This is the shortest Annapurna Circuit plan we consider sensible. It keeps the Thorong La and one rest day, and uses roads and a flight to remove the low-valley walking. Altitudes and times are approximate.
Day by day
Altitudes and walking times on this page are approximate and differ a little between maps, GPS devices and lodges. Treat them as planning figures, not survey data.
- Kathmandu to Dharapani (about 1,860 m) by road via Besisahar. A long drive, 9 to 11 hours depending on the road.
- Dharapani to Chame (about 2,670 m). Jeep or walk.
- Chame to Pisang (about 3,200 m). Walk, 5 to 6 hours.
- Pisang to Manang (about 3,540 m). 5 to 6 hours.
- Manang rest day. A gentle hike and an early night.
- Manang to Yak Kharka (about 4,018 m). Short day.
- Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (about 4,450 m).
- Thorong La (about 5,416 m) to Muktinath (about 3,710 m). A very long day, 9 to 11 hours.
- Muktinath to Jomsom (about 2,720 m) by jeep, then fly to Pokhara if weather allows.
Why the first day matters
Starting from Kathmandu at about 1,400 m, you sleep near 1,860 m the first night. That is easy on the body but hard on the spine; the road is bumpy. Plan to rest on arrival.
The tightest nights
Pisang to Manang is +340 m. Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi is +430 m. Both are inside the usual guide of about 500 m. The weakness is that there is only one rest day.
Spare time
Add at least one spare day for the Jomsom flight and one for the pass. Without them, a weather delay can leave you stuck. See buffer days.
Directions
This plan runs counter-clockwise, which is the usual direction because the pass is easier to climb from the Manang side. See Annapurna Circuit guides.
The pass-day timeline
Wake at 3 or 4 a.m., eat a light breakfast and leave Thorong Phedi by lamplight. Reach the pass in four to five hours, rest briefly in the cold, and descend to Muktinath for a late lunch. See our Thorong La guides for the full timeline.
What if the pass is closed
Your options are to wait a day, walk back to Manang, or take the Jomsom road via a long jeep route. Having one spare day makes the first option easy.
Common questions
How long is the drive from Kathmandu?
Commonly 9 to 11 hours to Dharapani, depending on road conditions.
Is the pass day very long?
Yes. Expect 9 to 11 hours from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath.
Can I fly out of Jomsom?
Yes, in the morning, weather permitting.
What our guests say
Excerpts from trekker reviews on our reviews page.
“Himalayan Wonders took care of the flights, choppers, anything at very short notice during floods and bad weather.”
