Annapurna Circuit Trek – 14 Days Short Itinerary

Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the most popular treks in the world, famous for dramatic deep gorges, desolate high mountain passes, fantastic viewpoints (Poon Hill), hot springs, Buddhist and Hindu temples, delightful farming villages, and stunning views of Annapurna summits.

Highlights of the Trek

  • Scenic yak pastures and traditional mountain villages
  • Relax in natural hot springs at Tatopani
  • Explore Jomsom – the gateway to Mustang
  • A leisure day at the vibrant lakeside city of Pokhara
  • Breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Thorung Peak, Chulu West & East, Tukuche, Lamjung Himal, and more
  • Visit the picturesque Manang district with its rich culture
  • Witness stunning lakes, glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls
  • Sacred visit to Muktinath – a holy site for Hindus & Buddhists with 108 stone taps and an eternal flame
  • Adventure across Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) – one of the world’s highest trekking passes
  • Discover Barge Monastery, the largest in Manang
  • Sunrise from Poon Hill Viewpoint (3,210 m) with panoramic Himalayan vistas

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most iconic and diverse trekking experiences, winding through the north-central Himalayas, encircling the mighty Annapurna massif. This legendary trail takes you across lush valleys, high-altitude deserts, and towering snow-covered peaks, offering a mesmerizing blend of geography, climate, and culture. The highest point of the trek, Thorong La Pass (5,416m), is a thrilling highlight, presenting panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, and beyond, as well as the stark contrast between the green, forested eastern slopes and the barren, rugged terrain of the west.

 

The trek begins in Besisahar, a subtropical region with warm temperatures and terraced rice fields, before progressing through Chame and Pisang, where dense oak and rhododendron forests give way to rocky ridgelines and alpine meadows. As the elevation increases, the landscape shifts dramatically, entering the dry, wind-swept terrain of Manang, a beautiful valley enclosed by towering cliffs and overlooked by Annapurna II and Gangapurna.

Beyond Manang, the ascent becomes more challenging as you reach Yak Kharka and Ledar (4,250m), where oxygen levels drop, and the surroundings feel increasingly isolated and barren. The approach to Thorong High Camp (4,925m) is a final push into a harsh alpine environment, with temperatures dropping significantly and winds cutting through the icy terrain. Crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m) is the trek’s ultimate challenge, where you are rewarded with uninterrupted Himalayan vistas and the surreal sensation of standing at the edge of two contrasting worlds—the lush Annapurna region and the arid Mustang landscape.

Descending into Muktinath (3,760m), you will find respite in warmer conditions, with the sacred Muktinath Temple, a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, offering a unique cultural and spiritual experience. The journey continues towards Jomsom and then to Tatopani, where you traverse rugged, river-cut landscapes, gradually returning to forested foothills before concluding in Pokhara, where the lush, subtropical scenery marks the trek’s end.

 

Note

This trek package, Annapurna Circuit Hike, includes local bus rides from Kathmandu to Besishar or Bhulbhule. If you are willing to bear extra costs, you can return to Kathmandu from Pokhara on a Jeep or a plane.

We also advise our valuable clients to arrive in Kathmandu before 3 pm, one day before the trek departure date, for last-minute preparations.

 

Online Trip Briefing

The online briefing will clear all your doubts about the trek, including things to bring (equipment checklist) for the hike, the itinerary details, and what you can expect on the trails. As soon as you complete the booking, we will email you the available dates and times for the trek briefing, and once we receive your essential documents, we will conduct the online trek briefing.