Annapurna Circuit Trek

Arrive in Kathmandu and meet your Mantra Adventure guide. The Annapurna Circuit — circumnavigating the entire Annapurna Massif through five climate zones, from subtropical river gorges to Tibetan rain-shadow plateau — is widely considered one of the world's great long-distance treks. Evening briefing and welcome dinner. Meals: Dinner.

Drive 4 hours to Besisahar then continue by jeep up the beautiful Marsyangdi Valley — turquoise river, terraced hillsides, waterfalls — to Chame, the Manang district headquarters. The upper Marsyangdi begins to assert its character: deep forested gorges, pine-scented air and the first glimpses of the Annapurna peaks. Meals: All included.

Trek past the extraordinary natural curved rock wall above Chame — one of the largest in the Himalaya — and emerge into the wide Manang Valley. Upper Pisang offers a monastery with excellent views and is the starting point for the high ridge route above the valley floor. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.

Take the high route through Ghyaru and Ngawal — two of the finest viewpoints on the entire circuit — with continuous panoramas of Annapurna II, III and IV, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. Arrive in Manang, the last major village before the high pass. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.

Rest day with an acclimatisation hike to Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) at 4,600 metres. The climb is strenuous but the views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna and the upper Marsyangdi are extraordinary. Equipment check with your guide. Meals: All included.

Short ascent to Yak Kharka through high pasture grazed by yak herds. The landscape becomes increasingly barren and elemental. Walking time: 3–4 hours. Meals: All included.

Continue ascending to Thorong Phedi and then climb steeply to High Camp at 4,850 metres — the staging post for tomorrow's pass crossing. Arrive with daylight for rest and preparation. Walking time: 3–4 hours. Meals: All included.

The defining day. Pre-dawn start (3–4am) for the 3-hour ascent to Thorong La — the world's highest regularly trekked pass. At the top, a sea of prayer flags, stone cairns and the extraordinary sense of having crossed the Himalayan divide. The descent to Muktinath on the Mustang side drops 1,600 metres in 10 kilometres. Visit Muktinath's sacred temple before resting. Walking time: 8–10 hours. Meals: All included.

Descend through the Kali Gandaki Gorge — the world's deepest river gorge, flanked by Dhaulagiri (7,982m) and Annapurna (8,091m). Marpha is one of Nepal's most charming villages: spotless stone lanes, apple orchards and the famous Marpha apple brandy. Walking time: 3–4 hours. Meals: All included.

Continue south through the Kali Gandaki Gorge past Tukuche and the ancient trading village of Lete. The gorge narrows dramatically at sections; the wind funnels through it with remarkable force in the afternoons. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.

Descend through the subtropical lower valley to Tatopani — famous for its natural hot springs on the Kali Gandaki riverbank. The thermal pools are a profound reward after the altitude of Thorong La. Walking time: 4–5 hours. Meals: All included.

A sustained climb from river level to the ridge top at Ghorepani — one of the greatest single-day elevation gains on the circuit. Rhododendron forest the entire way; stunning views at the ridge. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.

Pre-dawn Poon Hill sunrise — the Annapurna chain and Dhaulagiri blazing in the first light, a fitting farewell to the mountains you have circled for twelve days. Descend to Tikhedunga. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Meals: All included.

Final trekking day through farming villages to Nayapul, then jeep to Pokhara. Walking time: 2–3 hours. Meals: All included.

Rest day in Pokhara. Phewa Lake, International Mountain Museum, paragliding or a well-earned lakeside massage. Meals: Breakfast.

Morning flight to Kathmandu. Afternoon free. Celebration dinner. Overnight: Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.

Full day exploring Kathmandu Valley: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and Patan Durbar Square. Meals: Breakfast.

Airport transfer for your international departure. The Annapurna Circuit — three weeks, five climate zones, the world's deepest gorge and its highest regularly-trekked pass — is one of the great journeys of a lifetime. Meals: Breakfast.