16 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary, Route Map

The Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world. This adventure circles around the Annapurna range in Nepal. The majestic landscapes, nature, wilderness, and raw beauty make it the most sought-after place to go for trekking. But just planning won’t suffice. Foremost, you have to know the Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary.

The standard Annapurna Circuit Trek route follows this itinerary: Kathmandu → Annapurna Circuit → Pokhara → Kathmandu. The total distance it covers is around 170-200 km (105-125 mi) of trail. The highest point of this trek is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m. The best part of the Annapurna Circuit adventure is the diversity of the landscapes. The journey starts from subtropical valleys, follows Buddhist villages, and takes you high on the mountains by the sea.

The higher you go, the more jaw-dropping views greet you. As you trek through the forests and rivers, Annapurna II (7,937 m) and Pisang Peak (6,091 m) welcome you with a big smile. The Annapurna Circuit Trek shows you the gems of the Annapurna region and the Annapurna range. This range is not one single mountain but a chain of giants, and you’ll see many of them!

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is packed with iconic landmarks. You won’t feel bored at all. Every corner and every step you take opens with gorgeous beauty. Watching sunrise and sunset over the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare every day heals your soul.

Therefore, so you can enjoy the adventure of Annapurna, we have prepared a detailed travel guide on the Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary. This 16-day itinerary is standard and safe for every dreamer.

16 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary Highlights 

• Total Annapurna Circuit Trek Distance: 170-200 km (105-125 mi)
• Duration: 16 days (customizable)
• Highest Point: Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m (17,769 ft)
• Starting and Ending Point: Start in Kathmandu and drive to Pokhara, end in Pokhara, and drive back to Kathmandu.
• Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) (TIMS card is no longer required).
• Guide: Mandatory local licensed guide (solo trekkers must hire one).
• Daily Budget: $25-50 per person per day for food, tea-house lodging, hot showers, etc.
• Best Seasons: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).

16 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Map & Route

Just as its name says, the classic Annapurna Circuit trek route goes in a loop. It circles around Annapurna (I) via Manang and Mustang, then it returns via the Modi/Kali Gandaki valley. For reference, you can take a glimpse of the official Annapurna Circuit Trek map route of Access Nepal Tours and Trekking. It also includes side trips like Tilicho Lake and Nar-Phu.

The Circuit trek starts from Kathmandu to Besishahar, then Chame, with a drive. Chame is the main trailhead of this trek. From here, trekking officially starts from Chame and follows through Upper Pisang, Ngawal, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong High Camp, Thorong La Pass, Muktinath, Jomsom, Marpha, Ghasa, Tatopani, Ghorepani, Ulleri, Pokhara, and Kathmandu.

How 16 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary prepared?

The total loop covers around 170 to 200 km. The itinerary includes acclimatization days, so even if we climb higher and higher, it is safe. Altitude gain is gradual, giving enough time for your body to adjust. For safety, our Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary includes rest days for safety reasons. We also follow “Climb High, Sleep Low” rules, which means trekking high on the day and returning to sleep at a low altitude.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderate-level adventure. Every day, you have to hike for 5 to 15 km on rough trails along with altitude changes. The circuit routes are well-marked but rough. They are uneven forest roads and are traditional trails. In between the trek, there is also a drive, so this trek is manageable with good planning and preparation.

Rushing is not the solution when doing trekking at Himalayan high country. You have to be patience. To refuel energy to walk on those off-roads, do not skip meals. Eat Dal Bhat for fueling energy (Nepal’s dal bhat is rice-and-lentils with unlimited refills!). Acclimatization is must for this trek. The rest stop in Manang to help your body adjust to the altitude before Thorong La.

16 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,338 m)

The Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary starts with your arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Once you arrive, our company’s staff will be there waiting for you. Back at the hotel, we will have a brief pre-trek meeting and a welcome dinner in the evening. In your free time, you can rest or explore the Thamel area. This ancient city has so many things to show. If you love window-shopping, you can do it as well. Rest for the night in Kathmandu

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Trek Prep

This day is for sightseeing of UNESCO World Heritage Sites before going high into the Himalayas. The stops include historical and religious landmarks, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. A day tour guide is provided for sightseeing. These days show you the beauty of Kathmandu more closely and intimately. If you have any gear left to purchase or rent, you can buy it during this time. By the end, we will do last minute gears check and rest for the day.

Day 3: Drive to Besisahar (820 m) 

Journey to the Annapurna region starts from today with a drive to Besisahar (820 m). We take a long jeep drive northwest through green hills and rivers. Besisahar is a small town in the Lamjung district. It is a popular gateway for trekking in the Annapurna region. You can go around, and as we are going to spend a night in Beisahar.

Day 4: Drive to Chame (2,650 m)

After having breakfast, we pack our belongings and take another drive to Chame village. The route grdually climb u following the Marsyangdi River valley. Chame is a small village in comparison to Besisahar. Here, you can witness a true rural village lifestyle. As you get nearer, the open rice terraces give way to pine forests and packed green hills. Local people here are Gurung or Manangi. We rest for a night at Chame.

Day 5: Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300 m)

Now comes the real adventure. We are finally trekking. We wake up early for breakfast and hit the trail. From Chame, the route slowly climbs out of the forests. Since it’s a day of trekking, you might feel more tired, but excitement and views will push you. Trekking past Danaque, we cross the ridge to Bagarchhap Lodge and on to Pisang. Two routes connect here: the lower route (via Humde) and the more scenic high route (via Ghyaru and Ngawal). We are taking the scenic route. After arriving at Upper Pisang, we rest for a day here. Enjoy the first closer views of the mountains.

Day 6: Upper Pisang to Ngawal (3,660 m)

Trek continues toward the next destination, Ngawal. Crossing the ridge at Mring Tso, the route gently climbs towards the village of Ghyaru (3,670 m). From here, you can see one of the best views of Annapurna II & IV. We will take a brief rest and continue moving forward. Finally, by afternoon, we will arrive at Ngawal (3,660 m). It’s a traditional Gurung village and is known for its monastery. It is one of the highest located villages. If you still have some energy left, you can stroll around the village. Overnight stay at Ngawal.

Day 7: Trek from Ngawal to Manang (3,540 m)

We wake up early in the morning and eat breakfast. You can stroll around before heading to our next destination. We hit the road after some time. The route climbs up slowly. Journey doesn’t feel boring as you will be surrounded by majestic views throughout the trek. Every corner has it it’s own beauty. By early afternoon, we finally reach Manang village (3,540 m). This village is one of the most popular and the largest settlements in the Manang valley. High in the Himalayas, it has everything you are looking for: hotels, cafes, bakeries, bars, and shops. After a warm dinner, we take a good night’s sleep.

Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Manang (3,540 m)

We are staying for another day in Manang as a rest day. It is a crucial part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary because it helps our bodies to adjust to altitude. Acclimatization is the key solution to preventing altitude sickness. Manag is already located at a high elevation. To prevent altitude sickness, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and do not skip meals. Since it’s a leisure day, do not go hard. Go for a short stroll and enjoy the beauty of Manang. Some trekkers even go for a short hike to Gangapurna Lake/Icefall (4,100 m) or the Ice Lake viewpoint (4,870 m) as a gentle acclimatization exercise. But do not go too hard.

Day 9: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,090 m)

Adventure continues toward Yak Kharka. Trek start early, as we have a long way to go. The trail goes westward, passing by Tenki, which is the last permanent village (3,600 m). From Manang landscapes and the surrounding completely changes into more raw, and the mountains get closer and closer. The trail goes through arid peaks and dwarf juniper scrub. As you climb higher, you will get more close-up views of Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. With frequent breaks and enjoying the surrounding views, we arrive at Yak Kharka (4,090 m). Today we trek for 4 to 5 hours. We rest for a night at Yak Kharka. Not many, but it has countable teahouses in a high plain, and we will stay in one of them. At this height, you will already notice thin air. Therefore, do not exaggerate moves, go slowly, and drink lots of water.

Day 10: Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp (4,900 m)

Another day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary. Our goal for today is to reach Thorong High Camp (4,900 m). The altitude gain is 800 m. Throughout the journey, we will be very careful not to exhaust ourselves. This high camp is the last stop before crossing the iconic Thorong La High Pass. Then we cross an icy stream (Jarsang Khola), and the trail gradually climbs to Thorong Phedi (4,600 m), a small basecamp. We will take a brief rest here for lunch and a tea break. From here on, the trails become steeper and more challenging. Finally, after a hard climb, it switchbacks to High Camp (4,900 m). Today is one of the hardest days of this trek, but we will do fine. Careful about thin air. So walk slowly and drink plenty of water. We arrive at High Camp in the afternoon. There are a few teahouses available below Thorong La, and we will stay in one. Do not forget to enjoy the 360° sunset views over Annapurna IV, Machhapuchhare, and Thorong La.

Day 11: Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) to Muktinath (3,800 m)

Today is the main event of the Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary. Finally, we are going to cross the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). We wake up before dawn to cross this icy, cold pass. We climb slowly and steadily for 2 hours up to the snow line and make a final push to the pass. Then we will reach the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. This is a moment you will never forget in your life.

The 360-degree views of the Himalayas and snow-filled landscapes mesmerize your eyes. Enjoy the moment, clicking a photo, and the beauty of the Himalayas. After some time, we slowly head down toward Muktinath. Passing Thorong Phedi (again), we continue down to Muktinath (3,800m) by late afternoon. Muktinath is a sacred temple town for Hindus and Buddhists. This temple is one of the holiest temples in the Hindu religion and is known for its 108 spouts of holy water. Overnight stay.

Day 12: Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani (1,190 m)

After completing a high pass, our return journey starts. Since you will be tired from yesterday’s tough climb, today’s itinerary will go with ease. Considering your situation, we will take a jeep drive from Muktinath to Tatopani (1,190 m).

Following the Kali Gandaki River, the route slowly comes down into the valley. Along the way, we pass by Jomsom (Mustang HD), Marpha, and Kalopani villages. Finally, after 4 to 5hours of a long drive, we arrive at Tatopani. It’s a natural hot spring village, where you can soothe your muscles. We rest for a night at Tatopani.

Day 13: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,885 m)

Descending journey is much easier. After yesterday’s relaxation, we are heading towards another beautiful place. Our destination for today is to reach Ghorepani, a famous Gurung village known for offering breathtaking views.

Passing through the small villages and rhododendron forests, we arrive at Ghorepani (2,885 m) by late afternoon. Ghorepani is a large village located on a ridge. This place is known for many homestays and mountain views. Overnight stay at Ghorepani.

Day 14: Poon Hill (3,210 m) to Ulleri, Drive to Pokhara

The adventure has yet to end. We wake early for 1 hours short and sweet hike to watch sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210 m). From the top of this hill, you can see a famous 360° panorama of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and dozens of peaks in between.

Watch the sunrise light flood the Himalayas; it’s worth the early alarm! Descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast, then continue hiking down through Ulleri village (2,050 m). Trekking through the subtropical forest, our journey ends at Ulleri by late morning. From Ulleri, we take a jeep drive to Pokhara. Overnight stay in Pokhara

Day 15: Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Trekking days have completely ended, so we eat breakfast and take a long drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The drive takes 6-7 hours via the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River. Passing by the rolling hills, rivers, hill towns, and valleys, we arrive at Kathmandu by evening. Later on the same day, we will enjoy a farewell dinner. For the last time, you can explore around and buy souvenirs. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 16: Departure Day

Our 16-day Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary comes to an end. Carrying only lifetime memories and experience, we will say goodbye. You will be dropped off at the airport for your flight back home. And congratulations on completing the Annapurna Circuit Trek!

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary: 7, 10, & 12 Days Options

There is no fixed itinerary for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The standard itinerary to complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek is 14 to 18 days. You can customize the itinerary according to your preferences and time limit. To make a mindmap and plan your trek, some popular options and itineraries:

• Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary 7 Days:  This trek starts from Bhulbhule with a drive from Kathmandu, trek up to Manang, cross Thorong La, then descend via Jomsom to Pokhara. This Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary skips lots of small villages along the way
• Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary 10 Days: Kathmandu→Jagat→Chame→Manang (with one acclimatization)→Thorong La→Muktinath→Ghorepani→Pokhara. Usually including one or two rest days and some long hikes.
• Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary 12 Days: A balanced itinerary like above, but with more time at Manang (full acclimatization), and a slower pace on the lower trek.The

The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek typically covers 100 to 160 km of total distance. When it comes to trekking, it is best to choose longer itineraries because the shorter the itinerary is, the more compact and exhausting. Having longer days gives your body enough time to adjust to the altitude and prevent altitude sickness.

The shorter Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary is mostly suitable for experienced trekkers only. In a short itinerary, the first 3-4 days are skipped by jeep drive and take you directly to Manang. It may sound faster and more convenient, but when we are doing high-elevation trekking, our bodies need some time to adjust to altitude. At higher altitudes, the oxygen level is low. Suddenly skipping 1,000 m in height is not safe for our bodies.

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake Itinerary

For more adventure and thrill, trekkers add an extra side trip to Tilicho Lake. Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world (4,919 m), so it’s a popular add-on to the Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary. After taking a detour from Manang, this journey is made. To include Tilicho, most itineraries add 2-3 days.

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake itinerary follows the same route. Once reaching Manang, it continues westward to Siri Kharka (4,060 m). Then, you hike from Siri Kharka up to Tilicho Base Camp (4,140 m), then on to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) and back (round trip 10 km, 6-7 hrs).

The descent journey is the same as the standard Annapurna Circuit trek. So, if you want more fun and adventure, the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake is a good choice. Otherwise, if you are looking for a moderate challenge and have less time, choose the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Both itineraries offer equally great views and experiences. They have their own charm. When choosing a trek, look for an itinerary that suits your preferences and requirements.

Most of all, you also have the option to customize and keep your own package. This blog is to give you all the details about the Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary.