Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu
You'll meet the group at 2 pm in Kathmandu, but if you get there earlier, there's plenty to do. Durbar Square has temples and markets worth checking out, or you can head up to Swayambhunath, the 'monkey temple' perched on a hilltop. The street markets and bazaars throughout the city are good for wandering around, and Pashupatinath temple is another option if you have time.
Optional Activities
- Visit Durbar Square
- Climb to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
- Explore street markets and alley bazaars
- Visit Pashupatinath
- Visit Patan
- Visit Bhaktapur
- Everest Scenic Flight (USD240)
- Panorama Hike Urban Adventure (USD76)
- Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure (USD59)
- Explore Patan & Bhaktapur Urban Adventure (USD108)
Landmarks Durbar Square Swayambhunath Pashupatinath Patan Bhaktapur 
- Day 2
Kathmandu to Ngadi
The drive from Kathmandu to Ngadi starts early morning and takes you through some nice landscapes with the Trishuli River, green hills, and terraced fields along the way. You'll see Himalayan views and pass through towns like Besisahar, which marks the start of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. By late afternoon you'll arrive at your guesthouse in Ngadi.
Included Activities
- Drive from Kathmandu to Ngadi
Landmarks Trishuli River Besisahar - Day 3
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Start trekking through a deep wooded canyon with cascades and some steep sections mixed in. You'll walk past rice paddies and through sub-tropical forest with winding trails, cross suspension bridges over rivers, and see waterfalls from snowmelt. There are steep mountain passes to climb. Over the next ten days you'll reach isolated mountain communities with different local customs and traditions.
Included Activities
- Trek through deep wooded canyon with cascades
- Cross suspension bridges
- Trek through sub-tropical forest and rice paddies
Landmarks Annapurna Circuit Trek - Octopus Waterfall - Day 4
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Continue through the deep wooded canyon where waterfalls line the trail. Today you're moving into the Manang district, and the path climbs for much of the day as you push higher into the mountain range.
Included Activities
- Trek through deep wooded canyon with waterfalls
- Trek into Manang district with ascending trails
- Day 5
Annapurna Circuit Trek to Chame
You'll reach the end of the Marsyangdi Gorge with a steep climb up to Timang, then the trail becomes easier with gentler slopes ahead. The plants change from dense pine forests to drier vegetation. By day's end you'll arrive in Chame, the district headquarters and the largest town since you left Besisahar.
Included Activities
- Trek from Marsyangdi Gorge to Timang
- Trek to Chame
Landmarks Marsyangdi Gorge Timang - Day 6
Chame
Trek through a deep gorge and past Paungi Danda's sweeping slope on your way to Chame. There's a tea break at a nice apple orchard along the route. The day is mostly straightforward walking with a few uphill sections scattered throughout.
Included Activities
- Trek through deep gorge
- Trek past Paungi Danda
- Tea break at apple orchard
Landmarks Paungi Danda - Day 7
Upper Pisang to Ghyaru
Take the northern trail via upper Pisang and Ghyaru for some great views of the surrounding peaks. You might run into local farmers with yak herds in this area. Fair warning: Tibetan yaks seem to pay special attention to people wearing red, so pick your clothing carefully.
Included Activities
- Trek via upper Pisang and Ghyaru
- Observe local farmers herding yaks
Landmarks Pisang Ghyaru - Day 8
Acclimatisation
Spend the day acclimatizing by trekking to higher altitude and returning to Manang for the night. The village has roughly 500 flat-roofed houses and offers excellent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Chulu East.
Included Activities
- Acclimatisation hike from Manang to higher altitude and return
Landmarks Manang Annapurna II Annapurna III Gangapurna Chulu East - Day 9
Manang to Yak Kharka
Trek steadily uphill into the alpine region of the mountains. You'll reach Yak Kharka by the end of the day, which puts you in position for an easier trek tomorrow while your body adjusts to the high altitude.
Included Activities
- Trek uphill to Yak Kharka in alpine region
Landmarks Yak Kharka - Day 10
Yak Kharka to Phedi
Because of the altitude, take this climb slowly and enjoy the views along the way. Once you reach Phedi, you'll have time to rest and let your body adjust to the higher elevation before attempting the Thorung La Pass tomorrow, the highest point on the circuit.
Included Activities
- Leisurely trek from Yak Kharka to Phedi
Landmarks Phedi Thorung La Pass - Day 11
Thorung La Pass to Muktinath
Leave very early to cross Thorung La Pass at 5,416 metres. The climb is steep but straightforward to follow. At the pass you'll find prayer flags, a traditional stupa, and stone cairns where you can stop and take in the views. After that, the trail descends steeply toward Chabarbu, crosses meadows, dips into a ravine, climbs back out, then follows a wide path to Muktinath, a pilgrimage site sacred to both Hindu and Buddhist communities.
Included Activities
- Cross Thorung La Pass (5,416m) with prayer flags and stupa
- Descend to Muktinath pilgrimage site
Landmarks Thorung La Pass Chabarbu Muktinath - Day 12
Purang - Jhong - Kagbeni - Marpha - Kalopani
Branch off from the main trail to visit the old village of Purang, then continue on a quieter route past Jhong, another medieval-style village. Descend to the Jhing Khola river and emerge at Kagbeni. After lunch, head to Marpha to see its natural surroundings and cultural heritage, including well-built structures and local apple jam. Then drive to Kalopani for views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range, and relax with the panoramic Himalayan backdrop.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit ancient village of Purang
- Trek through medieval-style village of Jhong
- Trek to Kagbeni
- Visit Marpha village and explore buildings
- Try locally produced apple jam in Marpha
- Drive to Kalopani
Landmarks Purang Jhong Jhing Khola Kagbeni Marpha Kalopani Dhaulagiri Annapurna I - Day 13
Kalopani to Pokhara
Leave Kalopani by 4WD after breakfast for a scenic drive through different parts of Nepal's landscape. You'll pass terraced fields, rural villages, and winding roads along the Seti River with occasional Himalayan glimpses. By afternoon you'll reach Pokhara.
Included Activities
- Scenic 4WD drive from Kalopani to Pokhara
Landmarks Seti River - Day 14
Pokhara
Take a free day in Pokhara to relax and recover after the trekking. Your tour leader can point out things to do if you want suggestions. A boat ride on the lake is nice if the weather cooperates. There's shopping and cafes along the lakeside. You can explore the old town, visit a Hindu temple, check out a Buddhist monastery, or go to the Peace Pagoda for mountain views including Machhapuchhare. The International Mountain Museum covers past climbing expeditions.
Optional Activities
- Take a boat on the lake
- Shop at lakeside area
- Dine at lakeside cafes
- Explore old area of Pokhara
- Visit elaborate Hindu temple
- Visit Buddhist monastery
- Visit Peace Pagoda for mountain views
- Visit International Mountain Museum
Landmarks Peace Pagoda Machhapuchhare International Mountain Museum - Day 15
Departure
You're free to leave whenever you want today since there's nothing scheduled. Pokhara is peaceful and scenic if you prefer to stay longer, and extra accommodation can usually be arranged if there's availability.
Optional Activities
- Additional accommodation in Pokhara (subject to availability)
