Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu
You'll land at Tribhuvan International Airport where someone from the company meets you for the drive to your Kathmandu hotel. This evening brings a chance to meet the other trekkers and guides you'll be with for the next couple weeks.
- Start point
- Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) त्रिभुवन विमानस्थल, त्रिभुवन विमानस्थल, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal (Pick up from Airport and Transfer to the hotel by private vehicle., 00:00 - 00:00)
Landmarks Tribhuvan International Airport - Day 2
Kathmandu to Besisahar
The drive from Kathmandu heads west on the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre, then turns onto a narrow paved road that follows the Marshyangdi River down to Besisahar. You'll pass through small villages and get your first real views of distant mountain peaks and the surrounding landscape. Besisahar itself is the main administrative center for the district, so you'll find government offices and supply shops here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Marshyangdi River - Day 3
Besisahar to Dharapani
Today's a rough drive up the Marsyangdi River valley on increasingly narrow and bumpy roads. The route climbs gradually through villages, past waterfalls, and alongside terraced fields that step down the hillsides. You get good views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges as you go higher. Dharapani is where the Annapurna Circuit officially starts and where trekkers have to check in at the permit checkpoint.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Annapurna Range Manaslu Range Marsyangdi River Valley - Day 4
Dharapani to Chame
The trek heads through pine and oak forests, passing through Danaque before crossing a wooden bridge and making a steep climb up toward Lamajung Himal. After that the trail flattens out until you reach Chame, which functions as the district headquarters for Manang. The town has the usual government buildings, shops, and hotels trekkers need.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Dharapani to Chame through pine and oak forests
Landmarks Lamajung Himal - Day 5
Chame to Pisang
Lamjung Himal looks sharp and white in the early light as you trek through dense fir and pine forest. The path climbs to a rocky ridge area where the opposite bank becomes a sheer cliff you can't cross. The valley narrows dramatically with steep walls, then gradually opens into a wide U-shaped section with great views across to Annapurna II's east peak and Pisang Peak to the northeast. You'll walk past a long mani wall and cross a bridge before arriving at the lower village of Pisang.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Chame to Pisang through fir and pine forest
Landmarks Lamjung Himal Annapurna II Pisang Peak - Day 6
Pisang to Manang
From Pisang you climb a steep ridge that gives good views down into the Manang valley and toward Tilicho peak. The route descends past Hungde's small airstrip and reaches a flat section where Annapurna III's northeast face rises dramatically. From the wide plains of Sabje Khola Valley you can now see Annapurna IV as well. After crossing the Marshyangdi Khola on a wooden bridge to reach Mungji, a final steep climb brings you into Manang, a surprisingly large settlement for such a remote mountain location.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Pisang to Manang
Landmarks Tilicho Peak Annapurna III Annapurna IV Manang Airstrip - Day 7
Manang
This is your acclimatization day before the big pass crossing, so you'll stay put in Manang. There are several optional walks if you want to use the time. You could cross the river to see the massive icefall dropping from the Annapurnas, hike high above the village for a full view of the Annapurna range and valley below, or walk to Gangapurna Glacier Lake to make the rest day more interesting than just sitting around.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walk to view icefall from the Annapurnas
- Hike to high viewpoint for panorama of Annapurna range and Manang Valley
- Visit Gangapurna Glacier Lake
Landmarks Gangapurna Glacier Lake Annapurna Range - Day 8
Manang to Yak Kharka
The trek gradually climbs above the Marsyangdi Valley with wide views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and the rough cliffs surrounding Manang. You'll walk through juniper bushes and yak pastures, passing small teahouse stops along the way. The altitude is getting higher so the pace stays slow and hydration matters. After about 3 to 4 hours of hiking you reach Yak Kharka, a quiet place in the highlands with basic lodges and excellent views of the surrounding peaks.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka
Landmarks Gangapurna Annapurna III - Day 9
Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi
The trek continues upward with a gentle start through alpine meadows and sparse plants, offering clear views of tall peaks like Chulu West and Gundang. After crossing a wooden bridge over the Jorsang Khola, the trail gets narrower and steeper as you get closer to Ledar. The last part crosses landslide-prone ground where you need to move carefully and watch every step. Thorang Phedi comes up next, a popular stopping point where trekkers rest up before the early-morning push to Thorong La Pass.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi
Landmarks Chulu West Gundang - Day 10
Thorang Phedi to Muktinath via Thorang La Pass
You start before sunrise for the long, steep climb to Thorong La Pass at 17,769 feet/5,416 meters. The thin air and cold make it hard but the views are incredible. Reaching the pass top with its prayer flags feels like a real accomplishment, and the panorama of peaks in every direction makes it one of the trek's highlights. The descent into the Mustang region is long and steep, moving from icy terrain into the dry, wind-carved landscapes of this remote area. By the time you reach Muktinath you're ready to rest and explore its temple complex, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists both.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Thorang Phedi to Muktinath via Thorang La Pass
Optional Activities
- Visit Muktinath sacred temple complex
Landmarks Thorang La Pass Muktinath Temple Complex - Day 11
Muktinath to Pokhara
This is a long drive from Muktinath back down to warmer elevations. The route descends through Kagbeni and Jomsom along the windy Kali Gandaki Valley with dramatic cliff faces and apple orchards visible along the way. From Jomsom to Tatopani the road is mostly unpaved with waterfalls, suspension bridges, and deep gorges to see. Things smooth out as you near Beni and the blacktopped highway takes over, offering views of terraced fields and river valleys as you drive. You arrive in Pokhara with its warm weather and peaceful lakeside setting.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Landmarks Kali Gandaki Valley Jomsom - Day 12
Pokhara to Kathmandu
The drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu takes 6 to 7 hours on a tourist bus following the Prithivi Highway and the Trishuli River. The route offers nice views of terraced fields, small villages, river gorges, and green hillsides throughout. Tourist buses are comfortable with a couple of meal stops and short breaks built in. As you get closer to Kathmandu you'll see local markets and settlements appear. In the evening there's a farewell dinner at an authentic Nepalese restaurant with a cultural performance included.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell dinner at authentic Nepalese restaurant with cultural performance)
Included Activities
- Farewell dinner at authentic Nepalese restaurant with cultural performance
Landmarks Trishuli River - Day 13
Kathmandu
A company representative takes you to Tribhuvan International Airport about 3 hours before your flight. You'll have time to think about your next Nepal adventure on the way out.
- End point
- Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) त्रिभुवन विमानस्थल, त्रिभुवन विमानस्थल, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal (Drop to Airport by private vehicle., 00:00 - 00:00)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Tribhuvan International Airport
