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

12 Days Round trip from Kathmandu Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, the highest point of the journey
02 See Annapurna II, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and surrounding peaks
03 Experience Tibetan-influenced culture, monasteries, prayer flags, and mountain villages
04 Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple after the pass crossing
05 Walk through Chame, Upper Pisang, Manang, and high alpine settlements
06 Relax around Tatopani and complete the journey through Pokhara

A classic Himalayan circuit through Manang and Mustang, this trek crosses Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters and visits the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's classic long-distance Himalayan adventures, moving from lower river valleys and pine forests into the Tibetan-influenced landscapes of Manang before crossing the high pass. Afterward, the trail descends to Muktinath and the Kali Gandaki Valley, combining high-altitude trekking, mountain culture, sacred sites, and changing scenery in one journey.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Challenging

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Annapurna, Besisahar, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong La, Jomsom, Tatopani, Muktinath

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation

Transfer: Airport welcome and private transfer to your hotel.
Briefing: Meet the trekking team for a briefing, guide introduction, and final equipment preparation.

Day 02

Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar and Chame

Drive: Travel west from Kathmandu to Besisahar and continue by shared jeep into the Annapurna region toward Chame, the main gateway to the higher circuit.

Day 03

Trek through Forest and Valley to Upper Pisang

Trek: Walk through pine forest and a narrow river valley past the dramatic Paungda Danda rock face.
Views: Upper Pisang offers excellent views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak.

Day 04

Scenic Upper Trail to Manang via Ghyaru and Ngawal

Trek: Follow the scenic upper trail through Ghyaru and Ngawal, with broad Annapurna views and Tibetan-influenced villages, before reaching Manang.

Day 05

Acclimatization Day in Manang

Acclimatization: Spend a second night in Manang for acclimatization.
Optional hikes: Ice Lake, Gangapurna viewpoint, or local monastery routes, depending on conditions and fitness.

Day 06

Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka

Trek: Leave the main Manang settlement and climb gradually through alpine meadows, juniper, and yak-grazing country to Yak Kharka.

Day 07

Trek to Thorong Phedi or High Camp

Trek: A shorter but important acclimatization day toward the base of Thorong La.
Overnight: Overnight at Thorong Phedi or High Camp according to conditions and the guide's recommendation.

Day 08

Cross Thorong La Pass and Descend to Muktinath

Start: Start early for the major pass crossing.
Views: Enjoy panoramic high-Himalayan views.
Trek: Make the long descent to sacred Muktinath.

Day 09

Drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley to Tatopani

Drive: Descend by road through Jomsom, Marpha, Kalopani, and the Kali Gandaki Valley to Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs.

Day 10

Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara

Drive: Continue through Beni and Kusma to Pokhara.
Hotel: Check into the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening by the lakeside.

Day 11

Return from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Transport: Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus, with an optional domestic flight available at extra cost.

Day 12

Final Departure or Free Day

End: The scheduled package ends.
Transfer: Airport transfer is arranged according to your international flight schedule.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kathmandu 12 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport pick-up and departure transfer.
Kathmandu-Besisahar transport and onward shared jeep transfer into the trekking region.
Tourist bus transportation from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
2 nights in a 3-star standard Kathmandu hotel with breakfast and 1 night in Pokhara.
Twin-sharing teahouse accommodation during the trek.
Three freshly cooked meals a day during the mountain trekking section.
Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide and assistant guide for larger groups.
Trekking map, duffel bag, first-aid support, rescue coordination, and completion certificate.
Seasonal fruit during the trek and farewell dinner.

What's Not Included

International flights and Nepal visa fees.
Porter service unless added separately.
Private transportation and domestic flight upgrades.
Extra hotel nights and meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara beyond those included.
Hot, cold, bottled, and alcoholic drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging, and personal expenses.
Travel insurance and emergency evacuation costs.
Tips for guide and porter, and costs arising from early return or unforeseen events.

What to bring

Camera
Passport
Nepali cash
Emergency evacuation insurance

Know before you go

Difficulty: Moderate-strenuous; good fitness and previous multi-day hiking experience are recommended.
Altitude: The trek reaches 5,416 m at Thorong La. Proper acclimatization and a steady pace are essential.
Flexibility: Trail, road, and overnight arrangements can change with weather, access, and safety conditions.
Itineraries and operational arrangements may change due to weather, trail/road conditions, safety requirements, government rules, or local circumstances.
Sleeping bag available on request.

Logistics