Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek – 18 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you can relax or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the evening, attend a detailed trek briefing with your guide and complete a final gear check.

After breakfast, we begin our journey with a scenic 7-8 hour drive from Kathmandu to Jagat. The drive follows the Prithvi Highway and then the Marsyangdi River, offering beautiful views of rural Nepalese landscapes, hills, and rivers. Jagat is a charming Gurung village and our starting point for the trek.

Our first day of trekking follows the Marsyangdi River, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through villages like Chamje and Tal. The trail offers stunning views of the Manaslu range and involves some ups and downs through beautiful forests. We arrive at Dharapani, a large village at the junction of the Manaslu and Annapurna circuits.

Leaving Dharapani, we pass through the village of Bagarchhap with its unique architecture and then continue through pine and fir forests. The trail offers increasingly impressive views of Annapurna II and Manaslu. We pass through Danakyu and Timang before descending to Chame, the administrative headquarters of the Manang district, known for its natural hot spring.

The trail continues along the Marsyangdi River, passing through a narrow valley with impressive rock formations and waterfalls. We pass the village of Bhratang, known for its apple orchards, and the massive Paungda Danda rock face. The valley opens up as we approach Pisang, a beautiful village with a prominent monastery, offering stunning views of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II.

Today we have two route options: a lower, easier trail via Hongde, or a higher, more strenuous route via Ghyaru and Ngawal that offers spectacular views. We recommend the higher route for its incredible panoramas of Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna. Both trails converge near the village of Mungji before we continue to the main village of Manang, a bustling hub and our acclimatization stop.

This is a crucial rest day to aid acclimatization. We follow the 'hike high, sleep low' principle. After breakfast, we take a gentle hike up to Gangapurna Lake and further to the viewpoint above the village, offering stunning views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and the entire Manang valley. In the afternoon, we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) for a talk on altitude sickness, or explore the local monasteries and villages.

Leaving Manang, we gradually ascend above the tree line into a more arid, alpine landscape. The trail passes through Tengi and Gunsang, offering magnificent views of the Annapurna range. We cross a large stream and continue to Yak Kharka, a small settlement with excellent grazing pastures for yaks, hence the name.

The trail continues its gradual ascent through the Jarsang Khola valley. The landscape becomes increasingly stark and barren, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. We pass through Letdar and then a steep section to reach Thorong Phedi, a cluster of lodges situated at the base of the final climb to Thorong La Pass. It's essential to rest well here for the big day ahead.

The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. We start early, around 3-4 AM, for the steep ascent to Thorong La Pass. The climb is demanding but the sense of achievement upon reaching the top is immense, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After celebrating at the pass, we begin the long, steep descent to the holy site of Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists.

After exploring the temples of Muktinath, we take a shared jeep or local bus down the Kali Gandaki Valley. The drive offers a dramatic change in landscape as we descend from the arid Tibetan plateau to greener, more temperate zones. We pass through Jomsom, the district headquarters, and the charming apple-producing village of Marpha before arriving at Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs. A well-deserved soak awaits!

A well-deserved rest day to let your body recover after the exertion of crossing Thorong La. Today is all about relaxation. You can spend the day soaking in the therapeutic natural hot springs, reading a book, or taking a gentle stroll through the village and its lush surroundings. This is a perfect day to recharge before the final section of the trek.

Leaving Tatopani, we begin a steady ascent through beautiful forests and terraced fields. The trail passes through villages like Sikha and Chitre, offering stunning views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. It's a long uphill day, but the destination, Ghorepani, is a vibrant village with a stunning mountain backdrop and is famous for its sunrise views.

A pre-dawn start for the 45-minute hike to Poon Hill, the most famous viewpoint in the Annapurna region. The sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, including Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna I, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre, are simply breathtaking. After descending for breakfast, we begin our descent through rhododendron forests and past waterfalls, all the way down to Tikhedhunga.

Our final day of trekking is a pleasant walk along the Modi Khola river, passing through villages and across suspension bridges. The trail is mostly flat and gently descending. At Nayapul, our private vehicle awaits to drive us back to Pokhara (approx. 1.5 hours). The rest of the day is free to relax by Phewa Lake, have a celebratory dinner, or simply reflect on your incredible journey.

After breakfast, we begin our journey back to Kathmandu, either by scenic drive (6-7 hours) or a short 25-minute flight. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for rest, souvenir shopping, or exploring more of Kathmandu's cultural treasures.

Today is a free day to explore the wonders of Kathmandu at your own pace. You can visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, or Boudhanath Stupa. Alternatively, you can simply relax, do some last-minute shopping in Thamel, or catch up on rest.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final flight home, taking with you the unforgettable memories of completing one of the world's greatest treks.