Annapurna Circuit Trek - 14 Days

Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital and cultural heart. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you are received by the Expedition Himalaya team and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest after international travel or take a gentle walk nearby. Kathmandu offers a layered introduction to Nepal, where ancient temples, narrow streets, and everyday life blend together.

This day is reserved for final trek preparation. Time is spent reviewing equipment, completing necessary documentation, and attending a detailed trek briefing. The rest of the day is free for rest or light exploration, allowing you to recover fully before heading toward the mountains.

The journey west begins with a scenic drive following rivers and rolling hills. Passing rural towns, terraced farmland, and roadside settlements, the landscape gradually shifts toward the Himalayan foothills. Bhulbhule marks the official entry point of the Annapurna Circuit and offers a warm, subtropical environment along the Marsyangdi River.

Continuing along the Marsyangdi Valley, the road winds through waterfalls, pine forests, and narrow gorges. As altitude increases, the air becomes cooler and the scenery more dramatic, with steep rock walls and snow-capped peaks appearing overhead. Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, sits beneath Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II, surrounded by forests and mountain cliffs.

The trek begins through forested trails and river crossings, gradually climbing into drier terrain. The valley narrows, and the landscape becomes more rugged as you move deeper into the Manang region. Upper Pisang is a traditional village with stone houses and monasteries, offering impressive views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Pisang Peak.

Following the high route through Ngawal, the trail offers expansive views across the Manang Valley. This section passes ancient villages, prayer flags, chortens, and mani walls reflecting strong Tibetan Buddhist influence. Descending gently into Manang, the landscape opens into a wide alpine valley surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers.

A full day is dedicated to acclimatization. Short hikes to nearby ridges or view points help the body adjust while offering panoramic views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and surrounding glaciers. 

Leaving Manang, the trail ascends gradually through alpine terrain with sparse vegetation. The landscape becomes increasingly open and windswept, and the pace naturally slows as altitude increases. Yak pastures and rocky slopes dominate the scenery as you reach Ledar, a small settlement beneath high mountain ridges.

The route continues upward through wide valleys shaped by wind and altitude. The terrain becomes more barren, emphasizing the scale and isolation of the high Himalaya. Thorong Phedi lies at the base of Thorong La Pass and serves as the final stop before the crossing.

An early start is essential for crossing Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The ascent is gradual but demanding, with expansive views across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After reaching the prayer-flag-covered pass, a long descent leads into the Mustang region and onward to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.

Descending into the Kali Gandaki Valley, the landscape changes dramatically. The terrain becomes drier and more windswept, reflecting the trans-Himalayan climate of Mustang. Passing through settlements influenced by Tibetan culture, the trail leads to Jomsom, a key town set between stark mountain walls.

A scenic flight carries you from Jomsom to Pokhara, passing between deep valleys and towering peaks. After days in high alpine terrain, Pokhara’s lakeside setting offers a relaxed contrast, with views of the Annapurna range reflected in Phewa Lake.

You return to Kathmandu by domestic flight. The remainder of the day is free to rest, explore cultural sites, or enjoy time in the city after completing the circuit.

Expedition Himalaya arranges your airport transfer for international departure, bringing the Annapurna Circuit Trek to a thoughtful and well-paced conclusion.