Annapurna Circuit Trek

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, complete immigration and collect your baggage. After clearing customs, you'll be transferred to your hotel for check-in, where you can relax and unwind after your journey.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 6-8 hour drive to Chame (2,710m), the administrative hub of Manang District. The journey winds along the Marsyangdi River valley, passing waterfalls, pine forests, and charming villages like Besishahar and Ngadi. Pause for lunch in Chamje before continuing through apple orchards and dramatic gorges. As you climb, enjoy your first stunning glimpses of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.

Upon reaching Chame, check into a simple  lodge and explore this lively mountain town. Visit hot springs, browse local shops, or sample its famous apple brandy at nearby distilleries. Relax and unwind as you prepare for the trek ahead. The bustling atmosphere and breathtaking surroundings make Chame an ideal stop before your adventure begins tomorrow.

Your trek starts in Chame (2,710m), winding through fragrant pine forests with occasional views of Annapurna II. After two hours, reach Bhratang (2,850m), known for its apple orchards and dramatic rock formations. The trail then ascends steadily to Dhikur Pokhari (3,060m), where vibrant prayer flags dance in the wind, and Pisang Peak comes into view.

Continuing uphill, arrive at Upper Pisang (3,300m), a traditional village with stone houses and a hilltop monastery offering panoramic views of the Annapurna range. A short descent leads to Lower Pisang (3,200m), where Tibetan-style homes and riverside lodges create a tranquil setting. Spend the evening soaking in the serene atmosphere, surrounded by the glow of snow-capped peaks, a perfect end to your first day on the trail.

The trail ascends from Pisang through fragrant juniper forests and alpine meadows to the scenic village of Ngawal (3,660m). Along the way, marvel at Annapurna II, IV, and Gangapurna while crossing rocky ridges and passing traditional Manangi settlements. Perched high above the valley, Ngawal offers breathtaking Himalayan vistas away from the busier routes.

This hidden gem enchants with its ancient chortens, prayer flags, and stone houses steeped in Tibetan Buddhist culture. Spend the evening acclimatizing in peaceful solitude, sipping warming garlic soup, and soaking in the village’s serene mountain atmosphere, a perfect high-altitude retreat before continuing your journey.

Leaving Ngawal after breakfast, witness a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurnas before descending through golden meadows into the Marshyangdi Valley. Step into Braga’s timeless monastery, where five centuries of faith echo through stone walls and silent prayer. Inside, discover preserved murals and Buddhist manuscripts that tell of the region’s profound spiritual journey. The peaceful detour offers a profound cultural interlude before continuing your journey.

The trail then leads to Manang (3,540m), where the valley widens to reveal barley fields and traditional stone houses framed by towering peaks. This bustling trekking stop provides ideal acclimatization, browse local bakeries, attend an altitude talk at the Himalayan Rescue Association, or simply soak in the vibrant mountain atmosphere as you prepare for higher elevations.

This crucial acclimatization day in Manang (3,540m) blends rest with gentle activity to prepare for higher elevations. Wander through the village’s stone alleys, where Tibetan prayer flags flutter beneath snow-capped peaks, and visit cultural treasures like Braga Gompa’s ancient monastery. Light exploration helps your body adapt while immersing you in local traditions.

Stay active while acclimatizing with a hike to Gangapurna Lake or Milarepa Cave, both offer incredible views of the surrounding peaks. Sip garlic soup, drink plenty of fluids, and relax in Manang’s serene atmosphere. This strategic balance of movement and rest ensures you’re ready for the challenging days ahead while enjoying the Himalayan culture at a mindful pace.

The trail from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m) rises steadily through breathtaking alpine terrain, gaining 510 meters in elevation. Leaving the valley behind, the path ascends past yak-grazed meadows, rocky slopes, and sparse juniper shrubs, with sweeping views of the Annapurna range ever-present. Cross wooden bridges over glacial streams and pause at rustic teahouses to rest and warm up in the crisp mountain air.

As you approach Yak Kharka, the landscape widens into open, windswept pastures with the first distant glimpses of Thorong La’s snow-covered flanks. Settle into a simple lodge for the night, enjoy a hearty serving of dal bhat, and focus on continued acclimatization for the challenges ahead.

Today’s trek is a short yet demanding ascent from Yak Kharka (4,050m) to Thorong Phedi (4,540m), covering around 6 kilometers in 3–4 hours. The rugged trail climbs steadily along the Jhong River, with switchbacks revealing stunning views of Gangapurna and Khatung Kang. As you gain altitude, the terrain becomes more barren, and sightings of yaks or blue sheep grazing along the slopes are common.

Arrive at Thorong Phedi by midday and settle into one of the simple lodges. Rest well, stay hydrated, and consider a short acclimatization hike to High Camp (4,800m) if you're feeling strong. Enjoy an early dinner and get to bed early. Tomorrow’s pre-dawn climbs over Thorong La will be your most challenging day.

Your pre-dawn ascent to Thorong La Pass (5,416m) is the trek’s ultimate test. Under a starry sky, you’ll climb steep switchbacks, battling altitude and cold until sunrise illuminates the prayer-flag-adorned summit. The reward? A breathtaking panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, a triumphant moment.

The 1,600m descent to Muktinath (3,800m) unveils Mustang’s stark beauty. In this holy town stands the Vishnu Temple, famed for its eternal flame and 108 purifying waterspouts. As you relax in a simple  lodge, savor the pride of conquering Nepal’s iconic high-altitude pass, a feat that redefines your limits.

After breakfast, buckle up for an exhilarating 3-hour 4WD adventure through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Valley. The rugged journey reveals ever-changing landscapes as we descend to Tatopani ("Hot Water"), where steaming thermal pools await beneath lush hillsides.

Check into your lodge and surrender to the village’s legendary hot springs – nature’s perfect reward for conquering Thorong La. As mineral-rich waters soothe your muscles, watch local life unfold along the riverside, with the sound of the Kali Gandaki’s rushing waters completing this blissful recovery day. The warmth healing prepares you perfectly for the final stretch of your Himalayan journey.

The day begins crossing the Kali Gandaki on creaking suspension bridges, followed by a steady climb through emerald terraces and rhododendron forests bursting with color. Over 6-7 hours, the trail reveals ever-grander Himalayan vistas as you approach Ghorepani (2,850m), a picturesque Magar village of slate-roofed homes and welcoming teahouses.

After checking into a simple lodge with a crackling fireplace, join fellow trekkers preparing for tomorrow's dawn hike. Wander through the village as dusk transforms Dhaulagiri into a fiery silhouette against the darkening sky, your first taste of the legendary Poon Hill sunrise awaiting just hours away. The crisp mountain air and warm hospitality make Ghorepani the perfect staging ground for this iconic Himalayan experience.

Rise early for a captivating one-hour trek up to Poon Hill at 3,210 meters. As the first rays light up the Himalayas, marvel at a breathtaking panorama of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) bathed in golden hues. After soaking in the views, descend back to Ghorepani for a hearty breakfast, then continue trekking through enchanting rhododendron forests alive with birdsong.

The 5-6 hour trek to Tadapani (2,630m) features a mix of steep climbs and gentle descents, with occasional clearings offering close-up views of Annapurna’s majestic peaks. Arrive by afternoon at this charming village, where simple teahouses nestle among moss-covered trees. Unwind by the fireplace or capture the sunset as it casts a warm alpenglow over Machhapuchhre, a perfect end to your Himalayan journey.

Your final trekking day starts with a gentle descent through fragrant rhododendron forests, where glimpses of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre peek through the trees. The trail meanders past terraced farms and cascading waterfalls before reaching Ghandruk (1,940m), a picturesque Gurung village nestled against the majestic Himalayan backdrop. Stone houses with slate roofs cluster on the hillside, creating a postcard-perfect scene.

Spend your afternoon immersing yourself in Gurung culture. At the Gurung Museum, admire traditional tools and ceremonial costumes, or watch skilled women weaving woolen blankets by hand. As dusk settles, share a cup of tongba (millet beer) with villagers while the sunset paints Annapurna in fiery silhouette—a heartfelt finale to your Himalayan adventure.

The final trekking day unfolds with a peaceful 4-hour descent through golden mustard terraces, following the thunderous Modi Khola gorge to Nayapul. Your crew bids farewell with traditional Khada scarves before you board the vehicle for Pokhara, the two-hour journey treating you to cascading waterfalls and fleeting views of Machhapuchhre s iconic fishtail peak through the valley mist.

Arriving at the lakeside, embrace civilization’s comforts: steaming showers, plush beds, and the freedom to explore. Spend your afternoon floating over Phewa Lake by paraglider, hunting for treasures in Tibetan shops, or simply savoring a well-earned coffee. As sunset paints Annapurna in rosy hues, toast your Himalayan triumph with Newari rice beer from a rooftop bar, the mountains you conquered now glowing in the distance like a dream.

Your Himalayan journey culminates with a spectacular 25-minute flight to Kathmandu, often ranked among the world’s most scenic air routes. Peer through your window at the snow-capped Annapurna range shrinking below as you transition from mountain serenity to urban energy. After landing, settle into your hotel where hot showers and city comforts await.

Spend your final afternoon soaking up Kathmandu’s vibrant culture: marvel at the intricate woodcarvings of Durbar Square’s temples, bargain for treasures in Thamel’s maze-like alleys, or relax with a well-earned Everest beer at a rooftop café. As dusk falls over the valley, reflect on your extraordinary trek through Nepal’s heartland, where ancient traditions and breathtaking landscapes created memories to last a lifetime.

Enjoy a peaceful morning in Kathmandu before your departure. When the time comes, you’ll be taken to Tribhuvan International Airport. As your plane takes off, cherish the unforgettable sights and experiences of Nepal’s majestic mountains and rich traditions.