Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu
A Sherpa Expedition representative picks you up from the airport and takes you to your hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu's main tourist area. You'll have time to walk around and grab any trekking gear you need. Later there's a short briefing about the trek ahead where you can ask questions.
- Start point
- Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) त्रिभुवन विमानस्थल, त्रिभुवन विमानस्थल, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal (Airport pick up by private car, 00:00 - 23:00)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Airport transfer to hotel
- Trek briefing with guide
Optional Activities
- Shopping for trekking equipment in Thamel
Landmarks/POIs Thamel - Day 2
Kathmandu Valley
Your guide takes you around the Kathmandu Valley sightseeing. You'll stop at Pashupatinath, Nepal's holiest Hindu temple on the Bagmati River banks, then head to Bouddhanath, a Buddhist temple known as 'Little Tibet'. After that come the monkeys at Swayambhunath temple, and you'll finish at Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site in front of the old royal palace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Pashupatinath Temple
- Visit to Bouddhanath Buddhist Temple
- Visit to Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple)
- Visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square
Landmarks/POIs Pashupatinath Temple Bagmati River Bouddhanath Temple Swayambhunath Temple Kathmandu Durbar Square - Day 3
Kathmandu to Soti Khola
You travel to Soti Khola by public bus or car with a lunch break on the way. Overnight stay in Soti Khola.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Transportation to Soti Khola
Landmarks/POIs Soti Khola - Day 4
Soti Khola to Khorla Besi
After crossing the Soti Khola river, the trail takes you through the Buri Gandaki Valley with its lush forests, fertile fields, streams, and waterfalls. You'll climb up to Lapu Besi and then Khorla Besi, a ridge above the river rapids.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trekking from Soti Khola to Khorla Besi
Landmarks/POIs Soti Khola River Buri Gandaki River Buri Gandaki Valley - Day 5
Khorla Besi to Labishe
Head toward Korsani Village first, then follow the Buri Gandaki banks to Labishe, a Gurung settlement. The valley walk gives you views of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal as you continue through.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trekking from Khorla Besi to Labishe
Landmarks/POIs Korsani Village Labishe Ganesh Himal Shringi Himal - Day 6
Labishe to Ghap
This 6 to 7 hour trek follows the Budhi Gandaki River toward Chisapani and the Shar Khola/Tsum Valley junction. You'll pass through bamboo forest, then reach Deng and continue on to Ghap with its distinctive Tibetan-style houses.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trekking from Labishe to Ghap
Landmarks/POIs Budhi Gandaki River Shar Khola Tsum Valley Deng Ghap - Day 7
Ghap to Lho
After crossing the Budhi Gandaki River, you trek uphill through fir, rhododendron, and bamboo forests toward Namrung Village. The terrain has wildlife like Danphe pheasants and Langur monkeys around. You reach Lho where there's a Gompa monastery and you can see the valley opening out ahead, with views of Manaslu, Manaslu North (7,157m), and Naike Peak (5,515m).
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trekking from Ghap to Lho
- Optional visit to Lho Gompa
Optional Activities
- Visit to Lho Gompa (monastery)
Landmarks/POIs Namrung Village Upper Nupri Manaslu Manaslu North Naike Peak Lho Lho Gompa - Day 8
Lho to Samagaun
The day brings you views of Ngadi Chuli Peak (7,879m) and Hiunchuli (7,893m). You pass through Shyala village and see chortens and Gompas with colorful Tibetan prayer flags. After crossing the Thosang Khola rocky moraine, you arrive at Samagaun.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trekking from Lho to Samagaun
Landmarks/POIs Ngadi Chuli Peak Hiunchuli Shyala Thosang Khola Samagaun - Day 9
Samagaun (Acclimatization Day)
Today's about acclimatizing at higher altitude while staying active. Check out the Gompa at Pugyen (4,070m) or hike to the glacier area. Optional activities include visiting Birendra Tal glacial lake (3,450m), climbing to Manaslu Base Camp (4,900m), or stopping by Milarepa's Cave, a famous meditation retreat.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore Gompa at Pugyen (4070m)
- Day hike between Syaula and Sama
- Trek to Pugin Glacier
- Visit glacial lake at Birendra Tal (3450m)
- Climb to Manaslu Base Camp (4900m)
- Visit Milarepa's Cave
Landmarks/POIs Gompa at Pugyen Pugin Glacier Birendra Tal Manaslu Base Camp Milarepa's Cave - Day 10
Samagaun to Samdo
Trek back down toward the Buri Gandaki River past the Birendra Tal and Manaslu Base Camp junction. The valley gets wider as you reach Kermo Khadka, then continue to the white Kani Gateway at Samdo Village (3,860m). Optional routes include trekking above the village for Manaslu views or out to the Fukang Glacier moraine.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trekking from Samagaun to Samdo
Optional Activities
- Trek to peak above Samdo Village for views of Mount Manaslu
- Trek to Fukang Glacier moraine (6 to 7 hours, 640 meters elevation gain)
Landmarks/POIs Buri Gandaki River Kermo Khadka Samdo Village Fukang Glacier 
- Day 11
Samdo to Dharamsala
Start downhill through fields then climb toward Larkya-La Pass with views of Manaslu and the Syacha Glacier. You might spot Himalayan blue sheep on the way to Dharamsala (4,480m), the highest point today and your final stop before the pass. Snow can be common in this area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trekking from Samdo to Dharamsala
Landmarks/POIs Larkya-La Pass Syacha Glacier Dharamsala - Day 12
Dharamsala to Bimtang (via Larkya-La Pass)
This 3 to 5 hour section crosses Larkya-La Pass (5,100m), the trek's highest point. The climb is wintry and windy with potential snow. You'll pass many cairns and cross moraine with frozen lakes before reaching the pass. From there you see Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Gyaji Kung (7,030m), Kang Guru (6,981m), and Annapurna II (7,937m). Descend to Taboche and down the valley to Bimtang (3,720m), a trading post on the Tibetan salt route.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Crossing Larkya-La Pass (5100m)
- Trekking to Bimtang
Optional Activities
- Detour to glacial lake at Pungkar Tal (4100m)
Landmarks/POIs Larkya-La Pass Himlung Himal Cheo Himal Gyaji Kung Kang Guru Annapurna II Taboche Bimtang Pungkar Tal 
- Day 13
Bimtang to Dharapani
Descend toward Dudh Khola and Soti Khola (2,700m) below Phunki Peak (6,258m). Cross the ridge to Gho Village where things get noticeably greener with cultivated fields. Follow the Dudh Khola north bank to Tilche (2,300m), the biggest village since Samdo, known for its flagstone streets and Gurung heritage. Pass through Kani gateway arches, cross to Thonje Village, then use a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River to reach Dharapani (1,920m) at the Annapurna Circuit junction where the trail gets easier.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trekking from Bimtang to Dharapani
Landmarks/POIs Dudh Khola Soti Khola Phunki Peak Gho Village Tilche Thonje Village Marsyangdi River Dharapani - Day 14
Dharapani to Chame
Climb through forests from Dharapani to Bagarchhap, the first village with typical Tibetan architecture. Move slowly upward through apple country at Dhanaqi, passing farmlands and orchards with views of Lamjung and Annapurna II. Continue by the Marsyangdi River through Ratamanang and Koto villages before arriving at Chame, the district headquarters.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trekking from Dharapani to Chame
Landmarks/POIs Bagarchhap Dhanaqi Lamjung Annapurna II Ratamanang Koto Chame - Day 15
Chame to Pisang
Leave Chame and pass Telekhu Village with great views of Annapurna and Pisang (6,091m). Cross a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River, then trek higher through pine forest in the upper Manang Valley to Pisang.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trekking from Chame to Pisang
Landmarks/POIs Telekhu Village Annapurna Pisang Marsyangdi River - Day 16
Pisang to Braga
Trek to Braga, a Tibetan village with unique stacked architecture where houses are built one on top of another. Visit the Gompa, the largest monastery in the Manang region. Braga's a popular spot with trekkers and good for acclimatizing before heading higher.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trekking from Pisang to Braga
- Visit to Braga Gompa
Optional Activities
- Exploration of Braga village and its Tibetan architecture
Landmarks/POIs Braga Braga Gompa Manang 
- Day 17
Braga (Acclimatization Day)
Medical professionals suggest spending time acclimatizing before higher elevations. Climb to Khangsar (3,756m) to help with acclimatization while keeping active.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Climb to Khangsar (3756m)
Landmarks/POIs Khangsar - Day 18
Braga to Yak Kharka (or Letdar)
Trek 10.4 km uphill to Yak Kharka through juniper forests with yaks grazing in alpine pastures. Pass the only teahouse at Thorong Khola. Depending on conditions you might continue to Letdar for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trekking to Yak Kharka
Optional Activities
- Continue trekking to Letdar depending on conditions
Landmarks/POIs Yak Kharka Thorong Khola Letdar - Day 19
Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp
Climb to higher altitude for more acclimatizing. Follow the Jarang Khola river's east bank seeing steep bluffs before arriving at Thorong Phedi. You might spot blue sheep or even a snow leopard around here. Continue to Thorong High Camp, home to Lammergeyer bearded vultures.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trekking to Thorong High Camp
Landmarks/POIs Jarang Khola Thorong Phedi Thorong High Camp - Day 20
Thorong High Camp to Muktinath (via Thorong La Pass)
Likely the toughest day, hiking around 8 to 9 hours. Higher altitude and strong winds make it harder. You'll pass sheep, yaks, and merchants with donkeys. Reach Thorong La Pass with great views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Khatungkang (6,484m). Descend 1,600 meters to Muktinath, with views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, making the trail easier.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Crossing Thorong La Pass
- Trekking to Muktinath
Landmarks/POIs Thorong La Pass Annapurna Gangapurna Khatungkang Mt. Dhaulagiri Muktinath - Day 21
Muktinath to Marpha
Descend 200 meters to the Kaligandaki river valley with a short stop at Ekle Bhatti's teahouses. Continue on a windy trail to Jomsom, headquarters of Mustang region with a small airstrip. After two more hours reach Marpha with whitewashed houses, paved streets, and well-maintained lodges where you can try local apple cider, brandy, and juice.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trekking from Muktinath to Marpha
Optional Activities
- Taste local apple products (cider, brandy, juice) in Marpha
Landmarks/POIs Kaligandaki River Ekle Bhatti Jomsom Marpha - Day 22
Marpha to Lete
Follow the Kaligandaki River downstream to Tukuche Village below Tukuche Peak and Mt. Dhaulagiri, seeing Mt. Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri's east face glaciers. Continue to Larjung Village then climb to the tree line with pines, oaks, and rhododendrons. Pass through Kalopani with views of Mt. Annapurna I, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri before descending to Lete Village.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trekking from Marpha to Lete
Landmarks/POIs Kaligandaki River Tukuche Village Tukuche Peak Mt. Dhaulagiri Mt. Nilgiri Larjung Village Kalopani Village Mt. Annapurna I Lete - Day 23
Lete to Tatopani
Trek through Ghasa and rice fields into a warmer subtropical climate. Pass waterfalls at Rupsi before reaching Tatopani (hot spring) village on the Kaligandaki River banks. Relax in the therapeutic hot pools to rest your muscles.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trekking to Tatopani
- Soak in therapeutic hot springs at Tatopani
Landmarks/POIs Ghasa Rupsi Waterfalls Tatopani Kaligandaki River - Day 24
Tatopani to Ghorepani
Climb 1,670 meters through cultivated farmlands with terraced fields, rhododendron forest (spectacular in springtime), and magnolia forest. Reach Ghorepani with far-reaching views of the Annapurna Ranges and Machapuchare (fishtail), one of few unclimbed peaks in Nepal because of its religious significance to Lord Shiva.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trekking from Tatopani to Ghorepani
Landmarks/POIs Ghorepani Annapurna Ranges Machapuchare - Day 25
Ghorepani to Tikhedhunga (via Poon Hill)
Wake early and trek up to Poon Hill to watch the sunrise. As dawn approaches you'll see thrilling color changes and capture photos of the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, and other snow-covered peaks. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then descend the steep trail to Tikhedhunga.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek to Poon Hill for sunrise
- Descent to Tikhedhunga
Landmarks/POIs Poon Hill Annapurnas Dhaulagiri Tikhedhunga 
- Day 26
Tikhedhunga to Pokhara
The trail passes villages and cascading waterfalls, reaching Birethanti by the Modi River for a lunch break. Continue another 30 minutes to Nayapul, then drive by car to Pokhara and your hotel near Phew Tal lake. You'll have time to celebrate with drinks marking the end of your trek.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Trekking to Birethanti
- Drive to Pokhara
- Hotel transfer
Optional Activities
- Celebrate with drinks at your Pokhara hotel
Landmarks/POIs Birethanti Modi River Nayapul Pokhara Phew Tal - Day 27
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Travel by road back to your Thamel hotel in Kathmandu. Flying is an optional alternative to the bus journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Transportation to Kathmandu
Optional Activities
- Fly back to Kathmandu (instead of driving)
Landmarks/POIs Thamel - Day 28
Departure from Kathmandu
A Sherpa Expeditions representative takes you to the airport at least three hours before departure. Reflect on your Himalayan adventure as you head home, and think about planning your next Nepal trip.
Included Activities
- Airport transfer
Landmarks/POIs Kathmandu Airport
