Annapurna Circuit Trek

Scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway through terraced rice paddies and traditional villages. From Besisahar, begin trekking following the Marsyangdi River. Pass through small villages and lush subtropical forests. First day is a gentle warm-up walk to Bhulbhule.

Trek through charming Gurung villages and terraced farmlands. Cross several suspension bridges over the powerful Marsyangdi River. Pass through Ngadi village with views of Manaslu and Himalchuli. The trail alternates between climbs and descents. Reach Jagat, a small settlement at the entrance to the Manang district.

Enter a narrow valley with dramatic waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs. Cross through subtropical forests of rhododendron and oak. Pass through Chamje village and cross a spectacular suspension bridge. Climb through Sattale and Tal village situated beside a beautiful waterfall. Continue to Dharapani where you enter the Manang district officially.

Trek through beautiful pine and fir forests with occasional glimpses of Manaslu (8,163m) and Annapurna II. The valley widens as you approach Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. Pass through traditional villages with stone houses, prayer wheels, and mani walls. First views of the dramatic Paungda Danda rock face rising 1,500m from the river.

Walk through dense forests with stunning views of Annapurna II and Annapurna IV. Cross suspension bridge and climb through the narrowest section of the valley with vertical cliffs. Pass through Bhratang village and reach the village of Dhukur Pokhari. Spectacular views of Pisang Peak (6,091m) as you approach the village of Pisang with its traditional monastery.

Choice of upper or lower route. Upper route via Ghyaru and Ngawal offers spectacular mountain views and ancient monasteries. Lower route is easier but less scenic. Both routes meet at Mungji before continuing to Manang. The landscape becomes more arid and resembles Tibetan plateau. Manang is a large village with numerous facilities, monasteries, and an airstrip.

Critical acclimatization day before crossing Thorong La Pass. Options include: Hike to Gangapurna Lake (3,540m) and glacier for stunning reflections. Climb to Praken Gompa monastery (3,950m) or continue to the ice lake (4,600m) for spectacular views. Visit the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic for information on altitude sickness. Explore Manang village and its ancient monasteries. Rest and prepare for the high pass crossing.

Leave the Marsyangdi Valley and climb steadily through sparse vegetation. The landscape becomes increasingly barren and beautiful. Pass through Tenki village and continue alongside the river. Views of Chulu peaks and Annapurna range. Notice the effects of altitude - thinner air, colder temperatures. Reach Yak Kharka, a small settlement used as summer grazing pastures.

Trek through alpine desert landscape with dramatic mountain scenery all around. Pass through Ledar with views of Thorong Peak. The trail climbs gradually with increasing views of the Thorong La Pass ahead. Cross several wooden bridges and moraine sections. Reach Thorong Phedi (Base of Thorong) - the last stop before the high pass. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for tomorrow's early start.

Start very early (3-4 AM) for the challenging climb to Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,416m. Steep zigzag trail with stunning sunrise views over the Himalayas. Spectacular panorama from the pass including Dhaulagiri, Annapurnas, Thorong Peak, and Tibetan plateau. Celebrate at the pass with prayer flags before beginning long descent. Drop 1,600m to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Visit the famous Muktinath Temple with its 108 water spouts and eternal flame.

Descend through the arid Mustang region with dramatically different landscape. Pass through Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang with its medieval fortress monastery. Trek through the windy Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. Views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m) towering on either side. Reach Jomsom, a major town with an airport. Continue to Marpha, a beautiful white-washed village famous for apple products.

Trek through apple orchards and traditional villages. Pass through Tukuche, once a major trading post on the salt route to Tibet. Views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks. The trail descends through varied landscapes from alpine to subtropical. Pass through Kalopani and Ghasa villages. Cross numerous suspension bridges. Reach Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs. Relax tired muscles in the therapeutic hot springs.

Major climbing day ascending over 1,600m. Cross suspension bridge over Kali Gandaki River. Climb stone steps through terraced fields and rhododendron forests. Pass through Sikha, Chitre, and several other villages. The final section climbs steeply through beautiful forest to Ghorepani. This classic trekking village offers stunning mountain views and is the gateway to Poon Hill.

Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) for spectacular sunrise panorama over Dhaulagiri, Annapurnas, Machhapuchhre, and Himchuli. One of the most famous viewpoints in Nepal with 360-degree mountain views. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast. Descend through rhododendron forests (spectacular in spring) to Tadapani. Continue steep descent through terraced farmlands to Ghandruk. Final descent to Nayapul. Drive to Pokhara along the Modi Khola valley.

Scenic drive back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. Follow the Trishuli River valley with views of terraced hillsides and traditional villages. Stop at Malekhu or Kurintar for lunch. Arrive in Kathmandu afternoon with time to rest and celebrate completing the Annapurna Circuit. Optional farewell dinner with the team.