Annapurna Circuit Trek - 9 Days

One day before the trek begins, there will be a short group briefing in Kathmandu. The exact briefing time and location will be shared with you after your booking is confirmed. Briefings are usually held at partner hotels or arranged meeting points depending on group coordination.

During the briefing, your guide will explain the trekking route, transportation plan, accommodation style, altitude progression, and important safety information. This is also a good opportunity to meet fellow trekkers, discuss any last-minute concerns, and check your trekking gear before the journey starts.

If you still need to rent or purchase trekking equipment, Kathmandu has many trekking shops where essential items can easily be arranged.

In the morning, you leave Kathmandu and begin the drive toward Besisahar, the traditional gateway to the Annapurna region. The journey follows winding highways alongside rivers, terraced hills, small towns, and rural settlements.

The drive usually takes around 6 to 8 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Along the way, the landscape gradually shifts from the busy atmosphere of Kathmandu toward quieter hill villages and greener countryside.

By late afternoon, you arrive in Besisahar, a small riverside town where many Annapurna Circuit journeys traditionally begin.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at a local lodge in Besisahar.

After breakfast, you continue deeper into the Annapurna region by local shared jeep. The road follows the Marsyangdi River through steep valleys, waterfalls, forests, and mountain villages.

Compared to the previous day, the route becomes narrower and rougher, especially after Dharapani. As the drive gains altitude, the scenery changes noticeably, with pine forests, rocky cliffs, and snow-covered peaks beginning to appear more clearly.

After a long mountain drive, you arrive in Chame, the administrative center of Manang district. Chame is surrounded by forests and high Himalayan views, creating a very different atmosphere from the lower hills.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at a local lodge in Chame.

Today the trekking portion of the journey begins. Leaving Chame behind, the trail gradually follows the Marsyangdi River through pine forests and narrow valleys.

The route passes suspension bridges, rocky sections, and forested trails with occasional views of Annapurna II and surrounding peaks. As you continue higher, the valley slowly opens, and the landscape begins to feel more alpine.

After several hours of trekking, you reach Pisang, a traditional settlement divided into Lower Pisang and Upper Pisang. The village sits beneath dramatic mountain walls and offers wide Himalayan views.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at a local lodge in Pisang.

After breakfast, the trail continues toward Manang. Depending on the route and conditions, the trek may follow the higher trail through Upper Pisang for wider mountain views and a more scenic approach.

As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes noticeably drier and more open, reflecting the Tibetan-influenced terrain of the upper Annapurna region. Along the way, you pass small villages, stone-built houses, prayer walls, and open valleys surrounded by Himalayan peaks.

By afternoon, you arrive in Manang, one of the most important acclimatization stops of the trek. The village has bakeries, gear shops, cafes, and mountain lodges, while still maintaining its traditional mountain character.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at a local lodge in Manang.

Today is reserved for acclimatization and rest before moving toward higher altitude. Spending an extra day in Manang helps the body adjust gradually and reduces the risk of altitude-related problems later in the trek.

Rather than staying completely inactive, trekkers usually take a short acclimatization hike to higher viewpoints around Manang. Popular options include Gangapurna Lake, Chongkor Viewpoint, or nearby ridges overlooking the valley.

The rest of the day can be spent relaxing, preparing for the higher sections ahead, or exploring the village.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at a local lodge in Manang.

Leaving Manang behind, the trail gradually climbs into more open and rugged high-altitude terrain. Trees become fewer, vegetation becomes sparse, and the environment begins to feel noticeably more alpine.

The route follows steady uphill sections with wide mountain views and occasional sightings of grazing yaks and blue sheep along the hillsides.

Compared to earlier trekking days, the pace today is usually slower and more controlled due to the increasing altitude.

After several hours of trekking, you arrive at Yak Kharka, a small settlement surrounded by dry hills and Himalayan scenery.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at a local lodge in Yak Kharka.

Today is a shorter but important trekking day as you move closer to Thorong La Pass.

The trail gradually climbs through dry mountain terrain, crossing small bridges and landslide-prone sections along the way. The environment becomes increasingly barren and high alpine, with fewer settlements and stronger mountain conditions.

After reaching Thorong Phedi, some groups may stay there for the night, while others continue further uphill to High Camp depending on weather, group condition, and guide recommendation.

The rest of the day is usually spent resting and preparing for the early morning pass crossing.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at a local lodge in Thorong Phedi or High Camp.

Today is the highest and most physically demanding day of the trek.

The journey begins very early in the morning, usually before sunrise, to cross Thorong La Pass while weather conditions remain stable. The climb is gradual but challenging due to the high altitude and cold mountain environment.

After several hours of steady ascent, you finally reach Thorong La Pass (5,416m), marked by prayer flags and panoramic Himalayan views. Reaching the pass is one of the major highlights of the Annapurna Circuit.

From the pass, the trail descends steeply toward Muktinath. As you lose altitude, the landscape changes dramatically into the dry Mustang region.

By afternoon, you arrive in Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at a local lodge in Muktinath.

After breakfast, you begin the long but beautiful drive from Muktinath to Pokhara by local jeep, which usually takes around 8–10 hours depending on road and weather conditions.

The route follows the Kali Gandaki Valley, passing through places like Jomsom, Marpha, Tatopani, and Beni along the way. As you travel lower, the landscape slowly changes from the dry and windy Mustang region to greener hills, forests, riverside villages, and terraced farms.

Some parts of the road, especially between Muktinath and Beni, can be rough and bumpy, but the journey offers great mountain views and a chance to experience the changing scenery of the Annapurna region in a single day.

By evening, you arrive in Pokhara, where the trek officially ends beside the peaceful lakeside atmosphere of the city.