Annapurna Circuit Trek

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. After completing visa procedures and collecting your luggage, head to the exit of the arrival hall. Our representative from Highland Expeditions will be waiting just outside, holding a placard for easy identification, and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Today is a flexible arrival day with no scheduled activities, allowing you to arrive at your convenience.

Meals: None
Accommodation: Hotel
Max Elevation: 1,350m/4,455ft
Overnight Elevation: 1,350m/4,455ft

After breakfast at your hotel in Kathmandu, we will begin our journey west on the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli River. The drive to Jagat, the official starting point of the Annapurna Circuit trek, covers a distance of approximately 213 kilometers and typically takes 8-9 hours by jeep.

This long but scenic drive provides a great introduction to the rural landscape and lifestyle of Nepal. You will pass through diverse terrain, small villages, and terraced fields, with your first glimpses of the stunning Himalayas, including the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre ranges, appearing in the distance.

Upon arrival in Jagat, a charming village at an elevation of 1,290m (4,233ft), you will check into a teahouse or lodge for the night. All your meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included. The evening is an opportunity to rest and prepare for the next day's trekking adventure.

Today marks the official first day of your Annapurna Circuit Trek. You will begin the day in Jagat, a charming village where you spent the night. The trail starts with a gradual descent from the village, leading you to a winding path that follows the Marsyangdi River.

You'll trek through a sprawling forest before crossing the river to the village of Chamje at 1,430m (4,692ft). From there, the trail continues along the eastern side of the river. The path ascends briefly to the large village of Tal, which sits at an elevation of 1,675m (5,496ft) and is an ideal spot for lunch. Tal is a picturesque village with numerous teahouses and lodges, and its location in a wide valley offers a change of scenery from the narrow gorge you have been in.

After enjoying a well-deserved lunch, you'll continue with a gradual ascent to the village of Karte. The trail from here involves crossing the river at several points as it winds its way through small villages and valleys before you finally arrive at your destination for the night, Dharapani, at an elevation of 1,860m (6,103ft).

The total trekking time for the day is approximately 6-7 hours. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included, and you will stay overnight in a teahouse or lodge.

After an early breakfast in Dharapani, we will head west, following a rugged trail alongside the Marsyangdi River as it flows through the Manang Valley. This section of the trek offers mesmerizing views of some of the major peaks of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna II (7,937m) and Annapurna IV.

The trek follows an old trade route, as trade with Tibetans is a chief occupation for the local people in this region. The trail climbs steadily through a forested ridge of oak and maple, taking us through several small villages. We will pass through Dhanakyu at 2,290m (7,513ft), Latemarang at 2,360m (7,743ft), and Koto at 2,590m (8,497ft).

The final descent from Koto brings us to Chame, the administrative headquarters of the Manang district. Situated at an elevation of 2,670m (8,759ft), Chame is a significant stop on the Annapurna Circuit. Here, you will be greeted with impressive views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV. The trek for today will take approximately 6-7 hours. All meals are included, and you will stay overnight at a teahouse or lodge in Chame.

Leaving Chame, we will cross over to the northern side of the Marsyangdi River. The trail climbs steadily through apple orchards, bringing us to Bhratang village (2,840m), an old Khampa settlement. From here, the terrain begins to change, becoming more rugged.

We will follow a rocky path through a narrow valley covered in thickets before emerging from the forest to meet the river again. We will cross a suspension bridge at an altitude of over 3,040m (9,974ft), where we'll be greeted with the first magnificent view of Paungda Danda, a stunning 1,500-meter-high sheer rock face that rises dramatically from the river.

The trail then traverses a ridge decorated with prayer flags and stone cairns, eventually leading us to the village of Pisang. Pisang is a beautiful village with both an upper and lower section, offering spectacular views of the Annapurna range. We will visit a local gompa (monastery) before settling in for the night. The trek for today will take approximately 6-7 hours, and we will stay overnight in a teahouse or lodge at an elevation of 3,185m (10,450ft). All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

Today will be a long and challenging day as we trek from Pisang to Manang. We will move along the north side of the river and climb a ridge to the villages of Ghyaru (3,670m/12,038ft) and Ngawal (3,660m/12,005ft). This gradual ascent is part of our acclimatization plan, allowing our bodies to adjust to the increasing altitude. The effort is well worth it, as the views from the ridge are breathtaking, with a panorama of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna.

After enjoying the views, we will descend into the valley and continue our trek to Hongde (3,325m/10,909ft), a village with a small airstrip. From there, we will walk along a mani wall, a stone wall inscribed with Buddhist prayers, and then cross the river to reach Braga (3,475m/11,398ft). The village of Braga is heavily influenced by Tibetan culture and is home to the largest gompa (monastery) in the district. The monastery is famous for its collection of ancient Tibetan thankas (painted scrolls) that are over 500 years old.

A brief walk from Braga will bring us to the village of Manang, our overnight destination. Manang is a large and bustling village with about 500 homes, decorated with mani walls and chortens, which are Buddhist monuments believed to ward off evil spirits. The total trekking time for today is approximately 8-9 hours, with our overnight elevation at 3,540m (11,612ft). All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included, and we will stay in a teahouse or lodge.

Today is a crucial and well-deserved acclimatization day in Manang. At an elevation of 3,540m (11,612ft), it is essential to allow your body to adjust to the thinner air before you trek to higher altitudes, especially before crossing the challenging Thorong La Pass.

The principle of "climb high, sleep low" is key to successful acclimatization. This means you should spend your day hiking to a higher elevation and then return to Manang to sleep at the same elevation as the previous night. This practice helps your body produce more red blood cells, which improves oxygen transportation.

Manang is a perfect place for an active rest day, with a variety of side hikes and activities:

• Hike to Gangapurna Lake: A relatively easy and rewarding hike, this takes you to a stunning turquoise-colored glacial lake at the foot of Gangapurna Peak. The round trip takes around 2-3 hours.
• Hike to Praken Gompa: For a more challenging hike, you can climb to Praken Gompa, a monastery perched on a cliff at 3,945m (12,943ft). This hike offers fantastic panoramic views of the entire valley and the surrounding peaks, including Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna. The round trip takes approximately 3-4 hours.
• Hike to Chongkor Viewpoint: Another popular and accessible viewpoint, the hike to Chongkor offers excellent vistas of the Marsyangdi Valley and the surrounding peaks.
• Explore Manang Village: You can also spend your day exploring the village itself. Visit the local museum to learn about the culture of the region, or relax and enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the bakeries. You can also visit the ancient Braga Monastery, which is just a short walk away.

Regardless of your choice of activity, remember to stay hydrated, walk at a slow and steady pace, and listen to your body. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included, and you will stay overnight at your lodge in Manang.

After morning tea in Manang, we will begin our trek to Yak Kharka, a crucial step in our acclimatization before the Thorong La Pass. We'll start by following a narrow path to the small village of Tengi, located just above Manang. From there, we will head northwest, ascending the valley of the Jarsang River.

The trail is lined with juniper trees as we head north, leading us to the village of Gunsang at 3,930m (12,894ft). As we continue, the landscape opens up into an alpine meadow, where you can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding peaks, including Gangapurna (7,455m) and Annapurna III (7,555m).

After a steady walk, we will descend slightly to Yak Kharka, where we will stay overnight. Yak Kharka sits at an elevation of 4,050m (13,285ft) and is a key stopping point for trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit. The total trek will take approximately 5-6 hours. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included, and we will stay in a teahouse or lodge.

Today will be a short but crucial day as we trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi, the base camp before the big climb. The trek is designed to be short to allow for proper acclimatization at a higher altitude before you attempt the pass.

The trail begins with a rugged path from Yak Kharka, leading you to the small settlement of Letdar at an elevation of around 4,200m (13,780ft). From there, the trail follows the eastern edge of the Jarsang River, with a steady ascent. The final stretch of the trail can be challenging due to the increased elevation, but the stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Gangapurna and Annapurna III, are a great motivator.

We will arrive at Thorong Phedi at an elevation of 4,525m (14,845ft). Phedi, which means "foot of the hill" in Nepali, perfectly describes its location at the base of the massive Thorong La Pass. This small settlement is a bustling hub for trekkers, with a few lodges and teahouses where you will spend the night. Staying here at a lower altitude than the high camp is a key strategy for ensuring a safer and more successful crossing of the pass.

The trek will take approximately 5-6 hours. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included, and you will stay overnight in a teahouse or lodge in Thorong Phedi.

Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of your trek, as you will cross the highest point of the entire Annapurna Circuit. We will begin the day very early to start the long and steep climb to the top of Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,770ft). The trail is rugged, following a cattle trail through moraine and possibly snow, so it is essential to be prepared for cold and windy conditions. Depending on your pace and the weather, the ascent to the summit can take around 4 hours.

Upon reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayas. The pass is festooned with colorful prayer flags, a traditional symbol of good wishes for a safe crossing. From here, you can see the vast Kali Gandaki Valley to the west and peaks such as Yakgawa Kang (6,482m) to the north.

After celebrating your accomplishment, we will begin the long and sharp descent to the holy village of Muktinath. This part of the journey is also incredibly rewarding, with views of some of the world's highest mountains, including Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Tukuche Peak (6,920m). The trail winds through moraine paths and grassy slopes, leading you into the beautiful Jhong Valley.

Finally, we will reach Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple complex is a serene and spiritual place, with its 108 water spouts and an eternal flame fueled by natural gas. The trek for today will take a total of 9-10 hours. All meals are included, and we will stay overnight in a teahouse or lodge at an elevation of 3,800m (12,478ft) in Muktinath.

Today marks the final day of your trekking on the Annapurna Circuit. After breakfast, we will begin our descent towards Jomsom, where the trek officially ends and an airport is located.

The trail begins with a descent from Muktinath, leading you through a barren hillside to the village of Kagbeni. From there, you'll continue to Ekla Bhatti, a small settlement with a few teahouses where you can rest and have a break. The landscape in this region is characterized by its arid, desert-like terrain and strong winds, especially in the afternoon.

From Ekla Bhatti, you will follow a gentle trail along the Kali Gandaki River, which can get very windy. After a couple of hours, you will reach the large town of Jomsom. Jomsom is the administrative headquarters of the Mustang region and has a small airstrip. It is a bustling town with many teahouses and lodges.

The total trekking time for today is approximately 6-7 hours, bringing you to an overnight elevation of 2,750m (9,020ft). In the evening, you will celebrate the successful completion of your trek with your trekking crew. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included, and you will stay in a teahouse or lodge in Jomsom.

After enjoying breakfast, we will check in at the Jomsom Airport for a short, scenic flight to Pokhara. This 15-minute flight is a thrilling and memorable experience as you fly through the gorge between the two massive mountain ranges of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The views from the plane are breathtaking, offering a final aerial perspective of the majestic peaks you have been trekking around.

Upon arrival at Pokhara Airport, our guide will transfer you to your hotel in the Lakeside area. The rest of the day is yours to explore this beautiful and serene city. You can take a boat ride on Phewa Lake, visit the Tal Barahi Temple located on an island in the lake, or simply stroll along the lakeside, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and the many shops and restaurants.

You will spend the night at your hotel in Pokhara at an elevation of 827m/2,714ft. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

Today marks your return to Kathmandu from Pokhara. The two cities are separated by approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles), and the journey is undertaken via the scenic Prithvi Highway.

The drive typically takes 7-8 hours by bus, but the duration can be longer due to traffic congestion, particularly near urban areas, or due to weather conditions. The road can be rough and winding, especially in the first half until you reach Trishuli. However, the route is incredibly picturesque, following the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers and passing through lush terraced hills and valleys.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, or simply reflect on your incredible trekking adventure.

Breakfast and lunch are included, and you will stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu at an elevation of 1,350m (4,

Today is a day for you to relax and enjoy Kathmandu at your own pace. You can use this free time to shop for souvenirs, visit local markets, or simply unwind in the peaceful courtyard of your hotel.

Kathmandu offers a wide variety of shopping experiences, from the bustling tourist hub of Thamel, where you can find everything from trekking gear to traditional handicrafts, to the more authentic local markets like Asan and Indra Chowk, where you can buy spices, fabrics, and handmade goods.

In the evening, we will gather for a special farewell dinner to celebrate your successful trek. While you enjoy your meal, you will be entertained by a cultural dance performance by local artists, offering a final taste of Nepal's rich traditions.

Should you wish to extend your stay in Nepal, please don't hesitate to let us know. We can assist with arranging additional sightseeing tours or activities. You can also email us for more details on extending your trip.

Breakfast is included, and you will stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu at an elevation of 1,350m (4,430ft).

After enjoying your final breakfast in Kathmandu, your incredible journey to the Himalayas comes to an end. It has been a pleasure having you on this trek, and we hope you have made many happy memories during your time with us.

Our representatives will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) for your flight home. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your international flight to allow ample time for the check-in and departure procedures.

Once you arrive at the airport, you will need to go through the following steps before boarding your flight:

1. Ticket and Passport Check: At the entrance to the departure terminal, a security officer will check your flight ticket and passport before allowing you to enter the building.
2. Baggage Security Check: Your bags will be screened before you proceed to your airline's check-in counter.
3. Check-in: At the check-in counter, your airline will check your passport, and you'll drop off any checked luggage. You will receive your boarding pass and baggage stubs.
4. Immigration: After check-in, you'll go to the immigration desk, where an officer will stamp your passport for your departure from Nepal.
5. Security: Your carry-on luggage will be screened, and you'll go through a final security check before entering the departure hall.

After clearing all formalities, you can relax in the departure lounge, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, or grab a snack before your flight.

We wish you a safe and pleasant trip home and hope to see you again for another adventure in the Himalayas.