Annapurna Circuit Trek – Self-Launched

Arrive in Kathmandu and check into a budget guesthouse in the Thamel backpacker district. Head to the TAAN office on Gangapath or the Nepal Tourism Board to purchase your two essential trekking permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP, ~£20) and the TIMS card (~£12). In the evening, explore Thamel's lively streets and grab a welcome dinner of dal bhat — the trekker's fuel of choice.

🚌Taxi or pre-booked airport transfer from Tribhuvan International Airport to Thamel (~£4–6)

🛏Thamel budget guesthouse, e.g. Hotel Thamel or Zostel Kathmandu (~£8–12/night)

• →Buy ACAP permit (~£20) and TIMS card (~£12) from the Nepal Tourism Board or TAAN office in Kathmandu
• →Gear check and last-minute shopping in Thamel (trekking poles, snacks, layers)
• →Welcome dinner at a local Nepalese restaurant — try dal bhat

An early start for the long journey north. Take a shared jeep or local bus from Kathmandu's Gongabu Bus Park to Besisahar (~7–8 hours, ~£5–8). From Besisahar, hop on a local bus or shared jeep to Syange (~1.5 hours, ~£2–3). This is the official start of the Annapurna Circuit trek. Check into a teahouse in Syange for your first night on the trail.

🚌Local bus/shared jeep Kathmandu to Besisahar (~£5–8); shared jeep/bus Besisahar to Syange (~£2–3)

🛏Teahouse in Syange (~£3–6/night, often free if you eat dinner there)

• →Long drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar via local bus or shared jeep
• →Onward transfer to Syange — the Circuit begins here
• →Settle into your first teahouse and meet fellow trekkers

Your first full day of trekking. The trail winds through lush river gorge scenery, passing through the villages of Germu and Tallo Chiple before crossing the Marsyangdi River via a dramatic suspension bridge into Jagat. The path follows the river closely and involves some steep sections. Optional: dip in the natural hot springs down by the river in Jagat.

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Jagat (~£3–6/night)

• →Trek Syange to Jagat via Germu and Tallo Chiple (~5–6 hours)
• →Cross the Marsyangdi River suspension bridge
• →Optional: visit hot springs in Jagat

A varied day of trekking through the deepening gorge. Cross the suspension bridge near Chyamje, then follow the trail past a spectacular waterfall at Tal — one of the most photogenic spots on the lower circuit. The valley begins to widen as you approach Dharapani.

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Dharapani (~£3–6/night)

• →Trek Jagat to Dharapani via Chyamje and Tal (~5–6 hours)
• →Cross suspension bridge near Chyamje
• →Walk past the waterfall at Tal

A longer trekking day through increasingly dramatic scenery, passing through the villages of Odar, Bagarchap, Dhanagyu, and Temang. Stop for lunch at Temang with magnificent views of Manaslu (8,163m) and Peak 29. Chame is the district headquarters of Manang and has ATMs, shops, and a good selection of teahouses.

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Chame (~£3–6/night)

• →Trek Dharapani to Chame via Odar, Bagarchap, Dhanagyu, and Temang (~6–7 hours)
• →Lunch stop at Temang with Manaslu views
• →Stock up on supplies in Chame — last reliable ATM for a while

The scenery transforms dramatically today as you enter the drier, high-altitude Manang valley. Pass through Brathang and walk beneath the stunning curved rockface of Paungda Danda before reaching Pisang. Take the upper trail to Upper Pisang (recommended) for better views and a visit to the hilltop monastery with panoramas of Annapurna II.

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Upper Pisang (~£3–6/night)

• →Trek Chame to Upper Pisang via Brathang and Paungda Danda (~5–6 hours)
• →Walk past the massive curved rockface of Paungda Danda
• →Visit the monastery in Upper Pisang (free entry, donation welcome)

Take the high-level route from Upper Pisang through Gyaru for superb views across to the Annapurna massif. This is a less-travelled path with better scenery than the lower valley route. Stop for tea at Gyaru village. In the afternoon, consider an acclimatisation walk above Ngawal up to a small shrine and cave (~2.5 hours return, +420m) — crucial preparation for Thorong La.

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Ngawal (~£3–6/night)

• →Trek Upper Pisang to Ngawal via high-level route through Gyaru (~5 hours)
• →Tea stop at Gyaru with Annapurna panoramas
• →Optional acclimatisation walk above Ngawal to shrine and cave (~2.5 hrs return)

Continue along the high-level trail via Julu with sweeping views of the Annapurnas and Gangapurna glacier. Braga is a fascinating old village dominated by its 500-year-old Tibetan Buddhist gompa — one of the most impressive monasteries on the circuit. Spend the afternoon exploring the gompa and doing gentle acclimatisation walks around the village.

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Braga (~£3–6/night)

• →Trek Ngawal to Braga via Julu on the high-level trail (~4–5 hours)
• →Visit the 500-year-old Braga Gompa (free entry, donation welcome)
• →Gentle acclimatisation walk around Braga village

Pass through Manang town (worth a short stop — it has a good bakery and the Himalayan Rescue Association runs free altitude talks here, recommended). Continue past carved mani (prayer) walls and through blue sheep habitat to Gunsang and on to Yak Kharka (4,018m). The altitude is noticeable now — take it slow and drink plenty of water.

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Yak Kharka (~£3–6/night)

• →Trek Braga to Yak Kharka via Manang and Gunsang (~4–5 hours)
• →Attend the free HRA altitude sickness lecture in Manang (highly recommended)
• →Walk past mani walls and blue sheep habitat
• →Gentle evening walk above the lodge for acclimatisation

A shorter but important day — save energy for tomorrow's big pass crossing. Cross the Jarsang Khola and traverse a scree slope up to Phedi (4,450m). Consider an afternoon walk up to Thorong High Camp (~1 hour above Phedi, ~4,925m) for further acclimatisation, then descend back to Phedi to sleep lower. Set your alarm for an early start tomorrow.

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Thorong Phedi (~£3–6/night)

• →Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (~3–4 hours)
• →Cross Jarsang Khola and traverse scree to Phedi
• →Optional afternoon acclimatisation walk to Thorong High Camp and back
• →Early night — tomorrow's pass crossing requires a 4am start

The highlight of the entire trek — and one of the great walking days on Earth. Start at 4am to cross Thorong La pass (5,416m / 17,769ft) before afternoon winds pick up. It's a demanding 6–7 hour ascent to the prayer-flag-festooned summit, followed by a long, knee-testing 1,600m descent to the sacred pilgrimage town of Muktinath. Visit the Muktinath Temples — holy to both Hindus and Buddhists — before collapsing into your teahouse. Celebrate tonight.

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Muktinath (~£3–6/night)

• →Cross Thorong La pass (5,416m) — start at 4am (~6–7 hours to summit)
• →Descend 1,600m to Muktinath via the Kali Gandaki Valley side
• →Visit the sacred Muktinath Temples (free entry)

Descend through the dramatic moonscape of the Mustang region, passing through the Sakya monastery village of Chongur and the ancient 7th/8th-century monastery at Jhong. Walk past wind-eroded cliffs carved into extraordinary shapes by centuries of Kali Gandaki winds. Kagbeni is a medieval walled town at the gateway to Upper Mustang — explore its narrow lanes and tunnels in the afternoon.

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Kagbeni (~£3–6/night)

• →Trek Muktinath to Kagbeni via Chongur, Jhong, and Putak (~4–5 hours)
• →Visit Chongur Sakya monastery village and Jhong Monastery
• →Explore Kagbeni's medieval lanes and tunnels in the afternoon

Take a shared jeep from Kagbeni to Jomsom (~20 minutes, ~£3) — the dusty jeep road through the Kali Gandaki Gorge replaces what was once a full trekking day. Explore Jomsom town, the district headquarters of Mustang. Another shared jeep takes you to Marpha (~20 minutes, ~£2), a beautifully preserved whitewashed Thakali village famous for its apple orchards and locally distilled apple and peach brandy. Sample some in the afternoon.

🚌Shared jeep Kagbeni–Jomsom (~£3); shared jeep Jomsom–Marpha (~£2)

🛏Teahouse in Marpha (~£3–6/night)

• →Shared jeep from Kagbeni to Jomsom (~20 mins, ~£3)
• →Explore Jomsom town
• →Shared jeep Jomsom to Marpha (~20 mins, ~£2)
• →Sample Marpha's famous apple brandy and explore the village

A pleasant day's trekking through the world's deepest gorge — the Kali Gandaki Gorge, flanked by Annapurna I (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m). Pass through the Thakali villages of Chimang, Sauru, and Kobang, walking through fragrant fir and pine forests. Optional: late afternoon walk up to Naurikot traditional Thakali village for sunset views across the valley to Nilgiri.

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Larjung (~£3–6/night)

• →Trek Marpha to Larjung via Chimang, Sauru, and Kobang (~5 hours)
• →Walk through the Kali Gandaki Gorge — world's deepest gorge
• →Optional: afternoon walk up to Naurikot for Nilgiri sunset views

Cross the Kali Gandaki at Sirkung and visit the Titi Tal marsh zone, a good spot for birdwatching. The trail crosses several suspension bridges and passes through dense forest as the gorge narrows again. Ghasa marks the transition back into greener, lower-altitude terrain.

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Ghasa (~£3–6/night)

• →Trek Larjung to Ghasa via Sirkung, Titi Tal, and Kunjo (~5–6 hours)
• →Cross Kali Gandaki at Sirkung
• →Birdwatching at Titi Tal marsh zone
• →Cross suspension bridge near Jhipre Deurali

A scenic day descending through the gorge, crossing bridges, and passing the spectacular Rupse Chhara waterfall. Tatopani means 'hot water' in Nepali — and sure enough, the town has natural hot spring pools right by the river. After days of hard trekking, soaking your aching legs in the thermal springs is absolute bliss. Entry to the hot springs costs a few hundred rupees (~£1–2).

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Tatopani (~£3–6/night)

• →Trek Ghasa to Tatopani via Pairothaplo, Kopchepani, and Narcheng (~5–6 hours)
• →Walk past Rupse Chhara waterfall
• →Soak in Tatopani hot springs (~£1–2 entry)

A tough but rewarding day — this is a big uphill climb of around 1,700m through terraced fields and small hamlets, passing through Durbin Danda, Ghara, and Shika. The highlight is the enormous rhododendron forest, which turns brilliant red and pink in spring. Ghorepani sits at 2,874m and is the base for the famous Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint. Set your alarm for tomorrow morning.

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Ghorepani (~£3–6/night)

• →Trek Tatopani to Ghorepani via Durbin Danda, Ghara, Shika, and Chitre (~6–7 hours, big ascent)
• →Walk through vast rhododendron forest
• →Set alarm for 4:30am for the Poon Hill sunrise hike

Rise at 4:30am for the 45-minute climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) — one of Nepal's most iconic sunrise viewpoints, with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas, and Machhapuchhare (Fishtail). Entry fee ~£1. Then descend all the way to Birethanthi via Banthanti, the huge stone staircase descent through Ulleri, and Tirkhedunga — a long but beautiful final full day of trekking.

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse or guesthouse in Birethanthi (~£3–6/night)

• →Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise — ~45 mins each way, entry fee ~£1
• →Panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Machhapuchhare
• →Trek Ghorepani to Birethanthi via Banthanti, Ulleri, and Tirkhedunga (~6–7 hours descent)

A short walk from Birethanthi brings you to Naya Pul, where you can flag down a shared jeep or local bus to Pokhara (~1.5 hours, ~£3–4). Your trekking permit exit stamp is checked at Birethanthi. Arrive in Pokhara, check into a lakeside guesthouse, and spend the afternoon wandering Lakeside — reward yourself with a lakeside meal and a cold beer. You've just completed the Annapurna Circuit.

🚌Shared jeep/local bus Naya Pul to Pokhara (~£3–4)

🛏Budget guesthouse on Pokhara Lakeside, e.g. Hotel Pokhara Grande or Zostel Pokhara (~£10–15/night)

• →Short walk Birethanthi to Naya Pul (~30 mins)
• →Shared jeep or local bus Naya Pul to Pokhara (~1.5 hours, ~£3–4)
• →Check into Pokhara lakeside guesthouse
• →Celebratory meal and exploration of Pokhara's Lakeside district

A well-earned rest day in one of Nepal's most beautiful towns, with Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range as your backdrop. Rent a bicycle and cycle around the lake (~£3/day), take a rowing boat across to the Japanese Peace Pagoda for stunning mountain views, visit the Mountaineering Museum or Gurkha Museum, or head to the nearby Tibetan refugee settlement and craft centre. The lakeside restaurants and cafes are excellent for people-watching.

🚌Bicycle hire or walking

🛏Budget guesthouse on Pokhara Lakeside (~£10–15/night)

• →Rent a bicycle and cycle around Phewa Lake (~£3/day hire)
• →Row or take a short boat trip to the Japanese Peace Pagoda (~£1–2)
• →Visit the International Mountain Museum or Gurkha Museum (~£3–5 entry)
• →Browse the Tibetan refugee settlement craft centre
• →Relax at lakeside restaurants and cafes

Fly from Pokhara Airport to Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (~25 minutes, ~£60–80 one way — book in advance via Yeti Airlines, Buddha Air, or Shree Airlines). Alternatively, take the tourist bus (~£10, ~7 hours) or a local bus (~£4) if you're not in a rush. Check back into Thamel for your final night. Head out to Thamel for a farewell dinner.

🚌Domestic flight Pokhara–Kathmandu (~£60–80) or tourist bus (~£10)

🛏Thamel budget guesthouse (~£8–12/night)

• →Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu (~25 mins, ~£60–80 — book via Buddha Air or Yeti Airlines) OR tourist bus (~£10, ~7 hrs)
• →Check back into Thamel guesthouse
• →Farewell dinner in Thamel — try Thamel House or OR2K restaurant

Your final day — use it to explore Kathmandu's incredible heritage sites if you haven't already. Visit the Boudhanath Stupa (UNESCO World Heritage, ~£3 entry) or Pashupatinath Temple, browse Thamel for souvenirs, or simply rest before your onward flight. Kathmandu's chaos, colour, and charm make a fittingly vivid end to an epic adventure.

🚌Taxi to airport (~£4–6)

🛏Thamel budget guesthouse or airport area (~£8–12/night if needed)

• →Visit Boudhanath Stupa or Pashupatinath Temple (~£3 entry)
• →Last-minute souvenir shopping in Thamel
• →Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for onward flight