Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek

Once you land at TIA, you’ll be picked up by one of our members and transferred to your hotel. You’ll be briefed about your plans and itinerary. There are no activities planned today so you can roam around the surroundings or rest at the hotel itself.

Today, you’ll take a scenic drive to Beshisahar from Kathmandu and then to Jagat from Beshisahar. This drive will give you an insight into the rural lifestyle of the Nepalese. You stay overnight at Jagat.

You’ll continue this trip on foot from today. Your trail will wind up to Chyamje, cross suspension bridges, and ascend through an Oak forest. You continue to walk for a while until you emerge in a valley. Then you pass through the village of Kodo and ascend to Dharapani, where you’ll spend overnight.

You start your journey by passing through the villages of Bagarchhap, Danaque, Timang, and Koto. They are well-known for their Tibetan-styled houses and view insights into the local culture. After hiking for a while, you reach Chame where you stay overnight.

Today’s trail will take you through lush forests, and mesmerizing landscapes with scenic mountain views. You can also get immersed in the local culture of traditional villages like Bhratang, Dhikur Pokhari, and Humde.

Also, don’t miss out on visiting Pisang Monastery, a spiritual place decorated with prayer flags and Buddhist arts. You’ll stay overnight at Pisang.

You start your journey to Manang via through Ghyaru, Ngawal, and Mungji villages. Along the way, you take in scenic views of Mount Annapurna and Pisang Peak. As you cross the cold and dry climate, you can differentiate between the landscape and vegetation. You can also pay a visit to the Barge Monastery in Manang. You’ll have an overnight stay at Manang.

Today is set aside for acclimatizing to the higher altitude. You have to keep active during acclimatization so you can hike up to Gangapura Lake or visit monasteries. You can also interact with the locals and learn about their culture and traditions.

Note: There is an option for you to visit Milarepa Cave, which might take up to 5 to 6 hours for a round trip.

From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, ascends to the village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley, turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola.

We’ll then follow the valley northward, passing pastures and a scrub of juniper trees as it steadily gains elevation.

Further on, we pass the small village of Gunsang– a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead.

Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks contentedly graze.

We cross the river on a wooden bridge and pass the ancient Mani wall in a pleasant meadow before arriving at another small village – Yak Kharka. Gentle but gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems.

We will make our way to the foot of the pass to Throng Phedi. This is a small yet busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. Groups such as ours use this point as a base camp.

Some group members might want to hike to the High Camp today to make the next day easier.

There is a tough day planned for tomorrow, and we will stop at Thorong Phedi to sleep soundly (rather than risk a less peaceful night in the higher altitude at High Camp).

We will make an early start on our climb to the pass. We need to be fresh because the initial ascent stage is very steep.

As we approach the peak, the trail becomes slushy from melting snow.

After making our way through rocky ridges, we arrive at the top of the pass (5,416m). The top offers an indescribably magnificent 360-degree panorama of snow-capped peaks extending northwards into Tibet.

Looking back, we can see several peaks of Annapurna, and in front of us is the beautiful gorge of Kali Gandaki.

Our trail then descends steeply down to Muktinath—an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is a special place and home to many ethnic Tibetans and devout Buddhists.

Note: Today is the most challenging day as we start early in the morning (around 3:30 AM), facing a long ascent and a very steep descent to Muktinath.

After the pass, expect strong winds, so be sure to have windbreaker jackets ready. Also, ensure you carry enough water, and winter gear is advisable.

Microspikes are recommended as we may encounter snow on the pass.

Your descent begins in the Kali Gandaki Valley and takes you to Marpha, a small picturesque village in the Mustang region, renowned for its apple orchards.

Here, you can taste or purchase various apple products such as apple chips, pickles, and more. If you're fortunate, you might also have the opportunity to sample the local apple brandy. You will stay overnight in Marpha.

Note: The road connecting Muktinath to Pokhara passes through Marpha, allowing the option to drive instead of trekking to Tatopani. This option is available only for private trips and involves an additional cost.

Today, you move from Marpha, descending steeply through forests to reach Ghasa, the last Thakali village. Along the way, you'll pass through Kalopani, which is regarded as one of the best places to view Mt. Annapurna. As you journey, you'll pass through windy areas filled with pine, rhododendron, and birch forests. This region is renowned for bird watching and offers excellent viewpoints for bird enthusiasts. You will spend the night in Ghasa.

This trek descends steeply up to the Rupse Chhahare (Rupse Waterfall). You’ll pass through the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki Gorge. After hiking for a bit, you ascend slightly to Tatopani through different settlements. Tatopani is a natural hot water spring that is situated at the banks of Kali Gandaki River.

You rest and reenergize yourself in the natural hot springs and stay overnight at Tatopani.

Today is dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation in the hot springs. Take this opportunity to unwind and soak in the therapeutic waters. You will stay overnight here, allowing for a full day of rest and recovery.

Today’s trail initially passes through flatlands before ascending steeply. Throughout the hike, you'll enjoy magnificent views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

As you make your way, you'll traverse a dense rhododendron forest, which is a good opportunity to spot local wildlife.

After a long ascent, you reach Ghorepani, where you will stay overnight.

This morning, we'll start early with a hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), where you'll witness a spectacular sunrise and panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Fishtail, among others.

After soaking in the scenery at Poon Hill, we'll return to Ghorepani and then descend to Banthanti. From there, we'll take a jeep ride to Pokhara.

You take a bus back to Kathmandu, passing through Damauli, Muglin, and Kurintar where Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach Manakamana Temple.

En Route, you can enjoy the green scenes, snow-capped mountains, and terraced fields. You reach Kathmandu and stay overnight at your hotel.

Note: Instead of the 7-8 hour drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, which can be exhausting depending on traffic, you can opt for a domestic flight. The flight duration is 25 minutes, and the additional cost is USD 90.00 per person. However, be aware that flight delays or cancellations are common during the summer and winter months.

Today is the final day of your trip. You’ll be picked up by our representative from your hotel and dropped off at the airport for your departure.