Cross one of the highest trekking passes in the world on a long pre-dawn day, then drop to Muktinath.
Pass from subtropical valleys and pine forest to dry, high-desert Himalayan scenery in a single trek.
Rest and acclimatise in a Tibetan-influenced village of stone houses, monasteries and views of Gangapurna and Annapurna III.
A shrine sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, with eternal flames and 108 water spouts at the base of the pass.
Walk or ride down one of the deepest river valleys on earth, between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, past apple-growing Thakali villages.
Soak in natural hot pools by the river after the pass and long descent.
End the mountain section with a dawn viewpoint over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.
A full acclimatisation day in Manang, with optional side trips, keeps the high section safe.
The Annapurna Circuit winds around the Annapurna massif, climbing the Marsyangdi valley, crossing Thorong La and descending the Kali Gandaki valley. This 15-day plan skips the earliest road-side walking and starts the trail at Dharapani, which saves time while keeping the best scenery, high villages and the pass.
Altitude is the main hurdle. We use a gradual schedule, sleep no higher than needed before the pass, and include a full rest day in Manang. The crossing begins before dawn, is cold and windy, and can be closed or made harder by snow, so the plan includes buffer time on the descent and at the end.
Roads have changed parts of the circuit, and landslides or weather can affect vehicles and trails. We confirm the latest conditions before departure and adjust the walking and driving mix where it improves your experience.
| Duration | 15 days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu |
|---|---|
| Start / End | Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar and onward by road or trail to Dharapani; end with Poon Hill, Nayapul and Pokhara |
| Highest point | Thorong La pass, about 5,416 m |
| Distance | Roughly 130 to 160 km on foot, less where roads or vehicles are used |
| Walking per day | 4 to 7 hours on most days; the pass day is about 8 to 9 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging; the main challenge is altitude, cold and the long pass day |
| Best seasons | March to May and late September to November |
| Accommodation | Simple teahouse lodges on the trail, hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara |
| Group size | Private trips or small groups |
| Permits | The Annapurna Conservation Area permit and a trekker registration card are usually needed; we arrange them. Rules change, so we confirm the current guide and group requirements with you before you book |
| Road access | Jeep roads now run on parts of the circuit, so we choose trails and vehicle sections to keep the route enjoyable |
Meet our team at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Rest, then enjoy a welcome evening in the city and a trek briefing.
Meals: DinnerA long day by bus or jeep (about 8 to 11 hours depending on road and traffic) via Besisahar, then up the Marsyangdi valley to Dharapani.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinnerFollow the river through pine and oak forest, with the first big views of Manaslu and Annapurna II. Chame is the district headquarters.
Walking: 5 to 6 hoursPass apple orchards and a huge curved rock face, then climb into drier, higher country. Pisang looks across to Annapurna II.
Walking: 5 to 6 hoursChoose the lower route or the higher route through Upper Pisang for wide views, then arrive in Manang, a large village below the glaciers.
Walking: 5 to 6 hoursRest, or take a short hike to a viewpoint, monastery or glacial lake, then return to sleep at the same height. A relaxed day to help the body adjust.
Walking: 2 to 5 hours, optionalClimb steadily above the tree line, passing Gunsang and Ledar, into open yak pastures.
Walking: 4 to 5 hoursA short but steep day along a narrow trail to the base of the pass. Rest, drink water and prepare for an early start.
Walking: 3 to 4 hoursLeave in the dark, climb to the pass through cold air, then follow a long, rough descent to Muktinath and its temple.
Walking: 8 to 9 hoursVisit the temple in the morning, then follow the dry Kali Gandaki valley through Kagbeni and Jomsom, by foot or jeep depending on conditions.
Walking: 5 to 7 hours, or by vehicleA scenic road journey down the deepest gorge, past Marpha and Kalopani, into warmer, greener land. The hot springs are the reward.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinnerA hard day climbing out of the valley through terraced villages and forest to the ridge village of Ghorepani.
Walking: 6 to 8 hoursClimb for sunrise, return for breakfast, then descend steps to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara for a hot shower and celebration dinner.
Walking: 5 to 7 hours, plus driveTravel by tourist bus, private vehicle or a short flight (about 6 to 7 hours by road). Free evening.
Meals: BreakfastTransfer to the airport for your flight home, or use the day as a buffer for flight or road delays.
Meals: BreakfastThe 15 days run from arrival to departure in Kathmandu. Altitudes and walking times are approximate and vary by source and lodge. Pass day may need to be moved if snow or wind makes the crossing unsafe, so please keep at least one spare day before international flights. Road and trail conditions can change the mix of walking and driving, and we confirm the final route before departure.
It is moderate to challenging. Most days are 4 to 7 hours, but the altitude, cold and the 8 to 9 hour pass day are demanding. There is no technical climbing, and steady fitness training helps a lot.
The pass is about 5,416 m. The main risks are altitude sickness, cold, wind and snow. We use a gradual schedule, a rest day at Manang and an early start, and your guide watches everyone for symptoms.
Ascend slowly, keep sleeping heights gentle, drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol, and report headaches or nausea early. If symptoms worsen, the answer is to stop climbing and go down.
Usually the Annapurna Conservation Area permit and a trekker registration card, both arranged by us. Requirements and fees can change, so we confirm the current rules and any guide requirement before you book.
March to May and late September to November have the most stable weather. Winter can close the pass with snow, and the monsoon brings wet trails and landslide risk, though the northern side is drier.
Yes. Vehicle roads now reach parts of the route, especially the lower valleys and the Kali Gandaki side. We use trails where they are better and vehicles where the road saves time, and we explain this when you enquire.
Simple rooms with blankets and shared bathrooms. Meals are dal bhat, noodles, soups, eggs and pasta. Hot showers and charging cost extra and get pricier with height. Rooms at Thorong Phedi are basic and cold.
A down jacket, thermal layers, warm hat, gloves, sunglasses, a headlamp and a sleeping bag rated for low temperatures. Poles and sturdy, broken-in boots are strongly advised.
Carry enough Nepali rupees for meals, drinks, showers, charging and tips. Cash machines on the route are few and unreliable.
Yes. It must cover trekking to at least 5,500 m, medical treatment and helicopter evacuation. Send us your policy details before you arrive.
Yes. Shorter versions start higher up the valley, and longer ones add days for Tilicho Lake, Ice Lake or extra rest. Ask us for a custom plan.
Lower villages often have a signal, and many lodges sell Wi-Fi or a local SIM data pack for a fee. Higher up and in remote valleys the connection is slow or absent, so tell family to expect quiet days. Wi-Fi is not included in the price. A local SIM bought in Kathmandu is a cheap backup.
Lodges serve dal bhat, noodles, soup, eggs, pasta, momo and pancakes, and dal bhat comes with refills. Vegetarian and vegan meals are easy to arrange. If you need gluten-free food or have allergies, tell us when you book so your guide can brief the kitchen, though choices narrow as you climb. Meals on trail days are included. City meals are not, apart from breakfast and the two special dinners.
Tap and stream water is not safe to drink untreated. Lodges sell boiled or bottled water for a fee, which is not in the price. Many trekkers bring purification tablets or a filter bottle to save money and plastic. Your guide can show you where it is safe to refill.
Yes. Pick-up and drop-off at Kathmandu airport, hotel nights in Kathmandu with breakfast, a guided city tour, and a welcome and farewell dinner are included. See the Included tab on this page for the full list. Extra hotel nights outside the itinerary are not included, so ask us if you need them.
A 20% deposit secures your booking. Send an enquiry from this page or message us on WhatsApp, and we will confirm the dates and how to pay. The balance is paid in Kathmandu before the trek. For cancellation and refund terms, see wildpasstreks.com/booking-policy/
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