Annapurna Circuit & Thorong La Pass
From lush subtropical valleys and cascading waterfalls to the arid Tibetan-plateau desert of Mustang, the Annapurna Circuit is revered as one of the world's greatest treks.
Difficulty
Challenging
Total Cost
USD 1,100 - 1,700 (~NPR 145,000 - 225,000)
Estimated all-inclusive guide & permitsDuration
12 days
Best For
Avid backpackers, Cultural explorers, Mountain enthusiasts
Overview
From lush subtropical valleys and cascading waterfalls to the arid Tibetan-plateau desert of Mustang, the Annapurna Circuit is revered as one of the world's greatest treks.
What to Expect
Huge variety of landscapes, high altitude pass crossing, rich Tibetan Buddhist culture, and deep river gorges.
Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar & Chame (2,670m)
📍 Chame
Activities
- →Scenic jeep drive along Marshyangdi River
B: Kathmandu
L: Dumre
D: Chame
Teahouse
Chame to Pisang (3,200m)
📍 Pisang
Activities
- →Trek through apple orchards
- →View of Paungda Danda rock wall
B: Chame
L: Bhratang
D: Pisang
Teahouse
Pisang to Manang (3,540m) via Upper Route
📍 Manang
Activities
- →Upper route via Ghyaru for breathtaking Annapurna views
B: Pisang
L: Ngawal
D: Manang
Teahouse
Acclimatization Day in Manang
📍 Manang
Activities
- →Hike to Gangapurna Lake and Praken Gompa
B: Manang
L: Manang
D: Manang
Teahouse
Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m)
📍 Yak Kharka
Activities
- →Gentle ascent across juniper shrubs and alpine pastures
B: Manang
L: Gunsang
D: Yak Kharka
Teahouse
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m)
📍 Thorong Phedi
Activities
- →Trek to the base of Thorong La Pass
B: Yak Kharka
L: Phedi
D: Phedi
Teahouse
Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,760m)
📍 Muktinath
Activities
- →Pre-dawn climb to Thorong La summit
- →Descend to sacred Muktinath
B: Phedi
L: Pass summit
D: Muktinath
Teahouse
Muktinath to Jomsom via Kagbeni
📍 Jomsom
Activities
- →Explore medieval Kagbeni gateway to Upper Mustang
- →Walk Kali Gandaki
B: Muktinath
L: Kagbeni
D: Jomsom
Teahouse
Jomsom to Tatopani Hot Springs (1,200m)
📍 Tatopani
Activities
- →Drive through Kali Gandaki gorge
- →Relax in natural hot springs
B: Jomsom
L: Ghasa
D: Tatopani
Lodge
Tatopani to Pokhara via Nayapul
📍 Pokhara
Activities
- →Scenic drive along Modi Khola to lakeside Pokhara
B: Tatopani
L: Nayapul
D: Pokhara
Hotel
Pokhara Relaxation & Sightseeing
📍 Pokhara
Activities
- →Boating on Phewa Lake
- →Peace Pagoda visit
B: Hotel
L: Lakeside
D: Pokhara
Hotel
Fly / Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu
📍 Kathmandu
Activities
- →Return to Kathmandu
- →Farewell dinner
B: Pokhara
L: Highway
D: Kathmandu
Hotel
✓ Included in Cost
- +ACAP Permit & TIMS card
- +Private Jeep transport
- +All teahouse lodges
- +Expert high-altitude guide
✕ Not Included in Cost
- -Personal gear
- -Travel insurance
- -Hot showers/WiFi fees
Essential Packing List
Pro Tips
- ★Start Thorong La crossing at 4:00 AM before high winds develop
- ★Spend two nights in Manang for acclimatization
Required Gear, Peaks & Connected Travel Planning
22 connected resources
800-Fill Goose Down Expedition Jacket
Apparel & Insulation
Gore-Tex Waterproof Mountain Trekking Boots
Footwear
Four-Season Down Sleeping Bag (-20°C / -4°F)
Sleeping & Shelter
12-Point Mountain Crampons & Alpine Ice Axe
Technical Climbing
Carbon Fiber Anti-Shock Trekking Poles
Trekking Accessories
Himalayan Expedition Medical & Altitude Sickness Kit
Health & Safety
Category 4 Polarized Glacier Sunglasses
Health & Safety
3-Layer Ripstop Waterproof Breathable Storm Shell
Apparel & Insulation
450-Lumen Cold-Resistant USB-C Rechargeable Headlamp
Electronics & Lighting
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Classic Himalayan Trek - Diverse Landscapes and Cultures
Pokhara
Lake City and Gateway to Adventures
Kathmandu Valley
Heart of Nepali Culture and History
Annapurna I
8,091m (26,545ft)
Dhaulagiri I
8,167m (26,795ft)
Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)
6,993m (22,943ft)
Tea Houses
Authentic Trekking Accommodations
Community Homestays
Live Like a Local
Trekking in Nepal
Walking Through Himalayan Dreams
Mountain Biking
Pedal Through Himalayan Terrain
Safety & Health
Travel Safety and Essential Health Information
Best Time to Visit Nepal
Seasonal Guide and Climate Information
Currency & Money Management
Financial Guide for Nepal
Ready for Your Adventure?
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