Annapurna and Kali Gandaki, Nepal / Trek

Annapurna Circuit

Follow the Marsyangdi Valley to Manang, cross Thorong La and return through the Kali Gandaki side of Annapurna.

Snow-covered mountains along the Annapurna Circuit
Snow-covered mountains along the Annapurna Circuit.
Duration
20 daysOutline programme
Thorong La
5,416 mRoute objective
Season
Spring and autumnAsk for current dates
Experience
Challenging high-pass trekTrek

A closer look at the journey.

The Annapurna Circuit brings several different Himalayan landscapes into one journey. The eastern approach follows the Marsyangdi through villages and pine forest to the drier country around Manang. Beyond Thorong La, the trail reaches Muktinath and the broad Kali Gandaki valley, with a different outlook toward Dhaulagiri and western Annapurna.

This programme retains the longer return through the lower valley and Ghorepani before reaching Pokhara. Road access has changed parts of the historical trail, so walking and driving sections should be agreed when planning. Time at Manang and a sensible approach to the high pass remain central to the route, whatever transport arrangement is chosen.

  • The Marsyangdi approach and Manang villages
  • Crossing Thorong La to Muktinath
  • A longer return through the Kali Gandaki valley

The route, day by day.

This is an outline programme. The team will confirm the route and arrangements with you, allowing for weather, access and local conditions.

Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu

Begin the programme with your arrival connection and time to settle in. Meet the local team to review the journey ahead.

Day 2Drive to Besisahar and Bhulbhule

Continue the agreed road or onward travel stage, with stops and the overnight location coordinated locally.

Day 3Walk to Syange

Continue the planned walking stage, with breaks and the overnight stop arranged around the route and conditions.

Day 4Syange to Tal

Follow the walking route from Syange to Tal. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 5Tal to Chame

Follow the walking route from Tal to Chame. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 6Chame to Pisang

Follow the walking route from Chame to Pisang. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 7Pisang to Manang

Follow the walking route from Pisang to Manang. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 8Rest and acclimatisation at Manang

Remain in the area with time to rest. Any local walk is selected with your guide according to the conditions and the group.

Day 9Manang to Thorong Phedi

Follow the walking route from Manang to Thorong Phedi. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 10Cross Thorong La to Muktinath

This is the principal high-pass day, with timing and the overnight approach are set with your guide.

Day 11Muktinath to Jomsom

Follow the walking route from Muktinath to Jomsom. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 12Jomsom to Kalopani

Follow the walking route from Jomsom to Kalopani. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 13Kalopani to Tatopani

Follow the walking route from Kalopani to Tatopani. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 14Tatopani to Ghorepani

Follow the walking route from Tatopani to Ghorepani. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 15Ghorepani to Birethanti

Follow the walking route from Ghorepani to Birethanti. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 16Walk to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara

Continue the planned walking stage, with breaks and the overnight stop arranged around the route and conditions.

Day 17Free day in Pokhara

Keep this day available for local exploration or adjustments to the preceding travel stages.

Day 18Travel to Kathmandu

Continue the agreed road or onward travel stage, with stops and the overnight location coordinated locally.

Day 19Kathmandu: flexible day

Keep this day available for local exploration or adjustments to the preceding travel stages.

Day 20Depart Kathmandu

Complete the programme with the agreed departure transfer and onward travel arrangements.

A clear plan and quotation.

Request an itemised quotation for your group, dates and preferred level of support. Agree the inclusions before booking travel.

Services to discuss

  • Local guiding and mountain support arrangements
  • City and mountain accommodation, equipment and meal plan
  • Ground travel and any domestic flights shown in the agreed programme
  • Local access and trip arrangements required for the route

Budget separately

  • International travel and connections outside the agreed programme
  • Personal travel insurance and personal equipment
  • Drinks, personal purchases and optional activities
  • Tips and changes requested beyond the agreed programme

Before you set out.

Previous multi-day walking experience and preparation for consecutive mountain days are useful. Discuss the altitude, terrain and pass requirements with the team.

Accommodation: Hotels on the travel stages, with mountain lodges or camps as agreed for the walking route.

Use the trip preparation guide to plan equipment, travel documents and questions for the team.

Can the daily walking plan change?

Yes. Weather, trail conditions and the group's pace can affect individual stages. Agree the overall route and any important alternatives with the team.

Can walking and driving sections change?

Yes. Road access has changed the historical route. Agree the walking stages and any vehicle transfers together before booking.

Everest, Lhotse and Makalu catching the last sun, seen from Gokyo Ri

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