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3 Star Hotel, Lodge, Tea House
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March to May and September to November
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Kathmandu
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No — cancellation charges apply
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Guided
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English, Hindi
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5,416m / 17,769ft.
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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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VISA, AMEX, MASTERCARD
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Available
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Private Vehicle, Tourist Bus
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5-7 Hours
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18 Days
The 18-day Annapurna Circuit Trek begins in Kathmandu and follows the Marsyangdi Valley through Dharapani, Chame, Pisang and Manang before crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to Muktinath. The itinerary includes an acclimatization day in Manang and continues through the Kali Gandaki valley, Tatopani, Ghorepani and Poon Hill before finishing in Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights
- Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m), the highest point on this itinerary.
- Take an acclimatization day in Manang (3,540m) before continuing to higher elevations.
- Follow the high route from Upper Pisang through Ghyaru and Ngawal to Manang.
- Visit Muktinath and continue through Kagbeni and Marpha in the Kali Gandaki valley.
- Hike to Poon Hill before descending via Tadapani and Ghandruk, then continue to Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Welcome to Nepal! Our representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with an Exotic Mountains sign and transfer you to your hotel. In the late afternoon, attend a comprehensive pre-trek briefing with your lead guide, review your trekking gear, and finalize permits before heading out for dinner in Thamel.
Depart early morning on a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway beside the Trishuli and Marshyangdi Rivers to Besisahar. From Besisahar, switch to a rugged 4WD vehicle to navigate the dramatic mountain road into the lower Annapurna gorge, arriving at the stone-paved village of Dharapani.
Driving Time: 8–9 hours | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Dharapani
Begin on foot through pine and fir forests, following the rushing Marshyangdi River. Pass through Bagarchhap and Danakyu before ascending stone staircases to Timang for your first unobstructed views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m). Continue through fragrant apple orchards to Chame, the administrative headquarters of the Manang district.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 15.5 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Chame
Trek through dense coniferous woodland and cross a suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi River. Marvel at the dramatic Paungda Danda, a massive 1,500m curved rock face known as the Swarga Dwar (Gateway to Heaven). Cross into the arid upper valley to Upper Pisang, offering panoramic vistas of Annapurna II and IV.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 15 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Upper Pisang
Take the high, scenic northern route through Ghyaru and Ngawal. This trail rewards you with world-class panoramas of the entire Annapurna range, Pisang Peak, and Gangapurna. Descend through the traditional stone hamlet of Braga with its 500-year-old gompa before entering the vibrant cultural hub of Manang.
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours | Distance: 19 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Manang
A mandatory rest and acclimatization day. In the morning, take an active acclimatization hike to Gangapurna Lake and the viewpoint above the town (3,900m) or visit the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) clinic for a high-altitude seminar. Spend the afternoon resting, exploring local bakeries, and staying well-hydrated.
Activity: 3–4 hour acclimatization hike | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Manang
Leave the tree line behind and enter high alpine pastures. Cross the stream leaving Manang, pass the village of Tenki, and steadily climb up the Jarsang Khola valley. Spot blue sheep and Himalayan yaks grazing along the alpine meadows before reaching the settlement of Yak Kharka.
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 9.5 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Yak Kharka
A steady, short ascent to allow proper pacing before the high pass. Follow the narrow valley, traverse an unstable scree slope carefully under your guide guidance, and cross a suspension bridge over the river before reaching Thorong Phedi at the base of the pass.
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 6.5 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Thorong Phedi
The summit day begins with an alpine start at 4:00 AM under headlamps. Climb steadily for 4–5 hours through freezing air and steep switchbacks to the prayer-flag adorned summit of Thorong La Pass (5,416m) — the highest point of the circuit. Celebrate with panoramic views of the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, and the Tibetan Plateau before a 1,600m descent to the sacred pilgrimage town of Muktinath.
Trekking Time: 8–9 hours | Distance: 16 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Muktinath
Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple with its 108 stone waterspouts and eternal flame. Descend into the dramatic, wind-sculpted Kali Gandaki River Valley to Kagbeni, the ancient gateway to Upper Mustang. Continue along the valley floor to Marpha, the famous apple capital of Nepal known for its white-washed stone houses and apple brandy.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 18 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Marpha
Follow the Kali Gandaki Gorge — the deepest gorge on Earth, flanked by Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri. Pass through Ghasa and the dramatic Rupse Waterfall before reaching Tatopani. In the late afternoon, soak tired muscles in the soothing natural riverside thermal pools.
Trekking/Drive Time: 4–5 hours | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Tatopani
A rewarding, challenging uphill climb through subtropical farmland and dense rhododendron and oak forests. Pass through Sikha and Chitre while ascending stone staircases to the mountain pass village of Ghorepani, perched beneath Poon Hill.
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours | Distance: 14 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Ghorepani
Wake before dawn for a 45-minute hike up Poon Hill (3,210m) to witness one of the most famous sunrise spectacles in the world over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and Nilgiri. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek through misty moss-draped forests and ridges to Tadapani.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 11 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Tadapani
Descend through rhododendron forests to the picturesque Gurung settlement of Ghandruk. Enjoy up-close views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre and explore the local cultural museum. From Ghandruk, board a private vehicle for the scenic drive back to the lakeside city of Pokhara.
Trekking Time: 3 hours | Drive Time: 2.5 hours | Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
A well-deserved recovery day in Pokhara. Enjoy boating on tranquil Phewa Lake, visit Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave, or relax in lakeside cafes with views of the Annapurna reflections.
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Board a comfortable tourist coach for the scenic return drive along the Marshyangdi and Trishuli river valleys back to Kathmandu. Arrive by late afternoon and transfer to your hotel in Thamel.
Driving Time: 6–7 hours | Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
A free day in Kathmandu serving as a buffer for any weather delays. Explore Thamel for souvenir shopping, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, or enjoy a spa treatment. In the evening, join your guide and our team for an authentic Nepali farewell celebration dinner with live cultural performances.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Enjoy your final breakfast in Kathmandu. Our driver will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight departure for your onward journey home.
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure in Kathmandu by private vehicle.
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and 1 night in Pokhara with breakfast included.
- Ground transportation: Kathmandu to Dharapani trailhead, Muktinath to Tatopani/Pokhara, and Pokhara to Kathmandu.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card.
- Experienced licensed English-speaking trekking guide and porter support (1 porter per 2 trekkers, 18 kg max limit).
- 14 nights teahouse and lodge accommodation along the Annapurna Circuit trail.
- All three daily meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) with fresh hot tea or coffee.
- High-quality down jacket and sleeping bag rental provided on request.
- Comprehensive first aid kit with daily pulse oximeter blood oxygen saturation monitoring.
- All applicable government taxes, VAT, and official local service charges.
- Traditional celebratory Nepali farewell dinner in Kathmandu upon successful completion.
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
- Nepal entry visa fee ($30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days).
- Mandatory travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6,000m.
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except farewell dinner).
- Personal trekking gear, thermal wear, and broken-in hiking boots.
- Personal expenses: hot showers in high altitude lodges, Wi-Fi, battery charging, laundry, snacks, and alcoholic beverages.
- Tips for guide, porters, and drivers (customary in Nepal trekking).
- Any additional costs due to landslides, weather disruptions, or personal emergency deviations.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is rated as moderately challenging. It requires walking 5 to 7 hours daily over varied mountain terrain with a daypack. The most demanding section is Day 9 crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,769ft), which involves an early morning start and a sustained climb followed by a steep descent. No technical mountaineering skills are needed, but good cardiovascular fitness is essential.
Trekkers require two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card. Both are 100% arranged and included in our package price by Exotic Mountains.
The two optimal seasons are Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May). Autumn provides the most stable weather, clearest blue skies, and comfortable daytime temperatures. Spring features blooming rhododendron forests and warmer high-pass conditions. We advise against winter (December–February) when Thorong La Pass can be blocked by deep snow.
Our 18-day itinerary builds in a mandatory acclimatization day in Manang (3,540m) before crossing the high pass. Your guide carries a pulse oximeter for daily oxygen and heart rate monitoring. We adhere strictly to climb high, sleep low principles and maintain a conservative ascent profile.
Teahouse lodges provide twin-sharing rooms with beds, foam mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Lower elevation lodges feature attached bathrooms, while higher elevations use shared facilities. Meals include Nepali Dal Bhat, pasta, noodle soups, eggs, porridge, momos, and fresh seasonal vegetables cooked fresh by lodge kitchens.
Yes, most teahouses offer solar or gas hot showers and battery charging for a small fee ($2–$5). Wi-Fi (such as Everest Link or Airjaldi networks) is widely available in lodges up to Thorong Phedi.
