Detailed Itinerary
Drive Kathmandu to Jagat – 1,300m
Highlights of the day: Scenic drive along the Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers. Pass terraced fields, lush hillsides, and small Gurung and Magar settlements before reaching Jagat, the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit.
Trek Jagat to Dharapani – 1,860m
Highlights of the day: Follow the Marshyangdi River, crossing suspension bridges and walking through lush forests. Pass charming villages like Chamje and Tal, set in a river gorge. Gradual ascent into Dharapani, an important junction with the Manaslu trail.
Trek Dharapani to Chame – 2,670m
Highlights of the day: Enter pine and fir forests with views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. Pass through Timang village, known for Tibetan culture and prayer flags. Arrive at Chame, the district headquarters of Manang.
Trek Chame to Upper Pisang – 3,300m
Highlights of the day: Walk through apple orchards and pine forest. Cross suspension bridges with magnificent views of Paungda Danda rock face. Overnight in Upper Pisang, offering great views of Annapurna II and Annapurna IV.
Trek Upper Pisang to Ngawal – 3,660m
Highlights of the day: Take the high trail via Ghyaru, passing Tibetan-style villages with panoramic views of Annapurna range. This is one of the most scenic sections of the circuit. Arrive at Ngawal (Nawal), a traditional Buddhist village.
Trek Ngawal to Manang – 3,540m
Highlights of the day: Descend gradually to Braga, with its centuries-old monastery and mani walls. Arrive in Manang, the cultural and administrative center of the region, surrounded by high peaks and glaciers.
Trek Manang to Tilicho Base Camp – 4,150m
Highlights of the day: Leave the main Annapurna Circuit trail and head west toward Tilicho Base Camp. Pass through Khangsar village and follow rugged high-altitude trails with breathtaking views of Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak.
Hike to Tilicho Lake (4,919m) & Trek to Shree Kharka – 4,080m
Highlights of the day: Early morning hike to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest glacial lakes in the world. Stunning turquoise waters set against Tilicho Peak and the Annapurna massif. After enjoying the lake, descend back to Shree Kharka for overnight.
Trek Shree Kharka to Thorong Phedi – 4,525m
Highlights of the day: Rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit trail at Yak Kharka. Ascend steadily through alpine meadows with grazing yaks before reaching Thorong Phedi, base camp for the Thorong La crossing.
Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) & Trek to Muktinath – 3,760m
Highlights of the day: Early morning climb to Thorong La Pass (5,416m), the highest and most challenging section of the trek. Rewarding panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Tibet’s Himalaya. Long descent to Muktinath, a sacred Hindu–Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2,743m) via Lubra Pass (3,772m)
Highlights of the day: Trek through barren Mustang landscapes and cross Lubra Pass (3,772m). Arrive at Jomsom, a windy town famous for apple orchards and the Kali Gandaki valley.
Drive Jomsom to Tatopani – 1,190m
Highlights of the day: Scenic drive down the Kali Gandaki valley through Marpha and Ghasa villages. Arrive at Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs, perfect for relaxation.
Trek Tatopani to Sikha Village – 1,935m
Highlights of the day: Trek through terraced farmland and traditional Magar villages. Overnight in Sikha, a hillside farming community.
Trek Sikha to Ghorepani – 2,860m
Highlights of the day: Ascend through rhododendron forests to Ghorepani, a popular stop on the Poon Hill trek. Great mountain views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
Trek Ghorepani to Ghandruk – 1,940m
Highlights of the day: Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise views over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Trek downhill via Tadapani to Ghandruk, a large Gurung village known for its rich culture and Himalayan views.
Trek Ghandruk to Siuli Bazaar & Drive to Pokhara – 822m
Highlights of the day: Descend along stone steps to Siuli Bazaar. From here, a short drive back to Pokhara, where you can relax by Phewa Lake.
Free Day in Pokhara – 822m (optional)
Highlights of the day: Leisure day for boating on Phewa Lake, visiting Davis Falls, World Peace Pagoda, or simply relaxing after your long trek.
Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu – 1,400m
Highlights of the day: Return drive to Kathmandu through river valleys and terraced hillsides. Final celebration of the trek in the capital city.
