Nepal · Trekking

11-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass

11 Days Round trip from Ring Rd Moderate pace

View all 8 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Cross Thorong La Pass, one of the highest passes in the world
02 Experience the vibrant local culture of the Annapurna region
03 Visit Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists
04 Admire mesmerizing Nepalese landscapes and Himalayan scenery
05 Acclimatize in Manang while observing the traditional life of the local community

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a must-do for any adventure enthusiast, taking you through some of the most stunning scenery in the Himalayas. This challenging but rewarding journey lets you experience the vibrant culture of the region while crossing Thorong La Pass, one of the highest passes in the world. Along the way, you will trek through mountain villages, acclimatize in Manang, and visit Muktinath, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The tour also includes onward travel to Pokhara, giving you more time to enjoy the mountains and Nepalese landscapes.

Keep moving to reach Muktinath, a place of huge religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 11 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Premium

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

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

Languages English, Hindi, Nepali

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Welcome Dinner

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be offered airport pick-up and transferred to one of the most comfortable hotels in the city.
You will meet the trekking team, and together you will prepare for the trek. In the evening, we will offer you a lavish welcome dinner with authentic Nepali cuisine.

Day 02

Drive from Kathmandu to Chame

Early in the morning, you will catch a bus/jeep to Chame, our destination for the day. The bus/jeep heads west from Kathmandu, and you can enjoy the ride while watching the green scenery around you.
The bus/jeep continues towards Dumre and then onward to Chame. The journey takes around 7-8 hours. Upon reaching Chame, take some rest and prepare for your overnight stay at a lodge.

Day 03

Trek from Chame to Pisang

The trek starts early from Chame towards Talekhu. Continue following the Annapurna route and walk ahead until you reach Bharatang.
After a short walk, you will arrive at Chemyau Kharka, where there is a memorial to Japanese mountaineer Akira Ochiai. Continue walking and shortly reach Swargadwari Bridge.
After crossing the bridge, the trail climbs uphill to Dhikur Pokhari.
Enjoy the beautiful lush green forests around you, as the area is rich in natural beauty. Keep walking until you reach Lower Pisang, where you will spend the night.

Day 04

Trek from Pisang to Manang

Today, you will leave Lower Pisang and head for Manang. There will be many uphill and downhill sections along the way. Your first stop will be Ghyaru, a sparsely populated village with a monastery.
From there, head towards Paktha, passing Mani walls on the way.
The trail then continues towards Nawal. Walk for some time to reach Mugje, passing many temples and gompas along the route.
The trail then takes you to Bhraka. After crossing the bridge over the Ghatte Khola, you will finally reach Manang, where you will spend the night.

Day 05

Acclimatization Day in Manang

Today is an acclimatization day, allowing your body to adjust to the rising altitude while you rest well. Explore the area and observe the traditional and cultural life of the local community.
Watch their lifestyle closely and interact with them. The day ends with a good night's sleep in a lodge at Manang.

Day 06

Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka

Start the trek by walking towards Ghunsang, with the Thorong River flowing on your left. You will pass through human settlement areas, then continue past a mani wall to reach Ghayanchang. Today involves mostly uphill walking.
Cross the bridge over the Ghyanchang River after moving a little farther ahead.
Continue on, passing Thorong Khola. This area has vast grasslands, and there are tea shops along the way.
Walk onward towards Yak Kharka and finally reach it at an altitude of 4,018 m. You will spend the night at Yak Kharka.

Day 07

Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

Walk uphill from Yak Kharka towards Ledar. After reaching Ledar, continue ahead towards Kone Khola.
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the stunning snow-capped peaks around you while crossing the suspension bridge over the river.
Continue towards the local tea house. There is a landslide area on the way to Thorong Phedi, so you will need to be extra careful.
Walk a while farther and you will reach Thorong Phedi, where you will spend the night.

Day 08

Cross Thorong La Pass and Trek to Muktinath

Start your walk by leaving Thorong Base Camp behind and heading uphill towards Thorong La Pass. It is the world's widest pass.
From there, the trail descends steeply through Thorong Khola and past Champarbuk. Farther ahead, you will reach a barren and hilly area.
Keep moving to reach Muktinath, a place of huge religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. There are many other temples around the area. People bathe in the 108 water sprouts, believing that the holy water will wash away their sins.
Explore the area and spend the night at Muktinath.

Day 09

Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara

After your journey through the Himalayas and your visit to the sacred site of Muktinath, you will transition to a scenic drive to the enchanting city of Pokhara.
This road trip allows you to relax, unwind, and reflect on the incredible journey you have undertaken. As you travel, you will be treated to mesmerizing views and another chance to soak in the beauty of the Nepalese landscapes.

Day 10

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Today, you head back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Take a good rest and soothe your aching muscles while reflecting on the exciting trek you have experienced.
In Kathmandu, a farewell dinner will be organized for you to celebrate the successful completion of the trek and prepare for your final departure.

Day 11

Departure from Kathmandu

Today is the final day, and we get ready for your departure. You will be dropped off at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Exchange final greetings and good wishes, and hope to see each other again next time. Wishing you a pleasant journey and a final goodbye.

Where this trip takes you

Thorong La Pass, Muktinath, Manang, Pokhara

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Ring Rd 9 cities · 11 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All airport and hotel transportation by private vehicle in Kathmandu, as suggested in the itinerary
Deluxe twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu travel cost
Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, and coffee) during the trek
Seasonal fruits during the trek
Comfortable and clean accommodation in a tea house, lodge, or tent during the trek
Government-registered trek guide (eco-trained English-speaking guide with first aid) and Sherpa porter (one porter for two trekkers)
All necessary paperwork, Annapurna entry fee, permits, and TIMS card
Four-season sleeping bag, Nepal Vision Treks duffel bag, and trekking map (sleeping bag to be returned after trip completion)
First aid exclusive medical kit bag
All government and local taxes

What's Not Included

Visa fees
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara, except for the welcome and farewell dinner (and also in the case of an early return from the mountain than the scheduled plan)
Any extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain due to any reason other than the scheduled itinerary plan
Travel and rescue insurance

What to bring

Backpacks

Trekking shoes

Clothing

T-shirts: One of the most needed clothing items is a T-shirt. Isn't the base layer the most protective? You are recommended to pack a couple of full-sleeved collared T-shirts, one or two of which should be thick. The sun during the trek may give you a deep sunburn, so you should wear full-sleeved clothes. The long walk may also make you sweat, so you can pack some dry full-sleeved T-shirts, which will help keep you warm and absorb sweat.
Jackets: Jackets are essential in the Himalayas. You will need a padded jacket that can resist wind and cold. The climate in the Himalayas is unpredictable. You should also pack some warm sweaters with your jacket. A down or quality feather jacket works well, but it is not necessary. A warm padded jacket will do the job.
Trek pants: Trek pants are a practical option for the Himalayas. Trek pants with zipper cut-offs at the thighs can make walking more comfortable. You may also face multiple small rain showers along the trail, so dry trek pants are best in these situations. You can also bring other comfortable pants as a backup to keep you warm.
Winter inners: Winter inners that keep you warm should be taken during the trek. You can carry thin winter thermals, which will help you stay warm and walk comfortably during the trek. Facing the cold while walking can be difficult.
Sunglasses and cap
Trekking pole
First aid medical kit

Know before you go

All foreigners require a visa to enter Nepal (except Indian nationals). It is your responsibility to obtain the entry visa. Visas can be obtained from the Nepalese embassy before travel or on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and various international border crossings between Nepal and its neighbours. To make the visa process easier, a passport-sized photograph for immigration and the correct USD cash are required - please bring these in your hand luggage.
In addition, the trip to Nepal requires photos for the various permits. Please bring a total of 3 photographs.
You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, so bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs.
Visa Information
Multiple entry 15 days: US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency.
Multiple entry 30 days: US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency.
Multiple entry 90 days: US$ 120 or equivalent convertible currency.

Logistics