Annapurna Circuit Trek

Today, we will begin a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani in a private tourist vehicle. The journey will take approximately 10 to 12 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the state of the road. The drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar is on a well-paved concrete road.

From Besisahar, we will continue on an adventurous off-road section for approximately 3 to 4 hours to reach Dharapani. A vehicle appropriate for the road conditions will be arranged to ensure the safest and most comfortable journey possible.

Please be assured that all our drivers are highly experienced and hold valid, certified driving licenses for highway and mountain roads.

Weather permitting, the drive offers spectacular views of Himalayan peaks such as Annapurna II and III, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Lamjung Himal, along with impressive landscapes featuring rivers, waterfalls, suspension bridges, and rural villages.

There will be opportunities along the way to take photographs and observe the local lifestyle of Nepal. Upon arrival, we will check into our lodge in Dharapani, where we will spend the night.

Today, we will begin our trek amid scenic landscapes, enjoying views of stunning mountain scenery, cascading waterfalls, and diverse natural surroundings. The walk will be of moderate difficulty. After approximately 5 to 6 hours of trekking, we will reach Chame, the administrative headquarters of the Manang district.

The trail continues with a gradual ascent through lush forests, past picturesque waterfalls and traditional villages. This day offers a particularly memorable experience as we follow the course of the Marsyangdi River, with occasional views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal, complemented by the beauty of the surrounding landscapes and ancient settlements.

Chame is a charming mountain town offering more facilities and comforts than those encountered in previous days. It provides a peaceful and well-equipped resting point as we continue our journey along the Annapurna Circuit.

After breakfast, we will continue our trek toward Upper Pisang. The trail leads through dense forests and along the Marsyangdi River, offering scenic views of alpine landscapes and surrounding mountains.

During the hike, we will enjoy our first close view of the impressive Paungda Dada rock face, known for its unique curved formation. After approximately 6 to 7 hours of trekking, we will reach Upper Pisang, where we will spend the night, enjoying magnificent views of Annapurna II.

We will begin the day early to witness a spectacular sunrise as the first golden light illuminates the majestic Annapurna II. After breakfast, we will continue our trek toward the traditional village of Ngawal on the Annapurna Circuit.

The trail to Ngawal follows the higher route, ascending approximately 400 meters above the lower trail. This path offers excellent views of high-altitude flora and fauna, deep gorges, and impressive Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna II and III, Pisang Peak, and other surrounding snow-capped mountains. Upon arrival, we will rest and acclimatize in the peaceful village of Ngawal.

We continue our trek through rolling hills, forested areas, and high-altitude wetlands. The village of Braga offers fascinating views of traditional stone houses and an ancient Buddhist monastery.

Along the trail, we will pass through striking landscapes, historic stupas, and monasteries that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage. After approximately 3 to 4 hours of trekking, we will arrive in Manang, one of the most lively and well-equipped stopovers along the Annapurna Circuit.

We will spend the day in Manang for acclimatization, allowing our bodies to rest and adjust to the altitude. Surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, we will enjoy views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and other towering peaks while taking short walks and exploring the village.

During the day, we will visit a local monastery and hike toward the scenic Gangapurna Glacier Lake. In the evening, we will return to our lodge in Manang for a comfortable overnight stay.

After our acclimatization day in Manang, we will continue the Annapurna Circuit trek toward Yak Kharka. The walk takes about 5 to 6 hours with a steady ascent of approximately 500 meters, passing through peaceful alpine meadows and open landscapes.

The trail leads through Tenki Manang and gradually leaves the Marsyangdi Valley behind as we follow the Jarsang Khola valley. As we gain altitude, the vegetation becomes sparse, and we may see herds of yaks grazing along the trail. We will reach Yak Kharka at an altitude of 4,050 meters, where we will stay overnight.

After about two hours of uphill walking, the trail descends to a river crossing at 4,310 meters. From there, we continue with a gradual climb to Thorong Phedi, located at an altitude of 4,525 meters.

Thorong Phedi is surrounded by dramatic high mountain scenery, with snow-covered peaks and dry, rugged landscapes. We will stay overnight in basic but clean and comfortable guesthouses that have been developed to support trekkers along the Annapurna Circuit.

We start early in the morning to cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The climb offers breathtaking views of major Himalayan peaks and the dramatic landscapes of the Manang and Mustang regions. At the pass, prayer flags and chortens mark this special achievement before we begin our long descent.

After crossing the pass, we descend through barren terrain toward the sacred town of Muktinath. After about four hours of walking, we reach Muktinath (3,760 m), an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, known for the Muktinath Temple, 108 water spouts, the eternal flame at Jwala Mai Temple, and a peaceful spiritual atmosphere.

Today, we drive along the Kali Gandaki River, passing through one of the world’s deepest gorges, while enjoying the stunning Mustang landscapes. The route to Tatopani is busier compared to other sections of the Annapurna Circuit.

Along the way, we’ll visit scenic Mustang villages like Kagbeni, Jomsom, and Marpha. Here, we can explore ancient stupas, traditional whitewashed houses, and apple orchards, giving a glimpse into the region’s history when Mustang was known as the “Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal.”

We’ll travel in a shared local or tourist vehicle through the Kali Gandaki valley, passing Kopchepani and enjoying dramatic landscapes, lush forests, and panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. If our group has four or more travelers, a private vehicle will be arranged for added comfort.

After 6–7 hours of driving, we reach Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs. It’s the perfect place to rest, relax, and refresh after the day’s journey.

After a day of rest in Tatopani, we’ll start our hike to Ghorepani, which takes around 6–7 hours along the popular Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. The trail winds through dense alpine forests filled with Rhododendron, Oak, and colorful wildflowers.

On the way and upon reaching Ghorepani, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Tukuche Himal.

Along the trail, we’ll pass several traditional Magar and Gurung villages, offering a glimpse into the local lifestyle and rich cultural heritage of the region.

Early in the morning, we hike up to Poon Hill (3,210 m / 10,532 ft), the most famous spot for sunrise in Nepal. From here, we can enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri, surrounded by the stunning Himalayan landscapes. We spend about an hour taking in the sunrise and the beautiful natural scenery.

After sunrise, we descend from Ghorepani and continue our trek to Tadapani. The trail passes through lush forests of Rhododendron, Oak, and bamboo, with occasional glimpses of the mountains. Tadapani is a peaceful village where we can rest and enjoy the serene surroundings after the day’s trek.

We continue trekking through dense Rhododendron forests, enjoying spectacular mountain views along the way. The trail takes us past the picturesque Ghandruk village before descending to Kimche. From Kimche, we drive to Pokhara via Nayapul in a private jeep. We spend the night at a hotel in Lakeside, Pokhara, resting after the day’s trek.

In the morning, we pack our bags and begin the scenic drive back to Kathmandu.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, with choices of Nepali or continental dishes. Your guide and a staff member will join you to celebrate and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your Annapurna Circuit trek.

If you wish to extend your adventure, Nepal offers many options. You could visit Chitwan National Park for wildlife, Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, or explore other popular trekking regions. There are also possibilities to continue your journey to Tibet, India, or Bhutan for more cultural and scenic experiences.