Today the trail becomes quieter as we walk through ancient forests of oak and rhododendron. Via the small villages of Banthanti and Nangethanti, we continue upward to Ghorepani. It’s a varied and enjoyable day, with ever-expanding views as we gain altitude.

An early start today. With headlamps on, we set off around 5:00 AM towards Poon Hill, one of Nepal’s most famous viewpoints. From the top, we watch the sunrise over the Himalaya as the mountain peaks briefly glow golden. It’s a view that stays with you.

After breakfast, we leave the busy Poon Hill trail and take a quieter path. Via the village of Chittre, across a suspension bridge and past local grain fields, we descend to the hamlet of Swanta. This is where the real quiet begins.

Today we climb higher. It’s a longer and steeper ascent, with beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks along the way. We keep going until we reach the Khopra Danda ridge. This is not a village. It’s a small mountain hut in the wind, surrounded by a sweeping mountain panorama on all sides.

Today the choice is yours. Rest at the lodge, or hike up to the sacred Khayer Lake at 4,600 m / 15,092 ft. It’s a full day of walking with no facilities along the way, so we bring food and water.

Today we cross another mountain ridge and descend slowly into the forest towards Dobato. The name literally means “crossroads of two paths.” It’s no more than a handful of teahouses in the middle of the mountains, with views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.

Want to take a small detour via Mulde Peak (3,637 m)? You can enjoy one last wide panorama over the Annapurna peaks. Get in touch for details.

Today we continue descending through the rhododendron and bamboo forests. The trail gradually levels out. It’s a pleasant day after the more demanding stages on the way up. Along the way, there’s time to look around and take in the rugged landscape.

It’s a short descent to Ghandruk, the largest village we’ve passed through since Pokhara. Ghandruk is a beautiful, authentic village with the atmosphere and culture of the Gurung community — a people you may also know from the legendary Gurkha soldiers. In the afternoon, you have time to explore the village at your own pace.

Our last day of walking. Via stone steps and mountain trails, we descend to Nayapul, the point where this great trek began. Here we hop on the vehicle that takes us back ton Pokhara.

The adventure has begun! We start the trek with a steady climb along the wild Marsyangdi River. After passing through Tal and Dharapani, where the Manaslu and Annapurna routes converge, we hike onward to Bagarchhap (2,160 m / 7,087 ft). A quiet mountain village surrounded by apple trees, dal bhat, and views of snow-capped peaks.

Today, we climb through forests and along the river toward Chame (2,650 m / 8,694 ft). Along the way, we can hear the sound of yak bells, see Annapurna II suddenly loom in the distance, and meet locals with Tibetan roots. In Chame, a small hot spring awaits our tired legs.

We start early, following a rugged path through a narrow valley filled with cliffs, forests, and rivers. Crossing suspension bridges, we ascend to Upper Pisang (3,300 m / 10,827 ft), a quiet mountain village of stone houses, a monastery, and magical mountain views.

Extra activities

Pisang is a beautiful place to explore. From your teahouse it’s a small hike to the Monastery. Well worth the visit!

Visit the monastery

The monastery in Upper Pisang dates back around 250 years and is one of the oldest in the Annapurna region. It sits above the village on a ridge, with views that make the climb up worth every step. Inside, butter lamps flicker in front of ancient thangkas. Time moves differently up here.

We hike through the dry, high-altitude Manang district today. This region lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna massif, which provides clear weather and endless views. We follow one of two routes to Manang (3,540 m / 11,614 ft), situated deep within the impressive high mountains.

We take it easy today. No major elevation gain, but plenty of time to acclimatize. If you like, we can go for a short hike. Or, just kick-back and relax in the village.

Day hike

Going for a hike today? These are 2 great options.

Hike to Gangapurna Lake

On your acclimatisation day in Manang, there is an optional hike up to Gangapurna Lake. It's located at an altitude of approximately 3,700 meters near the village of Manang.

Hike to Ice Lake

Or, choose the more challenging hike to Ice Lake at around 4,600 m / 15,092 ft. It takes about three to four hours to climb and rewards you with a glacial lake and a panorama over the entire Manang Valley.

After our rest day in Manang, we push on toward Tilicho Lake. We pass the quiet village of Khangsar and climb along rugged slopes. By the end of the day, we reach Shree Kharka: cold, silent, and pure. Time to recharge.

We trek higher into the mountains, passing a deserted monastery and crossing a steep ridge. After an exciting descent, we reach Tilicho Base Camp (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). Raw, silent, and impressive. We spend the night surrounded by mountain silence and a spectacular starry sky.

We set off early, as the wind picks up quickly here. In about 3 to 4 hours, we climb to Tilicho Lake (4,920 m / 16,141 ft). Ice-blue water surrounded by vast emptiness. Magic. Afterward, we return to Base Camp, where we soak it all in.

We leave Tilicho and return to the Annapurna route. The path ascends gradually, and the landscape becomes more rugged. Less green, more stone. In the afternoon, we reach Yak Kharka (4,000 m / 13,123 ft), a quiet place amidst yaks, wind, and mountain peaks.

We continue our slow ascent. The air gets thinner, and every step feels heavier. We stop for lunch at Thorong Phedi (4,450 m / 14,600 ft) before climbing further to High Camp (4,850 m / 15,192 ft). Less sleep, perhaps, but a head start on the pass.

Today is the day: we cross the Thorong La (5,416 m / 17,770 ft). Up early, moving slowly but steadily. Every step counts. At the summit, the prayer flags flutter in the wind. We made it!

Afterward, we descend to Muktinath: warm water, more air, and a shared sense of victory.

Today, we trek down to Kagbeni and then follow the Kali Gandaki river to Jomsom (2,720 m / 8,858 ft). Jomsom is a large town with many facilities. It is also headquarter and official town for the Mustang district, where all the district government offices are present.

We rise early for the jeep ride to Pokhara. Heading toward warmer air, soft beds, and the silhouette of the Annapurnas reflected in the lake. We’ve reached the Tilicho Lake, and we’ve crossed the Thorong La pass!

Cheers to this beautiful adventure and the memories we’ve made.

Early morning. You board the bus towards the Gorkha region, driving through villages and lively bazaars until you reach Seti Khola in the Budhi Gandaki valley. The trek begins tomorrow.

The trek begins. The trail descends gently before climbing to a ridge near Almara. Through forest paths you reach Riden Gaon, then descend into the valley. From Lambesi, you follow the riverbed of the Budhi Gandaki.

After crossing the Machha river and Khola Besi, you reach the hot springs of Tatopani. A well-earned soak before continuing along a forest path to Dovan, just above the Budhi Gandaki. From here, the altitude begins to climb and the landscape shifts noticeably.

The trail climbs over a rocky ridge with views of Sringi Himal. Past terraced fields of maize, potatoes and millet, then through bamboo forests into the Nupri region. Tonight you sleep in the Buddhist village of Deng.

Countless Tibetan mani walls line the path today, their stones carved by hand with Buddhist texts. The trail winds through narrow gorges and colourful forests of spruce, oak and rhododendron. At the end of the day, you reach Namrung.

You climb gradually into alpine terrain. For the first time, Manaslu North and Manaslu itself appear on the horizon. You spend the night in Lho Gaon.

A shorter day, designed to let your body adjust. You walk through a gorge thick with moss and rhododendrons. There is time to breathe, look around and arrive slowly in Samagaon.

Walk high, sleep low. Today you stay in the area around Samagaon. The day hike takes you to Pungyen Gompa and the glacial lake Birendra Tal, past the monastery destroyed by an avalanche in 1953, all the way to the ice-blue lake at the foot of the glacier.

Another shorter day above the tree line. Past yaks, marmots and high mountain meadows. Samdo is a yak-herding village at the junction of three valleys. On a clear day, you might spot traders from Tibet.

From Samdo, you follow a wide path, cross the Budhi Gandaki and walk alongside a long mani wall. The trail climbs towards the Larkya glacier. You reach Larkya Phedi with views over a deep gorge. An early night. Tomorrow is the big day.

Today is the day. You start before sunrise and move steadily through ice and stone, past frozen lakes, towards the pass. At the top, prayer flags snap in the wind. You made it. The descent to Bhimtang is long, but the sense of achievement carries you through.

You cross a glacial stream and descend into a forest of rhododendrons and tall pines. With Manaslu still in view, you continue along the Dudh Khola through farmland to Tilje.

A fast descent towards the Marsyangdi valley. Through the forest, across a suspension bridge and onto the trail of the Annapurna Circuit. You spend the night in Chamje.

The final walking day. Tired, satisfied and with a pack full of memories, you reach the end point of the trek.

After breakfast, we board the bus back to Kathmandu.

After an early breakfast beside the rushing river, we set off on a long but rewarding day. The trail follows the Langtang Khola upstream through lush forest. We walk mostly in the shade, which makes the climbing much more pleasant. Along the way, there’s a good chance of spotting monkeys, and various bird species, and possibly wild honey in autumn. We reach Ghoda Tabela early in the afternoon, with plenty of time to rest and explore the surroundings.

From 3,000 metres, the first views of the surrounding peaks start to open up. The trail is relatively peaceful, though fully in the sun. Sunscreen and sunglasses are not a luxury here. Along the way, we pass more and more Tibetan villages, with small restaurants and locals in traditional dress. The Langtang Valley reveals itself here for the first time.

Today is an easier day, and that will probably feel good after the previous stages. After breakfast, we walk to Kyanjin Gompa in around four hours, the last village in the valley. After lunch, we take a short walk to explore the village. Kyanjin Gompa is a remarkable place: an ancient monastery, surrounded by a glacier and high mountain peaks.

An early start today. We set off around 5:00 AM towards the summit, with breakfast packed in our bags. The climb is demanding: over 1,200 metres of elevation gain in around five hours. But at the top, a 360-degree panorama awaits over the Langtang peaks, Dorje Lakpa, Shishapangma and on clear days even the Tibetan plateau. After a well-earned rest on the summit, we descend back to Kyanjin Gompa.

After an early breakfast beside the rushing river, we set off on a long but rewarding day. The trail follows the Langtang Khola upstream through lush forest. We walk mostly in the shade, which makes the climbing much more pleasant. Along the way, there’s a good chance of spotting monkeys, and various bird species, and possibly wild honey in autumn. We reach Ghoda Tabela early in the afternoon, with plenty of time to rest and explore the surroundings.

This is the last day of walking. We descend further to Syabrubesi, with a well-earned lunch along the way. We’ve completed a beautiful multi-day trek through the Himalaya, with the cherry on top being the summit of Tserko Ri.

After breakfast, we board the bus back to Kathmandu.

Today we walk to Namche Bazaar, the beating heart of the Everest region. Along the way, we cross the Dudh Khosi river several times via impressive suspension bridges decorated with colourful prayer flags. After passing through the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, the trail climbs steeply upward. The views along the way more than make up for it.

Namche itself is a lively mountain village that surprises many first-time visitors. It has everything: good restaurants, shops and even bakeries. Take some time to explore it at your own pace.

A rest day, but certainly not a dull one. Your body needs time to adjust to the altitude, and today we take that time. A short hike to the Sherpa Museum or the viewpoint at Syangboche is a great way to spend the day. The views across the Khumbu peaks are simply spectacular. Especially at sunrise and sunset.

Today we leave the busy trail towards Base Camp and take a quieter path. We climb up via Khumjung Hill and then descend through a wide valley towards the Dudh Khosi river. Along the way we pass a chorten on a mountain ridge and the village of Mohang, the birthplace of a reincarnated lama said to have introduced Buddhism to the Khumbu region. A place with a lot of history.

Today we walk through a beautiful rhododendron forest. In spring, it’s an explosion of deep pink and green. The trail runs past a waterfall and through a small village before we reach Dole. The altitude is now really starting to make itself felt, and the landscape becomes wilder and quieter.

A steady climb today, along the Dudh Khosi river. We pass a chorten and walk through small villages. The surroundings grow quieter and more rugged as you gain altitude. Machhermo itself is a small, remote settlement.

This is a day that will stay with you. We leave the inhabited world behind and step into the rugged high mountains. The trail passes chortens on a mountain ridge, with views of Kantega (6,782 m) and the mighty Cho Oyu (8,188 m), the sixth-highest mountain in the world.

Then we reach the Ngozumpa Glacier — the longest glacier in the Himalaya. We walk along its edge and pass the first and second sacred lakes before arriving in Gokyo, on the shore of the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. The mirror-smooth surface reflects the mountain peaks all around. It’s almost unreal, it’s so beautiful.

An early start today. Before the sun rises, we step outside and begin the ascent of Gokyo Ri. It’s about two hours of climbing at a steady pace, until we reach the summit, marked by an enormous tangle of prayer flags.

In clear weather, the view from the top is beyond words. Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, four of the highest mountains in the world, right in front of you. And below you, the Ngozumpa Glacier cuts through the landscape like a giant scar. These are views you normally only see in expedition photographs.

A short day today. And intentionally so. We cross the Ngozumpa Glacier and follow the mountain wall to the small settlement of Dragnag. The afternoon is yours to rest and recharge. Because tomorrow we cross the Cho La pass.

This is probably the toughest day of the entire trip, and also an unforgettable one. The Cho La pass is not technical or difficult, but it is steep and can be slippery and icy. It requires concentration.

At the top of the pass, colourful prayer flags flutter in the wind. In clear conditions, the views here are breathtaking. You can see the pyramid-shaped Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Lobuche East, a panorama you won’t forget. After crossing a few glacier crevasses, we descend to Dzonglha, from where you look out over an endless mountain landscape.

After the intense day yesterday, this is a welcome, more relaxed day. We descend from Dzonglha via a green trail with views of Lobuche Peak and follow the wide river valley to Lobuche. The rest of the day is yours, for a good book, or simply soaking up the views.

Today we reach another highlight of this adventurous trek: Everest Base Camp. The trail leads through the former Gorak Shep lake, past memorial monuments and over rocky moraine. The thin air makes itself felt. So we take our time.

At Base Camp, you see the colourful tents of expeditions against a backdrop of grey rock and ice. And the giant Nuptse, Khumbutse and Pumori towering above you. After exploring Base Camp, we make our way back to Gorak Shep.

Another early start. In the dark, in the cold. The temperature here can easily drop to -10 or even -15 degrees Celsius. But when you reach the top of Kala Patthar and Everest unfolds before you, the cold somehow seems to disappear for a bit. Mount Everest feels even closer than you might have imagined.

After this moment, we descend to Pheriche. For a warm meal and hopefully a good night’s sleep.

The descent begins. We pass Pangboche and the oldest monastery in the region, where the skull and bones of a yeti are said to be kept… Then we continue to the monastery at Tengboche, high on a mountain ridge with views of Ama Dablam, before returning to the familiar surroundings of Namche Bazaar.

Today is our last day in the mountains. We walk back to Lukla, the place where everything began.

You didn’t take the shortest route to Base Camp. You made an incredible journey via Gokyo, over the Cho La pass and through places very few people ever reach.

From the air, you get one last look at the peaks you’ve spent the past weeks getting to know up close. After landing in Kathmandu or Ramechhap, our team takes you to your hotel.