Today, you set out to discover the jewels of Kathmandu. Do not miss Swayambhunath, nicknamed the “Monkey Temple”, located on a hill west of Kathmandu. This structure is a beautiful illustration of the religious mix of the country with its blend of Buddhist and Hindu temples, stupas and pagodas. Then head for Bodhnath, the largest stupa in Asia and the centre of the Tibetan community in Nepal. In the afternoon, make a stop at Pashupatinath. Nicknamed the small Benares of Nepal, it is a holy place where Hindus are cremated at the edge of the sacred waters of the Bagmati River. Return to Thamel at the end of the day for a last night on Nepalese soil before beginning your Annapurna circuit.
 

This morning, you take the road to the west of the Kathmandu Valley. The 184 km trip to Besishahar along the Mugling Road is the first part of your adventure. You pass the base of the gigantic Annapurna Massifs, then along Ganesh Himal and Manaslu. You continue along the Trishuli River, famous for rafting, then from Mugling, you follow the Marshyangdi River which leads you to Besishahar and Bhulbhule, the starting point of your trek. A short walk takes you to the other side of the bridge, on the banks of the Marshyangdi where you spend the first night. Overnight in a lodge.
 
Overnight at 800m altitude / Walking time: 30min
 

After a hearty breakfast, you set out for your first trekking day in Nepal. You gradually leave the agricultural terraces to walk in a more sparse vegetation, where the cornfields have replaced the rice fields. You continue on a path carved on the side of the mountain, through bamboo forests. On your way, you meet mule caravans before arriving at Chamje, at the edge of the river. A steep climb takes you to Tal, a charming little village surrounded by huge cliffs. Observe the traditional mountain architecture: stone walls, slate roofs and wooden balconies. Overnight in a lodge.
 
Overnight at 1,600m altitude / Walking time: 6/7h
 

This morning, you pass some suspended bridges before arriving at Dharapani, a large village. From here you continue to Manang. Leaving the valley that leads to Larkya La (on the right), you reach Bagarchap by a path that winds through coniferous forests. A little further, you observe your first prayer walls and monasteries. Arriving at Koto in the afternoon, you admire Annapurna II and Manaslu rising before your eyes! Overnight in a lodge.
 
Overnight at 2,600m altitude / Walking time: 6/7h
 

You leave the classic Annapurna circuit by heading north along the Nar Khola through a region recently open to trekkers (special permit required). You follow a path carved out of the rock at some places, and pass from one bank to the other by crossing some suspended bridges over the Nar River. At the end of the walk, the path will be quite narrow, as it follows a deep gorge to Dharamsala, a terraced area where we will set up camp for the night. You enjoy an impressive view of the Kang Guru Range (7000m) and witness the gradual change of vegetation from fir trees to juniper trees. Overnight in a lodge.
 
Overnight at 3,210m altitude / Walking time: 5h
 

The day begins with a gradual ascent to Meta, a beautiful hamlet at the foot of the Kan Guru Massif. You arrive in Chyakhu and cross summer shelters made by yak herders that you may meet on the way. These structures are made of dry stones and date back to the occupation of this region by Khampas, Tibetans who fled Tibet, following the Chinese invasion of 1959. In the afternoon, the trek continues in another universe. The landscape changes dramatically and takes ocher and yellow shades as you arrive at Kyang, another historical place for the Khampas. Overnight in a lodge.

Overnight at 3,840m altitude / Walking time: 5/6h
 

Leaving the village of Kyang, the trail takes a very old ramp cut into a cliff before descending down to the stream. You progress through a mineral landscape and take a path built in a cliff. You climb to the first gate of Phu, a fortified Tibetan village, where you set up camp opposite, on a beautiful terrace. In the afternoon, take the opportunity to discover this unique site and visit the Tashi Lha Khang Monastery, that overlooks the village. Overnight in a lodge.
 
Overnight at 4,078m altitude / Walking time: 3/4h
 

After a hearty breakfast, take the path back down the Phu Khola River to its confluence. The landscapes are magical, and you take the time to admire the panoramas that are available to you throughout this unique trek. The path leads to the beautiful valley of Naar. A huge stupa and many chortens (Buddhist monuments) announce your arrival in this small medieval village perched on the mountainside. At the end of the afternoon, take the time to stroll through the picturesque alleys of this charming village. Overnight in a lodge.
 
Overnight at 4,150m altitude / Walking time: 6/7h
 

Today, you can take your time, as the walk is not so long. Admire the sunrise from the top of the hill that dominates the village of Naar. Enjoy this peaceful morning and take a stroll through the streets of this typically Tibetan village. You then continue to the Kang La base camp through pastures where yaks, sheep and goats graze. Easy climb to the altitude camp. A beautiful view awaits you tomorrow in the mountains in front of you! Overnight in a lodge.

Overnight at 4,546m aaltitude/ Walking time: 2h
 

Early in the morning, you set out for the difficult climb of Kang La. The path navigates between moraines before reaching this famous pass, marked by the presence of an immense chorten. Behind, the view is breathtaking on Annapurna I, II, III and IV, Manaslu (8163m.), Himlung (7125m) and Machhapuchhare (6997m). The descent to Ngawal is quite impressive with its steep slope. There is the possibility to use a fixed rope to cross the upper slopes. You go from arid areas to pastures and pine forests, always facing the Annapurna mountain range. A final slope takes you to the village of Ngawal where you spend the night in a lodge.
 
Kang La Pass at 5,350m / Overnight at 3,600m / Walking time: 6/7h
 

You descend 100m to reach the bottom of the valley. You then arrive in Braga where you visit a typical Tibetan monastery, perched at the top of the village, built on the side of a limestone hill. A magical and timeless place, admire the traditional masks adorning the walls of the main temple. After the visit, you continue to Manang, the capital of the Marsyangdi Khola valley. This village has gradually become the meeting point for trekkers crossing the Thorung La on the classic route of the Annapurna circuit. Overnight in a lodge.
 
Overnight at 3,500m altitude / Walking time: 2/3h
 

Today, a beautiful day of trekking awaits you. After breakfast, you leave the Annapurna circuit and follow the Marsyangdi River to its source: Lake Tilicho. You first arrive at Khangsar, the last village in the valley leading to Tilicho Lake. The landscapes are grandiose, almost unreal, with the glaciers of Tilicho (7,135m) and Ganga Purna (7,454m) in the background. Enjoy a picnic break in this enchanting setting. Arrive at Yekle Bhatti in the afternoon and take the time to admire this wild paradise at the end of the world. Overnight in a lodge.
 
Overnight at 4,100m altitude / Walking time: 6h
 

The trek climbs gradually through the moraines before ascending a large slope of scree. The route is very well laid out, a series of paths leads to the beautiful hanging valley near Tilicho Lake. From the pass, the view on the lake is fascinating. Arriving at the lake, admire this high altitude universe filled with magic and beauty. You set up camp at 4,900m altitude to the east of the lake. This is the highest camp of your route, get ready for a cold night! Tilicho is a sacred lake where, according to legend, the first recitation of the Hindu text Ramayana took place. Overnight in a lodge.
 
Overnight at 4,900m altitude / Walking time: 3/4h
 

It is imperative to perform this stage of the trek in good weather conditions with unobstructed visibility. The climb is gradual: you first cross the Eastern Pass, indicated by many prayer flags. The view of the Annapurna Massif is overwhelming from here. To descend on the side of the Kali Gandaki River, you have to cross the easternmost pass, Mesokanto Pass. A crossing on the side, sometimes in the snow, leads to a steep slope. After a long descent, you reach Yak Kharka. You continue to Kaisang Kharka and enjoy exceptional views of the Nilgiris and the Dhaulagiri Massif (8,167m). Overnight in a lodge.
 
Mesokanto Pass at 5,100m / Overnight at 4,000m / Walking time: 7/8h

Today you set out for an easy descent into the valley of Kali Gandaki. You are still at high altitude but the landscape changes completely. You reach the mineral world of the Lower Mustang. Be careful, there will be wind when arriving in Jomsom. Take an afternoon to rest in this small lively village. An aerodrome connects Pokhara in less than 30 minutes on a superb flight over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Visit the Mustang Museum and warm up with a hot drink in one of the many cafes on Main Street. Overnight in a lodge.
 
Overnight at 2,700m altitude / Walking time: 3/4h
 

These are safety days in case of unforeseen weather conditions and other difficulties during the trek. In the most likely case, you will have a day of exploration in the valley of Kali Gandaki. Visit the beautiful village of Kagbeni, the gateway to Mustang, and why not climb to the sacred site of Muktinath (3,800m). The landscapes are grandiose, ocher and pink, dotted with oases and lost villages. Our highlight is the medieval village of Jharkot. Do not miss the exceptional views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiris that will astound you. Overnight in a lodge.
 

Early in the morning you take a spectacular flight to Pokhara with mesmerising views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport, your driver will bring you to Lake Phewa. Here, you slowly adapt back into civilization, and stroll among the cafes, restaurants and shops of the city. In the afternoon, you are taken to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Back in the Nepalese capital, your driver will take you to your hotel in the tourist district of Thamel. You gradually get used to the noise and the excitement of this bubbling city, while replaying your memories of these past few days of trekking! Night at the hotel.
 

Today, you are free to spend the day as you wish. Your local guide will be there to advise you on excursions and places to visit. Everyone is bustling about doing their business: shopping or enjoying a well-deserved massage. The most courageous will go to visit the famous cultural sites of the city: Bodnath, Swayambunath or Pashupatinath. We advise you to take a taxi to the ancient royal city of Bakthapur, often referred to by its old name: Bhadgaon. Affected by the earthquake of April 2015, it still has three beautiful squares lined with temples, the most important of which are still intact. Return to Kathmandu at the end of the day. Night at the hotel.