Annapurna Circuit Trek: 15 Night - 16 Days

location image Kathmandu

15 Nights / 16 Days

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Trip starts at:: Kathmandu

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Trip ends at: Kathmandu

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Accommodation: Tea house, Lodge, Hotel

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Max Elevation: 5,416m/17,764ft

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Difficulty:: Moderate

Annapurna Circuit Trek – 16 Days Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the best trekking experiences in Nepal, offering an unforgettable journey through diverse terrains, cultures, and elevations in the majestic Annapurna region. Spanning approximately 160–230 km, the 16-day trek winds through lush subtropical forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes, with each day offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and Himalayan landscapes.

Starting from Besisahar and concluding in Pokhara, this adventure takes you through picturesque villages like Manang, Braga, and Marpha, all rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture. The trek’s crown jewel is the Thorong La Pass (5,416m)—the highest point of the trail—offering panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

This trail also offers a side trip to the stunning Tilicho Lake (4,919m), one of the world’s highest glacial lakes. Whether you opt for the full 16-day Annapurna Circuit or a shorter Annapurna Circuit in 13 days, the route guarantees awe-inspiring scenery and deep cultural immersion.


Top 10 Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek

  1. Crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m) – the ultimate high point of the circuit

  2. Visiting Tilicho Lake – sacred, glacial, and spectacular

  3. Exploring Manang Village – gateway to high-altitude Himalayas

  4. Sunrise from Ghorepani Poonhill – famous for panoramic views of Dhaulagiri & Annapurna

  5. Rejuvenating in Tatopani hot springs after days of trekking

  6. Witnessing the Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the world’s deepest

  7. Cultural immersion in Braga Monastery and Buddhist villages

  8. Apple orchards and Thakali cuisine in Marpha

  9. Scenic flight or drive from Jomsom to Pokhara

  10. Trekking under the gaze of Annapurna I, III, Gangapurna, and Dhaulagiri


Best Time to Trek Annapurna Circuit

The ideal seasons are autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May) when the weather is stable, skies are clear, and rhododendrons bloom. While winter (Dec–Feb) is quieter and snow-covered, Thorong La may be impassable. Monsoon (June–Aug) is not recommended due to slippery trails and leeches.


Essential Hiking Gear Checklist

  • Down jacket & fleece layers

  • Base layers (moisture-wicking)

  • Waterproof trekking boots

  • Sleeping bag (-10°C rating)

  • Trekking poles

  • UV sunglasses, gloves & warm hat

  • Headlamp, water filter, and personal medicine

  • Light backpack (30–40L)


Permits Required

  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) – NPR 3,000

  • TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) – NPR 2,000
     Both are available in Kathmandu or Pokhara through registered agencies.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu Day 02: Sightseeing around Kathmandu Day 03: Drive to Dharapani (1,900m/6,232ft) via Besisahar Day 04: Walk from Dharapani to Chame (2,600m/8,528ft) Day 05: Continue walking from Chame to Lower Pisang (3,200m/10,496ft) Day 06: Trek from Lower Pisang to Manang (3,519m/11,542ft) Day 07: Rest Day at Manang Day 08: Trek from Manang to Shreekharka (4,000m/13,120ft) Day 09: Trek from Shreekharka to Yak Kharka (4,050m/13,284ft) Day 10: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4,400m/14,432ft) Day 11: Trek from Thorang Phedi to Muktinath via Thorang La Pass (5,416m/17,764ft) Day 12: Trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni (2,800m/9,161ft) Day 13: Drive from Kagbeni to Jomsom (2,743m/8,997ft) Day 14: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara Day 15: Flight to Kathmandu Day 16: Departure

Detail Itinerary

We will be meeting at the Tribhuvan International Airport by a Guru Travels agent who will take you to your hotel after we arrive. Then we check in at the hotel, get ready, and rest. Guru Travels will provide a welcome supper in the evening. Spend the night in Kathmandu.

We will visit the world heritage sites of Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Bouddhanath Stupa. The Durbar Square provides insight into old royalty's way of existence. One of the most significant locations of pilgrimage for all Hindus is the Pashupatinath Temple. The Baudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest stupas in the world, is located in Swayambhunath, also referred to as the Monkey Temple. We meet our fellow participants.

7-8 hrs. drive to Dharapani on a private Jeep.

The first trek day is today. We immediately begin a challenging section that involves 17 kilometers of walking and more than 700 meters of ascent! The journey from Danaqyu to Temang is particularly challenging. The ascent via staircases begins shortly after crossing a river and seems to go on forever. The path follows a number of rivers. Long walkways with flags are used to cross it. It takes some getting used to crossing the shaky bridge at first, but after that it becomes enjoyable. We walk without a porter and carry 12 and 14 kilos on our backs, so today is the first day we have our large packs on, so it is quite difficult. You must truly adjust to walking with such a weight.

We depart Chame for Lower Pisang at 7:00. The largest apple orchard in this region of the Annapurna Circuit is one we pass on the way. We purchase some delectable apple muffins from the shop next door—highly recommended. The walk to Lower Pisang takes about 4 hours and involves a 500-meter ascent. We pass a large-looking abyss on the way there.

Since we have a distance to travel today, we set out before the sun rises at 6:00 a.m. The initial hour is chilly. However, due to our significant ascent, we rapidly become hot. The high route and the low route are the two ways to get from Lower Pisang to Manang. Although speedier, the low path is less appealing. The high route is more difficult but more beautiful, and because it ascends higher, it allows you to acclimate more effectively.

In Manang, today is a rest day. It is best to avoid sleeping higher tonight to properly acclimate, so we remain in Manang. We perform an almost summit-level acclimatization walk to the Praken Gompa. By doing this, we can make sure that we ascend again and then walk uphill for around 200 meters before descending again.

From Manang to Shree Kharka, we walk today. This is a deviation from the Annapurna Circuit's primary path. We walk to Shree Kharka since we are debating visiting Tilicho Lake, a lake at 5000 meters above sea level. The journey to Shree Kharka is already difficult, though. Tilicho Basecamp appears to be overcrowded, filthy, and lacking adequate overnight accommodations. The road is treacherous as well, with numerous chasms and the possibility of landslides. Finally, we decide against moving on and to stop using Shree Kharka for additional acclimatization.

Since we don't proceed on to Tilicho Lake, we instead travel to Yak Kharka, which is once more along the Annapurna Circuit. Since we just need to walk for five hours, we go at half past eight. The scenery is breathtaking, and the route is lined with snow-capped mountain peaks. We just gain 10 meters in elevation, Neto, but the route constantly rises and dips. This makes it quite difficult. The route follows the sunny side of the mountain, which is really wonderful, so we walk continuously in the sun.

The hardest day is today since we have to climb 1000 meters and then descend 1600 meters. We set the alarm at four am so we could leave on time. Because it will still be dark when you begin, remember your headlamp. It is not too awful because we had walked the first section of the journey yesterday (all the way to High Camp). Without a doubt, it is difficult, but I anticipated this! After High Camp, the sun begins to rise gradually. Now that we are traversing bare mountain summits, there are snow and ice mounds all over the path.

The hardest day is today since we have to climb 1000 meters and then descend 1600 meters. We set the alarm at four am so we could leave on time. Because it will still be dark when you begin, remember your headlamp. It is not too awful because we had walked the first section of the journey yesterday (all the way to High Camp). Without a doubt, it is difficult, but I anticipated this! After High Camp, the sun begins to rise gradually. Now that we are traversing bare mountain summits, there are snow and ice mounds all over the path.

It's a calm day today. It's fortunately not too tough to travel to cute Kagbeni even with a tight back and sore legs. Even now, you still descend significantly—more than 1000 meters—but very gradually. From Muktinath to Kagbeni, there are various tracks. We travel via the village of Jhong on the northern road (or Dzong). Compared to the southern road, which has far more traffic, this is much nicer (jeeps).

Today, we travel to Jomsom by bus from Kagbeni with the hopes of reserving a jeep to travel to Pokhara from there. The bus ride is pretty thrilling and goes through a lot of ravines. It's unfortunate that we haven't walked this route because it doesn't appear to be really picturesque. In Jomsom, there isn't much to do. It is a somewhat pricey community, and due to its location, it frequently experiences strong winds.

35min flight to Pokhara. Balance free day.

25min flight to Kathmandu. Balance Day at Kathmandu.

Today marks the end of our trip to Nepal. A few hours prior to the scheduled departure, a Guru Travel agent would deliver us to the Tribhuwan International Airport.

Services Included

tick image Airport – Hotel transfer in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

tick image Domestic airfare (Jomsom to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu) including applicable government taxes.

tick image All regular meals throughout the trek.

tick image Accommodations at Kathmandu, Pokhara and trek.

tick image Government-licensed trek leader who speaks English, Assistant guide is provided for groups larger than 12.

tick image Porter to assist with hikers' bags 1 porter will be shared by 2 trekkers, The maximum weight for a porter is 18 kg (9 kg per trekker, weight limit). Non-essential things can be stored at the DWT store or in your hotel.

tick image Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) fee.

tick image Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee.

Services Excluded

tick image Additional Meals,

tick image Extra night accommodation,

tick image Beverages and alcoholic drinks,

tick image All personal expenses,

tick image All other additional charges for additional services.

tick image Insurance

tick image Medical Emergency Rescues.

tick image Visa Fees.

tick image Everything else that is not specifically included under cost inclusion.

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$ 1675 per person
Depart From location icon Kathmandu
Going To location icon Kathmandu

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