Annapurna Circuit Trek

Drive Kathmandu/Pokhara → Chame (2,670m)

Drive to Chame, the administrative centre of Manang district, through the Marsyangdi River valley. Overnight in guesthouse.

Chame → Pisang (3,300m)

Trek through pine forest and dramatic river gorges with first views of Annapurna II. Reach Lower or Upper Pisang. Walk time: 5–6 hrs.

Pisang → Manang (3,519m)

The classic 'high route' via Upper Pisang and Ghyaru (3,670m) offers superb views of the Annapurna massif before descending to the wide Manang valley. Walk time: 5–6 hrs.

Acclimatization Day — Manang

Rest day to acclimatize. Day hike to Gangapurna Lake (3,800m) or Ice Lake (4,600m). Afternoon altitude sickness awareness talk at the HAMC (Himalayan Altitude Rescue Medical Centre).

Manang → Yak Kharka (4,018m)

Short but important altitude-gain day. Trek through sparse landscape above the tree line to Yak Kharka. Walk time: 3–4 hrs.

Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi / High Camp (4,450m–4,850m)

Short trek to Thorong Phedi and optionally push to High Camp for a shorter summit day tomorrow. Walk time: 2–4 hrs.

Thorong La Pass (5,416m) → Muktinath (3,800m)

The crux day. Depart 4–5 AM to cross the Thorong La Pass (5,416m) before afternoon winds. The descent to Muktinath is long but exhilarating. Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple and witness the 108 water spouts. Walk time: 7–8 hrs.

Muktinath → Marpha (2,670m)

Descend through Kagbeni — the medieval gateway village — and along the wide Kali Gandaki valley to Marpha, famous for its apple orchards, distilleries, and whitewashed stone lanes. Walk time: 5–6 hrs.

Marpha → Kalopani (2,530m)

Continue south through Tukuche and Kobang along the windy Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world's deepest valley flanked by Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Walk time: 4–5 hrs.

Kalopani → Tatopani (1,190m)

Long descent through villages with ever-changing vegetation and landscape. Tatopani means 'hot water' — relax in the natural hot springs beside the Kali Gandaki River. Walk time: 5–6 hrs.

Tatopani → Ghorepani (2,860m)

Steep climb back up through rhododendron forest to Ghorepani. Optional sunrise hike to Poon Hill the following morning. Walk time: 6–7 hrs.

Ghorepani → Nayapul → Pokhara

Optional pre-dawn Poon Hill sunrise, then descend to Nayapul trailhead and drive back to Pokhara. Trek ends. Walk time: 4 hrs.