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Sagarmatha Atlas
Annapurna Circuit — Annapurna, Nepal

Trek · Annapurna

ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT

Duration15 daysMax altitude5,416 mDifficultyModerate

01 — Overview

Trekkers who want the greatest variety of landscape and culture in a single walk.

The circuit walks a complete ring around the Annapurna massif — from subtropical valleys and terraced rice paddies, through Hindu and Buddhist villages, over the 5,416 m Thorong La to the desert-like lower Mustang. It is the most complete cross-section of Nepal anywhere on foot.

No other trek changes its world so thoroughly every two days: you begin in banana groves and finish in walled Tibetan villages, having crossed the highest point most people ever will on foot.

  • Thorong La (5,416 m) — the classic pass crossing
  • Manang's medieval-lookin villages under Annapurna II
  • Muktinath — sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists
  • The deepest gorge in the world: the Kali Gandaki
  • Poon Hill sunrise (extension)

02 — The Route, Day by Day

The line you'll draw on the mountain.

Scroll to walk the route — the profile draws itself as the days pass, and the current altitude follows you.

575043002850145001,4001,3001,8602,7103,3003,5403,5404,0504,4505,4162,5301,1902,8608201,400
Day 1 — KathmanduNow: Day 1 · 1,400 mDay 15 — Kathmandu
  1. Day 01

    Kathmandu → Kathmandu

    Arrival and briefing.

    1,400 m

  2. Day 02

    Kathmandu → Besisahar → Jagat

    Drive to the Marsyangdi valley roadhead, begin walking.

    1,300 m

  3. Day 03

    Jagat → Dharapani

    Enter the Manaslu Conservation edge, pine forest trails.

    1,860 m

  4. Day 04

    Dharapani → Chame

    The administrative centre of Manang district, first hot springs.

    2,710 m

  5. Day 05

    Chame → Upper Pisang

    First big mountain theatre: Pisang Peak and the start of high valley.

    3,300 m

  6. Day 06

    Upper Pisang → Manang

    Via Ghyaru's old village for the Annapurna circuit's definitive views.

    3,540 m

  7. Day 07

    Manang → Manang

    Acclimatisation: Gangapurna lake, Ice Lake or Monastery visits.

    3,540 m

  8. Day 08

    Manang → Yak Kharka

    Slow climb through yak pastures, juniper and erosion pillars.

    4,050 m

  9. Day 09

    Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi

    Final settlement before the pass — early night.

    4,450 m

  10. Day 10

    Thorong Phedi → Muktinath via Thorong La

    Pre-dawn start, the long pull to the prayer-flagged pass, then 1,600 m descent to Muktinath.

    5,416 m

  11. Day 11

    Muktinath → Marpha / Kalopani

    Into the rain-shadow desert — apple brandy country in lower Mustang.

    2,530 m

  12. Day 12

    Kalopani → Tatopani

    Follow the Kali Gandaki gorge, Dhaulagiri overhead; hot springs.

    1,190 m

  13. Day 13

    Tatopani → Ghorepani

    Climb back into rhododendron forest toward Poon Hill.

    2,860 m

  14. Day 14

    Ghorepani → Nayapul → Pokhara

    Poon Hill sunrise, descend to the road and drive to Pokhara.

    820 m

  15. Day 15

    Pokhara → Kathmandu

    Fly or drive back to Kathmandu.

    1,400 m

03 — Included

  • Kathmandu/Pokhara hotel nights per itinerary
  • All road transport on route
  • Full board on trek
  • Licensed guide + porter support
  • ACAP & TIMS permits

Not included

  • International flights
  • Insurance
  • Personal gear
  • Tips
  • Drinks & hot showers