Plan your Annapurna Circuit trek

We'll meet you at Kathmandu Airport and drive you out to your  hotel.  After you've checked in, we'll give you a briefing on the coming trek and double-check your gear.

We'll drive to Dumre via the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway, then follow the Marshyangdi River to Besisahar, a 6-hour trip overall.

This is where our trek really starts, working our way uphill past the village of Denauti before spending the night in Bhulbhule.

• Elevation: From 1300 metres to 840 metres to 970 metres

We'll set off to the north from Bhulbhule, passing through deep gorges in the Marshyangdi Valley region. We'll cross a suspension bridge, then cross through rice fields to Ngadi Village and its many shops and tea houses. We will also be able to see Manaslu most of the way.

After leaving Ngadi, we'll head to Bahundanda, which means 'Brahmin Hill'. As you might expect, most of the inhabitants are of the Brahmin caste. From there we'll go uphill to the village of Hani Gaon. The path winds along the mountain through Syange, where we get our first glimpse of the Annapurna Range, then follows the river for a way, only to turn into a steep cut into the cliffside. The river 200-300 metres below is quite a sight. 

At last, we'll descend to the stone village of Jagat for the evening.

• Elevation: From 970 metres to 1300 metres

Today's trail starts off downhill to the river, then on through lush jungle, before heading uphill again to another cliffside. We'll cross on another bridge and climb the steep path past Sattale and Tal.

On the way out of Tal the path becomes winding and quite rugged. It takes us past Karte and Dharapani before bringing us out at Bagarchap for the evening.

• Elevation: From 1300 metres to 2160 metres

We'll leave the Dudh Khola river behind and climb up into pine and oak forest today. We trek through the village of Dhanakyu just before coming to a beautiful waterfall.

When the steep incline levels out, we'll find ourselves in a rhododendron forest that eventually gives way to pine. Next is a hamlet called Kotho, which offers an excellent view of Annapurna II.

Finally, we reach the gate to Chame, the administrative capital of the Manang District. Unlike many of the settlements in this region, Chame has almost all of what you'd expect from a modern city. Its hot springs are well worth a visit, if there is time.

• Elevation: From 2160 metres to 2630 metres

We'll cross the Marshyangdi river via a large suspension bridge today. We'll move through planted fields to Teleku, and then Bratang as the valley rounds out. Our path steepens as we ascend the south side of the valley and cross another high bridge.

Paungda Danda towers more than a kilometre and a half above the river at this point, making quite a sight. One more bridge takes us into Pisang for the night.

• Elevation: From 2630 metres to 3190 metres

Day seven takes us along a steep ridge overlooking the Manang Valley, with views of Tilicho Peak in the distance. We'll go down past Manang's small airstrip. Our next waypoint, Hongde, waits at the foot of Annapurna III.

Next, we'll head through the wide Sabje Khola valley where we can see Annapurna III. A wooden bridge takes us to Mungji village. We'll travel along planted fields to Bryaga and its monastery, then down to Manang. We will have excellent views of most of the Annapurna range along the last leg of today's trek.

• Elevation: From 3190 metres to 3520 metres

We will organise two separate acclimatisation excursions on day eight, both of which will help you grow accustomed to climbing to higher altitudes and reduce the risk of being debilitated by AMS. The first trek is to a local stupa, and the second to a wonderful scenic viewpoint.

Once back down in Manang, there will be plenty of time to enjoy some real Lavazza coffee and some of the excellent pastries available here.

• Elevation: 3520 metres

We'll climb next to Tengi, just 120 metres above Manang. Leaving the Marshyangdi valley behind, we'll cross over into the Thorung Khola valley. Our next waypoint is the  village of Gunsang at 3960 metres, nestled among the scrub juniper and grasses that thrive at this altitude.

We'll follow a stream to Letdar, where we'll spend the night.

• Elevation: From 3520 metres to 4250 metres

Our path now crosses a ridge and takes a covered bridge across the stream we've been following. We'll ascend the right bank, follow a narrow and tricky trail up again, then back down to Thorung Phedi.

After a short break, there it is 300 metres of steep climbing to Thorung High Camp, where we will prepare  to make the pass tomorrow.

• Elevation: From 4250 metres to 4850 metres

Day eleven starts early. Our path zig-zags along the mountainside for the steepest part of the ascent, then levels out for a good two hours of easier travel. The pass itself is decorated with many colourful prayer flags. As you might expect of a high mountain pass, the landscape is laid out below you in every direction, and is well worth a few pictures.

Now we have a fairly difficult 1600 metre descent to Dhaulagiri. Afterwards, the terrain levels out to a grassy slope with easy travel along the Jhong Khola valley and to the temple and shrines of Muktinath itself.

• Elevation:  From 4850 metres to 3800 metres
• Highest point: 5416 metres (Thorung La Pass)

The hike down the Kali Gandaki valley is beautiful and dramatic. We'll pass Jharkot and Khingar villages and stick to the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri are visible most of the way.

Jomsom itself is quite large compared to most of the villages so far, and a great place to spend our last night of real trekking.

• Elevation: From 3800 metres to 2713 metres

Today we have two short flights, the first from Jomsom to Pokhara, then on to Kathmandu. Of course, we'll drive you back to your hotel as well.

We'll collect you from your hotel and take you to the airport at Kathmandu for your return flight and see you safely on your way.

Congratulations! You've made it!