Day 1 Kathmandu
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our tour guide will pick-up you from Kathmandu international Airport. We will take you to the hotel booked for you. We will have an important group briefing and you need to fill a Personal Information forms before we start to complete the necessary formalities of papers. We will also leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Your team leader will collect your balance of payment on day 1. Kathmandu, the colorful capital of Nepal, is a fascinating blend of traditional architecture and symbols of the 20th Century. It is rich artistic and cultural heritage is evident where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples.

If you arrive early, we recommend you to visit to some historical and cultural places such as Durbar Square in Bhaktapur, the Kumari Devi, considered to be a living goddess. It is also worth the climb to visit the Swayambhunath – the ‘monkey temple’. Explore the network of street markets and alley bazaars and witness of the Pashupatinath’s temple, famous as Hindu Temple. For those with a few extra days in Kathmandu, you can also visit the neighboring towns of Patan and Bhaktapur where you will find unusual cultural temples and other buildings.

We will also provide practical advice about conservation, trekking, mountain safety, causes of deforestation, ecotourism, and the do’s and don’ts of Nepalese society. We will put you in the hotel as already booked for you as per your advance acceptance.

Day 2 Bandipur
We will move by private micro/mini bus for our trip to the ancient mountain town of Bandipur (approx. 5 hours). Located high on a ridge (1,000 m) above the road to Pokhara and it lies on the little-known Newari trading village.

Be prepared for simple lodgings and food, but more importantly the genuine friendliness of the locals and the simply stunning views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges – the hallmark of this region. Bandipur is a basic village but the surrounding countryside makes for great walks and all the locals will want to talk to you and guide you on your way. At the eastern part of the town is the pagoda-roofed Bindabasini temple which acts as the abode of the goddess Durga, in Bandipur. The rich wooden carvings and detailed brass-work that adorn the temple are replicas of those found in the many old pagoda structures of the Kathmandu Valley.

Days 3-19 Annapurna Circuit
We begin our trek from Besi Sahar at the end of the Dumre Road. For almost three weeks, we immerse ourselves in the spectacular mountain wilderness that encompasses the Annapurna Range. At 8,091 m, Annapurna 1 is one of the highest mountains in the world. It’s surrounding sister mountains are equally imposing, creating magnificent panoramas from any viewpoint. Throughout the trek, we come across isolated mountain communities, each with different ancestral customs and traditions, resulting in not only a visually superb expedition but also a culturally rich one. We meet warm and welcoming locals herding yaks and goats on the grassy pastures and visit their monasteries and temples. We pass waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers, walk along broad plains and hike up high mountain passes. The trekking is challenging, averaging 6-7 hours walking a day, often at high altitude. The highest point we reach is the 5,416 m Thorung Pass.

Given the dangers of altitude sickness, it is imperative that we take at least three days to ascend to this height. A couple of days are also allowed for rest and acclimatization. Please note that the following itinerary can vary due to unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions or bandhs (strikes) called by the government. Hence all trekking times are approximate.

Day 3 – Khudi/Bulbule (840 m) (approx. 3 hours)
Travel by private bus from Bandipur to Beshi Sahar, then gear up for the big adventure. Trek to reach Khudi or Bulbule for your overnight stay.

Day 4 – Bahun Danda (1,310 m) (approx. 4 hours)
Walking through terraced farmlands and villages, you start to get glimpses of the high mountain that you will soon start scaling.

Day 5 – Chamje (1,430 m) (approx. 7 hours)
You walk 10 km today, but expect it to take about six hours due to the steep climb and altitude. While traversing the valley, you are likely to cross several suspension bridges and pass beautiful waterfalls.

Day 6 – Bagarchap (2,160 m) (approx. 7 hours)
While walking the rocky trail from Chamje to Bagar, you enter the Manang district from Taal. Be prepared for some stone stairways before reaching the Tibetan style village of Bagar.

Day 7 – Chame (2,710 m) (approx. 6 hours)
You can take your time on this breathtaking walk with incredible views of Annapurna II. Chame is bigger than the other towns that you have come across and this is the ideal place to stop to enjoy a good hot cup of tea.

Day 8 – Pisang (3,300 m) (approx. 5 hours)
By following the river,  most of the day we walk through a deep forest and cross through narrow, steep gorges to reach Pisang where the spectacular u-shaped Manang valley plunges between two giant snow peaks.

Day 9 – Manang (3,540 m) (approx. 6 hours)
We will trek through the northern trail via upper Pisang and Ghyaru, an area renowned for its spectacular views. On the way, you will also come across local farmers herding yaks. (Tip: Tibetan yaks take a special interest in people wearing red).

Day 10 – Manang (3,540 m)
We spend a day here to acclimatize to the altitude by doing some high climbing, and then return to the lower altitude of Manang to sleep. Manang, a village of about 500 flat-roofed houses offers excellent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Chulu East.

Day 11 – Manang to Yak Kharka (4,018 m) (approx. 5 hours)
Covering approximately 7 km, we steadily climb into the alpine region in taking about five hours.

Day 12 – Phedi (4,450 m) (approx. 4 hours)
Due to the altitude, we will take the next section of the climb at a leisurely pace, which means we’ll have time to admire the magnificent views from this part of the route. Once at Phedi, there will be plenty of time to rest and acclimatize to the higher elevations ready for the next part of the climb where we will encounter the Thorung La Pass, the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit.

Day 13 – Trek to Muktinath (3,800 m) (approx. 8-9 hours)
We need to be ready very early to cross the Thorung La Pass (5,416 m), and the trail is steep but easy to follow.  After climbing to the hills about 4-6 hours, we will reach the Pass’s peak, adorned with prayer flags, a traditional stupa (chorten) built by stone cairns by the travelers. Further along this route, the trail descends steeply by proceeding towards Chabarbu. From here on, the trail crosses meadows, drops into a deep ravine, climbs out and follows a wide trail into Muktinath, a pilgrimage site held in great reverence by both Hindus and Buddhists.

Day 14 – Trek to Kagbeni (2,800 m) (approx 3.5 hours)
We make a late morning start from Muktinath to let you get some much deserved rest and for time to visit Muktinath’s temple complex.

Day 15 – Trek to Marpha (2,710 m) (approx. 7 hours)
Follow the trail firstly along the riverbed to Eklaibhatti, then we will climb up along the riverside slope through the suspension bridge and after a couple more up-and-downs, finally we will return to the riverbed all the way to Jomsom. This mountain town is the administrative headquarters for the Mustang region and has an airstrip, bank and hospital. Due to strong wind and gale, we will pass the riverbed by an hour before the noon. We will continue to follow the course of the Kali Gandaki River, for having the deepest gorge (6,500 m) in the world, we arrive in Marpha, a Tibetan refugee resettlement centre and stay there for the night. With organized flagstone streets, a drainage system and a well-earned reputation for its apple brandy and apple pie, this is a great place to hang up your boots for the night.

Day 16 – Trek to Kalopani (2,530 m) (approx. 6 hours)
Leaving Marpha through its southern gateway, the trail then follows the Kali Gandaki to reach Tukuche (2,590 m). We will continue along the west bank of the river and then we pas through the village town of Tukuche by crossing the river via its suspension bridge before the trail leads to the quaint village of Kobang (2,560 m). We will then continue on along the newly paved path Larjung (2,550 m), and then we once again follow the riverbed before the trail gradually climbs to reach Boxi Khola and Kali Gandaki. Further ahead, we will cross the suspension bridge across the Kali Gandaki, the trail climbs sharply through forests of pine, cypress and juniper to reach Kalopani.

Day 17 – Trek to Tatopani (1,160 m) (approx. 6 hours)
Today, we leave Kalopani behind and descend further by crossing a bridge at Lete and hiking through the sub-tropical forest to Ghasa. The trail winds through Pairo Thapla, Kopchepani, Rupse Chhahara (where we can stop to look at a beautiful waterfall), Dana and few teashops in Guithe. We eventually enter Tatopani, a lively village with several hotels and restaurants and we will stay here for the night. Tatopani literally means ‘hot water’ in Nepali and the village derives its name from the hot springs near the river below the village. We will also spend some time to relax much in the hot springs on a great meal at one of the restaurants.

Day 18 – Trek to Ghorepani (2,785 m) (approx. 8 hours)
Ghorepani, also known as Poon hill, is a traditional stopping place for horses, mules and ponies that carry loads between Pokhara and Jomsom. The settlement forms the crossroads between various trekking routes and it has become a favorite stop for travelers looking to have a quick drink at one of the many inns over there.

Day 19 – Trek to Birethanti (1,025 m) (approx. 7 hours)
For those who are interested, there is an optional early morning climb up to Poon hill (3,195 m) to watch the glittering views of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak in the gorgeous dawn pink light. We will climb down for a good cup of tea and breakfast at the teahouse. The path of today is fairly easy-paced and descends via a winding stone staircase through the surrounding dense forest to the town of Ulleri. After passing another vertical section down to Hille, we will pass through the Bhurungdi River and then we continue alongside of the river to our ultimate destination – Birethanti.

Our accommodation along the way is at local lodges known as teahouses, where accommodation is comfortable without being luxurious, toilets and washing facilities are shared and rudimentary, and the food is plain and filling. In a teahouse, we are provided with small private rooms with twin beds, mattresses and pillows. At times, in high seasons, there might be a limited number of teahouses we may have to adjust for some nights in dormitories. In some places, teahouses don’t have access to electricity and depend on solar powered lighting. In these remote regions, teahouses don not have running water and proper toilets. Hot shower facilities are available in the majority of the teahouses for a price although in most of the places, a hot shower just means a bucket of hot water.

Day 20 Pokhara
Returning from Birethati by private bus (approx. 1.5 hours), we can toast for our achievement over a celebratory dinner in the character-filled Nepalese town of Pokhara (827 m). Pokhara is a peaceful lakeside location which rests beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna Range. There are plenty of lakeside cafes where you can enjoy international cuisine, while the main street is full of shops and stalls selling a wide range of Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs.

Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship. Take time to wander around the town and get to know its friendly residents.

Days 21-22 Kathmandu
We return to Kathmandu by tourist bus (approx. 7 hours including stops) for further sightseeing or for some last minute shopping for friends and family at home. The options are plentiful – Kathmandu has many markets where Nepali specialties include clothes, embroidery, carpets and ceramics. On arrival in Kathmandu we’ll check back into the hotel.

Day 22 is departure day and we say ‘Namaste’ for memories that will last a lifetime.
There are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. We will arrange a pick-up for you from the hotel to the airport for departure as per your flight schedule.