Your Annapurna Circuit adventure begins early in the morning with a hearty breakfast in the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. From here, we embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna region. You’ll travel in comfort, either by local bus or a private vehicle, allowing you to soak in the lush landscapes, terraced fields, and traditional villages along the way. Upon arrival in Besisahar, we pause for a delicious lunch before switching to a rugged Jeep for the next leg of the journey. The thrilling 6–7-hour off-road ride to Dharapani takes you deeper into the heart of the Himalayas, offering your first glimpses of snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and winding rivers. By evening, we’ll arrive at Dharapani, a peaceful village nestled in the mountains, where you’ll rest for the night in a cozy lodge, preparing for the exciting days ahead. This day sets the tone for the unforgettable trek through the Annapurna Circuit, blending adventure with breathtaking scenery.

After breakfast in Dharapani, we embark on a scenic 5-6 hour trek to Chame. The trail follows the Marsyangdi River through lush forests of pine, oak, and maple, offering spectacular views of Annapurna II (7,937m/26,040ft), Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft), and Lamjung Himal (6,983m/22,910ft). A steady ascent brings us to Timang village (2,750m/9,022ft), where we take a break for lunch, surrounded by breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu (8,156m/26,759ft) and Peak 29 (7,871m/25,823ft).
The trail becomes easier as we pass through alpine villages and cross small streams. A quick rest at a natural hot spring refreshes us before we continue to Koto village, the gateway to Nar Phu Valley. Arriving in Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, we settle into a good mountain lodge, enjoy a hearty meal, and relax with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

After breakfast in Chame, we set off on a scenic trek towards Upper Pisang, covering about 16 kilometers in 6 hours. The trail begins with a walk-through dense pine forests and alongside the Marsyangdi River. As the valley narrows, we encounter the impressive Paungda Danda rock face, a massive curved wall towering 1,500 meters above the river—a sacred site for the local people.
We continue through the apple orchards of Bhratang, a great spot to rest and enjoy a treat before pushing ahead. The trail then climbs steadily, offering stunning views of Annapurna II (7,937m/26,040ft), Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft), and Pisang Peak (6,091m/19,984ft). A gentle ascent brings us to Dhikur Pokhari for lunch, where the views of the surrounding peaks are mesmerizing.
As we approach Upper Pisang, the trail flattens, leading us through beautiful grass fields. Upper Pisang, with its traditional Tibetan-style houses and rich culture, is a charming village where we’ll spend the night, preparing for the next leg of the trek.

Day four of the Annapurna Circuit takes us through one of the most rewarding sections of the trek. After breakfast, we begin the ascent from Upper Pisang, opting for the northern route through the village of Ghyaru. The climb is steep and challenging but offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna III (7,555m), and Annapurna IV (7,525m). Pisang Peak (6,091m) and Gangapurna (7,455m) also dominate the skyline as we trek through this high-altitude terrain.
The trail passes through traditional Tibetan villages like Ngawal, where we stop for lunch, enjoying the unique culture and atmosphere. As we continue, we traverse barren landscapes, where the air becomes colder and drier. Along the way, you'll also have the chance to visit Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in the region, before arriving in the bustling town of Manang.
Manang, set against a backdrop of the towering Annapurna massif and Tilicho Peak (7,134m), is a vibrant hub for trekkers. The village offers a range of amenities, and we settle in for a comfortable night in one of the local teahouses.

Day five is dedicated to rest and acclimatization in the picturesque village of Manang, helping your body adjust to the higher altitudes in preparation for the challenging days ahead. While this is a rest day, staying active is key to successful acclimatization, and there are several enticing hikes to choose from.
One of the most popular options is the trek to Ice Lake (4,620m/15,157ft), a steep but rewarding climb that offers panoramic views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna III, Tilicho Peak, and the Chulu Peaks. The full-day trek, around 14-16 kilometers round trip, takes about 8-9 hours and presents breathtaking alpine scenery. Alternatively, a shorter hike to Gangapurna Lake provides spectacular views of Gangapurna (7,455m/24,457ft) and the surrounding peaks.
You may also visit Praken Gompa, a monastery perched above Manang, for stunning views of Annapurna II (7,937m/26,040ft) and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). In the afternoon, a visit to the Himalayan Rescue Association provides valuable information on altitude sickness. As the day draws to a close, relax in the village and take in the majestic views of the Himalayas.

After breakfast in Manang, we begin the gradual ascent towards Yak Kharka. The trail initially takes us across a stream and climbs to the small village of Tenki. From here, we leave the Marsyangdi Valley behind and ascend into the stunning Jar Sang Khola Valley. The air becomes thinner, and the landscape turns more barren as we rise, passing through juniper forests and yak pastures.
As we trek, we pass the village of Ghunsang (3,950m), a traditional Tibetan-style settlement. The gradual ascent provides breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including glimpses of Gangapurna (7,455m) and Chulu East (6,584m). Along the way, we cross suspension bridges and pass grazing yaks and horses, a reminder of the region's high-altitude pastoral life.
Our destination, Yak Kharka, is a peaceful meadow where yaks graze during the summer months. Here, we settle into a local tea house, enjoy a warm meal, and rest for the night, preparing for the higher altitudes and the next leg of our journey towards Thorong La Pass.

Today’s trek takes us from the high pasturelands of Yak Kharka to the base of the Thorong La Pass at Thorong Phedi, a 5-6 hour journey covering 8.5 kilometers. We begin with a gentle ascent to Churi Ledar (4,200m/13,780ft), enjoying mesmerizing views of Annapurna II, III, and IV along the way. After crossing a wooden suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River, the trail becomes steeper as we navigate through landslide-prone areas. This section requires extra caution due to the loose rocks and narrow paths.
Despite the challenging terrain, the views of the rugged, uninhabited landscape are breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks towering above. As we ascend further, the landscape becomes more barren, contrasting sharply with the lush valleys of earlier days. After the final climb, we arrive at Thorong Phedi, a bustling little settlement that serves as a base for trekkers preparing to cross the Thorong La Pass.
At Thorong Phedi, we rest in a cozy teahouse and prepare for the demanding trek over the pass the following day. The dramatic alpine scenery and anticipation of the adventure ahead make this a memorable day on the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Today is the most demanding and exhilarating part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek—crossing the mighty Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416 meters. This is the day you’ve been preparing for, a challenge that will push your limits but reward you with an experience unlike any other.
We start our day well before dawn, trekking with headlamps under a sky full of stars. The icy air, combined with the altitude, creates an exhilarating sense of adventure. The first stretch from Thorong Phedi to High Camp takes about an hour of steady climbing. Despite the altitude and thin air, the excitement keeps you moving. As we ascend, the towering peaks of Thorong and Yakawa Kang surround us, inspiring awe at every turn.
The final push to Thorong La Pass is tough, with steep ascents and sharp ridges, but the promise of standing atop one of the world’s highest trekking passes keeps you going. Along the way, we pass two emergency shelters where we stop to refuel with a quick break. As the pass comes into view, the colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind signal the summit. Reaching the top is an unforgettable moment—the vast, snow-capped mountains of the Annapurna and the distant peaks of Tibet stretch before you in a breathtaking panorama. The sense of accomplishment is indescribable, and this is the perfect place to capture a memory that will last a lifetime.
The descent to Muktinath, though easier, is steep and requires caution. The barren, rocky terrain gradually gives way to the sacred landscape of Muktinath, where you’ll find the famous Muktinath Temple. Surrounded by the majestic Kali Gandaki gorge and stunning views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the spiritual and physical journey of the day makes all the hardships worth it. We settle in for the night, reflecting on the adventure that truly tested and rewarded us.

After a peaceful morning in the sacred town of Muktinath, we begin our journey down into the beautiful Kali Gandaki Valley. The drive from Muktinath to Jomsom is scenic, taking us through arid highland terrain and past picturesque villages like Khingar and Jharkot, with their distinctive Tibetan architecture. As we descend, the landscapes gradually transform from the dry, barren Mustang region to lush green hills and fertile farmland.
We stop in Jomsom, the bustling district headquarters of Mustang, nestled at the foot of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri ranges. Jomsom's lively market offers a refreshing change, with views of towering Nilgiri (7,061m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) dominating the skyline. After a brief rest in Jomsom, we continue by bus along the world's deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Gorge, marveling at the dramatic landscape around us.
Our final destination for the day is Tatopani, a village renowned for its natural hot springs. "Tatopani" means "hot water" in Nepali, and soaking in these hot springs is the perfect way to relax after the long journey. The hot mineral-rich waters are believed to have healing properties, making it an ideal place to unwind before settling in for the night.

After enjoying a relaxing morning in Tatopani, soaking in the hot springs, we begin our journey back to the vibrant city of Pokhara. The 6-7hour drive takes us along scenic mountain roads, passing through charming villages and lush landscapes. As we descend from the highlands, we leave behind the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge and transition into the warmer, subtropical climate.
On the way, we pass through the bustling Beni Bazaar, a lively town known for its markets and as a junction for travelers and locals alike. The journey offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and occasional glimpses of snow-capped peaks in the distance, including Annapurna South (7,219m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993m).
Upon arriving in Pokhara, a popular tourist hub nestled by the serene Fewa Lake, you'll immediately feel the relaxed atmosphere. Pokhara is known for its beautiful lakes, stunning mountain views, and vibrant streets filled with cafés, shops, and restaurants. After days of trekking, you can unwind and indulge in the comforts of city life, exploring Pokhara’s attractions or simply resting in your hotel.