Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek
Cross Thorong La Pass and immerse in stunning natural beauty enriched by Himalayan culture

Trip Overview:
Location
Nepal
Region
Annapurna
Max-Elevation
5,416 m
Duration
18 days
Accommodation
Hotel/Lodge
Best Seasons
Spring and Autumn
Group
Min. 1 Pax
Difficulty
Moderately difficult
Start Point
Kathmandu
End Point
Kathmandu
Permit
Required
Food
Three Meals/Day
Introduction to Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is an unforgettable Himalayan journey that crosses Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) and showcases the diversity of Nepal’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. While roads have been built between Besi Sahar and Manang and from Muktinath to Pokhara so you can start and end your trek wherever you like, many trekkers still prefer to do the full traditional route. This allows them to experience the trek in its entirety.
Our itinerary starts a bit ahead of the Classic Annapurna Circuit starting point in Syange, about 1.5 hours’ drive from Besi Sahar, for a more scenic and interesting start to the trail. The route covers an impressive range of altitudes—from around 820 meters (2,690 feet) in the foothills to the high alpine regions near the pass—so proper acclimatization is essential for a safe and enjoyable trek.
Some people shorten the trek and end in Jomsom and fly or drive to Pokhara, but the full Annapurna circuit is more rewarding. Roads have made it possible to skip the lower sections by starting from Chame or ending early from Muktinath. But those who want the real journey go beyond Thorong La Pass and visit Poon Hill (3,210 m), a panoramic viewpoint famous for its sunrise views of the Himalayas.
Our 18-day itinerary follows the classic route, through changing landscapes—from farmland and subtropical forests to high altitude deserts and glacier carved valleys. Along the way we meet warm and resilient communities like Gurung, Thakali and Tibetan-influenced people.
After a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syange, the trail follows the Marsyangdi River Valley, passing through villages like Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang and Manang where we take a day to acclimatize. From there we ascend to the highest point of the trek Thorong La Pass and then descend to Muktinath (3,800 m), a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists.Then the trail enters the dramatic Kali Gandaki Valley, the world’s deepest gorge.
At Tatopani trekkers can relax in natural hot springs believed to have healing properties. From Tatopani, a steep climb to Ghorepani (2,855 m) and an early morning hike to Poon Hill to see the breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
From there the trail goes through Tadapani and Ghandruk and you can either return back to Pokhara or continue through Landruk, Tolka, Pitam Deurali, Pothana and Dhampus. The trek ends at Dhampus Phedi and then a short drive to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu by bus or flight as per your service.
Highlights of the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek
Best Time of the year for the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek
The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for clear skies, pleasant weather, and stunning views.
- Autumn(September to November)
Autumn (September to November) is the best time for the Annapurna Circuit trek, offering stable weather, clear skies, and crisp mountain views.
- Spring(March to May)
Spring (March to May) is a great time for the Annapurna Circuit trek, with mild temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, and clear mountain views.
- Monsoon(June to August)Monsoon (June to early September) is the least ideal time for the Annapurna Circuit trek due to heavy rain, slippery trails, and increased risk of landslides.
- Winter(December to February)Winter (December to February) on the Annapurna Circuit is cold, especially at high altitudes, with snow on the passes, making trekking challenging but quieter and less crowded.
Accommodation in Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek
Along the Annapurna Circuit, accommodation is mainly in simple, family-run tea houses offering basic rooms, meals, and warm hospitality. Larger villages often have hot showers and better facilities. Popular stops like Manang and Muktinath offer more comfort, but it’s best to arrive early during peak season to secure a room. Tea house stays provide a cozy, authentic trekking experience.
Availabilty of food in Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek
Along the Annapurna Circuit trek, food in tea houses typically includes a mix of local and familiar dishes. Popular meals are dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), noodles, pasta, soups, and simple vegetable or egg dishes. Many places also offer Western options like pancakes, omelets, and fried rice. Fresh vegetables can be limited at higher altitudes, so some menus rely on dried or canned ingredients. Eating dal bhat is recommended for energy and nutrition, especially during long trekking days. Clean drinking water is essential, and many trekkers use water purification tablets or filters.
Guides and Porters for Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek
For the Annapurna Circuit Trek, hiring guides and porters is highly recommended. Guides provide valuable knowledge about the route, culture, and safety, helping you navigate challenging terrain and altitude changes. Porters carry your heavy gear, making the trek easier and more enjoyable. Both support local communities by providing employment opportunities. Our agency offers packages that include experienced, certified guides and trained porters to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
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Itinerary
Once you reach at Kathmandu airport, our representative will transfer you to your hotel. A short travel briefing will be given at the hotel/office, and you will be requested to pay the travel dues. Overnight at Hotel
After breakfast, Kathmandu visits Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa which are all World Heritage Sites. Durbar Square throws light on the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage places for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as Monkey Temple and Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. Late in the afternoon, we introduced you to your mountain/trek guide. Overnight at Hotel.
We begin our long drive to Syange early in the morning. En route we get to enjoy the countryside of Nepal with its green hills, winding rivers, terraced farms and of course the mighty Himalayas. The price quoted on our website includes public transportation from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar, from here we have to take another public transportation to Syange. We can also arrange private transportation if you are willing to pay for it. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
From Syange we will start our trek along the peaceful river banks and climb up to the stone village of Jagat (1,330 m). From Jagat our trail descends, crossing Ghatte Khola Stream and climbs again through forest-finally reaching Chamje (1,410 m). From Chamje our path crosses to the east fork of Marsyangdi River. Soon we climb steep stone steps past the village of Sattale (1,680 m), past fields and rhododendrons along the river bank and later climb to the open plateau of Tal (1,700 m). We continue gradually uphill, passing the villages of Khorte and Karte to finally you are reaching at Dharapani (1,960 m). Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
Today, we pass a village school and also you can see the way of coming down from Larkya Pass (Manaslu trekking) and continue climb gradually through a forest to the typical Tibetan-style village of Bagarchhap (2,160 m). Remaining along the left bank of the river, we gradually climb to Danaque (2,210 m). After Danaque cross suspension bridge and climb up to Temang village (2600m) and continue trek koto (2,640 m). It is the gate way for Nar Phu valley trekking. After koto easy walk to Chame (2,670 m) the largest village and headquarters of Manang District. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
You will cross Marshyangdi River and enter the forests of pines. The trail enters inside a small valley with gentle ups. You will then meet Bratang village. Walking a little some more from Bratang, You will again have to cross the Marshyangdi river. From here the trail goes steep up before you meet the road to Manang. You will walk on the road for a while then will reach Dhukur Pokhari (Lunch spot). Many mountains, including Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, Chulu Peak, Tilicho Peak, and others, are visible from Dhikur Pokhari. You will next cross a suspension bridge across a river and begin walking toward Upper Pisang. Upper Pisang has magnificent views of the Annapurna Ranges, and Pisang Peak. Due to the thin air at Upper Pisang, some trekkers may have trouble breathing. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
From Upper Pisang, you will trek on the most difficult trail, which includes several steep climbs and switchbacks. You will trek on the higher trails via Ghyaru and Ngawal, from where you will have magnificent views of Lamjung Himal (6. 983m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Gandarbha Chuli (6,250m), Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7,544m), Glacier Dome (7,193m), Khangsar Kan (6,091m). You will notice that the air becomes cooler, drier and harsher as the trail ascends. You will have the opportunity to learn about Buddhist culture as you pass through the Tibetan communities along the way. Before reaching Manang, the trail passes by the picturesque town of Munchi and the obscure hamlet of Braga. The largest monastery in Manang is the Barge Monastery, which you will explore. When you finally reach Manang Bazaar after passing several monasteries, you will notice that the road is decorated with Buddhist shrines. One of the largest settlements along the Annapurna Circuit Trek is Manang. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
Today is our like a rest day to acclimatization for trekking in higher elevation but you can make short hike to Praken Gompa (3,945 m), which is not that far from Manang. However, you will have to walk a steep climb to reach the gompa. The view from the gompa is incredible, with magnificent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV and Gangapurna etc. In the afternoon, explore Manang village and visit Gangapurna Lake. But if you have time and energy you can add extra days to hike up to Milarepa cave at 4100 meters or Ice Lake (Kicho Valley) at 4620 meters, which is about 15 kilometers round trip from Manang it takes about 6 to 8 hours, it is difficult day hike better consult with your guide before you go, or you need to share you interested before book your trek usually our original plan is not included Milarepa cave and Ice Lake. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
The trekking trail now begins an ascent above 1876m to Thorung La from Manang village. From Manang village the trail crosses a stream before climbing to Tengi (3,650 m). We then continue to climb the Marsyangdi valley, passing the small village of Gunsang (3,960 m). After crossing a large stream that flows from Chulu west and Gundang, the trail passes an ancient Mani wall in a pleasant meadow at 4000 m. Beyond here is Yak Kharka, (4,110 m) also known as Koche. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
After less than one hour walking you are reaching at Chauri Ledar (4,250 m). From Ledar the trail continues to climb along the east bank of the Jorsang Khola, then descends and crosses the stream on a wooden bridge at 4,310 metres. After making a short ascent on a good trail to a teashop, the route then follows a narrow path across a high, unstable slope path before reach at Thorong Phedi (4,420 m). Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
The set off is exceptionally early in the morning to go across Thorong La Pass at 5416m. The trail becomes steep instantly after leaving Phedi but easy to follow. 4-6 hours ascent leads to the top of the Pass, which is complete with prayer flags, a chorten and stone cairn built by trekkers. At the top of Thorong La there is one tea shop but only running in trekking season time where you will have hot tea/coffee in your small rest at top. The views from the trail and from the pass are majestic. You will see Thorung peak, Annapurnas, Gangapurna, Khatung Kang and Kali Gandaki valley etc. After Thorong La top the trail descends steeply proceeding towards Chabarbu (4,290 m), available tiny seasonable teahouse. From here on, the trail crosses meadows, drops into a deep gorge, climbs out and follows a wide trail into Muktinath, a pilgrimage site held in great reverence by both the Hindus and Buddhists. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
You start your overland journey in Muktinath. There are regular public buses from Muktinath to Pokhara. Tatopani is on the way, so we take the public bus or hire a private jeep to drive to Tatopani (depending on which service you have booked). However, if you prefer public bus, you sometimes have to change to another bus from Jomsom. After reaching Tatopani you are free to relax and enjoy bathing in the natural spring. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
Today is another big day. It will take about 6 to 7 hours to hike from Tatopani to Ghorepani. You will climb 1,665 meters. On the way, you will pass some Magar and Gurung villages. Throughout the trek, you will see green fields and excellent views of Mount Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak and Nilgiri Himal. Ghorepani lies on a hilltop. From Ghorepani, the unparalleled beauty of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Tukuche peak is truly extraordinary. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
Today we wake up early and hike to Poon Hill, just in time to see the sunrise over the Himalayas. From Poon Hill, we can view a brilliant panorama of mountain including Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (fishtail) and many more. After enjoying the view, we return to our lodge for a hearty breakfast and follow a pleasant forest trail uphill through rhododendron and oak forests to Deurali (2960 m). After Deurali, the trail descends through rhododendron forests to Banthanti (2606 m). The trail then climbs and passes through a sugarcane field to Bhurung Khola before climbing again for 20 minutes through steep forests to finally reach Tadapani (2710 m), which offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna ranges, especially Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
From Tadapani, we make a steep descent through the dense and dark forest. This part of the trek will be through a thick forest of old rhododendron trees. When the rhododendron trees are in bloom, these forests actually turn into amazing gardens. By afternoon, depending upon the season of travel, we also get to enjoy cherry blossoms in bloom on the slopes on the other side of the ravine. After trekking a few more minutes, we enter the village of Ghandruk, a slope settlement with stone houses mostly inhabited by the Gurung people. Here, we enjoy the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains. From Ghandruk We decent down to Modi Khola and start climb up to Landruk village (1,545 m) a pretty big village inhabited by mixed community of Gurung, Magar and Brahmin as well. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
From Landruk, the trail gently ascends to Tolka (1,700 m) and then ascent and level path to Bherikharka. From here, the trail goes steeply up to Deorali (2,100 m) with a view of different mountain peaks in panorama. Now the trail gradually descends to Pothana passing through different oak forests. After Pothana, the trail is gently descent up to Dhampus, a village mainly inhabited by Gurung. Now you trek through flat land for some distance and steeply descend to Dhampus Phedi. Now you take vehicle to drive from Dhampus Phedi to Pokhara it takes about 35 minutes driving distance. Overnight at Hotel.
It takes about seven hours, while driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli,, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to capital city. You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu, which takes about 25 minutes. Overnight at Hotel.
The trip comes to the end today. If you prefer to extend your trip let us know otherwise we will transfer you to Kathmandu airport. Normally 3 hours before your flight, you are required to check in.
Not Satisfied with the above itinerary? We also offer flexible, tailor-made trips according to your preferences and specification.
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Customer Reviews:

Jack Richeson
This was my first trip to Nepal and my first time trekking. I was only able to spend a short time here and there was a lot that I wanted to do. The Alpine Adventure Club Treks & Expedition group was very helpful in planning my trip to make the...

Conny and Helmut (Bavaria, Germany)
Annapurna Circuit - Annapurna Base Camp October/November 2011 We did 25 days long trek and were very happy to have this Alpine Adventure Club, because with our guide and the porter we could enjoy the trek without any trouble. The most time we had a room for two, sometimes with...