Classic Annapurna Circuit Ten Day Trek
- 12 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–December)
We guide you across the legendary Thorong La Pass at 5416 m on this condensed 12-day Annapurna Circuit route.
At a glance
Trip overview
The Annapurna Circuit remains one of the world's defining mountain traverses, and our 12-day itinerary delivers this classic route efficiently without compromising on safety or acclimatisation. We designed this schedule to link the lower valleys of the Marshyangdi River with the high alpine desert of Mustang via the formidable Thorong La Pass at 5416 m. Along the way, the landscape shifts dramatically from terraced rice fields and pine forests to windswept canyons and arid plateaus.
This route suits experienced hill walkers who maintain good cardiovascular fitness and feel comfortable walking up to seven hours a day on rugged mountain trails. We begin our journey with a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, followed by a strategic jeep transfer to Chame to bypass the lower motorable road and preserve our walking days for the upper valleys. Cultural transitions are a central feature of the trek, taking us from Hindu foothill settlements into the Tibetan-influenced Buddhist villages of Manang and the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath.
Acclimatisation is built carefully into our timeline, particularly around Manang village at 3450 m, where our team leads day hikes toward Ice Lake or Gangapurna viewpoint to prepare your body for high altitude. Teahouse accommodation throughout the route offers warm dining rooms and twin-share rooms, though basic conditions should be expected above Yak Kharka. Our lead guides carry comprehensive medical kits and oximeters daily to monitor every member of the team.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Thorong La Pass
We cross the world-famous Thorong La Pass at 5416 m, surrounded by snow-clad peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Manang Valley
We spend a dedicated acclimatisation day exploring the Tibetan-style stone houses, monasteries, and dramatic cliffs of Manang at 3450 m.
Muktinath Temple
We descend into Lower Mustang to visit the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, featuring 108 water spouts and eternal natural flames.
Marshyangdi Gorge
We trek beneath the towering walls of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II as the trail follows the roaring waters of the Marshyangdi River.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu 1440 m
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu 1440 m
Meals: B
Our staff meets you upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Later in the afternoon, we host a pre-trip briefing to check your gear and outline the route ahead.
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar 760 m
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar 760 m
Meals: B / L / D
We leave Kathmandu early in the morning by road, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi river valleys on the Prithvi Highway. After seven to eight hours of driving, we reach Besisahar, the administrative headquarters of the Lamjung district.
Day 3
Drive from Besisahar to Chame 2670 m
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Drive from Besisahar to Chame 2670 m
Meals: B / L / D
We board a local four-wheel-drive jeep for the rough dirt road climbing alongside the Marsyangdi River past Ngadi and Jagat. The vehicle brings us directly to Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district, nestled beneath the shadows of Lamjung Himal.
Day 4
Chame to Pisang 3230 m
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Chame to Pisang 3230 m
Meals: B / L / D
Our first day of walking takes us through dense pine forests and across a suspension bridge that spans the narrow, steep-walled gorge of the Marsyangdi. As the valley broadens, we catch our first panoramic sight of the Annapurna II massif before arriving in lower Pisang.
Day 5
Pisang to Manang Village 3450 m
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Pisang to Manang Village 3450 m
Meals: B / L / D
We choose the upper trail via Ghyaru and Ngawal, which offers superior views of Annapurna IV, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna. This higher route contours through dry, wind-scoured hillsides before descending into the wide agricultural basin of Manang village.
Day 6
Acclimatisation Day in Manang 3450 m
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Acclimatisation Day in Manang 3450 m
Meals: B / L / D
We spend a necessary rest and adaptation day in Manang to help our bodies adjust to the thinner air. Our guides lead an optional morning hike toward Gangapurna Lake or the ridge above the village for incremental altitude exposure.
Day 7
Manang to Yak Kharka 4110 m
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Manang to Yak Kharka 4110 m
Meals: B / L / D
We leave the main valley floor behind and climb steadily past Gunsang, following a treeless alpine trail above the Jarsang Khola. The air grows noticeably sharper as we reach the small cluster of lodges at Yak Kharka by early afternoon.
Day 8
Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp 4900 m
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp 4900 m
Meals: B / L / D
A short but steep pull takes us across a landslide-prone slope down to a wooden bridge before we climb upward toward Thorong Phedi. We continue past Phedi for another hour to reach High Camp, positioning ourselves closer for tomorrow morning's pass crossing.
Day 9
Cross Thorong La 5416 m to Muktinath 3800 m
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Cross Thorong La 5416 m to Muktinath 3800 m
Meals: B / L / D
We start before dawn in sub-zero temperatures to tackle the long, steady ascent to the prayer-flag-draped summit of Thorong La at 5416 m. After celebrating our crossing of the divide, we begin the knee-testing descent down scree slopes into the arid pilgrimage basin of Muktinath.
Day 10
Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara 810 m
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara 810 m
Meals: B / L / D
We catch a morning local bus or jeep from Muktinath, descending through the dramatic Kali Gandaki gorge past Jomsom and Tatopani. The road brings us out of the mountains and into the lakeside city of Pokhara by late afternoon.
Day 11
Drive or Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu 1440 m
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Drive or Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu 1440 m
Meals: B / L / D
We return to Kathmandu either by a scenic tourist bus or a short domestic flight over the middle hills. The afternoon remains free for you to relax, wander the streets of Thamel, or pack your equipment.
Day 12
Final Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 12
Final Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team transfers you from your hotel to Tribhuwan International Airport in time for your homeward flight or onward travel destination.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle
- Twin-share hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- All meals on trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Experienced government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (one porter for every two trekkers)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit
- Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card
- All ground transportation including jeep and bus fares
Not included
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee obtained upon arrival
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency rescue up to 6000 m
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Hot showers, battery charging, and Wi-Fi fees at teahouses
- Tips for guides and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Our itinerary includes a dedicated rest day in Manang at 3450 m to allow natural physiological adaptation to reduced oxygen levels. Our lead guides monitor your pulse oximeter readings every evening and watch closely for early symptoms of acute mountain sickness.
Accommodation on trek
Teahouses along the Annapurna Circuit provide basic twin-share rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses. Facilities become simpler and dining rooms are shared communally as altitude increases toward Thorong High Camp.
Physical preparation
This is a strenuous mountain trek involving consecutive days of walking between five and eight hours over uneven terrain and high passes. We recommend starting cardiovascular training, stair climbing, and regular hiking at least three months prior to departure.
Drinking water safety
Boiled or filtered teahouse water is available along the route, though we advise carrying your own iodine tablets or chlorine dioxide drops as a primary method of purification. Single-use plastic bottled water is discouraged in the conservation area.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Ankle-supporting boots broken in prior to the trip.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero temperatures at High Camp.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Gore-Tex or equivalent breathable waterproof layer.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Rated to -15°C for high-altitude teahouse nights.
Headlamp with extra batteriesEssential
Safety
Required for the pre-dawn Thorong La pass crossing.
Water purification tabletsEssential
Safety
AQUA tablets or iodine drops for safe drinking water.
Passport and permitsEssential
Documents
Keep waterproofed in your daypack.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.ACAP Entry Permit
PermitRequired for entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area.
TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System record card.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek 12 Days?
The trek is classified as moderate to strenuous. While technical climbing skills are not required, you must be prepared for long walking days, steep ascents, and crossing the high Thorong La Pass at 5416 m.
Do I need travel insurance for this trek?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6000 m is mandatory for all participants on our treks.
How heavy should my daypack be?
Your daypack should weigh between 5 kg and 7 kg. Carry only your essentials such as water bottles, rain shell, warm layers, camera, and personal medical kit while your main bag is carried by a porter.
Can I charge my electronic devices on the trail?
Most teahouses offer electricity to charge phones and camera batteries, though lodge owners usually charge a small hourly fee since power is generated via solar panels or small hydro generators.
What happens if someone falls ill on the trek?
Our lead guides carry pulse oximeters and first-aid kits at all times. In case of severe altitude sickness or injury, our team coordinates emergency helicopter evacuation covered by your insurance policy.
Are vegetarian food options available in teahouses?
Yes. Dal bhat (lentils, rice, and vegetables), noodles, potato dishes, and vegetable soups are readily available at every lodge along the route.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 12 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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