Annapurna Circuit Trek — 14 Days

After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu by road and travel towards Besisahar. The Prithvi Highway follows river valleys through terraced hills and small towns before we turn into the Marsyangdi Valley. At Besisahar, we continue by jeep towards Jagat, following the rougher road beside the Marsyangdi River. Roadworks, rain and traffic can affect this long travel day. Jagat is our first mountain overnight stop, with teahouses and stone-paved paths above the river. Settle into your room and prepare your daypack for tomorrow’s first walk towards Dharapani.

Our first walking day follows the Marsyangdi Valley from Jagat towards Dharapani. The route passes river crossings and village paths, with climbs and descents between the mountain villages. We continue through Tal, where the valley opens around a broad riverbed beneath steep slopes. Beyond the village, the route climbs towards Dharapani, with forest sections and prayer walls along the way. Walk at a comfortable pace, getting used to the terrain. We stay in a teahouse and discuss tomorrow’s stage over dinner with your guide.

We leave Dharapani and climb through forest and hillside villages towards Chame. The trail passes Timang village before Koto, with views towards Manaslu when the weather is clear. Sections follow or cross the road. Chame is the administrative centre of Manang District, with shops and teahouses beside the Marsyangdi River. After today’s uphill walk, settle into your teahouse room and rest. In clear weather, Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal are visible from paths around the village.

From Chame, we follow the valley through pine forest towards Bhratang and Dhikur Pokhari. The curved rock face of Paungda Danda rises beside the route as the mountain landscape gradually opens. The final climb leads to Upper Pisang, a hillside village with stone houses and a Buddhist monastery. Annapurna II stands across the valley when skies are clear. We stay overnight around 3,300 m, so keep the afternoon gentle and tell your guide about headaches, nausea or other symptoms before dinner.

We continue towards Manang, choosing the higher approach through Gyaru or the lower route through Humde according to conditions and group pace. The higher trail requires more climbing but offers wider views above the valley. Both approaches lead towards Braga and Manang, where fields and stone houses sit below the peaks. The village has teahouses, shops and monasteries, making it a base before the higher stages. We spend tonight here and remain for another night after tomorrow’s acclimatisation hike.

We spend a second night in Manang to allow more time to adjust to altitude. After breakfast, a shorter hike takes us towards Chhongkor Viewpoint and Gangapurna Lake, with the route adapted to your condition. The viewpoint looks across Manang and the surrounding peaks, while the lake lies below Gangapurna Glacier. We return to our teahouse to rest overnight. This is an active acclimatisation day; report symptoms before attempting the hike or continuing higher tomorrow.

We leave Manang and climb towards Gunsang, following the trail into open pasture and juniper scrub. The valley becomes quieter as we gain altitude, with fewer trees and wider views of the mountains when the weather is clear. The route reaches Yak Kharka, where teahouses stand among grazing slopes. Today’s sleeping altitude rises by 510 m, so walk slowly and keep your guide informed about how you feel. At the lodge, rest before the approach to Thorong Phedi.

From Yak Kharka, we continue towards Thorong Phedi through open, rocky terrain. The route crosses a side valley and follows narrower sections of hillside before reaching the mountain lodges. Thorong Phedi is our overnight base for tomorrow’s pass crossing. We stay here rather than moving to High Camp tonight. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing your warm layers, headlamp and water for the early departure. Your guide reviews the crossing plan and checks how you feel. If conditions or symptoms make the ascent unsuitable, the programme must change before we continue higher.

We start before sunrise for the climb to Thorong La, carrying warm layers and a headlamp. The ascent passes High Camp before continuing over open mountain ground. Take steady steps and follow your guide as the air becomes noticeably thinner. At 5,416 m, the pass marks the highest point of the trek. After a brief stop, we descend steeply towards Muktinath in Mustang, losing substantial altitude on a long downhill trail. Muktinath is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists; we stay nearby tonight.

We descend from the Muktinath area towards Kagbeni, following the dry hills of Lower Mustang. The route brings us into the Kali Gandaki Valley after yesterday’s high pass crossing. Kagbeni has narrow lanes, old houses and a Buddhist monastery beside the river. After a break, we continue towards Jomsom along the valley, where strong afternoon winds can make walking tiring. Some sections follow the road. Jomsom is our final trekking overnight stop, with time to rest before tomorrow’s drive.

After breakfast, we leave Jomsom by jeep and follow the Kali Gandaki Valley towards Pokhara. The road passes Marpha, Tukuche and Kalopani as dry mountain slopes give way to greener hills. This is a long journey, with rough stretches and possible delays from traffic, rain or roadworks. On arrival in Pokhara, check into your hotel and rest. If time allows, you can take a walk near Phewa Lake. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense during this return travel day.

After breakfast, we return to Kathmandu by tourist bus. An optional flight costs extra and depends on availability. Allow for travel delays caused by weather or road conditions. The road journey follows river valleys towards Kathmandu, with stops along the way. If flying, allow time for airport formalities and possible delays. Once at your hotel, you can rest, organise your belongings or explore Thamel before tomorrow’s departure.

Your Annapurna Circuit Trek ends today. After breakfast, you prepare for your onward journey. Depending on your flight time, you may have an opportunity for a final walk nearby before leaving the hotel for departure. Our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.