Today we begin trekking from Dharapani climbing higher and a noticeable change with cooler conditions. You will see a change in the landscape at this higher elevation as the trail passes through forests before reaching the Tibetan village of the Bagarchhap with its distinctive Tibetan architecture. Climbing higher we reach the apple-growing region and farms along with pine forests and views of Lamjung and Annapurna II peaks. The trail then follows the Marsyangdi River heading upstream and passes the villages of Manang and Koto before reaching Chame. It is a very easy walk from Koto to Chame where we spend the night. Chame is the district headquarters of the Manang region.

Meals : Breakfast Only

Overnight at Chame, Tea House

From Chame trek to the ancient village of Lower Pisang. You follow a rough jeep track past a landscape filled with brown hills, cascading waterfalls, snowy peaks and pine trees. Trek past a lunar landscape before reaching the village of Lower Pisang. Head to a teahouse and after a brief rest, explore this ancient village.

Pisang is divided into Upper and Lower Pisang. Lined with prayer wheels, mani walls and chortens, Upper Pisang is the old settlement. The village is filled with ancient traditional houses and an old monastery. Most of the teahouses and business establishments are located in Lower Pisang. There’s not much greenery in this part of the world and the landscape is barren. The inhabitants of Upper and Lower Pisang are descendants of Tibetan settlers. They follow Tibetan customs and their lifestyle is similar to Tibetans. From here you can savour close-up views of Pisang Peak, Lamjung Himal, and Annapurna II.

Meals : Breakfast Only

Overnight at Lower Pisang, Tea House

You begin your Annapurna Circuit Trek from here. Today you will be walking along with one of the toughest but also the most beautiful section of the trail. The hike involves steep ascents with glorious views of the Annapurna Massif and other peaks and the Marshyangdi River valley. The landscape is partly arid (like the Tibetan plateau) with some sections covered with pinewood forest.

Walk through the picturesque settlements of Ghyaru and Nawal. It is a tough climb but the views are awesome. The pointed summit of Annapurna III and Tilicho or Tent Peak look over the trail. Braga is an old village filled with traditional houses built by Tibetan settlers. The village has one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Nepal. From Braga take a short walk to Manang. The trail is even and easy. Within a short duration of just 40 minutes, you will reach this ancient settlement. Head to a teahouse once you reach the settlement and take a well-deserved rest.

Meals : Breakfast Only

Overnight at Manang, Comfort Lodge

Spend a day in Manang acclimatising. The village of Manang lies at the foot of Annapurna III and offers splendid views of Gangapurna and Annapurna. Take an acclimatisation walk today to Ice Lake. Locally known as Kicho Tal, the trail to the Ice Lake winds along the northern slopes of Chulu East. The lake is fed by the Chulu River that flows down the slopes of Chulu East. Spend some time soaking in the peaceful and heavenly ambiance. Take pictures before retracing your steps back to Manang.

Meals : Breakfast Only

Overnight at Manang, Comfort Lodge

Leaving Manang to take an uphill ascent and cross a suspension bridge spanning the Manang River. Continue climbing up. After a couple of hours walk, you reach Khangsar village. From the village take the upward trail leading to Siri Kharka. After hiking for just over an hour or two you reach the village of Siri Kharka. Head to a teahouse and take a well-deserved rest.

Meals : Breakfast Only

Overnight at Siri Kharka, Tea House

Follow an easy trail to Tilicho Base Camp. There are only a few gentle ascents en route. But be careful at the landslide area before reaching Tilicho Base Camp. There are loose rocks and pebbles and you need to watch your step. Walk cautiously along the narrow path until you reach Tilicho base Camp. Once you reach the base camp, walk to a teahouse where your rooms are booked and take a rest.

Meals : Breakfast Only

Overnight at Tilicho Base Camp, Tea House

This day is memorable as you visit the second-highest lake in Nepal, Tilicho Lake situated at an elevation of 4,920 metres. You follow a trail that goes up and up till you reach the lake. The dark emerald waters of Tilicho Lake surrounded by pure white snow and ice will surely captivate you. Take pictures and soak in the heavenly views before retracing your steps back to Siri Kharka. Once you reach the settlement, head to a teahouse and relax.

Meals : Breakfast Only

Overnight at Siri Kharka, Tea House

Head to Yak Kharka following a gentle ascent. After reaching an abandoned settlement the trail dips down and goes past cultivated grounds and farmlands. There is a gentle ascent again, up to a hill from where one can view Yak Kharka. Take a steep descent, cross the river and amble up again till you reach the settlement of Yak Kharka. The settlement is actually a grazing pasture used by yak herders. There are only a handful of teahouses offering accommodation and food.

Meals : Breakfast Only

Overnight at Yak Kharka, Tea House

This is the last leg of the walk before you make the challenging traverse to Thorong La pass. You are walking above 4000 metres and your body is gradually getting used to high altitude. Take it slow and keep yourself hydrated. Have Diamox if you feel the altitude is affecting you. The trail to Thorong Phedi goes along a secluded and solitary landscape. Enjoy the solitude and the views. Thorong Phedi is a glacier valley surrounded by snowy mountains on three sides. Usually, it’s freezing out here. Once you reach this stopover point, head quickly to a teahouse and warm yourself. Retire early as you have a long day ahead of you tomorrow.

Meals : Breakfast Only

Overnight at Thorong Phedi, Tea House

Today’s walk is difficult. You make an early start and head off at the crack of dawn. The trail is steep but easy. The last 600 metres to the highest point of the trek tends to be the toughest. When you finally reach the top of Thorong La Pass, spectacular views of the mountains greet you. Dhaulagiri rises in all its glory. In the distance, you can see the ancient kingdom of Upper Mustang and the Tibetan plateau. Take pictures and celebrate this wonderful moment with your teammates. Afterward, head down to the holy pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Named after a temple that is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, Muktinath is regarded as a place to receive salvation. As you reach this small settlement, make your way to a guesthouse and rest your aching muscles.

Meals : Breakfast Only

Overnight at Muktinath, Standard Hotel

Before leaving Muktinath, visit the Muktinath Temple and seek blessings from the guardian deities, Lord Vishnu for Hindus and Avalokiteshwara for Buddhists. Other small shrines and Buddhist Gompa surround the main temple. It is believed that the Buddhist guru Padmasambhava blessed this place. After visiting the temple, board a vehicle and drive to Pokhara via Jomsom. The rough jeep track winds along the banks of the pristine Kali Gandaki river. The river is a source of ammonites or Shaligrams (fossilised mollusks worshipped by Hindus as a representation of Lord Vishnu). After driving an hour you reach Jomsom, a picturesque small town and the headquarters of the Mustang district.

Along the way, you will get to observe the views of hills, green farms, and rivers. You will stop along the highway at a local restaurant for lunch and snacks. Congratulations, you have completed the Annapurna Circuit and this calls for a celebration. Get together with your teammates and crew and celebrate in the evening. 

Meals : Breakfast Only

Overnight at Pokhara, Standard Hotel

Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus. Once you reach Kathmandu check in at your hotel and take a rest. If you have time, explore some of the streets in Kathmandu. Make your last evening memorable with dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant. Try out authentic Nepali cuisine and enjoy a cultural program.

Meals : Breakfast Only