About this trip
A 16-day trek that circles the Annapurna massif in north-western Nepal, taking in river valleys, deep gorges, hot springs and villages along the way. It's a full circuit rather than an out-and-back, so the landscape and culture shift daily as you move through different valleys.
You start in Kathmandu with some sightseeing before heading to Besisahar to join the trail proper, following the Marshyangdi river valley up through forest and farmland. The route builds toward Thorong La pass at 5,416 metres, then drops to the pilgrimage site of Muktinath before winding back through the Kali Gandaki gorge.
The trek ends with a dawn climb to Poon Hill for views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre, then a drive down to Pokhara. It's a demanding walk best suited to those who want a serious high-altitude trek rather than a gentle hillside stroll.
What you'll do
- Cross Thorong La pass at 5,416 metres
- Soak in the natural hot springs at Tatopani
- Visit the pilgrimage site of Muktinath
- Walk the Kali Gandaki gorge, one of the world's deepest
- Catch sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from Poon Hill
- Explore Kathmandu and Pokhara at either end of the trek
- A demanding trek that crosses a high pass over 5,000 metres, so a good level of fitness and some trekking experience help
- Best done in spring or autumn for stable weather and clear mountain views
- Fully guided and run as a group, with days mostly spent walking between villages and teahouses
Worth it if you want stunning Himalayan scenery with genuinely attentive guides and smooth logistics. Think twice if you need flexibility—this is a fixed itinerary with early starts and high altitude.
- Guides and porters (Chamar, Prakash, Kumar, Csamar) consistently praised as knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely helpful through tough climbs.
- Outshine Adventures handles everything meticulously: last-minute rebooking when flights cancel, private toilets in teahouses, logistics from Kathmandu to Thorong La Pass.
- High altitude (Thorong La Pass 5,416m) is physically demanding; reviews stress 'challenging climbs' suggesting this isn't casual strolling.
- Spanish-speaking guide available; group trips work for couples, families, and solo travellers based on repeat bookings.
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Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Kathmandu · 31 Jul – 1 Aug
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