Annapurna Circuit Trek - 12 days

Touch down at Tribhuvan International Airport and you're in good hands from the moment you land. Transfer to your hotel in Thamel -Kathmandu's trekking heartland - and take the evening to settle in. We'll meet for a pre-trek briefing covering the full route, your ACAP and TIMS permits, altitude sickness awareness, and what to pack for the days ahead.

A long but scenic overland journey west along the Prithvi Highway, tracing rivers and terraced hillsides before dropping into the dramatic Marsyangdi River Valley. The road narrows past Besisahar through Jagat, Chamje, and Tal before arriving in Dharapani - the official gateway to the Annapurna Circuit and the start of the trek proper.

A gentle introduction to the trail - pine and oak forest, suspension bridges, and traditional stone villages like Bagarchhap and Timang. The mountains start making themselves known today, with Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II appearing above the treeline. End the day in Chame, where natural hot springs are waiting after your first proper day on foot.

The trail cuts through a steep river valley with cliff faces and waterfalls before opening into a wide alpine bowl. Upper Pisang is a highlight - a Tibetan-style village perched on a ridge with monasteries, prayer wheels, and commanding views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak (6,091 m). Arrive early enough to explore.

Take the high route via Ghyaru and Ngawal - it adds minimal distance and delivers some of the best views on the entire circuit. Annapurna II, III, and IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak all visible on a clear day. You'll drop down into Manang by afternoon - a well-equipped village and the main acclimatization hub before Thorong La.

A rest day that isn't really a rest day. Don't skip it - it's your best insurance against altitude sickness at the pass. Spend the day on an optional hike to Ice Lake (4,600 m) or Gangapurna Lake, and attend the free altitude briefing at the Himalayan Rescue Association post in the village.

A shorter, deliberate day as you climb higher into the alpine zone. The trail passes through Tenki village into open, sparse high-altitude terrain where yaks graze in wide meadows. Yak Kharka is small and peaceful - a good place for an early night and serious hydration before the big days ahead.

Short on distance, significant on altitude. After a brief descent to Thorong Phedi, a steep climb brings you to High Camp at 4,880 m - the final staging point before the pass. Eat well, drink plenty of water, and sleep as early as you can. Your alarm is set for 3-4 AM.

The defining day of the Annapurna Circuit. A pre-dawn start, a hard climb to Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m - the highest point of the route - and views that make every step worth it. The descent into the Mustang Valley is long but dramatic, finishing at Muktinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal.

A jeep or Bus ride through the Kali Gandaki Gorge - the deepest river gorge in the world, carved between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The route passes through Jomsom, the apple orchards of Marpha, and riverside Kalopani before arriving in Tatopani. The town's famous natural hot springs are exactly what your legs have been waiting for.

A hard climb -1,600 metres of ascent - through rhododendron and oak forest, past waterfalls and traditional Magar villages. It's demanding but the forest is beautiful, especially in spring when the rhododendrons are in full bloom. Ghorepani sits at the top surrounded by big mountain views. Set your alarm tonight - Poon Hill at dawn is not one to miss.

Up at 4:30 AM for the 45-minute hike to Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210 m). The Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges at sunrise from here is one of the most iconic views in all of Nepal -and it earns that reputation every single morning. After breakfast, descend to Ulleri and drive through the middle hills into Pokhara. Your final evening on the shores of Phewa Lake in Lakeside is the perfect close to the Annapurna Circuit.