AnnapurnaCircuit

The trail winds through Gurung villages, terraced rice fields, and through the dramatic Marsyangdi gorge. Waterfalls cascade off the canyon walls on either side.

Enter the Manaslu Conservation Area. The valley narrows dramatically, the vegetation becomes denser, and the first Tibetan-style villages appear. Superb views of Manaslu (8,163m) begin.

Chame is the administrative centre of Manang district — the first sizeable town on the trek. Hot springs nearby and the first jaw-dropping close-up views of Annapurna II (7,937m).

The route splits at Pisang — Upper Pisang is the more scenic high route recommended for acclimatisation. Spectacular views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna above the village.

Trek through Humde (altitude 3,325m), one of Nepal's most remote airstrips, and up to Manang — the last major village before Thorong La. The landscape shifts dramatically to an arid Tibetan plateau.

Rest day in Manang with an acclimatisation hike to Ice Lake (4,600m) — one of the most stunning viewpoints on the entire circuit, looking directly at Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Tilicho Peak.

A short but important ascent day. The trail is barren and windy, with only yaks for company. Altitude awareness is critical here. Walk slowly, drink lots of water, and eat well.

Short walk to the base camp for the pass crossing. Thorong Phedi High Camp (4,925m) is an option for shorter next-day ascent. Early dinner and bed by 8 PM — tomorrow starts at 3 AM.

The defining day. Pre-dawn start in the cold and dark, climbing steeply for 3–4 hours to Thorong La (5,416m). Flags, views, altitude euphoria. Then a long descent through rocky terrain to Muktinath and its sacred temple.

Descend through the stunning Kaligandaki Gorge — the world's deepest valley — through Kagbeni and Jomsom. Arrive at Marpha, the apple capital of Nepal, for brandy, cider, and the best dal bhat of the trip.

A long descending day through increasingly lush vegetation. Arrive in Tatopani — meaning 'hot water' in Nepali — and spend the evening soaking in geothermal pools with Annapurna South above.

A sustained climb back into rhododendron forest. Ghorepani is the gateway to Poon Hill — the trail here is alive with birdsong, prayer flags, and the scent of rhododendron blossom in spring.

4:30 AM wake-up for the famous Poon Hill sunrise (3,210m) — arguably Nepal's most photographed view. Then descend all the way to Nayapul for a drive back to Pokhara.

Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus (7 hours, scenic) or 25-minute domestic flight. Celebration dinner this evening in Thamel — trek certificates presented.

Airport transfer included. You've completed one of the world's great treks — 16 days, 160–230km, 5,416 metres, two entirely different Nepals.