Annapurna Circuit Trek - 12 Days

Your journey begins upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. At the arrival gates, our team will welcome you and bring you to your hotel in the tourist district of Thamel. The rest of the day is for rest. In the evening, you will spend some time checking your gear. This is also a good time for last-minute shopping for an extra pair of socks, energy bars, or additional gear.

The drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani is long. Considering your comfort, we skip the local bus and take on the winding highway in a private 4WD jeep. The road is a mix of black-topped pitches and rugged off-road adventure. By driving past Besisahar, you skip the dust of the lower construction zones en route to Dharapani.

Your journey ends in Dharapani, in a Tibetan-influenced village marked by stone houses and heavy prayer wheels.

Your real trek starts today. The air starts to cool as you climb through pine and oak forests. Try to find the slow and steady rhythm to overcome the rugged terrain of the Annapurna circuit. The journey takes you through Timang, where a sudden, stunning view of Manaslu (8,163 meters) takes you by surprise.

After a 5 to 6-hour trek, you reach your overnight destination of Chame. You can visit the local hot springs by the river to soothe your muscles before the higher elevations begin tomorrow.

Today, you face the Paungda Danda, a massive, curved rock slab that locals call the "Gateway to Heaven." You’ll skip the lower village and trek further to Upper Pisang.

The extra 100m of elevation gain is better for your acclimatization. It also gives you extraordinary views of Annapurna II from the village monastery.

Your journey takes you through the "Upper Trail" toward the Ghyaru Village. The trek is steep at the start, but it rewards you with a panoramic walk along the flat terrain of the high ridge, directly across the valley at the Annapurna range.

Walking this high route also helps you to acclimate to the high altitude conditions (3,700 meters) before dropping to the lower elevations of Manang.

Today is dedicated to acclimatization in Manang. Manang is the cultural heart of the trek. You begin your day with a morning hike up to the Gangapurna Glacier Lake. In the afternoon, you can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) clinic for a practical Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and altitude safety briefing. It’s a great way to learn about the science of what your body is experiencing.

Leaving the trees behind, you enter the alpine zone. The trail is gentle, but the thin air makes every uphill step feel twice as hard. This is the "Yak zone." You need to keep an eye out for these massive animals grazing on the slopes.

We stop early today at Yak Kharka. It is crucial to take it easy once you cross the 4,000-meter mark.

As you trek higher, you will notice a more barren, wind-swept, and raw terrain. Today’s short day of trekking leads you to Thorong Phedi, the base of the Thorong La Pass. On your way, you will likely see Blue Sheep (Bharal) camouflaged against the slopes.

Go to bed early; you will wake up way before dawn for the ultimate trek!

Today is the big day. The trek begins early, at around 4:00 AM. A head start is crucial to beat the fierce winds that howl across the pass after noon. With headlamps on, you’ll slowly navigate the "zig-zag" trails.

Reaching the top is a massive relief and a huge physical accomplishment. After quick photos, you prepare for a long 1,600-meter descent into the Mustang region. The descent is knee-crushing, but the sight of the Dhaulagiri range will keep you motivated until you reach the sacred temple of Muktinath.

The morning begins with a visit to the sacred temple of Muktinath. Feeling brave? Bathe in the 108 water spouts at the Muktinath temple in freezing temperatures.

After the spiritual experience, you will board a private jeep that drives you through the Kali Gandaki valley, the deepest gorge in the world. By evening, you will be in Pokhara.

You will avoid the grueling bus journey and take a scenic flight to Kathmandu. The flight back to the bustling capital city gives you a final view of the Annapurna, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal ranges. Try to book the seat on the right side.

You’ll have the afternoon for a massage or souvenir shopping in Kathmandu before your final farewell dinner.

Enjoy your final breakfast at your hotel and prepare for departure. Our representatives will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the airport for your flight home.

You’ll leave Nepal with a bit of Annapurna dust on your boots and a lifetime of memories.