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15 days
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Annapurna
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Challenging
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5,416 m
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From 1 person
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Trekking
Highlights
- Crossing the Thorong La pass (5,416 m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world
- Views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna and the Manang valley
- Manang and the Tibetan-style villages of Upper Pisang and Ngawal
- The sacred temple of Muktinath and the medieval village of Kagbeni
- The deep Kali Gandaki gorge and a flight back to Pokhara
Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the great classic treks of Nepal. From the green Marsyangdi valley you walk north around the Annapurna massif into the dry, Tibetan-style landscape of Manang, with views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak.
After an acclimatization day in Manang you cross the Thorong La pass (5,416 m) to the sacred temple of Muktinath, then descend through Kagbeni to Jomsom and fly back to Pokhara. If you want to add the high Tilicho Lake, choose our 17-day Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. In spring the rhododendron forests are in bloom, and autumn brings the clearest skies after the monsoon.
Winter (December to February) is cold at altitude and high passes can be closed by snow. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain, cloud and slippery trails, so we do not recommend it for this trek.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a challenging trek with five to seven hours of walking on most days and a long, steep day over the Thorong La pass (5,416 m). No technical skills are needed, but you should be in good health and used to hiking several days in a row.
The acclimatization day in Manang and the slow ascent via Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi help your body adjust. Training with long walks, hill hikes and cardio exercise in the months before the trip makes the trek far more enjoyable.
Permits
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A long jeep journey of 9–11 hours takes you via Besisahar and up the Marsyangdi valley on a rough mountain road. You arrive in Dharapani, the starting point of the trek. Overnight in a teahouse in Dharapani (1,860 m).
The trail climbs through pine forest along the Marsyangdi, with the first views of Annapurna II. You arrive in Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, a good place to rest and look at the peaks above the town. Overnight in a teahouse in Chame (2,670 m).
The valley opens up as you pass the huge curved rock face of Paungda Danda. The trail continues up the Marsyangdi valley to the village of Pisang, with views of Annapurna II across the valley. Overnight in a teahouse in Pisang (3,200 m).
Taking the high trail, you climb steeply to the village of Ghyaru and enjoy some of the best mountain views on the circuit. The trail then contours along the hillside to the village of Ngawal, and the shorter day helps with acclimatization. Overnight in a teahouse in Ngawal (3,660 m).
The trail descends gently via Bhraka into the Manang valley, a short walk of three to five hours. You reach Manang in good time to rest and settle in before the acclimatization day. Overnight in a teahouse in Manang (3,540 m).
An important day for acclimatization before going higher. You can hike to Gangapurna Lake or climb further to Ice Lake, returning to Manang to sleep. Take time in the afternoon to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Overnight in a teahouse in Manang (3,540 m).
A short day of three to four hours climbs gently out of the Manang valley past summer pastures and yak herds to Yak Kharka. The slow gain in height helps your body adjust before the pass. Overnight in a teahouse in Yak Kharka (4,050 m).
A short climb takes you to Thorong Phedi at the foot of the pass. The afternoon is for rest, drinking plenty of fluids and an early night before the crossing. Overnight in a teahouse in Thorong Phedi (4,525 m).
A pre-dawn start for the crossing of Thorong La (5,416 m), the highest point of the trek, marked by prayer flags and wide Himalayan views. A long, steep descent then leads to the pilgrimage town of Muktinath. Expect 8–10 hours on the trail. Overnight in a teahouse in Muktinath (3,800 m).
An easy walk of three to four hours descends through the dry Mustang landscape to Kagbeni, a medieval village of mud-brick houses and a red monastery at the gateway to Upper Mustang. Overnight in a teahouse in Kagbeni (2,810 m).
A walk of about three hours follows the wide Kali Gandaki riverbed south to Jomsom, the main town of the region. The afternoon is free to explore or rest. Overnight in a lodge in Jomsom (2,720 m).
A short morning flight takes you from Jomsom to Pokhara, passing between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The rest of the day is free to relax by the lake. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara (820 m).
A bus journey of around 6–7 hours takes you back along the river valleys to Kathmandu. The evening is free to rest, pick up souvenirs or explore the city. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
