Touch down in Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital and the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit. As you descend into the valley, keep an eye out for your first glimpse of the snow-dusted Himalayas, rising dramatically above the rolling green hills. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel, where a warm welcome awaits after your long journey.

The rest of the day is free to relax and recover from your flight. You may wish to take a gentle stroll through the bustling streets nearby, where prayer flags ripple above narrow lanes and the scent of incense mingles with sizzling street food. Enjoy the city at your own pace—perhaps pause for a masala tea at a rooftop café and watch life unfold below in the maze-like alleys.

As evening falls, Kathmandu comes alive with flickering butter lamps in its countless shrines and temples. Tomorrow begins your deeper exploration, but for now, it’s a time to rest, breathe in the mountain air, and soak up the anticipation of the adventure ahead.

After breakfast, your journey deeper into the Annapurna region begins. Depart Kathmandu by road, tracing lush river valleys and terraced hillsides as the cityscape fades into forested ridgelines and mountain horizons. Expect a full day on the move (approximately 9–10 hours’ driving) with ever-changing scenery—village markets, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and rice paddies stepping down towards the Marsyangdi River.

By late morning or early afternoon, arrive in Besisahar, the traditional roadhead for the Annapurna Circuit. Here you switch to a rugged local jeep for the final stretch along a dramatic cliff-hugging track. It’s a
n unforgettable approach: the route threads past tea houses and prayer wheels, splashes through shallow fords, and skirts steep ravines carved by glacial melt. Keep your camera close—sheer canyon walls, tumbling streams and fern-draped rock faces appear around every bend.

By evening, roll into Tal—a striking riverside settlement perched at the edge of a wide gravel riverbed. Check in to a simple, welcoming teahouse and settle down for the night. Tomorrow, boots hit trail: your Annapurna Circuit trek begins in earnest from Tal, with the cadence of the mountains setting your new daily rhythm.

Lace up for your first hiking day on the Annapurna Circuit. Leaving Tal, follow a rough track that keeps close company with the surging Marsyangdi River, its turquoise water foaming through a steep, narrow gorge. The route blends stone footpaths with sections of jeep track, threading past prayer wheels, mani walls and simple tea houses as you ease into the rhythm of the trail.

A suspension (rope) bridge delivers a thrilling crossing above the river before you continue towards Dharapani, where trekking permits are checked at the roadside post. Beyond here, the valley begins to open; pine and oak forest provides cool shade, waterfalls ribbon down mossy cliffs and the path climbs steadily—never too steep, but enough to warm the legs and lungs on this first proper day.

Gradually you enter the wonderfully scenic Bagarchhap Valley: stone-built houses with carved wooden balconies, strings of prayer flags, and distant glimpses of higher Himalayan ridges. Settle into your first traditional Himalayan teahouse at around 2,160m, where a hot drink and mountain quiet set the tone for the trekking days ahead.

Your trek continues today with a rewarding stretch from Bagarchhap to Chame, blending forest trails, village culture, and mountain panoramas. Begin with a gentle path past a small waterfall before tackling a steep uphill climb of more than 400m through a dense and enchanting forest of rhododendron and oak. The earthy scent of moss and pine lingers in the cool air, while prayer flags brighten the path as you ascend steadily.

By midday, you emerge at Timang village, perched high on a terrace. Here, pause for a well-earned lunch, warming your hands on a cup of steaming tea or coffee as you drink in spectacular views of Manaslu Peak—an awe-inspiring 8,163m giant that dominates the horizon. This is one of those classic Annapurna Circuit moments where culture, landscape, and mountain grandeur converge.

The afternoon trail ascends more gently, weaving past the traditional stone-built settlements of Thanchok and Koto, where you may hear the flutter of prayer flags and the hum of daily village life. The day ends in Chame (2,670m), the administrative centre of Manang district, framed by forested ridges and snowy summits. Tonight’s teahouse offers a chance to relax in warmth and prepare for tomorrow’s deeper push into the valley.

Today’s stage is a milestone on the Annapurna Circuit, as you climb above 3,000m for the first time. From Chame, cross the roaring Marsyangdi River and pass a colourful chorten (Buddhist shrine) before entering an undulating forest trail scented with pine and spruce. The path leads to Bhratang, a former Tibetan settlement wrapped in alpine woodland. Look out for a dramatic waterfall cascading across the opposite mountainside as the valley changes direction.

From here, cross the river again and begin the ascent towards Dhikur Pokhari, a windswept plateau village that makes the perfect stop for lunch. Looming above, the immense rock face of Swargadwari (“the gateway to heaven”) dominates the skyline—an iconic formation steeped in local legend. The trail now shifts character: vegetation thins, the air feels sharper, and the valley broadens into a wide amphitheatre framed by snow-dusted ridges.

Continue trekking across this spectacular landscape until you reach the tranquil hamlet of Upper Pisang (3,300m). Stone houses cluster beneath the watchful gaze of Annapurna II, which glows pink at sunset. Tonight’s teahouse stay at this lofty altitude offers your first true taste of high Himalayan living.

This is one of the most rewarding stretches of the Annapurna Circuit, blending cultural encounters with high-altitude scenery. Leaving Upper Pisang, trek through a lush belt of yak pastures and crop fields where the rhythm of village life unfolds against a backdrop of towering peaks. Pause to explore a remote Tibetan monastery, its prayer flags snapping in the wind, before beginning the long, switchback climb to Ghyaru—a spectacularly sited settlement overlooking the Marsyangdi Valley.

From here, the trail changes character. The greenery gives way to an increasingly arid, high-altitude landscape of ochre hillsides, wind-carved cliffs, and wide horizons. Continue along this balcony path, which delivers some of the finest views of the trek, before descending gently to the traditional village of Ngawal. This makes the perfect place to stop for lunch and enjoy the mountain silence, punctuated only by the occasional yak bell.

The afternoon trek eases gradually towards Manang (3,540m), one of the largest and most culturally distinctive villages on the circuit. Here, slate-roofed houses cluster beneath a towering ice wall, while locals converse in the rare Manangi language—an unwritten tongue now close to extinction. Tonight, you’ll rest in Manang’s lively teahouses, surrounded by mountains that glow gold in the evening light.

Today is set aside as an acclimatisation day in Manang, allowing your body to adjust to the higher altitude before the trail climbs further. At 3,540m, taking a pause here is essential for a safe and successful Annapurna Circuit trek. The slower pace also offers the chance to savour the cultural richness of this mountain town.

Begin the morning with a steaming cup of smoky chai in a cosy tea shop, then wander through the narrow alleys of old Manang. Traditional stone-thatch houses lean close together, their intricately carved wooden windows framed by colourful prayer flags fluttering in the crisp mountain breeze. The sights, sounds, and scents of this high-altitude village paint an unforgettable picture of Himalayan life.

For those with extra energy, take a gentle optional hike to the turquoise waters of Gangapurna Lake, set beneath a dramatic glacier wall. Alternatively, pay a visit to the Himalayan Rescue Association post, where volunteers work tirelessly to educate trekkers and support locals across some of the world’s most challenging terrain. The afternoon is best spent at leisure—resting, hydrating, and soaking up the mountain views as golden light settles over the valley.

Leaving Manang behind, today’s route takes you along a less-travelled but beautifully serene section of the Annapurna Circuit. The trail begins through fields of barley and buckwheat, their golden hues standing out against the stark mountain backdrop. Soon, you’ll cross the rushing Thorang Khola River via a suspension bridge, prayer flags fluttering brightly above the foaming waters below.

From here, the climb is gradual but steady. The path winds across wide meadows and through pockets of fragrant juniper forest, where yaks graze lazily against a backdrop of jagged peaks. Passing through Khangsar, the final inhabited village in this area, you’ll notice the pace of life slowing even further. Here, stone houses cling to the hillsides and locals tend their fields at one of the last outposts before the high mountains take over.

As you gain altitude, the thinner air makes itself felt—breathing comes slower, but the trail’s gentle gradient keeps the ascent manageable. By mid-afternoon, arrive at Sri Kharka (3,880m), a remote and tranquil spot where you’ll settle into a cosy teahouse. A hearty meal and the silence of the mountains set the perfect tone for tomorrow’s visit to one of the natural wonders of the Himalaya.

Today’s short but dramatic trek leads you towards the foot of one of the Himalaya’s great natural treasures. From Sri Kharka, the trail hugs the mountainside, offering uninterrupted views of Annapurna II and Gangapurna shimmering above the valley. Along the way, adrenaline rises as you cross several rushing streams on lofty suspension bridges, prayer flags fluttering overhead as the waters thunder below.

The terrain soon becomes more challenging as the route traverses an exposed rocky slope, where careful footing is required. This section can feel precarious, but it rewards with sweeping panoramas of rugged cliffs and distant glaciers. After a steady climb, you reach Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m), a remote outpost nestled beneath towering rock faces.

Here, you’ll have the afternoon to rest, refuel, and conserve energy for tomorrow’s ascent to the fabled Tilicho Lake. As night falls, step outside your teahouse for one of the trek’s highlights: a crystal-clear, high-altitude sky where constellations blaze brighter than you’ve ever seen before.

Rise before dawn, strap on your head torch, and begin the steady climb towards one of the Himalaya’s most extraordinary sights. The trail ascends gradually at first, before steepening into a demanding push up to a high pass. With each step, the air thins and the peaks glow with the first light of morning, rewarding your effort with immense panoramas. From the top, the path levels and opens into a high-altitude amphitheatre that leads you directly to Tilicho Lake.

At 4,919m, this is one of the highest lakes in the world. Its vast, turquoise expanse is hemmed in by sheer rock walls and snow-capped summits, prayer flags rippling beside two serene Buddha statues on the shore. Take time to explore, breathe in the thin, crisp air, and marvel at a place long considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus. Few trekking moments rival the beauty and spiritual power of Tilicho Lake.

After ample time to take in the scenery, retrace your steps back down to Tilicho Base Camp for a well-earned breakfast. From here, continue descending through alpine meadows and rocky tracks until you return to Sri Kharka (3,880m). A hot meal and a peaceful evening in your teahouse are the perfect reward after this epic day on the trail.

Today’s trek offers a blend of remote ruins, alpine pastures, and sweeping mountain vistas as you gradually make your way back to the main Annapurna Circuit trail. Begin with a gentle ascent to Old Khangsar, where the crumbling remains of an abandoned settlement stand as silent sentinels against the backdrop of Annapurna III and the sprawling Manang Valley. The views here capture the sheer drama of the Himalaya—jagged ridgelines, deep river gorges, and snowy summits etched against a brilliant sky.

From Old Khangsar, the trail climbs gradually past alpine meadows where herders tend their flocks and the great beasts of the mountains—yaks—graze peacefully. Their presence is a reminder that you are deep in highland territory, where life adapts to altitude and seasons. Keep your camera ready; this stretch is famed for its unspoiled scenery and photo-worthy panoramas.

As you crest the ridgeline, descend carefully to cross the Thorang Khola River on a wooden bridge, then rejoin the classic Annapurna Circuit route. From here, the trail winds through rugged, windswept slopes and into the high village of Yak Kharka (4,050m). This small cluster of teahouses provides a welcome rest stop, surrounded by immense peaks that seem almost within reach.

Today’s trek is shorter in distance but pivotal in preparation, as you move closer to the foot of the mighty Thorong La Pass. The trail climbs steadily from Yak Kharka, its dusty switchbacks winding across arid hillsides where sparse vegetation clings to the rocky slopes. Though the path is straightforward, the higher altitude means each step feels heavier and the pace naturally slows.

Pass through the small settlement of Ledar, where a handful of teahouses offer tea, snacks, and welcome breaks. From here, the route narrows and follows a rugged track across dry, exposed terrain. Soon you’ll descend slightly to cross the Thorong Khola River via a sturdy bridge before making the final climb into Thorong Phedi—literally “foot of the pass.”

Arriving by early afternoon at 4,450m, you’ll have time to rest, hydrate, and conserve energy for tomorrow’s ascent across the highest point of the trek. This is a day to relax, breathe deeply, and prepare mind and body for the challenge ahead.

Today is the defining moment of the Annapurna Circuit—the epic crossing of the legendary Thorong La Pass, one of the highest navigable passes in the world. Wake at around 04:00 am, don your head torch, and begin the steep climb from Thorong Phedi to Thorong High Camp. The air is thin and icy, but anticipation fuels your steps as you make your way over the final suspension crossing of the Thorong Khola River and onto the relentless zigzagging path upward.

The ascent is steady but demanding, each breath laboured as you gain altitude. Slowly, the prayer flags of the summit come into view, and by mid-morning you arrive at the top of Thorong La Pass (5,416m). Here, strings of multicoloured flags ripple in the wind, marking the spot where trekkers from around the globe pause to celebrate their achievement. Take time to soak in the panorama: glaciated peaks piercing the sky, windswept ridgelines, and the stark beauty of the high desert stretching toward the Kali Gandaki Valley.

After photos and quiet reflection, begin the long descent into a new landscape. The trail drops steeply, leading into the Mustang region with its ochre cliffs and Tibetan-influenced villages. By late afternoon, you arrive in Muktinath (3,750m), a revered pilgrimage site sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Visit the serene Vishnu temple and 108 sacred water spouts, a fittingly spiritual close to the hardest yet most rewarding day of your journey.

After the triumph of crossing Thorong La, today brings a long but rewarding descent into one of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. From Muktinath, set off on a downhill trail that quickly drops in altitude, passing ancient stone walls, shrines, and windswept highland plateaus. The route gradually eases as you approach Kagbeni, a medieval village with narrow alleys, mud-brick houses, and timeless views over the river valley.

From Kagbeni, follow the mighty Kali Gandaki River, which cuts through the deepest gorge on the planet, flanked by the colossal peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Prayer flags whip in the breeze as the valley widens into a desert-like landscape, marked by ochre cliffs, braided river channels, and winds that grow stronger in the afternoon.

By evening, you reach Jomsom (2,720m), a bustling town that serves as the administrative centre of the Mustang district and the gateway to ancient trans-Himalayan trade routes. Relax in your teahouse, wander its lively streets, or visit nearby Dhumba Lake, its turquoise waters shimmering beneath the prayer flags. Tonight you rest in Jomsom, where tradition and modern trekking culture meet at the crossroads of history.

This morning, trade the high trails for the skies as you board a short, scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The journey is a spectacular one: tiny propeller planes skim above the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, offering bird’s-eye views of the dramatic landscapes you’ve trekked through over the past two weeks. In less than half an hour, you descend into the lush greenery and temperate climate of Nepal’s beloved lakeside town.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in to your hotel near tranquil Phewa Lake. The contrast is striking—after days of remote mountain teahouses, you’ll find yourself surrounded by cafés, shops, and the gentle hum of urban life. Depending on timing, enjoy a stroll along the lakeside promenade, watching colourful boats drift against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks reflected in the water.

In the evening, gather with your group to celebrate the completion of the epic Annapurna Circuit trek. Choose from cosy lakeside restaurants or lively bars where the atmosphere is as warm as the food. Tonight is a time to reminisce about the journey, share stories, and toast to a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.

This morning, bid farewell to the serene lakeside charm of Pokhara and begin your overland journey back to Kathmandu. The drive takes around 7–8 hours, winding through dramatic river valleys, terraced hillsides, and bustling roadside towns. As the road climbs and curves, glimpses of snowy Himalayan peaks still grace the horizon, a reminder of the landscapes you’ve traversed.

Arriving back in Kathmandu, the energy of the capital feels both familiar and refreshing after days spent in the mountains. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax or to explore at leisure. You may wish to wander through the lively streets of Thamel, shop for handicrafts, or simply enjoy a quiet coffee as you reflect on your epic Annapurna adventure.

In the evening, consider a celebratory dinner with your trekking companions. Kathmandu’s rooftop restaurants and traditional eateries provide the perfect backdrop to share stories, laughter, and gratitude for the memories forged on the trail.

Enjoy a relaxed start to your last morning in Kathmandu. After days of trekking and travel, a leisurely lie-in is well deserved. With time on your side, step out once more into the bustling streets of Thamel or head to the city’s sacred sites for a final immersion into Nepal’s spiritual heart.

You may wish to visit Pashupatinath, one of the most revered Hindu temples in South Asia, or marvel at the immense Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Both sites offer a glimpse of Kathmandu’s deep spiritual traditions, where pilgrims, monks, and locals blend into a tapestry of timeless devotion.

Later, return to your hotel to collect your belongings and transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home. As you take off, reflect on the extraordinary adventure you’ve completed—the Annapurna Circuit trek, a journey of landscapes, culture, and endurance that will stay with you long after you return to everyday life.