Kathmandu to Pokhara Annapurna Circuit Trek

Open each day to see the route notes, overnight rhythm, altitude cues, and the small details that help you understand how the journey actually flows.

1. Day 1

   Drive to Chame (2,670m/8759ft), (242 km), (12h)

   Day details

   The Shortest Annapurna Circuit Trek, Nepal begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Chame. Chame is the headquarter of Manang district and is the Annapurna Circuit trek start point as per this package. The drive from Kathmandu to Chame (around 242 kilometers) takes around 11 to 12 hours (including lunch and short toilet breaks). Therefore, this journey begins early in the morning with a pick up from your hotel around 6:30 AM -07:00AM in a private jeep.  The first part of the journey (about 135 kilometers) is on the Prithvi Highway that runs along the Trisuli River, winding through the western hills. The journey unfolds with a captivating landscape. From Dumre, the road to Chame branches off north continuing on a Bhanubhakta Acharya Highway to Chame. The road till Besisahar is good, however, the stretch from Besisahar to Chame is dominated by rugged off-road terrain. Thus, this stretch is both scenic and adventurous and full of diverse landscapes, vegetation and cultural groups that can be distinguished from their housing styles. You can stop for lunch and short toilet breaks along the way. Once in Chame, you will check into the lodge, have dinner and call it an early night. Overnight in a lodge in Chame.  Meals: Lunch and Dinner

2. Day 2

   Trek to Pisang (3,200m/10,498ft), (15km), (5-6h)

   Day details

   The Annapurna Circuit walk begins today after breakfast in Chame. You will trek from Chame to Pisang. It’s about a 5-6 hour walk and you will cover around 15 kilometers of the Annapurna Circuit trail. The walk from Chame to Bhratang is on a gradually ascending trail that goes past green fields and dense forest of Pine. Bhratang greets you with one of the biggest apple orchards where you can try fresh apple juice and other apple products. After a short rest here, you will now head towards the more challenging  section of this day’s walk. The trail goes up and down and sometimes even hangs on a sheer cliff with gushing Marsyangdi River flowing just below. The landscape starts to grow more dramatic. The trail steepens more after Swargadwari bridge, which only evens out as you approach Dhikur Pokhari. From here it’s an easy, mostly downhill walk to Lower Pisang. Throughout the trail, you can enjoy the dramatic landscape and sky piercing mountain peaks. On reaching Lower Pisang, you will check into the lodge and around late afternoon, you go for an acclimatization hike to Upper Pisang located around 100 meters higher than Lower Pisang, across the river.  As you walk through the narrow alleyways of this village all the way to the monastery located at the top of the village, you will not just help your body acclimatize, but also get deeper insight into the traditional housing style, society and way of life in Manang as well as treat your eyes to the surrounding beauty. You will then get back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

3. Day 3

   Trek to Ngawal via Ghyaru (3,660m/12,007ft), (10km), (5h)

   Day details

   Trek from Lower Pisang to Ngawal on the Annapurna Circuit trail is equally scenic and challenging. This section offers some of the most camera-worthy views of the Annapurna Peaks and the supporting landscape. On this day, you will walk a distance of approximately 10 kilometers. For an average hiker, it’s only about a 5 hour trek. Beginning after breakfast at the lodge in Lower Pisang, the journey to Ngawal begins. Lower Pisang to Ghyaru, which is the first leg of the journey, is about 5 kilometers and can be achieved in around 2 hours. It’s challenging, compared to the second leg. From Lower Pisang, crossing the Marsyangdi River, you will head towards Ghyary. The trail up till the Mani wall is not too difficult. But as you walk past the Mani wall, the walk is on a steeply ascending switchback trail all the way up to Ghyaru. Ghyaru greets you with one of the best view points to witness the mesmerizing beauty of Annapurna II and lush green forest below and the valley. After spending some time here, you will now make your way to Ngawal, located roughly 5 kilometers from Ghyaru. But first you will hike to the pass, which is the highest point of this trek. From the pass it’s mostly downhill to Ngawal. Taking in the breathtaking view of Annapurna II, surrounded by majestic peaks, lush green slopes and a vast valley, about a two hour down-hill walk on a gently ascending trail will take you to Ngawal, where you will check into the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

4. Day 4

   Trek to Manang (3,540m/11,614ft), (11km), (5h)

   Day details

   Trek from Ngawal to Manang will take you to the drier part of the Manang district. Compared to the previous day’s trek, this day is comparatively easy although the walking distance is about a kilometer more than the previous day. Leaving Ngawal after breakfast, you will start your journey to Manang. The trail takes you through a quarry, down the valley and enters the forest, before reaching the village of Braga. From Braga, the trail to Manang evens out. Following the dusty road straight ahead that runs along the river, witnessing the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, you will soon enter a large Tibetan village adorned with several stupas and monasteries. This is Manang, the last largest town on the trail before Thorung La Pass as well as the gateway to Tilicho Lake (one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world).  In Manang, you will check into the lodge, take a short rest and if you are not tired, the guide will help you explore the town of Manang. This is also the last place to enjoy freshly brewed coffee and bakery items. Dinner and overnight in a lodge in Manang.  Please note: If you are planning to go to the Ice Lake for an acclimatization hike, your night stop for this day will be Braga instead of Manang.   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

5. Day 5

   Acclimatization day in Manang

   Day details

   Since you will be gaining only a little less than 2000 meters in altitude in the following three days, acclimatization in Manang is mandatory for the success of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Due to the number of side-hike options this town offers, Manang makes a perfect spot on the trail for acclimatization. Therefore, today you will go on an acclimatization hike and expose your body to further altitude.  Manang offers excellent opportunities for both half-day and full-day hikes. For a shorter adventure, you can explore the Gangapurna Lake lookout, the 100 Lama Monastery viewpoint, or the monastery above the Braga Village- all offering rewarding views and cultural insights. However, if you are up for a more challenging option, a full-day hike to stunning Ice Lake is highly recommended. Based on your preference, your guide will lead the way, ensuring a memorable experience. After the hike, you’ll return to your lodge in Manang for an overnight stay.   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

6. Day 6

   Trek to Ledar (4200m/13,779ft),(11km),(6h)

   Day details

   The Annapurna Circuit trek further continues as you leave behind the town of Manang and make your way to Ledar, northwest of Manang. This section of the journey takes about 6 hours. The trail passes through Tengi, Ghusang and Yak Kharka before reaching Ledar. The climb up to Ghusang is the most demanding part of the day, as nearly 410 meters of the total 660 meter elevation gain happens here. From Ghusang onward, the path becomes narrower but more gradual, with the usual Himalayan ups and downs.  Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of distant snow-capped peaks, spot eagles soaring gracefully above and follow the river that winds through the valley. If you’re lucky, you might catch glimpses of blue sheep and herds of yaks grazing among scattered juniper shrubs. These natural wonders, combined with the pristine vehicle-free environment, make this hike truly rewarding. Ghusang is also an ideal place for a short tea or coffee break, as well as a rest stop.  By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Ledar, where you’ll check into a lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

7. Day 7

   Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,525m/14845ft), (5km), (2-3h) or High Camp(4,925m/16,158ft), (6km), (3-4h)

   Day details

   Today’s trek is from Letdar/Ledar to Thorung Phedi. From Ledar, whether you continue to Thorung Phedi or push a little further to the High Camp, this section marks the shortest trekking day of the Annapurna Circuit. It is also your final night in Manang district and the highest overnight stay of the trek. Therefore, at this altitude, the oxygen level drops to nearly 55%, so expect shortness of breath, a faster heart rate and fatigue even without much exertion.  After breakfast, the trail from Ledar follows a narrow path along the river before descending to a suspension bridge. Once across, the route climbs steeply to a small tea house, a good spot for a short rest. Beyond here, the trail passes through landslide-prone areas-take extra care and follow guide’s instruction closely. Not long after, you’ll arrive at the Thorung Phedi, about 5 kilometers from Ledar. The trek usually takes 2-3 hours with a moderate elevation gain of around 325 meters.  For those who prefer a shorter ascent on the following day, it’s possible to continue another kilometer to the High Camp. This involves a steep climb on loose, rocky switchbacks, adding roughly  1 to 1.5 hours to your day and an elevation gain of about 725 meters. However, since sleeping conditions are better at lower altitude, staying overnight at Thorung Phedi is generally recommended.  Settle into a lodger for dinner and an early night’s rest, preparing for the big crossing over Thorung La Pass the next day.  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

8. Day 8

   Trek to Muktinath (3,760m/12,335ft), (15km), (9-10h) via Thorung La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft)

   Day details

   Today is one of the most important and rewarding days of the Annapurna Circuit. You’ll cross Thorung La Pass (5,416m)- the highest point of the trek and one of the world’s highest navigable passes. From here, you officially leave Manang and enter the Mustang district. The day covers about 15 kilometers, taking 9-10 hours of trekking, with roughly 900 meters of ascent and 1650 meters of descent.  Your starting time depends on where you spend the previous night: around 4:00 AM from Thorung Phedi or 5:00 AM from High Camp. The early start ensures you reach the pass by about 10:00am, before the strong afternoon winds arrive. Carrying a packed breakfast, you’ll begin your climb along a steep, narrow trail where trekkers often move in a single file. Although the pass is just 4 kilometers away, the high altitude makes it a slow and steady 4-hour ascent.  At the top, take time to enjoy the breathtaking Himalayan panorama, savor your breakfast and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of Thorung La. Afterward, you’ll begin the long descent into Mustang. The trail stretched about 11 kilometers to Muktinath, starting with an easy downhill, steepening in sections and finally easing into a gentle slope near the holy site. The descent, taking about 5 hours, passes through loose gravel and sandy paths while offering spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.  By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Muktinath, where you’ll check into a lodge for dinner and overnight stay. If energy allows, you can also visit the sacred Muktinath Temple and the nearby Buddhist monastery in the evening.  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

9. Day 9

   Trek to Lubra Valley (2,790m/9,153ft), (7km), (3h) and drive to Jomsom (2720m/8,923ft), (1h)

   Day details

   Today the journey is from Muktinath to Jomsom. However, you will first trek to Lubra Valley before heading to Jomsom. Libra Valley is one of Mustang’s hidden gems- a pristine Bon village that dates back to the 12th century. Unlike most Himalayan communities, the people here still practice Bonism, an ancient Tibetan-origin spiritual tradition that blends animism, nature worship, Shamanism and elements of Buddhism. This makes Lubra one of the few places where you can truly experience the living heritage of this unique religion.  After breakfast in Muktinath, you’ll hike about 7 kilometers southwest to reach the village. The trail first ascends to a small pass before descending into the valley, where you’ll find this beautiful settlement of just 14-15 families. To immerse yourself in Bon culture, visit the Yungdung Phuntsok Ling Monastery and Gon Phuk, a small cliffside temple above the village. Both offer fascinating insights into the spiritual traditions and way of life preserved here for centuries.  Once you’ve explored Lubra’s monastery, temple and traditional houses, the trail leads down to a bridge. Crossing the bridge, a short drive of about an hour will take you to Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang. Known as one of the windiest places in Nepal- especially in the afternoons- Jomsom is best enjoyed at a slower pace. Upon arrival, you’ll check into a lodge for some well earned rest. Later in the evening, you can wander around town and soak in the unique atmosphere of this windswept Himalayan hub. Overnight stay at a lodge in Jomsom. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

10. Day 10

    Drive or fly to Pokhara

    Day details

    The journey to Pokhara begins after breakfast in Jomsom. The drive takes about 6-7 hours (except during monsoon season), with a private jeep arranged for your transfer. The stretch from Jomsom to Beni is mostly off-road and bumpy, while from Beni to Pokhara the road is paved, except for a few uneven sections. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you’ll be dropped at your hotel ending the Kathmandu to Pokhara Annapurna Circuit Trek with Amigo Treks and Expedition. If you’d prefer to fly instead of driving, a Jomsom-Pokhara flight can be arranged at an additional cost. Flights operate only in the morning, usually before 9:00am, due to changing mountain weather. Your guide will transfer you to the airport, assist with check-in, and see you off. On arrival in Pokhara, our driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, ending the trip with Amigo Treks and Expedition.  Meals: Breakfast