Trip Facts
Duration:
15 Days
Max Altitude:
Thorong La Pass, 5,416 m (17,769 ft)
Activities:
Trekking and cultural sightseeing
Region:
Annapurna (Annapurna Conservation Area)
Starting Point:
Kathmandu
Ending Point:
Kathmandu
Grade:
Strenuous
Group Size:
Min 1
Accomodation:
Teahouses on the trail, hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Best Season:
March-May and September-November
A government-licensed guide and a TIMS card are mandatory for the Annapurna region. Solo trekking without a registered guide is not permitted, and the rule is still in force in 2026 (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-17). Spade Himalaya provides the licensed guide and arranges both permits.
The high point and the heart of the trek is Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), crossed on Day 8 with a pre-dawn start. From the pass you descend into Mustang to the sacred temple of Muktinath.
This is the 15-day, culturally extended version of the classic circuit, ending via Pokhara with sightseeing days. For the streamlined trekking-only route, see the Annapurna Circuit Trek (12 Days).
Overview of Annapurna Circuit Trek via Thorong La Pass 15-Days
The Annapurna Circuit Trek via Thorong La Pass is a 15-day loop around the Annapurna massif, widely regarded as one of the greatest treks in the world for the sheer variety it packs into one route. It climbs the Marsyangdi valley through pine forest and Tibetan-influenced villages, crosses the high desert pass of Thorong La (5,416 m), then drops into the arid Mustang region and the famous Kali Gandaki valley. In two weeks you pass from subtropical farmland to high-alpine desert and back to green lakeside Pokhara.
The centrepiece is the dawn crossing of Thorong La at 5,416 m, which connects Manang in the east with Muktinath and Mustang in the west. On the far side you reach Muktinath, a temple sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, known for its eternal flame and 108 holy water spouts. The trail then follows the Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, carved between the 8,000 m giants of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Annapurna I (8,091 m).
The whole route runs inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’s largest protected area at 7,629 km². Along the way you acclimatize in Manang, a striking high village ringed by glaciers, taste the apple pies and cider of the Thakali village of Marpha, and finish with cultural days in Pokhara and the Kathmandu Valley, visiting UNESCO-listed Durbar Squares and the great stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath. It is a true grand tour of central Nepal.
Spade Himalaya runs this trek with licensed Nepali guides who manage the permits, set a safe acclimatization pace toward the pass, and carry a first-aid kit and a pulse oximeter. If you prefer a shorter circuit, choose the 12-day Annapurna Circuit Trek; for a lower, shorter option in the same region, see the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The remote Manaslu Circuit Trek is a wilder cousin of this route, and in the Everest region the Everest Base Camp Trek, the 16-day Everest Base Camp via Kala Patthar, and the Everest Three Passes Trek are popular alternatives.
Trips Highlights
- Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the highest passes reached on any popular trek
- Visit Muktinath, a sacred temple for both Hindus and Buddhists, with its eternal flame and 108 water spouts
- Trek the Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
- Watch the landscape change from green valleys and forest to the high desert of Mustang
- Acclimatize in Manang, a beautiful high village of monasteries, glaciers, and mountain lakes
- See close views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Nilgiri
- Walk through Tibetan-influenced villages like Pisang, Ghyaru, and Ngawal
- Taste apple pie, cider, and dried apples in the Thakali village of Marpha
- Relax in lakeside Pokhara with the Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, and Phewa Lake
- Finish with UNESCO cultural sightseeing in Patan, Kathmandu, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath
Route Details
The trail climbs the Marsyangdi valley through Chame, Pisang, and Manang, ascends via Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi to cross Thorong La, descends to Muktinath and down the Kali Gandaki through Jomsom and Marpha, then returns via Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Kathmandu (1,400 m) → drive to Chame (2,710 m) → Pisang (3,200 m) → Manang (3,540 m) → acclimatization day → Yak Kharka (4,020 m) → Thorong Phedi (4,540 m) → Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) → Muktinath (3,800 m) → Jomsom (2,720 m) → Marpha (2,670 m) → drive to Pokhara (820 m) → fly to Kathmandu, with cultural sightseeing in Pokhara, Patan, and Kathmandu.
Trips Itinerary
A Spade Himalaya representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore Thamel, the lively tourist quarter, with its restaurants, ATMs, and gear shops. You meet your guide for a pre-trip briefing. Bring your passport, two passport photos, and a copy of your insurance.
An early start by jeep along the Prithvi Highway, then onto the rugged off-road mountain track up the Marsyangdi valley past waterfalls, forests, and suspension bridges. Chame, the headquarters of Manang district, is a forested mountain town with views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. It is the trailhead for the walking days ahead. Overnight in Chame.
- Duration: Driving: 8 to 10 hrs
A gentle trail along the Marsyangdi through pine forest, apple orchards, and small villages, with views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. You cross suspension bridges and walk below cliffs and waterfalls as the valley narrows. The landscape grows drier and more open as you gain height, arriving at the Tibetan-style village of Pisang.
- Duration: Walking: 5 to 6 hrs
You take the scenic upper route via Upper Pisang, Ghyaru, and Ngawal, with wide panoramas of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. The trail passes ancient monasteries and prayer flags through dry alpine country before descending to Manang, a beautiful high village and the key acclimatization stop before the pass.
- Duration: Walking: 6 to 7 hrs
An essential rest day that follows the climb-high, sleep-low rule. A short hike up to the Gangapurna Lake viewpoint or the hills above Manang gives stunning views of the Gangapurna Glacier, Annapurna III and IV, and Tilicho Peak. Returning to sleep at 3,540 m helps your body prepare for the thin air higher up.
- Duration: Walking: 3 to 4 hrs ·
Leaving Manang, the trail climbs steadily into a dry, treeless landscape, passing the small settlement of Gunsang and open yak pastures. Views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak stay with you. The air is noticeably thinner now, so the pace is slow and deliberate as you reach the quiet stop of Yak Kharka.
- Duration: Walking: 4 to 5 hrs ·
A shorter day across open alpine terrain, crossing a couple of landslide-prone sections carefully, with wide mountain views throughout. Thorong Phedi is the last main settlement before the pass, a basic but vital base where trekkers rest and prepare. Some choose to push on to High Camp for a shorter summit day, depending on weather and fitness.
- Duration: Walking: 3 to 4 hrs.
The big day. You start around 3 to 4 AM, climbing steadily on a steep, rocky path to the prayer-flag-draped top of Thorong La, with sunrise views over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and the Mustang desert. It is an emotional, hard-earned summit. A long descent then drops you into the arid Mustang region and the sacred temple of Muktinath, holy to both Hindus and Buddhists.
- Duration: Walking: 8 to 10 hrs
A mostly downhill day through the dry, windy landscapes of Mustang, often passing the medieval village of Kagbeni, with views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the wide Kali Gandaki valley. As you descend, the famous valley winds open out around you, and you reach Jomsom, a mountain town and transport hub known for its airstrip and dramatic scenery.
- Duration: Walking: 5 to 6 hrs
An easy, gradual walk down the Kali Gandaki, on a wide and windy path with constant views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri, passing dry settlements and apple orchards. Marpha is a charming Thakali village famous for its whitewashed houses, stone-paved streets, and apple products: pie, cider, and brandy. A peaceful, culturally rich stop.
- Duration: Walking: 3 to 4 hrs
A long but scenic jeep drive down the Kali Gandaki valley, past traditional villages, apple orchards, and dramatic gorges, with views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. The landscape softens from high desert to green hills and warmer air. You arrive in lakeside Pokhara, where you can relax by the water after the long Himalayan crossing.
- Duration: Driving: 7 to 9 hrs
A relaxed sightseeing day around Pokhara. Visit Davis Falls, a waterfall that vanishes into an underground tunnel, and the hilltop World Peace Pagoda, with sweeping views of Phewa Lake, the city, and the Annapurna range. Finish with a peaceful boat row on Phewa Lake to the island shrine of Tal Barahi Temple. The rest of the day is free.
A short, scenic 25 to 30 minute flight returns you to Kathmandu. You then visit Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO-listed treasure of Newari art, famous for the Krishna Mandir, intricate stone sculptures, and traditional wooden architecture, still lively with artisans and local life. Return to your hotel to relax.
A guided cultural day around three more UNESCO highlights: Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka) with its temples and the Kumari Ghar, the ancient hilltop stupa of Swayambhunath (the “Monkey Temple”), and Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world and a centre of Tibetan Buddhism.
After a relaxed breakfast, the morning is free. At the scheduled time, a Spade Himalaya representative transfers you to the international airport, about 30 minutes away, for your onward flight, marking the end of your Annapurna Circuit Trek via Thorong La Pass.
Trips Include
- Airport meet and assist on arrival and departure, with all transfers by private vehicle
- Non-alcoholic welcome drink on arrival
- Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara (3-star, twin or double share) with breakfast
- Kathmandu to Chame jeep transfer and Marpha to Pokhara jeep transfer
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
- Sightseeing in Pokhara, Patan, and the Kathmandu Valley with all monument entrance fees
- All teahouse and lodge accommodation during the trek (twin or dormitory share)
- Three meals a day on the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- A government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter support, one porter per two trekkers (maximum 8 kg per trekker)
- Assistant guide for groups larger than 6
Trips Exclude
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Excess baggage charges on domestic and international flights
- Nepal entry visa (US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days)
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and any meals not listed
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bag and down jacket
- Travel and medical insurance with helicopter evacuation
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging on the trek
- Drinks, snacks, laundry, telephone, and personal expenses
- Photography or video fees at monuments, if applicable
- Tips for guides, porters, drivers, and staff
- Costs from early return, trip extension, or unforeseen events (weather, landslides, strikes)
- Anything not listed under Trip Includes
Trips Altitude
Packing List
General
- Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (personal; available to rent in Kathmandu for about US$35)
- Sleeping bag liner
- Puffy down jacket (personal; available to rent in Kathmandu for about US$35)
- Spade Himalaya duffel bag (provided, carried by the porter)
- Daypack, 30 to 45 litres, with a rain cover
Upper Body
- Sun hat or cap
- Knitted hat or beanie
- Neck gaiter, buff, or scarf
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Technical base-layer tops (light for warm months, heavy for cold months)
- Short and long sleeve technical shirts
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Waterproof, windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Technical base-layer trousers (weight to suit the season)
- Hiking trousers (2 pairs)
- Comfortable trousers for the teahouses
- Hiking shorts
- Waterproof, windproof shell trousers
Hands
- Wool or technical liner gloves
- Insulated hard-shell outer gloves (the pass morning is bitterly cold)
Feet
- Waterproof trekking boots (well broken in)
- Warm wool or technical socks, and hiking socks
- Liner socks (optional)
- Ice cleats or micro spikes (useful on Thorong La with snow)
- Gaiters (light for dust in Mustang, heavier for snow)
- Casual shoes for the evenings
Undergarments
- Quick-drying technical underwear
- Sports bras (women)
- Sleeping clothes or pyjamas
First Aid Kits
Your guide carries a kit and medication, but a personal kit is strongly recommended.
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Antiseptic ointment and blister care
- Ibuprofen or other pain relief
- Personal medication and any altitude medication advised by your doctor
- Water purification tablets or a UV purifier
Others
- Passport and extra passport photos
- Reusable water bottle and a hydration bladder
- Toiletry kit, quick-dry towel, toilet paper
- High-protein snacks (bars, nuts)
- Waterproof or dry bags for documents and money
- Earplugs and trekking poles
Optional
- Power bank and spare batteries
- Camera or phone for photos
- Binoculars
- Thermos for hot water and a comb
Good to Know
Before you go
- Permits and ID. Bring your passport, two passport photos, and a readable copy of your insurance to the pre-trip meeting so Spade Himalaya can arrange your ACAP and TIMS card. Both are checked at stations along the circuit.
- Money. Carry enough Nepalese rupees in cash from Kathmandu or Pokhara for drinks, snacks, charging, hot showers, and tips. ATMs exist in Chame, Manang, and Jomsom but can be unreliable.
- Fitness. Build up to hiking 6 to 7 hours with a daypack on consecutive days. Strong cardio and hill training make the Thorong La day far more manageable.
Since 1 April 2023, Nepal has required foreign trekkers in TIMS areas, including the entire Annapurna region, to trek with a licensed guide booked through a registered agency, and the rule is still in effect in 2026 (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-17). The aim is trekker safety and faster response in emergencies. Spade Himalaya is a registered agency with licensed guides, so your permits, logistics, and emergency cover are handled from start to finish.
The pass is the crux of the trek. You start before dawn to cross before the wind picks up, move slowly in the thin air, and wear your warmest layers, as the summit morning is bitterly cold. Micro spikes help if there is snow, and your guide checks conditions and turns back if the pass is unsafe. The reward is a summit panorama over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and the Mustang desert.
The itinerary follows the climb-high, sleep-low principle with an acclimatization day in Manang and a gradual approach to the pass. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day, walk slowly, avoid alcohol high up, and tell your guide early if you feel unwell. Carry altitude medication if your doctor advises it. Descending is the most effective treatment for altitude sickness.
- Accommodation. Comfortable teahouses with twin or dormitory rooms, generally good on this popular route, more basic at Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi.
- Food. Expect dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, soups, and Tibetan bread, with tea twice daily. Marpha is famous for apple dishes, and vegetarian meals are easy to find.
- Weather and wind. Mustang and the Kali Gandaki are known for strong afternoon winds, so start early and carry a windproof layer.
- Drinking water. Refill and purify with tablets or a UV purifier rather than buying bottled water, which is costly and creates waste in a protected area.
Trips Reviews
Smooth and flexible itinerary in winter
Strong safety management in harsh conditions
Excellent organization on a demanding winter route
Trips FAQs
Why Choose the Annapurna Circuit?
It is the complete circuit: you cross Thorong La (5,416 m), the high point of the trek, descend to the sacred temple of Muktinath, and follow the Kali Gandaki Gorge through Mustang. This 15-day version adds Marpha, lakeside Pokhara, and UNESCO cultural sightseeing, combining a major high-altitude crossing with deep cultural variety in one trip.
Choose the 12-day Annapurna Circuit Trek for a streamlined, trekking-focused route. Choose this 15-day version if you want extra acclimatization comfort plus full cultural days in Pokhara, Patan, and the Kathmandu Valley. Both cross Thorong La Pass and reach Muktinath; the difference is pace and the cultural sightseeing built around the trek.
The Circuit is a longer point-to-point loop over the high Thorong La Pass with huge landscape variety. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is shorter (9 days), tops out lower at 4,130 m, and walks into a glacial amphitheatre below Annapurna I. Choose the Circuit for a big high-pass adventure, and Base Camp for a shorter, lower first Himalayan trek.
Guide Requirement & Trek Regulations
Yes. Since April 2023, Nepal requires every foreign trekker in the Annapurna region to hire a government-licensed guide through a registered agency and carry a TIMS card, and the rule remains in force in 2026 (Nepal Tourism Board, retrieved 2026-06-17). Solo trekking without a registered guide is not permitted. Spade Himalaya provides the licensed guide and arranges your permits.
Trek Difficulty: Who Can Trek?
At 5,416 m, Thorong La is one of the highest passes reached on any popular trek. The crossing day is long and demanding: a 3 to 4 AM start, a steep climb in thin, cold air, and a long descent to Muktinath, 8 to 10 hours in total. Safety comes from the acclimatization day in Manang, a slow build via Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi, and your guide’s check on weather and conditions before the climb.
Trekker's Well-Being & Safety
It is a real risk, since you sleep above 3,500 m for several nights and cross 5,416 m. The itinerary manages it with a Manang acclimatization day, a gradual climb to the pass, and your guide’s daily oximeter checks. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day, walk slowly, avoid alcohol high up, and tell your guide early if you feel unwell. Descending is the most effective treatment.
Yes, it is mandatory. Your policy must explicitly cover trekking up to at least 5,500 m and helicopter evacuation, since standard travel insurance often excludes high-altitude adventure. Arrange it in your home country before you fly, and leave a copy with Spade Himalaya at the pre-trip meeting so the team can act quickly in an emergency.
Cultural and Spiritual Highlights
Muktinath is a temple complex at about 3,800 m in Mustang, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. It is famous for its eternal natural flame and a row of 108 holy water spouts where pilgrims bathe. Reaching it just after the hardest day of the trek, the Thorong La crossing, makes it one of the most moving moments on the whole circuit.
Best Time to Trek the Annapurna Circuit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the prime seasons, with stable weather and an open pass. Winter (December to February) is cold and Thorong La can be blocked by snow, while the summer monsoon brings rain to the lower valleys, though Mustang stays drier in its rain shadow. For a detailed look at winter conditions, see our Annapurna Circuit winter guide.
