Accommodation: Kathmandu

Heeding the call of the sacred mountains, welcome to Nepal, a small nation nestled at the southern foot of the Himalayas, where you embark on your 12-day ultimate trekking challenge. Upon arrival, our local driver will greet you at the airport with a sign, escorting you to the designated hotel in Kathmandu for check-in and registration.The rest of the day, easy and free on your own.

Driving Distance: Approximately 230KM from Kathmandu to Chame, taking about 10 hours.

Accommodation: Chame

After breakfast, we will drive from Kathmandu along the scenic Kathmandu Valley and the Trisuli River. On a clear day, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains along the way.

We will have lunch in Besisahar, which used to be the starting point for the Great Himalaya Trail. In the afternoon, we will continue our drive to Chame, the starting point of our trek. Along the journey, we will witness the picturesque Nepali countryside, featuring lush vegetation, rivers, villages, farmlands, and towering mountains. Nearby lies the Manang Valley within the Himalayas, offering a unique perspective of the Lamjung Himal (6,900m), Annapurna II (7,555m), and Annapurna IV (7,525m).

As night falls, the 7,219m high Annapurna South Peak stands out prominently against the starry sky, allowing us to savor the serene and peaceful moments in the mountains at night!

Trekking Distance: Approximately 14KM
Trekking Time: About 8 hours
Total Elevation Gain/Loss: +900M/-270M

Accommodation: Upper Pisang

Today marks the beginning of our official trekking journey. After gearing up and filling our water bottles, we set off towards our destination for the day. The scenery along the way is picturesque. As we walk along the river corridor, we are greeted with exotic landscapes, perfect for photography. As we ascend, the majestic peaks of the Annapurna range seem to watch over us, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains and serene landscapes.

The initial part of the journey involves a 400-meter climb up a steep trail through dense forests. At the end of the forest, we find ourselves surrounded by the magnificent Himalayan peaks, stretching from Manaslu to Annapurna. We will pass through villages inhabited by the local Gurung people and traverse through breathtaking mountain valleys. Upon reaching Bhratang, we will catch a glimpse of the famous Paungda Danda Rock, a smooth rock face rising over 1,000 meters from the ground. After an hour of trekking, we will arrive at our destination for the day, Upper Pisang, a charming Tibetan-style village. Due to Nepal’s climate, the village is adorned with blooming flowers year-round, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty. The clean stone paths and the genuine smiles of the locals will make you forget the fatigue of the journey. It also serves as an excellent viewpoint.

Trekking Distance: Approximately 16KM
Trekking Time: About 10 hours
Total Elevation Gain/Loss: +700M/-500M

Accommodation: Manang

From Upper Pisang, you can behold the magnificent views of Annapurna IV and Annapurna II. The cliff beneath Annapurna II is famously known as the Monkey Face due to its resemblance. You can also catch glimpses of Ganggapurna and Tarke Gyang peaks. After breakfast, we set off along the river valley, where the scenery is incredibly layered. It’s hard to imagine such lush jungles and vibrant colors at this altitude, right at the foot of the snow-capped mountains!

We trek through the secluded valleys of the Marsyangdi River, where the trails are flanked by large buttress roots and vines. Occasionally, we encounter mule caravans transporting supplies, carrying the food that sustains all the trekkers in the lodges. The sound of mule bells and the sight of wild cherry blossoms add to the charm. Waterfalls and streams dot the landscape, and it’s not uncommon to see European and American tourists taking refreshing dips. After six hours of trekking, you might feel a bit fatigued, but every now and then, you’ll come across a cozy little teahouse where you can sit down for a cup of hot coffee or lemon tea. We believe in immersive travel, and today, we arrive at Manang, a significant stop on the Great Himalaya Trail.

Trekking Distance: Approximately 10KM
Trekking Time: About 6 hours
Total Elevation Gain: +550M

Accommodation: Sri Kharka

Today’s journey is relatively short, with about 4 hours of trekking, primarily to allow everyone to acclimatize to the high altitude. However, the scenery along the way is breathtaking, offering views of the Annapurna mountain range and the stunning canyon landscapes as we continue westward from Manang.

We follow the trail along the river, descending gently before crossing the Khangsar River to reach Khangsar, a traditional village famously known as “the last village of Nepal.” If the timing is right, around April each year, you can witness a spectacular display of nine different varieties of rhododendrons blooming along the path, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. The rhododendron is Nepal’s national flower, and encountering such a vast sea of flowers during this season is truly a fortunate experience. And if that’s not enough, let me share some exciting numbers: this region is home to 100 species of mammals, 60 species of reptiles and amphibians, and over 450 species of birds.

We take a short break here before continuing along the gentle and relaxing trail to Sri Kharka. Walking through this area feels like stepping into the world of Avatar, and along the way, we can visit several ancient temples nestled deep in the mountains that still attract devoted pilgrims. After arriving at our lodge, we can relax by the fireplace, sipping a cup of rich coffee while gazing out at the snow-capped mountains stretching as far as the eye can see.

Trekking Distance: Approximately 6KM
Trekking Time: About 4 hours
Total Elevation Gain: +500M

Accommodation: Tilicho Base Camp

Today’s journey is also relatively short, with about 4 hours of trekking, but we will be passing through a dangerous landslide area, so extra caution is required. Please follow closely behind your guide and team members to navigate through safely. After crossing a mountain pass, we will descend into the valley bottom, where we will catch sight of the Tilicho River. From here on, the trail becomes much easier, and after a short walk, we will reach Tilicho Base Camp.

We will spend the night at Tilicho Base Camp. If you are a photography enthusiast, make sure to have your camera ready, as you will have the opportunity to capture some incredibly beautiful starry skies.

Trekking Distance: Approximately 20KM
Trekking Time: About 10 hours
Total Elevation Gain/Loss: +1200M/-1260M

Accommodation: Sir Kharka

We set off at dawn to avoid strong winds at the summit of Tilicho Lake. After 3-4 hours of trekking, we reach Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world by altitude. As the fiery sun gradually tints the icy snow-capped peaks, the earth feels the warmth of the sunlight, initiating the daily symphony of life and touching the depths of our souls. The snow-capped mountains and the beautiful ice lake along the way will bring you an unprecedented sense of awe compared to the previous days.

We spend some time at Tilicho Lake, enjoying and photographing the scenery to our heart’s content. When it’s time to start our descent, you may feel reluctant to leave, wishing to linger a little longer. However, the beauty of this place will forever remain etched in your memory, a moment to cherish for a lifetime. We then return to Tilicho Base Camp for lunch and, after refueling, descend back to Sri Kharka along the same path. We fall asleep peacefully, with the snow-capped mountains as our pillow.

Trekking Distance: Approximately 12KM
Trekking Time: About 6 hours
Total Elevation Gain/Loss: +600M/-620M

Accommodation: Yak Kharka

Today, we will return to the main Annapurna Circuit Trek (ACT) route. This section is less traveled, and the trail may not be as well-marked, so it’s important to follow closely behind your guide and stay together as a group.

After breakfast, we begin our trek. The morning starts with a gentle walk through a grove of cypress shrubs. We then descend a steep slope to reach a stream known as Jharsang Stream. From here, we rejoin the classic ACT trail and continue our journey to Yak Kharka, situated at an altitude of 4,050 meters.

Trekking Distance: Approximately 9KM
Trekking Time: About 8 hours
Total Elevation Gain: +900M

Accommodation: High Camp

After breakfast, we will set off towards Thorung Phedi. In Sherpa language, “phedi” means “foot of the mountain,” and this is where we will have our lunch. In the afternoon, we will continue our ascent for another 1.5 hours to reach High Camp. This strategic move will make it easier for us to cross the pass the following day. We will also spend the night here, where the unique high-altitude and barren landscape creates a surreal snow-capped mountain scenery.

Trekking Distance: Approximately 14KM
Trekking Time: About 8 hours
Total Elevation Gain/Loss: +530M/-1,780M

Accommodation: Muktinath

We start our journey at 5 a.m. and, after 3 hours of trekking, we reach the world’s highest mountain pass—Thorong La Pass. Surrounded by towering peaks, the scenery here is absolutely breathtaking.

This will be an exhilarating and unforgettable day on the Annapurna Circuit Trek! We will cross the Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416 meters, which is a high-altitude trek and quite challenging. However, with the stunning beauty of the Himalayas as our backdrop, we will overcome all difficulties. In the evening, we arrive at the village of Muktinath in the Lower Mustang region. The descent to Muktinath is steep, so trekkers should take care to protect their knees. Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, where you can see various religious traces and architectures from both faiths. There is a small temple surrounded by 108 water taps, which is a unique local structure. After the trek, you might want to follow our guide to explore this fascinating site.

As we leave the Annapurna mountain range, if you have any equipment or clothing that you no longer need after the trek, you can consider leaving them for the porters. They trek in and out of the mountains year-round, and their equipment wears out quickly while their income is limited. It’s important to note that porters work extremely hard, and tips are a significant part of their income. Although the group fee already covers some of their expenses, trekkers are encouraged to personally give them a little extra as a token of appreciation for their hard work. A suggested tip is $5 per person per day.

Driving Distance: Approximately 200 kilometers from Muktinath to Pokhara, about 7 hours of driving

Accommodation: Pokhara

Early in the morning, we will board a 4×4 vehicle and embark on our journey back to the world-renowned tourist destination of Pokhara. With its lush forests, raging rivers, crystal-clear lakes, and picturesque countryside, coupled with the majestic Annapurna mountain range towering in the north (with peaks exceeding 8,000 meters), Pokhara captivates travelers from all over the globe. The north shore of Phewa Lake is bustling with tourists and serves as the heart of the entire scenic area. Most of the hotels and restaurants are situated along the lakeside, known as the Lakeside area, which, like Thamel in Kathmandu, is a popular gathering spot for foreign tourists in the region.

Based on your own travel arrangements, you can choose your return flight, marking a joyful conclusion to this ultimate Nepal trekking challenge – the Annapurna Circuit Trek. We are grateful for the opportunity to have met the best version of ourselves and look forward to new beginnings.

If you’re not in a rush to head home, you can spend some free time exploring Pokhara. Wander through the local shops selling Nepali crafts, enjoy a cup of coffee, or continue your journey to other destinations. Alternatively, if the weather permits, you might want to try paragliding. Pokhara is renowned as a paragliding mecca, and many travelers come here hoping to take to the skies and experience the beautiful Phewa Lake and the distant Annapurna mountain range from a bird’s-eye view.

Please arrive at the airport 3 hours in advance for international flights to complete check-in procedures. Currently, only Kathmandu has direct flights to China, so please plan accordingly.

For those traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you can opt for a short flight (approximately 25 minutes).