Annapurna Circuit Trek

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and start your day with an exciting, adventurous, and scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar. Witness incredible temples and settlements, as well as beautiful rhododendron forests and waterfalls against the backdrop of the spectacular mountains. When you arrive in Besishahar (800 m / 2,625 ft), you’ll spend the night in a mountain lodge.

Get an early start today to begin your 4-hour drive to the trailhead. The trail will take you through the Marsyandi Valley and the village of Syange. You will have the opportunity to explore this tiny rural village, then cross the fields where they grow potatoes, rice, and barley. Spend the night in Dharapani (1,860 m/6,102’).

Today’s hike from Dharapani to Chame features breathtaking views of the Himalayas and small Tibetan villages. You’ll reach the first village, Bagarchap, within your first hour of trekking. Next, you’ll come to the settlement of Dangyung. Continue walking through the dense forest and cross the bridge to come to the base of a lovely waterfall. Finally, climb the steep stone steps to reach the village of Chame (2,660 m/8727’).

As you leave Chame, take the opportunity to explore local villages and learn about daily life and culture in the region. Take note of the long Mani wall, and interact with the people you meet along the way. When you reach Upper Pisang, take time to explore the amazing medieval village found here. Have dinner and spend the night in Upper Pisang (3,300 m/10,827’).

Walk today from Upper Pisang to the village of Bhraka (3,400 m/11,155’). This medieval village features an ancient Buddhist gompa, or religious building, which you can visit. Your guide will also take you on a sightseeing tour of Bhraka’s many historical sites.

Stay in the Bhraka area today to allow your body time to adjust to the altitude. This rest day will help you feel better and be physically ready for the remainder of your journey. Staying active on this acclimatization day is the best way to prepare yourself for the rest of your trek. Your guide will lead you to explore the town of Manang.

Eat an early breakfast and hit the trail for a trekking day full of adventures. Descend slowly through the village of Manang, where you can see stone and clay houses. Next, you’ll pass the popular monastery of Tare Gumbo, which is more than 1,000 years old. Trek through the Thorong Khola valley, then continue until you reach Yak Kharka (4,018 m/13,182’).

Leaving Yak Kharka, you’ll need to get an early start today as you follow the trail through the Kone Khola Valley. The trail leads you through several uphill and downhill stretches and the village of Letdar. From Letdar, climb up to discover beautiful views of Annapurna. After a long and consistent climb, suddenly the trail begins to descend to a river, which you will cross via a wooden bridge. Stop to visit a small tea house along the way, then you’ll finally reach Thorong Phedi (4,450 m/14,600’).

Today is a long day with a tough but very rewarding climb. As you trek from east to west, it can be cold and snowy. Immediately after leaving Thorong Phedi, begin a steep ascent to the Thorong La pass (5,416 m / 17,769’). It takes approximately 5-6 hours to climb to the top, but when you reach it you will see stone cairns that have been built by trekkers, as well as many prayer flags and chortens left by those who consider the area sacred. The views from the pass and the trail that accesses it are truly majestic. You’ll see Annapurna, Khatung Kang, Gangapurna, and Thorong peaks, and the Kali Gandaki river valley. Cross the pass and descend across the mountain meadows, following a wide trail into a deep gorge to reach Muktinath (3,710 m / 12,172’). Both Buddhists and Hindus consider Muktinath to be a sacred place in this beautiful location at the foot of the Thorong La pass.

Get an early start for today’s long trek full of ups and downs. First, the trail descends to take you to the incredible Kali Gandaki Gorge. Ascend again to the lovely village of Lupra. Here you will get a chance to experience the culture and daily life of the local people, as well as visit the Bamboo monastery. Continue to the village of Kagbeni, enjoying clear views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Arrive in Jomsom (2,800 m/9,186’) in time to eat dinner and spend the night in a lodge.

After an early breakfast, a scenic drive will take you from Jomsom to the village of Tatopani (1,190 m / 3,904 ft). The drive takes several hours, including breaks for lunch and tea. When you have arrived in Tatopani, take the opportunity to bathe in the natural hot springs, which many people find to be refreshing not only for their bodies but for their minds and souls as well.

Today’s trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani is a long one, so it is important to get an early start. Pass through the villages of Ghara and Sikha, as well as another local village where you’ll find patio farmlands. Here in this village you’ll have more opportunities to interact with local people and learn more about daily life here. Follow the trail as it ascends gradually up to Ghorepani (2,860 m/9,383’). Here in Ghorepani, don’t miss the exquisite rhododendron forests, which are covered in vibrant pink and red flowers when they’re in bloom.

Wake up very early this morning so that you can make the climb to Poon Hill in time to watch the sunrise. The exquisite views here, as you see the colors of the sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs, will make the early wake up well worth it. Return to your lodge for breakfast, then begin the trek to Ghandruk. Follow the trails as it descends through more rhododendron forests to Ghandruk (1,830 m/6,004’), which is Nepal’s second largest Gurung village. Expect more incredible mountain panoramas along your way today.

Finish your trekking journey today with a lovely walk through green forests and past a waterfall. A few hours after setting off from Ghandruk you will reach Birethanti, which marks the end of your trek. From here, a private transfer will take you to the city of Pokhara, where a luxurious hotel stay awaits you.

Explore the city of Pokhara today. Head to Sarangkot to watch the sunrise, go boating on Phewa Lake, and visit the incredible Devi’s Fall. You can also visit several sites that are sacred to the Hindus, and hike to the World Peace Stupa. It is a day full of wondrous natural beauty and enriching cultural experiences. At the end of the day, spend another night in your hotel in Pokhara.

Take an amazing flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu, enjoying the incredible mountains from above where your tour will end.