Annapurna Circuit Trek – 8 days

Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highest Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft
Accommodation: Teahouse

Today’s trail follows the Marsyangdi River and passes through pine forests, small settlements, and steep cliffs. You’ll walk along a narrow gorge and cross a suspension bridge to reach the spectacular curved rock face known as Paungda Danda, a geological marvel.

As you ascend further, the landscape transitions from green forest to alpine terrain. Upon reaching Pisang, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Annapurna II and IV. The village is a cultural gem, offering a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist traditions, with a peaceful monastery perched above.

Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highest Altitude: 3,540 m / 11,614 ft
Accommodation: Teahouse

Opting for the Upper Pisang route today offers stunning views of the Annapurna range and fewer trekkers. You’ll pass traditional stone villages like Ghyaru and Ngawal, where prayer flags flutter and ancient monasteries lie quietly in the folds of the mountains.

Arriving in Manang, the cultural and logistical hub of the region, you’ll be greeted by a lively atmosphere. The village has bakeries, lodges, shops, and even a Himalayan Rescue clinic. Take time to explore and begin the acclimatization process in this high-altitude gem.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highest Altitude: 3,540 m / 11,614 ft
Accommodation: Teahouse

A rest day in Manang helps your body adjust to the increasing altitude. There are several short hikes available—such as the visit to Gangapurna Lake or the viewpoint above town, which offers outstanding panoramas of the Annapurna massif and glacier.

You may also visit the local monastery or attend an altitude sickness talk at the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic. This is a great opportunity to fuel up, rest your legs, and enjoy the unique blend of nature and culture that defines the Annapurna region.

Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highest Altitude: 4,050 m / 13,287 ft
Accommodation: Teahouse

As you leave Manang, the trail begins to thin out with fewer trees and more open alpine terrain. You’ll pass through small settlements like Gunsang and meadows where yaks graze peacefully. The air is thinner here, and the pace slows accordingly.

Yak Kharka is a serene resting place nestled amidst vast alpine meadows and snowy ridges. You'll notice the chill in the air and the increasingly raw mountain landscape. Early arrival gives you time to rest and hydrate in preparation for higher altitudes.

Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highest Altitude: 4,450 m / 14,600 ft
Accommodation: Teahouse

Today’s trail ascends steadily through a rugged landscape. After crossing a wooden bridge and climbing a few landslide-prone sections, you’ll reach Thorong Phedi, the last stop before the high pass. The views of the mountains become increasingly dramatic.

Thorong Phedi, meaning "base of Thorong," is a busy outpost of trekkers preparing for the big climb. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and get an early night’s sleep—it’s essential to be well-prepared for the early morning push to the pass tomorrow.

Trek Duration: 8–9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Highest Altitude: 5,416 m / 17,769 ft (Thorong La Pass)
Accommodation: Teahouse

The highlight of your trek! You'll start early—often by 4 AM—to cross the mighty Thorong La Pass before the winds pick up. The ascent is tough due to thin air and steep switchbacks, but the sense of accomplishment and the views from the top are unbeatable.

After taking photos and celebrating at the pass, the descent to Muktinath is long but scenic. You'll pass from icy landscapes into the dry, desert-like terrain of Mustang. Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, offers a deeply spiritual environment.

• Drive Duration: 9–10 hours by local/private bus or jeep

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Highest Altitude: 3,800 m (Muktinath) → 822 m (Pokhara)

• Accommodation: Standard hotel in Pokhara

Your day begins with a hearty breakfast in the sacred town of Muktinath (3,800 m), a revered pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. After exploring the temple surroundings and taking in the last glimpses of the high mountains, you board a bus or jeep for a long scenic drive back to Pokhara. The journey first descends through the arid landscapes of Mustang and Kagbeni, passing Jomsom, where the Kali Gandaki River flows alongside. As you continue, the landscapes dramatically shift—from dry and rugged terrain to lush green valleys dotted with terraced fields, waterfalls, and traditional villages.

The drive is long but filled with diverse scenery and cultural encounters along the way. You’ll retrace part of the route through Tatopani and Beni, eventually reaching the vibrant lakeside city of Pokhara (822 m) by evening. Upon arrival, you can relax in your hotel or stroll along Phewa Lake, enjoying the peaceful ambiance after days of trekking in the Himalayas. Pokhara offers a perfect blend of comfort, natural beauty, and adventure, making it an ideal place to rest and celebrate the successful completion of your trek.