Annapurna Circuit TrekkingAnnapurna Circuit Trekking

Annapurna Circuit Trek

  • Duration16 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Maximum Altitude 5,416m.
  • Activity Trekking
  • Group Size 1-20
  • Accommodation Local Guest Houses.
  • Meals Breakfast, lunch & Dinner.
  • Best Time September to late December and February to late June.

Trip Highlights

  • Trek the full Annapurna Circuit, encircling the Annapurna massif through one of Nepal's most diverse trekking landscapes
  • Cross the legendary Thorung La Pass at 5,416m, one of the highest trekking passes in the world
  • Visit the sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site of Muktinath Temple at 3,800m
  • Follow the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world's deepest gorge flanked by Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
  • Soak in the natural hot springs at Tatopani after crossing the high pass
  • Trek through the apple orchards and traditional Tibetan-influenced village of Marpha in the Mustang valley
  • Witness panoramic sunrise views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre from Poon Hill viewpoint
  • Pass through diverse landscapes ranging from subtropical forests and rice terraces to high-altitude alpine desert
  • Explore traditional Gurung and Manangi villages including Pisang, Manang and Yak Kharka
  • Experience a mandatory acclimatization day in Manang with optional hikes to Gangapurna Lake and Praken Gompa
  • Observe close-up views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak along the route
  • Pass through Kagbeni, the medieval gateway village to Upper Mustang
  • Trek through ancient monasteries, mani walls, chortens and prayer-flag-lined trails throughout the circuit
  • Complete the circuit with a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara over the Himalayas
  • Enjoy a genuine off-the-beaten-path experience with significantly fewer crowds than the Everest Base Camp region

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most iconic trekking routes, offering an extraordinary combination of high-altitude mountain scenery, diverse landscapes, and authentic Himalayan culture. Encircling the Annapurna massif in northwestern Nepal, the circuit covers a variety of terrain from subtropical forests and terraced farmlands in the lower valleys to arid alpine desert near the Tibetan border.

The defining challenge of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the crossing of Thorung La Pass at 5,416m, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The crossing rewards trekkers with sweeping panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, and surrounding peaks before descending to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath at 3,800m. Along the route, trekkers pass through traditional Gurung and Manangi villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge,  the world's deepest gorge, before relaxing in the natural hot springs at Tatopani.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary typically covers 16 days and includes a mandatory acclimatization day in Manang to prepare for the high pass crossing. The trail passes through culturally rich settlements including Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Muktinath, Kagbeni, and the apple-growing village of Marpha, before concluding with a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek cost starts from US$1,195 per person, depending on group size and services required. All required permits, an experienced licensed guide, accommodation during the trek, meals, and ground transportation are included in Outshine Adventure's packages.

Whether you are an experienced trekker seeking a high-altitude challenge or a passionate traveller looking to explore Nepal's most culturally diverse trekking region, the Annapurna Circuit Trek delivers an unforgettable journey through landscapes that change dramatically from day to day.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

01Day
  • Max. Altitude:1365m
  • Meals:Welcome Drink
  • Accommodation:Kathmandu Suite Home

An Outshine Adventure representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel by private vehicle. After check-in, a team member will brief you on the trek itinerary and answer any questions. Spend the evening exploring Thamel or resting after your journey.

02Day
  • Max. Altitude:1365m
  • Duration:6-7 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:Kathmandu Suite Home

After breakfast, your trek leader holds a pre-departure briefing covering the full itinerary, altitude safety, permits, and packing essentials. Please bring passport copies, passport photos, and your travel insurance documents. In the afternoon, a private vehicle takes you to Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. The evening is free for equipment shopping or personal preparation.

03Day
  • Max. Altitude:1150m
  • Duration:7-8 hours
  • Meals:B.L.D
  • Accommodation:Local Teahouses

An early morning departure from Kathmandu begins the journey west along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli River for the first few hours before turning north into the Marsyangdi River valley. The drive to Besisahar takes around six hours, covering approximately 185km. From Besisahar, a local jeep carries you further along a mountain road through Bhulbhule and Ngadi to Syange, where the Annapurna Circuit Trek officially begins. First views of Himalchuli appear as you enter the mountains.

04Day
  • Max. Altitude:1,430m
  • Duration:5-6 hours
  • Meals:Local Teahouses
  • Accommodation:B.L.D

The trail follows the Marsyangdi River upstream through a series of suspension bridges spanning deep gorges. You pass through Ngadi before entering progressively narrower canyon sections with cascading waterfalls on both sides of the valley. The stone village of Jagat, which marks the entry into the restricted Manang district, is a good spot for lunch. Beyond Jagat, the trail climbs steeply through dense forest before reaching Chamje.

05Day
  • Max. Altitude:1,890m
  • Duration:5-6 hours
  • Meals:B.L.D
  • Accommodation:Local Teahouses

After crossing a suspension bridge from Chamje, the trail climbs before dropping into the dramatically situated village of Tal, which sits on a flat glacial lakebed enclosed by towering canyon walls and a waterfall pouring directly into the valley. Beyond Tal, the trail narrows through rock-cut passages before reaching Karte and continuing through rhododendron forest to Dharapani, where the Annapurna Circuit route meets the Manaslu Circuit from the east.

06Day
  • Max. Altitude:2,710m
  • Duration:5-6 hours
  • Meals:B.L.D
  • Accommodation:Local Teahouses

Leaving Dharapani, the trail opens into a broader valley as vegetation shifts from dense subtropical forest to pine and juniper. You pass through the villages of Bagarchhap and Danaque, both displaying strong Tibetan cultural influences in their architecture and prayer walls. The first clear views of Annapurna II (7,937m) emerge above the treeline as you approach Chame, the administrative headquarters of Manang district. Chame has banks, shops, and a small hospital making it a good place to sort any last logistics before the higher sections.

07Day
  • Max. Altitude:3,300m
  • Duration:5-6 hours
  • Meals:B.L.D
  • Accommodation:Local Teahouses

The trail passes through a spectacular curved rock face above the Marsyangdi River before climbing through apple orchards into the broad Paungda Danda valley. The enormous rock wall of Paungda Danda dominates the eastern side, while Pisang Peak (6,091m) comes clearly into view as you approach the village. Upper Pisang sits on a ridge above and has an ancient monastery with panoramic views across the Manang valley. Tibetan-style whitewashed houses, yak herds, and prayer flag strings make this one of the most photogenic sections of the entire trek.

08Day
  • Max. Altitude:3,519m)
  • Duration:5-6 hours
  • Meals:B.L.D
  • Accommodation:Local Teahouses

Two route options exist today. The lower valley route passes through Humde, which has a small airstrip with seasonal flights to Pokhara. The upper route via Ghyaru and Ngawal follows a high ridge with outstanding views of Annapurna II, III and IV and is strongly recommended on clear days. Both routes converge before Braga, where an ancient monastery perched above the village is worth a short detour, before reaching Manang. At 3,519m, Manang is the largest settlement in the upper circuit and has a good selection of teahouses, bakeries, and a Himalayan Rescue Association clinic.

09Day
  • Max. Altitude:4,000m (optional hike)
  • Duration:4-5 hours (optional)
  • Meals:B.L.D
  • Accommodation:Local Teahouses

A rest day here is essential before attempting Thorung La Pass. Good acclimatization options include the ridge above the village for close-up views of Annapurna II, III and Gangapurna, the walk down to Gangapurna Lake at the base of the glacier, and the hike up to Praken Gompa monastery. The Himalayan Rescue Association clinic in Manang runs a free altitude sickness awareness talk every afternoon at around 3pm and attendance is strongly recommended for all trekkers.

10Day
  • Max. Altitude:4090m
  • Duration:3-4 hours
  • Meals:B.L.D
  • Accommodation:Local Teahouses

A shorter day by design to allow continued gradual acclimatization. The trail climbs steadily above Manang, quickly leaving the treeline behind and entering open grassland grazed by yak herds. Architecture shifts to stone construction with yak skull decorations traditional to high-altitude settlements. Views of Chulu East, Chulu West and the entire Annapurna range open up as altitude increases. Arriving early at Yak Kharka leaves time to rest and hydrate before the demanding days ahead.

11Day
  • Max. Altitude:4,450m
  • Duration:3-4 hours
  • Meals:B.L.D
  • Accommodation:Local Teahouses

Another intentionally short day designed to give the body maximum time to adjust before the biggest challenge of the trek. The trail crosses the Jarsang Khola on a wooden bridge and climbs steadily through rocky terrain to Thorong Phedi, which sits directly at the base of Thorung La Pass. The teahouses here fill up early with trekkers preparing for the pre-dawn departure the following morning. Rest, hydrate well, and aim for an early night.

12Day
  • Max. Altitude:5,416m
  • Duration:7-8 hours
  • Meals:B.L.D
  • Accommodation:Local Teahouses

The defining day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Departure is before dawn, typically between 4:00 and 5:00am, to avoid afternoon winds and ensure a safe crossing. The ascent to the pass takes 4 to 5 hours of steady climbing through rocky terrain and snow-covered ridgelines. At the summit, prayer flags and stone cairns mark the highest point of the trek at 5,416m, with sweeping views across the Himalayas in all directions on a clear morning. The descent to Muktinath is steep and drops nearly 1,600m over 2 to 3 hours. Muktinath Temple, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, stands at 3,800m and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the entire Himalayan region.

13Day
  • Max. Altitude:3,800m
  • Duration:5-6 hours
  • Meals:B.L.D
  • Accommodation:Local Teahouses

The trail descends into the rain shadow of the Himalayas where the landscape transforms into a stark arid plateau resembling the Tibetan plateau more than Nepal. Kagbeni, a medieval fortified village on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, serves as the gateway to the restricted Upper Mustang region and is well worth exploring during a lunch stop. Continuing south along the world's deepest gorge with powerful valley winds picking up through the afternoon, the trail reaches Jomsom. A detour through Marpha, known throughout Nepal for its apple orchards and apple brandy distilleries, is highly recommended before arriving in Jomsom for the night.

14Day
  • Max. Altitude:2720m
  • Duration:6-7 hours
  • Meals:B.L.D
  • Accommodation:Hotel in Pokhara

After breakfast in Jomsom, you begin the drive south through the Mustang valley towards Pokhara. The road follows the Kali Gandaki River through dramatic canyon landscapes, passing through Marpha, Tukuche, Larjung and Beni before the terrain gradually softens into the green hills of the lower foothills. The drive takes around six to seven hours depending on road conditions. By the time you reach Pokhara the contrast with the high alpine desert of the last several days is striking. Spend the evening by Phewa Lake, enjoy a proper restaurant meal, and take time to reflect on what you have accomplished.

15Day
  • Max. Altitude:1345m
  • Duration:6-7 hours
  • Meals:Welcome drink / Dinner
  • Accommodation:Kathmandu Suite home

A scenic highway drive back to Kathmandu following the Trishuli River. Window seats on the left side of the vehicle offer views of the river gorge and occasional glimpses of the Ganesh Himal range. Arrive in Kathmandu by late afternoon. The evening is reserved for a farewell dinner with the Outshine Adventure team, a chance to share memories from the trail and celebrate completing one of Nepal's great trekking routes.

16Day
  • Max. Altitude:1365m
  • Meals:Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, an Outshine Adventure representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Your trek leader will confirm the pickup time the evening before based on your departure schedule. If you have extra days available, Outshine Adventure can arrange additional activities or tours around Kathmandu.

Cost Details

Price Includes

The Annapurna Circuit Trek cost depends on group size, transportation preferences, accommodation category, and guide services. Below are our standard group prices per person:

Group SizePrice Per Person
2 – 6 PaxUS$1,195
7 – 12 PaxUS$1,075
13 – 20 PaxUS$1,025

Porter cost is available on request. Contact us for solo trekker pricing or custom itinerary quotes.

  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pickup & drop-off by private car / van / bus.
  • Standard accommodation at a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast included.
  • Standard accommodation at a hotel in Pokhara.
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara by private car/van/bus.
  • Airline ticket from Jomsom to Pokhara, taxes included.
  • All your standard meals during the trek.
  • Best available lodges and guesthouses for accommodation during the trek.
  • Local licensed English and other native language-speaking guides.
  • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek.
  • Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all trekking staff.
  • Annapurna Conservation Park permits.
  • Down jacket, duffel/kit bag, and sleeping bag by Outshine Adventure Trekking.
  • Surface transfer from and to Kathmandu.
  • All our government taxes.

Price Excludes

  • Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Your travel insurance.
  • Alcoholic, hot, and cold drinks; laundry.
  • Personal trekking equipment.
  • Tips for trekking staff—Tipping is expected.
  • Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the Price Includes section.

Annapurna Circuit Trek FAQs

  • The Annapurna Circuit Trek costs US$1,195 per person for groups of 2–6, US$1,075 for groups of 7–12, and US$1,025 for groups of 13–20. The price includes permits, a licensed guide, accommodation, meals, and ground transportation. Contact us for solo trekker rates.

  • The Annapurna Circuit Trek is rated strenuous. The biggest challenge is crossing Thorung La Pass at 5,416m, which requires 8–9 hours of walking on summit day. Daily walking averages 5–7 hours over 16 days. A good level of fitness and prior trekking experience is recommended.

  • The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Skies are clear, trails are dry, and mountain views are at their best during both seasons. Winter is cold but possible for experienced trekkers. The monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall and leeches on lower trails.

  • You need two permits :  the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System). Outshine Adventure arranges all required permits as part of the package.

  • Nepal requires all foreign trekkers to trek with a licensed guide. Solo trekking without a guide is no longer permitted. Outshine Adventure provides an experienced, English-speaking licensed guide with all packages.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Reviews

  • Dubudubu
    DubudubuSpain,November 14, 2024
    rating star

    Great experience at ABC

    Good agency that organizes a trekking adapted to your needs. Do not hesitate to ask/remove what you need to suit your trip.
    A great experience to the Annapurna base camp. Thanks to Gokul, Asmita and my guide Prakash.

    Posted onTripAdvisor
  • Gracie
    GracieAustralia,September 26, 2024
    rating star

    Annapurna circuit

    We did Annapurna circuit for 10 days. Gokul the owner of Outshine Tours managed to arrange this in last minute as we originally booked Everest Base Camp but flights was cancelled twice due to bad weather. He went above and beyond to make our trekking the most memorable one. The views of this trekking was amazing, every place you pass takes your breath away, our Tea houses are beautiful with our own private toilet. We thank Outshine Tours for this incredible adventure and highly recommended.

    Posted onGoogle
  • J
    Jose Luis vSpain,October 08, 2023
    rating star

    Extraordinary Experiences , I will Repeat again.

    An experience that I always repeat with them, it has been 3 years and I will do it again.
    As always, thank you for the good organization of the agency, Gokul is always there for whatever you need, Asmita the center of good quality and the porter who in this case accompanied me Parkash, excellent.

    Posted onTripAdvisor
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