Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek — 17 Days

We leave Kathmandu after breakfast and drive towards the Marsyangdi Valley, travelling through Besisahar before continuing to Jagat. The journey takes much of the day, with stops along the way.

The road passes riverside towns and terraced hillsides before reaching narrower valley roads. Traffic, roadworks or rain can affect the driving time, so treat the schedule as approximate. At Jagat, we check into a teahouse and prepare for tomorrow’s walk. Keep a warm layer and personal essentials accessible during the journey, with your luggage packed.

Our first trekking day follows the Marsyangdi Valley through Chamje and towards Tal. Forested paths, waterfalls and river crossings introduce the lower section of the circuit before Dharapani.

The trail includes uphill stretches and uneven steps, so we settle into a pace that allows regular breaks. Beyond Tal, the route continues through villages towards Dharapani, where the Annapurna and Manaslu walking routes meet. Once we reach our teahouse, the afternoon gives you time to rest and organise your daypack for the climb to Chame.

We continue up the valley through mountain villages and pine forest, gaining height towards Chame. Timang is a useful stop along the route, with views towards Manaslu when the weather allows a clear view.

The day combines steady climbs with gentler stretches as the air becomes cooler. Chame is the headquarters of Manang District, with lodges and shops along the river. After reaching the teahouse, you can rest or take a short walk around the town.

Leaving Chame, we follow the Marsyangdi upstream through pine forest and beneath steep rock walls. The curved rock face of Paungda Danda marks a section before the valley opens towards Pisang.

We continue to Upper Pisang, above the lower village, where stone houses and a monastery face the mountains. Clear weather can reveal Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. Today takes us above 3,000 m, so notice how you feel and tell your guide about any symptoms before settling into the teahouse.

We take the higher trail from Upper Pisang through Ghyaru and Ngawal. The climb brings wider views across the Marsyangdi Valley, with Annapurna’s peaks visible when the cloud clears from the mountains above the villages.

Prayer walls and stone buildings line sections of this village route. After Ngawal, we continue towards Manang, where we stay for two nights. This is a substantial walking day with climbs and descents; take breaks and report symptoms rather than pushing to keep up.

We stay another night in Manang and take a shorter acclimatisation hike around the valley. Gangapurna Lake and nearby viewpoints are possible options, with the outing chosen according to conditions and how everyone is feeling.

After the hike, we return to the same teahouse for the night. The remaining time is for rest and preparation before continuing higher. Tell your guide about headaches, nausea or unusual fatigue, even if the symptoms seem mild to you.

Leaving Manang, we follow the route towards Yak Kharka, gaining height above the valley. The trees gradually give way to open grazing slopes and smaller clusters of lodges. Our overnight stop is around 4,045 m above sea level.

The distance is shorter than the approach to Manang, but altitude makes walking feel harder. We keep a measured pace and allow time for breaks. On arrival, rest at the teahouse and prepare warm layers for the colder evening ahead.

We continue from Yak Kharka towards Thorong Phedi, our overnight base before the pass crossing. The path follows exposed slopes, with the higher mountains increasingly close above the valley.

Although the walking distance is relatively short, the altitude demands a steady pace. Keep clear of loose ground and follow your guide’s instructions on narrow sections. We reach the teahouse with time to prepare for tomorrow.

Pack your headlamp, warm gloves and weather protection where you can reach them easily. Rest after dinner and discuss how you feel before the early departure tomorrow.

We leave Thorong Phedi before dawn and climb towards Thorong La. The ascent reaches 5,416 m, the highest point of the itinerary. Thin air, cold and exposed ground make this demanding; the guide adjusts progress to conditions and your health.

After a brief stop at the pass, we begin the long descent towards Muktinath. The trail loses considerable height before reaching the pilgrimage area, which is important to Hindus and Buddhists. Once at the teahouse, rest after the crossing rather than planning strenuous activity.

We leave Muktinath and descend towards Jomsom through the dry hills of Mustang. The trail reaches the Kali Gandaki Valley before continuing south towards our overnight stop at Marpha.

This is a long walking stage, with some stretches following the road. Allow for breaks and be prepared for wind along the valley. Marpha has whitewashed houses, stone-paved lanes and apple orchards. After reaching the teahouse, you can explore the village or rest following the descent from the higher mountains.

We continue south through the Kali Gandaki Valley, passing Tukuche and Larjung on the way towards Ghasa. The route loses altitude overall, with more trees and farmland appearing along the valley.

The distance makes this a substantial day even though we finish lower than we started. Walking includes village paths and sections beside the road, with climbs between descents. Forest returns as the valley becomes greener. Once in Ghasa, settle into the teahouse and rest before tomorrow’s continued descent towards Tatopani.

Leaving Ghasa, we follow the lower Kali Gandaki Valley towards Tatopani. The walk passes forested hillsides and villages, with warmer conditions as we lose height after the upper circuit.

Uneven steps and long downhill stretches can feel tiring after several days on the trail. At Tatopani, check into the teahouse and take time to rest. The village is known for its natural hot springs; you can ask about visiting them, with entry costs confirmed before deciding whether to go.

We leave Tatopani and climb towards Ghorepani, gaining substantial height after the descent through the Kali Gandaki Valley. The trail passes hillside villages and terraced farmland before entering the forest above.

Expect sustained uphill walking, including stone steps, rather than an easy approach. Rhododendron forests can flower during spring, while the higher trail becomes cooler as you approach Ghorepani. At the teahouse, organise your headlamp and warm layers for tomorrow’s sunrise hike, then have dinner and rest before the early start.

Before dawn, we climb from Ghorepani to Poon Hill at 3,210 m. In clear weather, sunrise brings views across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. We pause at the viewpoint before returning to Ghorepani for breakfast and preparing for the descent.

Our final trekking stage continues downhill through forest and villages towards Birethanti. The descent still requires care on steps and uneven ground. After lunch, we complete the walk and drive to Pokhara, where your hotel is arranged. Dinner is at your own expense tonight.

After breakfast in Pokhara, we travel by road towards Kathmandu. The journey follows river valleys and hillside roads, with stops along the way depending on the driving conditions.

Traffic, roadworks or rain can make the journey longer than expected. Once in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and use the remaining time for rest or a walk around Thamel. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense today.

Your 17-day Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek ends today. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey and check your belongings. Depending on your flight time, you may have time for a final walk before leaving Kathmandu.

Our representative accompanies you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.