Annapurna Circuit Trek 11 days

Today marks the beginning of your Annapurna Circuit trek. After completing all morning activities, we'll start walking. The first part follows the road, but the surrounding landscapes are beautiful. Our first stop will be Danaque, and from there, we’ll head to Timal village. The trail involves a climb through the jungle, where you might spot various birds and even some wildlife. If you're hungry, we can stop for lunch at Timal, where you'll enjoy a meal with stunning mountain views. After lunch, we’ll follow the road, which will be easier and offers more scenic vistas. The natural beauty will help ease any fatigue from hiking. Our destination for the night is Chame, the headquarters of the Manang District. Some of the hotels here were damaged by a landslide in 2021. We'll have a hot dinner and relax, enjoying the evening.

Today’s trek is expected to take 5 to 6 hours, with three crossings of the Marsyangdi River. The day starts with a walk along the right side of the river, where the trail meanders through beautiful forested areas, offering a peaceful and shaded start to the journey. After about two hours of walking, we’ll arrive at Bhratang, a small settlement known for its apple farm. This is a great spot to pause, stretch your legs, and enjoy a short break with some tea or coffee while taking in the scenic surroundings. After our break at Bhratang, we’ll cross a bridge over the river and begin a steady ascent. The trail becomes more challenging at this point, but we’ll soon reach a tea shop, where you can take a breather, refill your water bottle, and enjoy a brief rest before continuing. The climb offers rewarding views as you gain elevation. From the tea shop, it's about a 40-minute walk to Dhukur Pokhari, where we’ll stop for lunch. Dhukur Pokhari is a great vantage point, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and the Pisang valley. The wide-open valley and the dramatic landscape create an incredible backdrop as you relax and enjoy your meal. After lunch, we’ll cross the river once more to make our way to Upper Pisang. The trail here is especially scenic, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks that seem to reflect in the valley below, like a mirror. These mirror-like mountain views are one of the highlights of Upper Pisang, where we’ll end our day and stay overnight, soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings. 

Today our walking will be hour 4 to 5 hours. The trek from Upper Pisang to Ngawal offers a stunning, scenic path along the Annapurna Circuit with amazing views of Annapurna II and IV. This route is part of the "upper trail," which is longer but rewards trekkers with spectacular landscapes compared to the lower route through Humde. The trail provides excellent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and other snow-capped peaks. It’s especially breathtaking in the morning when the sunlight hits the peaks. You’ll pass several gompas and mani walls along the way, reflecting the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the region. Both Upper Pisang and Ngawal are traditional mountain villages, with stone-built houses and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The trek from Upper Pisang to Ngawal is a rewarding part of the Annapurna Circuit, offering diverse cultural and natural experiences along the way. Overnight teahouse with hoe dinner. 

 Exploring Ngawal offers a peaceful and culturally rich experience, along with incredible Himalayan views. This village is perched at 3,660 meters on the Annapurna Circuit, and its remote, traditional atmosphere allows trekkers to immerse in local life while enjoying the majestic surroundings.

The village is home to a beautiful monastery that sits atop a hill. You can explore the gompa, observe local monks at prayer, and enjoy the serene environment. The monastery's spiritual ambiance is a great place for reflection and quiet time.

Ngawal offers outstanding views of Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna. Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times to soak in the golden hues on the peaks, as the light changes dramatically over the landscape. There are some hidden caves and gompas around the village that can be reached through short hikes. These spiritual sites offer a deeper insight into the local Tibetan-Buddhist culture.

Ngawal is a traditional village, and you can wander through its narrow, stone-paved alleys, visit local homes, or even stop at a teahouse to chat with the residents. This is a great way to learn about the local customs and everyday life of the people living in this high-altitude region. The houses in Ngawal are built in the traditional Tibetan style, with flat roofs, prayer flags, and intricate wood carvings. The village feels like a time capsule of old Himalayan ways of life. 

The trek from Ngawal to Manang is a beautiful part of the Annapurna Circuit and offers an alternative, higher route to the main trail between Pisang and Manang. This scenic upper trail takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete. You’ll begin by descending gently from Ngawal, with wonderful views of the Marsyangdi Valley below. The path is well-defined and easy to follow.
As you walk, the trail passes through sparse vegetation and a few small settlements, remaining quieter than the busier lower trail. You’ll trek through alpine meadows, with the possibility of spotting yaks and goats along the way. The path is generally easy, though there are some sections with loose gravel.

Around halfway, you’ll come to Braga (3,475 m), a village famous for its ancient Braga Monastery, which is thought to be over 500 years old and is one of the region's most significant monasteries. This is a great place to stop for a rest or to explore the monastery, and it’s also a good spot for lunch.

From Braga, it’s about an hour’s walk to Manang. As you approach the village, the trail becomes wider and easier. Overnight in Manang Hotel. 

 The trek from Manang to Ledar is a memorable section of the Annapurna Circuit, offering a gentle ascent and breathtaking views. After departing from Manang, the trail gradually climbs to Tengi, a small village adorned with prayer flags fluttering against the majestic mountains. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning vistas of Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho peaks.
The path continues through alpine terrain, steadily rising towards Gunsang. This portion of the trek is relatively easy, allowing for great moments to appreciate the surrounding peaks. Many trekkers pause at Gunsang, a small settlement, to acclimatize.
As you move towards Yak Kharka, the landscape becomes more rugged, with fewer trees and a more barren, rocky environment—an ideal spot for a lunch break. Afterward, the trail continues its gradual ascent, offering beautiful views of the Annapurna range, the Chulu peaks, and the valley below. Ledar, a small stop along the way, marks the final stage of the day's journey, where you'll rest overnight at a tea house with a hot dinner awaiting you. 

Your trek from Ledar to Thorong High Camp will take around 5 hours, covering a 570-meter elevation gain as you ascend to 4,800 meters. It’s a challenging stretch, but you’ve acclimatized well in Ngawal, so you’re well-prepared for the altitude. The journey will reward you with breathtaking views as you move higher into the alpine terrain.

If you happen to be trekking under a full moon, the night at Thorong High Camp will be even more magical. The moonlight over the glacier moraines creates an almost surreal atmosphere, casting a silvery glow over the rugged landscape. It's an unforgettable sight.

To ensure you feel your best, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and into the night to avoid dehydration. Steer clear of smoking, coffee, and alcohol—they can interfere with acclimatization and leave you feeling worse at this altitude. Since this will be the highest elevation you’ll sleep at during the trip, take it easy, and let your body adjust.
Enjoy this incredible moment in the mountains—you’ve earned it

Your trek from High Camp to Muktinath via Thorong La is one of those unforgettable days that stands out in any trek. Starting early to catch the sunrise from the pass, you'll feel the cold biting at first, but the sight of the first rays of sun hitting the peaks will make it worth every bit of effort. The air is crisp, and the altitude adds to the adventure, but the team spirit will carry you through to the top.

Crossing Thorong La (5416m) is a special achievement, and the views from there—stretching across the Himalayas with Mount Dhaulagiri rising in the distance—are breathtaking. After celebrating the summit, the descent into Muktinath will be easier but long, with stunning views of the Upper Mustang valley guiding you down.

By the time you reach Muktinath, you'll be physically tired but filled with that deep satisfaction that only comes from a long, rewarding day in the mountains. How do you feel about the thought of crossing that legendary pass and seeing the sunrise from the top. Overnight Muktinath Hotel 

Today’s trek is easier as we descend, with a lunch stop at Luprak village. The walking time is about 5 to 6 hours. The hidden trail to Luprak takes us through a less-traveled part of Mustang, offering breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri Himal, and upper Mustang.

Luprak village, tucked into a narrow valley, feels like a peaceful retreat. The Bon monastery here, led by a revered Rinpoche from Amdo, Tibet, adds a deep cultural and spiritual aspect to the journey. Visiting the meditation cave and engaging in a retreat with the Bon monk offers a rare opportunity for introspection and spiritual renewal, something few treks can offer.

The charm of this small farming valley, combined with the warm hospitality of the locals, makes this side trip truly special. Receiving blessings from Lama Tulku adds a significant, personal touch. After soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of Luprak, the descent to Jomsom feels like a perfect way to end the day. Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang, is a larger area with all necessary facilities, blending spiritual experience with the scenic beauty of Mustang. Overnight Jomsom in Hotel. 

Option 1: Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara and Stay in Pokhara

After an early breakfast in Jomsom, you’ll board a jeep or bus for the drive to Pokhara, which covers a distance of approximately 155 kilometers. The journey takes around 8 to 10 hours, depending on road conditions. As you descend, the landscape transforms from arid terrain to lush greenery, with views of the Kali Gandaki River, terraced farmlands, and traditional villages along the way. This long but rewarding drive offers a final chance to soak in the beauty of the Annapurna region.

Upon reaching Pokhara in the afternoon, check into your hotel near the Lakeside area. After freshening up, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a lakeside café while savoring views of Phewa Lake and the distant mountains. Spend the rest of the day exploring Pokhara’s tranquil streets, boating on the lake, or simply unwinding in one of its serene garden cafés.

Option 2: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, Explore Pokhara, and Return to Kathmandu

Begin your day with a morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, a 20-minute journey that takes you over the Kali Gandaki Gorge—the deepest valley in the world—and offers breathtaking aerial views of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri ranges. The flight is an unforgettable experience, with towering peaks and glaciers visible from the plane. Keep your camera ready to capture these magnificent vistas.

Upon landing in Pokhara, leave your larger bags at your hotel and head to the vibrant Lakeside area. Enjoy a hearty lunch with views of Phewa Lake and Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). You can spend a couple of hours exploring Pokhara’s highlights, such as Davis Falls, the International Mountain Museum, or the Peace Pagoda, before heading back to the airport.

Later in the afternoon, take a short 20-minute flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a private vehicle will transfer you to your hotel, where you can enjoy a relaxing evening reflecting on your incredible trek.