Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek (14 Days)

Annapurna Circuit Trek(14 Days)

The Overview

Total Duration: 14 Days
Maximum Altitude: 5,416 m (Thorong La Pass)
Total Distance: ~160–180 km
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Best Season: March–May & September–November
Start Point: Besisahar / Dharapani
End Point: Nayapul / Pokhara

The Itinerary Details

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar → Dharapani

Distance: ~200 km drive
Elevation: 1,400 m → 1,960 m

The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. The road continues along the Marsyangdi River valley to reach Dharapani, a beautiful Himalayan village surrounded by forests and waterfalls.

Highlight: First views of the Annapurna region and traditional Himalayan villages.

Day 2: Dharapani → Chame

Distance: ~15 km
Elevation: 1,960 m → 2,670 m
Trek Time: 5–6 hrs

The trail climbs through dense pine forests while following the Marsyangdi River. Along the way, stunning views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II appear. The trek ends at Chame, the administrative center of Manang district.

Highlight: Beautiful pine forests and the first close mountain views.

Day 3: Chame → Pisang

Distance: ~14 km
Elevation: 2,670 m → 3,200 m
Trek Time: 5–6 hrs

The trail passes through a dramatic valley with towering cliffs and stunning views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. The landscape becomes more alpine as you approach the beautiful village of Pisang.

Highlight: Massive rock walls and panoramic Himalayan views.

Day 4: Pisang → Manang

Distance: ~17 km
Elevation: 3,200 m → 3,540 m
Trek Time: 6–7 hrs

Today the trail climbs along the upper route through Ghyaru and Ngawal villages, offering spectacular views of the Annapurna range. The day ends at Manang, one of the most beautiful villages in the Himalayas.

Highlight: Tibetan culture and stunning views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna.

Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Manang

Elevation: 3,540 m

A rest day to adjust to the altitude. Optional hikes include Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake for incredible mountain views.

Highlight: Acclimatization hikes and exploration of Manang village.

Day 6: Manang → Yak Kharka

Distance: ~10 km
Elevation: 3,540 m → 4,050 m
Trek Time: 4–5 hrs

The trail climbs gradually through alpine pastures and yak grazing areas. Vegetation becomes sparse as you gain altitude.

Highlight: Expansive mountain views and peaceful high-altitude landscapes.

Day 7: Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi

Distance: ~7 km
Elevation: 4,050 m → 4,540 m
Trek Time: 3–4 hrs

A short but important day to prepare for crossing Thorong La Pass. The trail follows rugged terrain with incredible views of surrounding peaks.

Highlight: Reaching the base camp of Thorong La Pass.

Day 8: Thorong Phedi → Thorong La Pass → Muktinath

Distance: ~16 km
Elevation: 4,540 m → 5,416 m → 3,800 m
Trek Time: 8–9 hrs

The toughest but most rewarding day of the trek. An early morning climb leads to Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek. From the top, trekkers enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Mustang valleys before descending to the sacred town of Muktinath.

Highlight: Crossing the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416 m).

Day 9: Muktinath → Jomsom

Distance: ~15 km
Elevation: 3,800 m → 2,720 m
Trek Time: 5–6 hrs

The trail descends into the Kali Gandaki valley, the world’s deepest gorge. The landscape becomes dry and desert-like as you approach Jomsom.

Highlight: Trekking through the dramatic Kali Gandaki valley.

Day 10: Jomsom → Tatopani

Distance: ~25 km (drive/trek combination)
Elevation: 2,720 m → 1,200 m

The journey continues down the valley to Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs.

Highlight: Relaxing in the Himalayan hot springs.

Day 11: Tatopani → Ghorepani

Distance: ~17 km
Elevation: 1,200 m → 2,860 m
Trek Time: 6–7 hrs

A steady climb through dense forests and traditional villages brings you to Ghorepani, a famous trekking stop in the Annapurna region.

Highlight: Rhododendron forests and Himalayan villages.

Day 12: Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Tadapani

Distance: ~12 km
Elevation: 2,860 m → 3,210 m → 2,630 m
Trek Time: 5–6 hrs

An early morning hike to Poon Hill offers one of the best sunrise panoramas in Nepal with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Highlight: Spectacular sunrise from Poon Hill.

Day 13: Tadapani → Ghandruk

Distance: ~8 km
Elevation: 2,630 m → 1,940 m
Trek Time: 4–5 hrs

The trail descends through forests to reach Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung village with amazing views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare.

Highlight: Traditional Himalayan culture and village life.

Day 14: Ghandruk → Nayapul → Pokhara

Distance: ~10 km trek + drive
Elevation: 1,940 m → 1,070 m

The final day descends to Nayapul, followed by a short drive to Pokhara, marking the end of this incredible Himalayan adventure.

Highlight: Celebration in Pokhara beside the beautiful Phewa Lake.

The Highlights

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered one of the most legendary long-distance treks in the world. Encircling the massive Annapurna Massif, this extraordinary journey takes trekkers through an incredible range of landscapes — from lush subtropical valleys and terraced farmlands to high alpine deserts and dramatic Himalayan passes.

The trek crosses the famous Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges. Along the route, trekkers experience the diverse culture of the region, passing through traditional Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan-influenced villages.

The Annapurna Circuit is known for its constantly changing scenery, incredible biodiversity, and spectacular mountain panoramas, making it one of the most diverse and rewarding trekking experiences in the Himalayas.