Annapurna Circuit Trekking with Poon Hill

Today starts with a scenic drive through the hilly countryside of central Nepal. As you head west from Kathmandu to Besisahar, you’ll pass rivers, terraced fields, and rural villages nestled against the backdrop of distant peaks. The drive can be bumpy in sections, but it's an adventure in itself. Once in Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, you’ll rest and prepare for your first day on foot.

Your trek begins in earnest as you walk alongside the Marsyangdi River, crossing suspension bridges and passing through lush sub-tropical forests and picturesque villages. The trail gradually ascends through Bahundanda and Ghermu, offering stunning views of waterfalls and distant peaks. You’ll reach the village of Jagat by evening, where you’ll stay in a cozy teahouse and soak in your first night in the mountains.

Today’s walk is a beautiful journey through terraced fields, deep gorges, and pine forests. You’ll pass charming villages like Chamje and Tal, where the Marsyangdi River flattens out temporarily to create a beautiful river basin. After crossing a few suspension bridges and rocky paths, you’ll reach Dharapani, a quiet village located at the confluence of two rivers, and an important checkpoint along the trail.

The landscape begins to change as you head into alpine terrain. Walking through pine and fir forests, the trail gently climbs past the villages of Bagarchhap and Danaque, offering early glimpses of snow-capped peaks like Lamjung Himal. Chame, the administrative center of Manang District, welcomes you with hot springs and majestic views of Annapurna II. It’s a good place to rest and acclimatize a little more.

From Chame, the trail narrows and winds through a dramatic gorge carved by the Marsyangdi River. You’ll pass massive rock walls and climb steadily to Dhikur Pokhari, with the scenery opening up to panoramic views of the Annapurna range. Reaching Upper Pisang rewards you with stone-built houses, monastery visits, and a quiet Himalayan atmosphere surrounded by towering peaks.

Today’s route offers a stunning high-altitude trail that’s both scenic and culturally rich. As you trek to Ngawal, you’ll walk above the valley floor with jaw-dropping views of Annapurna II, III, and IV. This section is part of the old Annapurna trail and has fewer trekkers, making it peaceful and rewarding. Ngawal is a traditional Tibetan-style village with ancient prayer walls and a serene ambiance.

It’s a relatively short walk today, giving your body more time to acclimatize. You’ll descend toward the main trail and continue through the fertile valley to Manang, one of the largest settlements on the circuit. The walk offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural encounters. In Manang, you’ll find bakeries, gear shops, monasteries, and even a Himalayan Rescue Association clinic. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring this high-altitude village.

This is an important rest day to help your body adjust to the increasing altitude. You can take a short acclimatization hike to places like Gangapurna Lake or the viewpoint above the village to see Annapurna III, Tilicho Peak, and Chulu East. Your guide will help you stay active without overexerting. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the local culture and preparing for the higher elevations ahead.

Leaving Manang, you’ll ascend through alpine meadows and juniper forests. The landscape becomes more rugged and sparse as you climb gradually toward Yak Kharka. You’ll pass small settlements like Gunsang and perhaps spot blue sheep or yaks grazing. The higher altitude will be noticeable, so it’s best to walk slowly, drink lots of water, and take in the magnificent views of the surrounding peaks.

Today’s trek is short but crucial for acclimatization. You’ll continue climbing through rocky terrain to reach Thorong Phedi (base camp), a windswept outpost nestled beneath the Thorong La Pass. If weather and health permit, you might hike a little higher to High Camp for better views and a shorter climb tomorrow. Either way, rest early — tomorrow is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek.

You’ll start early - often before sunrise - to cross the mighty Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek. The climb is steep, cold, and demanding, but the reward is spectacular: a sweeping view of the Mustang region and peaks stretching into Tibet. Reaching the summit is a moment to cherish. After that, it’s a long descent to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, where you’ll spend the night.

After the physical exertion of the pass, enjoy a scenic drive downhill through the dry landscapes of Mustang into the lush valleys of Tatopani. You'll witness a dramatic change in terrain and temperature. Once in Tatopani, you can soak your sore muscles in the village’s famous natural hot springs—a perfect way to relax and recover after the high pass.

Today’s trail involves a long uphill climb through dense forests and charming Magar villages. You’ll walk past terraced fields and rhododendron trees, especially vibrant during spring. Ghorepani, perched on a ridge, offers spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. It’s a popular stop for trekkers heading to Poon Hill and a lovely place to rest before the final stretch of the journey.

An early morning hike takes you to the famous Poon Hill viewpoint, one of the best places in Nepal to witness sunrise over the Himalayas. As the sun rises, it paints the snow-covered peaks in golden hues — a truly magical moment. After soaking in the views, you’ll descend through lush forests to Hile. From there, you'll take a short drive back to Pokhara, where warm showers and soft beds await.

Your incredible Himalayan journey ends with a scenic drive back to Kathmandu. As the landscapes shift from high mountains to rolling hills and urban surroundings, you’ll have time to reflect on the adventure and memories made. Once in Kathmandu, you can relax, enjoy some final shopping, or celebrate with your trekking team over a farewell dinner.