Annapurna Circuit Trek

Leave Kathmandu in the morning and travel by bus or private vehicle toward Besisahar, the main gateway to the Annapurna Circuit. The drive takes you away from the capital's busy streets and into Nepal's central hills, following winding roads through towns, farmland and river valleys. After reaching Besisahar, change to a shared jeep for the journey to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. The road follows the Marsyangdi River through increasingly rugged terrain, passing small settlements, forested slopes and steep valley walls. Sections of the road can be rough, particularly after rainfall, so expect a slower journey in places. This is primarily a travel day rather than a trekking day. The total journey can take much of the day, depending on traffic, vehicle connections and road conditions. Arriving in Chame at 2,670 metres, you will notice the change in elevation and cooler mountain air. Use the evening to rest, drink enough water and prepare your backpack for the first full day of walking. **Practical advice:** Keep essential medication, valuables, a warm layer and rain protection with you rather than placing everything in the main luggage. If you are taking a shared jeep from Besisahar, allow some flexibility for waiting time and possible road delays.

After breakfast in Chame, begin walking north through the Marsyangdi Valley. The trail passes through pine forests and rocky sections, with the river and steep mountain slopes forming much of the day's scenery. As you leave Chame behind, the surroundings gradually become drier and more open. Along the way, you will pass small settlements and sections of trail where the valley widens enough to reveal views of Annapurna II and other peaks in the Annapurna range. The walk includes gradual climbs, so take your time and settle into a comfortable pace rather than trying to reach Upper Pisang too quickly. Your destination is Upper Pisang, an old village sitting above the main valley. Its traditional houses and hillside location offer a different feel from the larger settlements lower down. If you arrive with enough daylight, take a short walk around the village and look at the surrounding mountains. This is also a useful place to appreciate how the landscape changes as the route gains elevation. **A useful tip:** You will sleep at around 3,300 metres tonight, so pay attention to how you feel as you climb. Walk steadily, drink regularly and tell your guide if you develop a headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue. Do not ignore symptoms simply because the day's walk feels manageable.

Today, take the upper trail from Upper Pisang toward Manang, passing through the villages of Ghyaru and Ngawal. This route involves more climbing than the lower trail, but the higher position gives you a different perspective of the Marsyangdi Valley and the surrounding Annapurna peaks. The path rises above the valley before reaching Ghyaru, where you can pause to catch your breath and enjoy the mountain views. Continue toward Ngawal along trails that cross dry hillsides and open terrain. Along the way, you will notice changes in the landscape: the dense forests of the lower valley become less common, while rocky slopes and sparse vegetation take over. After leaving Ngawal, continue toward Manang. The trail eventually leads into a broader valley, with the village of Manang set beneath the high mountains. Once you arrive, you can settle into your teahouse, explore the village if time permits, and prepare for the next stage of the trek. **Why this day matters:** Manang is an important acclimatization stop before you continue toward higher elevations and eventually Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). Reaching the village is not a reason to rush onward. Use your time here to rest, monitor how you feel and discuss the next day's plan with your guide. **Practical tip:** The upper route has exposed sections where strong sunlight and wind can make walking tiring. Carry water, sun protection and an extra layer that you can put on during breaks. Start at a steady pace, especially on the climbs to Ghyaru and Ngawal.

Stay another night in Manang before continuing toward the higher parts of the Annapurna Circuit. With Thorong La Pass still ahead, this extra day gives you time to adjust to the altitude without adding another long stretch of walking to your schedule. After breakfast, you can take an easy walk toward Gangapurna Lake or visit a nearby viewpoint overlooking the valley and surrounding peaks. Keep the outing comfortable and return to Manang with enough time to rest. You can also explore the village, stop at a local bakery or visit the Himalayan Rescue Association's altitude-awareness facility when it is open. The aim is not to cover as much ground as possible. At 3,540 metres, your body is already working with less available oxygen than at lower elevations. Some trekkers feel fine, while others may notice a headache, reduced appetite, poor sleep or unusual tiredness. Pay attention to these changes and tell your guide if you feel unwell. **Why this day matters:** Acclimatization helps your body adapt to altitude, but one rest day cannot guarantee protection against altitude sickness. Continue ascending gradually, and never push on through worsening symptoms. A headache accompanied by nausea or dizziness deserves attention, while confusion, difficulty walking straight or breathlessness at rest requires urgent medical assessment and descent. **Practical tip:** Walk slowly on your acclimatization outing, drink regularly and eat proper meals even if your appetite is lower than usual. Avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol. Use the afternoon to check your warm clothing, headlamp, gloves and other equipment before leaving Manang.

Leave Manang after breakfast and follow the trail toward Yak Kharka, leaving the larger village and its surrounding fields behind. The route climbs gradually through a high, dry valley, where rocky slopes, open grazing land and scattered shrubs replace much of the greenery seen earlier in the trek. You will pass through the small settlement of Gunsang, a useful place to pause for a drink or a short rest if facilities are available. Beyond here, the trail continues across exposed hillsides with wide views of the surrounding mountains. The walking distance is relatively short compared with some earlier days, but the increasing altitude can make even a gentle climb feel more tiring. Arrive in Yak Kharka in the afternoon and settle into your teahouse. The village is a small collection of lodges used by trekkers heading toward Thorong La Pass. There is usually little reason to rush onward after arrival, so spend the remaining time resting and preparing for the next stage toward Thorong Phedi. **What to keep in mind:** You are now above 4,000 metres, where your body has less oxygen available with every breath. Walk at a pace that allows you to speak comfortably, and let your guide know if you develop a headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual weakness. Do not assume that a short walking day means altitude sickness is not a concern. **Practical tip:** Temperatures can drop quickly once the sun disappears behind the mountains. Keep a warm jacket, hat and gloves easy to reach, and avoid spending the evening outdoors for too long. Eat well, drink regularly and get enough rest before continuing higher.

After breakfast, leave Yak Kharka and continue toward Thorong Phedi, the base camp area for trekkers preparing to cross Thorong La Pass. The trail follows the high valley across rocky slopes, with sections that require careful footing. You may also cross small streams or pass exposed stretches where the wind makes walking less comfortable. The distance today is relatively short, but the altitude makes it important to avoid rushing. Walk steadily, take breaks when needed and keep an eye on how you feel. As you approach Thorong Phedi, the landscape becomes increasingly barren, with steep mountain walls rising above the valley and very little vegetation around the settlement. After checking into your teahouse, use the afternoon to prepare for tomorrow's pass crossing. Organize your daypack, check your headlamp, warm gloves, hat, water supply and windproof outer layers. Ask your guide about the planned departure time and the expected weather before going to bed early. **Why today's preparation matters:** Crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m is one of the most demanding parts of the Annapurna Circuit. The climb begins early, often in darkness, and cold, wind or snowfall can make the crossing harder. Being organized the evening before helps you leave on time without rushing through essential checks. **Practical tip:** Keep your warmest clothing and spare gloves accessible rather than buried in your backpack. If you feel unwell at Thorong Phedi, tell your guide before ascending further. Do not continue higher if you have worsening altitude-related symptoms; the crossing should depend on your health and the conditions, not simply the itinerary.

Today is the biggest day of the Annapurna Circuit trek. Leave Thorong Phedi early, usually before sunrise, and begin the long climb toward Thorong La Pass at 5,416 metres. The trail rises steadily over rocky ground, and the thin air makes progress slower than you might expect. Cold temperatures, strong winds and fresh snow can add to the challenge, so follow your guide's pace and take short breaks when needed. Reaching the pass is a major moment in the journey. From the top, you can look across the surrounding high Himalayan terrain before beginning the long descent toward Muktinath on the Mustang side. The scenery changes as you lose elevation, with the route opening onto dry, rugged slopes and the broad landscape of the Kali Gandaki region. Continue downhill to Muktinath, a settlement known for its religious significance to both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. After several hours of climbing and descending, arriving here can feel like a real relief. Once you reach your lodge, take time to rest, eat and recover rather than planning additional activities. **What makes this day difficult:** The challenge is not only reaching 5,416 metres. You must also descend a long way afterward, often when your legs are already tired. Start early, stay with your guide and allow enough time for the entire crossing. If weather or trail conditions are unsafe, follow your guide's advice rather than treating the pass as a fixed deadline. **Practical tip:** Keep your headlamp, insulated jacket, gloves, water and snacks where you can reach them easily. Use footwear with good grip, and bring sunglasses and sun protection for exposed sections. If you develop worsening headache, nausea, confusion, difficulty walking straight or breathlessness at rest, inform your guide immediately and seek urgent help; do not continue ascending through serious symptoms.

After breakfast, board a morning bus from Muktinath to Pokhara. Today's journey takes you out of the Mustang region, passing through Jomsom and following the Kali Gandaki Valley before continuing toward Pokhara. The drive offers a final look at the landscapes around the Annapurna Circuit. The upper valley is dry and rocky, with barren hillsides and small settlements along the route. As the road descends, the scenery gradually becomes greener, with more trees, farmland and villages appearing along the way. This is a long road journey, and the travel time depends on the condition of the road, traffic and the bus schedule. Some stretches can be bumpy, particularly in the upper Mustang area, so keep your water, snacks, valuables and personal medication within easy reach. After reaching Pokhara, check into your hotel and take time to recover from the previous day's crossing of Thorong La Pass. If you still have some energy, you can enjoy a quiet evening around Lakeside, but resting is a good choice after several demanding days on the trail. **Practical tip:** Confirm the morning departure time with your local team the evening before. Keep some cash available for food and drinks during the journey, and avoid making tight onward travel arrangements for the same day in case the bus arrives later than expected.