Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara

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Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara is a 10-day trek in central Nepal that starts and ends at your Pokhara hotel. It follows the Marsyangdi valley to Manang, crosses Thorong La at 5,416 m / 17,769 ft and descends to Muktinath. You need an ACAP permit and a licensed guide. With Shikhar Adventure it costs from US$625 per person.

Day 1 ends in a riverside village you reached by bus and jeep. By Day 5 you are in Manang, eating apple pie at 3,540 m with Gangapurna's ice fall across the valley. On Day 9 you leave High Camp by headtorch, reach the prayer flags on Thorong La after sunrise, and finish the day at the temple springs of Muktinath.

Quick Facts

Duration10 Days

Trip GradeStrenuous

Maximum Altitude5,416 m / 17,769 ft

ActivitiesDrives & High Altitude Trekking with Pass

Group Size1-12

StartsPokhara

EndsPokhara

Best TimeMarch-May & October-December

Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara Overview

This is the full high section of the Annapurna Circuit, packed into 10 days for people already in Pokhara. We skip the Kathmandu arrival and return days and the lower valley that now has a road. You walk from Dharapani (1,860 m / 6,102 ft) to Muktinath Temple (3,710 m / 12,172 ft), the part of the circuit that carries the mountain views, the Tibetan-influenced villages and the pass.

The route runs anticlockwise, the direction most trekkers take, because the altitude gain is gentler and Thorong La is climbed from the Manang side. You go up the Marsyangdi through Chame and Upper Pisang, take the high trail through Ngawal, rest a day in Manang, then climb past Yak Kharka to High Camp. After the pass you drop into the Mustang district and ride the Kali Gandaki road back to Pokhara.

The whole trek sits inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. Your guide, teahouse nights, meals on the trail and the ACAP permit are all in the price. If you would rather start and finish in Kathmandu with hotels included, our 13-day Annapurna Circuit Trek covers the same pass with more time around it.

Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara Highlights

Thorong La (5,416 m / 17,769 ft), one of the highest trekking passes in the world, crossed at first light from High Camp.
Muktinath Temple (3,710 m / 12,172 ft), a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, with 108 water spouts and a natural gas flame.
The upper trail through Ghyaru and Ngawal, which holds the best Annapurna II, III and IV views on the whole circuit.
Paungda Danda, the curved rock face rising about 1,500 m above the Marsyangdi between Chame and Pisang.
Manang (3,540 m / 11,614 ft), the stone village where you rest, eat well and take an easy hike to Gangapurna Lake.
Upper Pisang monastery and its view across the valley to Annapurna II.
Yak pastures above Manang on the walk to Yak Kharka (4,018 m / 13,182 ft), where the trees give way to open grazing land.
The Kali Gandaki road home through Jomsom, Marpha and Tatopani, running between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs.
Nine nights in family-run teahouses, with three meals a day included from Day 2 to Day 9.
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Pokhara, so there is no Kathmandu transfer on either end.

Who Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara For?

This 10-day version suits fit trekkers who are already in Pokhara and have limited days. It asks more of your body than the longer itineraries, so be honest about the points below.

It suits you if:

You can walk 6 to 7 hours on consecutive days with a light daypack.
You have hiked above 3,000 m before, or you are willing to follow your guide's acclimatisation advice to the letter.
You want the pass and the high villages, and you are happy to skip the lower Marsyangdi valley, which now has a road.
You travel on a budget and are comfortable with public bus and shared jeep days.

Think twice if:

This is your first multi-day trek. The 13-day Annapurna Circuit Trek gives your body more time.
You have flights out of Nepal within a day of Day 10. Weather and roads can add a day.
Long, bumpy road journeys bother you. Day 1 and Day 10 are both full days in a vehicle, unless you upgrade to a private jeep.
You want Tilicho Lake. It needs extra days; see the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek.

Why Choose the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara?

Choose this trek if you want Thorong La in the shortest sensible time, starting where you already are. It has one acclimatisation day in Manang and one high-trail detour through Ngawal, which is what makes 10 days workable.

	Annapurna Circuit from Pokhara	Annapurna Circuit Trek (13 days)	Manaslu Circuit Trek
Duration	10 days	13 days	14 days
Start and end	Pokhara hotel	Kathmandu	Kathmandu
Highest point	Thorong La 5,416 m / 17,769 ft	Thorong La 5,416 m / 17,769 ft	Larkya La 5,106 m / 16,752 ft
Permit type	ACAP only	ACAP only	Restricted Area Permit plus conservation permits
Crowd level	Busy in October and November	Busy in October and November	Quieter
Road exposure	Drive in and out	Drive in and out	Longer walking before roads
Hotels included	None	Kathmandu and Pokhara	Kathmandu
Cost from	US$695	US$995	US$1,195

For a straight comparison of the two big circuits, read our founder's take on the Manaslu Circuit vs Annapurna Circuit.

Why Book This Trek With Shikhar Adventure

We are a Kathmandu-based team, founded in 2018 by guide Dambar Thapa, who has more than 20 years on Nepal's trails. The points below are things you can check before paying.

Every price is published, including the solo rate, so you know your cost before you write to us.
A licensed guide goes with every booking, and groups of two or more get one porter for every two trekkers.
We are registered with the Government of Nepal and are members of the Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN, NMA and KEEP.
Reviews are public on TripAdvisor and Google, and you can read them on this page.
You can reach us 24/7 on WhatsApp, before and during the trek.
Plans can change after booking. You can add days or upgrade transport through Customize Trip.

Route Overview

The route has three stages: a drive into the Marsyangdi valley, six walking days up to High Camp, and the pass day followed by the drive home.

Stage	Days	From	To	How
Drive in	1	Pokhara	Dharapani	Public bus to Besisahar, shared jeep to Dharapani
Lower and middle Marsyangdi	2-3	Dharapani	Upper Pisang	Trek
High trail and acclimatisation	4-6	Upper Pisang	Manang	Trek via Ngawal, rest day in Manang
Climb to the pass	7-8	Manang	High Camp	Trek
Pass day	9	High Camp	Muktinath Temple	Trek over Thorong La
Drive out	10	Muktinath	Pokhara	Public bus via Jomsom and Beni

Elevation Profile

You gain 4,594 m from Pokhara to the pass. The biggest single-day climb in sleeping altitude is Day 8, from Yak Kharka to High Camp. Our altitude sickness guide for the Annapurna and Manaslu treks explains the symptoms to watch for.

Location	Altitude	Day
Pokhara	822 m / 2,697 ft	1 and 10
Dharapani	1,860 m / 6,102 ft	1
Chame	2,670 m / 8,760 ft	2
Upper Pisang	3,300 m / 10,827 ft	3
Ngawal	3,660 m / 12,008 ft	4
Manang	3,540 m / 11,614 ft	5 and 6
Yak Kharka	4,018 m / 13,182 ft	7
High Camp	4,880 m / 16,010 ft	8
Thorong La	5,416 m / 17,769 ft	9
Muktinath Temple	3,710 m / 12,172 ft	9

Short Itinerary Summary

Day	Route	Overnight altitude	Distance	Time
1	Pokhara to Dharapani (drive)	1,860 m / 6,102 ft	160 km / 99 mi	7-8 hrs
2	Dharapani to Chame	2,670 m / 8,760 ft	15 km / 9.3 mi	6-7 hrs
3	Chame to Upper Pisang	3,300 m / 10,827 ft	16 km / 9.9 mi	6-7 hrs
4	Upper Pisang to Ngawal	3,660 m / 12,008 ft	10.6 km / 6.6 mi	4-5 hrs
5	Ngawal to Manang	3,540 m / 11,614 ft	9.1 km / 5.7 mi	3-4 hrs
6	Manang, hike to Gangapurna Lake	3,540 m / 11,614 ft	3 km / 1.9 mi round trip	2-3 hrs
7	Manang to Yak Kharka	4,018 m / 13,182 ft	10.4 km / 6.5 mi	3-4 hrs
8	Yak Kharka to High Camp	4,880 m / 16,010 ft	8 km / 5 mi	5-6 hrs
9	Over Thorong La to Muktinath Temple	3,710 m / 12,172 ft	15 km / 9.3 mi	7-8 hrs
10	Muktinath to Pokhara (drive)	822 m / 2,697 ft	175 km / 109 mi	6-7 hrs

Itinerary Note

The plan below is our standard 10-day schedule. We can add a second acclimatisation day, a Tilicho Lake side trip or a private jeep on either drive, before or after you book. On the mountain, your guide may change the day's stop for weather or for anyone's health. Please keep at least one spare day in Pokhara before any onward flight.

Detailed Trip Itinerary

Expand All

Day 01:

Pickup from your Pokhara hotel (822 m / 2,697 ft) and drive to Dharapani (1,860 m / 6,102 ft), approx. 160 km / 99 miles, 7–8 hrs

We collect you from your hotel in Pokhara in the morning and take the public bus or Hiace east along the Prithvi Highway to Dumre, then north to Besisahar. At Besisahar you switch to a shared jeep for the rough road up the Marsyangdi, past the Syange waterfall, Jagat and Tal.

Dharapani is a small stone village where the Manaslu Circuit joins the Annapurna Circuit, and there is an ACAP checkpoint here. The jeep section is slow and bumpy, and with stops the day often runs longer than planned. Eat light before the jeep and keep a jacket handy for the evening.

Max Altitude: 1,860 m / 6,102 ft Meals: Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

Day 02:

Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,670 m / 8,760 ft), approx. 15 km / 9.3 miles, 6–7 hrs

The first walking day climbs through Bagarchhap and Danakyu, then up a steep stretch to Timang, where Manaslu shows on clear mornings. From there the trail runs through pine and fir forest to Koto and on to Chame.

Chame is the headquarters of Manang district and the last bigger village before the high valley. It is a good place to buy any small items you forgot, since shops thin out above here. Drink plenty of water today, because this is your first big gain in altitude.

Max Altitude: 2,670 m / 8,760 ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

Day 03:

Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300 m / 10,827 ft), approx. 16 km / 9.9 miles, 6–7 hrs

The valley narrows past Bhratang, known for its apple orchards, and the trail cuts along the cliff below Paungda Danda, a smooth rock wall rising about 1,500 m above the river. Near Dhukur Pokhari the valley opens and the forest thins.

You stay in Upper Pisang instead of the lower village, which gives you better views of Annapurna II and a little extra altitude for acclimatisation. Visit the monastery above the village in the late afternoon light. Nights here are cold from October onward, so use your sleeping bag.

Max Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

Day 04:

Trek from Upper Pisang to Ngawal (3,660 m / 12,008 ft), approx. 10.6 km / 6.6 miles, 4–5 hrs

We take the upper trail, which starts with a steep climb to Ghyaru. It is hard work early in the day, and your guide will set a slow pace. The reward is the widest view of the Annapurna range on the circuit, with Annapurna II, III and IV lined up across the valley.

From Ghyaru the path traverses gently to Ngawal, an old village of stacked stone houses and prayer walls. The short afternoon is part of the plan: rest, drink and let your body adjust. This night at 3,660 m helps before you drop to Manang.

Max Altitude: 3,660 m / 12,008 ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

Day 05:

Trek from Ngawal to Manang (3,540 m / 11,614 ft), approx. 9.1 km / 5.7 miles, 3–4 hrs

The trail descends gently through Munji and past the old Braga monastery to the valley floor, then reaches Manang by late morning. You sleep lower than last night, which follows the "climb high, sleep low" rule.

Manang has the best teahouses on the upper circuit, bakeries and a few small shops. During the main trekking seasons the Himalayan Rescue Association usually runs an aid post here with afternoon talks on altitude sickness, and we recommend going. Tell your guide about any headache or poor sleep tonight.

Max Altitude: 3,540 m / 11,614 ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

Day 06:

Acclimatisation day in Manang with a hike to Gangapurna Lake (3,540 m / 11,614 ft), approx. 3 km / 1.9 miles round trip, 2–3 hrs

This is your rest day, and it is the most important day for safety on the whole trek. In the morning we walk to Gangapurna Lake, the glacial lake below the Gangapurna ice fall just outside the village. The hike is short, so you stay active without tiring yourself.

Spend the afternoon resting, eating and drinking fluids. If you feel strong, your guide can add a short climb higher above the village and return to sleep in Manang. Do not use this day for a long side trip; the Ice Lake and Tilicho side trips need extra days.

Max Altitude: 3,540 m / 11,614 ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

Day 07:

Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,018 m / 13,182 ft), approx. 10.4 km / 6.5 miles, 3–4 hrs

The trail climbs out of Manang to Tenki and turns north up the Jarsang Khola valley. You pass above the tree line, through Gunsang, into open pasture where yaks graze. The walking is steady and the pace should feel slow.

Yak Kharka is a cluster of lodges at just over 4,000 m. It is a short day on purpose, to help acclimatisation. Nights are cold and rooms are basic, so keep warm layers on after sunset and sleep with your water bottle inside your sleeping bag.

Max Altitude: 4,018 m / 13,182 ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

Day 08:

Trek from Yak Kharka to High Camp (4,880 m / 16,010 ft), approx. 8 km / 5 miles, 5–6 hrs

You walk through Ledar, cross a wooden bridge and follow a narrow trail along a slope with some rockfall risk, where your guide will keep the group moving. Lunch is usually at Thorong Phedi (approx. 4,450 m), followed by a steep climb of about 400 m to High Camp.

This is the biggest jump in sleeping altitude on the trek. High Camp is cold, windy and very basic, and appetite often drops here, so eat what you can. If anyone shows signs of altitude sickness, your guide will stop at Thorong Phedi or turn back. Go to bed early; the alarm is before 5 AM.

Max Altitude: 4,880 m / 16,010 ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

Day 09:

Cross Thorong La (5,416 m / 17,769 ft) and trek down to Muktinath Temple (3,710 m / 12,172 ft), approx. 15 km / 9.3 miles, 7–8 hrs

We leave High Camp between 4 and 5 AM, by headtorch, in temperatures well below freezing. The climb to the pass takes about 3 to 4 hours on a clear trail over rock and, sometimes, snow. Wind usually picks up by late morning, so we spend only a few minutes at the prayer flags on Thorong La before starting down.

The descent to Muktinath is about 1,700 m and hard on the knees, so use trekking poles. You reach Charabu and then Ranipauwa, the village beside Muktinath Temple, in the afternoon. Visit the temple's 108 water spouts if you have energy, then rest well.

Max Altitude: 5,416 m / 17,769 ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

Day 10:

Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara (822 m / 2,697 ft) and drop-off at your hotel, approx. 175 km / 109 miles, 6–7 hrs

After breakfast we take the local bus down through Jomsom, Marpha and Ghasa, along the Kali Gandaki between Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna massif. The road is rough and slow as far as Beni, then paved for the last stretch to Pokhara.

Local buses often change at Jomsom and stop frequently, so the day can run longer than the times shown. We drop you at your Pokhara hotel in the evening, which ends our services. If you want a faster, more comfortable day, ask about the private jeep upgrade.

Max Altitude: 822 m / 2,697 ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

Couldn't find what you're after?Reach out to our travel experts, who are eager to plan your trip according to your personal travel preferences.

Customize Trip

Cost Includes

Pickup from your Pokhara hotel on Day 1 and drop-off at your Pokhara hotel on Day 10
Pokhara to Besisahar by public bus or Hiace, and Besisahar to Dharapani by shared jeep
Muktinath to Pokhara by public local bus
Teahouse accommodation for 9 nights on the trek (Days 1 to 9)
Breakfast × 9, Lunch × 10 and Dinner × 9 on the trek (Lunch and Dinner on Day 1, Breakfast and Lunch on Day 10, all three meals on Days 2 to 9)
One main dish from the teahouse menu with one tea or coffee at each included meal
Licensed trekking guide for the full trek (a solo traveller has a guide only, with no porter)
One porter for every two trekkers for groups of two or more, carrying up to 25 kg total
Guide's and porter's wages, meals, accommodation and insurance for the full duration
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Sleeping bag rated to -10°C (14°F) and a duffel bag for each trekker, returned after the trek
First aid kit carried by your guide
All applicable service charges

Cost Excludes

Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Airport pickups and drops
International airfare to and from Nepal
Nepal entry visa fee
Travel insurance with high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation cover (mandatory; we cannot arrange it for you)
Private jeep upgrade (US$350 for 1 pax; US$150 per person for 2 or more)
Porter for a solo traveller
Extra dishes, snacks and drinks beyond the included main dish and tea or coffee
Hot showers, device charging and Wi-Fi at teahouses (typically around US$2 to 4 each, paid directly)
Alcoholic drinks, chocolate and packaged beverages
Personal expenses and shopping
Tips for your guide and porter
Extra accommodation or meals outside the standard itinerary
Costs arising from events beyond our control, such as cancellations, weather delays, road closures, property damage or illness
Anything not listed under Cost Includes

Dates & Availability

We run this trek on private dates of your choice and as a join-group departure. Weather on Thorong La, road work on the Besisahar to Chame road, and landslides on the Kali Gandaki road can each add a day. Please keep at least one free day in Pokhara after Day 10 before any flight, and two in late November or in spring when snow on the pass is more likely.

Essential Information

How Much Does the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara Cost?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara costs US$625 to US$745 per person with Shikhar Adventure, depending on group size. The price covers your guide, porter support for groups, nine teahouse nights, 28 meals on the trail, the ACAP permit and public transport both ways.

Group size	Price per person
1 person	US$745
2 to 4 people	US$695
5 to 8 people	US$645
9 to 12 people	US$625

The price per person falls as the group grows because the guide's wages, meals and insurance are shared among more trekkers. A solo traveller pays the guide's full cost alone, and the solo price includes a guide but no porter.

What changes the price

Private jeep upgrade: US$350 in total for a solo traveller, or US$150 per person for groups, covering both Pokhara to Dharapani and Muktinath to Pokhara.
Extra days: an added acclimatisation day, a weather day at High Camp or a Tilicho Lake side trip.
Porter for a solo traveller: USD 25 Per Day.

On-trail spending (approx., paid directly)

Item	Typical cost
Hot shower	US$2-4 each
Device charging	US$2-4 each
Wi-Fi	US$2-4 each
Boiled or filtered water refill	approx. US$122 per litre, higher near the pass
Extra drinks and snacks	Rises with altitude
Tips for guide and porter	Your choice, see Guides and Porters

Carry all of this in Nepali rupees, since cards are rarely accepted on the trail.

How Difficult Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara?

This trek is strenuous. The trail needs no technical climbing skills. The challenge is eight walking days in a row, a night at 4,880 m and a 5,416 m pass, with less spare time than longer versions, so altitude is the main difficulty.

	Annapurna Circuit from Pokhara	Annapurna Circuit Trek (13 days)
Walking days	8	8
Longest day	Pass day, 8-9 hrs	Pass day, 8-9 hrs
Acclimatisation days	1 (Manang)	1 (Manang)
Drive days	2	3, plus arrival and departure days
Hotels	None	Kathmandu and Pokhara
Grade	Strenuous	Strenuous

The hardest hours are the climb from Thorong Phedi to High Camp on Day 8 and the long descent to Muktinath on Day 9. Our guide to the dangers on the Annapurna and Manaslu circuits covers the real risks.

Altitude and Acclimatisation

Altitude sickness is the main risk on this trek, and most serious problems come from climbing too fast. The itinerary controls this with a high night at Ngawal, a lower night in Manang, a rest day in Manang and a short day to Yak Kharka.

The weak point is Day 8, when sleeping altitude rises by 862 m to High Camp. We manage it by walking slowly, stopping for lunch at Thorong Phedi and checking everyone before the final climb. If you want more margin, add a second night in Manang or sleep at Thorong Phedi and cross the pass from there.

Symptoms to report to your guide straight away:

Headache that does not go away with water and rest
Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite
Dizziness, unusual tiredness or poor balance
Breathlessness while resting
Confusion or a cough with frothy sputum

Our rule is simple: if symptoms get worse, you do not go higher, and if they are severe, you go down. Talk to your doctor before the trip about acetazolamide (Diamox); your guide cannot prescribe it.

Trek Distance and Daily Walking Hours

You walk about 87 km / 54 miles over eight days, and drive about 335 km / 208 miles on Days 1 and 10. Distances on mountain trails are estimates, and the hours matter more than the kilometres.

Day	Walking time	Terrain
2	6-7 hrs	Forest, steep climb to Timang
3	6-7 hrs	Cliff trail and valley floor
4	4-5 hrs	Steep climb to Ghyaru, then level
5	3-4 hrs	Gentle descent
6	2-3 hrs	Short lake hike
7	3-4 hrs	Steady climb above the tree line
8	5-6 hrs	Narrow slope, steep final climb
9	8-9 hrs	Pass climb, long steep descent

A Typical Day on the Trail

Most days follow the same simple rhythm, and knowing it helps you pace yourself.

6:30 to 7:30 AM: wake up, pack your duffel for the porter, breakfast.
7:30 to 8:00 AM: start walking with your daypack.
Late morning: tea break in a village.
12:00 to 1:00 PM: lunch at a teahouse on the trail.
Afternoon: arrive at the overnight stop, wash, rest, walk around the village.
6:00 to 7:00 PM: dinner in the warm dining room, briefing for tomorrow.
8:00 to 9:00 PM: sleep.

Pass day is the exception, with a start between 4 and 5 AM.

Accommodation and Food

You stay nine nights in teahouses, the family-run lodges along the trail. Rooms are simple twin rooms with beds, a pillow and a blanket. Food comes from the teahouse menu, and each included meal is one main dish with a tea or coffee.

Stop	Rooms	Toilets	Hot shower	Charging and Wi-Fi
Dharapani, Chame	Twin rooms, some attached bathrooms	Western and squat	Usually available, paid	Usually available, paid
Upper Pisang, Ngawal	Twin rooms	Mostly shared	Sometimes, paid	Paid, can be slow
Manang	Best lodges on the upper route	Some attached	Usually available, paid	Paid, fairly reliable
Yak Kharka	Basic twin rooms	Shared	Limited	Paid, patchy
High Camp	Very basic, cold	Shared, often squat	Rarely	Paid, unreliable
Muktinath (Ranipauwa)	Comfortable lodges	Some attached	Usually available, paid	Usually available, paid

Dal bhat (rice, lentils and vegetables) is the best-value dish, and many teahouses offer a free second helping. Menus also carry noodles, fried rice, soups, momo, pasta and potatoes. Vegetarian food is easy; vegan and gluten-free options are limited, so tell us before the trek.

Transportation

This package uses public transport to keep the price low. A private jeep is the optional upgrade.

Leg	Included mode	Approx. time	Upgrade
Pokhara hotel to Besisahar	Public bus or Hiace	4-5 hrs	Private jeep
Besisahar to Dharapani	Shared jeep	3-4 hrs	Private jeep
Muktinath to Pokhara	Public local bus, often via Jomsom	6-7 hrs, often longer	Private jeep

Permits for the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara

You need one permit: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). We arrange it for you, and it is included in the price. Permit fees as of September 2026:

Permit	Fee	Who needs it	Where it is checked
ACAP	NPR 3,000 (approx. US$22)	Foreign nationals	Besisahar, Dharapani, Manang, Jomsom and other ACAP posts
ACAP	NPR 1,000 (approx. US$7)	SAARC nationals	Same
ACAP	Free	Children under 10	Same

The ACAP is a single-entry permit with a flat fee, whatever the number of days. Trekkers who reach a checkpoint without one are reported to pay double. Carry the printed permit and your passport; phone photos are not always accepted.

TIMS in 2026: some agencies still list a TIMS card for the Annapurna Circuit. As of September 2026, checkpoints on this route check the ACAP, and the TIMS card is not mandatory here. Our Annapurna permits and TIMS update for 2026 has the details.

Guides: every Shikhar booking includes a licensed guide. Reports differ on whether a guide is legally required inside the Annapurna Conservation Area since Nepal's April 2023 rule, so we include one regardless.

Best Time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara

The best time is October to mid-November, with March to May a close second. Both give stable weather and an open pass on most days.

Season	Months	Conditions	Our view
Autumn	September to November	Clear skies, cold nights, busiest trails	Best, book early
Winter	December to February	Very cold, snow can close Thorong La	Only with extra days
Spring	March to May	Warmer, rhododendrons lower down, some afternoon cloud	Very good
Monsoon	June to August	Rain and landslides on the roads; Manang is drier	Possible, expect delays

Approx. temperatures in October and November:

Place	Daytime	Night
Pokhara	20–25°C (68–77°F)	12–15°C (54–59°F)
Chame	12–18°C (54–64°F)	0–5°C (32–41°F)
Manang	8–15°C (46–59°F)	-5–0°C (23–32°F)
High Camp	0–8°C (32–46°F)	-10°C (14°F) or colder
Thorong La before sunrise		-10 to -15°C (5 to 14°F) with wind chill

Our best time for the Annapurna Circuit guide covers each month.

Fitness and Preparation

You should start training 8 to 12 weeks before the trek. The goal is to walk 6 to 7 hours with a light pack, then do it again the next day.

Weeks 1 to 4: three 45 to 60 minute walks or runs a week, plus two leg strength sessions (squats, lunges, step-ups).
Weeks 5 to 8: one long hike each weekend of 4 to 6 hours with hills and a 5 to 7 kg pack.
Weeks 9 to 12: back-to-back long hikes on Saturday and Sunday, plus stair climbing for the descent to Muktinath.
Every week: stretch your calves and hips, and break in your boots on the long hikes.

If you have heart, lung or blood pressure conditions, see your doctor before booking.

Packing List

Pack light: the porter carries your duffel within a set weight, and you carry a daypack.

Clothing - Thermal base layers, top and bottom - Fleece or light insulated jacket - Warm down jacket for High Camp and the pass - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers - Trekking trousers and quick-dry shirts - Warm hat, sun hat, buff, liner gloves and insulated gloves - Wool trekking socks

Footwear - Broken-in waterproof trekking boots with ankle support - Sandals or light shoes for teahouse evenings - Microspikes in winter and early spring

Gear - 25 to 35 litre daypack with rain cover - Trekking poles - Headtorch with spare batteries - Two 1 litre water bottles and purification tablets or a filter - Sunglasses (category 3 or 4) and SPF 50 sunscreen

Personal - Personal medicines and blister care - Toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitiser - Power bank - Printed copies of your passport and insurance

What we provide on loan: a sleeping bag rated to -10°C (14°F) and a duffel bag, both returned after the trek.

Safety on the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara

Your guide checks every trekker each morning and evening for signs of altitude sickness, and decides the pace. The safety rules below apply on every departure.

Daily checks: your guide asks about headache, appetite, sleep and breathing, and watches how you walk.
Turnaround rule: worsening symptoms mean no further ascent; severe symptoms mean immediate descent.
Pass day timing: we leave High Camp by 5 AM and do not linger at the top, because wind and cold increase in the late morning.
First aid: your guide carries a basic first aid kit.
Evacuation: if someone must be flown out, your guide contacts our Kathmandu office, and we arrange a helicopter through your insurer. That is why your insurance must cover helicopter evacuation up to 5,500 m or higher; see our travel insurance page.

If Plans Change

Things do go differently in the mountains. Here is what happens in the common cases.

Thorong La closed by snow or high wind: we wait at High Camp or drop to Manang and try again. If the pass stays closed, we walk back down the Marsyangdi and drive to Pokhara. Extra days cost [MISSING: per-day cost].
Road delays on Day 1: the Besisahar to Chame road has short closures for paving and landslide clearing, including a day-time closure at Dharapani in September 2026. We wait it out or overnight lower down and adjust the plan.
Road delays on Day 10: landslides on the Kali Gandaki road can stop buses. This is why we ask you to keep a spare day in Pokhara.
Illness or injury: you descend with your guide or a porter. The rest of the group continues with the guide's arrangement [CONFIRM: support staff plan when a group splits].
Leaving early: you can end the trek early, but unused days are not refunded [CONFIRM], and extra transport or hotel nights are your cost.

Guides and Porters

Your guide is licensed, speaks English and knows this route well. For groups of two or more, one porter carries the duffels of every two trekkers, up to [CONFIRM: x] kg per trekker. Please keep your duffel within that limit.

We pay our guides and porters fair wages, and we cover their meals, beds and insurance for every day of the trek. Tipping is expected in Nepal but is your choice; most trekkers tip at the end of the trek, giving the guide and each porter their share directly.

Responsible Travel and Local Culture

The upper Marsyangdi is home to Gurung and Manangi communities with strong Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Small habits make a difference.

Walk clockwise around mani walls, chortens and prayer wheels.
Ask before photographing people, especially inside monasteries.
Remove shoes and hats when entering a monastery.
Refill water bottles instead of buying plastic ones.
Carry your rubbish down, including wrappers and batteries.
Dress modestly at Muktinath Temple, which is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists.

Money, Connectivity and Charging

Carry enough Nepali rupees for the whole trek, and do not rely on ATMs above Besisahar. Change money in Pokhara before Day 1.

Mobile signal is patchy above Chame and very weak near the pass. Most teahouses sell Wi-Fi and charging for a few dollars each, and both get slower and less reliable as you climb. A power bank is the easiest way to keep your phone going. Nepal uses Type C and Type D sockets at 230V.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for this trek. It must cover trekking up to at least 5,500 m, helicopter evacuation, and medical treatment in Nepal. Send us your policy details before the trek; we cannot buy a policy on your behalf. Read more on our travel insurance page.

Solo, Group, Private and Family Trips

You can book this trek alone, as a private group or on a join-group departure. Solo trekkers pay US$745 and walk with their own guide, without a porter unless added. Private groups set their own dates and pace. Families with teenagers who have trekked before do well on this route; we do not recommend it for young children because of the altitude.

Optional Add-Ons

Private jeep on Day 1 and Day 10 (US$350 for 1 pax; US$150 per person for groups).
Extra acclimatisation day in Manang: USD 50 Per person per day
Tilicho Lake side trip from Manang; see the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek.
Pokhara hotel nights before or after the trek(can be arranged upon request).

How to Book

Booking takes a few messages. You can start on WhatsApp or through the booking button on this page.

Send us your dates and group size through the Book This Trip button or WhatsApp at +977 9841869254.
We confirm availability and your price per person, including any upgrades.
Pay your deposit [MISSING: deposit percentage] using one of the methods on our How to Make Payment page. Our Risk-Free Booking Policy explains changes and cancellations.
Send a passport copy and a photo so we can issue your ACAP permit.
Meet your guide in Pokhara for a briefing the evening before Day 1 [CONFIRM].
Pay the balance upon your arrival in Pokhara.
We pick you up from your hotel on the morning of Day 1.

Before You Book

You can walk 6 to 7 hours a day for several days in a row.
Your insurance covers trekking to 5,500 m and helicopter evacuation.
You have a spare day in Pokhara after Day 10 before any flight.
Your passport is valid for at least six months.
You have told us about dietary needs and medical conditions.
You have compared this trek with the 13-day version if this is your first high trek.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara?

It is a 10-day version of the Annapurna Circuit that starts and ends at your hotel in Pokhara. You drive to Dharapani, walk through Chame, Upper Pisang, Ngawal and Manang, cross Thorong La at 5,416 m / 17,769 ft, then drive back from Muktinath. It covers the high section of the circuit without Kathmandu days.

How is this 10-day trek different from your 13-day Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Both cross Thorong La. The 10-day trek starts and ends in Pokhara, uses public transport and includes no hotels. The 13-day Annapurna Circuit Trek starts and ends in Kathmandu with hotel nights in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and costs from US$995. Choose the longer trip if this is your first high-altitude trek.

Is 10 days enough to do the Annapurna Circuit safely?

Yes, for fit trekkers who follow the acclimatisation plan. This itinerary includes a high night at Ngawal (3,660 m / 12,008 ft), a rest day in Manang and a short day to Yak Kharka. The tight point is the climb to High Camp on Day 8. If you want more margin, we can add a second night in Manang.

How much does the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara cost?

It costs US$745 for one person, US$695 per person for 2 to 4 people, US$645 for 5 to 8 people and US$625 for 9 to 12 people. That includes a licensed guide, porter support for groups, nine teahouse nights, 28 meals on the trail, the ACAP permit and public transport both ways.

Why does a solo trekker pay more?

A solo trekker pays the guide's full wages, meals and insurance alone, while a group shares them. The solo price of US$745 includes a licensed guide and no porter. You can add a porter for an extra charge, or pack light and carry your own bag.

How much extra money should I carry on the trek?

Plan for hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi at around US$2 to 4 each, drinking water refills, extra snacks and drinks, and tips. Many trekkers budget US$15 to 25 a day in Nepali rupees. Cards are rarely accepted and ATMs are unreliable above Besisahar, so bring cash from Pokhara.

How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara?

It is strenuous. The trail needs no technical skills. You walk eight days in a row, sleep at 4,880 m / 16,010 ft at High Camp and cross a 5,416 m pass. Day 9 is the hardest, with 7 to 8 hours on the trail and a steep descent of about 1,700 m to Muktinath.

What is the highest point of the trek?

The highest point is Thorong La at 5,416 m / 17,769 ft, crossed on Day 9. The highest place you sleep is High Camp at 4,880 m / 16,010 ft on Day 8. After the pass you descend to Muktinath Temple at 3,710 m / 12,172 ft for the night.

What happens if I get altitude sickness?

Tell your guide as soon as you feel a headache, nausea or dizziness. If symptoms get worse, you stop climbing and rest at the same altitude. If they are severe, you descend straight away with your guide or a porter. If evacuation is needed, we arrange a helicopter through your insurance.

What permits do I need for the Annapurna Circuit from Pokhara?

You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). As of September 2026 it costs NPR 3,000 (approx. US$22) for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, and children under 10 are free. We arrange the ACAP for you, and it is included in the package price.

Do I need a TIMS card for the Annapurna Circuit in 2026?

No. As of September 2026, checkpoints on the Annapurna Circuit check the ACAP permit, and the TIMS card is not mandatory in the Annapurna region. Some older guides and agencies still list it. We will tell you before the trek if this changes.

Do I need a guide for the Annapurna Circuit?

Every trek we run includes a licensed guide, whatever the current enforcement. Reports differ on whether a guide is legally required inside the Annapurna Conservation Area since Nepal's April 2023 rule. A guide also handles your permit, lodges, pace and any emergency.

How do we get from Pokhara to Dharapani?

We pick you up from your Pokhara hotel and take a public bus or Hiace to Besisahar, about 4 to 5 hours. At Besisahar we change to a shared jeep for the rough road to Dharapani. The day covers about 160 km / 99 miles, and a private jeep upgrade is available.

How do we get back from Muktinath to Pokhara?

We take the public local bus down the Kali Gandaki valley through Jomsom and Beni to Pokhara, about 175 km / 109 miles, and drop you at your hotel. The road is rough until Beni and buses stop often, so the day can run long. A private jeep is faster and more comfortable.

Can I upgrade to a private jeep?

Yes. A private jeep for both drives, Pokhara to Dharapani and Muktinath to Pokhara, costs US$350 in total for a solo traveller or US$150 per person for groups of two or more. It is quicker, more comfortable and leaves when your group is ready.

What are the teahouses like on the Annapurna Circuit?

Teahouses are family-run lodges with simple twin rooms, beds, pillows and blankets. Lower villages and Manang have better rooms, some with attached bathrooms. Yak Kharka and High Camp are basic and cold, with shared toilets. Hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi are usually available for a small fee.

Which meals are included?

We include 28 meals: 9 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 9 dinners. Day 1 has lunch and dinner, Day 10 has breakfast and lunch, and Days 2 to 9 have all three meals. Each included meal is one main dish from the teahouse menu with one tea or coffee.

What travel insurance do I need?

Your policy must cover trekking up to at least 5,500 m, helicopter evacuation and medical treatment in Nepal. Insurance is mandatory for this trek, and you need to send us the policy details before Day 1. We cannot buy insurance for you.

What happens if Thorong La is closed?

If snow or strong wind closes Thorong La, we wait at High Camp or return to Manang and try again when it is safe. If the pass stays closed, we walk back down the Marsyangdi valley and drive to Pokhara. Extra days and transport are an additional cost, which your guide explains on the spot.

How do I book the Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara?

Send your dates and group size through the Book This Trip button or on WhatsApp at +977 9841869254. We confirm the price, you pay a deposit using our payment methods, and you send a passport copy and photo for your ACAP. We then pick you up in Pokhara on Day 1.

Can I add Tilicho Lake or extra days?

Yes. You can add an extra acclimatisation day in Manang, a Tilicho Lake side trip, or a spare day at High Camp. Each adds cost and time. Use Customize Trip or message us on WhatsApp, and we will send you an adjusted itinerary and price.

What if I cannot finish the trek?

If you cannot continue, you go down with your guide or a porter to the nearest road and on to Pokhara. The group continues with the rest of the team where possible. Transport and hotel costs from leaving early are yours, and your insurance may cover them depending on the reason.

Ready to Trek the Annapurna Circuit from Pokhara?

In 10 days you walk from the green Marsyangdi valley to the dry hills of Mustang, sleep in stone villages under Annapurna II and cross one of the highest trekking passes in the world. It is a hard trek with long drives at each end, and a very good one if you are fit and have limited time.

Book your dates, customise the plan or ask us a question on WhatsApp. October and early November fill first, and High Camp has only a few lodges, so earlier bookings get more choice.

WhatsApp +977 9841869254