The full Annapurna Circuit — Thorong La at 5,416 m, Kali Gandaki gorge, and Poon Hill sunrise to finish.
This 12-day itinerary is a well-paced, complete Annapurna Circuit — carefully structured to include the full high-altitude circuit experience while finishing with the iconic Poon Hill sunrise, all within a 12-day schedule. Starting from Kathmandu or Pokhara and ending in Pokhara, the route covers the essential stages of the classic circuit: the Marsyangdi valley approach, the dramatic Manang acclimatisation zone, the legendary Thorong La Pass crossing (5,416 m), the Mustang-style villages of the Kali Gandaki gorge, the Tatopani hot springs, and the world-famous Poon Hill viewpoint.
The itinerary includes a mandatory acclimatisation day in Manang (Day 5) and uses a strategic jeep transfer on Day 10 through the Kali Gandaki gorge — saving two days of lower-altitude walking and allowing time for the Ghorepani–Poon Hill finale. The result is the most complete and well-rounded 12-day version of the Annapurna Circuit available, combining high Himalaya, Mustang culture, hot springs, and a spectacular sunrise finish.
Trail gallery
Drive: 7–8 hrs from Kathmandu or 5–6 hrs from Pokhara | Altitude: 1,960 m | Overnight: Dharapani
Depart Kathmandu or Pokhara for a long but scenically rewarding drive via Besisahar — the traditional starting point of the Annapurna Circuit.
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude: 2,670 m | Overnight: Chame
Your first full day of trekking follows forest trails alongside the Marsyangdi River, passing through waterfalls and small traditional villages.
Trek: 5 hrs | Altitude: 3,300 m | Overnight: Upper Pisang
One of the most dramatic days of the entire circuit. The trail passes through narrow valleys flanked by massive soaring rock cliffs, with the first commanding views of Annapurna II (7,937 m) appearing along the...
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude: 3,540 m | Overnight: Manang
Take the highly recommended upper route via the ridge villages of Ghyaru (3,670 m) and Ngawal (3,660 m) — a longer but dramatically more scenic alternative to the valley floor path.
Altitude: 3,540 m | Rest Day | Optional Hikes
A non-negotiable acclimatization day at Manang. The body needs time to adapt before the significant altitude gain of the days ahead.
Trek: 4–5 hrs | Altitude: 4,050 m | Overnight: Yak Kharka
The gradual ascent from Manang to Yak Kharka marks your entry into true high-altitude terrain.
Trek: 3–4 hrs | Altitude: 4,450 m | Overnight: Thorong Phedi
A deliberately short and easy trekking day designed to conserve maximum energy for the epic Thorong La crossing tomorrow.
Trek: 10–12 hrs | Start: 2–3 AM | Max Altitude: 5,416 m | Overnight: Muktinath
The legendary centrepiece of the Annapurna Circuit. A pre-dawn departure is essential to beat the fierce afternoon winds that develop on the pass.
Trek: 4–5 hrs | Altitude: 2,670 m (Marpha) / 2,720 m (Jomsom) | Overnight: Marpha or Jomsom
Descend through the arid, Tibetan-influenced landscapes of the Kali Gandaki valley — the world's deepest gorge.
Jeep Ride: 3–4 hrs | Altitude: 1,190 m | Overnight: Tatopani
A jeep ride through the spectacular Kali Gandaki gorge replaces what would otherwise be a 2-day walk — saving time while still delivering extraordinary scenery.
Trek: 6–7 hrs | Altitude: 2,860 m | Overnight: Ghorepani
A steep and sustained uphill trek through dense rhododendron and oak forests — a dramatic contrast to the arid Mustang landscapes of recent days.
Early Start: 5 AM | Trek: 4–5 hrs | Drive: 2–3 hrs | End of Trek
Rise before dawn for the short 45-minute climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m) — one of the most celebrated sunrise viewpoints in Nepal.
| Permit Type | Cost (NPR) | Obtained From |
|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 / person | NTB Office or through your agency |
| TIMS Card (with agency) | NPR 1,000 / person | Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) |
| TIMS Card (independent trekker) | NPR 2,000 / person | Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) |
| Trek Duration | 12 Days / 11 Nights |
| Trek Grade | Moderate to Challenging |
| Maximum Altitude | 5,416 m (Thorong La Pass) |
| Poon Hill | 3,210 m (Day 12 sunrise viewpoint) |
| Trek Start | Dharapani (via Kathmandu or Pokhara drive) |
| Trek End | Pokhara |
| Best Season | Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov) |
| Accommodation | Teahouses / Lodges |
| Meals on Trek | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
| Daily Walking | 3–12 hrs (varies by day) |
| Required Permits | ACAP + TIMS Card |
| Minimum Age | 14+ Years |
Read before you go
Key route details for timing, cash, safety and comfort on this trek.
Good physical fitness is essential — begin a training programme at least 6–8 weeks before departure
Travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation is mandatory. Carry proof at all times
Never push through altitude sickness — descend immediately if severe AMS symptoms develop
Always start early for Day 8 (Thorong La) and Day 12 (Poon Hill) — weather and conditions matter
Nights above 4,000 m can reach −10°C or below — a quality sleeping bag is essential
Starting from Pokhara (not Kathmandu) saves 2 hours of drive time on Day 1
The itinerary may need adjustment due to weather, trail, or individual pace — flexibility is key
Tipping is customary and appreciated: USD 10–15/day for guide; USD 6–10/day for porter
Carry reusable water bottles — avoid single-use plastics throughout the trek
Last reliable ATMs before the high circuit: Besisahar or Chame — carry sufficient NPR cash
