Annapurna Circuit

Today you land in Kathmandu, the capital of the Himalayan nation of Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,350 meters, the starting point for many expeditions and trekking tours in the Himalayas. After completing all visa and entry formalities at the airport, you will meet your Tour guide and get transferred to your hotel. As per your arrival time in Kathmandu, you may explore this vibrant city on your own. You can stroll leisurely through the road of Thamel. Alternatively, you can walk to the Durbar Square – the heart of the city – and unveil yourself its unique architecture and the surroundings. In the evening, the group will meet with your guide for dinner, where you will discuss any remaining questions regarding the upcoming trek.

After the breakfast, you'll travel by private transport from Kathmandu towards Pokhara, following the Trishuli River side to you most of the time. With a bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of the few high peaks of the Langtang region to your right. Upon reaching the village of Dumre, you'll now leave the main road and turn right, following the road into the valley of the Marsyandi River. Eventually, you'll arrive in Besisahar, the original starting point of the Annapurna Circuit trek. Here, you'll change your transport and continue by private jeep (normally we arrange jeeps directly from Kathmandu) to Jagat (approx. 1,300 m). Upon arrival, you'll discover a typical, comfortable nepalese lodge for the first time. Here you'll meet your Nepali support team (porters) for the upcoming trek. Now onwards, the trek into the high mountains can finally begin.

Duration : 8-10 hrs (220 km)

Today is your first day of your trekking journey. After breakfast, you'll start off with the group further into the deep Marsyangdi Valley. You'll cross the river through suspension bridges at many points and catch glimpses of the first towering mountains. You'll pass through the Buddhist villages, such as Chamje and Dharapani. The village of Dharapani connects the Annapurna Circuit with the Manaslu Circuit. Many Trekkers beginn their Annapurna Circuit Trek here after completing the Manaslu Circuit. The houses in the region are typically built of stone with flat roofs. Today, you will end your hike at Bagarchhap (2,160 m).

Walking duration : approx. 7 hours | Ascent: 970 m | Descent: 460 m | Distance: 17 km

You gradually leave the subtropical zone along with constant ups and downs, you will gain altitude. Along the way, you will pass through more lively villages such as Timang and Koto. While the major peaks remained hidden from view due to the deep valleys, today you will finally catch your first glimpse of the truly towering icy mountains. From the village of Danakyu onwards, you can frequently look back and admire the western faces of the Manaslu and Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m), ocassionally Lamjung Himal (6,983 m). Your destination for today is the provincial town of Chame (2,670 m). You can additionally enjoy a leisurely afternoon walk on your own.

Walking duration : approx. 6 hours | Ascent approx. 910 m | Descent approx. 320 m | Distance: approx. 12 km

Your trekking takes you now deeper into the world of the Himalayas. You'll march through the village of Bhratang ahead, here you'll find luxurious accommodations, vineyards and apple-orchards. Next, you'll cross the beautiful Swargadwari suspension bridge – along with the inclined rock face of Paungda Danda (4,755 m) in the background. The trail ascends through peaceful spruce and pine forest towards the village of Dhikur Pokhari. From here, you'll also have a view of Pisang Peak (6,091 m). Soon, you will reach Upper Pisang (3,300 m). In the afternoon, you'll visit the Buddhist monastery and enjoy the breathtaking view of Annapurna II (7,937 m).

Walking duration : approx. 6-7 hours | Ascent approx. 860 m | Descent approx. 250 m | Walking distance : approx. 14 km

From here onwards, you'll have a consistent view of the icy walls of the entire Annapurna massif. The peaks of Annapurna II (7,937) and Annapurna IV (7,525 m) in particular will captivate you. As you ascend the steep trail upto the Tibetan village of Ghyaru, you'll also admire more and more Buddhist chortens and mani walls along the way. Leaving Ghyaru behind, you'll continue along a beautiful high-altitude trail until you finally reach Ngawal (3,660 m). The ice walls and glaciers of the Annapurna flanks, always directly opposite you, seem almost within the reach. Gangapurna (7,455 m) is also already visible. You can see the entire valley from left to right – below you, you can also see the Humde airport. Beyond the village, the peaks of Chulu East (6,584) and Chulu Far East (6,059 m) rise majestically into the sky. In the afternoon, you can explore one of the region's most beautiful villages and hike up to a scenic viewpoint.

Walking duration : approx. 4-5 hours | Ascent approx. 640 m | Descent approx. 220 m | Distance : approx. 10 km

A short descent leads you to the village of Braga – here, if you wish, you can take a slight detour to visit the very old gompa (monastery). From there, it's not far to the famous administrative center of Manang. This town, with its many closely packed stone houses, is perfect for exploring. There are also several fantastic viewpoints around the town – such as the Manang Gompa (4,000 m) or the viewpoint above Ganggapurna Lake (3,740 m), which is beautifully decorated with prayer flags.

Walking Duration : approx. 4-5 hours | Ascent approx. 210 m | Descent approx. 300 m | Distance : approx. 9 km

Today, several optional activities are available. Since proper acclimatization is paramount on a trekking trip and essential for your successful crossing of the Thorong La Pass, you can either simply relax and soak up the atmosphere of Manang or explore a nearby viewpoint on your own. Alternatively, you can opt for a longer acclimatization hike with your guide – you can walk back to Braga and from there ascend to the 4,625-meter-high Ice Lake. From here, you'll be treated to more fantastic views of all the peaks, from Pisang Peak to Tiilicho Peak (7,134 meters). You can discuss the day's itinerary with your guide on site.

The landscape continues to change as you trek towards the Thorong La Pass. Now, you trek through the barren landscape to almost 4,000 meters. Here, almost only willow bushes and juniper bushes grow. You're sure to encounter some grazing yak herds – with a bit of luck, you might even spot blue sheep. The stage to Yak Kharka isn't long, but it's good not to gain too much altitude, allowing your body ample time to acclimatize and rest. Use the rest of the day to relax or explore the surrounding area on your own.

Walking duration : approx. 4-5 hours | Ascent approx. 640 m | Descent approx. 60 m | Distance : approx. 11 km

A high alpine landscape stretches as far as the eye can see. Passing the last small village before the Chuli Ledar base camp, the trail continues its ascent. There are some sections prone to rockfall, so you'll need to take care. Finally, you'll reach the highest overnight point of your trek – Thorong Pedi (4,525 m). It's not really a village, but rather consists of just a few accommodations built exclusively for those attempting the pass. Some other groups climb even higher to the High Camp, which lies 400 m above.

Walking Duration : approx. 4-5 hours | Ascent approx. 620 m | Descent approx. 80 m | Distance : approx. 6 km

A challenging yet eventful day awaits you. You set off in the darkness of night, guided by the beam of your headlamps. The trail initially follows a path, later leading across scree fields and past moraine hills. As soon as the sun rises and warms you, you'll be filled with renewed energy, and soon you'll see the stone pyramids adorned with prayer flags – then you're almost there. The Thorong La (La = pass), the highest point (5,416 m) on the Annapurna Circuit and one of Nepal's most famous passes, lies before you. Savor your arrival at the pass and take in the view and the surrounding scenery. From here, you can see far into the Kali Gandaki Valley and the Kingdom of Mustang. Behind you, the mountains of the Chulu range rise majestically, you catch sight of the Annapurna range, and right beside you, the 6,000-meter peaks of Thorong Peak, Yakawa Kang, Khatung Kang, and Syagang soar into the sky. After a while of enjoying the view and taking plenty of photos, it's time to begin the descent. Initially steep, the trail later becomes longer. The day's destination is Muktinath at 3,760 meters. The further down you descend, the better you feel, and new, unique vistas unfold – for example, the next eight-thousander, Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), and Tukuche Peak (6,920 m) come increasingly into view. Exhausted but happy and content, you'll probably fall into bed early tonight. There's plenty of time to explore Muktinath tomorrow.

Walking duration : approx. 8-9 hours | Ascent approx. 920 m | Descent approx. 1,660 m | Walking distance : approx. 14 km

The Muktinath Temple is one of the highest temples in the world and one of the oldest temples dedicated to the god Vishnu. Among other things, you will find 108 taps shaped like bull's heads, dispensing icy water from the Kali Gandaki River – Hindus perform ritual ablutions there, which are fascinating to watch. There is also a small monastery of the "Miracle Fire" – here, a small flame, fueled by a natural gas spring, burns continuously and is revered by Buddhists. After your visit, the second part of your Annapurna Circuit trek begins. You will descend from Muktinath through the less-visited Lupra Valley into the Kali Gandaki Gorge. On barely trodden paths, which you'll share with very few other tourists, you'll begin with a short climb – the highest point being the Lupra Pass at approximately 3,850 meters. Throughout your hike, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Nilgiri range, Tilicho Peak, and, of course, Dhaulagiri. Your gaze will also extend deep into the Kali Gandaki Gorge and as far as the former Kingdom of Mustang. The Kali Gandaki is one of the deepest valleys in the world, nestled between the eight-thousanders Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. It was also a vital former trade route between India and Tibet (particularly for salt and rice). It's an otherworldly and arid valley, dotted with artificially irrigated oases. Towering mountains rise majestically on either side of the valley. Finally, you'll descend through the small village of Lupra and reach the main road in the Kali Gandaki Valley. Your vehicle will pick you up here, and after a lunch stop in Jomsom, you'll drive down to Tatopani (1,170 m). If you wish, you can stop along the way in the famous town of Marpha – known for its delicious apples, which are also used to make excellent apple juice and schnapps. The further down you drive, the more the landscape changes and becomes more tropical – suddenly you'll see banana plants, bamboo, and ferns along the roadside. Once you arrive in Tatopani, you can take a deep breath at this lower altitude, and those who want to can walk to the hot springs in the evening and relax their tired muscles in the warm water.

Walking duration : approx. 4-5 hours | Ascent approx. 120 m | Descent approx. 1,120 m | Distance : approx. 11 km | Driving time : approx. 3 hours

Today, you will walk for about 20 minutes along the main road, then turn left at the village of Pokharebagar and ascend past numerous small farming villages to Shikha (1,935 m). This will take you out of the Kali Gandaki Valley.

Walking duration : approx. 4 hours | Ascent approx. 830 m | Descent approx. 80 m | Distance : approx. 8 km

The landscape opens up more and more, and you'll pass many small villages and traverse breathtaking rhododendron forests, some of the largest in the world. The trail climbs significantly, but then you'll reach the village of Ghorepani (2,880 m) – the starting point for the famous Poon Hill hike. Those who want to take advantage of the beautiful afternoon light and still have energy can climb to the viewpoint today. The setting sun bathes the mountains in a stunning sunset.

Hiking time approx. 5 hours | Ascent approx. 930 m | Descent approx. 40 m | Distance : approx. 6 km

Still in the early twilight, you set off for the approximately 45-minute hike up Poon Hill. Naturally, you won't be entirely alone on this famous viewpoint. First, you make out the silhouettes of the surrounding mountains in the darkness, then the sun rises, and you can admire all the surrounding mountain giants in their full glory. Now you stand on the opposite side of the Annapurna massif (the south side), compared to just a few days earlier when you were admiring the north faces of the massif in Manang. Before you, you can see Annapurna I, Annapurna South (7,219 m), the Nilgiri group, and Machapuchare (6,997 m). To your left, you can see the various peaks of the Dhaulagiri range. After the climb and a hearty breakfast back at the lodge, you hike over the Deurali Pass (3,090 m) and past the village of Banthanti to Tadapani (2,630 m). It's a beautiful spot to admire the red-hued peaks of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli (6,441 m), and Machapuchare one last time. You can also see far into the Modi Khola valley – this is where hikers head towards Annapurna Base Camp.

Walking duration : approx. 7 hours | Ascent approx. 900 m (Poon Hill: 350 m extra) | Descent approx. 940 m (Poon Hill: 350 m extra) | Distance : approx. 16 km

On your last day of trekking, it's all downhill – mostly through ancient, fairytale-like forests. You'll soon be able to see Ghandruk (1,940 m) further down the valley. This Gurung village is considered one of the most beautiful in the region and is strategically located, as it's also a starting point for the hike towards Annapurna Base Camp. A gravel road also leads here, and Pokhara isn't far away. You'll have some time to explore the village and enjoy lunch. Then you'll say goodbye to your support team, as the private 4x4 vehicles will be waiting to take you to Pokhara on the shores of the stunning Phewa Lake. The drive to Pokhara takes approximately 2-3 hours. Once there, you can look forward to a comfortable bed, a hot shower, and a refreshing drink. You can spend the rest of the evening strolling through the relaxed atmosphere of Pokhara.

Walking duration : approx. 3-4 hours | Ascent approx. 50 m | Descent approx. 680 m | Walking distance : approx. 9 km | Driving time : approx. 2-3 hours

You can spend your free day in Pokhara however you like. You can take a rowboat to the other side of Phewa Lake and hike up to the World Peace Pagoda. From a café near the stupa, you can enjoy fantastic views of Pokhara, Phewa Lake, and the Annapurna mountain range. You can visit Mountain Museum or alternatively, it's well worth taking the cable car up to Sarangkot viewpoint and watching paragliders glide down into the valley. If you like, you can even try paragliding yourself (bookable on-site). For the past few years, it's also been possible to take a spectacular hot air balloon flight in the Pokhara region (contact us to book in advance, as places fill up quickly). You can also simply stroll through Pokhara or rent a rowboat or kayak and paddle across Phewa Lake. There are also very nice restaurants located on the lake shore where you can relax and unwind with a cool drink. For the optional and organized sightseeing, you may consult your guide, if you wish on the previous day.

We have arranged an early flight for you from Pokhara to Kathmandu. You will be transferred to the airport and can look forward to a scenic 40-minute flight along the main Himalayan range. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met directly at the airport by your city guide for a wonderful city tour. A major highlight is the Pashupatinath Temple, the Hindu shrine to Shiva (located very close to the airport). The Pashupatinath Temple is situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, where, among other things, ritual cremations of deceased Hindus take place at the ghats. Entry to the main temple, where Shiva is worshipped as Pashupati ("God of Life"), is forbidden to non-believers. However, you will certainly be able to take a beautiful photo of one of the exotic Sadhus (wandering ascetics) present there. Afterwards, you will walk to Boudhanath, where you will visit the Buddhist stupa. Boudhanath is the center for Tibetans living in exile in Nepal. If you are interested, you can visit a Buddhist gompa in the immediate vicinity and, if possible, participate in a prayer service. Let your unique trip to Nepal come to a relaxing close… In the evening, a traditional farewell dinner will take place.

Utilize your last free time in Kathmandu for a stroll around the city or a coffee and to observe the hustle and bustle. We will tailor your airport transfer to your return flight. Afterwards, it's time to begin your journey back to Frankfurt, where you will arrive on the same day with most connections.