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Annapurna · 15 days · Level 5

Annapurna Circuit

A major traverse from the Marsyangdi valley through Manang and over Thorong La to Muktinath and the Kali Gandaki.

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Trekkers resting on the Annapurna Circuit trail
Photo: Glorioushimalaya · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Day by day

Sample 15-day itinerary

  1. 01

    Besisahar → Jagat

    Enter the Marsyangdi valley and reach the lower trailhead.

  2. 02

    Jagat → Dharapani

    Follow the river through Tal to Dharapani.

  3. 03

    Dharapani → Chame

    Climb through forest to the district centre at Chame.

  4. 04

    Chame → Upper Pisang

    Continue through the narrowing valley beneath Paungda Danda.

  5. 05

    Upper Pisang → Manang

    Choose the route with your guide and reach Manang.

  6. 06

    Manang acclimatisation

    Sleep at the same elevation and take a conservative day walk.

  7. 07

    Manang → Yak Kharka

    Move into drier high country with a shorter altitude-gain day.

  8. 08

    Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi

    Continue to the base of the pass.

  9. 09

    Thorong Phedi → Thorong La → Muktinath

    Cross the pass early only in suitable conditions, then descend to Muktinath.

  10. 10

    Muktinath → Marpha

    Enter the Kali Gandaki valley and continue to Marpha.

  11. 11

    Marpha → Kalopani

    Follow the lower valley route chosen for current road and trail conditions.

  12. 12

    Kalopani → Tatopani

    Descend toward warmer country at Tatopani.

  13. 13

    Tatopani → Ghorepani

    Climb back into the forested hills.

  14. 14

    Ghorepani → Birethanti

    Descend through Ulleri to the lower trail system.

  15. 15

    Birethanti → Pokhara

    Meet the road and return to Pokhara.

Before you go

Annapurna Circuit: common questions

How many days is the Annapurna Circuit trek?

A common itinerary is 15 days starting and finishing at Besisahar and Jomsom. Add buffer time for weather, road conditions and, where relevant, domestic flights.

How high does the Annapurna Circuit trek go?

The highest point on this itinerary is about 5,416 m. Because you sleep above 3,000 m, plan a gradual ascent and treat headache with nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue as possible acute mountain sickness.

What permits does the Annapurna Circuit trek need?

Nepal Tourism Board lists Annapurna Circuit among routes requiring a licensed guide and agency-issued TIMS; conservation-area entry applies. Check the current Nepal Tourism Board and Department of Immigration pages close to departure, and ask a government-registered agency to name every permit your itinerary requires.

When is the best season for the Annapurna Circuit trek?

October–November and March–May. Winter is colder with snow higher up; the monsoon brings rain, cloud and, on some trails, leeches.

How high is Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit?

Thorong La is about 5,416 m, the highest point of the route. It is crossed early in the day and only in suitable conditions. The circuit is rated Level 5 here and suits fit trekkers with previous multi-day altitude experience.

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