10 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

Your adventure begins with a road drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani. Leaving behind the urban roads of Kathmandu, the road winds through the rural landscape of rolling hills, sloping terraces, and villages of vibrant colors of mid-country Nepal. As you pass through towns like Besisahar, the entrance to the Annapurna region, the road progressively becomes more mountainous and rougher mountain tracks from smooth highways. The final stretch to Dharapani is a jeep ride across rivers and along cliffs, your initial proper exposure to Himalayan scenery. After reaching Dharapani, a small village on the Marsyangdi River (1,960 m), you will dine at the hotel and have time to relax and unwind before trekking the following day.

The hike starts as you head towards Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. You will be hiking through stunning alpine scenery and dense pine and fir forests parallel to the Marsyangdi River. Along the way, you will cross some tiny Gurung and Tibetan-inspired villages, such as Bagarchhap and Danaque, which hint at the Buddhist culture of the region with chortens and prayer wheels. Chame is renowned for its natural hot water springs, where you can soak the muscles strained during trekking if time allows. The village also offers a peek into village life with its stone houses and flying prayer flags.

Your trek continues deeper into the Annapurna range as you trek to Pisang. Your journey today is packed with great mountain views and geological attractions. The trail follows a narrow trail carved into cliffs, crosses suspension bridges, and ascends through pine forests, with the Marsyangdi River rushing below. One of the highlights is the awe-inspiring Paungda Danda, a massive curved rock face rising vertically over 1,500 meters above the river. This geological feature is admired by locals and often compared to a natural amphitheater. As you hike, glimpses of Annapurna II (7,937 m) and Pisang Peak begin to fill the horizon. The trail slowly flattens as you reach Upper or Lower Pisang (around 3,200 meters), two villages divided by the river. Upper Pisang is more traditional and has nicer scenery, whereas Lower Pisang has a greater selection of hotels.

You will feel the atmospheric changes as you ascend above 3,500 meters. Moving ahead, the path splits into the upper route through Ghyaru and Ngawal or the lower route to Humde. If you have the time and energy, take the upper route for its stunning Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna vistas. It also goes through traditional villages where Tibetan ways of life dominate. You'll drive past ancient stone houses, graze yaks, and old monasteries. Prayer wheels and mani walls along the way guide you to recall the sacred nature of the trail. Eventually, you arrive in Manang (3,540 meters), a key acclimatization point on the Annapurna Circuit. This larger village has bakeries, internet, and even a Himalayan Rescue Association clinic with daily altitude lectures. After arriving, get to know the town and enjoy the glacier-fed Gangapurna Lake and surrounding hanging glaciers.

The day is dedicated to acclimatization to enable your body to get accustomed to higher altitudes, which will be preparation for the challenging days ahead. Optionally, you can undertake a short acclimatization walk to nearby destinations such as Gangapurna Lake or the village viewpoint with panoramic views of Annapurna massif. A possible common substitute is the hike to the Ice Lake (Kicho Tal), which takes longer and is harder. Regardless of which route you choose, the day helps your body acclimate to activities that are still ongoing. The afternoon is an ideal time to attend the daily altitude briefing at the Himalayan Rescue Association post, where you learn about altitude sickness and how its signs should be recognized. The rest of the day is best spent relaxing, having a warm apple pie at a village bakery, or strolling along the narrow village lanes.

Today's trek takes you further into the high-altitude alpine zone. You'll hike on a gradual ascent through scrubby juniper bushes and across grazing fields where yaks freely graze, a sign that you're already in yak herding territory, hence the name "Yak Kharka." You may spot blue sheep or Himalayan griffon vultures soaring overhead along the path. You'll pass through the small settlement of Gunsang, where you can take a break and enjoy panoramic vistas of the Annapurna range. Arriving at Yak Kharka at around 4,050 meters, the elevation will be more noticeable, with the air growing colder and thinner. Once settled into your stay, the evening is best spent resting and rehydrating, maybe watching the sunset over the mountains of this lofty wilderness.

Today's trek is relatively short in distance, but preparing for the next day's high pass crossing is vital. From Yak Kharka, the trail gradually climbs to Ledar and continues along a narrow, sometimes exposed path above the river. You'll cross a wooden bridge over the Marsyangdi River and navigate a trail prone to landslides, so caution is necessary. The landscape here is rugged, with dramatic cliffs and towering rock faces enclosing the valley after reaching Thorong Phedi (4,540 m), a remote outpost at the base of Thorong La Pass. This tiny settlement exists primarily to support trekkers preparing for the next day's ascent. The lodges herein are basic but welcoming, offering heat, food, and companionship with fellow trekkers. Spend the evening relaxing, drinking plenty of fluids, and resting.

This is the most exhilarating and challenging day of your entire trek as you cross the massive Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world. You will begin the day before sunrise, leaving Thorong Phedi in the cold darkness. The climb is gradual and steep initially as you ascend to High Camp, and from there, the trail follows a series of switchbacks and snow-covered paths to the pass. It is a 4 to 5-hour climb to the top of Thorong La, marked by a group of prayer flags and a sign announcing the altitude. The views and panorama of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Mukut Himal ranges are breathtaking. There is a celebration and a few photographs, and then the descent begins on a steep, occasionally slippery trail that drops quickly down to the pilgrimage town of Muktinath. At 3,760 meters, Muktinath is a Hindu and Buddhist sacred pilgrimage site. The area features ancient temples, eternal flame shrines, and flowing water spouts believed to cleanse sins. You'll rest here for the night in a teahouse, weary but fulfilled after a day of epic trekking.

After a hearty breakfast, you'll begin the long but scenic jeep drive from Muktinath to Pokhara. The journey descends dramatically from Mustang's dry, high-altitude landscape into the lush greenery of the lower valleys. The first part of the drive navigates the rugged Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world's deepest gorge flanked by the towering peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. You'll pass through traditional Thakali villages like Jomsom and Marpha, famous for their apple orchards and brandy. As you descend, the terrain becomes gentler, and rice terraces and river valleys replace the inhospitable, wind-swept plateaus. You will reach Pokhara, transfer to your hotel, and have the rest of the evening free. Pokhara is a charming lakeside town renowned for its peaceful Phewa Lake, mountain views, and bustling cafés. After days in the hills, this city will feel like a well-earned resort. Enjoy a comfortable dinner and perhaps a stroll along the lakefront before resting.

On your final day, you'll depart from Pokhara and take the scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The road winds through the rolling hills of central Nepal, following the Trishuli River and passing through bustling towns and peaceful farming villages. Along the way, you'll have time to reflect on the incredible journey you've completed by crossing remote valleys, ascending a 5,400-meter pass, and experiencing the rich culture of the Annapurna region. As you return to the Kathmandu Valley, the city's atmosphere gradually returns with its mix of medieval temples, crowded bazaars, and vibrant chaos. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel at night. You may explore the Thamel area, buy souvenirs, or unwind and enjoy a celebratory dinner. This marks the end of an amazing Himalayan adventure.