11-Days Annapurna Circuit Trek

Max Altitude: 1,400 meters | 4,593 feet

When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will greet you with a warm welcome. They will assist you further in your transfer to the hotel. You need this day to acclimate and prepare for the trek ahead.

Later, you may gain some familiarity with the bustling streets of Kathmandu. You can also visit bustling markets like Thamel. It is famous for its wide range of souvenirs, clothing and trekking gear. 

You are invited to attend a pre-trip meeting in the evening, where you will have an opportunity to meet your trek guide and fellow travelers. This is a great opportunity to ask questions regarding the trip. 

Later on, you can take an easy, fascinating ramble through the crowded Kathmandu streets and develop your appetite with local snacks.  

Max Altitude: 2,710 meters | 8,891 feet
Travel Time: 7 to 9 hours
Distance Covered: About 150 km | 93 miles

Begin your journey by taking a drive from Kathmandu to Chame. It has a beautiful view and allows the time to fly by. You get to trace the stunning Marshyangdi River valley for the most part of your drive for the day. The river sparkles, shining brightly right beside you. It passes through picturesque villages with friendly people and lively markets.

The lush green landscapes slowly come to an end as magnificent views of the Himalayas unfold. The gigantic mountain peaks will keep you speechless. When you arrive in Chame, take a moment to breathe in the fresh mountain air. You may wander around this town and visit local shops. Then, enjoy Nepalese food in one of the guesthouses cooked by the locals.

After a long drive, you can visit the nearby natural hot springs. A soak in these warm waters is just what one needs to relax and calm down after a long drive.

Max Altitude: 3,300 meters | 10,827 feet
Travel Time: 5 to 6 hours
Distance Covered: Approximately 15 kilometers | 9 miles

On this day, start your trek early from Chame to Pisang. As you walk, the trail winds through beautiful pine forests that provide a refreshing atmosphere. You’ll get to enjoy the stunning mountains of the Annapurna ranges. The incredible mountain view will definitely push you to keep moving forward.

Along the way, you come across local villagers who are very friendly and warm. Many of them share stories about their life and traditions.

Upon arrival in Pisang, you will be accommodated in a tea house. Tea houses have basic facilities but are just enough to make you feel comfortable. Enjoy a traditional Nepali meal, such as dal bhat or momo. Warm up after a long day of hiking here, along with the surreal mountain scenery surrounding you.

It’s not just about reaching the end point where you can sit down and relax. The journey itself holds value and offers many experiences along the way. Enjoy each moment and embrace what you discover as you travel. Remember that the journey and memories you’ll hold onto will last forever.

Max Altitude: 3,540 meters | 11,614 feet
Travel Time: 6 to 8 hours
Distance: Approximately 17 kilometers | 10.6 miles

For this day, wake up early and set off from Pisang to Manang. Gradually walk through the landscape as it gets tougher from here. You can gaze upon the snow-covered mountains, where you can see mountain ranges like Annapurna II and III. During this trek, one also walks through some lovely villages and lush valleys, showing peeks into people’s lives, sights of yaks grazing or villagers tilling their fields, adding to the rich tapestry of life here.

You reach a vibrant Manang village after a long day of trekking. It is a very friendly and warm-spirited village. Visit old monasteries showing the culture of Tibetan Buddhists in Manang. These places are not just beautiful but a way to know the spiritual practice of the people.

In Manang, you come across quaint tea houses with dal bhat and momos. And locals make it even warmer. Take some time to get yourself tuned in with the breathtaking views all around you. This day is about soaking oneself in the beauty and culture of the Himalayas.

On this day, you’ll have a relaxing rest day in the beautiful village of Manang. It is high time to gain energy for the further trek. There is a lot to see and do here.

First of all, you can visit the local monastery and learn about spiritual practices from there. The monastery is a very peaceful place. It offers great views of the mountains. Then you can have a little hike up to Gangapurna Lake. The lake is really beautiful, which is perfect for capturing pictures in a good spot.

If you enjoy local culture, make sure to check out the nearby yak cheese factory. Here, you can see how they make the cheese and taste some delicious samples. Also, take a leisurely stroll through the local shops. You can find handmade crafts and souvenirs to bring home. The highlight of your day will be talking to the local people who are friendly and who love telling stories about their lives and traditions.

Overall, this rest day in Manang gives you plenty of time to relax. Enjoy the lively culture and beautiful scenery around you. Enjoy to the fullest and head back to your stay to get ready for the adventure.

Max Altitude: 4,020 meters | 13,194 feet
Travel Time:  4 to 5 hours
Distance Covered: Approximately 10 kilometers / 6 miles

On day 06, you start the trek from Manang to Yak Kharka. The trail starts to gain gradual height. You can see the surrounding landscapes and beautiful valleys. You will also get a glimpse of small villages on the way. These villages allow you time to interact with these friendly locals who are filled with energetic people.

Continue through the day’s trek every now and then. The more you move up the elevation, the more the brilliant mountain views can be seen rising higher and higher in the distance. The scenery unfolds as one breathtaking drama after another at every step. Finally, today’s destination will be Yak Kharka. This will surely surprise you with panoramic views that are well worth it.

It’s a great place for trekkers to relax after a day’s hike, rest their tired bodies, and enjoy a good meal while sharing stories with fellow travelers. It’s a wonderful chance to bond with other adventurers. Enjoy a peaceful night in the great outdoors. Then, prepare for the excitement of the next day.

Max Altitude: 5416 meters | 17,769 feet
Travel Time: 4 to 5 hours
Distance Covered: Approximately 6 kilometers / 3.7 miles

As you trek from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi, you will go uphill slowly. As you travel, enjoy the stunning views of the Annapurna peaks surrounding you. You’ll notice that the air gets thinner as you climb higher.

Today is the day you will trek from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi. As you walk, you’ll experience more elevation to go uphill slowly. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Annapurna peaks that surround you. The higher you go, the air starts getting thinner and thinner.

It houses quite a number of lodges where one can rest before commencing the difficult climb to Thorong La Pass. The atmosphere of this lodge is warm, which is something you would like here. One can interact with the other trekkers and share stories of journeys. This is a famous place for its amazing views. You can see beautiful landscapes where yaks roam around. And small streams sparkling in the sunlight.

Have time to view things while at Thorung Phedi. The views of the towering peaks of Annapurna III and Gangapurna are a lifetime experience. The stoppage here is very important because of acclimatization before the higher altitude ahead. Take healthy, warm meals, and keep yourself hydrated; all of these are good ways to get you ready for what’s in store for you on your journey ahead.

Max Altitude: 3,710 meters | 12,172 feet
Travel Time: 7 to 8 hours
Distance Covered: Approximately 15 kilometers| 9 miles

From here, after an exciting Thorong La Pass trek, you begin to descend into Muktinath. This holy place is incredibly important to both Hindus and Buddhists. Therefore, it is a unique place where spiritual harmony prevails.

You can go to visit the famous Muktinath Temple upon arrival, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Many pilgrims visit this place with the hope of escaping the endless cycle of birth and death. They believe that visiting this place can help them find liberation. While you’re at the temple, take a moment to enjoy the beautiful architecture and the lovely surroundings.

You will also see 108 holy water spouts called Mukti Dhara, where devotees bathe to rid themselves of their sins. It is believed that the icy water pouring from these spouts has purifying properties. Later, you could immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere. Later, you can participate in some rituals if you want. Now, you can rest at a local guesthouse and enjoy warm hospitality alongside delicious local food.

Max Altitude: 1,190 meters | 3,904 feet
Travel Time:  2 hours and 35 minutes by car
Distance Covered: 69 kilometers | 43 miles

Drive through a beautiful village highly known for its natural hot springs from Muktinath to Tatopani. This drive is supposed to take five hours and, on the way, one should be able to see the most spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. While going down the winding road, one wouldn’t want to miss looking out for stunning landscapes.

It’s time to relax once you reach Tatopani. After days of trekking, you’ll get to enjoy the hot springs. These are just what you need to relax after a tiring trip. It is said that the warm water with its mineral contents has therapeutic value, relieving stress and soothing aches. You can relax in the pools and take in the stunning scenery around you.

You might notice some of the locals killing time, taking a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. This is a rest and acclimatization day. Hence, this is a good chance to absorb the beauty lying around you. It is the ideal break before you continue further with the trek.

Max Altitude: 822 meters | 2,697 feet
Travel Time: 4-5 hours
Distance Covered: 192 kilometers | 119 miles

On the tenth day, you will drive from Tatopani to Pokhara. This journey is truly one of the most beautiful experiences. A scenery unravels in front of your eyes while in motion from lush green hills to rivers in their flow and green forests. It will take around five hours to drive, so sit back and enjoy the views en route to this lovely lakeside city.

A number of interesting activities await your arrival in Pokhara. Among them, the place to be seen is called Phewa Lake, where you can hire a boat and paddle on its calm waters. It is one of the most famous lakes due to the clear reflections of the surrounding mountains. It includes the majestic Machhapuchhre. You can also visit Tal Barahi Temple, situated on an island right in the middle of the lake, which gives a spiritual touch to your visit.

After sightseeing around the lake, treat yourself to delicious local food from any one of the many lakeside restaurants dotting the area. Everything from purely Nepali to international cuisine will do. This day greatly balances relaxation and adventure as you soak in the beauty of Pokhara after the trek.

Travel Time: 7 to 8 hours
Distance Covered: 200.2 kilometers | 124.4 miles

On the last day, drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Take some time during your travels and reflect on your lifetime adventure journey to the Annapurna Circuit. You will pass through beautiful landscapes that include lush hills and charming villages that remind you of the stunning sights you have gone through during the trek.

On the drive, take a view out of the window where local farming is done in the fields. You’ll also get to see children playing along the road. This would really be a wonderful chance to get yourself into Nepalese culture and everyday life.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, take all the time to get used to the city’s buzzing atmosphere once more. You might also want to see some other historical sites. Retreat for the night at the hotel.