Annapurna Circuit Trek
Cross the world-famous Thorong La Pass and experience one of Nepal’s most iconic and diverse Himalayan trekking routes
Overview
- StartPokhara
- Duration10 days
- Highest point5,416m
- DifficultyModerate-Challenging
- FinishPokhara
About this trek
The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you through some of Nepal’s most varied landscapes, from terraced fields and forests to high alpine valleys, with traditional villages and Tibetan-influenced settlements along the way. The trail rises gradually, offering close-up views of peaks like Annapurna II and Gangapurna, and there’s time to acclimatise in Manang while exploring local monasteries and high-altitude lakes. You will sleep in tea houses or lodges in local villages.
The highlight is crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 m): an unforgettable moment with amazing views of the surrounding Himalaya. From there, the trek descends to the sacred Muktinath Temple before returning to Pokhara. It’s a challenging but deeply rewarding route that combines mountains, culture, and a real sense of being in the high Himalaya. True bucket list material!
Want to change this itinerary to your preferences? Contact me to discuss the options.
Great experience hiking Annapurna Circuit and Base Camp with Raj. Experienced guide and easy to communicate with.
Itinerary
Pokhara → Bhulbhule → Jagat (1,300m)
The journey begins with a scenic 6–8 hour drive from Pokhara to Bhulbhule, followed by a short 1–2 hour trek to Jagat, passing terraced fields, traditional villages, and the Marshyangdi River.
Jagat → Dharapani (1,860 m)
Today's highlights: suspension bridges, waterfalls, local village life.
Dharapani → Chame (2,670 m)
Pine forests, Modi Khola Valley, Tibetan-influenced villages.
Chame → Upper Pisang (3,300 m)
Highlights: Annapurna II & Pisang Peak views, Braga Monastery
Upper Pisang → Manang (3,540 m)
Today is a combination of dramatic Himalayan scenery and traditional village life.
Acclimatization in Manang (3,540 m)
Today is focused on acclimatizing, with short hikes around Manang offer views of high-altitude lakes like Ice Lake and Gangapurna Lake, framed by spectacular Himalayan peaks.
Manang → Yak Kharka (4,050 m)
The trail climbs gradually through alpine landscapes, allowing for proper acclimatization. Along the way, you’ll pass grazing yaks and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi (4,540 m)
Today we will hike to Thorong La Base Camp.
Thorong Phedi → Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) → Muktinath (3,750 m)
The highlight of the day is crossing Thorong La Pass, the world’s highest trekking pass at 5,416 m.
Muktinath (3,750 m) → Pokhara
Time to go... We will drive back to Pokhara.
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