Consistently voted the world's best long-distance trek. The Annapurna Circuit circumnavigates the entire Annapurna massif, passing through an extraordinary range of landscapes — from subtropical jungle to alpine desert to the legendary Thorung La Pass at 5,416m. Experience Hindu lowland villages, Buddhist monasteries, and the arid Mustang landscape all in one epic journey.
Airport pickup, hotel check-in, briefing, gear check, and welcome dinner.
Long drive to the Annapurna Circuit trailhead. Drive through the stunning Marsyangdi valley to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. Drive: 8-9 hrs.
Trek through dense pine forest with stunning views of the Paungda Danda rock face. Visit the oldest Buddhist monastery in the Manang district at Upper Pisang. Trek: 5-6 hrs.
Walk through the widening Marsyangdi valley with incredible views of Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna. Arrive at Manang — a Tibetan-influenced town nestled at the base of Gangapurna. Trek: 5-6 hrs.
Essential rest day. Day hike to Gangapurna Lake, Praken Gompa, or Ice Lake (4,600m). Visit Manang's gompa and explore the Tibetan-style village. Day hike: 3-5 hrs.
Trek gradually uphill through sparse scrub vegetation. The landscape becomes increasingly arid and barren. Views of the Chulu peaks and the Great Barrier. Trek: 4-5 hrs.
Continue ascending to Thorung Phedi ("foot of the pass") — the last stop before the big crossing. The terrain is barren and rocky. Prepare for an early morning departure. Trek: 3-4 hrs.
The big day! Start at 3-4 AM for the steep 4-5 hour climb to Thorung La Pass — the highest point on the circuit. Prayer flags mark the summit. Descend steeply 1,600m to the sacred temple town of Muktinath. Trek: 8-10 hrs.
Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple (Hindu and Buddhist). Trek through the arid, wind-swept Kali Gandaki gorge — the world's deepest gorge — to the airstrip town of Jomsom. Trek: 5-6 hrs.
Continue down the Kali Gandaki gorge through apple orchards and Thakali villages. Arrive at Tatopani ("hot water") and soak in the famous natural hot springs. Trek: 6-7 hrs.
Steep climb through terraced farms and rhododendron forest to Ghorepani. The vegetation changes dramatically as you gain altitude. Trek: 6-7 hrs.
Wake at 4:30 AM for the famous Poon Hill sunrise — panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machapuchare. Descend through Tadapani to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara. Trek: 6-7 hrs.
Relax by Phewa Lake. Optional boating, paragliding, Peace Pagoda visit, or Pokhara sightseeing. Celebrate the completion of the circuit!
Scenic flight or drive back to Kathmandu. Evening free or optional sightseeing.
Optional visit to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath, or Boudhanath. Last-minute shopping. Farewell dinner.
Airport transfer for your international flight.