A fast-paced 10-day trek around the Annapurna massif crossing the mighty Thorong La Pass at 5,416m. Designed for fit trekkers with limited time who still want to experience the classic circuit's diverse landscapes and cultures.
Highlights
Cross the iconic Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the world's highest trekking passes
Trek through diverse landscapes from subtropical forests to high-altitude deserts
Visit the sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site of Muktinath Temple
Experience authentic Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali cultures
Panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Machhapuchhre ranges
Explore the ancient village of Manang with its Tibetan-influenced architecture
Soak in the natural hot springs at Tatopani
Scenic drives through the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki river valleys
Duration
10 Days
Difficulty
Hard
Group size
Up to 12
Languages
English, Nepali, German
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport where our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. After freshening up, meet your trekking guide for a pre-trip briefing covering the route, safety protocols, and gear check. Explore the vibrant streets of Thamel in the evening at your leisure.
1 Night/ 1 Day3-star Hotel in Kathmandu
2
Day 2: Drive to Chame (2,710m) via Besisahar
Depart Kathmandu early for a long but scenic drive through the Trishuli and Marsyangdi river valleys to Besisahar (760m). Switch to a jeep for the rugged mountain road climbing through terraced fields, dense forests, and dramatic gorges to reach Chame, the administrative headquarters of Manang district. Enjoy your first close-up views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
9-10 hours215 Km1,310mBreakfastLunchDinnerTeahouse in Chame
3
Day 3: Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m)
Begin trekking through pine forests along the Marsyangdi River, passing the dramatic Paungda Danda rock face, a curved 1,500m cliff of solid granite. The trail gradually ascends through apple orchards and traditional villages. Reach Upper Pisang for stunning panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, and IV.
5-6 hours14 Km590mBreakfastLunchDinnerTeahouse in Upper Pisang
4
Day 4: Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540m)
Take the higher, more scenic route via Ghyaru and Ngawal villages, offering the best mountain views on the entire trek. Visit ancient monasteries and experience the Tibetan-Buddhist culture of the region. Descend to Manang, a bustling trading village with cobblestone streets and traditional stone houses set against a spectacular alpine backdrop.
6-7 hours17 Km600m360mBreakfastLunchDinnerTeahouse in Manang
5
Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Manang
Spend a critical acclimatization day in Manang with a hike up to Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake (4,600m) to aid altitude adaptation. Attend the informative altitude sickness lecture at the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic. Explore the ancient village, visit Braga Monastery, and rest well for the challenging days ahead.
3-4 hours hike6 Km500m500mBreakfastLunchDinnerTeahouse in Manang
6
Day 6: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m)
A shorter trekking day designed for gradual acclimatization. Ascend gradually through dwarf juniper forests and yak grazing pastures, leaving the tree line behind. The landscape becomes increasingly barren and dramatic as you enter the high alpine zone. Spot blue sheep and Himalayan griffons along the way.
3-4 hours10 Km510mBreakfastLunchDinnerTeahouse in Yak Kharka
7
Day 7: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp (4,880m)
Cross a suspension bridge over a landslide area and continue climbing to Thorong Phedi (4,540m) for lunch. Push on with a steep one-hour climb to High Camp for a better start on pass day. The thin air makes progress slow; take it easy, hydrate well, and rest early as you'll begin the pass crossing before dawn.
4-5 hours7 Km830mBreakfastLunchDinnerBasic Teahouse at High Camp
8
Day 8: Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,800m)
The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Start around 4:00 AM to cross the pass before strong afternoon winds. Ascend steadily for 3-4 hours to reach the prayer flag-adorned Thorong La Pass, celebrating with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Begin the long, knee-testing descent of over 1,600m to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, where you can visit the temple complex.
7-9 hours15 Km536m1,616mBreakfastLunchDinnerTeahouse in Muktinath
9
Day 9: Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara (820m) via Jomsom
After a morning visit to Muktinath Temple, drive down through the arid, wind-swept landscape of the Kali Gandaki valley, the world's deepest gorge, to Jomsom. Continue by jeep or take a short scenic flight (optional, extra cost) to Pokhara. Arrive in the lakeside city and unwind by beautiful Phewa Lake with views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas.
8-9 hours170 Km2,980mBreakfastLunch3-star Hotel in Pokhara
10
Day 10: Drive/Fly to Kathmandu and Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Pokhara before taking a tourist bus (6-7 hours) or a short 25-minute flight (optional) back to Kathmandu. Depending on your international departure time, enjoy last-minute shopping in Thamel or relax at your hotel. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately 3 hours before your flight for your onward journey.
6-7 hours200 KmBreakfast
What’s included
All airport transfers in a private vehicle
2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
All ground transportation as per itinerary (Kathmandu-Besisahar-Chame; Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu)
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
Teahouse accommodation during the trek
Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
Porter service (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
ACAP permit and TIMS card
Guide and porter salary, insurance, meals, and accommodation
First aid medical kit
Government taxes and service charges
What’s not included
International flights to and from Nepal
Nepal entry visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Personal expenses (drinks, snacks, laundry, Wi-Fi, hot showers, charging)
Tips for guide and porter
Emergency evacuation costs
Any items not mentioned in inclusions
Available add-ons
5-Start Hotel
$300
Stay a luxurious stay in 5 star hotel insted of common Teahouses.