Annapurna Circuit Trek

Arrival at Kathmandu airport (usually in the afternoon) already marks our entry into another world... Customs formalities, baggage collection and welcome by our local French-speaking guide. Crossing the city to the hotel already offers a first discovery of the bustling and colorful capital of Nepal. Buses, trucks, bicycles and sacred cows crisscross in a friendly chaos... Depending on the arrival time, visit the surrounding area or simply settle in and rest at the hotel before your dinner at the hotel. In case of early arrival in Kathmandu, lunch will be included in the program.

Take the bus to Besishar (about 6 hours drive). Change vehicles, take the jeep to go Tal (the evening stage) 3h40m of 4*4. Tal is a small, pretty colorful village with different pretty colors After Besisahar, the road becomes a rocky track, sometimes bumpy but surrounded by beautiful rice terraces and traditional Nepalese villages. Landslides may sometimes delay the journey or require vehicle changes. Like the Nepalese people, it is best to keep a smile and good humor. The track climbs through the Marsyangdi River gorge, with occasional views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m). Arrival at Tal village, located on a plateau between waterfalls and river. Accommodation: Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Transport: 8–10 hours

At the end of the plateau, a bridge crosses the Marsyangdi River. The trail continues through ups and downs. In good weather, we can see the pyramid shape of Kang Guru (6,981 m). We reach Dharapani, a large village connecting the Manaslu and Annapurna regions. Soon the Lamjung Himal (6,993 m) appears above the trail. The path enters a forest and gradually the architecture becomes more Tibetan in style, with long mani walls (prayer walls). Night in the village of Timang. Accommodation: Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Walking: 5–6 hours Elevation gain: +1130 m Descent: -200 m

The trek continues along the Marsyangdi River. At Koto village, a beautiful view of the Manaslu massif appears behind us. At Chame, a large Tibetan-style village, we pass prayer wheels and mani walls confirming our entry into Buddhist territory. The trail climbs gradually through a pine forest. When leaving the forest, the valley opens into the Manang region, a large plateau dotted with Tibetan villages and surrounded by glaciers and peaks. Arrival at Dukhure Pokhari, below Annapurna II. Accommodation: Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Walking: 6.5 hours Elevation gain: +810 m Descent: -280 m

From Dukhure Pokhari, the trail crosses one of the last forested areas before reaching Pisang, a Tibetan-style village. Between prayer flags, we pass a small turquoise lake and climb steeply to Gyaru (3700 m). Located at the foot of Annapurna II (7,932 m), the village offers magnificent views of the north face of the Annapurna range. The trail then follows a beautiful balcony path, offering one of the most spectacular stages of the trek. Arrival in Ngawal, a quiet Tibetan village rarely visited by trekkers. Accommodation: Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Walking: 5 hours Elevation gain: +700 m Descent: -200 m

From Ngawal, the trail descends along a dusty path through juniper bushes and wild roses. We continue to Braga, a beautiful village built in a horseshoe shape beneath rocky cliffs. Visit the 13th-century monastery, one of the oldest in the region. After exploring this magical place, we walk about one more hour to reach Manang, the last large village in the Marsyangdi valley and the main acclimatization point before Thorung La. Afternoon free for rest or exploration. Accommodation: Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Walking: 3–4 hours Elevation gain: +240 m Descent: -360 m

After a relaxing morning in Manang, we climb gradually through large alpine pastures where yaks graze. The scenery of the Annapurna range is exceptional. Those who feel strong may hike higher in the afternoon toward the slopes of Chulu West, offering views of Gangapurna and Roc Noir. Sometimes Blue sheep (bharal) can be seen. Accommodation: Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Walking: 4 hours Elevation gain: +840 m Descent: -180 m

The trail climbs through sparse alpine meadows, then descends to cross a small stream flowing from the Tibetan border mountains. The ascent continues through a more mineral landscape until reaching Thorung Phedi Base Camp after about 3 to 3.5 hours. Accommodation: Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Walking: 3.5 hours Elevation gain: +470 m Descent: -170 m

Departure very early (around 3:30–5:00 AM) to reach the Thorung La Pass before 9 AM and avoid strong winds. The climb is slow and steady. From the pass, the panorama is incredible over the Annapurna, Chulu, and Dhaulagiri ranges, and the dry landscapes of Dolpo and Mustang. After enjoying the view, we descend to Muktinath, a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. Accommodation: Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Walking: 8–10 hours Elevation gain: +910 m Descent: -1740 m

We leave Muktinath and cross Dang La Pass (3900 m). Beautiful views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri (8167 m), and Tukuche Peak. Descending through pastures we reach Lupra, home to one of the last Bön monasteries in the region. From there, we follow the riverbed to the road continue Jomsom. Accommodation: Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Walking: 5.5 hours Transport: 30 minutes

Morning flight to Pokhara, flying above the deepest gorge in the world between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Then a second flight to Kathmandu. Accommodation: Hotel kathmandu Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Transport: 1.5 hours

Free time to visit Kathmandu and shopping time. Breakfast included.

Time to back to the destination (Departure) Breaakfast included

Arrival in the destination (End of the trek)