Annapurna Circuit Trek

Touch down in the vibrant chaos of Kathmandu. As you exit Tribhuvan International Airport, the energy of the capital hits you immediately.

Our team will transfer you to your hotel in Thamel, Nepal’s trekking hub. Spend the afternoon navigating the narrow, winding streets filled with trekking gear shops, rickshaws, and the scent of incense. This is your chance to pick up any last-minute gear (renting a down jacket or sleeping bag is easy here) and exchange currency. In the evening, we gather for a trip briefing and a welcome dinner to meet your guide and fellow adventurers.

The adventure begins with a long but scenic drive west of Kathmandu. We leave the city early to beat the traffic, winding along the Prithvi Highway alongside the Trishuli River.

The road eventually turns north, following the Marsyangdi River valley. The drive is an experience in itself, offering window-seat views of rural Nepali life, terraced farms, and suspension bridges.

The road conditions can be rough as we approach the starting point, adding to the sense of adventure.

We arrive in Bhulbhule, a quiet riverside village, where the roar of the Marsyangdi River will lull you to sleep.

Lace up your boots; the trekking starts today. The trail follows the Marsyangdi River upstream, cutting through lush subtropical vegetation.

It’s hot and humid at this low altitude, so stay hydrated. You will cross several suspension bridges that sway high above the turquoise water—a classic feature of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

The trail involves some steep stone staircases, a good warm-up for the days ahead. We pass through the village of Ngadi and witness the impressive 60-meter waterfall before a final climb brings us to Jagat, a beautiful stone village that was once a tax-collection post for the salt trade.

Today, the valley narrows into a steep gorge. The trail is cut into the cliff face in some sections, offering dramatic drops to the river below.

We enter the Manang district at the village of Tal, which sits on a flat sandy plain next to the river, complete with a stunning waterfall backdrop.

It feels like a hidden oasis. From Tal, the trail becomes more rugged as we push toward Dharapani.

Keep your eyes peeled for the first clear views of Manaslu (8,156m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, looming in the distance. The vegetation begins to shift from tropical to pine and fir forests.

The altitude gain becomes noticeable today as we climb through dense forests of pine and oak. The air gets cooler and crisper.

We pass through Bagarchhap, known for its Tibetan-style architecture and flat-roofed stone houses, signaling our entry into Buddhist-influenced regions.

The trail offers spectacular views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II (7,937m). The climb to Chame, the administrative headquarters of Manang, is steady.

As you enter Chame, you are greeted by a large mani wall and prayer wheels. Relax in the evening and enjoy the view of Lamjung Himal glowing pink at sunset.

Prepare for one of the most dramatic scenery changes of the trek. We walk through a steep, narrow valley where the rock face of Paungda Danda (the Great Swargadwari Wall) rises 1,500 meters straight up from the river—a massive, smooth slab of rock that looks like a giant skateboard ramp.

The trail cuts through deep apple orchards (try the local dried apples!) and pine forests. As we reach Pisang, the valley opens up, and the vegetation becomes sparse.

We are now entering the rain shadow of the Himalayas. Upper Pisang offers incredible views of Annapurna II and is home to a beautiful monastery.

We take the “Upper Trail” via Ghyaru and Ngawal today—it’s tougher but absolutely mandatory for the views.

This route offers the most famous panoramic vista of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, with Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak lined up in front of you. The landscape is now fully arid and high-altitude, resembling the Tibetan plateau.

You will pass ancient stupas and herds of yaks grazing on thorny bushes. The descent into Manang is dusty and windy.

Manang is a bustling village with bakeries, movie halls, and shops, serving as our base for acclimatization.

“Climb high, sleep low” is the golden rule of trekking. We do not stay idle today. We embark on a steep hike up to Gangapurna Lake or the Praken Gompa (Lama’s cave) above the village to force our bodies to adapt to the thin air (approx. 3,800m).

The views of the Gangapurna Glacier tumbling down into the azure lake are mesmerizing. In the afternoon, attend the daily altitude sickness lecture at the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic in Manang.

Use the rest of the day to eat carb-heavy meals and hydrate. This day is critical for your success on the pass.

We leave the comforts of Manang behind and head into the wilder alpine zone. The trees have completely disappeared, replaced by juniper bushes and alpine grasses.

The trail ascends steadily, and you will feel the lack of oxygen with every step. Pace yourself—slow and steady wins this race.

We pass through the village of Gunsang and cross a suspension bridge to reach Yak Kharka (“Yak Pasture”).

As the name suggests, you will likely see yaks grazing on the steep slopes. Keep an eye out for blue sheep (Bharal) on the cliffs above. The nights here are freezing, so bundle up.

Today is a short but mentally intense walk to the foot of the pass. The trail winds along the eastern bank of the Jarsang Khola.

We must cross a notorious landslide area where rockfall is a risk; listen to your guide and move quickly across this section.

We arrive at Thorong Phedi (“Base of the Pass”) by lunchtime. The landscape is barren, rocky, and surrounded by high vertical cliffs.

You can hike to High Camp (4,925m) for acclimatization, but we sleep at Phedi to ensure better rest. Eat a heavy dinner and pack your bags; we start walking long before sunrise tomorrow.

The Summit Day. We wake up around 3:00 AM and begin the ascent by headlamp. The cold is biting, and the wind can be fierce.

The trail is steep and relentless, zigzagging up the moraine. You will fight for breath, but the sunrise painting the peaks in gold will keep you moving.

Reaching the prayer flags of Thorong La Pass (5,416m) is a moment of pure euphoria—you are standing on the roof of the world.

After celebrating, prepare for a long, knee-grinding descent of 1,600 meters into the Mustang district. We arrive in Muktinath, exhausted but triumphant, greeted by the sight of the sacred temple complex.

After the grueling pass crossing, today is a lighter day. In the morning, we visit the famous Muktinath Temple, a site of immense spiritual significance.

You will see pilgrims taking freezing showers under the 108 stone water spouts and visiting the “Eternal Flame” that burns from a natural gas vent.

The contrast between Hindu shrines and Buddhist gompas side by side is a beautiful example of religious harmony.

The landscape here is stark and dusty, typical of the Mustang region. You have the afternoon free to rest or explore the local market, where Tibetan traders sell wool and turquoise.

We begin our descent into the Kali Gandaki Valley. The trail drops down to Kagbeni (the gateway to Upper Mustang) and then follows the riverbed to Jomsom.

Be prepared: the Kali Gandaki wind starts howling around late morning, blasting sand and dust. Wear sunglasses and a buff! We push past the airport town of Jomsom to reach Marpha, the “Apple Capital of Nepal.”

This is one of the most charming villages on the trek, with whitewashed stone houses and narrow paved alleys. You must try the local apple brandy and the famous Marpha apple pie—it’s the best in the Himalayas.

We continue descending through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, reputed to be the deepest in the world, sandwiched between Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m).

The vegetation returns as we drop in altitude, shifting back to pine forests and eventually subtropical greenery. The air gets thicker and warmer.

We arrive in Tatopani (which translates to “Hot Water”). Drop your bags and head straight for the natural hot springs beside the river. Soaking in the hot mineral water with a cold beer in hand is the ultimate reward for your tired legs.

Don’t get too comfortable; today is a tough climbing day. We leave the river and ascend steeply through terraced fields and villages like Sikha and Chitre.

This is a massive elevation gain (over 1,600m). However, the trail is beautiful, passing through some of Nepal’s largest rhododendron forests.

If you are trekking in spring (March/April), the entire hillside is ablaze with red and pink flowers. We reach Ghorepani (“Horse Water”) in the late afternoon.

The village offers spectacular views of Annapurna South and Nilgiri, setting the stage for tomorrow’s sunrise.

We start early (4:30 AM) for the 45-minute hike up to Poon Hill (3,210m). This vantage point offers one of the most famous sunrises in the Himalayas.

Watch as the sun illuminates Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) in a spectacular light show.

After soaking it in, we descend to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek down through the forest to Nayapul. From there, a private vehicle will drive us to Pokhara.

The transition from the rugged mountains to the relaxed, lakeside vibe of Pokhara is jarring but welcome. Enjoy a hot shower and a real bed!

Pokhara is the adrenaline capital of Nepal. Today is a free day to relax or chase more thrills. You can take a boat ride on the tranquil Phewa Lake, seeing the reflection of Machhapuchhre in the water.

For the adventurous, this is one of the best places in the world for paragliding—soaring with the hawks over the lake.

Visit the World Peace Pagoda, the International Mountain Museum, or simply relax at a lakeside cafe with good coffee and food.

We board a tourist bus for the return journey to Kathmandu. The drive takes about 6-7 hours, following the river valleys back to the capital.

Use this time to edit your photos, listen to music, or simply watch the countryside roll by. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we transfer you to your hotel. The evening is free for you to rest or grab dinner in Thamel.

A buffer day is essential in case of delays during the trek, but otherwise, it’s a perfect day for sightseeing.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the monkey temple of Swayambhunath, or the massive stupa at Boudhanath.

This is also the best time to buy souvenirs—pashminas, singing bowls, and thangkas are popular choices. In the evening, we host a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful completion of the Annapurna Circuit.

Your Himalayan adventure comes to an end. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few hours for a final breakfast or a stroll.

Our team will transfer you to the airport 3 hours before your flight. You leave Nepal with sore legs, a full camera, and memories that will last a lifetime. Namaste and safe travels!