Day 01 Arrive at Kathmandu.

You can apply Nepal visa upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport. Please bring one passport size photo and prepare US$ 40 in exact amount to pay in visa fee (30 days valid multiple entry). Visa sticker is hand printed and so, please review the visa sticker before you leave the immigration counter. After clearing immigration and custom, meet Highland Asia Guide outside the airport and you are transferrred by our vehicle to the hotel.

This afternoon, your Trekking Guide-Dhiren will help you for finding trekking gears if you need one. Trekking poles, fleece jackets, rain coats etc. can be purchased in Thamel area of Kathmandu. In the evening, you are invited for Nepali welcome dinner amidst a Nepali folk dancing program.

Hotel Shanker or similar first class property
Meals: Dinner

Day 02 Visit the sights of Kathmandu and prepare for trekking.

Following breakfast, we go for sightseeing. We begin the day from Patan Durbar square with former Royal Palace and an array of Hindu Temples in front of the palace, Buddhist Golden Temple and other attractions. We will drive in the outskirt of the town and visit the traditional Newari Village of Bungamati that appears to be century behind in civilization. In the afternoon, we will visit the 2000 year old Swayambhunath Stupa that sits on a hillock on the western fringe of Kathmandu Valley. From here, we enter the city centre and visit Kathmandu Durbar Square with former Royal Palace. We will visit Kumari House-the residence of Living Goddess of Nepal, the legendary Kasthamandap Temple that the name of the city is derived from and number of other picturesque temples. We walk through the narrow streets of Indrachowk and Assan with stores from daily groceries to the jewellers, handicrafts, rugs etc and we end up in touristy Thamel where all economy guesthouses, restaurants, handicraft stores and trekking gear shops are located. You will have time to buy trekking gears if you couldn't do it the previous day.

Hotel Shanker or similar first class property
Meals: Breakfast

Day 03 Drive by private mini-bus to Besi Sahar and then by local transport (jeeps) to Jagat

(Altitude 3600 ft, 8-9 hours)
Following early morning breakfast, today we head to the Annapurna Circuit Trek trail head. We depart Kathmandu by a private vehicle with driver to Besi Sahar ( 110 miles) which used to be the trekking starting point prior road construction began. It can take up to 6 hours to get to Besi Sahar where we stop for lunch ( in a local restaurant) and then we switch to locally available jeeps for 2 hours (approximately) bumpy ride to the village of Jagat. There is road little further up, but this probably will be too much for today.

Accommodation in the basic guest house.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 04: Trek from Jagat to the Tibetan village of Dharapani

(Altitude 6,430ft, trek 5-6 hrs)
Today is the first day of the celebrated Annapurna Circuit Trek, also called Round Annapurna Trekking. Following breakfast, we are ready to hit the trail. There are two options to choose from when we leave the village of Jagat. One-follow the jeep track straight ahead but we chose the second one that follows the old trekking route. We will come across various abandoned trekking guesthouses and a waterfall before we arrive at Chamje Village at 4, 543 ft that takes about 1.5 hour. From this point, we have a steep 400 m ( 1312 ft) ascent along the forested trail to the beautiful village of Tal which can take about 2.5 hrs. The village is in the slope and so we descend further 15 minutes to reach the village proper. There is a blue lake beside the village. We will have our lunch stop here.

After lunch, we find ourselves back on the trail but the rest of the trail for today is gentle. We pass through a sleepy little village of Kharte at (6134 ft , 1.5 hr) and in another 45 minutes, we arrive at the Village of Dharapani ( 6, 232 ft) where we overnight today. Dharapani village lies in a canyon with mountains rising so high on both sides. The majority population here is of Tibetan origin.

Accommodation in the basic guest house.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Note: We may not feel thirsty but keep drinking water to avoid dehydration!

Day 05: Trek from Dharapani to Chame Village (altitude: 8,891ft, trek 6 hrs)

On the second day of the Annapurna Circuit Trekking, the trail continues to go through the pine forests - the bleak terrain of the likes of yak Kharka are still four days away. We walk one hour to cover the distance of little more than 1 mile and arrive at the beautiful village of Bagarchap that is amidst the apple orchards. The presence of prayer wheels, mani stones and Tibetan style prayer flags indicate that now we are leaving the Hindu culture behind and entering the Buddhist areas.  Please keep the prayer wheels or any shrines that you see always at your right. Another gentle 2 km (1.25 miles) stretch brings us to Damaq ( 7, 216 ft) in one hour and then we struggle the toughest 6 km ( 3.75 miles) stretch which is practically a 45 degree incline. The route continues to be beautiful and woody, and you can see the Manaslu peak in the distance, if it's not blanketed by the clouds. We will have our lunch stop in Thanchowk (8, 430 ft, 2.5 hrs).

After lunch, we find ourselves back on the trail for the afternoon walk which is 3.75 miles easy stretch and takes about 2 hours. This part of the trail is beautiful with great views and if we have time, we may stop to visit the Tibetan monastery at Koto Village, just before Chame. After walking in so much quiet beauty for hours, the bustle in Chame comes as a shock as it serves as the administrative headquarters of Manang district, and has multiple shops that sell practically everything. They have a police headquarter here, and a doctor, and the biggest surprise - Internet!  There is also a large school and a stupa in Chame Village. There's a miniscule hot water spring too, which can be reached by crossing a bridge at the end of the village.

If the weather is good, we will enjoy the sensational views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). We check in our guest house, wash and change and take a leisure stroll in the town like village.

Accommodation in the basic guest house.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 06: Trek from Chame to Pisang

(Altitude: 10824ft, trek 5-6 hrs)

On the third day of the Round Annapurna Trekking, we advance to the Pisang Village. We wake up early in the morning for the chances of morning views outside. On a clear weather day, we can see the Manaslu and Lamjung Himal covered in snow and the sunshine from Chame. After breakfast, we leave Chame for Pisang. The first two hours of walk to Bhratang is fairly a level walk with about 150 m (4, 92 ft) ascent. From Bhratang to Dudhpokhari is 1280 ft ascent and takes about 1.5 hrs. The path continues by the river, but the pine forests are less dense here. Some part of the trail is thrilling as its cut on the side of a cliff but the views are great! Some parts of the trail is steep, particularly after the old bridge. You can feel the strong smell of the pine cones in the air. We will have our lunch in a tea-house here. We will start feeling the altitude after Dudhpokhari. Avoid dehydration and you may want to take the first pill of diamox if you experienced altitude here.

After lunch, we will be back on the trail. The trail is dusty through tall pines and rhododendron bushes and not steep at all. After walking an hour and half in complete silence and wilderness, interrupted by the occasional herd of mules, crossing a couple of streams, we find ourselves in the busy village of Lower Pisang. If we are ok with the altitude, we may hike further up to Upper Pisang, otherwise, we will settle in a guesthouse in lower Pisang.

Upper Pisang lies 60 meters higher and 30 minutes away from Lower Pisang, and can be reached by crossing a bridge near the prayer wheel. Upper Pisang Village lies on the slopes of a forested hill and is a remnant of  medieval Tibetan culture. We visit the Urgen Choling Monastery of the village-probably the most beautiful of the region. We will have opportunity to meet the monks and sometime they offer tea to the visitors. Here, we will find ourselves horizontally in front of the snow clad peaks of Annapurna, Pisang peak, and several others. From Upper Pisang, the landscape and the vegetation changes from green subtropical to barren sub-alpine and alpine. The air becomes dry, cold and chilly.

A lot of trekkers prefer to sleep in Upper Pisang than Lower Pisang because they want to take the upper trail to Manang on the following day and has an advantage of getting better acclimated (recommended). That's a decision you will have to take today. If the altitude symptoms are strong, then you may chose to stay in Lower Pisang and the next day, take the shorter route to the Manang.

Accommodation in the basic guest house.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 07:Trek from Pisang to Manang

(Alt: 11, 482 ft, trek 6-7 hrs)

Following breakfast, we leave guesthouse heading to Manang. If you stayed in Lower Pisang, it makes sense that you take the lower shorter trail that goes through the last pine forests of this circuit. I am saying the last pine forests of the trekking because from Manang onwards, we will see the landscape stark and barren. If you spent the previous night in Upper Pisang, then you would follow the upper trail, which is about 2 hours longer than the lower trail. The upper trail offers some great mountain views and also higher acclimatization chances. So, for the sake of acclimatization, its recommended to spend the night in Upper Pisang and take the upper trail.

You will fall in love with the village of Manang at first sight. The village is surrounded by views more like your computer screensaver! Recently, Manang has been a very touristy village with  every convenience money can buy. We keep going and the street the street will bend and you will find yourself transported back in time where Manangis live like they've lived for centuries. The Manang architecture is unlike anything you have ever seen, the alleyways look like only black and white pictures should be taken of them.

Accommodation in the basic guest house.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 08 : Another day in Manang for acclimatization.

From Manang, you will start experiencing breathlessness due to low oxygen concentration in the air. Take it easy and do not overly exert yourself. Drink plenty of water and consume preferable liquid food.

Himalaya Rescue Association attends daily lectures in Manang for the trekkers and it will be worth attending one of those lectures. They give some useful tips on how to battle through the next 3 days to Thorungla pass. They will also explain the acclimatizing principle of "climb high and return to sleep in the low". Although, we might be experiencing the effects of altitude, we need to stay active (but not overly exert ourselves)  and so we take some acclimatization hikes above Manang Village. Usually, we hike the Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake or little further the Vraga Village for acclimatization and the trip also provides excellent opportunity to familiarize the local Buddhist culture and religion.

Accommodation in the basic guest house.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 09: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka

(Altitude 13,484ft, trek 3-4 hours)

Annapurna Circuit trail from Manang to Yak Kharka passes through  completely treeless plateau, dusty and morbid but beautiful.  As we leave the village behind, we cross a stream and climb to the village of Tenki above Manang, and then continue to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. Then, the path follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation.

We pass near a small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail leads you through meadows where horses and yaks graze. Soon we cross a small river on a wooden bridge, we pass by an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reach another small village of Yak Kharka. Mount Annapurnas II, III and IV peaks  stand to greet you at Yak Kharka. As we are quickly gaining altitude, we stay overnight in Yak Kharka.

Accommodation in the basic guest house.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi-the base of the Thorong la pass

(Altitude 15,092ft, trek 3-4 hrs)

Following breakfast, we leave Yak Kharka for a bleak three and a half hour climb to Thorung Phedi-the foot of the famous pass. With some exceptions, the climb is not that terribly steep but we still need to be prepared for low oxygen concentration in the air that causes deep breathing and fatigue due to the effects of the altitude as by now, we will have crossed the distinguished 4000 meter (13, 120 ft) threshold . Today, we will walk less than the previous day but it will be more like an offset  for tomorrow. Tomorrow is the big day, the climax of the Annapurna Circuit trekking.

We walk through the moon like landscape and reach Thorang Phedi in about three hours. Even the short bushes that appeared till Yak Kharka have now completely disappeared. The last 45 minutes stretch of trek is on the hair raising cliff side trail which is also prone to landslides! So, be careful. You will feel a welcome relief when you see in distance the two lodges of Thorong Phedi.

Thorong Phedi-a small settlement at the foot of the mighty Thorong Pass has a hustle and bustle of trekkers and climbers as they prepare to  conquer the pass. Some people also attempt a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be easier for them but we do not recommend attempting High Camp and overnight there because sleeping in higher altitude is not really advisable. Although we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at Thorong Phedi tonight so that we can sleep sound rather than a risky sleep in higher altitude at High Camp.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11: Across Thorungla pass to Muktinath

(Altitude 12,467ft, trek 7-8 hrs)

Today is the climax of  the Annapurna Circuit Trekking and the day we have been working towards!. It will be a lifetime unforgettable experience- crossing the famous high pass, Thorong La pass at 17,764 ft. Wear layers, windbreakers and headlamp and start early, as early as 4 a.m. to accomplish our goal. Today, each moment we combat through icy high altitude path but the views of the majestic Himalayan mountains are so alluring that we focus more on the horizon than the trail. We will climb for 4 hours to the Thorung la pass and then downhill to Muktinath, another 4 hours.!

The first hour, you will walk in darkness and silence till you reach the High Camp which is a steep climb. We continue plodding over the zigzag pathways, through the loose rocks and screes with a feel that you are walking on the moon! As the sun rises, things start looking beautiful and then comes in view a guesthouse where we will stop for a cup of coffee. We keep walking in the barren landscape and there will be occasions that we will see a pass but it will turn out to be yet another place to cross. Finally, we arrive at the mighty pass, marked by prayer flags and a chorten, photographed by everyone who trekked here. Spend some time on the pass celebrating the conquest with cup of tea in a guesthouse nearby and then prepare for a long and steep descent. The path is endlessly long, but has some great views of the Dhaulagiri, and some delightful photo opportunities. After 3 hours of descent from the pass, we will stop for lunch in the place called Phedi.

After lunch and some rest, we again continue on the trail which now becomes less steep and vegetation starts to reappear. We arrive at Muktinath-the holy shrine both for Hindus as well as Buddhists in the late afternoon. We have a brief stop here to visit the temples and we push half an hour further down to our lodge.

Accommodation in the basic guest house.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 : Drive by local jeeps from Muktinath- Kagbeni – Jomsom

(Altitude 8758 ft, trek 5 hrs)

Visit the Muktinath temple complex in the morning, if you didn't the previous day.  The temple complex has Hindu temples and Buddhist chortens in the enclosed compound. The recently added Vishnu Temple just below the spring is probably the most interesting one. The temple is surrounded by 108 water spouts under which shower the Hindu pilgrims and clean the sins of their all lifetimes!

The path to Jomsom is no longer the trekker's path. So, tecnically, we have concluded the Annpurna Circuit Trekking yesterday and so today, we take jeeps to Kagbeni and further down to Jomsom. A stop in Kagbeni is strongly recommended for its castle and monastery. The village of Kagbeni lies at the confluence of two holy rivers near the  border of the Lost Tibetan Kingdom of  Mustang and has a castle and the monastery. We will also stop by the museum housed at the complex that also has the check post for Mustang Trekkers.

We will have lunch in Kagbeni and again hop on the bumpy yet exciting ride to Josmom. We arrive at Jomsom late afternoon. The road goes through streams and boulders and the ride will be an experience!! Jomsom is a bustling town with good hotels and food, ATM machines and an airport.

Accommodation in Om's home, one of the top end accommodation in Jomsom.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13: 20 minutes flight to Pokhara.

Early morning breakfast and we bid farewell to our porters and then head to the airport for flight to Pokhara. A short 20 minutes flight by Dornier craft whisks us between the mountains to Pokhara. Upon arrival at Pokhara, we transfer by minibus to Fishtail Lodge in the Phewa Lake Peninsula. We need to take a short ferry ride to get to the lodge from the car park.

We check in our accommodation and soon we set out to explore the sights of Pokhara. We can visit the mysterious Gupteshwara Cave, the neighboring Davis Fall and the Tibetan Village, Seti River Gorge, the Bindhyebasini Temple etc. We will also take a boating trip in the lake and visit the island temple of Goddess Barahi.

Afternoon is open to stroll on the lakeside.

Fishtail Lodge or similar first class property
Meals: Breakfast

(Note: Its possible to further trek down until Pokhara but majority of the trails are now the jeep tracks)

Day 14: Morning Flight to Kathmandu.

After a leisurely morning breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for flight to Kathmandu. Its a 30 minutes flight and on a clear weather day, we will be able to view the Himalaya at our left. Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you are met by our staff with minibus and you are transferred to the hotel.

Rest of the day is open for you to pursue your own interest.

Shanker Hotel or similar first class property
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Bhaktapur

After breakfast, we drive to visit Pashupatinath-one of the most revered Hindu Temple of South Asia. The temple area is vibrant with rituals, chanting, wandering holy men, pilgrims and devotees and onlookers. Our next sight will be Boudhnath Stupa- the largest stupa architecture in Nepal and one of the most revered Buddhist shrine outside Tibet. The area is pre-dominantly Tibetan and reminds of Barkhor Square of Lhasa. From Boudhanath, we head out to Bhaktapur-the smallest of the three medieval principalities of Kathmandu Valley, yet the best preserved one. We visit its Durbar Square with former palace and an array of architecturally beautiful temples. We walk on the cobbled street and visit the Nyatapola Temple, Duttratraya Temple and pottery square.Afternoon, we drive back to Kathmandu.

Shnanker Hotel or similar first class property

Day 16: Depart Kathmandu

Transfer to the airport for flight back home.
Meals: Breafkast