Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm in Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal. This place is a fascinating blend of traditional architecture and symbols of the 20th century. Its rich artistic and cultural heritage is evident where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples. If you arrive early, why not check out Durbar Square with its temples, markets and busy atmosphere. It’s also worth the climb to visit the Swayambhunath – the 'monkey temple'. Explore the network of street markets and alley bazaars and Pashupatinath. For those with a few extra days in Kathmandu, the neighbouring towns of Patan and Bhaktapur are also well worth a visit. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. With climate change the weather on the Annapurna Circuit is becoming less predictable, and high risk weather conditions can cause significant damage to the trail even outside of rainy season, and during the winter months the Thorong La Pass can be closed due to heavy snowfall. Should this occur, alternative arrangements will be made by your group leader, and you might switch to the Annapurna Base Camp itinerary instead. For further details:

Start your Annapurna Circuit Trek with a morning drive from Kathmandu to Ngadi. During the journey, you'll see stunning views of the Trishuli River, green hills, terraced fields and the Himalayas. Following the Marshyangdi River, you’ll pass through charming towns and Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Arrive in Ngadi by late afternoon, check into your guesthouse and relax as you prepare for your trek. Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

Keep an eye out for dazzling cascades along your trail today as it makes its way through a deep wooded canyon with a few stretches of steep climbing. Wander through rice paddies, follow winding trails through sub-tropical forest, cross suspension bridges swaying over raging rivers, pass waterfalls of melted snow and climb steep mountain passes. Over the next ten days you’ll come across isolated mountain communities, each with different ancestral customs and traditions. Be prepared to be inspired, mesmerised, challenged and delighted. Your trekking time today will be approximately 7 hours or 18 km, with an elevation gain of 1200 m and a descent of 800 m.

Today’s trek continues through the deep wooded canyon embellished by stunning waterfalls. You’ll be venturing into the Manang district of the mountain range, with much of the trail ascending throughout the day. Your trekking time today will be approximately 6.5 hours or 12 km, with an elevation gain of 880m and a descent of 150 m.

Marking the end of the great Marsyangdi Gorge, make a steep climb to Timang, then the trail settles into gentler slopes as the vegetation transforms from dense pine forests to drier slopes. The district headquarters of Manang, Chame, is the largest settlement after Besisahar. Your trekking time today will be approximately 6 hours or 17 km, with an elevation gain of 730 m and a descent of 300 m.

A slew of breathtaking scenery is on the cards today as the trail goes through a deep gorge then past the great sweeping slope of Paungi Danda. On the way to Chame stop at a beautiful apple orchid for a tea break. Today is mostly an easy walk with a few ascending stretches of trail dotted throughout the day. Your trekking time today will be approximately 7 hours or 15 km, with an elevation gain of 720m and a descent of 300 m.

Trek the northern trail via upper Pisang and Ghyaru – an area renowned for its spectacular views.You're sure to come across local farmers herding yaks. Here’s a hot tip – Tibetan yaks take a special interest in people wearing red, so choose your gear carefully today! Your trekking time today will be approximately 8 hours or 19 km, with an elevation gain of 960 m and a descent of 630 m.

Spend a day here to acclimatise by trekking to a higher altitude, then returning to the lower altitude of Manang for the night. Manang, a village of about 500 flat-roofed houses, offers excellent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Chulu East. Your trekking time today will be approximately 3 hours or 4 km, with an elevation gain of 350 m and a descent of 350 m.

Today will be a steadily uphill climb into the alpine region of the mountain range. You’ll arrive at Yak Kharka, ready for an easier day of trekking tomorrow to acclimatise to the high altitude. Your trekking time today will be approximately 5 hours or 10 km, with an elevation gain of 640 m and a descent of 100 m.

Due to the altitude, feel free to take the next section of the climb at a leisurely pace, meaning you’ll have time to admire the magnificent views from this part of the route. Once at Phedi, there’ll be plenty of time to rest and acclimatise to the higher elevations ready for the next part of the climb, where you’ll encounter the Thorung La Pass – the highest point on this Annapurna Circuit. Your trekking time today will be approximately 5 hours or 7 km, with an elevation gain of 630 m and a descent of 150 m.

Setting off very early to cross the Thorung La Pass (5416 m), the trail is steep but easy to follow. After a climbing trek, reach the Pass's peak, adorned with prayer flags, a traditional stupa (chorten) and stone cairns built by travellers. Stop to admire the stunning views and marvel at how far you've climbed. Further along, the trail descends steeply proceeding towards Chabarbu. From here on, the trail crosses meadows, drops into a deep ravine, climbs out and follows a wide trail into Muktinath – a pilgrimage site held in great reverence by both Hindu and Buddhist populations. Your trekking time today will be approximately 9 hours or 14.5 km, with an elevation gain of 915 m and a descent of 1780 m.

Veer off the main trekking trail to make a side trip to an ancient village of Purang. Further up from the village, continue to take the less frequented route going past another village with a medieval feel to it – Jhong. From Jhong, descend to the Jhing Khola (river), following the course which you emerge on to Kagbeni. After lunch, visit the village of Marpha, known for its natural beauty, culture and heritage. Wander around the village and explore beautifully designed buildings and perhaps try some locally produced apple jam. After, drive to Kalopani. Admire stunning views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountain ranges including Annapurna 1, and relax while taking in the panoramic Himalayan vistas. Your trekking time today will be approximately 5 hours or 11 km, with an elevation gain of 110 m and a descent of 950 m. Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

After breakfast, depart from Kalopani by 4WD enjoying a scenic journey through Nepal’s diverse landscapes. As you travel, take in the lush greenery of the terraced fields, charming rural villages, and the winding roads alongside the Seti River. The route offers occasional glimpses of the majestic Himalayas in the distance. Arrive in Pokhara by the afternoon. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Enjoy a free day in Pokhara to unwind, relax and give those muscles a rest after all that trekking. Your leader can advise you of sightseeing opportunities. It is worth taking a boat for a row out on the lake, especially if the weather's fine. The lakeside area has great shopping and cafes. Pokhara has an interesting old area as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery. Perhaps visit the Peace Pagoda, where spectacular views of the mountains await. You can see the Annapurnas from here, and the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, and back across to Pokhara. You can also visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum to learn some amazing tales of past climbing expeditions.

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. Pokhara is a stunning and peaceful lakeside haven, so if you would like to spend more time here, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).