Annapurna Circuit Trek: 5,416m Himalayan Adventure

Welcome to Nepal! The moment you step out of the airport, you'll feel that special Kathmandu energy - the buzz of motorcycles, the scent of incense and spices, and the warm Himalayan air. We'll greet you with a big smile and take you to your hotel in Thamel, where colorful shops line narrow streets filled with trekking gear and handicrafts. In the evening, we'll share a traditional Nepali dinner together - your first taste of dal bhat! This is when you'll meet your guide properly and we can answer all your questions about the adventure ahead. Get some good rest tonight, because tomorrow the real journey begins!

Today we wake up early for our journey into the mountains! The drive starts smooth but gets more exciting as we leave the city behind. We'll follow the Trishuli River, watching the landscape change from urban chaos to green terraced fields. In Besisahar, we switch to local jeeps for the bumpy ride up to Chame. Don't worry about the bumpy road - it's all part of the adventure! You'll see your first snow capped peaks today, and feel the air getting crisper and cooler. Chame is a lovely little town nestled in a deep valley, with hot springs nearby and those massive Himalayan walls making you feel very small. Can you believe we're already in the mountains?

Your first real day of trekking! We follow the Marsyangdi River through pine forests where the air smells like Christmas. The trail takes us past dramatic rock cliffs and suspension bridges decorated with prayer flags that flutter in the mountain wind. You'll hear the river roaring below and see porters carrying unbelievable loads with just a head strap. Pisang appears like a magical surprise - a cluster of stone houses with carved wooden windows, backed by the stunning Pisang Peak. The higher we go, the more the mountains reveal themselves. Wait until you see the view from your teahouse window tonight - it will take your breath away!

Today I'll offer you a choice: the easier lower trail or the more challenging high route. If you're feeling strong, take the high trail - I promise the views are worth every extra step! We pass through ancient monasteries where prayer wheels spin with mantras and old stone mani walls carved with Tibetan scriptures. In Braga village, we can visit one of the oldest monasteries in the region, feeling the peace of centuries of meditation. Manang feels like a proper mountain town, with its stone houses stacked against the hillside and panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, and IV. The air is thinner here - can you feel it? Remember to drink lots of water and walk slowly, slowly, as we say in Nepal.

No trekking today, but that doesn't mean we stay in bed! Acclimatization is crucial for crossing Thorong La safely. We'll take a short hike up to Gangapurna Lake, where turquoise waters reflect the icy peaks above. Or we can climb to the viewpoint above town that shows us the entire valley we've walked through. Back in Manang, you can visit the little cinema house that shows mountain movies, or just sit in the sun with a book, watching yaks graze on the hillsides. This is your day to let your body adjust to the altitude. Feel how different the air is up here? Your lungs are getting stronger with every breath!

We're entering high mountain country now! The trail climbs gently through alpine pastures where yaks graze with their shaggy coats and big bells clanking. You'll notice the trees are getting smaller and eventually disappearing altogether. The landscape opens up into wide valleys with streams cutting through green meadows. At Yak Kharka, which literally means 'yak grazing ground', we're surrounded by huge peaks that make you feel like you're walking through a postcard. The teahouses here are simple but warm, and the stars tonight will be incredible - so clear and bright at this altitude. How are you feeling up here? Remember, slow and steady wins the race!

A short but important day as we approach the base of the big pass. The trail follows the river upstream, with the massive wall of Thorong La looming ahead of us. Thorong Phedi means 'foot of the Thorong hill' and it's our launching point for tomorrow's challenge. This is the highest we've slept so far - can you feel the thin air? We'll have an early dinner and I'll give you a full briefing about tomorrow's big day. Pack your daypack carefully tonight, layer your clothes for easy adjusting, and get to bed early. The mountains are quiet up here, just the wind and your heartbeat getting ready for the adventure ahead.

Big day! We wake around 3 or 4 AM, have a quick breakfast, and start walking by headlamp light. The trail zigzags up the mountain in darkness, but soon the sunrise begins to paint the peaks around us in golden light. Step by step, breath by breath, we climb toward the pass. When we reach Thorong La at 5416 meters, you'll feel like you're on top of the world! We'll take photos at the prayer flag covered summit, then begin the long descent to Muktinath. The landscape changes dramatically as we enter the dry, Tibetan influenced region of Mustang. Muktinath is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, with 108 water spouts and eternal flames. What an incredible day - you crossed one of the highest passes in the world!

After our big achievement yesterday, today is about relaxing! We take a jeep down, down, down into the warmer valleys, watching the landscape transform from dry Tibetan plateau to lush green hills. Tatopani means 'hot water' and that's exactly what awaits us - natural hot springs right beside the Kali Gandaki River! After days of cold mountain air, soaking in these warm pools feels like heaven for our tired muscles. The village has a tropical feel with banana trees and warmer air. You can have a proper shower, do some laundry, and just relax. Doesn't that warm water feel amazing on your trekking muscles? This is our reward for crossing the pass!

Back to trekking, but in a completely different landscape! We climb through lush rhododendron forests that would be absolutely spectacular in spring when they bloom bright red. We pass through traditional Magar villages where children might greet us with cheerful 'namaste!' Ghorepani means 'horse water' and it's been a resting place for traders and travelers for centuries. The village sits on a high ridge with incredible mountain views. From our teahouse, we can see the entire Annapurna range spread out before us like a giant painting. We'll go to bed early tonight because tomorrow we have a very special sunrise to catch. Can you feel the excitement building?

We wake in darkness and hike up to Poon Hill for what many call the best mountain sunrise in Nepal. As the first light touches the peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, the mountains glow pink and gold - it's pure magic! The panoramic view from here is unforgettable, with the entire Himalayan range spread out before us. After taking a million photos, we descend for breakfast, then continue our final trek down to Nayapul. From there, we drive to Pokhara - civilization at last! Pokhara feels like paradise after weeks in the mountains, with its beautiful lake, comfortable hotels, and proper pizza! Tonight we can celebrate our incredible journey together. How does it feel to have completed the Annapurna Circuit?

We return to Kathmandu today, either by a scenic flight over the mountains or a comfortable tourist bus through the countryside. Back in the bustling city, everything might feel different now - the noise, the traffic, the crowds. But you're different too after completing this incredible journey! You have time to relax, do some souvenir shopping in Thamel, or visit places we missed at the beginning. In the evening, we can share one last dinner together and look through all our photos. Can you believe how far we've come since that first day? From the lowlands to the highest pass and back again - what an adventure!

Our time together has come to an end. We'll transfer you to the airport for your flight home, carrying with you memories of snowy passes, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, warm teahouse evenings, and the incredible achievement of completing one of the world's great treks. You've walked through ancient cultures, crossed high mountains, and made friends with these magnificent Himalayas. As we say in Nepal, 'pheri bhetaula' - until we meet again! Thank you for trusting us with your adventure and for sharing this incredible journey with us. Safe travels home, and may the mountains call you back someday soon.