12-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek
12-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek
12-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek
12-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek
12-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek
12-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek
Trekking in Nepal
12-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek
The 12-day Annapurna Circuit Trek covers roughly 160 to 230 kilometers of dramatic terrain, starting with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to the trailhead and concluding with a return from the mountains via Jomsom or Pokhara.
12 days
/ 11 nights
Extreme
Annapurna Region
Discover the experience
About This Tour
Your journey typically begins with an overland drive or jeep ride from Kathmandu through Besisahar into the Marsyangdi River valley, passing terraced rice paddies, thundering waterfalls, and vibrant Hindu villages. As you gain elevation toward Chame, Upper Pisang, and Manang, the landscape transitions into deep pine forests and dramatic alpine terrain dominated by towering peaks like Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna. An essential acclimatization day in Manang allows your body to adjust to the thinning air, with optional side hikes to scenic vantage points or glacial lakes like Gangapurna.
Continuing higher past Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi, the trail enters a stark, high-altitude world resembling the Tibetan Plateau. The climax of the trek comes with an early morning push over the windswept Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding snow-capped giants. From the pass, you descend into the sacred pilgrimage valley of Muktinath-famous for its 108 water spouts and eternal flame - before heading down through the Kali Gandaki gorge region toward Jomsom and returning via Pokhara. The route requires official permits including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card, with the best weather windows falling in the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).
Continuing higher past Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi, the trail enters a stark, high-altitude world resembling the Tibetan Plateau. The climax of the trek comes with an early morning push over the windswept Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding snow-capped giants. From the pass, you descend into the sacred pilgrimage valley of Muktinath-famous for its 108 water spouts and eternal flame - before heading down through the Kali Gandaki gorge region toward Jomsom and returning via Pokhara. The route requires official permits including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card, with the best weather windows falling in the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).
Why this journey
Tour Highlights
The experiences you'll remember long after the journey.
01
The Thorong La Pass at 5416m offers world-class panoramic Himalayan views
02
Trekkers experience a spectacular landscape shift from lush rainforests
03
Staying in traditional mountain teahouses provides an immersive cultural look
04
The journey visits the sacred Muktinath Temple
05
Walk beneath towering giants like Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri
06
Walk beneath towering giants like Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri
Your Journey
Explore the complete day-by-day itinerary.
Drive time: 7–9 hours (overland drive via jeep or local bus)
Altitude: 1,860 meters / 6,102 feet
The Experience: You leave the bustling capital of Kathmandu early in the morning. The drive follows the scenic Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, winding past terraced fields and rural towns to Besisahar. From there, you switch to a rugged four-wheel-drive trail, bumping through steep canyons and waterfalls to reach the Tibetan-influenced village of Dharapani.
Altitude: 1,860 meters / 6,102 feet
The Experience: You leave the bustling capital of Kathmandu early in the morning. The drive follows the scenic Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, winding past terraced fields and rural towns to Besisahar. From there, you switch to a rugged four-wheel-drive trail, bumping through steep canyons and waterfalls to reach the Tibetan-influenced village of Dharapani.
Trek duration: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 2,670 meters / 8,759 feet
The Experience: The trail enters deep pine and fir forests as you follow the roaring Marsyangdi River upstream. You will pass through traditional villages like Bagarchhap and Timang, where the first dramatic views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II begin to pierce the skyline. The day ends in Chame, the administrative headquarters of the Manang district, famous for its soothing riverside hot springs.
Altitude: 2,670 meters / 8,759 feet
The Experience: The trail enters deep pine and fir forests as you follow the roaring Marsyangdi River upstream. You will pass through traditional villages like Bagarchhap and Timang, where the first dramatic views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II begin to pierce the skyline. The day ends in Chame, the administrative headquarters of the Manang district, famous for its soothing riverside hot springs.
Trek duration: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 3,300 meters / 10,826 feet
The Experience: You will walk through a narrow, dramatic river valley before encountering the iconic Paungda Danda—a massive, curved rock wall that rises over 1,500 meters seamlessly from the riverbed. The trail continues to climb steadily into Upper Pisang. Staying here offers spectacular, sweeping views of Annapurna II and Upper Manang valley.
Altitude: 3,300 meters / 10,826 feet
The Experience: You will walk through a narrow, dramatic river valley before encountering the iconic Paungda Danda—a massive, curved rock wall that rises over 1,500 meters seamlessly from the riverbed. The trail continues to climb steadily into Upper Pisang. Staying here offers spectacular, sweeping views of Annapurna II and Upper Manang valley.
Trek duration: 6–7 hours
Altitude: 3,540 meters / 11,614 feet
The Experience: Taking the high route through the traditional village of Ngawal is highly recommended for better acclimatization. The trail offers breathtaking, unobstructed panoramas of the Annapurna range. You then descend back toward the valley floor, passing ancient monasteries and Mani walls before arriving in the sprawling mountain hub of Manang.
Altitude: 3,540 meters / 11,614 feet
The Experience: Taking the high route through the traditional village of Ngawal is highly recommended for better acclimatization. The trail offers breathtaking, unobstructed panoramas of the Annapurna range. You then descend back toward the valley floor, passing ancient monasteries and Mani walls before arriving in the sprawling mountain hub of Manang.
Trek duration: 3–4 hours (side hike)
Altitude: 3,540 meters / 11,614 feet
The Experience: This is a mandatory rest day to help your body adapt to the thinning air. To follow the "climb high, sleep low" rule, you can take a steep side hike up to the Gangapurna Ice Lake or visit the viewpoint above the town. The afternoon can be spent exploring the old stone alleyways of Manang or attending a high-altitude safety lecture conducted by the Himalayan Rescue Association.
Altitude: 3,540 meters / 11,614 feet
The Experience: This is a mandatory rest day to help your body adapt to the thinning air. To follow the "climb high, sleep low" rule, you can take a steep side hike up to the Gangapurna Ice Lake or visit the viewpoint above the town. The afternoon can be spent exploring the old stone alleyways of Manang or attending a high-altitude safety lecture conducted by the Himalayan Rescue Association.
Trek duration: 3–4 hours
Altitude: 4,050 meters / 13,287 feet
The Experience: Leaving the tree line behind, the trail transitions into alpine scrub and dry pastures where blue sheep and yaks graze. The pace slows down significantly to prevent altitude sickness. It is a shorter, steady uphill walk that crosses several small wooden bridges before reaching the small settlement of Yak Kharka by lunchtime.
Altitude: 4,050 meters / 13,287 feet
The Experience: Leaving the tree line behind, the trail transitions into alpine scrub and dry pastures where blue sheep and yaks graze. The pace slows down significantly to prevent altitude sickness. It is a shorter, steady uphill walk that crosses several small wooden bridges before reaching the small settlement of Yak Kharka by lunchtime.
Trek duration: 3–4 hours
Altitude: 4,450 meters / 14,599 feet
The Experience: You will trek along the base of towering cliffs, crossing a notorious landslide-prone zone before reaching Thorong Phedi. For very strong hikers, an additional one-hour climb to High Camp (4,925m) is an option, but staying at Phedi ensures a better night's sleep before the long pass day. You will have an early dinner and go to bed early.
Altitude: 4,450 meters / 14,599 feet
The Experience: You will trek along the base of towering cliffs, crossing a notorious landslide-prone zone before reaching Thorong Phedi. For very strong hikers, an additional one-hour climb to High Camp (4,925m) is an option, but staying at Phedi ensures a better night's sleep before the long pass day. You will have an early dinner and go to bed early.
Trek duration: 7–9 hours
Altitude: 5,416 meters / 17,764 feet (Pass) to 3,760 meters / 12,335 feet (Muktinath)
The Experience: The toughest and most rewarding day starts with a wake-up call around 4:00 AM. Using headlamps, you switchback up steep, icy slopes to reach the prayer-flag-strewn crest of Thorong La Pass. After celebrating the world-class views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs, you begin a long, knee-crushing 1,600-meter descent down to the sacred temples of Muktinath.
Altitude: 5,416 meters / 17,764 feet (Pass) to 3,760 meters / 12,335 feet (Muktinath)
The Experience: The toughest and most rewarding day starts with a wake-up call around 4:00 AM. Using headlamps, you switchback up steep, icy slopes to reach the prayer-flag-strewn crest of Thorong La Pass. After celebrating the world-class views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs, you begin a long, knee-crushing 1,600-meter descent down to the sacred temples of Muktinath.
Trek duration: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 2,720 meters / 8,923 feet
The Experience: You drop down into the arid, windswept landscape of the Mustang region, stopping at the ancient fortress town of Kagbeni, which sits at the gateway to Upper Mustang. From here, you walk along the flat, rocky riverbed of the Kali Gandaki Valley. Be prepared for strong afternoon headwinds as you push toward the bustling airstrip town of Jomsom.
Altitude: 2,720 meters / 8,923 feet
The Experience: You drop down into the arid, windswept landscape of the Mustang region, stopping at the ancient fortress town of Kagbeni, which sits at the gateway to Upper Mustang. From here, you walk along the flat, rocky riverbed of the Kali Gandaki Valley. Be prepared for strong afternoon headwinds as you push toward the bustling airstrip town of Jomsom.
Drive time: 4–5 hours
Altitude: 1,200 meters / 3,937 feet
The Experience: To bypass the heavily dusty and motorized sections of the lower trail, you take a thrilling local jeep ride down the deepest gorge in the world. The road drops rapidly through changing ecosystems, taking you from high-altitude desert back into lush subtropical forests. You finish the day soaking your sore muscles in the natural hot springs of Tatopani.
Altitude: 1,200 meters / 3,937 feet
The Experience: To bypass the heavily dusty and motorized sections of the lower trail, you take a thrilling local jeep ride down the deepest gorge in the world. The road drops rapidly through changing ecosystems, taking you from high-altitude desert back into lush subtropical forests. You finish the day soaking your sore muscles in the natural hot springs of Tatopani.
Drive time: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 822 meters / 2,696 feet
The Experience: You leave the rugged mountain valleys behind on a private jeep or bus journey heading toward the lowland hills. The drive connects back to the main highway, bringing you straight into the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara.
Altitude: 822 meters / 2,696 feet
The Experience: You leave the rugged mountain valleys behind on a private jeep or bus journey heading toward the lowland hills. The drive connects back to the main highway, bringing you straight into the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara.
Drive time: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 822 meters / 2,696 feet
The Experience: You leave the rugged mountain valleys behind on a private jeep or bus journey heading toward the lowland hills. The drive connects back to the main highway, bringing you straight into the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara.
Altitude: 822 meters / 2,696 feet
The Experience: You leave the rugged mountain valleys behind on a private jeep or bus journey heading toward the lowland hills. The drive connects back to the main highway, bringing you straight into the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara.
Journey at a glance
Altitude Profile
See how your elevation changes throughout the journey.
Highest detected altitude
5,416 m
Profile points
12 days
Altitude points are automatically detected from the itinerary.
Know before you book
What's Included
Included
Included in your tour
- Hotel pickup and drop off.
- Trekking Permit and TIMS.
- Round Trip transfer by sharing bus.
- Accommodation in guest house.
- English speaking experienced trekking guide.
- First aid box with guide.
- Private trek.
Not Included
Additional expenses
- Personal expenses and all meals
- Rescue cost in case of an emergency.
- Gratitude (Optional)
Important details
Before You Travel
A few useful details to help you prepare for your journey.
Starting Times
Choose your preferred departure
6:30 AM
Passenger Information
Age and participation requirements
Adults
Age 10–99
Allowed
Children
Age 3–9
Not allowed
Infants
Age 0–2
Not allowed
What to Bring
Required items for this tour
- Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Trekkers' Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card
- Passport-sized Photos
- Travel Insurance Cover Policy (including high-altitude helicopter evacuation)
- Sturdy Waterproof Trekking Boots
- Four-season Sleeping Bag (rated down to -15°C)
- Down Jacket (windproof and waterproof)
- Thermal Base Layers (top and bottom)
- Waterproof Jacket and Trousers
- Polarized Sunglasses (with UV protection)
- Water Purification Tablets or Filter Bottle
- High-quality Headlamp (with extra batteries)
- Personal First Aid Kit (with altitude sickness medication/Diamox)
- Cash in Nepalese Rupees (for teahouses and trail expenses)
Not Suitable For
Please review before booking
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with severe cardiovascular conditions
- People with chronic respiratory illnesses (like severe asthma)
- Individuals with advanced joint or mobility issues
- Young children unable to hike long distances
- Anyone with pre-existing acute mountain sickness susceptibility
- Unprepared trekkers without basic physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
3 Days
Free cancellation up to 3 days before the tour start time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The trek is graded as challenging to strenuous. While it does not require technical climbing skills, it demands excellent cardiovascular endurance. You will walk 5 to 7 hours daily over rugged terrain, carrying a daypack, and culminating in a long, steep crossing of a high-altitude pass.
The highest point is the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,764 feet). To prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), the itinerary includes a mandatory acclimatization day in Manang (3,540m). Trekkers should maintain a slow, steady pace, drink 4–5 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol, and consider carrying Diamox after consulting a doctor.
The prime trekking seasons are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). During these months, the weather is generally stable, skies are crystal clear for mountain viewing, and the pass is less likely to be blocked by heavy snow. Winter is extremely cold, while summer brings heavy monsoon rains and landslides.
You need two main permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management Systems (TIMS) card. These must be obtained in advance at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or arranged through a registered trekking agency. You will need your passport and several passport-sized photos.
Accommodation consists of local mountain teahouses (small, family-run lodges). Rooms are basic, typically featuring twin beds and shared bathrooms. As you go higher, amenities become simpler, and you will need to pay small additional fees for hot showers, Wi-Fi access, and charging electronic devices.
Under current Nepal tourism regulations, trekking solo without a licensed guide is strictly prohibited in the Annapurna region for safety reasons. You must hire a licensed guide through a registered trekking agency, which dramatically improves your safety, helps navigate high-altitude logistics, and provides deep cultural insight.
Teahouses offer a surprisingly diverse menu featuring local, Tibetan, and continental options. The most popular choice is Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry), which is nutritious, filling, and comes with free refills. You can also find pasta, potatoes, eggs, pancakes, and noodle soups. It is highly recommended to stick to a vegetarian diet at high altitudes to avoid meat-related food safety issues.
Cell service is available along parts of the route, with Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC) offering decent coverage in lower villages, though it becomes highly erratic or non-existent between Manang and Muktinath. Many teahouses offer Wi-Fi for a small fee, but connection speeds drop significantly during peak hours or bad weather.
You should never drink untreated tap or river water along the trail. To reduce plastic waste, buying single-use bottled water is discouraged and banned in certain parts of the conservation area. Instead, bring reusable bottles or a bladder and treat water using water purification tablets, chlorine drops, or a high-quality UV/hollow-fiber filter.
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