Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your adventure begins in Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal, with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. Kathmandu’s rich artistic and cultural heritage is evident through its traditional architecture, 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. Maybe explore the network of street markets and alley bazaars and Pashupatinath. If you have 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. 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. You might switch to the Annapurna Base Camp itinerary instead:

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. As you trace the Marsyangdi 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 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 subtropical forest, cross suspension bridges swaying over raging rivers, pass waterfalls of melted snow and climb steep mountain passes. Over the next 10 days, you’ll come across isolated mountain communities, each with different ancestral customs and traditions. Your trekking time today will be approximately 7 hours or 18 km (11 mi), with an elevation gain of 1200 m (3937 ft) and a descent of 800 m (2625 ft).

Today’s trek continues through the remote wooded canyon dotted with 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 (7.5 mi), with an elevation gain of 880 m (2887 ft) and a descent of 150 m (492 ft).

As you arrive at 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 (10.5 mi), with an elevation gain of 730 m (2395 ft) and a descent of 300 m (984 ft).

Today is mostly an easy day, with a few ascents throughout the day, but the scenery is as beautiful as ever. Follow the trail through a deep gorge, then past the sweeping slope of Paungi Danda. On the way to Chame, stop at a beautiful apple orchard for a tea break. This evening, relax at your teahouse and maybe play a couple card games with your trekking friends. Your trekking time today will be approximately 7 hours or 15 km (9.3 mi), with an elevation gain of 720 m (2362 ft) and a descent of 300 m (984 ft).

Trek the northern trail today via the beautiful upper Pisang and Ghyaru. 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 (12 mi), with an elevation gain of 960 m (3150 ft) and a descent of 630 m (2067 ft).

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. Visit one of the oldest houses in the area and hear stories that will illuminate the history of Manag and the Mananges as you enjoy some Tibetan tea. Your trekking time today will be approximately 3 hours or 4 km (2.5 mi), with an elevation gain of 350 m (1148 ft) and a descent of 350 m (1148 ft).

Today will be a steady 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 (6.2 mi), with an elevation gain of 640 m (2100 ft) and a descent of 100 m (328 ft).

Due to the altitude, feel free to take the next section of the climb at a leisurely pace and soak up the great views. Once at Phedi, there’ll be plenty of time to rest and acclimatise to the higher elevations and get you 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 (4.3 mi), with an elevation gain of 630 m (2067 ft) and a descent of 150 m (492 ft).

Setting off very early to cross the Thorung La Pass (5416 m/17,769 ft) – the trail is steep but easy to follow. Reach the peak of the pass, adorned with prayer flags, a traditional stupa (chorten) and stone cairns built by travellers. Stop to admire the view and marvel at how far you've climbed. Farther along, the trail descends steeply as it proceeds 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 (9 mi), with an elevation gain of 915 m (3000 ft) and a descent of 1780 m (5840 ft).

Veer off the main trekking trail today to make a side trip to the ancient village of Purang. Farther up from the village, continue to take the less frequented route and head past another village with a medieval feel to it – Jhong. From Jhong, descend to the Jhing Khola (river), following its course to Kagbeni. After lunch, visit the village of Marpha, where you’ll have time to explore beautifully designed buildings and perhaps try some locally produced apple jam. After, drive to Kalopani. Settle in, gaze out at the panoramic Himalayan vistas, including the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountain ranges and Annapurna 1. Your trekking time today will be approximately 5 hours or 11 km (6.8 mi), with an elevation gain of 110 m (361 ft) and a descent of 950 m (3117 ft). Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

After breakfast, depart from Kalopani by private vehicle, taking in the lush greenery of the terraced fields, charming rural villages and the winding Seti River – keep an eye out for glimpses of the Himalayas. 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 provide recommendations for some good things to do. It’s worth taking a boat for a row out on the lake, especially if the weather's fine. Or, maybe hit the lakeside area for shopping and cafe. Pokhara has an interesting historic area as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery. Perhaps visit the Peace Pagoda, with views of the Annapurnas, the famous fishtail peak of Machhapuchhare and back across to Pokhara. You might also like to 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 depart at any time. Pokhara is a peaceful lakeside haven, so if you would like to spend more time here, just speak with your booking agent about additional accommodation.