Your first trekking day begins with a scenic and invigorating walk along the Marsyangdi River. Leaving Tal, the trail gradually climbs through lush river valleys and dense forests while crisscrossing the river via suspension bridges. The roar of waterfalls and rushing rivers sets the rhythm for your walk, offering natural refreshment stops throughout the day. Along the way, you’ll pass the photogenic 200-meter Chyamche Waterfall, where many trekkers take a break to marvel at its thunderous beauty. The trail continues to rise and fall as you pass rocky ridges and descend to cross steel bridges suspended over deep gorges. Just before reaching Dharapani, you’ll walk through a stone archway welcoming you into the Manang region. Dharapani is a small but well-developed village. The final stretch to Danakyu begins with a noticeable incline, gaining elevation through forested paths and stone steps.

Today’s trek offers an exciting transition into the alpine zone. From Danakyu, the trail quickly rises through dense pine and fir forests. The highlight of the morning is the steep ascent to Timang Village, a traditional settlement known for its incredible panoramic views of the Manaslu and Lamjung Himal ranges. Although the climb is demanding, the rewards are ample with clear skies and soaring peaks.

Start the day with beautiful forest lands before hitting more steep stone stairs. With Annapurna II and IV and the Lamjung Himal on view today, you can use the image of the gorgeous mountains to spur you on over the challenging parts of the trail.

This is a tough day with a hard climb to Ghyaru village from Pisang. But from Ghyaru, the views are simply stunning, and it’s a great place to stop, drink plenty of water, and take in the surrounding Annapurna mountain range.

Manang is a large and interesting market town where we can get real coffee! However, the best way to acclimate to cross the high pass is to be active and not sit around in a coffee shop.

Today marks your departure from the main Annapurna Circuit as you venture on the side trail to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. The trail is initially gradual, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and dry, arid terrain that resembles a high-altitude desert.

Begin the day before dawn for a challenging yet rewarding hike to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest and most stunning lakes in the world. The trail climbs steeply right out of base camp, traversing rocky switchbacks and high alpine terrain with little vegetation. Due to the altitude, the air is thin and cold, and snow patches are often visible.

Today you’ll leave the side trail to Tilicho Lake and rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit route. The trail begins with a brief descent followed by a steady uphill walk across alpine ridges and open pastures. The route offers a refreshing change in scenery, trading dramatic cliffs for wide, open hills dotted with grazing yaks and dwarf juniper.

Today’s trek brings you closer to the mighty Thorong La Pass. From Yak Kharka, the trail climbs gradually through high-altitude meadows, crossing suspension bridges and navigating occasional landslide-prone sections. The thinning air and increasing elevation make it important to pace yourself and stay hydrated.

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, as you cross the iconic Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters / 17,769 feet)—one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The day starts early, often in the pre-dawn hours, to take advantage of calm morning weather and minimize exposure to strong winds at the pass.

After celebrating this incredible achievement, you’ll begin the long descent to Muktinath, a revered pilgrimage site and your resting place for the night. The downhill trail is steep at times and may feel hard on the knees, but the changing scenery from snowy highlands to arid landscapes keeps the walk engaging.

The final day of your Annapurna Circuit journey involves a long but scenic drive from Muktinath to Pokhara. As you leave the high desert landscape of Mustang, the road gradually descends through the Kali Gandaki Valley, the deepest gorge in the world, flanked by the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

You will drive early at 7:30 from Pokhara to Kathmandu, beginning your journey early in the morning to make the most of the day. Leaving the peaceful ambiance of Pokhara behind, the road gradually ascends into the rolling hills of central Nepal. The journey traces the beautiful Prithvi Highway, winding past lush green landscapes, cascading rivers, terraced farms, and charming rural towns.