The big challenge, and highlight, is crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), the highest point of the trip and the longest day, with 9–10 hours on the trail. Afterwards, you descend to Muktinath and into the Kali Gandaki valley, passing apple orchards and relaxing in Tatopani’s hot springs, before a sunrise hike up Poon Hill and your final walk down to Pokhara. It is a varied, rewarding trek for fit walkers who enjoy long days and ever-changing landscapes.
Days 1 & 2 – Kathmandu to Besisahar to Chame
Duration: approx. 6 hours drive (day 1), 3 hours drive (day 2)
Altitude 760 – 2,600 m
You leave Kathmandu behind this morning and wind west through green hills, river valleys and terraced farmland. It’s a long but scenic drive, with glimpses of village life along the way — farmers in the fields, roadside markets and children heading home from school. By afternoon you reach Besisahar, a bustling hillside town and gateway to the Annapurna Circuit. Stretch your legs, settle into your lodge and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
The following morning you follow the Marsyangdi River along a rugged mountain road, by local jeep. The ride is bumpy but the scenery makes up for it — waterfalls, pine forest and ever-closer peaks. By the afternoon you’ll reach Chame, which sits among tall pines with snowy summits above. From here on, you’re properly on the trail.
Day 3 – Trek to Upper Pisang
Duration: approx. 7 hours trekking
Altitude 3,300 m
Today you follow the Marsyangdi River along a rugged mountain road, by local jeep. The ride is bumpy but the scenery makes up for it — waterfalls, pine forest and ever-closer peaks. By the afternoon you’ll reach Chame, which sits among tall pines with snowy summits above. From here on, you’re properly on the trail.
Days 4 & 5 – Trek to Manang & acclimatisation day
Duration: approx. 6 hours trekking
Altitude 3,450 m
If you wake early, you can enjoy sunrise over the mountain panorama. The landscape begins to change today as you enter the wide Manang Valley. Dry hills, dramatic rock formations and huge Himalayan backdrops replace the forests below. You’ll pass through Braga village with its ancient monastery, before reaching the beautiful village of Manang. Manang is known for its unique culture, varied landscapes, and views of the Himalayas. It also serves as a key acclimatisation stop before ascending to higher elevations.
You’ll spend two nights here. You can explore the village and spend time with the locals. Take a short hike to a viewpoint, wander the village or visit a local bakery. The goal is simple: walk high, sleep low and give your body time to adjust for the altitude ahead.
Day 6 – Trek to Yak Kharka
Duration: approx. 6 hours trekking
Altitude 4,020 m
The trail from Manang climbs steadily into more rugged, open terrain. Trees thin out, replaced by alpine scrub and wide skies. You’ll spend the night in Yak Kharka – a small, windswept settlement where the air feels noticeably thinner and the mountains feel bigger. Walking is steady today but not overly steep, though the altitude can make the trek feel more strenuous.
Day 7 – Trek to Thorong Phedi
Duration: approx. 7 hours trekking
Altitude 4,870 m
Today’s trek begins with a steady uphill stretch before dipping down to cross a suspension bridge. Then it’s one last steep push up to Phedi at 4,540 m — the base before crossing the Thorong La Pass. The landscape feels more rugged and open here, and with the altitude creeping up, you’ll likely notice the effort more than on previous days. Thorong Phedi itself is small and simple, with a handful of lodges where you’ll sleep and rest ahead of the big pass day.
Day 8 – Cross the Thorong La Pass & trek to Muktinath
Duration: approx. 10 hours trekking
Altitude 3,800 m
Today is the toughest and most rewarding day on the Annapurna Circuit trek. You set off before dawn, climbing slowly to Thorong La Pass (5,416m), which is the highest point of the trek. The views from the top are well worth the effort. Prayer flags snap in the wind and the views stretch across the Himalayas. From here, it’s a long descent to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site with a very different, almost desert-like landscape.
Day 9 – Trek to Marpha
Duration: approx. 7 hours trekking
Altitude 2,650 m
The trek now descends into the Lower Mustang region, following the wide Kali Gandaki valley. The scenery feels drier and more open. Marpha is one of the prettiest villages on the trail, known for its whitewashed houses and apple orchards.
Days 10 & 11 – Marpha to Tatopani & trek to Shikha
Duration: approx. 2 hours drive & 4 hours trekking
Altitude 2,017 m
A gentle day as you swap your boots for wheels, and drive down the valley to Tatopani where you spend the night. Tatopani sits in a subtropical setting and is famous for its natural hot springs — a welcome treat for tired legs.
The following day you’re back on the trekking trail. You’ll climb through terraced fields and forest, passing through farming villages where daily life unfolds much as it always has. Your destination is Shikha – a peaceful mountain village with wide views. The day’s trek is moderate, giving you a chance to enjoy nature, local culture, and scenic landscapes.
Day 12 – Trek to Ghorepani
Duration: approx. 3 hours trekking
Altitude 2,850 m
The trek from Shikha to Ghorepani is a moderately challenging uphill hike primarily consisting of steep, forested trails and stone steps. You’ll be rewarded with views of rhododendron and oak forests as you get closer to Ghorepani, perched high on a ridge. If the skies are clear, you may catch a glimpse of snowy peaks peeking through the trees — a hint of tomorrow’s early start.
Day 13 – Poon Hill sunrise & trek to Tikhedhunga
Duration: approx. 2 hours Poon Hill hike, then 4 hours trekking
Altitude 1,540 m
It’s an early start, but for good reason. Before dawn you’ll embark on the 1 hour hike up to Poon Hill. Sitting at an altitude of 3,210m, it offers one of the best viewpoints in the Annapurna region. As the sun rises, the peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri light up in shades of orange and gold. It’s a magical moment. After heading back down for a well-deserved breakfast, you continue through forest and villages to Tikhedhunga. It’s a full but rewarding day.
Day 14 – Trek to Hile & drive to Pokhara
Duration: approx. 2.5 hours trekking & 1 hour drive
Altitude 822 m
A final downhill walk through farmland and small settlements brings you to Hile. From here, your driver will be waiting to drive you back to Pokhara, where hot showers, lakeside cafés and a comfortable bed await — a well-earned finish.
Accommodation
