Day 1 - Kathmandu Arrival (1,400 m)
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to your hotel and settle in. Briefing on the trek, review of equipment, and checking permits. Explore the lively streets of Thamel, filled with cafés, trekking shops, and colorful markets. Optional short walk to nearby temples or enjoy a Nepali meal at a local restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2 - Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar (760 m)
Distance: ~175 km
Duration: 6-7 hrs by jeep
Elevation Gain: +0 m (mostly descent from Kathmandu)
Drive along the Trishuli River valley, passing small villages, rice terraces, and suspension bridges. Take in views of lush hillsides and rivers carving through the landscape. Stop for tea, local snacks, or photos of rural life. Besisahar is a bustling market town and the starting point for many Annapurna treks. Overnight in Besisahar.
Day 3 - Drive Besisahar to Chame (2,670 m)
Distance: ~45 km
Duration: 3-4 hrs by jeep
Elevation Gain: +1,910 m
Ascend through winding mountain roads with breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Lamjung ranges. Pass through traditional villages with stone houses and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Tea breaks offer a chance to chat with locals. Arrive in Chame, a picturesque village with panoramic views of Annapurna II, and enjoy the crisp mountain air. Overnight in Chame.
Day 4 - Trek Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300 m)
Distance: 14 km
Walking Time: 5-6 hrs
Elevation Gain: +630 m
Trek through pine and rhododendron forests with small streams and waterfalls along the trail. Pass Mani walls, Buddhist shrines, and villages where locals still follow traditional Gurung customs. Enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna II, IV, and Pisang Peak. Overnight in Upper Pisang, a charming village perched on a hillside.
Day 5 - Trek Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540 m)
Distance: 17 km
Walking Time: 6-7 hrs
Elevation Gain: +240 m
Continue through villages like Ghyaru and Ngawal, renowned for their stone houses and traditional terraced fields. Panoramic views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Tilicho peaks accompany the trail. Visit monasteries and enjoy interactions with locals practicing age-old customs. Overnight in Manang, an essential acclimatization and cultural hub.
Day 6 - Acclimatization Day in Manang (3,540 m)
Optional day hikes: Gangapurna Lake (3,900 m) - 3-4 hrs round trip, gentle climb; Chongkar Viewpoint (4,100 m) - 3-4 hrs round trip, moderate climb. Explore Manang village, monasteries, and local markets, observing the lifestyle of high-altitude communities. Helps prevent altitude sickness and gives stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Overnight in Manang.
Day 7 - Trek Manang to Siri Kharka (4,060 m)
Distance: 8 km
Walking Time: 4-5 hrs
Elevation Gain: +520 m
Ascend gently through alpine meadows and sparse vegetation, with incredible views of Tilicho Peak. Stop at traditional teahouses to enjoy local snacks and chat with porters and villagers. Experience the serene beauty of high-altitude Himalayan life. Overnight in Siri Kharka.
Day 8 - Trek Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4,920 m)
Distance: 10 km
Walking Time: 5-6 hrs
Elevation Gain: +860 m
A steep climb across rocky terrain, small streams, and glacial moraines. Spectacular views of surrounding peaks, glaciers, and snowfields. Stop frequently to photograph this dramatic landscape. Overnight at Tilicho Base Camp.
Day 9 - Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) & Return to Siri Kharka (4,060 m)
Distance: 14 km round trip
Walking Time: 6-7 hrs
Elevation Gain/Loss: +850 m / -850 m
Early morning hike to Tilicho Lake, one of the world's highest lakes. Enjoy reflections of the surrounding peaks on the lake’s pristine surface, and witness the sunrise over the mountains. Return to Siri Kharka to relax after the demanding hike. Overnight in Siri Kharka.
Day 10 - Trek Siri Kharka to Yak Kharka (4,050 m)
Distance: 10 km
Walking Time: 5-6 hrs
Elevation Loss: -10 m
Gradual descent through Khangsar village, passing yak pastures, alpine meadows, and Mani walls. Engage with shepherds and learn about their high-altitude lifestyle. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
Day 11 - Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m)
Distance: 8 km
Walking Time: 4-5 hrs
Elevation Gain: +400 m
Climb steadily through alpine terrain with prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Pass small settlements and enjoy the dramatic landscapes as you approach Thorong Phedi, the base camp for the next day’s pass. Overnight at Thorong Phedi.
Day 12 - Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) to Muktinath (3,800 m)
Distance: 15 km
Walking Time: 7-9 hrs
Elevation Gain/Loss: +966 m / -1,616 m
Early morning ascent to Thorong La, the highest point of the trek. Rewarding views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and surrounding peaks. Descend to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site with temples, hot springs, and cultural significance. Overnight in Muktinath.
Day 13 - Trek or Drive Muktinath to Jomsom (2,700 m)
Distance: 18 km
Walking Time: 5-6 hrs trek or 3 hrs by jeep
Descend along the Kali Gandaki valley with cliffs and terraced fields. Explore Jomsom town, its traditional markets, and Thakali culture. Overnight in Jomsom.
Day 14 - Jomsom to Pokhara by Jeep (820 m)
Distance: ~200 km
Duration: 8-9 hrs
Drive through rivers, mountain passes, and scenic villages with magnificent views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri ranges. Stop for photos, tea, and interaction with locals along the route. Arrive in Pokhara, the stunning lakeside city with vibrant markets and lakeside restaurants. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 15 - Pokhara to Kathmandu by Flight (~25 min)
Morning flight with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Free afternoon in Kathmandu for sightseeing, shopping, or visiting cultural sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, or Durbar Square. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 16 - Departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
