Round Annapurna Trek is one of the most popular treks among trekkers. This trek encircles the massive Annapurna massif, crossing Thorong La Pass at 5416m. A decade ago, the trek was one of the longest in Nepal and is considered a classic trek because it showcases diverse cultural traits along the route. These days, a jeep from Kathmandu can reach Chame directly, avoiding a few days of trekking due to road access up to Chame Bazar. We start the Annapurna Circuit trek the following day of your arrival in Kathmandu. Either we opt for a private jeep ride from Kathmandu to Chame, or we can take a tourist bus to Beshisahar and then a local jeep to Chame.
The subtropical valleys, sloping terraces, beautiful rural villages, stone-paved trail, thick rhododendron forests, ancient monasteries, high alpine meadows, and arid landscapes are covered during the trek in the Annapurna trekking region. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramas of Annapurna I (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Manaslu, Tilicho Peak, and numerous other Himalayan giants.
The total trip is around 200 km, and the itinerary is 12 to 15 days, which is most common for a balanced trip. This is a moderate-to-difficult-grade trek that requires sound physical fitness for five to eight hours of daily walking on varied terrain, with no need for technical climbing. The major concern during this trek is the increasing elevation as we trek and cross high-altitude terrain; proper acclimatization is essential to avoid acute mountain sickness.
Trip Specifications
Trip Facts13 Days
Thorong La Pass (5,416 m / 17,769 ft)
Strenuous
Tea Houses/Lodges
Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
March–May and September–November
Chame (after drive from Kathmandu/Besisahar)
Trek ends at Muktinath; the trip completes at Kathmandu
Private Jeep or Tourist Bus & Shared Local Jeep
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS Card (if applicable)
Trekkers with good physical fitness seeking a classic Himalayan adventure
Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Our representative will welcome you at the Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. We will have a briefing about the trek during dinner.
Day 02Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Chame (2,670 m)
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Chame (2,670 m)
After breakfast, we drive from Kathmandu to Beshisahar following Prithvi Highway. Halt at Beshisahar for lunch and then drive through scenic hills, river valleys, and traditional villages to Chame, the administrative center of the Manang District. The journey offers beautiful views of waterfalls, forests, and Himalayan peaks. Overnight at Chame.
Day 03Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,300 m)
Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,300 m)
The first day of our trek starts with a delicious breakfast at a local lodge in Pisang village. Begin trekking through pine forests and narrow valleys alongside the Marsyangdi River. Cross suspension bridges and enjoy spectacular views of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and Lamjung Himal before reaching the picturesque village of Pisang. Overnight at Pisang.
Day 04Trek from Pisang to Braga Monastery (3,470 m)
Trek from Pisang to Braga Monastery (3,470 m)
The ancient monastery that was built around the 13th century remains the center of meditation and spirituality. We follow the upper trail through traditional Manangi villages, enjoying magnificent mountain scenery to reach Braga. We stay in the homestay of Braga village, and we will visit the historic Braga Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the Annapurna region, and spend the night in this peaceful village. Overnight at Braga.
Day 05Hike to Ice Lake (4,620 m) and trek to Manang(3,540 m)
Hike to Ice Lake (4,620 m) and trek to Manang(3,540 m)
After breakfast, we start to trek to Ice Lake. Ice Lake is almost frozen around the year. The lake is located at 4620m. We explore around Ice Lake and have lunch there if possible; otherwise, we will take pack lunch at Ice Lake. The Ice Lake hike is taken as rewarding acclimatization, and we descend to the headquarters of Manang for further acclimatization and further adaptation. After enjoying the breathtaking scenery, descend to Manang for an overnight stay.
Day 06Acclimatization Day in Manang (3,540 m)
Acclimatization Day in Manang (3,540 m)
We will plan Manang as an acclimatization station. It is a beautiful mountain district of Nepal located on the outskirts of the Annapurna Himalayan range. The number of monasteries and wild animals such as snow leopards, Pallas’s cats, blue sheep, and many others can be observed during the acclimatization day. However, we will remain busy throughout the day exploring Manang village. In the morning, we will visit the Gangapurna Lakes and spend the rest of the day soaking up the magnificent views of Annapurna III, Tilicho, Pisang, and Chulu Peaks. We try to stay busy up to late afternoon, and then we rest in the lodge or attend an informative session on high-altitude trekking and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) in the evening.
Day 07Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050 m)
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050 m)
Leave Manang behind and trek through alpine meadows and grazing lands toward Yak Kharka. The trail offers impressive views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Chulu peaks.
Day 08Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m)
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m)
Continue gradually uphill to Thorong Phedi, the final stop before crossing Thorong La Pass. The short trek allows time to rest and prepare for the challenging day ahead.
Day 09Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) trek to Muktinath (3,760 m), and drive to Marpha village
Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) trek to Muktinath (3,760 m), and drive to Marpha village
Start early to cross the famous Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek. Celebrate reaching the summit before descending to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley to Jomsom and visit the charming village of Marpha, renowned for its apple orchards and traditional stone houses. Overnight at Marpha.
Day 10Drive to Tatopani(natural hot spring) and drive to Pokhara
Drive to Tatopani(natural hot spring) and drive to Pokhara
After breakfast, drive to Tatopani and relax in the natural hot springs. After Lunch, drive to Pokhara and stay around Lakeside. In the evening, stroll around Lakeside. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11Pokhara City Tour
Pokhara City Tour
Explore Pokhara’s major attractions, including Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, Phewa Lake, and enjoy paragliding too. Rest and relax at the hotel.
Day 12Drive or Fly to Kathmandu
Drive or Fly to Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus or domestic flight. Enjoy free time for shopping, sightseeing, or celebrating the successful completion of your trek. Join a farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 13Departure
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight, taking home unforgettable memories of the classic Round Annapurna Trek.
Included
- Transportation : (Tourist bus + Local Jeep Drive)
- Permits: ACAP
- Guide and porter
- Accommodation + meals(breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- First aid support
Not Included
- Expenses of a personal nature, like internet, telephone, WiFi, Laundry, hot shower, battery charging fee for mobile and camera.
- Any kind of drinks and desserts like Coke, Mineral water, hot water, tea, coffee, beer, and whisky.
- International Air tickets
- Domestic air tickets for Pokhara — Kathmandu
- Nepal Visa Fee
- Travel insurance in case of emergency for a rescue helicopter and other medical expenses.