Annapurna region · Moderate
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Rice terraces to high desert in under two weeks, crossing Thorong La on day nine. Small groups, government-licensed guides, and porters paid and insured to IPPG standards.
In critical situations on the trail, your guide arranges evacuation. Travellers must carry insurance covering their route's maximum altitude, helicopter evacuation and repatriation.
Duration
11 Days
Max altitude
5,416 m
Grade
Moderate
Best season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Group size
2–10 travellers
Accommodation
Teahouse
Day by day
Day 01
Drive Kathmandu to Jagat
Seven hours by jeep up the Marsyangdi valley.
1,300 m
Day 02
Jagat to Dharapani
Rice terraces give way to pine.
1,860 m
Day 03
Dharapani to Chame
First sight of Annapurna II.
2,670 m
Day 04
Chame to Upper Pisang
Past the Paungda Danda rock face.
3,300 m
Day 05
Upper Pisang to Manang
The high route via Ghyaru, with the whole Annapurna range opposite.
3,540 m
Day 06
Acclimatisation day in Manang
Day hike to Ice Lake or Gangapurna viewpoint.
3,540 m
Day 07
Manang to Yak Kharka
Above the treeline into high desert.
4,050 m
Day 08
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
A short day to the foot of the pass.
4,450 m
Day 09
Cross Thorong La to Muktinath
Up at four, over 5,416 m, down to the pilgrimage temple.
3,760 m
Day 10
Muktinath to Marpha
Through the windy Kali Gandaki into apple-orchard country.
2,670 m
Day 11
Drive Marpha to Pokhara
Jeep down the gorge, lakeside by evening.
820 m
What is included
Included
- Airport transfers and two nights in Kathmandu
- All permits, TIMS card and national park fees
- Licensed English-speaking guide and one porter per two trekkers
- Teahouse accommodation on trek, twin share
- Three meals a day while trekking
- Guide and porter insurance, wages and equipment
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Personal travel and evacuation insurance
- Hot showers, wifi and charging on trek
- Tips for guide and porters
Why trek this with us
Two full acclimatisation days
Built into the schedule, not sold as an extra. It is the single biggest factor in reaching the top.
Guides from the region
Your guide grew up in the valley you are walking through and holds a government licence.
One porter per two trekkers
Insured, weight-limited to 25 kg and equipped by us for altitude.
No hidden costs
Permits, park fees, domestic flights and all meals on trek are in the price you see.
Reviews from this trek
★★★★★
The pacing was the thing. Two acclimatisation days felt slow at the time and meant nobody in our group turned back.
★★★★★
Our guide rerouted a day around a landslide before we even knew about it. Quoted price never moved.
★★★★★
Everything on the included list was genuinely included. No permit surprises at the trailhead.
Frequently asked
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable walking five to seven hours a day on consecutive days, carrying only a daypack. No technical skill is needed on this route. Most trekkers train by hill walking for two to three months beforehand.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
In critical situations on the trail, your guide arranges evacuation. You must carry travel insurance covering trekking to your route's maximum altitude, helicopter evacuation and repatriation.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes. It must cover trekking to the maximum altitude of your route and include helicopter evacuation and repatriation. We ask for the policy number before departure.
Can I do this trip privately or on my own dates?
Every itinerary can run as a private departure on the dates you choose, usually at a small premium for solo travellers and no premium from two people upwards.
What is the payment schedule?
A 20% deposit confirms your place. The balance is due 30 days before departure, payable by card, bank transfer or in cash in Kathmandu.
