Around Annapurna

Welcome to Nepal! Our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After settling in, we'll have a trek briefing where your guide will explain the route, altitude, weather, equipment and preparations for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

We leave Kathmandu early and drive west toward Besisahar before continuing deeper into the Marsyangdi Valley. The journey takes us from the busy Kathmandu Valley into increasingly remote mountain landscapes. From Besisahar, the road becomes rougher as we follow the Marsyangdi River toward Dharapani, the practical starting point for the trekking section of the modern Annapurna Circuit.

Today we officially begin walking. The trail follows the Marsyangdi Valley through pine and fir forests, waterfalls and traditional mountain villages. As we gain altitude, the views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal begin to open up. We eventually reach Chame, the administrative centre of Manang District and one of the main settlements along the circuit.

The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic today. We walk through pine forests and narrow mountain valleys beneath huge Himalayan walls before reaching the village of Pisang. We take the upper trail toward Upper Pisang, which provides spectacular views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV and the surrounding peaks.

One of the most beautiful days of the trek takes us through the upper Marsyangdi Valley. We follow the scenic route through Ghyaru and Ngawal, traditional villages surrounded by spectacular Himalayan scenery. The landscape becomes drier and more Tibetan-influenced as we approach Manang. By afternoon, we arrive at the lively mountain village of Manang, our base for acclimatization.

Today is an important rest and acclimatization day. We take a short acclimatization hike around the Manang Valley, allowing our bodies to adjust to the increasing altitude. Depending on conditions and the group, we can explore the surrounding hills, Gangapurna Lake or other nearby viewpoints. The rest of the day is spent relaxing, exploring Manang and preparing for the higher section of the trek.

We leave the main Manang Valley and continue higher toward Yak Kharka. The vegetation becomes much thinner as we enter the alpine zone. The walking distance is relatively short, allowing us to gain altitude gradually while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.

Today we move closer to Thorong La. The landscape is rugged and increasingly barren as we climb above 4,000 metres. Depending on conditions and the group's acclimatization, we stay at Thorong Phedi or Thorong High Camp. We keep the afternoon relaxed and prepare for the biggest day of the trek.

This is the big one. We start early, climbing steadily toward Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The climb is demanding because of the altitude and cold, but reaching the pass is an unforgettable achievement. At 5,416 metres, we are surrounded by enormous Himalayan landscapes before beginning the long descent toward Muktinath. Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists and marks the beginning of a dramatic change in the landscape.

After the high-altitude section of the trek, we descend through the spectacular Kali Gandaki Valley. The landscape changes dramatically as we travel through the dry Mustang region toward the warmer lower valleys. We pass through traditional settlements including Kagbeni and continue south toward Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs. Depending on road and weather conditions, this section is completed by local transport.

Our journey continues from the Kali Gandaki Valley toward Pokhara. The landscape gradually becomes greener as we descend into lower elevations. By afternoon, we arrive in Pokhara, where the Annapurna Circuit officially comes to an end. The evening is yours to relax, celebrate the trek and enjoy the lakeside atmosphere.

After breakfast, we begin our journey back to Kathmandu. The drive follows the major river valleys and hill roads of central Nepal. Arriving in Kathmandu, we have completed our journey around the Annapurna massif and crossed one of the highest trekking passes in the world.

Your Around Annapurna adventure comes to an end. Our team will transfer you to the airport according to your flight schedule. Take home the memories, the mountain stories and hopefully a serious appetite for the next adventure.