Trek Guide

Annapurna Circuit Day by Day 2026: Full Itinerary & Stage Guide

Complete day-by-day breakdown of the Annapurna Circuit — 15 to 21 days, every village, altitude, accommodation, and what to expect at Thorong La Pass…

By Travel Himalaya Nepal · Jun 17, 2026

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The Prithvi Highway is currently cut at Krishnabhir in Dhading . The Trishuli undercut the carriageway on 30 August and roughly 20 metres of road collapsed; both directions are closed and no reopening date has been given ( The Kathmandu Post , 30 August…

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Quick Facts

Total distance: 160–230 km (varies by route choices) Duration: 15–21 days Highest point: Thorong La Pass, 5,416m Start point: Besisahar (or Bhulbhule) — 6–7 hrs from Kathmandu by bus/jeep End point: Pokhara (via Jomsom or Tatopani) Permits required: ACAP…

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Before You Start: Permits and Logistics

In 2026, every trekker on the Annapurna Circuit needs two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) at $30 USD and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card at $10 USD. Both can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board offices in…

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The Classic Route at a Glance

The circuit is walked counter-clockwise — Besisahar to Manang, over Thorong La, down to Muktinath, and out via Jomsom to Pokhara. This direction means you gain altitude gradually on the longer eastern flank (the Marshyangdi valley), giving your body maximum…

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

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Day 1 — Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m)

Take an early morning tourist bus or private jeep from Kathmandu to Besisahar — approximately 6–7 hours via the Prithvi Highway. Besisahar is the administrative hub of Lamjung district and the traditional start of the circuit. Arrive, check into a teahouse…

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Day 2 — Besisahar to Bahundanda (1,310m) | ~4–5 hrs

The first walking day follows the Marshyangdi River north through terraced rice paddies and small Gurung villages. The jeep track now runs alongside much of this section; most trekkers prefer to stay on the original footpath above the road. Bahundanda…

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Day 3 — Bahundanda to Chamje (1,430m) | ~5 hrs

A moderate day through forests of sal and banana trees, crossing several suspension bridges over the roaring Marshyangdi. The valley narrows into a gorge as you approach Chamje — the teahouses here are simple but the setting, wedged between vertical rock…

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Day 4 — Chamje to Dharapani (1,960m) | ~5–6 hrs

Today you officially enter Manang district and the Annapurna Conservation Area. The landscape shifts — subtropical greenery gives way to drier pine forest and the first Tibetan-influenced architecture. Dharapani (1,960m) marks the junction where a trail…

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Day 5 — Dharapani to Chame (2,710m) | ~5 hrs

Chame is the district headquarters of Manang and the first town with reliable ATMs, pharmacies, and a proper market. Stock up on snacks and batteries. The Marshyangdi valley is now lined with apple orchards, and on clear mornings the summit of Lamjung Himal…

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Day 6 — Chame to Pisang (3,300m) | ~5–6 hrs

One of the most visually rewarding days on the circuit. The trail passes beneath a spectacular 1,500m-high curved rock face — a natural rock climbing wall — before opening into the wide Pisang Valley with the first jaw-dropping views of Annapurna II (7,937m)…

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Day 7 — Pisang to Manang (3,519m) | ~5–6 hrs (via Upper Route)

The upper route via Ghyaru (3,730m) and Ngawal (3,660m) is longer and harder than the valley floor path but offers arguably the finest panorama on the entire circuit: Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna arranged in a single sweeping arc above you. Both…

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