Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Summit Nepal Adventure will warmly greet you and escort you to your hotel. After checking in, you’re free to relax or take a stroll around the lively Thamel district. In the evening, your trekking guide will meet you for a pre-trek briefing to go over the upcoming journey.
After breakfast, you'll begin your journey with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani via Besisahar. The road follows rivers, terraced fields, and dramatic gorges, giving you a glimpse of rural Nepal. The final section involves a drive on a rough mountain road, entering the Annapurna Conservation Area. You’ll spend the night in the peaceful village of Dharapani, the official start point of your trek.
Your trek begins as you head out from Dharapani along a forested trail. You’ll pass several small villages, cross suspension bridges, and enjoy views of waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. The trail steadily climbs until you reach Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, nestled against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
Leaving Chame, the trail climbs through dense pine forests with glimpses of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. After crossing a narrow valley and riverside villages, you arrive in Pisang. The views begin to open up here, offering your first dramatic glimpses of the high Himalayas. Overnight in this charming high-altitude village.
Today’s walk takes you into the heart of the Manang District. You can choose between the upper or lower Pisang trail—both scenic, but the upper trail offers better views and cultural encounters. As you arrive in Manang, the landscape becomes more arid and rugged, and the views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak dominate the skyline. Spend the night in Manang, a beautiful village with monasteries and local bakeries.
To adjust to the increasing altitude, you’ll spend the day acclimatizing in Manang. Take a short hike to Gangapurna Lake or visit the Bhojo Gumba and Himalayan Rescue Association. These walks help with acclimatization while offering incredible views of the valley and peaks. This day is crucial for preparing your body for the ascent to Thorong La Pass.
The trail ascends gently out of Manang, passing pastures and alpine landscapes. You’ll walk through juniper forests and may spot blue sheep or yaks grazing on the hillsides. After passing through the tiny settlement of Gunsang, the trail gradually climbs to Yak Kharka, a quiet and scenic stop for the night with panoramic mountain views.
Today’s trek is relatively short but demanding due to the increasing altitude. You’ll pass through Ledar and cross a small wooden bridge over the Jorsang Khola before climbing to High Camp, just below the Thorong La Pass. Take it slow and hydrate well, as you prepare for the highest point of your trek tomorrow. The sunset and sunrise views from High Camp are incredible.
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Starting before dawn, you’ll make the gradual but steep ascent to Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)—the highest point of the trek. At the top, prayer flags flutter and panoramic Himalayan views surround you. After a brief rest and photos, you'll descend steeply to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Spend the night in this spiritually significant village.
After a relaxed morning in Muktinath, you'll drive down to Tatopani, passing through the Kali Gandaki Gorge—the deepest gorge in the world. Tatopani, meaning "hot water," is famous for its natural hot springs where you can soak and soothe your muscles after the high-altitude adventure.
Today’s trek takes you through terraced hillsides and dense rhododendron forests as you climb toward Ghorepani, a traditional Magar village perched high above the valley. The trail is scenic and gradually ascends, providing changing views and local encounters along the way. Ghorepani is your gateway to the famous Poon Hill viewpoint.
Rise early for a short pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill, where you'll be rewarded with a magnificent Himalayan sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Machapuchare. After descending to Ghorepani for breakfast, continue your trek through lush forests and past waterfalls to Tirkhedhunga, a tranquil village nestled in the hills.
This morning, you’ll walk a short distance to the road and then drive back to Pokhara. After your arrival, relax by the lake, enjoy the cafés, or indulge in a massage. It’s a well-earned rest day in one of Nepal’s most charming cities. Overnight in a hotel near Lakeside.
After breakfast, return to Kathmandu by either a scenic flight (30 minutes) or by tourist bus (6–7 hours). Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The evening is free for souvenir shopping, exploring the city, or enjoying a final dinner in the capital.
A representative from Summit Nepal Adventure will transfer you to the airport for your international departure. With hearts full of memories and cameras full of photos, you leave Nepal with a sense of accomplishment and adventure.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and diverse trekking experiences in the world. It takes you around the entire Annapurna Massif, through a wide variety of landscapes—from subtropical forests and terraced fields to alpine meadows and arid high mountain deserts. This trek offers an immersive journey through different ethnic communities, including Gurung, Tamang, Thakali, and Manangi cultures. A major highlight of the trek is crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m)—one of the highest trekking passes on Earth. The dramatic change in scenery, culture, and climate as you trek from the lush Marsyangdi Valley to the dry, Tibetan-influenced Mustang region makes this circuit trek a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek typically takes between 15 to 20 days, depending on your pace, acclimatization days, and where you begin or end the trek. The classic route starts in Besisahar and follows the Marsyangdi River valley, passing through villages like Chame, Manang, and Yak Kharka, before ascending to Thorong La Pass and descending to Muktinath in the Mustang region. From there, the trail continues to Jomsom, Marpha, and optionally to Tatopani and Ghorepani if you choose to extend the route toward Poon Hill. The trek typically ends in Pokhara, where you can relax after the journey. Summit Nepal Adventure customizes itineraries to suit each trekker’s timeframe and fitness level.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered moderately to highly challenging, primarily due to the high elevation of Thorong La Pass and the long duration of the trek. Trekkers should be prepared for 6–8 hours of walking per day, with some steep ascents and descents, especially in the days leading up to the pass. While you don’t need technical climbing skills, good physical conditioning and mental resilience are important. The diverse terrain, combined with potential altitude effects, requires careful preparation, which is why Summit Nepal Adventure designs an acclimatization-friendly itinerary to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
The best seasons for the Annapurna Circuit Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to early December). These months provide stable weather, clear skies, and the best views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. In spring, the trail is alive with rhododendron blooms, while autumn is known for its crystal-clear visibility and festive atmosphere in the villages. Winter is possible for experienced trekkers but may involve snow and icy conditions at Thorong La. Monsoon season (June to August) is not ideal due to heavy rain, leeches, and trail damage, especially in the lower sections.
Accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit is in locally-run teahouses, which offer basic yet comfortable lodging. Most rooms have twin beds with mattresses and blankets, and shared bathrooms are common. In popular villages like Manang, Muktinath, and Jomsom, the facilities are a bit more developed, sometimes offering hot showers and Wi-Fi. Meals include a variety of Nepali, Tibetan, and Western dishes such as dal bhat, noodles, pasta, momos, and pancakes. Summit Nepal Adventure ensures all lodges we work with maintain proper hygiene and provide safe drinking water (boiled, filtered, or purified).
Yes, altitude sickness is a concern, particularly as you approach Thorong La Pass (5,416m). Summit Nepal Adventure takes this seriously by designing a route that includes acclimatization days, especially in Manang, allowing your body to adjust gradually. Our experienced guides are trained to identify early signs of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) and will monitor your health throughout the trek. We advise trekkers to ascend slowly, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and consider preventive medication if recommended by your doctor. Emergency evacuation options are available in case of severe altitude-related issues.
While prior high-altitude trekking experience is helpful, it’s not mandatory. However, the Annapurna Circuit is a long and physically demanding trek, so good fitness is essential. We recommend a training routine that includes cardiovascular activities (like jogging, cycling, swimming), leg strengthening, and regular hiking with a backpack. Even if you’re a first-time trekker, Summit Nepal Adventure will provide support and guidance to ensure you’re ready for the challenge.
To trek the Annapurna Circuit, you’ll need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card. Summit Nepal Adventure takes care of all the permit arrangements for you. You simply need to provide a valid passport and a couple of passport-sized photos upon arrival in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Packing for the Annapurna Circuit Trek involves preparing for a range of climates—from warm valleys to icy high passes. Essential items include sturdy trekking boots, layered clothing, a down jacket, sleeping bag, thermal base layers, trekking poles, gloves, sun protection, and waterproof gear. Other important items include a first-aid kit, headlamp, sunglasses, and reusable water bottles with purification tablets or a filter. Summit Nepal Adventure provides a comprehensive packing list before departure and can assist with gear rental or purchases in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Yes, safety is our top priority. Summit Nepal Adventure employs highly experienced, licensed guides who are trained in first aid, high-altitude trekking, and emergency response. We monitor weather conditions, ensure regular check-ins, and have contingency plans including evacuation services if necessary. We also encourage all clients to obtain travel insurance that includes coverage for high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
Booking your Annapurna Circuit Trek is easy! You can contact Summit Nepal Adventure through our website, email, or phone. Once your trek is confirmed, we require a small deposit to secure your place. From there, our team will support you every step of the way—from itinerary planning and gear guidance to pre-trek briefings and on-the-ground support during your adventure.
