Bhutan, India, Nepal · Trekking

21-Day Annapurna Circuit Trek from Kathmandu with Poon Hill and Muktinath

21 Days Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Interact with the simple Tamang folk and join their cultural programmes
  • 02 Take a refreshing dip in natural hot springs
  • 03 Offer prayers at the sacred Muktinath temple
  • 04 Taste a variety of apple-based dishes in Marpha
  • 05 Observe the lifestyle of the hill people

Embark on a trek through the steep valleys of Nepal, making your way between villages, fields, and forests of the Himalayas. Get to know the hill folks of the region as you journey to mesmerising sights such as Rupse Chahara, the Kali Gandaki gorge, and Gangapurna Lake. Along the way, experience mountain villages, sacred sites, hot springs, and sweeping Himalayan landscapes on this classic Annapurna Circuit adventure.

Along the way, experience mountain villages, sacred sites, hot springs, and sweeping Himalayan landscapes on this classic Annapurna Circuit adventure.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 21 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Besisahar, Ghorepani, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong La, Jomsom, Tatopani, Muktinath, Dharapani, Ghandruk
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu

  • Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our representative will warmly welcome you and show you the way to the hotel.

  • Check in and refresh before attending a briefing by our tour consultant.

  • Spend the rest of the day at your leisure - either resting or exploring the valley's sights.

Overnight at Hotel.

2
Day 02

Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing

  • Step out of the hotel for sightseeing. After breakfast, embark on a guided tour to the valley's major historical, cultural, and spiritual attractions.

  • Visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous "Monkey Temple" (Swayambunath), and the Buddhist shrine of Bouddha Nath.

Overnight at Hotel.

3
Day 03

Drive from Kathmandu to Khudi

  • Start early in the morning for your journey, following the Trisuli River and enjoying great scenic views along the way.

  • Take the Pokhara route to Dumre through the winding and curving road at Mugling.

  • Head northwards to Besishar and Khudi, where you will get your first view of the Manaslu range.

Overnight at Tea House.

4
Day 04

Trek through Villages to Sirung

  • After a hearty breakfast, begin your first day of hiking through villages, fields, and subtropical forests, gradually ascending all the way. As the mountains draw closer, enjoy close-up views of Nadi Chuli and Manaslu.

  • Arrive at the Tamang village of Siring, your stop for the night, and settle into a simple homestay arranged here.

  • Spend the evening interacting with the simple Tamang folk and taking part in some of the cultural programs.

Overnight at Tea House.

5
Day 05

Trek along the Marshyangdi to Chamje

  • Trek through the valleys and alongside cliffs, following the Marshyangdi River. At first, climb gradually up to Syange and then continue at a steady pace through Jagat.

  • Arrive at the village of Chamje, located between the peaks of Annapurna and Manaslu.

Overnight at Tea House.

6
Day 06

Scenic Trek to Dharapani

  • From Chamje, take a picturesque hike through fields of corn, paddy, barley, and potatoes, as well as bamboo groves and rhododendron forests.

  • Arrive at Dharapani, a Manang territory.

Overnight at Tea House.

7
Day 07

Trek to Chame via Hot Springs

  • From Dharapani, continue westward along a tougher trail with some steep sections. Break up the hike with a dip in the hot springs, and enjoy fabulous views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV.

Overnight at Tea House.

8
Day 08

Forest Trail Trek to Pisang

  • From Chame, ascend along a steep and narrow path through dense forest to a dramatically curved rock face rising a sheer 1500 m from the river floor. Notice the dramatic change in vegetation as you continue along the trail.

  • Cross the river at several points on suspension bridges before the trail finally opens up to majestic Himalayan peaks.

  • Arrive at the village of Pisang, located on the Marshyangdi River.

Overnight at Tea House.

9
Day 09

Upper Trail Trek to Manang

  • Choose either the upper or lower trail, with the upper trail via Geru recommended. It can be a little strenuous, but it brings you level with the Annapurna and Pisang peaks.

  • En route, visit Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in Manang.

  • Reach Manang, located in a U-shaped valley between two giant snow peaks.

Overnight in Mountain Lodge.

10
Day 10

Acclimatisation Day in Manang

  • Take short walks to explore Bhojo Gompa (monastery) or Gangapurna Lake.

  • Hike to Vraga village and its monastery.

  • Visit the Himalayan Rescue Association to gain some insight into mountain sickness.

Overnight at Manang.

11
Day 11

Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka

  • After a hearty breakfast, continue the trek by climbing through the village of Tenki and onwards into the Marshyangdi valley to the Jarsang Khola. Notice the slowly changing vegetation as it transitions into dry juniper shrub.

  • Head northwards along the trail through a few pastures and scrubs of juniper trees, passing near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Cross several pastures, a small river over a wooden bridge, and an ancient Mani wall before reaching the small village of Yak Kharka.

Overnight in Yak Kharka.

12
Day 12

Climb to Thorong Phedi

  • After breakfast, begin the climb to Thorong Phedi, a small settlement at the base of Thorong La (High Camp). Here, take complete rest in preparation for the difficult trek the next day.

  • You may attempt a hike to High Camp to make the following day easier. However, it is not recommended, as it is better to sleep soundly and safely rather than pursue a risky climb at higher altitudes.

Overnight at Thorong Phedi.

13
Day 13

Cross Thorong La to Muktinath

  • Cross the famous high pass, Thorong La at 5416 m, one of the high points of the Annapurna trek. An early start is recommended, as you will need to hike through an icy high-altitude trail.

  • Reach Muktinath by sunset and settle in for the night. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The area hosts a Vishnu temple and a nearby monastery, demonstrating the religious harmony of Nepal.

Overnight at Muktinath in Lodge.

14
Day 14

Descend to Marpha via Kagbeni and Jomsom

  • Early in the morning, visit the local shrines of both Hindus and Buddhists before beginning the downhill hike to the village of Kagbeni. Continue on to Jomsom and Marpha.

  • Hike along a plateau above the Kali Gandaki, the world's deepest gorge, on a surreal trek.

  • Take in the barren landscape that recalls Tibet. Taste different food items made from apples in Marpha, the apple capital of Nepal, and sip the local apple brandy for which Marpha is famous all over Nepal.

Overnight at Tea House.

15
Day 15

Panoramic Trek to Kalopani

  • After a hearty breakfast, detour onto a new trail route towards Kalopani via Chokhopani village, land of the ethnic Thakali people. Enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, the three Nilgiris, Fang, and Annapurna I.

  • After reaching Chokhopani, continue to Kokhethanti. Upon crossing a river, come across the newly constructed roadside area before reaching Kokhethanti of Kalopani.

Overnight at Tea House.

16
Day 16

Descend to Tatopani and Hot Springs

  • Divert to avoid the new roads and continue from Kalopani on a downhill journey. Cross the bridge at Ghasa and descend to lower elevations, re-emerging into lush subtropical forests.

  • Walk along Rupse Chahara, a popular waterfall, and continue down the east bank from Kopchepani via Garpar to a bridge at Dana.

  • At Narchyang Besi, see a powerhouse that supplies electricity to the area. From here, trek down to Tatopani. As the name suggests, Tatopani means "Hot Springs," where you can rejuvenate your body with a refreshing dip in the hot spring pools.

Overnight at Lodge.

17
Day 17

Trek through Midland Villages to Ghorepani

  • Resume the trek through the midlands of Nepal, observing the lifestyle of the people. Gradually ascend through the villages of Ghara and Sikha before arriving at Ghorepani, the district capital of Beni.

  • Stay overnight at Ghorepani in preparation for an early climb to Poon Hill the next morning.

Overnight at Lodge.

18
Day 18

Sunrise at Poon Hill and Trek to Tadapani

  • Set out early at dawn for Poon Hill, 3,210 m, to watch the sun rise over the entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. It is an unforgettable sight and a paradise for photographers.

  • Later, after breakfast, continue along the meandering trail that winds up and down through rhododendron forests to Tadapani.

Overnight at Lodge.

19
Day 19

Trek to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara

  • Hike down through rhododendron forests to Ghandruk, the second-largest Gurung settlement in Nepal.

  • Meet the Gurung people, one of Nepal's popular and culturally rich ethnic groups. Experience their warmth and hospitality, spend a short time here, and then proceed to Nayapul after lunch, where the trek concludes.

  • Take a short drive to the ethereal city of lakes, Pokhara.

Overnight at the hotel.

20
Day 20

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

  • After a leisurely morning and a hearty breakfast, get ready to leave for Kathmandu. Enjoy a scenic drive through plains, mid-hills, and terraced fields.

  • On arrival in Kathmandu, a representative will receive you and take you to the hotel to rest and relax. Alternatively, you may explore sights you have not yet seen or do some last-minute shopping for handicrafts and souvenirs. Do ask our travel consultant about any latest events that may be taking place around the city.

  • Later in the evening, join a celebratory farewell dinner with our team.

Overnight in Hotel.

21
Day 21

Final Departure from Kathmandu

  • Please arrive at the airport escorted by our representative. If you are interested, you can extend your trip with another trek, tour, or an extension to Tibet, Bhutan, or Sikkim.

Poon Hill sunrise, Thorong La high pass, Muktinath pilgrimage site, Rupse Chahara waterfall

Where this trip takes you

Poon Hill sunrise, Thorong La high pass, Muktinath pilgrimage site, Rupse Chahara waterfall

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 14 cities · 21 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Arrival and departure transfers

  • Accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast

  • Kathmandu - Besisahar private vehicle

  • Besisahar to Syange or Jagat by local jeep or bus

  • Pokhara - Kathmandu transfer by tourist bus

  • Accommodation in Pokhara on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast

  • The better accommodations on the trek trail

  • Your meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

  • A cup of tea or coffee during meals

  • TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System)

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project fee (ACAP)

  • Supporting crew - trek guide and two porters

  • Jomsom to Tatopani by local jeep or bus

  • Farewell dinner with Nepali cultural program on the last night in Kathmandu

  • Meals, salary, accommodation, personal equipment, transport, and insurance for the supporting crew

  • All applicable taxes and service charges

What's Not Included

  • Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara

  • Personal expenses

  • Personal travel insurance

  • Insurance for any loss and damage

  • Rescue and evacuation service

  • Extra tea or coffee beyond the package

  • Bottled drinks

  • Tips for guide, porter, and driver

  • Any additional cost due to unforeseen circumstances

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tour start
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 21 days finish where they began, in Kathmandu 44600.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 1,650 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total