13-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek to Thorong La Pass and Muktinath

13 Days Round trip from Tribhuwan Tnternational Airport Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Cross the iconic Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) for panoramic Himalayan views
  • 02 Trek from Pisang to Manang via the scenic upper route through Upper Pisang, Ngawal, and Ghyaru
  • 03 Acclimatize in Manang with optional hikes to Gangapurna Lake and local monasteries
  • 04 Visit the revered pilgrimage site of Muktinath after crossing the pass
  • 05 Relax in Tatopani's natural hot springs after your trek

Take on one of Nepal's most legendary journeys on this 13-day Annapurna Circuit Trek, featuring the epic crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). From Kathmandu, travel into the Marsyangdi Valley through dramatic mountain landscapes, traditional villages, and high alpine scenery framed by Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and more. With a vital acclimatization stop in Manang, the trek builds toward the high point at Thorong La before descending to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath. After the trek, unwind in Tatopani's natural hot springs and enjoy relaxed time in Pokhara before returning to Kathmandu.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 13 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Challenging
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Annapurna, Besisahar, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong La, Jomsom, Tatopani, Muktinath
Languages English, Hindi, Japanese

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, you will have time to rest and settle in. Your guide will meet you to check your trekking equipment, permits, clothing, and other essentials. Any missing trekking equipment can be arranged in Kathmandu. You can also enjoy a short walk around Thamel before preparing for the journey.

Overnight: Kathmandu

2
Day 02

Kathmandu to Besisahar by Tourist Bus

After breakfast, begin your journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar by tourist bus. The drive follows the Prithvi Highway and then continues through beautiful hill landscapes toward Lamjung. Along the way, you will see rivers, terraced farmland, villages, and mountain scenery. After approximately 6-8 hours, arrive in Besisahar.

Overnight: Besisahar
Driving time: 6-8 hours

3
Day 03

Besisahar to Chame by Jeep

Today, continue by jeep toward Chame, the headquarters of Manang District. The road follows the Marsyangdi River through dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls, forests, and traditional villages. The landscape becomes increasingly alpine as you gain altitude. Arrive in Chame in the afternoon and enjoy views of Annapurna II and the surrounding peaks.

Overnight: Chame
Driving time: 6-7 hours

4
Day 04

Chame to Pisang by Jeep

Continue the journey toward Pisang by jeep. The road passes through pine and fir forests, narrow valleys, and impressive mountain landscapes. You will pass places such as Brathang and the famous rocky gateway before reaching the upper Manang Valley. Arrive at Pisang and take time to explore the village and surrounding area.

Overnight: Pisang
Driving time: 3-4 hours

5
Day 05

Trek from Pisang to Manang

Today is your first major trekking day. After breakfast, walk from Pisang toward Manang. You can take the scenic upper route through Upper Pisang, Ngawal, and Ghyaru, offering magnificent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and other peaks. After walking through dry Himalayan landscapes, descend toward Manang.

Overnight: Manang
Walking time: 5-6 hours

6
Day 06

Acclimatization Day in Manang

Today is an important acclimatization day before moving to higher elevations. You can take a short hike around Manang, visit Gangapurna Lake, or explore the village and its monasteries. The goal is to stay active without exhausting yourself. Your guide will also provide advice about altitude and the next stages of the trek.

Overnight: Manang
Walking/exploration: 3-5 hours

7
Day 07

Manang to Yak Kharka or Tsurilather

After breakfast, leave Manang and gradually climb higher into the alpine region. The trail passes through Tenki, the Marshyangdi Valley, and yak pastures before reaching Yak Kharka or Tsurilather. The walking becomes slower as the altitude increases, so maintaining a comfortable pace is important.

Overnight: Yak Kharka / Tsurilather
Walking time: 4-5 hours

8
Day 08

Yak Kharka or Tsurilather to Thorong High Camp

Today is a challenging but important day. The trail climbs gradually toward Thorong Phedi and then continues toward Thorong High Camp, depending on conditions and your group's acclimatization. The surroundings become more barren and dramatic as you approach the Thorong La Pass area. Prepare your clothing and equipment in the evening for an early start the following morning.

Overnight: Thorong High Camp
Walking time: 5-7 hours

9
Day 09

Thorong High Camp to Thorong La Pass and Muktinath

Start very early today for the biggest challenge of the Annapurna Circuit. The trail climbs steadily toward Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). From the pass, you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and the deep valleys on both sides.

After celebrating the crossing, descend steeply toward Muktinath. The descent is long, but reaching Muktinath is a rewarding moment after crossing the highest point of the trek.

Overnight: Muktinath
Walking time: 7-9 hours
Highest point: Thorong La Pass - 5,416 m

10
Day 10

Muktinath to Tatopani by Jeep

After breakfast, visit the important pilgrimage site of Muktinath before beginning the road journey toward Tatopani. The drive follows the Kali Gandaki Valley through Jomsom, Marpha, Tukuche, and other beautiful villages. The landscape changes dramatically from dry Mustang terrain to greener valleys as you descend.

Arrive in Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs. You can relax and enjoy a hot spring bath after several days of trekking.

11
Day 11

Tatopani to Pokhara

After breakfast, drive from Tatopani toward Pokhara. The road passes through green hills, rivers, terraced fields, and local villages. As you approach Pokhara, the landscape becomes more subtropical. Arrive in Pokhara and enjoy free time around Lakeside.

Overnight: Pokhara
Driving time: 6-7 hours

12
Day 12

Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Deluxe Bus

After breakfast, travel back to Kathmandu by tourist bus or private vehicle. The journey follows the Prithvi Highway alongside rivers and through Nepal's scenic middle hills. Depending on traffic and road conditions, the journey takes approximately 6-8 hours.

After arriving in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and enjoy your final evening in Nepal.

Overnight: Kathmandu
Driving time: 5-6 hours

13
Day 13

Final Departure from Kathmandu

Your Annapurna Circuit adventure comes to an end today. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. We hope you leave Nepal with wonderful memories of the Annapurna Himalayas, local villages, mountain scenery, and the successful crossing of Thorong La Pass.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Tribhuwan Tnternational Airport 12 cities · 13 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transportation is arranged throughout the trek according to the 13-day itinerary. This includes:

  • Private jeep from Kathmandu to Besisahar
  • Jeep from Besisahar to Chame
  • Jeep from Chame to Pisang
  • Ground transportation from Muktinath to Tatopani
  • Transportation from Tatopani to Pokhara
  • Tourist bus or private vehicle from Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • Local transportation required for the planned itinerary

A professional, experienced, and government-licensed trekking guide will accompany you throughout the trekking section.

  • The guide's salary, food, accommodation, transportation, and other basic staff expenses are included in the trek price.
  • Your guide will assist with route navigation, accommodation arrangements, daily walking plans, altitude awareness, and general safety throughout the trek.

A porter will carry your main trekking luggage, allowing you to walk comfortably with only a small daypack.

  • The porter's salary, food, accommodation, transportation, and necessary staff expenses are included in the package price.
  • Normally, one porter carries the luggage of two trekkers within the agreed weight limit.

All required trekking permits and government fees for the Annapurna Circuit are included in the package, including:

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card/permit, as applicable to the current regulations
  • Applicable local entry fees
  • Required government and trekking-area charges

The package also includes the following costs for the trekking staff:

  • Guide salary
  • Porter salary
  • Guide and porter accommodation
  • Guide and porter meals
  • Staff transportation
  • Guide and porter insurance, where required
  • Government taxes and applicable service charges

What's included:

  • Private transportation as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Kathmandu-Besisahar-Chame-Pisang transportation
  • Muktinath-Tatopani and Tatopani-Pokhara transportation
  • Pokhara-Kathmandu transportation
  • Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide
  • Porter service
  • Guide and porter salary, meals, accommodation, and transportation
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • TIMS, where applicable
  • Required local and government permits
  • Guide and porter insurance, where applicable
  • All applicable government taxes and service charges

What's Not Included

  • International flights to and from Nepal
  • Nepal tourist visa fee
  • Travel insurance, including medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation
  • Personal trekking equipment and clothing
  • Sleeping bag and down jacket, if you need to rent them
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, snacks, chocolates, and souvenirs
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages
  • Hot showers and charging fees where applicable
  • Wi-Fi/internet fees
  • Extra accommodation or meals caused by early arrival, late departure, or changes to the itinerary
  • Meals and accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, unless specifically mentioned in the package
  • Tips for the trekking guide, porter, and driver
  • Personal medical expenses and medicines
  • Emergency evacuation or rescue costs
  • Costs caused by natural disasters, landslides, bad weather, road closures, strikes, or other circumstances beyond our control
  • Any additional transportation not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Any extra nights or services resulting from itinerary changes requested by the traveler
  • Any other expenses not specifically mentioned under

What to bring

Pack light and bring only the essentials. Your porter will carry your main luggage, while you carry a small daypack.

Clothing

  • Good trekking boots
  • Comfortable trekking trousers and T-shirts
  • Thermal underwear
  • Fleece jacket and warm down jacket
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Warm hat, sun hat, and gloves
  • Warm trekking socks

Trekking Equipment

  • Backpack/daypack
  • Sleeping bag
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Water bottles or hydration bladder
  • Water purification tablets/filter
  • Power bank and charging cables

Personal Items

  • Personal medicines and basic first-aid items
  • Toiletries and small towel
  • Lip balm and moisturizer
  • Passport and travel documents
  • Travel insurance details
  • Small amount of Nepali cash
  • Camera/phone

Important

  • Good trekking boots, warm clothing, a sleeping bag, a water bottle, sunscreen, and personal medicines are especially important.

Know before you go

Before starting your 13-day Annapurna Circuit Trek, a little preparation will help you enjoy the journey safely and comfortably.

  • Get physically prepared: Regular walking, hiking, and stair climbing are helpful. You should be comfortable walking 5-7 hours a day.
  • Prepare for altitude: The trek reaches Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). Walk slowly, stay hydrated, and follow your guide's advice.
  • Pack properly: Bring good trekking boots, warm and waterproof clothing, gloves, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottles, trekking poles, a headlamp, and personal medicines.
  • Travel insurance: Make sure your insurance covers high-altitude trekking, medical treatment, and emergency helicopter evacuation.
  • Carry cash: Keep enough Nepali rupees for drinks, snacks, showers, Wi-Fi, charging, and personal expenses.
  • Check your equipment: Your guide will help check your trekking gear and permits before departure.
  • Be prepared for weather: Mountain weather changes quickly, so bring suitable layers and rain protection.
  • Respect nature and culture: Avoid littering and respect local villages, monasteries, temples, and traditions.
  • Stay flexible: Jeep travel and trekking times may change because of weather, road conditions, or landslides.
  • Most importantly, walk at your own pace, stay positive, and enjoy the beautiful Annapurna Himalayas.
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu may be included in your package - please confirm this when booking.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Tribhuvan International Airport
Tour start
Tribhuwan Tnternational Airport
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 13 days finish where they began, in Tribhuwan Tnternational Airport.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 1,180 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total