This classic 21-day trek completely around the famed Annapurna Massif offers the most diversity of any trek in Nepal: fascinating ethnic groups each with their own language, incredible views of many of the Himalaya's most famous high peaks, and constantly changing panoramas - from lush, tropical rice paddies and moss-laden rhododendron forests to Tibetan fortresses clinging to rocky cliffs.

Starting with a drive to Besisar we ascend along the Marsyangdi river valley. We pass beneath snow-capped Annapurnas II, III and IV and a range of 6,000m/20,000ft peaks stretching north to Tibet. Crossing Thorung La pass (5418m/17,770ft) to reach the holy shrine of Muktinath. We then descend into the mighty Kali Gandaki Valley - the deepest river valley on the face of the earth - 7000m/23,000ft deep between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. At the end we trek through a wonderful rhododendron forest on the Gorepani Ridge and the picturesque Gurung villages before finishing back in the Pokhara Valley.

In addition our 21 day trek also spends a few days exploring the Tilicho Lake area in the upper Manang valley. Even though this high altitude glacial lake is only 2 days away from the main trail very few westerners venture here. We will spend a whole day exploring the lake which is the headwaters of the Marsyangdi river which you have been following since the beginning of this trek. We do not know of any other operator who offers this side-hike.

Apart from being able to enjoy homely comforts we will have the added advantage of being guests to families of different ethnic people typical of this area. The Manang and the Kali Gandaki valleys lies along an ancient trade route between India and China, and a variety of ethnic peoples have settled here: Newars, Chettris, Gurungs, Manangeys and Thakalis.

Moderate to strenuous trekking between 2,000m (8,000ft) and 4,400m (14,500ft) with one pass crossing of 5,418m (17,700ft). Accommodation in comfortable lodges. The trek starts from Kathmandu and includes all meals, road-head transport, services of experienced English speaking local trek guide and porters to carry luggage. Clients carry day-pack only and walk at their own pace.

Trek Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
Duration: 20 Nights / 21 Days
Maximum Sleeping Altitude: 4450m/14,500ft (Thorung Phedi)
Maximum Hiking Altitude: 5416m/17,769ft (Thorung La Pass)
Best Season: Mar-June and Oct-Dec.
Trek Avaliblity: Join a group trek (dates shown below)
Private treks are availabe on request.

I T I N E R A R Y :
Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Besisar.
Day 02: Trek to Bahaun Danda.
Day 03: Trek to Tal.
Day 04: Trek to Chame.
Day 05: Trek to Pisang.
Day 06: Trek to Manang.
Day 07: Rest day at Manang.
Day 08: Trek to Kangsar.
Day 09: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp.
Day 10: Exploration to Tilicho Lake.
Day 11: Trek to Leder High.
Day 12: Trek to Phedi.
Day 13: Cross Thorung La pass to Muktinath.
Day 14: Trek to Kagbeni.
Day 15: Trek to Marpha.
Day 16: Trek to Kalopani.
Day 17: Trek to Tatopani.
Day 18: Trek to Gorepani.
Day 19: Early morning climb Poon Hill for sunrise views.
Trek to Gandruk village.
Day 20: Trek to Birethanti. Drive to Pokhara. Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 21: Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu. END of Around Annapurna Trek.