Annapurna Circuit Classical Trek - 15 Days

Annapurna · 15 Days

Annapurna Circuit Classical Trek - 15 Days

· Strenuous · Max altitude 5,416m (17,769 ft) at Thorong La Pass · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

15 Days

Max Altitude

5,416m (17,769 ft)

at Thorong La Pass

Grade

Strenuous

Lodging

Teahouse / Lodge

Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Classical Trek is Nepal's most iconic long-distance trail - a 15-day journey through every imaginable Himalayan landscape, from subtropical rice paddies to arid Tibetan-plateau high desert, crossing the legendary Thorong La Pass at 5,416m. Starting in Besisahar and ending in Muktinath, the circuit wraps around the entire Annapurna massif, offering trekkers an unmatched diversity of geography, culture and views.

You will pass through Buddhist, Hindu and animist villages; cross five distinct climate zones; trek beneath Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho and Dhaulagiri; and stand at one of the highest accessible passes on earth. The trek concludes at the sacred Muktinath Temple, holy to both Hindus and Buddhists.

This is the Nepal trekking experience in its most classic form - thrilling, diverse and unforgettable.

Highlights

  • Cross the legendary Thorong La Pass at 5,416m
  • Views of Annapurna I-IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak and Dhaulagiri
  • Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple (3,710m) - holy to Hindus and Buddhists
  • Walk through Tibetan-style villages of Upper Pisang, Ghyaru, Ngawal and Manang
  • Acclimatization at Manang with side hikes to Ice Lake and Gangapurna Glacier
  • Visit Milarepa Cave near Manang
  • Witness the deepest gorge in the world (Kali Gandaki)
  • Cross multiple climate zones in 15 days
  • Apple capital Marpha and ancient salt-trade villages
  • Optional ending in Pokhara with 25-minute scenic flight from Jomsom

Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m)

⏱ 6-7 hours by bus/jeep ↔ 185 km 🍽 Lunch, Dinner

Drive west via Mugling and Dumre to the trailhead at Besisahar.

Day 2

Besisahar to Bahundanda (1,310m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking ↔ ~15 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk through subtropical forest, rivers and village life.

Day 3

Bahundanda to Chamje (1,430m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking ↔ ~13 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cross the Marsyangdi River through terraced fields and small settlements.

Day 4

Chamje to Dharapani (1,860m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking ↔ ~16 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waterfalls and cliffs as you enter the Manang district.

Day 5

Dharapani to Chame (2,610m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking ↔ ~15 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Forested trail with first views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II.

Day 6

Chame to Pisang (3,200m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking ↔ ~14 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Pass the Paungda Danda cliff. Landscape shifts to Tibetan-style villages.

Day 7

Rest Day in Pisang

⏱ Light walks 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore Lower and Upper Pisang, relax and acclimatize.

Day 8

Pisang to Braka (3,450m) via Upper Pisang Route

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking ↔ ~17 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Scenic high route via Ghyaru and Ngawal - excellent acclimatization.

Day 9

Hike to Milarepa Cave, Walk to Manang (3,540m)

⏱ 2-3 hours plus Milarepa side trip ↔ ~5 km plus side trip 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit the sacred cave, then short walk to Manang.

Day 10

Acclimatization in Manang

⏱ Flexible 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hike to Ice Lake (4,600m, 4-6 hrs round trip) or Gangapurna Glacier Viewpoint. Rest and explore monasteries.

Day 11

Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m)

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking ↔ ~10 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Alpine meadows, yaks and gradual climb.

Day 12

Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,525m)

⏱ 3-4 hours hiking ↔ ~7 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional hike up to High Camp (4,800m) for further acclimatization.

Day 13

Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,760m) via Thorong La Pass (5,416m)

⏱ 7-9 hours hiking ↔ ~16 km ▲ 5,416m 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Pre-dawn start over the legendary pass. Long descent to the sacred Muktinath Temple.

Day 14

Muktinath to Pokhara via Jomsom

⏱ 7-9 hours by jeep OR 20-min flight from Jomsom ↔ ~170 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch

Long jeep ride or scenic flight back to Pokhara. Option to stop in Kagbeni or Marpha.

Day 15

Pokhara to Kathmandu

⏱ 6-8 hours by bus or 30-min flight ↔ ~200 km 🍽 Breakfast

Return to Kathmandu with optional farewell dinner.

Ready to walk this?

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What's included

Included

  • Clean and comfortable rooms in selected teahouses/hotels
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek in hygienic kitchens
  • Friendly, professional English-speaking licensed guide (food, accommodation, insurance included)
  • 1 porter for every 2 trekkers (carries up to 15 kg per trekker, insurance included)
  • Private or tourist vehicle transport - Kathmandu to Besisahar, Muktinath/Jomsom to Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit fee
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card
  • First aid medical kit
  • Helicopter evacuation arrangement (paid by your insurance)

Not included

  • International flights
  • Nepal visa fee
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Hotel and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Hard drinks and soft drinks
  • Wi-Fi and hot showers at lodges (extra cost)
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guide, porters and drivers
  • Personal expenses

Trek guide

The Classic Trek of Nepal

The Annapurna Circuit has been called the world's most diverse long-distance trek and there is good reason - in just 15 days you walk through landscapes ranging from steamy subtropical paddy fields at 800m to high alpine desert above 5,000m. The full circuit wraps around the entire Annapurna massif, beginning in Besisahar on the lush eastern side and ending in Muktinath on the arid western side.

Geography

The trek follows the Marsyangdi river upstream to its source near the Tibetan border, crosses the Thorong La Pass (5,416m) into the Kali Gandaki river system, and descends through the world's deepest gorge to Pokhara. Major mountain views include:
- Annapurna I (8,091m), II (7,937m), III (7,555m) and IV (7,525m)
- Gangapurna (7,455m)
- Tilicho Peak (7,134m)
- Dhaulagiri (8,167m)
- Machhapuchhre (6,993m)

Cultural Diversity

The lower Marsyangdi valley is largely Hindu Gurung and Magar country with subtropical forests. As you climb past Manang, the culture becomes Tibetan-Buddhist with ancient gompas at Braka, Ghyaru and Ngawal. Crossing into Mustang district at Muktinath, you enter the Thakali culture - famous for hospitality, apple brandy and the deepest gorge cuisine.

Permits

  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)
  • TIMS card

No restricted-area permit is needed for the standard route.

Altitude and Acclimatization

The trek climbs from 760m to 5,416m. Acclimatization days at Pisang and Manang are critical. Diamox prophylactic dosing is recommended. Symptoms of altitude sickness can begin above 2,500m - communicate with your guide.

Best Season

  • Spring (March-May): Rhododendrons, mild temperatures
  • Autumn (September-November): The premier window with clearest mountain visibility

Winter Thorong La crossings are possible but require crampons and additional preparation. Monsoon brings landslides and leeches.

Fitness

Strenuous. You should be able to walk 6-8 hours per day for 14 consecutive days, including one very long pass day (7-9 hours).

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -15°C, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell, 3 trekking shirts, 2 trekking trousers, thermal base layers, 5 pairs merino socks, beanie, sun hat, buff, insulated and light gloves

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots (well broken in), camp shoes, gaiters, microspikes for autumn/spring

Accessories: 50L daypack, 80L duffel, -15°C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, glacier sunglasses, 2L water, purification tablets, power bank, adapter

Documents: Passport with visa, insurance certificate, 4 photos, cash NPR

Medical: Diamox, first-aid kit, sunscreen SPF 50, lip balm SPF, painkillers, anti-diarrhoea

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Thorong La Pass?
It is a non-technical pass but very long (16 km, 7-9 hours) at high altitude. Acclimatization through the trek is essential. We monitor weather and adjust if needed.

Can I shorten the trek?
Yes - some clients jeep up to Chame to save 2-3 days. Contact us for shorter versions.

Will roads ruin the experience?
The lower Marsyangdi has a rough road, but the classic high-altitude sections from Pisang onward remain trail-only and pristine.

How does this compare to Everest Base Camp?
More diverse landscapes, fewer crowds in shoulder seasons, comparable difficulty. Many trekkers prefer it for variety.

How cold is the pass day?
Wind chill on the pass can hit -15 to -20°C even in October. A full down kit is essential.

Are there ATMs along the trail?
Only in Manang and Jomsom (unreliable). Bring all the cash you need.

Is altitude sickness common?
Mild symptoms are common above 4,000m. Serious AMS is rare with proper acclimatization. Diamox helps.

Can the trek be done in winter?
Possible but Thorong La can close due to snow. Microspikes mandatory, and lower temperatures make it serious.

How crowded is the circuit?
Moderately - much busier than restricted treks (Tsum, Manaslu) but less than EBC. October is peak.

What is the food like?
Dal bhat, momos, noodles, pancakes, fried rice and pasta widely available. Apple products at Marpha are a highlight.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $1500

per person

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