Arriving at Kathmandu marks the beginning of your journey to Annapurna Circuit with the Annapurna Base Camp trek. We Friendship World Trek, will receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. You will also meet with your FWT guide, who will brief you about the trek. You will be spending your night in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Valley is a microcosm of entire Nepal. Today, we will explore this ancient city rich in cultural heritage. You will visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath (the Monkey temple), Boudhanath, and historic Durbar Squares. As you relish these wonders, you will also get a brief insight into these places from our tour guide. After an entire day exploring Kathmandu, you will prepare for your trek that will start the next day. Your trek lead will conduct a final check of the equipment and gear you are carrying.
Driving Hours (200km / 124miles) 7-8 hrs
You will start the Annapurna Circuit along with the Annapurna Base Camp trek with a drive to Bhulbhule. The bus will follow Prithvi Highway by the side of Trishuli River until Dumre. From Dumre, we head north to Besisahar and then to Bhulbhule.
Situated along the Marshyangdi River, Bhulbhule provides fantastic views of several snow-capped peaks. Throughout the trip, you can enjoy astonishing views of mountains, villages, rivers, and terraced farms. We need to register our permits at the Bhulbhule check-post before starting on the trails. We stroll around Bhulbhule and explore the beauty of this small yet wonderful town.
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You begin your adventure by leaving Kathmandu in the morning and driving towards Besisahar. The highway is smooth and you have a pleasant ride driving past hills, forests, and rural settlements. It is an off road drive from Besisahar to Chame. As the road is not pitched the journey is rough and bumpy.
Set amongst green hills, Chame is a charming little settlement filled with stone houses. You spend a night here at a teahouse run by a local family.
Overnight at a teahouse in Chame.
Trek Distance 19km / 11.8miles
Highest Altitude 1,300m / 4,265ft
Trek Duration 5 hrs
Today is the first day of your walk in the Annapurna circuit. The trail is relaxing, and you will enjoy the stunning scenery as you traverse through lush forests and terraced fields along the banks of the Marsyangdi River.
The path is easy to walk and provides stunning views of mountains. You will be passing through several settlements and farmlands to reach the village of Jagat. We will be staying at Jagat for the night. Today’s light walk will prepare you for more intense treks set to follow in the coming days.
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After breakfast, you pack your stuff and start trekking making your way to Upper Pisang. You are deep in the mountains and the views are wonderful. The trail goes past rivers, bridges, and forests. There are mule trains with tinkling bells sharing the trail.
The village of Upper Pisang is filled with prayer wheels, prayer flags, and traditional houses. The villagers are Buddhists and one can find old men and women with small prayer wheels or meditation beads on their hands. The Himalayan mountains seem close enough. Once you reach Upper Pisang, you head to a local teahouse and take a well-deserved rest.
Overnight at a teahouse in Upper Pisang.
Trek Distance 15.8km / 9.8miles
Highest Altitude 1,860m / 6,200ft
Trek Duration 5 hrs
After a peaceful stay at Jagat, we begin our hike towards Dharapani. As we commence our trek, we come across a split road. The trail goes uphill till we reach Tal, where the split trail meets. You will be enjoying several gorgeous waterfalls forming small sandy beaches along the way. Passing by rice and potato fields and crossing numerous bridges, you will reach one of the biggest villages of Manang, Kodo.
After a short climb of the stone Kani, from Kodo, you will reach Dharapani. We have to register our Annapurna Circuit Permit at Dharapani before moving ahead. We relax at Dharapani and enjoy its scenery and traditional food.
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The views of Annapurna II and III are incredible as you make your way to Manang. The air gets thinner and colder as you ascend higher. The trail goes through hills covered with conifers, icy rivers, and snow-covered mountains. You stop briefly at the picturesque village of Ngawal before continuing to Manang. Chortens, Buddhist shrines, and prayer flags dot the trail. After a rough hike, you feel glad to reach Manang your stop for the night.
Overnight at a teahouse in Manang.
Trek Duration 16km / 10miles
Highest Altitude 2,610m / 8,890ft
Trek Duration 6 hrs
Our destination for this day is Chame. We walk through a motorable road, which can be both easy but dusty as the vehicles pass by. Following the trail through forests with pine, fir, oak, and maple trees along the Marsyangdi River, we head to Chame, the district headquarters of the Manang District. With greenery all around us, you will enjoy the amusing settlements of the Manang District.
The aura of Chame is so beautiful that it will transport you to a serene and joyful world. The prodigious sights of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV enhance your whole experience. You will also stop by a small hot spring where you can dip in for a while to relax.
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Manang, flanked by the Annapurna and Gangapurna mountains seems like a village straight out of a storybook. You spend a day in this quaint settlement acclimatizing and preparing for the tough Thorung La crossing. Manang is one of the oldest villages on the Annapurna Circuit trail. The bustling village was an important stop for traders trading along the Tibet salt route in the bygone days.
You take a side trip to Ice Lake which lies about 16 kilometers from the village. To reach the lake you have to walk past the settlement of Braga and take an upward trail. Ice lake lies at an elevation of 4600m and elevation gain will leave you out of breath. But the views are stunning and worth every ragged breath. After taking pictures and soaking in the views you return to your teahouse.
Overnight at a teahouse in Manang
Trek Distance 13.2km / 8.2miles
Highest Altitude 3,115m / 10,200ft
Trek Duration 5 – 6 hrs
As we move through a steep and narrow valley, you will see a massive rock wall as you head to Pisang. Locals consider this rock, known as Pinguda Danda, very sacred. Gazing at the rock will provide you with hints about its sacredness. This massive rock rises 1,500m above the river and looks stunning.
Moving ahead on the trails, you can clearly see Annapurna II in the south and Pisang peak in the northeast. Then, we descend further to the Manang Valley floor. You still have to trek some more to reach Pisang, our destination for the day.
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More amazing sights of the snow-covered Gangapurna and Annapurna await you on the trail to Yak Kharka. Herds of Blue sheep, yaks, and Himalayan Tahr graze on the stubby shrubs and mountain grass. Riders on horseback gallop on the dusty trails. Horses are still a common means of transport in these parts. Yak Kharka which was a camp for yak herders has a couple of stone and wooden teahouses. You make your way to one of them where rooms have been booked for you and check-in.
Overnight at a teahouse in Yak Kharka.
Trek Distance 17km / 10.6miles
Highest Altitude 3,540m / 11,300ft
Trek Duration 5 hrs
We hike today alongside glorious mountains as we head to upper Pisang via Geru, appreciating the north face of Annapurna (II, III, IV), Gangapurna, Tilicho, and Pisang Peak. As you ascend, enjoying stunning views, you will notice the air becoming cold and dry. You will move past small Tibetan-style settlements, where we get a chance to appreciate Buddhist culture.
You will visit one of the largest and most famous monasteries in Manang – the Barge Monastery. The trail to Manang is full of Buddhist shrines and other Buddhist relics. When you reach Manang, you will notice that it is quite active with tourists. Manang is full of wonders, and you might realize that a single day may not be enough to explore this place.
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You are getting closer to Thorung La, the pass you have been dreaming to cross since starting out. The section of the trail leading to Thorong Phedi is one of the most dangerous. Prone to landslides, the gravel trail is narrow and hugs the side of a barren hill. It is windy and dusty up here, high above the tree line. Thorong Phedi, your stop for the night, lies surrounded by vertical cliffs. At 4525m, this would be the highest overnight stop.
Overnight at a teahouse in Thorong Phedi.
You will spend one extra day in Manang, exploring this village while adapting to the high altitude. There are many side hikes that you can commence on. For acclimatization, you need to trek high and sleep low.
You can hike up to Gangapurna Lake and spend the day admiring the absolute beauty of Annapurna III, Tilicho, Pisang, and Chulu Peaks. You can also hike up to the famous Ice Lake nearby.
We will take you to the Himalayan Rescue Association in Vraja Village in the afternoon. At this association, you can learn about acute mountain sickness, its symptoms, and precautions. After a relaxing day at enigmatic Manang village, we will have acclimatized to the altitude and prepare for the next day.
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You wake up before dawn and head up to High Camp. You need to have an early start as the weather starts deteriorating as the day progresses. You will have to cross the Thorung La Pass before it gets too windy and foggy.
Using a headlamp you make your way up in the dark. At High Camp, you stop for refreshments and warm yourself before plodding on. The hike is tough because of thin air which makes breathing difficult. Once you reach the pass, take selfies and pictures of the incredible views of the mountains. You can view the Tibetan peaks rearing in the distant horizon. After spending ample time at the snow-covered pass decorated with vibrant prayer flags, you head down to Muktinath.
Overnight at a guesthouse in Muktinath.
Trek Distance 9.4km / 5.8miles
Highest Altitude 4,050m / 14,275ft
Trek Duration 3-4 hrs
After enough rest and acclimatizing to the high elevation at Manang, we move ahead with the trek. From Manang, we head to Tenki village, crossing several beautiful streams.
Then you will head out of Marshyangdi Valley northwest up to Jar Sang Khola Valley. The trail is full of ups and downs. You will pass through the amazing Juniper forest and a few pastures. As you continue the trek, you will reach a small village called Gunsan – with houses made of flat mud roofs. As you trek forward, you will be crossing a small river on a wooden bridge and make your way up the spectacular valley to an open, peaceful meadow known as Yak Kharka.
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After breakfast, A drive to Tatopani is a scenic one. The route follows a lush coniferous forest and green pastures. This is a welcome change from the dry and arid landscape of the past few days. As you descend lower you can feel the humidity and the change in the temperature. Cross the checkpoint and Ghasa before finally arriving in Tatopani, your stop for the night.
Tatopani which means ‘hot water’ in Nepali is famous for its hot springs. Locals come from far and wide to bathe in the therapeutic water of the hot springs. You can enjoy a dip in the steamy pool and relax your sore muscles.
Overnight at a teahouse in Tatopani
Trek Distance 9.6km / 6miles
Highest Altitude 4,525m / 14,525ft)
Trek Duration 5 hrs
Today we head to the foot of Thorong La pass, Thorong Phedi. We start by climbing up to a ridge, then head down and cross the Marsyangdi river on a wooden bridge. After climbing up the mountain path, we follow a narrow trail across a slope and descend to Thorung Phedi. Based on the situation, we might hike to Thorong High Camp for the night. The uninhabited, rugged terrain you face will look otherworldly and much different than the lush lowlands you passed on the way up during the initial phase of the trek.
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The trail to Ghorepani is well laid out and paved in stones. There are signs at interactions indicating the way to Ghorepani. It is a long walk past lush forests of oak and rhododendron. Follow and up and down route till you reach Ghorepani. The settlement was named Ghorepani or Horse Water as it was a popular rest stop for traders journeying to Tibet on horses. There are several lodges and teahouses with modern amenities and you choose one where you can spend a restful night.
Overnight in Ghorepani.
Trek Distance 15.6km / 9.6miles
Highest Altitude 5,416m / 17,756ft
Trek Duration 9 hrs
As one of the most challenging days of the trek, we begin this hike as early as possible. You will be crossing one of the most exquisite high passes in the Annapurna region – Thorong La High Pass (5,416 m/ 17,756 ft). It is also the highest point of the trek.
With increasing elevation and decreasing oxygen level, the trail turns out to be challenging. Despite the difficulty of climbing, the view is unquestionably worth it. From the top of the pass, you will enjoy the panoramic views of glorious mountains extending northwards into Tibet. On the other side, you can see the Annapurna massifs smiling back. We take this hike slow and steady and conquer it and then descend to Muktinath, where we visit the famous Muktinath temple.
A sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists, Muktinath is believed to be the god of forgiveness. You can take a bath at 108 water sprouts on Muktinath Temple premises. People believe that washing yourself on these water sprouts will wash away your sins. Buddhists call Muktinath Temple Chumig Gyatsa, which in Tibetan means “Hundred Waters.” We will spend the night at Muktinath.
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Wake up before sunrise and head to the hilltop vantage point of Poon Hill. The most popular Himalayan sunrise viewpoint in the Annapurna Region, Poon Hill offers amazing 360-degree views of the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli. The sun rising over the snow-covered mountains is a sight to remember. After taking in the views and clicking pictures head down to Ghorepani, collect your stuff, and proceed towards Tadapani.
Follow an up and down trail past a thick rhododendron forest. The forest along this route is one of the world’s biggest rhododendron forests. During spring the path is filled with blooming trees. Cross Deurali and Birethanti before finally arriving in Tadapani, your overnight stop.
Overnight at a teahouse in Tadapani.
Trek Distance 10.6km / 6.6 miles
Highest Altitude 3,760m / 12,623ft
Trek Duration 3 hrs
We descend from Muktinath to Kagbeni while witnessing the famous Sky Caves of the region. The path is quite easy as well as beautiful. If you wish, we can take you to have a short detour across the traditional villages of Chhyongkhar, Jhong, and Purang. A culturally rich place, Kagbeni, is a wonderful village. Today will be a relaxing day with not much distance to cover.
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Tadapani is where we start our journey to Chomrong. We can see Mt. Macchapucchre and the magnificent Annapurna South from the route. Chomrong is a little town surrounded by green hills, yet it is stunningly beautiful. It is the starting place and a well-liked rest break for the hikes to Annapurna Base Camp. Chomrong is bustling with stores, inns, and eateries.
Overnight at a teahouse in Chhomrong.
Trek Distance 18.4km / 11.4miles
Highest Altitude 2,804m / 9,200ft
Trek Duration 4-5 hrs
We trek from Kagbeni to Marpha today. It will be an exciting day as you will trek on an easy path, passing through gorgeous scenery. You will cross the Kaligandaki River to reach Marpha. Marpha is a hypnotizingly beautiful village. All the houses at Marpha are painted white, and the narrow Marpha alleys look fascinating. You will find captivating peaks, green forests with pine and oak trees, cold desert-like land, and the deepest river gorge (Kali Gandaki Gorge).
Marpha is also famous for its apple farming. The apple pie and alcohol made from local apple, branded as ‘Marpha,‘ is a must-try of this place. You can also hike up to a small turquoise-green lake nearby. The enigmatic village of Marpha, without a doubt, will impress you.
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This morning, we set out early to complete a lengthy walk distance. As we hike, we will take in the vistas of Chomrong Khola. We will soon arrive at Sinuwa, a little settlement standing on a hill. As we ascend higher to Bamboo village, the scenarios enhance even more. We will hike to Dovan from Bamboo. Oak, bamboo, and rhododendron woods are everywhere along the trail. To get to Dovan, we need to traverse several wooden bridges. From Dovan, we will climb for a few more hours until we get to the Himalaya Hotel.
Overnight at a teahouse in Himalaya.
Trek Distance 10.6km / 6.6miles
Highest Altitude 2,665m / 8,744ft
Trek Duration 3 hrs
Our trek follows the Kali Gandaki River. The afternoon wind kicks up a lot of dust, so we must walk as early as possible. You will pass through wooden bridges, rocky paths, landslide areas, and several apple farms.
As you move ahead, you will pass Khobang village on a narrow trail and trek until you reach Larjung. At Larjung, you can explore the narrow alleys filled with livestock. We will also descend to the river at Larjung to see stunning sunset views of Mount Nilgiri. Then, we conclude our day with a delicious dinner at Larjung.
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You make an early start and head to Annapurna Base Camp, another major highlight of your trip. You walk past the Machhapuchhre Base Camp located at the foot of the Fishtail Peak. This is one of the few mountains in Nepal which hasn’t been climbed. This is a sacred mountain worshipped by locals and stepping on it is prohibited.
As your body has gotten used to high altitude, you won’t feel the discomfort attached to walking at such a high altitude. Savor close up views of the Annapurna Massif from the Annapurna Base Camp.
Overnight at a teahouse in Annapurna Base Camp.
Trek Distance 16km / 9.9miles
Highest Altitude 2,544m / 8,346ft
Trek Duration 4 hrs
We head to Ghasa, enjoying marvelous views of the mountains throughout the path. From Larjung, we head to Kalapani while witnessing the wonderous Annapurna peak. After a wave-like trail from Lete, we finally reach Ghasa. We halt at Ghasa and enjoy the mysterious Tibetan-style village. From Ghasa, you can get fantastic views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and Dhampus peaks. Today’s trek will be relaxing and entertaining, as you can view exotic floras and faunas in the incredible Annapurna region. You will be spending the night at Ghasa Village.
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We will get up early and head out to continue our trek. The trek is in a glacier basin surrounded by the peaks of Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and Annapurna I, the tenth-highest mountain in the world. We will take in the view of 8000 and 7000 meters high peaks. After taking photographs, descend to your teahouse.
Overnight at a teahouse in Bamboo.
| Trek Distance | 17km / 10.5miles |
|---|---|
| Highest Altitude | 2,113m / 6,932ft |
| Trek Duration | 6-7 hrs |
A long trekking day awaits. We will be hiking to Tatopani, where you can dip in the natural hot spring. Tatopani precisely translates to ‘hot water,” and we will relax in the lukewarm water. En route, you will witness Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. The trails are broad and comfortable to walk. We conclude our day in Tatopani immersed in lukewarm water that will soothe our sore muscles.
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From Bamboo head down to Matque. En route cross the villages of Sinuwa, Chhomrong, and Jhinu Danda. The final walk of your trek takes you past a typical Nepalese countryside with terraced fields, traditional mud houses, and farms.
On reaching Matque walk to the highway and catch a vehicle bound for Pokhara.
Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
Trek Distance 17km / 10.5miles
Highest Altitude 2,860m / 9,385ft
Trek Duration 6-7 hrs
After enjoying the hot spring bath at Tatopani, we leave Tatopani for Ghorepani. Crossing the east side of the Kali Gandaki River, we ascend to Ghorepani past the Sikha, Chitre, and other Thakali villages. The trail passes through terraced farms and lush forests full of rhododendron, birch, and magnolia. Ghorepani sits at the top of a ridge and is known for providing astounding views of mountains. As a popular tourist village, you can find several restaurants and hotels to cater to your tastes.
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Take a long drive back to Kathmandu city through the Prithvi Highway. Along the way, you will get to observe the views of hills, green farms, and rivers. You will stop along the highway at a local restaurant for lunch and snacks. For easier and quicker travel, you can opt to take a flight to Kathmandu as well.
Note: If you are tired of the trek and drive to Pokhara on the previous day. You can stroll around Pokhara in the morning and take the flight to Kathmandu in the afternoon.
Note: You can either take a private or public vehicle or fly out of Pokhara. It takes around 25 to 30 minutes to reach Kathmandu by flight.
Trek Distance 11.50km / 7.1miles
Highest Altitude 3,210m / 10,525ft
Trek Duration 4hrs
Today, you will hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) viewpoint before dawn to catch the stunning views of dawn breaking at the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif. Poon Hill is one of the most popular photographic spots on this trail and possibly in the whole of Nepal. You will stay at Poon Hill, soaking in the natural beauty before heading back to Ghorepani, where you will enjoy your breakfast, and then head to Tadapani. You will be spending the night at Tadapani.
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You will be driven to the airport in due time to catch your flight (three hours prior to the scheduled departure). If you want you can extend your trip and explore more of the country. Choose from our vast range of itineraries or allow us to customize a tour for you.
Trek Distance 10km / 6.2miles
Highest Altitude 2,630m / 8,630ft
Trek Duration 6-7 hours
We begin our trek from Tadapani to Chomrong. After a delightful breakfast, we descend to the Kimron River from Ghandruk. From the way, you will get a glimpse of the marvelous Annapurna South and Mount Macchapucchre. Chomrong is a small yet majestically beautiful village situated in the middle of lush hills. It is also the starting point and popular stop for Annapurna Sanctuary and Annapurna Base Camp treks. Chomrong is vibrant with shops, lodges, and restaurants.
Trek Distance 12km / 7.4miles
Highest Altitude 2,890m / 9,425ft
Trek Duration 6-7 hrs
We commence this day early to cover a large trek distance. You will be enjoying the views of Chomrong Khola as you trek. Up ahead, you will reach a small village called Sinuwa that lies on top of a hill. The views get even better as you climb higher to Bamboo. From Bamboo, you will be trekking to Dovan. The path passes through rhododendron, bamboo, and oak forests. You will also be crossing several wooden bridges to reach Dovan. We will hike a few more hours from Dovan to reach the Himalaya, where we will halt for the night.
Trek Distance 12.5km / 7.7miles
Highest Altitude 4,130m / 13,550ft
Trek Duration 5 hrs
From Himalaya, trekking through a narrow gorge along the Modi Khola glacier, we head to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). We pass by a fascinating large overhanging rock known as Hinku Cave before we reach Deurali. The forest trail to the base camp is utterly wonderful, due to the existing diverse floras and faunas. As you move ahead, you will come across several Annapurna glaciers.
On the way to ABC, you will also stop for some time at Machhapuchhare Base Camp. From here, Macchhapucharre (Fishtail) looks spellbinding.
When you reach ABC, you will get dazzling views of Himchuli, Annapurna Massifs, Macchapucchre, Khansari Kang, and Gangapurna. Encircled by peaks above 6000m, we enjoy the chilly and majestic aura at the base of Annapurna mountain. With snow-capped mountains all around, the views are other-worldly. The prayer flags add a spiritual dimension to the whole trek. We will be spending the night at Annapurna Base Camp.
Trek Distance 14km / 8.6miles
Highest Altitude 4,130m / 13,550ft
Trek Duration 6hrs
We wake up early to enjoy the views of the sun kissing the snow mountains in front of us. Now, it is time to hike out of the Annapurna Sanctuary. We will trek back the same route we used to reach ABC and halt at Bamboo. The views of the mountains slowly diminish as we descend. Bamboo is a small yet enigmatic village. The cuisine here is pretty delicious. We can conclude our day with good food at Bamboo.
Trek Distance 8.5km / 5.2miles
Highest Altitude 2,350m / 7,700ft
Trek Duration 3-4 hrs.
We continue our hike on the same trail that took us to the Annapurna Base Camp. Our final stop for today is Jhinu Dada. The track is mostly downhill, which can put stress on your knees. The trail is gorgeous, but the hot spring we visit at the end of our day is even more exciting. Jhinu Dada has a natural hot spring. When you take a dip in the hot spring, it will relax you and make you forget all your physical and mental stress. It is the perfect way to conclude the trek around the Annapurna region. We will spend the night at Jhinu Danda.
Trek Distance 4km / 2.4miles
Highest Altitude 1,780m / 6,393ft
Trek Duration 3-4hrs
Driving Hours 2-3hrs
Today is the last day on the trails in the Annapurna circuit. You will trek back from Jhinu Danda to the plain dust road along the Modi Khola. This part of the trek is the most relaxing walk of the entire trek. When we reach Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi, we bid farewell to the majestic path and drive to Pokhara. The fun is yet to begin as Pokhara is the most happening city in Nepal. With the nightlife, boating, pubs, and bars, Pokhara offers all the luxury you would want.
Driving Distance 205km / 127miles
Time Duration 6-7 hrs
We conclude our trek in the Annapurna region and bid farewell to the mountains and the enchanting Pokhara. After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu on a tourist bus. It’s a 200 km route that first follows the Marsyangdi River and then the Trishuli River. Alternatively, you can fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu at your own cost, as the flight cost is not covered by this package. Your trek package completes in Kathmandu.
Friendship World Trek will drop you off at the airport in a private vehicle based on your flight schedule. We hope that you will have enjoyed your trek to the fullest.