Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek - 20 Days

Your first breath of Himalayan air greets you as you land at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). After navigating the visa process, you will be greeted by our guide at the terminal, who will then escort you to a designated hotel in a private vehicle. By the time you reach your hotel, you've already had your first authentic taste of Nepal's culture, which is a vibrant mix of tradition and modern energy, setting the perfect tone for the trek ahead.

Guide's Insight/Local Tip: It is recommended to spend the remaining time at your hotel preparing your packing list.

Today you will explore the spiritual and cultural center of Kathmandu. You will tour four of the valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, each of which provides a glimpse into the deep history and living traditions of Nepal. In the morning, you will pull yourself away from the hustle and bustle of Thamel to visit the Swayambhunath Stupa, or Monkey Temple.

Ascending its 365 steps brings you to sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley. The stupa, crowned by Buddha's watchful eyes, radiates calm and symbolizes the stages of spiritual awakening. Eventually, you descend to Kathmandu Durbar Square, once the royal seat of the Malla and Shah kings. Its carved wooden palaces and temples, including the Kumari Ghar (home of the Living Goddess), showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship of Newari artisans.

The tour continues in the afternoon with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal's most sacred Hindu site, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Here, centuries-old cremation rituals unfold openly, offering a poignant glimpse into the cycle of life and death. The day concludes at Boudhanath Stupa, where pilgrims circle the massive dome, spinning prayer wheels under fluttering prayer flags, which is an unforgettable spiritual experience before your trek begins.

Guide's Insight/Local Tip: At Boudhanath, always walk clockwise around the stupa to honor the Buddhist tradition.

It's a full day of overland travel, traversing through open highways and winding mountain roads. Keep in mind, while the final stretch can be rough and bumpy, the reward is watching Nepal's dramatic geography gradually unfold before you. Leaving Kathmandu behind, you follow the Prithvi Highway westward, tracing the Trishuli River. The scenery shifts quickly from urban towns to terraced rice fields carved into steep slopes, dotted with small villages.

Along the way, the distant silhouettes of Ganesh Himal (7,422m/24,350 ft) rise above the hills, offering your first Himalayan vistas. By late afternoon, you will arrive in Bhulbhule, a quiet village set beside the Marsyangdi River. Known as the traditional gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, it's a peaceful spot where the air feels fresher, the pace slower, and the mountains closer.

Your first full day on the trail introduces you to the trail as you hike along the Marsyangdi River gorge. The route is a gradual but steady climb, easing you into the terrain while giving time to adjust to the altitude and the pace. The trail passes through lush rice terraces and farmland, where you witness the locals engaged in their daily chores.

Moving on, pass villages like Khudi (838 m/2,749 ft) and Besisahar (760 m/2,493 ft), and cross suspension bridges, which add a touch of adventure. By afternoon, you arrive at Jagat, a charming town paved with stones, before the final ascent to Chamje. Set against a backdrop of dramatic waterfalls and sheer rock faces, Chamje offers your first real sense of entering the high Himalayas, which is a fitting reward for the day's effort.

Today's trek takes you deeper into the Marsyangdi gorge, where the scenery becomes more rugged and Tibetan Buddhism influences the cultural transitions. The day begins with a crossing of the Marsyangdi River before a demanding ascent to Tal, a striking village set on a former lakebed. Its vast, flat terrain contrasts with the steep valley walls around it, creating one of the most memorable landscapes on the circuit.

From Tal, the trail continues through dense forests of pine and rhododendron, punctuated by waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. The walk is steep as you approach Dharapani, the entry point to the Manang district. The village also serves as the meeting point with the Manaslu Circuit route, marking a milestone in your Annapurna journey.

Guide's Insight/ Local Tip: Observe the mani walls, which are carved with Buddhist prayers. As you pass them on the left side, show respect to the prayers and keep the good energy flowing in the right direction.

This stage of the journey brings a dramatic change in both altitude and scenery, as you leave the subtropical lowlands behind and enter the alpine world of the Manang region. The trail steadily climbs through cool pine and fir forests, offering refreshing air and increasingly striking views of the surrounding peaks.

You pass through charming villages like Bagarchhap (2,160 m/7,087 ft), distinguished by its Tibetan-style stone houses and fluttering prayer flags. As you approach Chame, the town greets you with the stunning views of Annapurna II (7,937 m/26,040 ft). Along the way, travelers also pass by natural hot springs and a massive prayer wheel.

Guide's Insight/Local Tip: Take advantage of the hot springs in Chame! A short soak can do wonders for your leg muscles after a long day of hiking.

This day is famous for offering some of the most dramatic geological sights of the entire circuit. The challenge lies in walking through a steep, narrow valley, while the immense reward is walking alongside a colossal, curved rock face. The dramatic, almost surreal, 1,500m-high curved slab of rock, known as Paungda Danda or the "Rock of the Gods," rises directly from the riverbed.

After traversing this section, the trail leads through a steep, narrow path carved into a dense forest of oak and maple. Eventually, the valley opens up at Bhratang (2850 m/9,350 ft), an old settlement famous for its apple orchards. Finally, by evening, you arrive at Pisang, a vantage point for a fantastic, close-up view of Pisang Peak (6,091 m/19,984 ft) and the eastern face of Annapurna III (7,555 m/24,787 ft).

Today offers a choice of trails—the lower, easier path, or the higher, more scenic route. The best option is the Upper Trail via Ghyaru (3,670m) and Ngawal (3,657m). This route is longer but provides breathtaking, continuous panoramic views of the entire Annapurna range, including Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV (7,525 m/24,688 ft) , Gangapurnac (7,455 m/24,459 ft), and Tilicho Peak (7,134 m/23,405 ft).

The elevation gain is moderate, but the challenge is beginning to feel the thin air.The hike comes to an end as you descend to the village of Manang, the centerpiece of the trek, with its famous scenic views, Braga Monastery, and bakeries.

• Start Altitude: 3,540 m / 11,614 ft | End Altitude: 3,540 m / 11,614 ft
• Elevation Gain/ Loss: Varies (+300 to +500 m on excursion)
• Walking Hours: 4-5 hours (Excursion)
• Distance: 5-10 km (Excursion)

Acclimatization is crucial for safe high-altitude trekking as it helps your body adapt to the increasing altitude. We either spend the day hiking early in the morning to a viewpoint above Manang or toward the Ice Lake (Gangapurna Lake). The excursion offers stunning views of the vast Manang Valley and the massive Gangapurna Glacier. On your way back to the village, you explore the ancient Buddhist settlement with several beautiful monasteries and sacred sites.

Leaving the teahouse at Manang, you enter the high alpine region as you walk past the yak-grazing territory. The trail follows the Jarsang Khola valley, steadily gaining elevation. The path is well-defined, winding through landscapes that are increasingly barren and exposed. Moving ahead, you will pass through the village of Tengi and the small settlement of Gunsang (3,990 m/13,090 ft).

Along the way, you can see glimpses of yaks and Himalayan tahr (wild goats) grazing on the thin shrubs. By late afternoon, you will arrive at Yak Kharka, meaning "Yak Pasture," a simple village offering basic shelter before the final pass attempt tomorrow.

About an hour into the trek, you pass a rocky path on a hillside, which requires careful and steady footing. After making your way across a wooden bridge, you begin the final, short climb to Thorung Phedi (which means 'foot of the hill').

Phedi is a bustling base camp and a crucial preparation and rest stop for trekkers. The landscape is rocky and dramatically beautiful, with high cliffs towering above. Trekkers often have the option to push on to High Camp (4,880m) for a better start, but Phedi is the safer choice for better sleep and managing AMS.

This is the major highlight of the Annapurna Circuit—a monumental day involving crossing one of the highest navigable mountain passes in the world. Starting before sunrise, the climb is slow and steady, navigating icy terrains in the cold and darkness. But don't worry, you will have the necessary tools, including headlamps and trekking poles, to help you make the ascent.

As the sun rises, the first rays illuminate the surrounding peaks, creating a magical Himalayan panorama. The Thorung La Pass (5,416m) is marked by a cairn adorned with thousands of prayer flags. The views from the top are magnificent, stretching across the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Mustang regions.

The descent is long and steep, dropping over 1,600 meters in a few hours. The terrain is loose scree and rocky trails, which can be hard on the knees. So, we advise you to slow down and gradually descend. Eventually, you reach the rain shadow of the Annapurnas, and the landscape transforms into a dramatic, high-altitude desert. The day ends with a visit to the holy Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site of Muktinath, famous for its 108 water spouts and eternal flame.

Today's hike takes you out of the high alpine zone and into the Kali Gandaki gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world. The walk is generally downhill, following an old jeep track and trekking trail. By afternoon, you arrive at Kagbeni, an ancient, medieval village that serves as the gateway to the restricted Upper Mustang region. Kagbeni is famed for its mud-brick houses, narrow alleyways, and the 500-year-old Red Gompa (monastery).

From Kagbeni, you follow the flat, wide riverbed of the Kali Gandaki towards Jomsom. The small town is the administrative center of the Mustang District, which features an airport and a few other modern infrastructures. The landscape here is dramatic, resembling a wind-swept high desert.

Guide's Insight/ Local Tip: In Jomsom, try the local Mustang momo or apple brandy made from the region's famous apples.

You continue your journey down to the Kali Gandaki Gorge, leaving the arid land for the return to lush forest. The path takes you through beautiful Thakali villages such as Marpha (2,566 m/8,419 ft), famous for its white-washed houses, cobblestone streets, and apple products. From Marpha, the trail descends past the massive peaks of Annapurna I (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m). Moving on, you cross a large canyon near Ghasa (2,010m), where the gorge is at its deepest point, nestled between the two 8,000-meter peaks. Finally, a short ascent takes you to Kalopani.

Guide's Insight/Local Tip: Marpha is one of the most picturesque villages in the region. We highly recommend that you try the local Thakali cuisine and the famous apple pie.

The trail passes through small villages like Rupse Chahara, known for its impressive waterfall. You will start noticing the air becoming significantly warmer and more humid as you descend. The walk ends at Tatopani, which translates to 'Hot Water.' The village is famous for its natural hot spring pools, located directly beside the Kali Gandaki river—a perfect place to soothe the muscles after days of walking.

Guide's Insight/ Local Tip: Be sure your trekking poles are extended to their maximum length to take the pressure off your knees.

You leave the Annapurna Circuit to join the popular Poon Hill trail. The challenge is the strenuous 1,660-meter vertical climb, but the reward is entering the beautiful village of Ghorepani, nestled in a giant rhododendron forest.

The hike begins by crossing a suspension bridge over the Kali Gandaki, with most paths consisting essentially of thousands of stone steps. Along the way, you pass through charming villages like Ghara (1,773 m/5,817 ft) and Sikha (1190 m/3,904 ft), which are popular stops for travelers to rejuvenate themselves.

As you gain altitude, the air cools, and the sub-tropical vegetation gives way to a dense, old-growth rhododendron and oak forest. Ghorepani, meaning 'horse water,' was historically a resting stop for traders. It sits on a windy ridge, and from here, you get stunning views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas, setting the stage for tomorrow's early start.

The day begins with the spectacular pre-dawn hike to the viewpoint of Poon Hill. You wake up before dawn to start the hike up on stone steps. From the vantage point, you can witness an unforgettable sunrise over the entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri masses, including Annapurna South (7,219 m/23,684 ft), Machhapuchhre/Fishtail (6,993 m/22,943 ft), Hiunchuli (6,441 m/21,132 ft), and Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m/26,795 ft ) .

After enjoying the mesmerizing morning scenery, we descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue our hike to Hile. The trail passes through thick rhododendron and bamboo forests, eventually reaching villages like Ulleri (2,050 m/6,725 ft)and Tikhedhunga (1480 m/ 4855 ft). Your day ends at a teahouse in Hile, a small town on the bank of the Modi Khola river.

The trail is mostly flat or gently downhill, taking you past small farms and hamlets. The trek officially ends at Nayapul. Here, you board a private vehicle for a scenic drive to Pokhara, offering views of the Modi Khola. Upon arrival at Pokhara, you will be escorted to your designated hotel. You will then freshen yourself and relax after the long and unforgettable trek. We strongly advise you to spend the evening exploring the aesthetic lakeside, sharing a drink with your friend, family, and our guide.

The road journey back to Kathmandu offers a different perspective of the landscape and scenery. Don't forget, this evening is reserved for a celebratory farewell dinner at an authentic Nepalese restaurant.

Our representative will pick you up from your hotel at the scheduled time and escort you to the airport. We hope you enjoyed the trip with us, and we’d like to express our gratitude for picking us as your travel partner. Outfitter Nepal bids you a safe flight back home.