Annapurna Circuit Trek, 9 Day,s - 9 Days
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the best trekking destinations in the world. While the classic route traditionally started a bit lower down, the sections from Dharapani to Muktinath focus purely on the absolute best parts of this legendary trek.
This is where the magic happens, you will watch lush, subtropical pine forests transform into a dry rocky land and eventually cross the highest trekking pass in the world Thorong La (5,416m) before dropping into the holy, wind-scoured terrain of Mustang.
Whether you are a seasoned trekker or preparing for your first big Himalayan challenge, here is your ultimate, detailed guide for conquering the Round Annapurna trek.
Trip Overview
What makes this particular stretch from Dharapani to Muktinath so iconic isn't just the altitude, It is also famous because the landscape and the local culture change completely and dramatically along the way.
You begin along the rushing Marsyangdi River, surrounded by the green canopy of the Manang district. As you climb, the trees vanish, replaced by the dramatic rain-shadow landscapes of the Trans-Himalaya. Culturally, you’ll journey through the heartbeat of Manangi villages before crossing over to Muktinath, a sacred sanctuary shared by both Hindus and Buddhists alike.
Fast Facts: The Vital Stats
| Feature | Details |
| Duration | 9 Days (Door-to-door from Kathmandu) |
| Maximum Elevation | 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) at Thorong La Pass |
| Trek Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging (Strenuous on pass day) |
| Best Seasons | Autumn (Oct–Nov) Spring (Mar–May) |
| Accommodation | Traditional Mountain Teahouses, Lodges and Local Homestays |
| Permits Required | Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) & TIMS Card |
The Day-by-Day ITINERARY with Altitude summary
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Dharapani | The long, bumpy jeep drive to the trailhead. | 1,860m | Road Trip |
| Day 2 | Dharapani to Chame | Walking through pine forests along a rushing river. | 2,750m | Moderate |
| Day 3 | Chame to Upper Pisang | Passing massive rock faces; entering the high valley. | 3,300m | Moderate |
| Day 4 | Upper Pisang to Manang | Taking the steep "High Route" for epic mountain views. | 3,540m | Tough |
| Day 5 | Manang (Rest Day) | Acclimatization Day. Side hikes to let your lungs adapt. | 3,540m | Active Rest |
| Day 6 | Manang to Yak Kharka | Gentle, slow climb above the tree line into yak pastures. | 4,200m | Slow and Steady |
| Day 7 | Yak Kharka to High Camp | Short walk to the base of the pass. Early bedtime. | 4,850m | Short but heavy breathing |
| Day 8 | High Camp to Pass to Muktinath | The Big One. 3 AM start, cross the pass, steep descent. | 5,416m | Absolute Grit |
| Day 9 | Muktinath to Tatopani and then to Pokhara | See the holy temples, then take bus ride to Tatopani enjoy natural hot water for some time then get picked up by Jeep to Pokhara | 820m | Long drive,natural hot water for body and legs recovery |
Day to Day Itinerary
- Distance: ~230 km (Driving)
- Time: 8–10 hours
- Altitude Change: 1,400m up to 1,860m
You’ll spend about 8 to 9 hours in a jeep [or bus] winding along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. It's long and dusty, but as the air turns cooler and the waterfalls start cascading outside your window, you’ll know you’ve arrived at the gateway of the Annapurna. Don’t worry we will make few stops during the way where you can take short breaks, take lunch and click exciting photos.
- Distance: ~16 km
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Altitude Change: 1,860m to 2,670m (Net gain: 810m)
The Journey: You’ll climb gradually through steep forest trails, passing the Tibetan-style village of Bagarchhap. Keep an eye out for your first clear glimpses of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II as you roll into Chame, the administrative hub of the region. Around Danaque, the trail gets steep as you tackle a notorious set of stone steps through a rhododendron forest. You’ll stop for lunch in Timang (2,750m), which rewards you with your first massive view of Manaslu. From Timang, it’s a gentle, flat-and-downhill cruise into Chame. Here you can enjoy hot spring and get bed to rest for the night.
- Distance: ~14 km
- Time: 5 hours
- Altitude Change: 2,750m to 3,300m (Net gain: 550m)
Leaving Chame, the valley narrows. You will cross a dramatic suspension bridge to the northern bank and walk through dense orchard woods. Soon, you'll look up and see Paungda Danda, a colossal, seamless slab of smooth rock curving 1,500m straight up into the sky. The locals call it the "Gateway to Heaven." Once you pass this, the air gets noticeably drier and cooler.
Insider Tip: Stay in Upper Pisang rather than Lower Pisang. The extra 20-minute uphill hike rewards you with a postcard-perfect view of Annapurna II across the valley.
- Distance: ~17 km (via Upper Route)
- Time: 6–7 hours
- Altitude Change: 3,300m to 3,540m (Net gain: 240m, but lots of ups and downs)
Do not take the lower road. It’s dusty and boring. Take the Upper Route via Ghyaru and Ngawal. The climb out of Pisang to Ghyaru (3,670m) is a brutal, endless series of switchbacks that will test your lungs. But when you reach the top, you are looking directly across at the entire Annapurna range at eye level. It is arguably the best view of the whole trek. You’ll have lunch in Ngawal (3,650m) before dropping down onto the flat, windy valley floor that leads into the bustling hub of Manang.
- Distance: Variable (3 to 8 km)
- Time: 3–5 hours of active hiking
- Altitude Change: 3,540m (Stay at same altitude)
Your body demands a bit of rest today and acclimatization for reaching Thorang is must. We suggest you hydrate well, eat proper food and do a little warmup session in two ways:
- The Short Option: Hike up to the viewpoint above Gangapurna Lake and the Chongkor Viewpoint. (2–3 hours round trip).
- The Long Option: Hike to Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) at 4,600m. It’s a tough 6-hour round-trip climb, but if you can do this, the 5,416m pass on Day 8 will be a walk in the park.
- Distance: ~10 km
- Time: 4 hours
- Altitude Change: 3,540m to 4,200m (Net gain: 660m)
You’ll leave Manang through the old village ruins and climb gently out of the valley. The trees completely disappear here; you are now in the alpine tundra. You'll pass through Gunsang (3,900m), crossing a couple of small wooden bridges over glacial streams. Keep your eyes peeled for blue sheep (bharal) grazing on the cliffs. Keep your pace slow and steady—your body is working double-time now that you've crossed the 4,000-meter mark. Because of the altitude, you will walk at half your normal speed. Reach Yak Kharka by lunchtime, eat, and spend the afternoon resting or reading.
- Distance: ~7 km
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Altitude Change: 4,200m to 4,880m (Net gain: 680m)
You’ll experience a short but intense day. You’ll hike along the east bank of the Jarsang Khola. The final stretch before Phedi requires crossing a notorious landslide zone. Do not stop to take photos here, watch for falling rocks, keep your distance from other trekkers, and move steadily across. You’ll arrive at Thorong Phedi, a small cluster of lodges nestled at the base of a massive rock wall. Some rest and nest here but we are moving to the popular destination the High Camp to reduce the early morning effort required to reach Thorong La Pass. The climb from Phedi to High Camp (4,880m). This is the steepest part of the road, freezing, and a total mental grind so we try to avoid it during the night and early morning.
The Strategy Play: Eat a massive, early dinner (lots of carbs), pack your backpack for the morning, fill your water bottles and try to be asleep by 8:00 PM.
- Distance: ~15 km
- Time: 8–10 hours
- Altitude Change: 4,450m -> 5,416m -> 3,760m (Up 966m, Down 1,656m)
04:30 AM – 08:30 AM: From High Camp, the trail gentler but curves through false summits and snowfields. The air is incredibly thin. Take ten steps, rest on your trekking poles, take three deep breaths, and repeat.
The Top (Thorong La - 5,416m): You’ll see the chorten draped in thousands of prayer flags. There is a tiny tea shack here selling overpriced hot tea. Take your photos quickly—the wind picks up brutally by mid-morning.
The Descent: The 1,656-meter drop to Muktinath is punishing. It is steep, slippery, and uses muscles you didn't know you had. Trekking poles are non-negotiable here to save your knees. Today you will descend into the Mustang Landscape and reach Muktinath, tired and happy the trek has been completed.
- Distance: ~175 km (Driving)
- Time: 7–9 hours
The Turn-by-Turn: Wake up and visit the Muktinath Temple, where 108 water sprouts pour holy water. You can take a holy bath on freezing ice water or take holy dip, pay some holy tribute to the God there and pack your bags cause we are heading towards Tatopani. There you can enjoy natural hot water bath to relax and recover On the way you’ll see the breathtakingly wide Kali Gandaki riverbed, passing Jomsom and the deep gorge of Tatopani, before hitting the smooth tarmac back to Pokhara. If you are feeling cold we can stop for hot water bath and spend the day there, warming the body with Marpha.
Rules of the Trail
- Pace Like a Turtle: If you are breathing so hard you can't hold a conversation, you are supposed to walking like a lazy turtle. “Bistari, bistari” (slowly, slowly) is the Nepalese mantra for a reason.
- Hydrate or Hibernate: Drink 4–5 liters of water a day. Dehydration mimics and worsens altitude sickness. Bring water purification tablets or a filter as there are no mineralized water available along the way. We are drinking straight from the nature in some cases.
- Respect the Wind: The geographic funnel of Thorong La creates ferocious, freezing winds after 10:00 AM. This is why an early 3:30 AM or 4:00 AM departure from Phedi is entirely mandatory.
- Dal Bhat is Your Fuel: The local saying "Dal Bhat Power, 24 Hour" is a literal fact. It’s an what available in remote regions of Nepal. A plate of rice, hot lentil soup, and curried veggies better than hot dog, pizza and sandwich. The teahouse hosts will keep topping up your plate until you physically block them. Eat it for dinner; it’s the best clean energy you can get.
- The Garlic Soup Myth is True: Locals swear by garlic soup to combat altitude sickness. Whether it’s scientific or psychological, it works wonders for warming you up and clearing your head at 4,000 meters.
- Protect Your Packing: The mountain weather is unpredictable. Pack everything inside your backpack into lightweight waterproof dry bags or plastic trash bags. There is nothing worse than arriving at a freezing teahouse at 4,000m only to find your dry socks are soaking wet.
What You Need to Consider
Before you lace up your boots and head out, there are several hard realities, legal rules, and physical constraints you need to know about the Annapurna Circuit.
The Legal Reality: Guides and Permits
The rules around independent trekking in Nepal have gotten much stricter. Under the current regulations, solo foreign trekkers are prohibited from hiking the Annapurna Circuit alone. For this trek you are legally required to hire a licensed trekking guide through a government-registered Nepali agency to clear the trail checkpoints.
The Paperwork
The Government of Nepal and Annapurna Conservation Area demands proper paperwork. So, you must have your Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and your electronic Trekkers' Information Management System (e-TIMS) card secured before you hit the trail.
Insurance is Your Lifeline
Standard travel insurance will not cut it for this trek. You are crossing a pass at 5,416 meters. Most standard policies cap out at 3,000 meters. You must buy a specialized high-altitude policy that explicitly covers medical evacuation and helicopter rescue up to 6,000 meters. If you get severe altitude sickness at High Camp, a helicopter is the only way out, and it will cost thousands of dollars out-of-pocket if your insurance isn't locked down.
The Cash Crunch
Once you leave Chame, there are no reliable ATMs. The teahouses at higher elevations do not accept credit cards but few have adopted to QR scan payments. You need to budget and carry enough physical Nepalese Rupees (NPR) from Kathmandu or Pokhara to cover your daily meals, snacks, boiled drinking water, hot showers, and Wi-Fi access fees on the trail.
Who Can Join This Trek?
This specific stretch (Dharapani to Muktinath) is classified as Moderate to Challenging. It is not a technical climb you do not need ropes, ice axes, or mountaineering experience but it is a grueling test of endurance.
Packing Essentials for Annapurna circuit Trek
Packing for the Himalayas is all about balance. It spells bringing the essentials for your safety and comfort without overloading your pack.
Here is your definitive packing list, broken down by category.
The Big Essentials (Your Core Gear)
- All-Season Sleeping Bag & Down Jacket
- Duffel Bag
- Daypack
- Trekking Poles
Head & Face (Sun & Cold Protection)
- Warm Beanie
- Neck Warmer / Buff
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 50++)
- Headlamp
Upper Body Layers
- Thermal Tops
- Long-Sleeve T-Shirts
- Fleece Jacket or Pullover
- Water & Windproof Shell Jacket
- Supportive Sports Bras
Lower Body Layers
- Thermal Bottoms
- Trekking Pants
- Water & Windproof Trousers
- Casual/Sports Pants
Hand Protection
- Lightweight/Half-Finger Gloves
- Heavyweight Shell Gloves & Liners
Footwear
- Waterproof Trekking Boots
- Camp Shoes / Sandals
- Trekking Socks (4–5 pairs)
- Sock Liners
Personal First Aid & Health
Note: While your guide carries a comprehensive medical kit, we strongly advise bringing a personal stash of the basics for convenience.
- Altitude Care: Diamox (125mg to 250mg) for altitude sickness prevention.
- Pain Relief: Ibuprofen or Paracetamol.
- Blister Care: Blister pads (Compeed), medical tape, or anti-blister cream.
- Wound Care: Assorted adhesive fabric bandages, butterfly bandages, and antiseptic ointment.
- Water Purification: Purification tablets or a UV filter pen (do not drink untreated tap water).
Toiletries & Bathroom Kit
Soap, a quick-dry microfiber towel, hand wipes, Toilet Paper & Plastic Bags
Important Documents & Logistics
- Passport & Photos: Your original passport and 4 passport-sized photos (needed for permits and registration).
- Flight Details: Please leave a printed copy of your flight itinerary at our Kathmandu office. If we need to help you change your flights due to mountain weather delays, we need this on file.
Tech & Snacks
- Electronics: Camera (with extra memory cards) and a high-capacity power bank (charging devices at tea houses costs extra).
- Trail Snacks: High-energy snacks like dried fruits, nuts, energy bars, or chocolate to give you a quick boost on the trail.
Who It Is For
- You don't need to be an Olympic athlete, but you should be someone who can comfortably walk uphill for 5 to 7 hours a day with a weighted daypack.
- If you have zero trekking experience but possess excellent cardio fitness (e.g., you run, cycle, or do intense gym work regularly), you can absolutely do this, provided you strictly follow the acclimatization schedule.
- The biggest hurdle isn't your legs, but rather it's your mind. Coping with freezing temperatures, basic teahouse toilets, thin air, and a 3:00 AM wake-up call requires genuine mental grit.
Who Should Reconsider
Anyone with Pre-existing Heart or Severe Lung Conditions: The lack of oxygen above 4,000 meters puts massive stress on your cardiovascular system. Consult a doctor before booking.
People on a Tight, Rigid Schedule: If you have a hard flight out of Kathmandu immediately after the trek, the Himalayas will stress you out. Landslides, road closures and bad weather at the pass can delay itineraries by 24 to 48 hours. You need a buffer of a few extra days.
Includes and Excludes for Trek
- Kathmandu Stay: 3 nights in a comfortable Kathmandu hotel, including delicious daily breakfasts.
- Pokhara Stay: 1 night in a cozy Pokhara hotel, breakfast included.
- On the Trail: Cozy, handpicked tea house accommodations throughout the trek.
- Premium Gear Rentals: Free use of a high-quality sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking poles (just return them when you're done!).
- Daily Trekking Meals: Three hearty meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) to keep your energy high while on the trail.
- Airport Welcomes: Seamless private vehicle pickup and drop-off at the airport.
- Scenic Sightseeing: A guided tour of Kathmandu’s iconic sights in a comfortable private car or jeep.
- Trail Transfers: All ground transportation covered—including local bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar, a shared local jeep to Syange, a private car from Nayapul to Pokhara, and a comfortable tourist bus back to Kathmandu.
- Paperwork Handled: All necessary permits, including the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry fee and your TIMS cards.
- Expert Leadership: A government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide who knows these mountains like the back of their hand.
- The Heavy Lifting: Strong, experienced Sherpa porters to carry your gear. (Note: All staff salary, insurance, meals, and lodging are fully covered by us).
- Health & Safety First: Your guide carries a comprehensive first-aid kit and an AMA-approved Oximeter. We monitor your pulse and oxygen saturation twice daily to proactively prevent Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS).
- An exclusive Sherpa Expedition & Trekking T-shirt.
- An official Trip Achievement Certificate to celebrate your trek.
- All government taxes and official processing fees paid.
- City Meals: Lunches and dinners while you are staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Trail Treats & Drinks: Any specialty items you buy at the tea houses, including bottled water, soda, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, alcohol, soups, and desserts (like cakes, pies, or chocolates).
- Tea House Amenities: Hot showers and device-charging fees levied by the tea houses along the trail.
- Travel Essentials: International flights, personal travel/medical insurance, and your Nepal Entry Visa (available on arrival: $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, or $125 for 90 days).
- Personal Expenses: Any shopping, souvenirs, or personal items.
- Gratitude: Tips for your guide, porters, and drivers (while optional, tipping is deeply appreciated and culturally expected for good service).
FAQs
Yes. Under Nepal Tourism Board rules, all high-altitude trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed local guide. Beyond the legalities, a guide reads the weather, secures the best teahouse rooms during peak season, and knows exactly how to handle altitude sickness.
Many trekkers carry Diamox as a preventative measure for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It helps your body acclimate faster but isn't a magic cure. Consult your doctor before leaving home, and remember: the only true cure for severe altitude sickness is descending immediately.
You will stay in local guesthouses called teahouses. They are basic but cozy, typically featuring twin beds, shared bathrooms, and a communal dining room heated by a central wood or yak-dung stove. The higher you go, the simpler the amenities become.
Yes, but it is rarely free. Most teahouses have solar charging stations and Wi-Fi, but they charge a small daily fee (usually 100 to 500 NPR) to use them. Power banks and extra camera batteries are highly recommended, as freezing temperatures drain electronics quickly.
Do not buy plastic bottled water on the trail, as it creates massive waste issues in the mountains. Instead, bring a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder and use water purification tablets, a UV filter, or buy boiled water from the teahouses.
Teahouse menus are surprisingly extensive, offering everything from pasta, pancakes, and eggs to the local staple: Dal Bhat (lentil soup, rice, and curry). Dal Bhat is the best fuel for trekking because it is freshly cooked, nutritious, and comes with free refills.
Mild symptoms like a slight headache or loss of appetite are common and usually fade with rest. If symptoms worsen into severe headaches, vomiting, or dizziness, you must descend immediately. Your licensed guide will monitor your health daily and can arrange emergency helicopter evacuation if necessary.
Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for the hard work of your mountain crew. While it depends on your satisfaction, a general guideline is to tip around 15% to 20% of the total trekking cost, split among your guide and porters.
There are ATMs in Chame and Jomsom, but they are frequently out of order or out of cash. It is critical to withdraw all the Nepalese Rupees you need for your personal trail expenses while you are in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
