Trip Facts
Country:
Annapurna
Duration:
12 Days
Max Altitude:
5,416m
Activities:
Trekking
Region:
Annapuran Region
Grade:
Moderate
Group Size:
Min 2
Accomodation:
Hotel/Teahouse
Overview of Annapurna Circuit Trek 12-Days
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a 12-day loop through Nepal’s Annapurna region that peaks at Thorong La Pass, 5,416 m (17,769 ft), the route’s highest point (Wikipedia: Annapurna Circuit, retrieved 2026-06-16). You walk from river valleys at around 600 m up to a glaciated pass, then down to the temple town of Muktinath. This guide covers the day-by-day itinerary, real 2026 costs, permits, packing, and how to stay safe at altitude.
Key Takeaways
The full route runs 160–230 km and tops out at Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) (Wikipedia, 2026).
A record 30,866 trekkers walked the Circuit in 2024, up from 21,247 in 2023 (The Kathmandu Post, 2025).
Altitude, not distance, is the real challenge: AMS affects roughly half of trekkers between 4,500–5,000 m.
What Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a high-altitude loop around the Annapurna Massif, set inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is Nepal’s largest protected area at 7,629 km² and was established in 1992 (Wikipedia: Annapurna Conservation Area, retrieved 2026-06-16). The trail links subtropical valleys, Tibetan-influenced villages like Manang, the Thorong La crossing, and the pilgrimage site of Muktinath.
It is one of Nepal’s most popular treks for a reason. In 2024 the Circuit recorded a record 30,866 trekkers (18,499 men and 12,362 women), up sharply from 21,247 the year before (The Kathmandu Post, 2025). That popularity means a well-maintained teahouse trail, but it also means timing your trek matters if you want quieter days.
What surprises many first-timers is how much the landscape changes, not just the altitude. You start in green, terraced farmland and finish the high section in a cold, wind-scoured desert that looks more like Tibet than the rice paddies you began in. That transition, in a single trek, is what makes the Circuit feel like several trips stitched together.
The 12-Day Annapurna Circuit Itinerary
Thorong La Pass is the high point of this 12-day itinerary at 5,416 m, and the route follows the classic anticlockwise direction. We use road transport to skip the lower, dustier sections and trek the scenic high country. As a result, you gain over 4,000 m of sleeping altitude before the Day 8 crossing, which is exactly why the acclimatization day in Manang is not optional.
Trips Highlights
- Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world
- Trek the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal's largest protected area (7,629 km²)
- Acclimatize in Manang beneath Annapurna III and Gangapurna
- Experience the hospitality of Gurung, Magar, Thakali and Manange
- Watch sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from Poon Hill (3,210 m)
- Soak in the natural hot springs at Tatopani
- Admire the world's deepest gorge – Kali Gandaki Gorge
Route Details
The trek follows the Marsyangdi River valley north from Chame, climbing through pine forest past Pisang into the arid, Tibetan-influenced upper Manang valley. After an acclimatization day in Manang, the trail ascends through Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi, the base camp for the pass.
From Thorong Phedi you make a pre-dawn climb to Thorong La (5,416 m), then descend west to Muktinath and the Kali Gandaki valley, the world’s deepest gorge. The route continues south to the hot springs at Tatopani, then climbs through rhododendron forest to Ghorepani and the Poon Hill viewpoint, before descending to Pokhara for the flight back to Kathmandu.
Stops in order
Kathmandu → Besisahar → Chame (2,710 m) → Pisang (3,300 m) → Manang (3,540 m) → Yak Kharka (4,050 m) → Thorong Phedi (4,500 m) → Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) → Muktinath (3,800 m) → Tatopani (1,190 m) → Ghorepani (2,870 m) → Poon Hill (3,210 m) → Pokhara → Kathmandu
Trips Itinerary
On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Spade Himalaya representative welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel. Rest or explore the lively streets of Thamel. In the evening, your guide runs a short briefing to introduce the trek, review safety guidelines, check your gear, and answer any questions before the journey begins.
The day starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu through rolling hills, rivers, and traditional villages. Following the Marsyangdi River, the road climbs gradually into the Annapurna region. After Besisahar, the journey continues by mountain road to Chame, the headquarters of Manang district, with views of rocky cliffs, waterfalls, and the first snow-capped peaks.
The trek begins through pine forest and narrow valleys with stunning views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. Passing apple orchards and small settlements, the trail crosses suspension bridges and dramatic rock formations before reaching Pisang, a picturesque village ringed by towering peaks.
Today’s walk delivers incredible scenery as the landscape turns alpine and arid. Passing traditional villages with ancient monasteries and prayer walls, you gain real insight into Tibetan-influenced culture. The trail leads gradually to Manang, a handsome village set beneath Annapurna III and Gangapurna.
This essential rest day lets your body adjust to the altitude. Explore Manang village, visit a local monastery, or take a short acclimatization hike to a viewpoint or nearby lake. Your guide monitors your pulse and oxygen and offers guidance to ensure a safe ascent. Don’t skip it: this day materially lowers your altitude-sickness risk.
Leaving Manang, the trail climbs gently through open landscapes and grazing grounds, where you may spot blue sheep or yaks. The thinner air and wide mountain views signal your approach into higher alpine terrain. Keep the pace slow and your water intake high.
A short but important day, the route climbs steadily to Thorong Phedi, the base camp for Thorong La Pass. The afternoon is for rest, an early dinner, and preparing your gear and layers for the next day’s high-altitude crossing.
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. A pre-dawn start, usually around 4 a.m., gets you over the pass before the wind picks up, rewarded with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from 5,416 m. A long descent then leads to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.
A scenic drive follows the Kali Gandaki Valley, the world’s deepest gorge, through dry landscapes and traditional villages. On arrival in Tatopani, soak in the natural hot springs, the perfect way to ease tired muscles after the pass.
The trail climbs through lush rhododendron and oak forest, passing terraced farmland and small settlements. Ghorepani is a charming ridge village and one of the most popular viewpoints for Himalayan sunrises.
An early-morning hike to Poon Hill rewards you with a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After descending and trekking to Ulleri, you drive to Pokhara and take a short, scenic flight back to Kathmandu.
After breakfast, you are transferred to the international airport for your final departure, marking the end of your unforgettable Annapurna Circuit Trek with Spade Himalaya.
Trips Include
- Airport pick-up and drop-off service
- Three meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Comfortable accommodation in hotels and tea houses
- Porters to carry your luggage
- All necessary permits (ACAP and TIMS)
- First aid medical kit
- All ground transportation as per itinerary
Trips Exclude
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses and any costs from early departure
- Any othere that is not mentioned on included
Trips Altitude
Packing List
Upper Body
- Thermal base layers (top)
- Long-sleeve t-shirts
- Fleece or wool mid-layer
- Windproof and waterproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal base layers (bottom)
- Windproof and waterproof shell trousers
- Comfortable trekking trousers
- Warm trousers
Others
- Warm hat that covers the ears
- Neck warmer
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 35–60)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
Hands
- Liner gloves
- Warm shell glove
Feet
- Waterproof trekking boots (broken in)
- 4–5 pairs of wool socks
- Sock liners
- Sandals or light shoes for the evenings
First Aid Kits
- Diamox (125–250 mg) for altitude
- Ibuprofen
- Blister care
- Water-purification tablets
- Adhesive bandages
- Anti-itch cream
Others
Documents & Extras
- Passport
- 4 passport photos
- Refillable water bottle with filter
- Small daypack (the porter carries your duffel)
Optional
- Power bank
- Camera with chargers and spare batteries
Trips Reviews
No reviews found.