Annapurna Circuit Trek – Self-Launched

Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Take a prepaid taxi or arrange a hotel pick-up to Thamel, Kathmandu's backpacker hub. Check into a guesthouse, grab some dal bhat, and get an early night. Use this evening to sort any last-minute gear if needed — Thamel has dozens of trekking shops selling or renting gear cheaply.

🚌Prepaid airport taxi to Thamel – ~£5-7

🛏Thamel guesthouse (e.g. Hotel Encounter Nepal or similar) – ~£12-18/night

• →Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport — prepaid taxis to Thamel cost around £5-7
• →Check into a guesthouse in Thamel (e.g. Hotel Encounter Nepal or similar)
• →Purchase your TIMS card (£12) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit/ACAP (£22) from the Nepal Tourism Board office on Pradarshani Marg — bring passport photos
• →Rent or buy any missing gear in Thamel (sleeping bag ~£5/night, down jacket ~£4/night)
• →Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local dal bhat restaurant in Thamel (~£3-5)

Take an early morning tourist bus or local bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar (roughly 6-7 hours, ~£6-8). From Besisahar, transfer to a local jeep or high-clearance bus to Syange (another 2-3 hours, ~£3-5). Road conditions can be rough — this is part of the adventure. Arrive in Syange by late afternoon and check into a teahouse.

🚌Kathmandu to Besisahar by bus (~£6-8) + Besisahar to Syange by local jeep (~£3-5)

🛏Teahouse in Syange – ~£3-5/night (room often free or very cheap if you eat meals there)

• →Early morning bus from Kathmandu's Gongabu Bus Park to Besisahar – ~£6-8 (local bus) or £10-12 (tourist bus)
• →Change to a local jeep or high-clearance bus from Besisahar to Syange – ~£3-5
• →Check into a teahouse in Syange (sleeping altitude: 1,260m)
• →Enjoy a teahouse dinner (dal bhat ~£3-4)

Begin your trek today with a scenic 8km/5-mile walk. Cross the river at Syange by bridge, climb through Germu and follow the undulating trail through farmland to Tallo Chiple for a tea break. Descend to cross a suspension bridge, then make a steep climb to rejoin the main trail at Jagat (1,300m), arriving around lunchtime. The afternoon is free to explore — hot springs can be found down by the river.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Jagat (1,300m) – ~£3-5/night

• →Trek 8km from Syange to Jagat — a manageable introductory day on the trail
• →Cross multiple suspension bridges over the Marsyangdi River
• →Tea break at Tallo Chiple village
• →Explore Jagat village and the hot springs by the river in the afternoon

A longer 17km/10.6-mile day. The trail leaves the teahouse via a small old path up through forest and farmland to Chyamje, crosses a suspension bridge, and climbs through oak forest. Pass through Tal village (1,700m) at the foot of a grand waterfall before crossing the river and following a jeep track to Dharapani (1,890m).

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Dharapani (1,890m) – ~£3-5/night

• →Trek 17km from Jagat to Dharapani through forest and farmland
• →Pass through Tal village at the base of a stunning waterfall
• →Cross suspension bridges over the Marsyangdi River

An 18km/11.2-mile day with some steep climbing. Leave the jeep trail at Dharapani and climb steeply up stone steps to the pretty village of Odar. Pass through Galenchowk and Bagarchap, then climb through apple orchards and forest to Temang for lunch with Manaslu views. Descend through pine forest to Chame (2,713m), the administrative centre of Manang district.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Chame (2,700m) – ~£3-5/night

• →Trek 18km from Dharapani to Chame
• →Steep climb to the traditional village of Odar
• →Lunch at Temang with views of Manaslu and Peak 29
• →Explore Chame town — stock up on snacks and cash (last reliable ATM for several days)

A 15km/9.3-mile day as the scenery transforms dramatically from alpine forest to the drier upper Manang district (Nyeshang). Follow the river through a deep canyon on jeep track to Brathang, where a large apple plantation offers fresh juice, coffee and cakes. Climb through pine forest past the stunning curved rock face of Paungda Danda to Upper Pisang (3,300m). Visit the impressive monastery in the afternoon.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Upper Pisang (3,300m) – ~£3-5/night

• →Trek 15km from Chame to Upper Pisang
• →Coffee and fresh apple juice stop at Brathang apple plantation
• →Marvel at the massive curved rock face of Paungda Danda
• →Visit the monastery in Upper Pisang village in the afternoon
• →First impressive views of Annapurna II (weather permitting)

A shorter 11km/6.8-mile acclimatisation day on the spectacular high-level trail. Descend briefly through forest to a small green lake, then make a very steep climb up to Gyaru for a tea break with sweeping Annapurna views. Continue on the high trail to Ngawal (3,650m). After lunch, take an optional 6km acclimatisation walk up to a small shrine and cave above the village (~2.5 hours, ascending 420m).

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Ngawal (3,650m) – ~£3-5/night

• →Trek 11km on the high trail from Upper Pisang to Ngawal via Gyaru
• →Tea break at Gyaru with panoramic Annapurna valley views
• →Optional afternoon acclimatisation walk to a shrine and cave above Ngawal (~6km, 420m ascent)
• →Explore the medieval village of Ngawal

Another half-day acclimatisation stage along the high trail (8.8km/5 miles). Pass a large chorten as you leave Ngawal, drop to Julu village, then climb steeply onto a high plateau trail with magnificent Annapurna and Gangapurna views. Descend to Braga (3,440m), dominated by its ancient 500-year-old gompa. Visit the gompa in the afternoon — a highlight of the circuit.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Braga (3,440m) – ~£3-5/night

• →Trek 8.8km from Ngawal to Braga on the high trail via Julu
• →Pass a large Tibetan Buddhist chorten outside Ngawal
• →Visit the 500-year-old Braga Gompa in the afternoon — free to enter (small donation appreciated)
• →Explore the traditional stone village of Braga

Walk 2km on the main trail from Braga to Manang town, passing beautifully carved mani (prayer) walls. Manang is the last significant settlement before the pass — stock up on snacks, visit the Himalayan Rescue Association's free altitude sickness lecture (highly recommended), and withdraw cash if needed. Continue trekking up the valley to Yak Kharka (4,000m).

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Yak Kharka (4,000m) – ~£3-5/night

• →Walk through Manang town — last chance for ATM, well-stocked shops, and bakeries
• →Attend the free altitude sickness lecture at the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic in Manang (strongly recommended)
• →Trek 12.8km to Yak Kharka, watching for the yak herds that give the settlement its name
• →Rest well — big day over the pass is two days away

A short 7km/4.3-mile half-day walk up to Phedi (4,420m), the teahouse settlement at the foot of the Thorong La pass. Arrive early afternoon. Rest, hydrate obsessively, eat well, and get to bed as early as possible — tomorrow is the biggest and most challenging day of the entire trek, with a 3am start recommended.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse at Phedi/High Camp (4,420m) – ~£4-6/night

• →Short 7km trek from Yak Kharka to Phedi/High Camp (4,420m)
• →Rest and acclimatise for the afternoon
• →Eat a solid meal and drink plenty of water
• →Early bedtime — aim for a 3-4am start tomorrow to cross Thorong La before afternoon winds

The iconic crux of the Annapurna Circuit. Start at 3-4am with headtorches and warm layers. The climb to the pass (5,416m) takes 4-6 hours and is relentlessly steep in places. The views from the top are extraordinary. Descend 1,600m to the Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage town of Muktinath (3,700m) — the descent is long but straightforward. Celebrate with hot tea and a well-earned meal at a teahouse.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Muktinath (3,700m) – ~£3-5/night

• →Predawn start (3-4am) for the ascent to Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft)
• →Summit the highest point of the trek — one of the highest trekking passes in the world
• →Long 1,600m descent to Muktinath (3,700m)
• →Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple complex — revered by both Hindus and Buddhists
• →Rest and recover in Muktinath

Trek 13km/8.1 miles through the dramatic, almost lunar barren landscapes of the upper Kali Gandaki Valley to Kagbeni (2,800m). The scenery is strikingly different from the lush alpine terrain of the earlier days — windswept, ochre-coloured cliffs and ancient Tibetan-style villages. Kagbeni is the gateway to Upper Mustang (restricted area permit required for Upper Mustang, not included).

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Kagbeni (2,800m) – ~£3-5/night

• →Trek 13km through the otherworldly barren Mustang landscape
• →Visit the medieval walled village of Kagbeni — one of Nepal's most photogenic settlements
• →Explore the red-walled Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery in Kagbeni

Take a shared jeep (or local bus) from Kagbeni along the Kali Gandaki Gorge via Jomsom to Marpha (~£3-6). The gorge is one of the deepest in the world, flanked by Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Marpha is famous for its apple brandy and orchards — try a glass at a local teahouse. The town's whitewashed houses and covered alleyways are beautifully preserved.

🚌Shared jeep Kagbeni–Jomsom–Marpha – ~£3-6

🛏Teahouse in Marpha (2,690m) – ~£3-5/night

• →Shared jeep from Kagbeni via Jomsom to Marpha – ~£3-6
• →Explore Jomsom town if passing through — domestic airport hub, well-stocked shops
• →Sample Marpha's famous apple brandy and fresh apple products
• →Wander Marpha's traditional whitewashed lanes and alleyways

A 16km/9.9-mile trek continuing south down the Kali Gandaki Valley. The trail follows the valley floor through a series of Thakali villages. The Kali Gandaki is one of the world's deepest gorges — the towering walls of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m) are visible on clear days. Arrive at Larjung (2,550m) in the afternoon.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Larjung (2,550m) – ~£3-5/night

• →Trek 16km down the Kali Gandaki Valley from Marpha to Larjung
• →Pass through traditional Thakali villages known for their distinctive architecture and cuisine
• →Views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Nilgiri on clear days

One of the longer days on the circuit at 23km/14.3 miles, traversing the Kali Gandaki River and trekking through the villages of Titi Tal and Kunjo to reach Ghasa (1,950m). The trail passes through subtropical forest as the altitude drops and the vegetation becomes noticeably lusher. A satisfying day with good elevation loss.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Ghasa (1,950m) – ~£3-5/night

• →Trek 23km from Larjung to Ghasa — the longest day on the circuit
• →Cross the Kali Gandaki River suspension bridge
• →Pass through the villages of Titi Tal and Kunjo
• →Notice the dramatic vegetation change as altitude drops into subtropical zones

A lovely 16km/9.9-mile day descending through small settlements to Tatopani (1,250m), whose name literally means 'hot water' in Nepali. The famous hot spring pools here are the perfect reward for days of trekking — soak tired muscles in the geothermal pools (small entry fee ~£1-2). Tatopani is also known for excellent fruit orchards and local apple raksi.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Tatopani (1,250m) – ~£3-5/night

• →Trek 16km through small riverside settlements to Tatopani
• →Soak in Tatopani's famous natural hot spring pools — entry ~£1-2
• →Enjoy fresh fruit and juices in the lush subtropical valley

A tough 17km/10.6-mile day with significant elevation gain — from 1,250m back up to 2,900m. The trail climbs steeply through the villages of Ghara, Shika and Chitre before reaching Ghorepani, a popular teahouse town perched on a ridge with views of Dhaulagiri. Go to bed early tonight — you'll want to be up before dawn for Poon Hill.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Ghorepani (2,900m) – ~£3-5/night

• →Trek 17km and climb ~1,650m from Tatopani up to Ghorepani
• →Pass through the villages of Ghara, Shika and Chitre
• →Arrive in Ghorepani (2,900m) — book a teahouse close to the Poon Hill trail for an easy pre-dawn start
• →Early bedtime — set alarm for 4-4:30am for Poon Hill sunrise

Rise before dawn (4-4:30am) and hike 45 minutes up to Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m) for one of the most spectacular sunrises in the Himalayas — a 360° panorama of Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and dozens of other peaks glowing golden at sunrise. Entry fee ~£3. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then descend 20km/12.4 miles through rhododendron and oak forest via Tadapani and Ghandruk to Birethanthi (1,025m).

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Birethanthi (1,025m) – ~£3-5/night

• →Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m) for iconic Himalayan sunrise — entry fee ~£3
• →360° panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and more
• →Return to Ghorepani for breakfast before the long descent
• →Trek 20km down through rhododendron forest via Tadapani and Ghandruk to Birethanthi

A final short 2km walk to Naya Pul road head, then catch a local bus or shared jeep to Pokhara (1.5-2 hours, ~£3-5). Arrive in Pokhara — Nepal's adventure tourism capital on the shores of Phewa Lake — by midday. Check into a lakeside guesthouse in the Lakeside (Baidam) district, shower, do laundry, and enjoy a celebratory meal.

🚌Shared jeep/local bus Naya Pul to Pokhara – ~£3-5

🛏Lakeside guesthouse in Pokhara (e.g. Hotel Splendid View or similar) – ~£12-18/night

• →Final 2km walk from Birethanthi to Naya Pul road head
• →Local bus or shared jeep from Naya Pul to Pokhara – ~£3-5
• →Check into a lakeside guesthouse in Pokhara's Lakeside (Baidam) district
• →Celebrate completing the Annapurna Circuit with a lakeside dinner

A well-deserved rest day in beautiful Pokhara. Options are plentiful: take a rowboat out on Phewa Lake to the Tal Barahi Temple island, visit the World Peace Pagoda on the hill above the lake, explore the Gurkha Museum, get a post-trek massage (~£8-12/hour), try paragliding over the lake (world-class location, ~£60-80 self-booked direct with operators on Lakeside), or simply eat, rest, and enjoy the mountain views.

🚌Local taxis and walking

🛏Lakeside guesthouse in Pokhara – ~£12-18/night

• →Rowboat on Phewa Lake to the Tal Barahi Temple island – ~£3 boat hire
• →Hike or motorbike taxi to the World Peace Pagoda for Annapurna panorama views
• →Post-trek full-body massage in Lakeside – ~£8-12/hour
• →Optional: paragliding over Pokhara and Phewa Lake – book direct with lakeside operators ~£60-80
• →Visit the International Mountain Museum – entry ~£5
• →Lakeside restaurant-hopping and gear return/shopping

Catch a 25-minute domestic flight from Pokhara Airport (PKR) to Kathmandu (TIA). Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines and Shree Airlines all operate this route multiple times daily (~£50-75 one-way, book in advance online or at a local travel agent). The flight offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayas on clear days. Afternoon free to explore Kathmandu — visit Thamel, Durbar Square, or Boudhanath Stupa.

🚌Domestic flight Pokhara–Kathmandu – ~£50-75

🛏Thamel guesthouse in Kathmandu (e.g. Hotel Encounter Nepal or similar) – ~£12-18/night

• →Domestic flight Pokhara to Kathmandu — 25 minutes (~£50-75, book via Buddha Air or Yeti Airlines website)
• →Transfer to Thamel hotel by taxi (~£5-7)
• →Visit Boudhanath Stupa (UNESCO World Heritage Site) — entry ~£4
• →Evening in Thamel — final souvenir shopping and dinner

Your Annapurna Circuit adventure ends in Kathmandu. Depending on your flight time, you may have time for a final exploration of the city — Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), or Patan Durbar Square are all within easy reach. Book a taxi to Tribhuvan International Airport in advance (~£5-7).

🚌Taxi to Kathmandu airport – ~£5-7

🛏Check out — or book an extra night if flight is next day

• →Final morning in Kathmandu — visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or Pashupatinath Temple
• →Taxi to Tribhuvan International Airport – ~£5-7
• →Departure