From the first step into Kathmandu’s buzzing streets to the final mountain panoramas above Pokhara, this 15-day Annapurna Circuit journey is a full-throttle Himalayan epic—ancient villages, deep river valleys, and big, breath-stealing altitude. After a warm welcome and orientation in Kathmandu, you push north on a dramatic drive into the Marsyangdi Valley, then trek day by day through pine forests and stone hamlets toward the high country: Chame, Upper Pisang, and on to Manang, where you acclimatize with day hikes to glaciers, monasteries, and jaw-dropping viewpoints.
Then comes the main event: the climb to Thorong La High Camp and the dawn crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)—one of the world’s legendary high trekking passes—an earned summit moment that’s equal parts grit and glory. You descend into the windswept landscapes of Mustang to reach sacred Muktinath, explore its temples and water spouts, and continue on to Jomsom, where the scenery turns stark, cinematic, and unforgettable. The adventure doesn’t stop when the trekking ends: you roll by jeep and road to lakeside Pokhara for waterfalls, caves, mountain-view stupas, and cultural encounters, before closing with Kathmandu Valley’s iconic spiritual sites—Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Patan Durbar Square—an ending worthy of the journey.
Since you will fly through Delhi on your way to Kathmandu, enjoy transfers and a night at a 5-star hotel before continuing your journey to Nepal the next afternoon.
After finishing the Everest Base Camp trek, you’ll return to India, which begin in Delhi with a warm airport welcome and a smooth transfer to a hotel, leaving you the evening to relax after travel.
The next day is a full “Old + New Delhi” exploration—moving from the historic heart of the city (including Jama Masjid and the lively lanes of Chandni Chowk with a rickshaw ride) to major landmarks like Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Parliament House, Qutub Minar, and the Lotus Temple, with time for lunch along the way. After sightseeing, you’ll continue by road to Agra and settle into another hotel.
Your final morning starts early for a truly memorable experience: sunrise at the Taj Mahal. After returning for breakfast and checking out, you’ll round out the Agra highlights with visits to Agra Fort, Etimad-Ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), and Mehtab Bagh (Moon Garden) for a beautiful back view of the Taj from across the river. After lunch, you’ll drive back to Delhi in time for an evening airport departure.
as indicated on itinerary
to carry gear
as noted in the itinerary
Depart for Kathmandu. Depending on the flight you select, you will depart on May 21st or 22nd and arrive on the 24th.
If you go on the optional India Excursion option, you will fly first to Delhi and likely depart on May 22nd taking a separate flight on May 24th to Kathmandu. McLellan Adventure Travel will explain and assist you in this process.
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport, extend a warm welcome, and transfer to your hotel. Take advantage of this day to adjust to the new time zone and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Kathmandu. Orientation Program will be at 5 PM.
Overnight: Himalayan Suite Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Following a hearty breakfast, we will proceed to Dharapani. The journey is characterized by stunning vistas of mountains, rivers, and verdant forests. As we travel, we will pass through fields of paddy and muddy terrain, taking in the scenic beauty of green hills, snow-capped peaks, and picturesque waterfalls along the route.
Max Altitude: Dharapani (1,960 m)
Duration: Drive (7-8 hrs)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Beginning our journey from Dharapani, we will make our way to Chame, the administrative center of Manang. Along the route, we will pass through Danaque and tackle a steep climb that will bring us to Timang, located at the foothills of Lamjung Himal.
Max Altitude: Chame (2,670 m)
Duration: 6 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, after a warm breakfast, we will head towards Upper Pisang. We pass through a fir and pine forest, climb a high and rocky area. We will follow a trail to steep trail to Bhratang. After walking for a few hours, we will come up to a beautiful valley with a great view of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak.
Max Altitude: Upper Pisang (3,300 m)
Duration: 6 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, we will ascend a steep ridge to reach the Manang Valley via the upper trail through Nawal Village. From this vantage point, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Manang Valley and Tilicho Lake. We will then descend to Hungde, where the airstrip offers a stunning panorama of Annapurna III. Additionally, from the expansive plains of Sabje Khola, we will enjoy a striking view of Annapurna IV.
Max Altitude: Manang (3,540 m)
Duration: 6 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Acclimatization day. Today we spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. The whole day we spend by doing some fine day walks to Gangapurna Glacier or Annapurna III Base Camp or Monastery and overviewing the magnificent views around the village. And the daytime is best to gain altitude.
Max Altitude: Manang (3,540 m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today's journey takes us on a steep ascent through Tenki Manang, guiding us out of the Marshyandi Valley. We will follow the path alongside the Jarsang River, eventually arriving at Yak Kharkha, a picturesque pasture land where yaks graze freely. From there, we will continue our trek to Ledar, our destination for the day.
Max Altitude: Ledar (4,200 m)
Duration: 6-7 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, we will depart from Ledar and set our sights on High Camp. The journey involves navigating a challenging trail, including a narrow path that crosses over the Kali Gandaki River. Expect rugged terrain with steep ascents and descents in several sections, making for a demanding trek as we progress towards our high-altitude destination.
Max Altitude: Thorang-La High Camp (4,880 m)
Duration: 6-7 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today presents a challenging yet rewarding adventure as we cross the Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. After navigating the strenuous ascent and descent, we will continue along the trail to reach our destination, Muktinath, where we can rest and reflect on our remarkable journey.
Max Altitude: Thorung La Pass, (5,416 m)
Duration: 6-7 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, in the morning we'll spend a few hours exploring the sacred site of Muktinath, immersing ourselves in its spiritual ambiance before resuming our journey. In Muktinath, you will visit Muktinath temple, one hundred eight water spouts and monastery. After a wonderful morning in Muktinath, you will start your trek to Jomsom. The diverse landscape and culture found along this trekking route give marvelous insight into the way of life of Nepali people of various ethnic groups. Our journey will then lead us to Jomsom, where we'll settle in and unwind after a day of exploration and travel.
Max Altitude: Muktinath (3,800 m)
Duration: 7-8 hrs trek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
You will have an exploration of Jomsom area. After a wonderful morning in, you will take a Jeep from Jomsom and drive to Pokhara. The route features challenging, unpaved roads with dramatic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Max Altitude: Jomsom (2,740m)
Duration: 6-7 hrs drive
Overnight: Hotel Lakestar or Busy Bee Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Pokhara, a treasure in Nepal, offers a lot of wonderful sights to explore in a little space. Begin your trip at Davis Fall, a strong waterfall whose thunderous roar dazzle everyone. Gupteshwor Cave, a fascinating cave with stunning rock formations and ancient legends, is nearby. Climb to the White Peace Pagoda, a serene location ideal for meditation or relaxation with stunning views of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna mountains. Then proceed to Pumdikot, a breathtaking vantage point with breathtaking views of the Pokhara Valley and neighboring mountains. Lastly, visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp to learn about the vibrant people there and to experience Tibetan culture. It offers a distinctive perspective on Pokhara's great diversity.
Max Altitude: Pokhara (822m)
Overnight: Hotel Lakestar or Busy Bee Resort
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, we will begin our journey to Kathmandu, opting for either a scenic drive.
Duration: 6-7 hrs drive
Overnight: Himalayan Suite Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
We will spend the day exploring Kathmandu Valley’s cultural highlights, starting with the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and the majestic Boudhanath Stupa. Next, we’ll visit Swoyambhunath Stupa for panoramic views of the city, and end the tour at the historic Patan Durbar Square.
Overnight: Himalayan Suite Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Use your last morning in Kathmandu according to your flight time. Pack your things, check out of the hotel, Head to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure to home or continue on the India Excursion.
FOR INDIA EXCURSION PARTICIPANTS: Fly from Kathmandu and arrive back in Delhi. Receive transport to hotel to drop off luggage. Later enjoy a dinner out to taste the local cuisine, at a handpicked Indian restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast
Spend a whirlwind day exploring both Old and New Delhi. While sightseeing enjoy a curated selection of the following places and activities: Jama Masjid, rickshaw ride, Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Parliament House, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple). Have lunch and then drive to Agra for a hotel overnight.
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy an epic sunrise Taj Mahal visit; return for breakfast & checkout. Finally explore the Agra Fort, Baby Taj, Mehtab Bagh before having lunch. Conclude your day with a drive back to Delhi for an evening airport departure.
Meals: Breakfast
