden bridge over the river and follow a gradual ascent to Thorong Phedi, the last settlement before the pass. Some trekkers push further to High Camp (4,900m / 16,076ft), but staying at Phedi helps conserve energy for the big climb.
• Walking Distance: 8km / 5mi
• Walking Hours: 4–5 hours
Day 10 Trek to Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,769ft) – Muktinath (3,800m / 12,467ft)
Start before sunrise to cross Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek. The climb is steep but unforgettable, with panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Mustang. Descend on a long, steep path to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site revered by Hindus and Buddhists.
• Walking Distance: 16km / 9.9mi
• Walking Hours: 7–9 hoursDay 11 Drive Muktinath – Jomsom (2,770m / 9,088ft) – Tatopani (2,686m / 8,812ft)
Take a jeep through the windy Kali Gandaki Valley, stopping briefly in Jomsom, the district headquarters known for apple orchards and strong winds. Continue to Tatopani, where you can soak in natural hot springs to relax sore muscles.
• Drive Hours: 6–7 hours
Day 12 Trek Tatopani – Ghorepani (2,750m / 9,022ft)
Climb steeply through terraced fields and villages before entering rhododendron forests. The long ascent is tiring but rewarding. By late afternoon, reach Ghorepani, a famous stop with stunning Himalayan panoramas.
• Walking Distance: 17km / 10.5mi
• Walking Hours: 7–8 hours
Day 13 Trek Ghorepani – Poon Hill (3,210m / 10,531ft) – Tadapani (2,600m / 8,530ft)
Wake up early for a short hike to Poon Hill, one of Nepal’s most iconic viewpoints. Watch the sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu ranges. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek through rhododendron and oak forests to Tadapani.
• Walking Distance: 12km / 7.5mi
• Walking Hours: 6–7 hours
Day 14 Trek Tadapani – Ghandruk (1,940m / 6,364ft)
Descend through rhododendron forests and terraced hillsides to Ghandruk, a charming Gurung village with traditional stone houses. Explore the cultural museum and enjoy close-up views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South.
• Walking Distance: 8km / 5mi
• Walking Hours: 4–5 hours
Day 15 Trek Ghandruk – Nayapul (1,070m / 3,510ft) – Drive to Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft)
Walk down stone-paved trails through terraced fields to Nayapul, the official trek endpoint. From here, drive back to Pokhara and relax by Phewa Lake, enjoying the vibrant lakeside atmosphere.
• Walking Distance: 10km / 6.2mi + 1.5hr drive
• Walking Hours: 4–5 hours
Day 16 Drive Pokhara – Kathmandu (1,320m / 4,330ft)
Take a scenic drive back to Kathmandu, following the Trishuli River. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating your successful trek around the Annapurna Circuit.
• Walking Distance: –
• Drive Hours: 6–7 hours