Day 1: Arriving in Kathmandu and Trip Preparation (Altitude: 1,400 meters)

On the first day of your Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will arrive in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Kathmandu is a busy and exciting city, full of culture and history. When you arrive, you’ll meet your guide and team who will help you with everything you need for the trek.

After arriving, you’ll check into your hotel and have some time to relax. The rest of the day will be spent preparing for the trek. Your guide will explain the details of the trip, go over the gear you need, and make sure you have everything ready. You can also ask any questions you may have about the trek.

In the evening, you might have some free time to explore Kathmandu. You can walk around the busy streets, visit local shops, or enjoy some delicious Nepali food. It’s a great time to get to know the city before starting your adventure.

Make sure to get a good night’s rest because tomorrow you’ll begin your exciting journey through the beautiful Annapurna region. The next few days will bring amazing views, interesting culture, and many unforgettable experiences.

Day 2: Drive to Besisahar and Another Drive to Tal by Local Jeep (Altitude: 1,700 meters)

On the second day, you will begin your journey to the Annapurna Circuit. After breakfast, you will drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar. The drive will take about 6 to 8 hours, and along the way, you will see beautiful views of mountains, rivers, and green hills. Besisahar is a small town and the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit trek.

Once you arrive in Besisahar, you will take a local jeep for another drive to Tal, a village higher up in the mountains. The road from Besisahar to Tal can be bumpy, but it is a fun ride through the beautiful countryside. You will pass by small villages, farms, and waterfalls along the way.

After the jeep ride, you will arrive in Tal, a peaceful village located beside the river. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains. You will spend the night here in a teahouse, where you can rest and get ready for the trek ahead. This day is a nice start to your adventure, as it gives you time to adjust to the surroundings before starting the actual trek tomorrow.

Day 3: Trek to Bagarchap (Altitude: 2,160 meters)

On the third day, you will begin your first full day of trekking. After having breakfast in Tal, you will start walking towards Bagarchap. The trail takes you through beautiful forests, small villages, and alongside the river. The path is not too difficult, but you will slowly start to climb higher into the mountains.

As you walk, you will pass through villages where you can see local people working in the fields and taking care of their animals. The people in this area are mainly from the Gurung and Tibetan communities, so you may see their traditional homes and learn a little about their culture along the way.

The trek to Bagarchap is about 6 to 7 hours long, and you will walk at a steady pace to enjoy the surroundings. You will also start to see more stunning mountain views as you get higher. Bagarchap is a small village where you will stop for the night. Here, you can relax in a teahouse, enjoy some hot food, and rest before the next day's adventure. The night in Bagarchap will give you a chance to adjust to the higher altitude and prepare for the upcoming days of trekking.

Day 4: Trek to Chame (Altitude: 2,710 meters)

On the fourth day of your trek, you will leave Bagarchap and start walking towards Chame. The trek today is about 5 to 6 hours long, and the trail will be a bit more challenging as you gain more altitude. You will walk through forests filled with pine trees and pass by small streams and waterfalls. The sound of the river flowing will keep you company as you make your way up the trail.

As you walk, you will get to see more of the amazing mountains around you. The views of the Annapurna range will get clearer, and you may see the tall peaks of the mountains in the distance. You will also pass through some small villages along the way, where you can meet the friendly locals and get a glimpse of their way of life.

Chame is a lovely village and the district headquarters of the Manang region. Once you arrive in Chame, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The evening will be a good time to rest and prepare for the next day’s trek. You will stay in a teahouse for the night and have a warm meal before getting some rest to continue your adventure.

Day 5: Trek to Upper Pisang (Altitude: 3,300 meters)

On day five, you will continue your journey towards Upper Pisang. After breakfast in Chame, you will start trekking on a beautiful trail that takes you higher into the mountains. The trek will take about 5 to 6 hours, and you will notice the air becoming thinner as you go higher. The path will be a mix of uphill and flat stretches, passing through forests, small villages, and open fields.

As you walk, you will enjoy more stunning views of the Annapurna and Pisang peaks. The higher you climb, the more you will see the majestic mountains up close. Along the way, you will also pass through lower Pisang village, where you can stop for a break before continuing to Upper Pisang.

Upper Pisang is a small, peaceful village surrounded by the beauty of the mountains. When you arrive, you can take a moment to rest and enjoy the fresh mountain air. There are some nice teahouses in the village where you will stay for the night. The evening will be a good time to relax, enjoy a warm meal, and prepare for the next day’s trek as you get closer to the high-altitude regions of the Annapurna Circuit.

Day 6: Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang via Ngawal (Altitude: 3,540 meters)

On the sixth day of your trek, you will leave Upper Pisang and head towards Manang, passing through the village of Ngawal. The trek today is about 5 to 6 hours long, and the trail will take you up higher into the mountains. You will first walk through beautiful forests and then start climbing towards Ngawal, which is a small village with great views of the surrounding mountains.

As you walk, you will be able to see the Annapurna range more clearly, with peaks like Annapurna II and Gangapurna in the distance. The path to Ngawal is a little challenging with some uphill stretches, but the views along the way will make it worth the effort. Once you reach Ngawal, you can stop for a break and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the village.

After Ngawal, you will continue your trek to Manang, which is the largest village in the area. Manang is a busy village with many teahouses and shops. When you arrive in Manang, you can rest and take some time to explore the village. It’s a great place to adjust to the higher altitude and get ready for the next part of the trek. You will stay in a teahouse here for the night.

Day 7: Acclimatization and Hike to Gangapurna Lake and Back to Manang (Altitude: 3,540 meters)

On the seventh day, you will take a rest day in Manang to help your body adjust to the higher altitude. This is called acclimatization. It is important to give your body time to rest and get used to the thinner air before continuing the trek.

In the morning, you will go for a short hike to Gangapurna Lake. The hike will take about 2 to 3 hours, and it is a nice, easy walk. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains, and you will get to enjoy the peaceful nature around you. The reflection of the mountains in the clear water of the lake makes it a perfect place for taking photos.

After spending some time at the lake, you will head back to Manang. This gives you a chance to relax and explore the village more. You can visit local shops, enjoy some hot food, and chat with other trekkers. The rest of the day will be spent resting and preparing for the next part of your trek. Taking this acclimatization day helps your body adjust, so you can continue trekking safely in the following days.

Day 8: Trek to Yak Kharka (Altitude: 4,020 meters)

On the eighth day, you will leave Manang and start trekking towards Yak Kharka. This trek will take about 4 to 5 hours, and the trail will be a bit more challenging as you continue to climb higher into the mountains. You will walk through open fields, pastures, and small villages, with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks.

As you trek, you may see yaks and other animals grazing along the way. The landscape becomes more open and wild as you get higher. The air will be thinner, and you might start to feel the altitude a bit more. It’s important to take it slow and drink plenty of water to help your body adjust.

Yak Kharka is a small settlement with a few teahouses where you will stay for the night. The village is peaceful, and it’s a great place to rest and enjoy the natural beauty around you. The cool mountain air and quiet surroundings make it a perfect place to relax after a day of trekking. You can enjoy a warm meal and prepare for the next day’s adventure as you continue your journey towards the Thorong La Pass.

Day 9: Trek to Thorong Phedi (Altitude: 4,450 meters)

On the ninth day of your trek, you will leave Yak Kharka and continue your journey towards Thorong Phedi. The trek today will take around 4 to 5 hours, and you will start to climb higher up the mountain. The path is rocky and can be steep in some places, so it is important to take your time and walk carefully.

As you make your way up, you will notice the landscape changing again. The views of the surrounding mountains will get even more breathtaking, and you might see some snowy peaks in the distance. The trail will take you through a few small spots, and you may come across other trekkers who are also heading towards Thorong Phedi.

When you reach Thorong Phedi, you will be in a small village at the foot of Thorong La Pass, which is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit. This is a great place to rest and get ready for the big climb to the pass the next day. The evening will be spent in a teahouse where you can relax, enjoy a warm meal, and prepare for the next day’s challenging trek.

Day 10: Trek to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass (Altitude: 5,416 meters)

On the tenth day, you will begin your big day of trekking. Early in the morning, you will start the climb to Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit. The trek to the top of the pass takes around 4 to 5 hours, and it is a long and challenging climb. The air will be thin, so it is important to go slow and take breaks when needed.

At the top of Thorong La Pass, you will feel an amazing sense of achievement. From the pass, you will get to see beautiful views of snow-covered mountains all around you. Many trekkers stop here to take photos and celebrate reaching the highest point of the circuit.

After spending some time at the pass, you will start your descent towards Muktinath. The downhill trek takes about 3 to 4 hours. As you descend, the landscape will change, and you will pass through dry, rocky areas. Muktinath is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is known for its temple and sacred water, and it is a peaceful place to rest and reflect after a long day of trekking. You will stay in a teahouse in Muktinath for the night.

Day 11: Trek to Jomsom via Kagbeni (Altitude: 2,710 meters)

On the eleventh day, you will leave Muktinath and start your trek towards Jomsom. The trail today will take you through the village of Kagbeni, which is a very special place. The trek will take around 5 to 6 hours, and the walk is mostly downhill, making it easier compared to the previous days.

The path will lead you through dry, rocky land and offer beautiful views of the Kali Gandaki River and the surrounding mountains. As you walk, you will pass by small villages, fields, and local farms. The weather will be a bit warmer compared to the higher altitudes, and you will notice the landscape becoming more desert-like.

Kagbeni is a small, ancient village with narrow alleys and old buildings made from stone. It’s a great place to take a break and explore for a while. After Kagbeni, you will continue your walk to Jomsom, which is a bigger town with more teahouses and shops.

Jomsom is known for its beautiful views of the mountains and its location along the Kali Gandaki River. When you arrive, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. You will stay in a teahouse in Jomsom for the night and get ready for the final part of your trek.

Day 12: Trek to Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (Altitude: 2,710 meters)

On the twelfth day of your trek, you will leave Jomsom and take a short but exciting flight to Pokhara. After breakfast, you will have a little time to relax and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and the river. Jomsom is a small town, and it has an airport that offers flights to Pokhara, which is a beautiful city with many things to see and do.

The flight from Jomsom to Pokhara is quite scenic. As you fly, you will be able to see the stunning mountain ranges and the green hills below. The flight takes about 20 to 25 minutes, and it’s a great way to end your trek through the Annapurna Circuit.

Once you land in Pokhara, you will have time to explore the city and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere. Pokhara is known for its beautiful lakes, like Phewa Lake, and its stunning mountain views. You can take a boat ride on the lake or visit the many cafes and shops around the town. It’s a perfect place to rest and reflect on your trekking adventure before heading home.

Day 13: Free Day in Pokhara or Back to Kathmandu

On the thirteenth day, you have two options depending on your plans. If you want to relax and enjoy more of Pokhara, you can spend the day exploring the city. Pokhara is a beautiful place with lakes, temples, and amazing mountain views. You can take a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake, visit the Peace Pagoda for a great view of the Himalayas, or just walk around the city’s peaceful streets. Pokhara is also a great place to shop for souvenirs and enjoy delicious food in cozy cafes.

If you prefer to head back to Kathmandu, you can take a bus or flight back to the capital city. The drive to Kathmandu takes about 6 to 7 hours, and you will pass through scenic hills and small villages along the way. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you can explore the city’s famous sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or Thamel, a busy area with shops and restaurants.

Whether you choose to relax in Pokhara or return to Kathmandu, this day is a chance to enjoy the end of your trekking adventure and reflect on the wonderful experiences you had during the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Day 14: Departure Day

On the final day of your Annapurna Circuit Trek, it is time to say goodbye. Depending on your flight time, you will either leave from Pokhara or Kathmandu. If you are in Pokhara, you can take a morning flight or bus to Kathmandu, where you can catch your international flight back home.

Before leaving, you will have some time to relax and enjoy a final breakfast in the city. You can also take a walk around the area to remember the beautiful moments from your trek. This is a great time to reflect on the amazing adventure you’ve had, the friends you made, and the incredible landscapes you saw during the Annapurna Circuit.

If you are flying from Kathmandu, you will head to the airport for your flight. The journey may feel long, but the memories of the trek and the new experiences will stay with you for a lifetime.

This is the end of your Annapurna Circuit journey. You have completed an unforgettable trek through the beautiful Himalayas, and now it’s time to head home with many great memories and stories to share. We hope you had an amazing time and will carry the experience with you for years to come.

It is customary in Nepal to tip your lead guides and files crew . You can give tips to your lead guide at the end of your trip, which will then be shared with the whole team.As part of our transparency initiative, the lead guide will distribute the tips to the guides and porters in your presence.A good rule of thumb is to budget around $ 180 USD per client you need to collect tips, and although the amount you give is entirely your choice.