Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu
You'll arrive at Kathmandu International Airport and get transferred to your hotel. The afternoon and evening are open for you to wander around this historic city on your own terms. Get oriented to the streets, grab some food, or simply rest after your flight.
- Start point
- Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) त्रिभुवन विमानस्थल, त्रिभुवन विमानस्थल, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal (Arrival gate )
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome Dinner)
Optional Activities
- Explore Kathmandu city
- Day 2
Kathmandu to Besi Sahar
Early start for a six hour drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway heading toward Besi Sahar, the traditional starting point for the Annapurna circuit trek and the main town of Lamjung district. You'll settle into your lodge there for the night after a long day on the road.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3
Besisahar to Upper Ngadi
Trek begins from Besisahar following the west bank of the Marsyandi River through Khudi village, then continue to Bhulbule where you'll have lunch. The snowy peak Himalchuli (7893m) shows up clearly from here. After lunch, cross to the east bank of the Marsyandi where Manaslu (8156m), Peak 29 (7541m) and Lamjung (6986m) come into view. The afternoon walking stays relatively easy as you reach Upper Ngadi.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Besisahar to Upper Ngadi following Marsyandi River
Landmarks Himalchuli Manaslu Peak 29 Lamjung - Day 4
Upper Ngadi to Jagat
Starting from Ngadi, cross a small suspension bridge over the Musi Khola and climb gradually up to Bahundanda (1311m) which sits on a ridge top. A short descent follows, then you'll head down into the river valley and stop for lunch at Syange (1136m). Afternoon brings a more technical section where the track cuts through near-vertical cliffs high above the river before reaching Jagat (1341m), an old Tibetan customs post from the trading route to Tibet.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Upper Ngadi to Jagat via Bahundanda and Syange
Landmarks Jagat - Day 5
Jagat to Dharapani
Leave Jagat crossing the river on a large suspension bridge, then the path climbs steeply with the river roaring through large boulders below. Once you reach the top, the valley opens up to show Tal sitting among fields of barley, wheat and potatoes. In the afternoon, the trail follows the river valley crossing back to the west bank before gradually ascending to Dharapani (1890m).
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Jagat to Dharapani via Tal
- Day 6
Dharapani to Koto
You'll cut through narrow fields from Dharapani where Dudh Khola enters from Manaslu's south face on the opposite bank. The Marshyangdi veers left and Annapurna II becomes visible as you reach Bagarchhap, a Bhotia village decorated with prayer flags. Climb through pine and oak forests, pass through Dhanakyu with a thundering waterfall nearby. The path enters a gorge with steep stone steps offering views of Manaslu. After the steep section, magnificent rhododendrons line the way to Ratamron, then cross a stream into a pine forest. Cut across loose hillside to Koto (2600m) where Annapurna II looms directly above. You'll leave the main circuit here, cross the Marshyangdi and head into Narphu valley, climbing about two hours to reach a camping site.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Dharapani to Koto via Bagarchhap, Dhanakyu and Ratamron, leaving Annapurna Circuit and entering Narphu valley
Landmarks Annapurna II - Day 7
Koto to Sinhenge Dharamsala
Navigate narrow jungle paths throughout this day, quite different from the wider trails you've been walking. Start with several ups and downs followed by a short steep ascent to Choto (2840 meters). You'll encounter numerous steep ascents and descents on exposed sections above Nar Phu Khola. Around 3090 meters, cross a suspension bridge in a very narrow valley where hot springs sit nearby. The rock-carved path is thrilling and precarious with large waterfalls nearby. Climb to a two-story hut at Sinhenge Dharamsala for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Koto to Sinhenge Dharamsala through narrow jungle paths and suspension bridge
Landmarks Hot Springs at Nar Phu Khola - Day 8
Sinhenge Dharamsala to Upper Chaku
Begin by crossing Methang Khola river, then climb on a winding path to Methang pastures where an ancient Chorten stands with views of Kang Guru. Pass the abandoned Methang village (3560m) where a path leads to Kang Guru BC. The walk to Junan (also abandoned) is easy and flat. Continue with easy walking to Lower Chaku village which has about 15 houses. Finish with a steep trail climbing to Upper Chaku.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Sinhenge Dharamsala to Upper Chaku via Methang pastures and Lower Chaku
Landmarks Kang Guru - Day 9
Upper Chaku to Phu Village
Start with a hard steep ascent to the abandoned Kyan village Vhaku with its long mani wall. Continue on a tunnel carved rocky path 70 meters above the river, then descend to the riverbed. Follow the riverbed and pass some Mani Chortens, then climb from the riverbed to Phu valley entrance (Phuohi Yalgoe). About an hour from the entrance, cross Phu Khola and begin climbing to the village. Phu has about 30 houses housing 100-150 people. Camp near the river.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Upper Chaku to Phu Village through tunnel carved path and Phu Khola crossing
Landmarks Phu Village - Day 10
Phu Village
Spend the day exploring Phu Village in the hidden Nar Phu Valley. Check out ancient monasteries, traditional Tibetan-style stone houses, and yak herding settlements. Talk with local Tibetan-Nepali communities to see their preserved way of life and take in the Himalayan views all around. This acclimatization day helps your body adjust to the altitude before higher elevation trekking.
Included Activities
- Explore Phu Village - monasteries, traditional Tibetan-style houses, and yak herding settlements
- Cultural immersion with local Tibetan-Nepali communities
Landmarks Phu Village Monasteries - Day 11
Phu Village to Nar Campsite
Trek from Phu to the Nar Campsite at 3,550 meters. The trail leads through scenic alpine valleys, suspension bridges, and sparse settlements with wide views of surrounding peaks. As you approach Nar Village, the trail becomes more peaceful and spiritually rich. Camp in this Himalayan wilderness.
Included Activities
- Trek from Phu Village to Nar Campsite through alpine valleys and suspension bridges
Landmarks Nar Village - Day 12
Nar Village
Spend the day exploring Nar Village, one of the hidden gems in the Nar Phu Valley. Wander through narrow stone alleys, visit traditional homes, and interact with villagers practicing centuries-old customs. Head to Nar Monastery to observe Buddhist rituals and enjoy views of the Annapurna range from there. This day also helps your body adjust to altitude before the higher elevation days ahead.
Included Activities
- Explore Nar Village - narrow stone alleys, traditional homes, local interactions
- Visit Nar Monastery - observe Buddhist rituals and Annapurna range views
Landmarks Nar Monastery - Day 13
Nar to Kang La Phedi
Trek toward Kang La Phedi, the base camp for the challenging Kang La Pass. The trail gradually ascends through rugged terrain with views of snow-capped peaks like Pisang Peak and Annapurna II. This important acclimatization day prepares you for crossing the high pass. Camp at the foot of Kang La under the stars in the heart of the Himalayas.
Included Activities
- Trek from Nar to Kang La Phedi base camp through rugged terrain
Landmarks Pisang Peak - Day 14
Kang La Pass to Munje
A long and challenging but rewarding day crossing the Kang La Pass at 5,280 meters. The steep ascent is marked by a chorten with views of the Annapurna massif all around. Before the pass, reach a small lake where you'll rest before the final effort. The descent is very steep but after about an hour, follow a grassy path to Ngawal with restaurants and lodges. Continue to Munje, passing through beautiful forests where you'll camp for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cross Kang La Pass at 5,280 meters with steep ascent and descent
- Trek from Kang La Pass through Ngawal to Munje
Landmarks Kang La Pass Ngawal - Day 15
Munje to Manang
Cultivated fields appear on both sides of the path. To the right, below a craggy mountain, see the village of Braga with its splendid monastery. Large chortens and mani walls fill the landscape with tall Himalayan peaks spread before you including Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna (7455m) and Tilicho Peak (7134m) to the rear. After a short steep climb, reach Manang. Camp here amidst fluttering prayer flags.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Munje to Manang via Braga village
Optional Activities
- Visit Braga Monastery
Landmarks Braga Monastery Gangapurna Tilicho Peak - Day 16
Manang to Letdar
Climb from Manang to Tengi village, surrounded by magnificent peaks of Annapurna Himal, Peak 29, and Himalchuli. You've now passed the tree line where vegetation consists of alpine grasses and scrub juniper. Ascend past the summer village of Gunsang, crossing Gundon Khola via a wooden bridge. Ahead see mountains surrounding Thorung La, which you'll cross tomorrow. The trail undulates as elevation gradually increases through an alluvial delta with yak pastures. After about an hour, arrive at Letdar for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Manang to Letdar via Tengi and Gunsang
- Day 17
Letdar to Thorung Phedi
Leaving Letdar, gradually climb to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi River, crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a brief ascent up the mountain path along the right bank, follow a narrow trail across an unstable scree slope. Descend to Thorung Phedi for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Letdar to Thorung Phedi via Marshyangdi River headwaters and scree slope
- Day 18
Thorung Phedi to Muktinath
Start very early around 3 AM for a slow and safe ascent of Thorung La. The trail isn't steep but features a long gradual approach with several false summits before reaching stone cairns marking the true crest at 5,416 meters. In good weather, views from the pass are fantastic with a panorama of Annapurna, Mukut, and Mustang ranges and Kali Gandaki valley far below. The steep descent rewards you with views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Tukche Peak (6,920m). Arrive at Muktinath, one of Nepal's most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists. Visit the monastery and pagoda-style temple with 108 waterspouts shaped like cow heads. See a temple with burning natural gas and a small spring from the rock. Stay overnight in a lodge.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cross Thorung La Pass at 5,416 meters with panoramic mountain views
- Visit Muktinath - Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site
- Visit Muktinath Monastery and pagoda-style temple with 108 cow-head waterspouts
- See burning natural gas temple and spring
Landmarks Thorung La Pass Muktinath Temple Dhaulagiri Tukche Peak - Day 19
Muktinath to Jomsom
From Muktinath, the trail descends toward the Kali Gandaki Valley through Jharkot village, backdropped by views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri (7061m). The terrain is yellow, barren, almost moonlike with patches of green cultivation and man-made irrigation canals. A short steep descent leads to lunch at Eklebhatti on the Kali Gandaki Valley floor. In the afternoon, follow the river heading south through the wide, windswept and barren valley to Jomsom.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom via Jharkot and Eklebhatti in Kali Gandaki Valley
Landmarks Nilgiri - Day 20
Jomsom to Pokhara
Take a short and scenic mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, descending from the arid highlands of Upper Mustang to the lush green valley of Pokhara. You'll see aerial views of the Himalayas, Kali Gandaki Gorge, and terraced hillsides during the flight. Upon arrival, enjoy the laid-back lakeside atmosphere of Pokhara or take a short walk around Phewa Lake.
Included Activities
- Mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
Optional Activities
- Walk around Phewa Lake
Landmarks Phewa Lake - Day 21
Pokhara
Stay overnight in a hotel in Pokhara. Breakfast and farewell dinner are included with your room.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell Dinner)
- Day 22
Pokhara Departure
The day is free for you to relax until your departure or to arrange additional trips or activities around Pokhara. If you're heading home, transfer to the international airport in time for your return flight.
- End point
- Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) त्रिभुवन विमानस्थल, त्रिभुवन विमानस्थल, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal (Main Entrance)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Additional trips or activities in Pokhara
