The journey
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's most iconic long-distance treks. Over 12 days you'll traverse diverse landscapes, from subtropical valleys and terraced rice paddies to arid high-altitude desert and the mighty Thorong La Pass at 5,416 metres.
Along the way you'll pass through traditional Gurung, Thakali, and Manangba villages, soak in natural hot springs, and experience some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on earth, including views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Machhapuchhre.
Your experienced local guide handles all logistics, navigation, and cultural translation so you can focus entirely on the experience.
Trek Photos
Annapurna Trail
Marsyangdi Valley
Above the Clouds
River Crossing
Prayer FlagsThe trail
Route overview: Kathmandu to Pokhara via Thorong La Pass
The day to day
Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m)
+Airport pickup, transfer to hotel, trek briefing with your guide. Explore Thamel in the evening.
Drive to Dharapani (1,860m)
+Scenic 7-8 hour drive through river valleys. First views of the Annapurna range as you gain elevation.
Dharapani to Chame (2,670m)
+Trek through pine forests and past waterfalls. Pass through traditional Gurung villages. First big mountain views.
Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m)
+Enter the Manang Valley with views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. The landscape shifts to high-altitude desert.
Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540m)
+Trek along the north side of the valley with panoramic views. Visit Braga Monastery.
Acclimatisation Day in Manang
+Critical rest day. Optional hike to Ice Lake (4,600m) or Gangapurna Lake. Visit the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic.
Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m)
+Steady climb through sparse vegetation. Last teahouses before Thorong La. Stunning views of the Great Barrier.
Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,540m)
+Short but steep trek to the base camp for the pass. Early night, as you'll rise before dawn tomorrow.
Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,760m)
+The big day. Pre-dawn start, 4-5 hours to the pass, then a long descent to the sacred temple town of Muktinath.
Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m)
+Descend through the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. Windy but spectacular.
Fly Jomsom to Pokhara
+25-minute scenic flight over the Himalayas to Pokhara. Afternoon free to explore Lakeside.
Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu
+Morning flight back. Transfer to hotel or airport. Trek complete.
What you get
Included
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu
- All accommodation (hotels + teahouses)
- Three meals per day on trek
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- All permits (ACAP, TIMS)
- Domestic flights (Jomsom to Pokhara, Pokhara to Kathmandu)
- Ground transport (Kathmandu to Dharapani)
- First aid kit and oximeter
- Trek briefing and gear check
Not Included
- International flights to/from Kathmandu
- Travel insurance (required)
- Nepal tourist visa
- Personal trekking gear
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Hot showers and device charging on trek
- Tips for guide and porters
- Personal expenses
Common questions
Do I need previous trekking experience?
+Not essential, but multi-day hiking experience is helpful. The circuit requires walking 6–8 hours daily for 12 days and crossing a 5,416m pass. Good fitness and a willingness to push through tough days matters more than technical experience.
What is the Thorong La Pass crossing like?
+At 5,416m, Thorong La is the highest point on any major trekking route. The crossing day is long (7–10 hours) with an early 4am start to beat the afternoon winds. It's tough but manageable — your guide will have assessed your acclimatisation carefully before committing to the crossing.
What if the pass is closed due to weather or altitude?
+If the pass is closed or unsafe, we hold at Manang until conditions improve. In rare cases we take the alternate route via Jomsom — you won't miss the highlights of the circuit. Your safety always takes priority over the itinerary.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
+Your guide monitors symptoms daily with a pulse oximeter. Acclimatisation days are built in at key points. If serious AMS develops, descent is immediate and non-negotiable. Emergency helicopter evacuation insurance is required.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
+Yes, solo trekkers are very welcome on our group departures. The Annapurna Circuit is one of the best treks for meeting other travellers along the way.
Is travel insurance required?
+Yes, mandatory. Cover must include high-altitude trekking to at least 6,000m and emergency helicopter evacuation. We'll confirm your policy details before departure.
Are tips for guides and porters expected?
+Yes. Tips are an important part of your crew's income and are not included in the price. A good guideline: guide $15–20 AUD/day, porter $8–10 AUD/day, split across the group.
What's the cancellation policy?
+A $500 deposit secures your spot. Full payment is due 60 days before departure. Cancellations with 60+ days notice receive a full deposit refund. Contact us for cancellations inside 60 days — we'll do our best to move you to another date.