Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary: 12, 14 & 16-Day Options

Which Itinerary Is Right for You?

The Circuit's length is now genuinely flexible because roads reach far up both sides of the loop. What does not change is the acclimatisation curve up to Manang and the one big crossing of the Thorong La (5,416 m). The choice is how much of the lower valley you walk, and whether you add the Tilicho Lake side-trip or finish over Poon Hill.

All versions begin with a drive from Pokhara or Kathmandu to Besisahar, then a jeep up the Marsyangdi, and finish in the Kali Gandaki valley at Jomsom or Muktinath.

The Classic 14-Day Itinerary

This is the route most trekkers walk, built around a steady, safe acclimatisation profile and the Thorong La crossing.

Day 1: Drive to Besisahar (760 m), jeep to Chame (2,670 m)

A long drive west, then a rough jeep ride up the Marsyangdi valley to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. Many trekkers start walking from here or nearby Dharapani.

Day 2: Chame → Upper Pisang (3,300 m)

A scenic climb through pine forest past the curved rock face of Paungda Danda, with first big views of Annapurna II, to the old stone village of Upper Pisang. (5–6 hrs.)

Day 3: Upper Pisang → Manang (3,540 m)

The high, scenic route via Ghyaru and Ngawal, with superb views of the Annapurnas and Gangapurna, before descending to Manang, the key acclimatisation hub. (6–7 hrs.)

Day 4: Acclimatisation day at Manang (3,540 m)

An essential rest day. Hike higher to the Ice Lake viewpoint, visit the Gangapurna glacier, or attend the daily altitude talk at the Himalayan Rescue Association aid post.

Day 5: Manang → Yak Kharka (4,050 m)

A shorter, steadier day climbing above the tree line into open alpine country grazed by yaks and blue sheep. (3–4 hrs.)

Day 6: Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi (4,540 m)

A short but high day to Thorong Phedi, the staging post for the crossing. Strong, well-acclimatised trekkers may push on to High Camp (4,925 m) to shorten the pass day. (3–5 hrs.)

Day 7: Thorong Phedi → Thorong La (5,416 m) → Muktinath (3,760 m)

The crux: a pre-dawn start for the long, cold, exposed climb to the Thorong La, then a knee-testing descent of more than 1,600 m to the sacred temple town of Muktinath. (7–9 hrs.)

Day 8: Muktinath → Kagbeni / Jomsom (2,720 m)

Descend through the wind-blasted desert of lower Mustang to medieval Kagbeni on the Kali Gandaki, then down to Jomsom with its airstrip. (4–6 hrs.)

Day 9: Jomsom → Marpha → fly to Pokhara

A short walk to the whitewashed Thakali village of Marpha, famous for apples and brandy, then the short flight from Jomsom out of the valley. (Buffer days build the total to about 14 with travel.)

The Road-Shortened 12-Day Itinerary

For trekkers short on time who are happy to use the jeep tracks. It drives deeper up the Marsyangdi to begin walking higher, keeps the vital Manang acclimatisation day, and flies out from Jomsom. It is efficient but compresses the lower valley.

• Day 1: Drive and jeep deep up the Marsyangdi to Chame or beyond.
• Days 2–3: Chame → Upper Pisang → Manang (3,540 m).
• Day 4: Acclimatisation day at Manang, this stays in even on the short plan.
• Days 5–6: Manang → Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi/High Camp.
• Day 7: Cross Thorong La (5,416 m) → Muktinath.
• Days 8–9: Muktinath → Jomsom → fly to Pokhara.

Never skip the Manang acclimatisation day to save time. The Thorong La sits at 5,416 m, and rushing the climb to it is the fastest way to AMS, see our Circuit altitude sickness guide.

The 16+ Day Itinerary (Tilicho Lake or Poon Hill)

The most rewarding version for first-timers and anyone who wants the full experience, with room for one of the Circuit's two great extensions.

Option A: Tilicho Lake side-trip

From Manang, add a 2–3 day detour to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), one of the highest large lakes in the world, set in a glacial amphitheatre. It doubles as superb acclimatisation, though the trail to Tilicho Base Camp crosses avalanche-prone slopes and needs good conditions.

Option B: Poon Hill finish

Instead of flying from Jomsom, continue down the Kali Gandaki to the Tatopani hot springs, then climb to Ghorepani for the famous sunrise from Poon Hill before driving to Pokhara. This adds 3–4 days and a second sunrise spectacle.

Either extension means better acclimatisation and a far more complete journey around the massif. With both, the trek stretches toward the historical 18–21 day length.