About the Trek
The Annapurna Circuit is widely regarded as one of the greatest long-distance treks on Earth. This epic journey takes you around the entire Annapurna massif, crossing the Thorong La pass at 5,416 metres — one of the highest trekking passes in the world.
The trail showcases an astonishing diversity of landscapes. You begin in lush subtropical lowlands, climb through temperate forests and terraced hillsides, traverse the arid rain shadow of the Manang valley, cross the high pass, and descend into the deepest gorge on the planet — the Kali Gandaki.
Along the way, you pass through Hindu and Buddhist villages, ancient monasteries, and the fascinating Mustang region. The circuit offers views of eight peaks over 7,000 metres, including Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Machapuchare.
Trek Highlights
- Cross Thorong La pass at 5,416m — one of the world's highest trekking passes
- Views of eight 7,000m+ peaks including Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri
- Trek through the world's deepest gorge — the Kali Gandaki valley
- Experience diverse cultures from Hindu lowlands to Tibetan Buddhist highlands
- Visit the sacred Muktinath temple at 3,800m
- Dramatic landscape transitions from subtropical to high-altitude desert
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A 14-day epic journey circling the entire Annapurna massif through diverse landscapes and over the mighty Thorong La.
- Airport pickup and transfer to hotel
- Trek briefing and document check
- Overnight in Kathmandu
- Drive via Besisahar to Chame (district HQ of Manang)
- Views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal
- Overnight in teahouse
- Walk through apple orchards and pine forests
- Pass the dramatic Paungda Danda rock face
- Arrive at Upper Pisang with views of Annapurna II
- Overnight in teahouse
- Trek along the high route via Ghyaru and Ngawal
- Stunning views of the entire Annapurna range
- Descend to Manang — the main settlement of the valley
- Overnight in teahouse
- Rest day for altitude acclimatisation
- Optional hike to Praken Gompa or Ice Lake (4,600m)
- Explore Manang village and its monastery
- Overnight in teahouse
- Gradual ascent through the upper Manang valley
- Vegetation thins as you gain altitude
- Reach Yak Kharka — a seasonal yak pasture
- Overnight in teahouse
- Trek to Thorong Phedi at the base of the pass
- Afternoon rest and early dinner
- Prepare for the early morning pass crossing
- Overnight in teahouse
- Start at 3-4 AM for the pass crossing
- Reach Thorong La (5,416m) — the highest point of the circuit
- Descend steeply to Muktinath on the other side
- Visit the sacred Muktinath temple
- Overnight in teahouse
- Descend into the Kali Gandaki valley
- Pass through Kagbeni and Jomsom
- Reach Marpha — famous for its apple orchards and brandy
- Overnight in teahouse
- Trek through the deepest gorge on Earth
- Views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna towering on both sides
- Pass through Tukuche and Kalopani
- Reach Ghasa village
- Overnight in teahouse
- Continue descent along the Kali Gandaki
- Subtropical vegetation returns
- Reach Tatopani — soak in natural hot springs
- Overnight in teahouse
- Steep climb through Sikha and Chitre villages
- Enter rhododendron forest
- Reach Ghorepani by afternoon
- Overnight in teahouse
- Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill for panoramic sunrise
- Descend through forest to Nayapul
- Drive to Pokhara
- Celebration dinner by Phewa Lake
- Overnight in Pokhara
- Morning at leisure in Pokhara
- Flight or drive back to Kathmandu
- Trek concludes — departure or extend stay
What's Included
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation — Hotel / Homestay / Tents on triple sharing
- All necessary entry fees and permits
- Professional trek leader, guide, cook and support staff
- Camping equipment — sleeping bags, blankets, mats, toilet tents
- Safety equipment — medical kit, oximeter, crampons & gaiters
What's Not Included
- Meals during the road journey
- Any kind of insurance
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage (can be arranged at extra cost)
- Medical / evacuation expenses (assistance provided in emergencies)
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in inclusions
Things to Carry
Essentials
- Backpack (50-60 L) with rain cover
- Day pack (20 L)
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Headlamp / torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles (2 L)
- Personal medication
Clothing & Gear
- Thermal innerwear (top + bottom) x 2
- Heavy down jacket (-20°C rated)
- Waterproof hardshell jacket and pants
- Balaclava, insulated gloves, liner gloves
- Trekking pants x 2 + warm fleece pants
- Quick-dry t-shirts x 3
- Gaiters (high ankle)
- Mountaineering sunglasses (Category 4)
Documents
- Government photo ID (Aadhaar / Passport / DL)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Medical fitness certificate
Optional
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Power bank
- Energy bars / dry fruits
How to Prepare
This is a Moderate to Difficult grade trek. Expect long walking days (6–9 hours), steep ascents and descents, possible snow/glacier crossings, and altitudes above 4,000 m. Prior trekking experience and 6–8 weeks of dedicated preparation are strongly recommended.
Cardio — Start 6–8 Weeks Before
- Run: 5 km in under 25 minutes, 4–5x per week
- Long walks: 12–15 km weekend hikes with an 8–10 kg loaded pack
- Stairs with load: Climb 15+ floors with a backpack, 3x per week
- Incline training: Treadmill at 10–15% incline for 30 min, or find real hills
- Practice trek: Do at least 1–2 trail hikes (8–12 km) with full daypack before departure
Strength (4x per week)
- Weighted squats — 3 sets of 15 (10–15 kg)
- Bulgarian split squats — 3 sets of 12 each leg
- Step-ups with weight — 3 sets of 12 each leg
- Deadlifts or Romanian deadlifts — 3 sets of 10
- Core circuit: planks (90 sec) + mountain climbers (30) + Russian twists (20)
- Calf raises with weight — 3 sets of 20
Diet & Recovery
- 4+ litres of water daily throughout your training
- Protein-heavy diet (1.2–1.5 g per kg body weight) for muscle repair
- Load up on iron-rich foods (spinach, beetroot, dates) — helps with oxygen at altitude
- Avoid processed food, sugar and alcohol for 2+ weeks before departure
- Sleep 7–8 hours — recovery is as important as training
Altitude & Technical Readiness
- These treks cross 4,000–5,000 m — AMS is a serious concern
- Carry and know how to use Diamox (consult your doctor before the trek)
- Learn basic crampon walking if the trek involves snow — your leader will brief you, but practice helps
- Expect sub-zero camping nights — test your cold tolerance and layering system before departure
- Carry a personal first-aid kit: ORS, Diamox, Dolo, Avomine, bandages, antiseptic
- Inform the leader of ANY medical condition — no detail is too small at altitude
Photo Gallery
Photos from the trail. More coming soon — follow us on Instagram for daily updates.
Gallery photos will be added soon. Binoy is preparing the best shots from the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need to be in good physical shape. The Thorong La crossing is demanding — prepare with cardio and strength training for at least 2-3 months before the trek.
Yes, the trek goes above 5,400m. We build in acclimatisation days and our guides carry oximeters and first aid. Proper hydration and gradual ascent are key.
The standard direction is counter-clockwise (east to west) which provides better acclimatisation. We strongly recommend the standard direction.
You need an ACAP permit and TIMS card, both arranged by Trishul Adventures as part of the package.