Annapurna Circuit Trek — 13 Days

Depart Kathmandu by private vehicle along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli then Marsyangdi river valleys to Besisahar — the traditional starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. Approximately 7–8 hours of scenic midhill driving. Overnight to rest before the trek begins.

Begin the Circuit heading north along the Marsyangdi river through Khudi and Bhulbhule. Cross suspension bridges over turquoise rapids, trekking through subtropical rice terraces and bamboo groves to the hilltop Brahmin village of Bahundanda.

Trek through Syange, Jagat, Chamje, Tal and Dharapani, entering the restricted Manang district. The valley narrows to a dramatic gorge past Bagarchhap and Danaque, where flat-roofed Tibetan-style houses mark the cultural transition. Chame is the district headquarters with hot springs.

Trek past the spectacular curved rock face above Chame through dense pine and fir forest. The Annapurna range comes into full view. Reach Lower Pisang beneath the striking Pisang Peak (6,091 m). Optional detour to Upper Pisang for elevated valley views.

Wide open valley walk under Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna. Pass through Humde, Bhraka, and Ngawal — a fascinating walled Tibetan village. Manang has a Himalayan Rescue Association clinic, good bakeries, and superb mountain views.

Full rest day in Manang to adjust to altitude before the Thorong La crossing. Recommended hike to Gangapurna Lake or the viewpoint above town. Attend the free altitude lecture at the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic in the afternoon. Drink at least 3–4 litres of water.

Trek through Tenki, Gunsang, and Yak Kharka (4,018 m) to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m), then a steep switchback climb to Thorong High Camp. The highest tea house accommodation on the circuit. Dinner early and sleep by 8 pm ahead of the big crossing.

Pre-dawn departure (3–4 am) for the crossing of Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m — the highest point of the entire Annapurna Circuit. The pre-dawn sky and post-sunrise panorama of the Himalayan divide are extraordinary. Steep 4–5 hour descent through scree to the sacred Muktinath temple — 108 water spouts and an eternal flame.

Morning visit to the Muktinath temple complex, then descend the arid Kali Gandaki valley through Kagbeni (a medieval walled village at the entrance to Upper Mustang) to Jomsom, the main town of Mustang district. Strong afternoon winds in this valley are famous — trek before noon when possible.

Long descent south through the Kali Gandaki gorge, the world deepest canyon by some measures. Pass through the apple-orchard village of Marpha, then Tukuche, Larjung, and Ghasa as the landscape transforms from arid plateau to lush subtropical valley. Tatopani hot springs await at the end of a long day.

Steep climb out of the Kali Gandaki gorge through Shikha and Phalate, ascending through terraced farmland into rhododendron and oak forest. Emerge at Ghorepani on the classic Poon Hill ridge with views of Dhaulagiri appearing above the treeline.

Pre-dawn ascent to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for the defining Himalayan panorama — Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre and a dozen more peaks in one sweeping arc. Return for breakfast then descend through Ulleri and Birethanti to Nayapul. Private vehicle back to Pokhara — circuit complete.

Free morning in Pokhara to celebrate completing the circuit. Options include a boat on Phewa Lake, the International Mountain Museum, or simply a lakeside breakfast with Machhapuchhre views. Transfer to airport for the 25-minute flight to Kathmandu or take the tourist bus.