Annapurna Circuit Trek

Today is your first full day of trekking. Leaving Dharapani, the trail follows the Marsyangdi River through forests and traditional mountain settlements. The landscape gradually becomes more alpine as you gain elevation.

The route passes through Bagarchhap, a traditional settlement known for its stone houses and mountain atmosphere. From here, the trail continues toward Timang, where the views begin to open toward the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

As you continue toward Chame, the trail alternates between forested sections, rocky paths and stretches beside the Marsyangdi River. The changing vegetation is one of the most enjoyable features of this part of the circuit.

Chame is the administrative headquarters of Manang District and is considerably larger than many of the villages you have passed. It has tea houses, small shops, bakeries and other services that make it an important stop before the route climbs toward Pisang and Manang.

Today's Highlights

• First full trekking day of the Annapurna Circuit
• Traditional village of Bagarchhap
• Forest trails and Marsyangdi River scenery
• Mountain views around Timang
• Gradual transition toward the higher alpine environment
• Evening in Chame, the district headquarters of Manang

Today's Challenge

Today involves a steady uphill gain of approximately 810 m. The distance is manageable, but this is your first sustained mountain walking day, so maintaining a comfortable pace is more important than walking quickly.

Altitude Note

You sleep at approximately 2,670 m tonight. Your guide will monitor how you are adjusting as the itinerary moves higher over the following days.

Guide Tip:

The trail continues deeper into the Marsyangdi Valley today, with the mountains becoming increasingly dramatic. After leaving Chame, you walk through forests and along sections of the river before reaching Bratang, a historic settlement surrounded by steep mountain walls.

One of the day's memorable features is the enormous Paungda Danda rock face, a distinctive curved rock formation rising dramatically above the valley. As the trail climbs, the landscape becomes drier and the forest begins to change.

Eventually, you reach the Pisang area. Rather than staying in the lower settlement, this itinerary continues to Upper Pisang, positioned higher on the slope and offering impressive views toward the Annapurna range.

Upper Pisang has a distinctive Himalayan atmosphere, with stone buildings, prayer flags, Buddhist architecture and mountain views. It is also an excellent location to begin adjusting to the increasingly high altitude.

Why We Take the Upper Pisang Route

From Lower Pisang, there are two main route options toward Manang. We take the Upper Pisang route because it climbs higher and gives a more scenic approach to the Annapurna range.

The higher trail passes through Upper Pisang at around 3,300 m, compared with the lower settlement, so the day involves more elevation gain. In return, you get wider mountain views, a more open trail profile and a stronger sense of the high Himalayan landscape. From this side of the valley, you can also see peaks including Lamjung Himal, while Sworgadwari Peak, a mountain regarded as sacred locally, adds another point of cultural and mountain interest.

The difference is also noticeable in the villages. Lower Pisang sits closer to the river and road, while Upper Pisang has a more traditional high-mountain setting, with stone houses, Buddhist architecture and prayer flags.

For us, the Upper Pisang route is not simply the higher option. It provides a better combination of mountain views, village character and gradual transition into the higher Annapurna landscape.

Today's Highlights

• Scenic Marsyangdi Valley
• Bratang and surrounding mountain landscape
• Paungda Danda rock formation
• Changing vegetation as altitude increases
• Traditional Buddhist atmosphere around Pisang
• Mountain views from Upper Pisang

Today's Challenge

The main challenge is the increasing altitude. You gain approximately 630 m and finish the day above 3,300 m. The walking itself is moderate, but you should begin taking altitude awareness seriously.

Altitude Note

Upper Pisang is approximately 3,300 m above sea level. From this point onward, altitude becomes an increasingly important part of the trek. Drink regularly, walk slowly and tell your guide if you develop a headache, unusual fatigue, dizziness, nausea or difficulty sleeping.

Guide Tip:

Today takes you through one of the most distinctive sections of the Annapurna Circuit, following the higher trail from Upper Pisang through Ghyaru and Ngawal to Manang. 

Rather than following only the lower road route, the itinerary takes the Upper Pisang route toward Ghyaru and Ngawal, allowing you to experience a higher and more traditional trail with expansive mountain views.

The trail climbs steadily from Upper Pisang toward Ghyaru. The effort is rewarded with broad views across the Marsyangdi Valley and toward the Annapurna massif. From Ghyaru, the route continues toward Ngawal, another traditional high-altitude village with stone houses, prayer flags and Buddhist influences.

As you continue westward, the trail gradually descends toward Braga and then follows the valley toward Manang.

Manang is one of the most important settlements on the entire circuit. It is surrounded by dramatic Himalayan peaks and serves as the main acclimatization base before the trail climbs toward Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi and Thorong La.

Why Manang Matters on the Annapurna Circuit

At around 3,540 m (11,614 ft), Manang marks a clear change in the Annapurna Circuit. Coming from Upper Pisang through Ghyaru, Ngawal and Braga, the landscape becomes drier, more open and distinctly high Himalayan.

Manang is also the main acclimatization point before the route climbs toward Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi and Thorong La. Spending time here gives your body an opportunity to adjust before you move above 4,000 m.

The dry mountain setting, surrounding peaks and traditional stone villages make Manang feel very different from the greener valleys lower on the circuit. It is not simply another overnight stop; it marks the transition from the middle section of the trek into the high-altitude part of the journey.

Today's Highlights

• Scenic Upper Pisang trekking route
• Ghyaru village and panoramic mountain views
• Traditional village of Ngawal
• Views of Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak and Pisang Peak
• Braga and its Buddhist cultural landscape
• Arrival in Manang
• First evening in the main high-altitude acclimatization village

Today's Challenge

The route involves a significant amount of uphill and downhill walking despite the relatively small net elevation gain. The high route through Ghyaru and Ngawal requires more effort than simply following the road.

Altitude Note

You finish at approximately 3,540 m, so altitude awareness becomes increasingly important. The following day is used for acclimatization in Manang before continuing toward higher elevations. 

Guide Tip:

Today is not simply a rest day. We spend an extra night in Manang (3,540 m / 11,614 ft) to give your body more time to adapt before the trail climbs above 4,000 m.

After breakfast, your guide recommends a suitable acclimatization walk based on your condition and the weather. Depending on the route, the walk can provide views toward the Gangapurna area, Chulu East and Chulu West, along with the wider Annapurna range. The objective is to gain some additional elevation during the day, stay active at a controlled pace, and return to Manang to sleep.

The rest of the day is kept flexible for hydration, rest and preparing for the higher section of the trek.

Why Do We Spend an Extra Night in Manang?

Acclimatization takes time. Staying another night at 3,540 m gives your body more opportunity to adjust before continuing toward Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi and Thorong La.

Your guide will ask how you slept and how you are feeling, while watching for symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, unusual fatigue or difficulty walking normally. If someone develops concerning symptoms, the priority is not to continue higher simply to follow the itinerary. The guide can reduce the day's activity, monitor the trekker and adjust the plan according to their condition.

Today's Challenge

There is no long-distance trekking challenge today. The challenge is to balance activity and rest correctly. Too little movement is not ideal for acclimatization, while an unnecessarily difficult hike can leave you tired before the most demanding section.

Altitude Note

At approximately 3,540 m, Manang is high enough that altitude symptoms can occur. This is why the itinerary includes a dedicated acclimatization day before ascending toward 4,000 m and above.

Guide Tip:

After your acclimatization day in Manang, the route begins climbing steadily into the higher Annapurna landscape.

You leave Manang and follow the trail toward Gunsang, passing through increasingly sparse vegetation. The valley becomes wider and more exposed, while the surrounding peaks seem increasingly close.

The trail continues toward Yak Kharka, a small high-altitude settlement traditionally used by trekkers and herders. The landscape here is markedly different from the green forests you experienced lower down.

Because today's walking distance is relatively short, the objective is to arrive at Yak Kharka without exhausting yourself. You have now entered the section where altitude matters more than distance.

Today's Highlights

• Leave the Manang Valley for the higher mountain zone
• Gunsang and traditional high-altitude settlements
• Increasingly open alpine landscape
• Views of surrounding Himalayan peaks
• Shorter walking day to support acclimatization
• First overnight around 4,000 m

Today's Challenge

The main challenge today is altitude rather than distance. A relatively short walk can feel surprisingly demanding when you are above 4,000 m.

Altitude Note

Yak Kharka is approximately 4,050 m. This is a significant altitude increase from Manang, so your guide will monitor your condition carefully.

Guide Tip:

Today is deliberately flexible.

From Yak Kharka, the trail continues through Ledar and toward Thorong Phedi, the traditional base for the Thorong La crossing. Depending on your physical condition, acclimatization, weather, trail conditions and your guide's assessment, you may spend the night at Thorong Phedi or continue higher to Thorong High Camp.

The decision is not something that needs to be fixed rigidly in advance. Your guide will discuss the options with you during the day and make the final decision based on how you are responding to the altitude.

Thorong Phedi provides a lower sleeping altitude, while High Camp shortens the following day's ascent to Thorong La but involves sleeping considerably higher.

Once you arrive, the remainder of the day is focused on rest, hydration, eating and preparing for the early start required for the pass crossing.

Today's Highlights

• Trek deeper into the high-altitude zone
• Pass through Ledar
• Reach the base area of Thorong La
• Flexible decision between Thorong Phedi and High Camp
• Prepare for the highest point of the trek
• Evening surrounded by the dramatic Thorong mountain landscape

Today's Challenge

The primary challenge is the high altitude. The distance is not especially long, but the combination of altitude, cold, thinner air and the following day's pass crossing makes today an important preparation day.

Altitude Note

Thorong Phedi is around 4,450 m, while High Camp is commonly listed around 4,800–4,880 m. Sleeping at High Camp is significantly more demanding, which is why the decision should be based on your condition and guide's assessment rather than a fixed schedule.

Guide Tip:

Today is the highest and most demanding day of the Annapurna Circuit. The day starts early from Thorong Phedi or High Camp, followed by a steady ascent toward Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m (17,769 ft) before the long descent to Muktinath.

The early start helps the group make the crossing before stronger winds usually develop. The climb is not technical, but the combination of high altitude, cold, wind, steep sections and loose or rocky terrain makes it demanding. In some exposed sections, you also need to be careful of loose stones and falling rock, especially where the trail passes beneath steep slopes.

Your guide sets a slow, consistent pace and allows short breaks when needed. Along the ascent, the views open toward Thorong Peak, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri, while the landscape becomes increasingly barren and exposed.

Eventually, the prayer flags and structures around Thorong La come into view. Reaching the pass is a major moment, but the day is not finished. From the pass, the trail begins a long and sometimes steep descent toward Muktinath, requiring careful footing when your legs are already tired.

As you descend, the landscape changes from the high alpine terrain of the Manang side to the dry Mustang landscape. Muktinath, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, marks an important cultural and geographical transition in the circuit.

Today's Highlights

• Early morning start for Thorong La
• Crossing Thorong La at approximately 5,416 m
• Panoramic mountain scenery from the pass
• Dramatic descent into Mustang
• Arrival at the sacred pilgrimage area of Muktinath
• Major transition from the Manang side to the Mustang side of the circuit
• Completion of the highest point of the trek

Today's Challenge

This is the most physically demanding day of the itinerary. The combination of a high-altitude ascent, cold temperatures, exposed terrain and a long descent requires patience and careful pacing.

Altitude Note

Thorong La reaches approximately 5,416 m. Although Muktinath is considerably lower, the ascent to the pass occurs rapidly in the morning. Symptoms such as severe headache, vomiting, confusion, extreme weakness or difficulty walking should be reported to your guide immediately.

Guide Tip:

After the demanding Thorong La crossing, today provides a major change of pace and environment.

You leave Muktinath by Private Jeep and descend through the Kali Gandaki Valley, passing through settlements such as Jomsom and Marpha before continuing toward the warmer lower valleys.

The landscape changes rapidly as you lose altitude. The dry, high-altitude terrain around Muktinath gradually gives way to greener vegetation, warmer temperatures and deeper river valleys.

The journey through the Kali Gandaki Valley is one of the most striking transitions on the Annapurna Circuit. The valley lies between the massive Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and passes through communities with distinctive Tibetan and Thakali cultural influences.

By the time you arrive at Tatopani, the environment feels completely different from the high pass just one day earlier.

Tatopani is famous for its natural hot springs, making it an ideal place to relax after the physically demanding Thorong La crossing. You can spend time soaking in the warm mineral-rich water and allowing your tired muscles to recover.

Why Do We Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani?

After crossing Thorong La, the purpose of this section of the Classic Annapurna Circuit changes. The road through Jomsom, Marpha and the Kali Gandaki Valley covers a long distance while losing around 2,600 m of elevation.

We use a private Jeep rather than walking the entire section because much of this stretch now follows the road through the valley. Walking it would add considerable time on road sections without providing the same type of high-mountain trekking experience found on the upper circuit.

Private transport also lets us descend efficiently from the high-altitude Mustang landscape to Tatopani at around 1,190 m, where the environment becomes warmer and greener. This gives your body a significant break from altitude after Thorong La while keeping the journey moving toward the lower Annapurna trails.

Today's Challenge

There is no significant trekking challenge today. The main challenge is the road journey, which can be rough or slow in sections depending on road and weather conditions.

Altitude Note

You descend from approximately 3,800 m to around 1,190 m, giving your body a substantial break from high altitude.

Guide Tip:

Today you return to the trail for a completely different type of trekking experience.

Leaving Tatopani, the route climbs steadily through villages, farmland and dense forest toward Ghorepani. After the dry landscapes around Muktinath and the high-altitude terrain of Thorong La, the return of lush vegetation is striking.

The trail passes through traditional settlements and terraced hillsides before reaching increasingly dense forest. Depending on the season, rhododendrons can add vibrant color to the trail, particularly during the spring flowering period.

The climb is continuous, and although the altitude is much lower than the Thorong La section, the substantial elevation gain makes this a physically demanding day.

Eventually, you reach Ghorepani, one of the most famous trekking villages in the Annapurna region. The village is positioned on a ridge with extensive views toward the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Today's Highlights

• Return to trekking after the road journey
• Green hills and terraced farmland
• Traditional mountain villages
• Rhododendron and forest landscapes
• Major environmental transition from Mustang to the lower Annapurna hills
• Arrival at Ghorepani
• Mountain views toward Annapurna and Dhaulagiri

Today's Challenge

The main challenge is the large elevation gain. You climb from approximately 1,190 m to nearly 2,900 m in one day. Although this is much lower than Thorong La, the continuous uphill walking requires good endurance.

Altitude Note

Ghorepani is approximately 2,850–2,880 m, considerably lower than the Thorong section. Even so, you may still notice some effects of altitude, especially after the long descent from the pass and the substantial climb today.

Guide Tip:

Your final trekking day begins with a descent from Ghorepani toward the lower villages of the Annapurna foothills.

The trail passes through Ulleri and Tikhedhunga, following stone stairways, forest paths and traditional settlements. The environment continues to become warmer and greener as you lose altitude.

Eventually, you reach Hile, where the trekking portion of your Annapurna Circuit journey comes to an end.

From Hile, your private vehicle takes you toward Pokhara, the relaxed lakeside city beneath the Annapurna range. After days in the mountains, Pokhara provides an opportunity to enjoy a comfortable shower, good food and a peaceful evening beside Phewa Lake.

If you would like to stay additional nights in Pokhara instead of continuing to Kathmandu the following day, this can be arranged upon request.

Today's Highlights

• Final trekking day of the Annapurna Circuit
• Descent through Ulleri and Tikhedhunga
• Forests and traditional hill villages
• Finish the trekking section at Hile
• Private transfer to Pokhara
• Arrival in the lakeside city of Pokhara
• Time to relax after completing the mountain route

Today's Challenge

The primary challenge is the long descent. Stone steps can place considerable pressure on the knees, particularly after the accumulated fatigue of the previous days.

Altitude Note

Altitude is no longer a significant concern today as you descend rapidly toward Pokhara.

Guide Tip:

Today marks the end of your Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek.

After breakfast in Pokhara, you have two choices. You can continue by road to Kathmandu, or you can choose to spend additional days in Pokhara and enjoy the city at your own pace.

If you return to Kathmandu, the journey follows the major highway through the hills and river valleys of central Nepal. The drive provides a final opportunity to observe Nepal's changing landscapes as you leave the Annapurna region behind.

If your travel schedule allows, you can also extend your stay in Pokhara. The city is known for Phewa Lake, mountain views, cafes, restaurants and a relaxed lakeside atmosphere, making it a popular place to rest after a long Himalayan trek.

If you need further arrangements in either Pokhara or Kathmandu, we can organize additional accommodation according to your requirements.

If you are continuing to an international departure from Kathmandu, please let us know your flight schedule. We can arrange the required Kathmandu accommodation and airport transfer as part of the city logistics, with the Kathmandu hotel required for your international departure available from the company side according to the applicable arrangement.

Today's Highlights

• Scenic journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu
• Final views of the Nepalese hill landscape
• Flexible option to remain longer in Pokhara
• Optional Kathmandu accommodation
• Optional airport transfer arrangements
• Completion of the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek

Today's Challenge

There is no trekking challenge today. The main consideration is the length of the road journey if you choose to return to Kathmandu by road.

Altitude Note

Both Pokhara and Kathmandu are at relatively low elevations compared with the trekking section. Your body will have already descended substantially from the high-altitude portion of the circuit.

Guide Tip: