Annapurna Circuit Trek — Fly Jomsom 12 Days

Early morning departure from Kathmandu by private vehicle or tourist bus, driving west through the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi river valleys to Besisahar — the traditional starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. Approximately 7–8 hours by road.

Begin trekking north along the Marsyangdi River valley, crossing suspension bridges through rice paddies and subtropical forest. Pass through Khudi (790 m) and Bhulbhule (840 m), climbing through terraced farmland to the Brahmin and Chhetri village of Bahundanda perched on a ridge with fine valley views.

Trek through Syange, Jagat (1,300 m), and Dharapani (1,860 m), entering the restricted Manang district and Annapurna Conservation Area. The valley narrows dramatically past Bagarchhap and Danaque. Chame is the district headquarters of Manang, with hot springs and the first clear views of the Annapurna range.

Trek past the dramatic curved rock face above Chame and through dense pine forest. Reach Dhukur Pokhari and continue to Lower Pisang, with the stunning pyramid of Pisang Peak (6,091 m) dominating the skyline. Upper Pisang, perched on a ridge above, offers commanding views across the wide Manang valley.

Cross the wide Manang valley with the spectacular backdrop of Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna III, and Gangapurna (7,455 m). Pass through Humde (with its small airstrip), Bhraka, and the ancient walled village of Ngawal. Manang is the last major settlement before the Thorong La and offers strong mountain views and acclimatisation facilities.

Rest day in Manang for acclimatisation — essential before the Thorong La crossing. Options include hiking to the viewpoint above Gangapurna Lake, visiting the local monastery, or walking up to Milarepa Cave (4,000 m). The Himalayan Rescue Association clinic in Manang provides free altitude sickness lectures in the afternoon.

Trek through Tenki and Gunsang to Yak Kharka (4,018 m), then continue up to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m) and the final steep climb to Thorong High Camp. The altitude is demanding; drink plenty of water and ascend slowly. The camp sits at the foot of the final Thorong La approach.

The great crossing. Depart well before dawn (3–4 am) for the 2-hour pre-dawn ascent to Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m — the highest point of the entire trek. Prayer flags and a stone cairn mark the summit. The panorama extends across the Himalayan divide. Descend steeply for 4–5 hours through dramatic scree and yak pasture to the holy temple town of Muktinath, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.

Morning at leisure to visit the sacred Muktinath temple complex — 108 water spouts and an eternal flame fed by natural gas make this one of Nepal most spiritually significant sites. Transfer to Jomsom (30 min drive or 3-hour trek). Take a short morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara over the dramatic Mustang gorge and Kali Gandaki canyon. Arrive Pokhara by mid-morning.

Full day at leisure in Pokhara to recover. Explore the lakeside, visit the International Mountain Museum, take a boat on Phewa Lake, or enjoy a lakeside massage. Evening celebration dinner overlooking the water.

Morning flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu (25 minutes) with views of the Himalayan chain. Afternoon at leisure in Kathmandu — last-minute shopping in Thamel, visit Pashupatinath or Boudhanath. Farewell dinner at a traditional Newari restaurant.

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure. The Annapurna Circuit complete — one of the world great trekking achievements.