Annapurna Circuit trekking – Himalayan high altitude trekking – Nepal

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,429ft)

• Arrive in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital city of Nepal.
• Be greeted by a Nature Admire representative and transferred to your hotel in the Thamel district.
• Enjoy a welcome briefing with your guide, covering the itinerary, safety procedures, and responsible trekking practices.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the bustling streets of Thamel, a hub for trekking gear and supplies.
• In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepalese welcome dinner with your fellow trekkers and Nature Admire staff.

Day 2: Kathmandu – Pokhara (827m/2,713ft) – Flight (35 minutes)

• Take a scenic morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, nestled amidst stunning mountain views.
• Check into your hotel in Pokhara, a popular tourist hub offering beautiful lakeside views.
• Enjoy an afternoon pre-trek briefing with your Nature Admire guide, finalizing logistics and checking trekking permits.
• Explore the lakeside area of Pokhara, rent a boat on Phewa Tal lake, or visit the International Mountain Museum for a deeper understanding of the Himalayas.

Day 3: Pokhara – Besisahar – Bhulbhule (800m/2,625ft) – Drive (6-7 hours)

• Enjoy a scenic drive along the Modi Khola River valley, offering glimpses of terraced farmlands and rural villages.
• Arrive in Besisahar, the official starting point for the Annapurna Circuit.
• Continue the drive to Bhulbhule, a small village nestled amidst lush green landscapes.
• Spend the night at a comfortable teahouse, enjoying a delicious local dinner and getting acquainted with your fellow trekkers.

Day 4: Bhulbhule – Jagat (1,300m/4,265ft) (4-5 hours)

• Embark on your first hike, following a gradual trail along the Modi Khola River valley.
• Witness traditional Nepali villages, terraced farmlands, and diverse flora and fauna.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
• Reach Jagat, a charming village with a suspension bridge offering stunning views of the valley.
• Spend the night at a comfortable teahouse, experiencing the warmth of Nepali hospitality.

Day 5: Jagat – Syange (1,100m/3,609ft) (4-5 hours)

• The trail continues through diverse landscapes, offering glimpses of waterfalls and cascading rivers.
• Cross the Marshyangdi River on a suspension bridge, a thrilling experience.
• Arrive in Syange, a larger village with a wider variety of shops and teahouses.
• Enjoy a warm lunch and explore the local market, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
• Spend the night at a comfortable teahouse, preparing for the ascent into higher altitudes.

Day 6: Syange – Ghallu (2,070m/6,791ft) (5-6 hours)

• Today’s hike takes you through dense forests with rich birdlife, offering a chance for a spot of birdwatching.
• The trail gradually ascends, offering stunning views of the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges as you gain elevation.
• Stop for lunch at a teahouse along the way, enjoying the fresh mountain air and panoramic vistas.
• Reach Ghallu, a picturesque village nestled amidst pine forests, and spend the night at a cozy teahouse.

Day 7: Ghallu – Naurgaon (3,250m/10,663ft) (4-5 hours)

• The trail today becomes steeper as you enter the Marshyangdi Valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
• Cross the Marshyangdi River on a suspension bridge, a scenic highlight of the day’s trek.
• Enjoy a delicious lunch at a teahouse strategically located for stunning mountain panoramas.
• Arrive in Naurgaon, a high-altitude village with a unique culture and breathtaking views.
• Spend the night at a comfortable teahouse, taking precautions for altitude sickness and enjoying a warm meal.

Day 9: Acclimatization Day in Manang (3,540m/11,614ft)

• A dedicated acclimatization day is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trek at high altitudes.
• Nature Admire prioritizes your well-being by incorporating short acclimatization hikes, yoga sessions focused on deep breathing, and educational lectures on mountain sickness.
• Choose from optional activities like visiting the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic to learn about mountain safety or exploring the local market, interacting with friendly villagers.
• In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing time at your teahouse, soak in the breathtaking mountain views, and reflect on your journey so far.

Day 10: Manang – Yak Kharka (4,090m/13,418ft) (3-4 hours)

• Today’s hike takes you through a high-altitude plateau with stunning vistas of the Annapurna range.
• The trail is relatively flat, allowing you to focus on enjoying the scenery and acclimatizing to the thinner air.
• Stop for lunch at a teahouse strategically located for panoramic views.
• Reach Yak Kharka, a small village with basic teahouses. Here, you’ll experience the true simplicity of life at high altitudes.
• Spend the night at a teahouse, enjoying a traditional Nepalese dinner and preparing for the challenging climb tomorrow.

Day 11: Yak Kharka – Thorung Phedi (4,450m/14,600ft) (3-4 hours)

• Today’s hike leads to Thorung Phedi, the base camp for the Thorong La pass, the highest point of the trek.
• The trail becomes steeper as you ascend, offering a true test of your physical endurance.
• Nature Admire guides will ensure a safe pace, offering frequent breaks and monitoring your well-being.
• Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the majestic Annapurna I.
• Reach Thorung Phedi, a basic teahouse settlement offering stunning sunset views.
• Spend the night at a teahouse, preparing for the early morning climb to the Thorong La pass.

Day 12: Thorung Phedi – Thorung La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft) – Muktinath (3,710m/12,172ft) (8-10 hours)

• This is the most challenging day of the trek, requiring an early start to conquer the Thorong La pass before strong winds pick up.
• Nature Admire guides will provide pre-dawn wake-up calls, hot breakfast, and headlamps for the pre-dawn ascent.
• The climb to Thorung La is steep and strenuous, requiring good physical fitness and strong determination.
• Celebrate reaching the highest point of the trek with stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
• Descend to the Muktinath side, enjoying a change in scenery and the sight of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
• Reach Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, offering a unique cultural experience.
• Visit the Muktinath Temple, a centuries-old religious complex with eternal flames and natural gas springs.
• Spend the night at a comfortable teahouse in Muktinath, enjoying a warm dinner and reflecting on your accomplishment.

Day 13: Muktinath – Jomsom (2,710m/8,891ft) (4-5 hours)

• Today’s hike offers a change in scenery as you descend from the high Himalayas towards the Mustang region.
• The trail traverses a dramatic landscape with colorful rock formations and the Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest in the world.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river, surrounded by breathtaking views.
• Arrive in Jomsom, the administrative center of Mustang, a bustling town with shops, cafes, and internet access (a rare treat on the trek!).
• In the afternoon, explore the lively Jomsom market, interact with local people, and soak in the unique atmosphere of Mustang.
• Spend the night at a comfortable hotel in Jomsom, enjoying a hot shower and a delicious dinner.

Day 14: Jomsom – Optional Exploration Day in Mustang

• Today offers a flexible option to explore the unique Mustang region further. Nature Admire provides different choices to cater to your interests and pace.
• Option 1: Explore the Historical Town of Kagbeni (2,800m/9,186ft): Hike or take a jeep taxi to Kagbeni, a fascinating town with traditional Tibetan architecture and narrow alleys. Visit the impressive Kagbeni Monastery and wander through the bustling marketplace.
• Option 2: Relaxing Day in Jomsom: Enjoy a leisurely day in Jomsom, catching up on reading, writing postcards, or indulging in a massage to soothe tired muscles. You can also visit the interesting Mustang Regional Museum to learn about the region’s history and culture.
• Option 3: Short Trek to Marpha (2,670m/8,760ft): Embark on a short and scenic hike to Marpha, a village famous for its apple orchards and traditional Thakali cuisine. Sample local apple specialties like apple cider or dry fruits, and witness the unique drying process on rooftops.
• In the evening, return to Jomsom and enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow trekkers and Nature Admire guides, sharing stories and celebrating your achievements.

Day 15: Jomsom – Tatopani (1,190m/3,904ft) (6-7 hours)

• Today’s hike descends along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, offering dramatic landscapes and diverse vegetation.
• The trail follows a mix of jeep tracks and single paths, passing through small villages and terraced farmlands.
• Enjoy a delicious lunch at a teahouse along the way, taking in the stunning river views.
• Reach Tatopani, a village famous for its natural hot springs. Nature Admire arranges for you to enjoy a relaxing soak in the rejuvenating hot pools, a perfect way to unwind after a long trek.
• Spend the night at a comfortable hotel in Tatopani, savoring a well-deserved dinner.

Day 16: Tatopani – Pokhara (827m/2,713ft) – Drive (6-7 hours)

• Enjoy a scenic drive back to Pokhara along the Modi Khola River valley, reminiscing about the incredible journey on the Annapurna Circuit.
• The ride offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and a chance to reflect on the diverse landscapes and cultures you encountered.
• In the afternoon, arrive in Pokhara, a vibrant lakeside town.
• Check into your hotel and enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner with your fellow trekkers and Nature Admire guides.
• In the evening, explore the lively lakeside area of Pokhara, indulge in souvenir shopping, or enjoy a final farewell drink with your newfound friends.

Day 17: Pokhara – Kathmandu (1,350m/4,429ft) – Flight (35 minutes) OR Additional Day in Pokhara

• Depending on your flight schedule, you can choose to depart Pokhara and fly back to Kathmandu today.
• Nature Admire will ensure a smooth transfer to the airport and assist you with your check-in.
• Alternatively, if you have an extra day, you can explore Pokhara further. Options include:
  • Visit the World Peace Pagoda for panoramic views of the Annapurna range and Phewa Tal lake.
  • Take a boat ride on Phewa Tal lake and explore the Barahi Temple situated on an island in the middle of the lake.
  • Enjoy a relaxing spa treatment or indulge in some adventure activities like paragliding or white-water rafting.

Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu

• Bid farewell to Nepal, taking home unforgettable memories of your Annapurna Circuit trek with Nature Admire.