The Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary covers 15 days from Kathmandu — two drive days, one acclimatisation day in Manang, and 12 full trekking days through one of the most geographically varied mountain routes on earth. The circuit moves continuously forward, never returning on itself — from subtropical river valleys at Besisahar to the high alpine desert of Thorong La Pass at 5,416m, down through the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, along the Kali Gandaki — the world’s deepest gorge — and finishing with the rhododendron forests and Poon Hill sunrise before Pokhara. Furthermore, the route can be extended with Tilicho Lake (+2–3 days), shortened by flying from Jomsom to Pokhara (-4 days), or expanded with Upper Mustang. Consequently, this guide covers every day in full detail so you arrive at Besisahar knowing exactly what the next 13 trekking days involve.
What’s Inside This Guide
- 15-Day Itinerary at a Glance
- Day-by-Day Detailed Guide
- Itinerary Variations — Tilicho, Jomsom Flight, Upper Mustang
- Helicopter Return Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Planning Guides
Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary — 15 Days at a Glance
| Day | Route | Altitude | Hours | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive Kathmandu → Besisahar | 760m | 6–7 hrs drive | Besisahar (teahouse) |
| Day 2 | Drive Besisahar → Chame | 2,670m | 5–6 hrs drive/jeep | Chame |
| Day 3 | Trek Chame → Upper Pisang | 3,300m | 5–6 hrs | Upper Pisang |
| Day 4 | Trek Upper Pisang → Ngawal | 3,660m | 4–5 hrs | Ngawal |
| Day 5 | Trek Ngawal → Manang | 3,540m | 4–5 hrs | Manang |
| Day 6 | Acclimatisation Day — Manang | 3,540m | 2–3 hrs optional hike | Manang |
| Day 7 | Trek Manang → Yak Kharka | 4,050m | 4–5 hrs | Yak Kharka |
| Day 8 | Trek Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi | 4,450m | 3–4 hrs | Thorong Phedi |
| Day 9 | Thorong La Pass → Muktinath | 5,416m → 3,800m | 6–7 hrs | Muktinath |
| Day 10 | Muktinath → Kagbeni → Jomsom | 2,720m | 4–5 hrs walk/drive | Jomsom |
| Day 11 | Jomsom → Tatopani (jeep) | 1,200m | 4–5 hrs drive | Tatopani |
| Day 12 | Trek Tatopani → Ghorepani | 2,860m | 5–6 hrs | Ghorepani |
| Day 13 | Poon Hill Sunrise → Tadapani | 2,700m | 5–6 hrs | Tadapani |
| Day 14 | Trek Tadapani → Ghandruk | 1,940m | 3–4 hrs | Ghandruk |
| Day 15 | Drive Ghandruk → Pokhara | 822m | 2.5–3 hrs drive | Pokhara |
What this Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary delivers differently
The Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary is a forward-moving journey through five distinct geographic zones — subtropical river valley, alpine forest, high Himalayan terrain, Tibetan rain-shadow plateau, and rhododendron ridge — with a different landscape every two to three days. Furthermore, the circuit never repeats itself — every overnight is at a new location, in a new landscape, at a new altitude. Consequently, the experience is genuinely cumulative — each day builds on the last and the sense of journey is stronger on the circuit than on any other Nepal trekking route.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary — Day by Day
Day 01 — Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m)
Drive: 6–7 hrs | Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Teahouse, Besisahar
The circuit begins with the drive west from Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway and into the Lamjung region, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi river corridors. Besisahar at 760m is the traditional starting point of the Annapurna Circuit — a market town on the Marsyangdi River where the road gives way to the trail. Check gear tonight. The mountains start tomorrow.
Day 02 — Drive Besisahar to Chame (2,670m)
Drive: 5–6 hrs (shared local bus or jeep — as available) | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Chame
The mountain road climbs from Besisahar through Syange, Jagat, and Dharapani — waterfalls, cliffs, and forested valley walls on both sides of the Marsyangdi River. Transport on this section runs on shared local vehicles — bus or jeep depending on what is available and running that day. The road surface deteriorates progressively as the vehicle climbs into the Manang district. Furthermore, Chame at 2,670m delivers the first clear mountain view — Lamjung Himal visible to the south as the valley opens properly. Consequently, the drive section is not wasted time — it covers terrain that would take 3 extra days on foot and puts you at the real trekking start at meaningful altitude with legs still fresh.
Day 03 — Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m)
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude gain: +630m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Upper Pisang
The trail leaves Chame through pine forest and rocky cliffs along the Marsyangdi River — suspension bridges, small settlements, and the river always close. Then, as the trail curves through a narrow gorge near Bhratang, something unexpected happens. Paungda Danda — also called Swarga Dwar, meaning Gateway to Heaven — rises directly above you across the river. A single enormous curved rock wall, hundreds of metres high, looming over the valley floor as you walk along its base. Most trekkers stop and stare. Photographs never capture the scale.
Paungda Danda is one of the most dramatic natural rock formations in the Himalayas and one of the most searched viewpoints on the entire Annapurna Circuit. Furthermore, it appears suddenly — you round a bend and there it is. No warning, no build-up. Consequently, Day 3 delivers its defining moment not at the overnight village but mid-trail, where the Marsyangdi gorge narrows and the mountains announce themselves for the first time in a way that is genuinely impossible to prepare for.
Upper Pisang at 3,300m sits on a hillside above the valley floor with expansive mountain views that lower Pisang simply cannot offer. Always take the upper trail — the extra altitude and the view over the Manang Valley justify every additional step.
Day 04 — Upper Pisang to Ngawal (3,660m) — Green Lake and Ghyaru Ridge
Trek: 4–5 hrs | Altitude gain: +360m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Ngawal
Day 4 opens with a hidden gem that most trekkers miss entirely if they move too fast. As the trail drops slightly from Upper Pisang toward the valley plain before the Ghyaru climb, Mring Tal — Green Lake — sits in the flat basin below. On a clear morning it is extraordinary: the turquoise water creates a perfect mirror reflection of the Paungda Danda rock face and Annapurna II behind it. The reflection view from the lake edge is one of the finest photography spots on the entire Annapurna Circuit — quiet, rarely crowded, and genuinely unexpected at this altitude.
After Green Lake the trail climbs steeply up switchbacks to Ghyaru village — one of the finest high-altitude viewpoints on the circuit, with Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and the full Manang Valley laid out below. Furthermore, the landscape transitions noticeably here from alpine forest to the drier, more open terrain that defines everything above Manang. Consequently, take your time at both Mring Tal and Ghyaru — Day 4 is shorter than most circuit days precisely because these two stops deserve it.
The trail continues along the high scenic ridge to Ngawal at 3,660m — a traditional stone village with the kind of unobstructed Himalayan panorama that trekkers travel weeks to find. This is it.
Day 05 — Ngawal to Manang (3,540m)
Trek: 4–5 hrs | Altitude change: -120m (gradual descent) | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Manang
The trail leaves Ngawal and descends gradually through Braga and Humde — two of the most traditionally Tibetan villages on the entire circuit — before the valley floor flattens and the wide open Manang basin opens ahead. Gangapurna (7,455m), Annapurna III, and the Chulu peaks surround the valley on three sides as you walk the final kilometres into the village. It is the kind of approach that makes trekkers slow down involuntarily.
Manang at 3,540m is the largest and most complete village on the upper circuit. Genuine Tibetan-influenced architecture, a functioning HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association) clinic with free altitude medicine lectures, bakeries producing fresh apple pie and cinnamon rolls, good teahouses with heated dining rooms, and ATMs. Furthermore, Manang is the last reliable cash access point before Thorong La — the next ATM is in Jomsom on the other side of the pass. Consequently, withdraw enough NPR to cover your trail expenses through to Jomsom and enjoy Manang’s comfort while it lasts. Tomorrow is the rest day — and the day that makes the pass crossing possible.
Day 06 — Acclimatisation Day in Manang (3,540m) — Gangapurna Lake Hike
Rest day: 3–4 hrs hike recommended | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Manang
This day is not optional — and it is not a day of passive rest. The acclimatisation day in Manang is the physiological preparation that makes Thorong La safe. Trekkers who skip it consistently face altitude problems at Thorong Phedi or on the pass itself.
The most popular and most effective way to spend your acclimatisation day in Manang is the hike to Gangapurna Lake. The lake sits at approximately 3,700m — a stunning glacial lake directly beneath the south face of Gangapurna (7,455m), with the glacier and icefall reflected in the water on calm mornings. The hike takes 2–3 hours return from Manang and is one of the most searched and most recommended sightseeing experiences on the entire Annapurna Circuit. Furthermore, the 160m altitude gain from Manang to the lake provides the “climb high, sleep low” acclimatisation benefit — your body adapts to 3,700m while you sleep at 3,540m. Consequently, Gangapurna Lake is not just a viewpoint — it is the most practical and beautiful acclimatisation tool the circuit offers.
For trekkers wanting more challenge on rest day, Ice Lake at 4,600m offers a harder hike — 1,060m above Manang — with views across the full Manang Valley and the Chulu peaks. Furthermore, the HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association) altitude medicine lecture in Manang runs every afternoon and is free — attend it without exception before the Thorong La crossing. Consequently, treat Day 6 as the most strategically important day of the entire circuit: hike to Gangapurna Lake in the morning, rest in the afternoon, and attend the HRA lecture in the evening.
Day 07 — Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m)
Trek: 4–5 hrs | Altitude gain: +510m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Yak Kharka
Above Manang the landscape becomes stark and extraordinary — vegetation thins, the trail crosses alpine meadows and rocky terrain, and the scale of the mountains above becomes overwhelming. Yak pastures appear along the trail and the teahouses become smaller and more isolated. Yak Kharka at 4,050m is a small seasonal settlement — basic, cold, and genuinely remote. Furthermore, appetite drops noticeably at 4,000m and sleep quality starts to deteriorate. Consequently, eat a full dinner regardless of appetite and drink 3–4 litres of water — what you consume tonight directly determines your performance tomorrow.
Day 08 — Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m)
Trek: 3–4 hrs | Altitude gain: +400m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Thorong Phedi or High Camp (4,850m)
A short but steep climb leads to Thorong Phedi — the base camp for the Thorong La crossing. The afternoon is spent resting, eating, and preparing for the 4am departure. Some trekkers continue to High Camp at 4,850m to shorten the pass crossing day — discuss this option with your Mountain Hike Nepal guide before arrival. Furthermore, sleep at Thorong Phedi is difficult — altitude, anticipation, and early departure all work against deep sleep. Consequently, aim for 7pm bed time and do not expect more than 4–5 hours of actual sleep before the alarm.
Day 09 — Thorong La Pass (5,416m) → Muktinath (3,800m)
Trek: 6–7 hrs | High point: 5,416m | Total altitude change: +966m ascent, -1,616m descent | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Muktinath
This is the day. Departure at 4:00–4:30am in darkness and cold — down jacket, balaclava, warm gloves, trekking poles, headlamp, and energy food from the start. The ascent gains approximately 1,000m from Thorong Phedi to the pass at 5,416m over 5–6 hours of steady climbing at an altitude where every step demands deliberate effort. The prayer flag summit offers panoramic Himalayan views — Dhaulagiri (8,167m) directly visible across the Kali Gandaki on clear mornings. Furthermore, the descent to Muktinath drops 1,616m on steep rocky terrain — the most knee-intensive section of the entire circuit. Consequently, trekking poles are non-negotiable on the descent and pace management from the summit down protects the knees for the remaining 6 days.
Day 10 — Muktinath to Kagbeni to Jomsom (2,720m)
Walk or drive: 4–5 hrs | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Jomsom
After visiting the sacred Muktinath Temple — one of the most significant Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal — the route descends through Kagbeni, a historic walled village at the entrance to Upper Mustang. The Kali Gandaki Valley opens dramatically here — a wide desert river corridor flanked by towering canyon walls in the world’s deepest gorge. Furthermore, Jomsom is the administrative centre of the Mustang region and the key decision point — continue walking the full circuit, fly to Pokhara, or extend north to Upper Mustang. Consequently, discuss the forward itinerary with your Mountain Hike Nepal guide on arrival in Jomsom.
Day 11 — Jomsom to Tatopani (1,200m)
Drive: 4–5 hrs (shared local bus or jeep — as available) | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Tatopani
Transport from Jomsom to Tatopani runs on shared local vehicles — bus or jeep depending on what is operating that day in the Kali Gandaki Valley. The route follows the valley south through dramatic desert landscapes — Marpha with its apple orchards and whitewashed houses, Tukuche, and Larjung before the canyon walls close in and the river gorge deepens. Tatopani at 1,200m sits beside the Kali Gandaki with natural hot springs — the most anticipated single stop on the post-pass descent. Furthermore, the drop from Jomsom to Tatopani delivers a temperature jump from alpine cold to subtropical warmth in a single afternoon. Consequently, Tatopani is one of the most genuinely restorative overnights on any Nepal trek — warm water, warm air, and the very clear knowledge that Thorong La is firmly behind you.
Day 12 — Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,860m)
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude gain: +1,660m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Ghorepani
The hardest day of the second half of the circuit. The trail climbs 1,660m from Tatopani through dense rhododendron and oak forest — a spectacular botanical environment with the forest canopy overhead and scattered mountain views through the trees. The legs carry the accumulated fatigue of 11 previous days and the altitude gain is significant. Furthermore, Ghorepani at 2,860m sits near the Poon Hill viewpoint — one of the most celebrated sunrise spots in Nepal. Consequently, arrive before dark, eat a good dinner, and set a 3:30am alarm — Poon Hill is the reward for everything Day 12 asks.
Day 13 — Poon Hill Sunrise → Tadapani (2,700m)
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Early start: 3:30am for Poon Hill | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Tadapani
The 45-minute pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) delivers the finest panoramic sunrise in the Annapurna region — Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Hiunchuli lit in sequence from east to west as the sun rises. No photograph does it justice. After breakfast, the trail descends along forested ridges toward Tadapani through rhododendron forest that peaks in April. Furthermore, Tadapani at 2,700m sits above the tree line with clear views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Consequently, Day 13 is the emotional peak of the final section — 12 days of preparation and effort condensed into one extraordinary morning view.
Day 14 — Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,940m)
Trek: 3–4 hrs | Altitude loss: -760m | Meals: B, L, D | Stay: Ghandruk
A pleasant descent through forest trails leads to Ghandruk — one of Nepal’s finest traditional Gurung villages with stone-paved lanes, slate-roofed houses, and the full Annapurna range visible from the upper village. The afternoon is free — explore the village, visit the Gurung museum, or simply sit with Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre overhead and reflect on the 14 days that brought you here. Furthermore, Ghandruk teahouses are some of the most comfortable on the entire circuit — a genuinely warm and welcoming final overnight. Consequently, Day 14 is the perfect way to end the walking portion of the expedition.
Day 15 — Drive Ghandruk to Pokhara (822m)
Drive: 2.5–3 hrs | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
A scenic jeep drive descends through rural hillsides and river valleys toward Pokhara — the Annapurna range visible behind you on clear mornings as you leave Ghandruk. The circuit ends on arrival in Pokhara. Phewa Lake, a lakeside restaurant, a warm shower, and a real bed. Fifteen days. One complete mountain crossing. The Annapurna Circuit. Done.
Itinerary Variations — Tilicho, Jomsom Flight, Upper Mustang
Add Tilicho Lake — +2–3 days between Days 6 and 7
Tilicho Lake at 4,919m sits just off the main circuit between Manang and Yak Kharka. The detour branches from Shree Kharka above Manang, visits a high camp at 4,150m, reaches the lake on the second day, and rejoins the main circuit above Manang on the return. No additional permit is required — the ACAP covers the Tilicho route. Furthermore, the lake setting — surrounded by Tilicho Peak and Nilgiri above the moraine — is one of the most extraordinary high-altitude environments in Nepal. Consequently, if your schedule allows 17–18 days, the Tilicho Lake extension is the single most worthwhile addition to the standard circuit.
Fly from Jomsom — cut 4 days, same highlights
Flying from Jomsom to Pokhara instead of walking the return through Tatopani, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill gives a 10–11 day circuit covering the full Thorong La crossing. This is the right choice for international trekkers on 2-week Nepal holidays who want the complete circuit experience without the full 15-day commitment. Contact Mountain Hike Nepal for current flight pricing and availability before booking.
Add Upper Mustang — +3–5 days north of Kagbeni
Upper Mustang is a restricted area north of Kagbeni accessible from Day 10 of the circuit. The restricted area permit costs USD 50 per person per day under the new 2024 rules — a 3-day visit adds USD 150 per person in permit fees. Furthermore, Upper Mustang delivers a completely different landscape to anything on the standard circuit — a high-altitude Tibetan plateau with ancient cave monasteries, walled villages, and fossil-rich canyon walls. Consequently, the Upper Mustang extension requires a registered agency to handle the permit application — Mountain Hike Nepal manages this as part of the booking. Contact us before booking to confirm availability and build the extension into your itinerary.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary — Helicopter Return Options
The Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary has two natural helicopter exit points — Muktinath on Day 9 after the pass crossing, and Jomsom on Day 10. Mountain Hike Nepal arranges helicopter returns from both locations.
Muktinath to Kathmandu — the dramatic finish
After crossing Thorong La, a helicopter from Muktinath flies directly to Kathmandu in 45–60 minutes — the most time-efficient and spectacular way to end the circuit. You cross the highest pass in the Himalayas in the morning and land in Kathmandu by early afternoon, skipping the entire return leg entirely. Contact us before booking for current pricing and availability.
Jomsom onwards — flexible departures
Helicopter pickups from Jomsom, Manang, Thorong Phedi, or anywhere on the circuit are available on request. Emergency medical evacuation is also available from any point — your travel insurance covers this when the policy explicitly includes trekking above 5,000m and helicopter evacuation from Nepal. Contact Mountain Hike Nepal to discuss options: Chat with us on WhatsApp →
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary is 15 days from Kathmandu — two drive days, one acclimatisation day in Manang, and 12 trekking days finishing with a drive to Pokhara. Furthermore, the circuit can be shortened to 10–11 days by flying from Jomsom instead of walking the return leg. Consequently, always build 1–2 buffer days in Kathmandu for any transport delays or weather on the return drive from Pokhara.
Yes — by flying from Jomsom to Pokhara instead of walking the 4-day return route. This gives a 10–11 day circuit with the full Thorong La experience intact. Furthermore, driving from Kathmandu directly to Chame (skipping Besisahar) removes 1 extra day. One practical tip on transport: the Besisahar to Chame and Jomsom to Tatopani sections run on shared local vehicles as standard — bus or jeep depending on availability. If you are a group of 4 or more trekkers, booking a private jeep for these sections is genuinely worth considering — more comfortable, more flexible on timing, and the cost difference per person is small when shared across the group. Consequently, trekkers with 10–12 days available can complete the full circuit highlights — contact Mountain Hike Nepal to design the right itinerary and vehicle arrangement for your group size.
Day 9 — the Thorong La crossing — is the defining day. Starting in darkness at 4am, climbing to 5,416m, and descending to Muktinath across a landscape that changes entirely on either side of the pass. Furthermore, Day 13 runs a close second — the Poon Hill sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range after 12 days of walking toward those mountains. Consequently, both days represent the dual peaks of the entire 15-day journey.
Related Planning Guides
- Annapurna Circuit Package — Full 15-day expedition from USD 828 per person
- Circuit Cost 2026 — Package prices and full budget breakdown
- How Hard Is the Circuit? — Section-by-section difficulty guide
- Elevation and Altitude Guide — Day-by-day altitude profile
- Altitude Sickness Guide — AMS prevention for 5,416m
- Permits Guide 2026 — ACAP, TIMS status, checkpoint locations
- Best Time to Trek — Month-by-month season guide
Walk Every Day. Cross the Pass. Earn the Sunrise.
The Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary delivers a different reward on every one of its 12 trekking days — the river valley on Day 3, the high ridge views at Ngawal on Day 4, the acclimatisation culture of Manang on Day 6, the raw altitude of Thorong Phedi on Day 8, the pass crossing on Day 9, Tatopani’s hot springs on Day 11, and Poon Hill on Day 13. No two days are the same. No section repeats. Follow the guide’s pace from Chame, take the Manang rest day seriously, start Thorong La at 4am, and the circuit delivers one of the finest mountain journeys on earth.
Mountain Hike Nepal has guided the Annapurna Circuit since 2018 as a licensed local operator in Kathmandu. When you contact us, you speak directly with the team that walks this route every season. Consequently, any question about a specific day, the Tilicho extension, helicopter options, or Upper Mustang gets a straight answer from people who were last on this trail recently.
The full package starts at USD 828 per person for groups of 8–10, USD 898 for 4–6, USD 998 for 2–3, and USD 1,198 for solo trekkers. All permits and transport included.
View the full Annapurna Circuit Trek package →
Questions about any day, the itinerary variations, or helicopter return options? We respond within 12 hours and give straight answers.