Kathmandu/Pokhara: Annapurna Circuit Trek 10 days

Your lungs start negotiating at 5,416 meters. This Annapurna Circuit trek is a hands-on mix of big high-mountain scenery and warm village life, with a standout day crossing Thorong La. One catch: your daily budget and comfort level depend on what you bring, because meals are not included and hot showers and charging are not available everywhere.

I like that this is run with an experienced English-speaking guide and a private group pace, so you are not stuck in a stampede. You also get the basics covered up front, from required permits to teahouse accommodation during the trek.

You climb from subtropical river valleys up into harsher, arid terrain, then down through sacred places like Muktinath and dramatic canyons such as the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Just know this trek asks for steady effort, and the altitude makes you earn every view.

Key highlights you will feel on the ground

• Thorong La Pass payoff: the high point at 5,416 meters, with wide Himalayan panoramas
• Annapurna Conservation Area trekking: a big chunk of the route inside a protected region
• Manang acclimatization day: a full day to help your body adjust before the pass
• Muktinath temples and monasteries: a spiritual stop after the hardest walking day
• Kali Gandaki Gorge scenery: famous deep canyon walls, framed by towering peaks
• Teahouse days with real logistics: accommodation is included, but meals and charging vary

Entering the Annapurna Circuit, from Kathmandu to Dharapani

Day 1 is long by road, but it serves a purpose. You travel from Kathmandu to the trailhead area around Dharapani (about 1,860 meters / 6,109 feet), so you get moving without starting your trek at high altitude.

Dharapani is where the trek vibe clicks into place. You go from city noise to the slow rhythm of a mountain route that follows the Marsyangdi River. It is a gentle on-ramp that helps you understand the pace you will use for the days ahead.

If you hate “doing nothing,” you might feel restless on Day 1. But if you want to arrive already ready to walk, this start is a smart setup.

Chame and Pisang, watching the air thin as you climb

Days 2 to 4 build your altitude step by step. You go from Dharapani to Chame (around 2,670 meters / 8,757 feet), then onward to Pisang (about 3,300 meters / 10,827 feet), and finally to Manang (around 3,540 meters / 11,614 feet).

What I like here is the gradual change in feel. The route starts in greener subtropical valleys with terraced fields and villages, then climbs into alpine forest. As you keep rising, the terrain starts to look more rugged and arid, like a Himalayan version of the Tibetan high country.

This stretch is also when your body starts learning the new rules. Some days will feel fine until you realize your breathing rate has changed. That is normal. The value of this phased climb is that it gives you time to adjust before the pass day.

The Manang acclimatization day that can save your pass day

Day 5 is your acclimatization day in Manang, staying at about 3,540 meters / 11,614 feet. This is not a “waste a day” break. It is the day your body uses to handle altitude better, so the big crossing feels less cruel.

Manang is also a useful place to set your plan for what comes next: how you will pace, when you will take breaks, and how you will respond to cold and reduced oxygen. If you are the type who tries to power through problems, this day gives you a chance to do the opposite, and it pays off later.

I’d take acclimatization seriously here. Even if you feel strong, your plan should be to arrive at Thorong La day with energy left, not just with a proud attitude.

Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi, the final approach to 5,416 meters

Days 6 and 7 raise the stakes. You move from Manang to Yak Kharka (around 4,000 meters / 13,123 feet), then up to Thorong Phedi (about 4,450 meters / 14,600 feet). These walking days are shorter in time than what comes before, but the altitude makes them feel heavier.

This approach matters because it sets you up for the crossing day. You want your legs ready, and you want your breathing to be as steady as possible when the trail turns toward the top.

On this kind of climb, I pay attention to small decisions. Take breaks before you feel desperate. Follow your guide’s pace. And do not treat the final ascent like a sprint, because the pass crossing is the main event.

Thorong La Pass to Muktinath, 5,416 meters then sacred calm

Day 8 is the star, and it is also the most demanding. You go from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), then descend to Muktinath around 3,710 meters (12,171 feet). It is a full day of climbing high, then dropping altitude fast enough that your body notices the change immediately.

The reward is the panoramic payoff. From the pass you get wide views of major peaks such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. Even when weather is mixed, the experience of standing at that altitude point is unforgettable in a very practical way, it proves you can do hard things on a measured plan.

After you cross, you reach Muktinath, a sacred town with ancient temples and monasteries to explore. I like that the trek does not end at the hardest altitude moment. You get a shift in tone, from physical struggle to spiritual place, and it helps make the day feel complete.

Kali Gandaki Gorge to Jomsom and Pokhara, plus apples, hot springs, and sunrise

After Muktinath, the trek continues through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, described as the world’s deepest gorge. You head toward Jomsom (around 2,720 meters / 8,923 feet) on Day 9, typically a 5 to 6 hour walking day, then continue by drive back to Pokhara on Day 10 (about 6 to 8 hours).

This is where the circuit’s story turns more cultural and more varied. The route also includes a stop in Marpha, known for apple orchards, and time to relax in the natural hot springs of Tatopani. In the final stretch, the trek ends in rhododendron forests around Ghorepani, with a sunrise at Poon Hill that gives a broad panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

I like this ending because it is not just about finishing. You get a calmer transition, with food and soak time, then a last burst of views at sunrise before reaching Pokhara.

Teahouses, meals, and the real cost of comfortable trekking

Teahouse accommodation is included during the trek, which is a big value point. You also get a first aid kit and trekking maps, plus a farewell dinner after the trek.

But meals are not included. That means your $430 per person price is for the trek structure, not for every meal you eat every day. If you like to try lots of options at mealtimes, your spending will rise. If you budget calmly, it will be manageable.

Also plan for uneven comfort. Some teahouses do not offer hot showers and charging facilities. If you rely on charging daily, bring a power bank and use charging time wisely when it is available. When you go higher, cold temperatures make batteries drain faster, even if your schedule stays the same.

Guide support that people keep naming, Kim, Khim, Nir, and Milan

The strongest pattern in the experience is human support. The trek is led by an experienced English-speaking guide, and the private group format means the route is handled with attention to your pace.

People specifically mention guides such as Kim and Khim, plus Milan and Nir, and they also note porter support such as Dill. That matters because on a high-altitude trek, logistics are the difference between a hard day and a miserable day. A good guide helps you plan the route day by day, reads how you are feeling, and keeps you safe while still getting you to the views.

If you want more than just directions, this kind of team is a selling point. The best outcome is not faster walking. It is smarter decisions that help you finish strong.

Altitude basics for Thorong La, so you do not fight your own body

This trek tops out at Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. That is the kind of altitude where your body can feel like it is working against you, even when your fitness is good.

The itinerary includes an acclimatization day in Manang, and that is a key piece of the design. Still, you should treat pass day as your main test, not the days that feel hardest on paper. Cold, fatigue, and thin air can all show up suddenly, so pace like you plan to save something for the descent.

Also consider that this trek is not suitable for pregnant women. If anyone in your group has medical concerns, you should check with a qualified professional before committing to a high-altitude trek.

Price and value at about $430 per person

At $430 per person for 10 days, this can feel like a bargain if you compare it to the cost of doing everything separately in Nepal. Permits are included, and so is transportation from Kathmandu or Pokhara to the trailhead. You also get an experienced English-speaking guide, teahouse accommodation, maps, a first aid kit, and a farewell dinner.

What lowers your “all-in” cost compared to some other trips is also what changes your planning. Meals are not included, travel insurance is mandatory, and you still need your own personal gear like a sleeping bag and warm layers. In other words, the trip price covers the expedition backbone, not your daily consumption and not the gear that keeps you safe.

If you already have the right cold-weather gear and you are comfortable budgeting for meals, the $430 price starts to look especially fair.

Should you book the Annapurna Circuit trek with Peak to Peak Treks?

Book this trek if you want a classic Himalayan circuit with a real physical challenge, especially the Thorong La Pass highlight and the mix of sacred and scenic stops like Muktinath and the Kali Gandaki Gorge. The included permits, guide, and teahouse accommodation make it easier to travel smart and not overcomplicate things.

Skip it, or at least rethink it, if you know you will struggle with high altitude or if the idea of limited hot showers and charging would grind you down. Also remember it is not suitable for pregnant women.

If you want a trek where the human support matters as much as the scenery, this one has strong evidence behind it through named guides and consistent praise for their care.

FAQ

What is the highest altitude on this trek?

You cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. After the pass, you descend to Muktinath at about 3,710 meters.

Are permits included?

Yes. The trek includes the necessary permits, including ACAP and TIMS.

Is a guide provided, and what language do they speak?

Yes. You’ll have an experienced guide who speaks English.

Is teahouse accommodation included?

Yes. Teahouse accommodation is included during the trek.

Are meals included in the price?

No. Meals during the trek are not included.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory, and it should cover high-altitude trekking.