Annapurna Highlights Trek

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft), where a representative from Jagadamba Holidays Nepal will warmly welcome you with traditional marigold garlands and assist with your transfer to your hotel in Thamel. After check-in, take time to relax and recover from your journey or explore the vibrant streets of Kathmandu at your own pace.

As the cultural and historical heart of Nepal, Kathmandu offers a fascinating blend of ancient temples, Buddhist stupas, traditional architecture, lively markets and everyday local life. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine, visit nearby attractions, browse the colourful streets of Thamel, or simply unwind at the hotel.

Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House or a similar-category hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu, in a deluxe twin-sharing room with a private bathroom. Breakfast is included.

Optional Evening Activities in Kathmandu – Depending on Your Arrival Time

Depending on your arrival time in Nepal, you may choose one of the following optional evening experiences to begin discovering Kathmandu:

Option 1: Pashupatinath Temple & Evening Aarti

Visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and experience the atmospheric evening Pashupati Aarti along the Bagmati River. The ceremony features traditional music, devotional rituals and illuminated oil lamps, offering a fascinating introduction to Nepal's living Hindu traditions.

Option 2: Rickshaw or Walking Tour to Kathmandu Durbar Square

Enjoy a short rickshaw ride or walking tour through the historic streets of Kathmandu to Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur). Explore the surrounding courtyards, temples and traditional architecture before returning on foot through the lively local streets. Along the way, experience Asan Bazaar, one of Kathmandu's oldest and busiest traditional markets, filled with spices, fresh produce, textiles, handicrafts and everyday local life.

Both options are optional and not included in the standard itinerary. Your choice can be made according to your arrival time, interests and energy level.

After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu Airport for your morning flight to Pokhara, scheduled around 8:00–9:00 AM. The short domestic flight takes approximately 25–30 minutes and offers an exciting introduction to your Himalayan adventure, with spectacular views of the Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges on clear days. Flying to Pokhara saves considerable travel time compared with driving and allows you to begin your trek comfortably on the same day.

Upon arrival at Pokhara Airport, meet your driver and porter, who will assist with your luggage before driving to Kande, approximately 30 km from Pokhara. The drive takes around 1 hour, following a scenic route through the hills and countryside toward the trekking trailhead. As you leave the city behind, the landscape gradually changes to peaceful villages, terraced fields and forested hills, creating a pleasant transition from the city to the Himalayan foothills.

From Kande, begin your trek toward Pitam Deurali, following a scenic mountain trail through beautiful rhododendron and mixed forests, traditional villages and terraced farmland. The route gradually climbs toward Australian Camp, a popular viewpoint known for its panoramic Himalayan scenery, before continuing through Pothana toward Pitam Deurali. Today’s trek covers approximately 5.5 km, with around 490 m of ascent and 100 m of descent, and takes approximately 4–5 hours, depending on your walking pace and trail conditions.

Arrive at Pitam Deurali in the afternoon and settle into New Laligurans Guest House, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings. Accommodation is provided on a twin-sharing basis with a shared bathroom at the lodge. The lodge will provide breakfast and dinner, while lunch will be served at a suitable local lodge or restaurant along the trekking route during the day.

After breakfast at the lodge, begin your trek from Pitam Deurali (2,100 m) to Rest Camp (2,600 m), following a scenic trail through beautiful rhododendron and mixed forests. The route gradually climbs through peaceful woodland, with occasional openings in the forest revealing views of the surrounding hills and Himalayan landscape. In spring, the rhododendron forests are particularly colourful, adding to the beauty of the trail.

As you continue higher, the landscape becomes quieter and more alpine, with the trail winding through forested slopes and natural clearings. The steady ascent provides a good introduction to the higher sections of the Mardi Himal trekking route. On clear days, you may catch glimpses of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South and other peaks through the trees and across the surrounding valleys.

The trek from Pitam Deurali to Rest Camp covers approximately 9.5 km and takes around 6–7 hours, depending on your walking pace and trail conditions. The trail involves approximately 600 m of ascent and 140 m of descent, reaching Rest Camp at 2,600 m. Although there are several uphill sections, the combination of quiet forest trails, mountain scenery and changing vegetation makes this a rewarding day of trekking.

Arrive at Rest Camp (2,600 m) in the afternoon and settle into Hotel Rhythm Guest House. Accommodation is provided on a twin-sharing basis with a shared bathroom. The lodge will provide breakfast and dinner, while lunch will be served at a suitable local lodge or restaurant along the trekking route during the day. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the peaceful mountain surroundings and prepare for the next stage of your Mardi Himal adventure.

After breakfast at the lodge, begin your trek from Rest Camp (2,600 m) to High Camp (3,550 m), following a scenic trail through beautiful rhododendron and alpine forests. The route gradually climbs higher along forested slopes, with the landscape becoming more open as you approach the upper sections of the Mardi Himal trekking route.

As you continue ascending, the vegetation becomes sparser and the surroundings take on a more alpine character. The trail passes through natural clearings and open ridges, offering increasingly impressive views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The steady climb provides a rewarding transition from the forested lower sections to the high mountain landscape around High Camp.

The trek from Rest Camp to High Camp covers approximately 6.5 km and takes around 5–6 hours, depending on your walking pace and trail conditions. The trail involves approximately 920 m of ascent and 50 m of descent, reaching High Camp at 3,550 m. Although the ascent is relatively steep in sections, the spectacular mountain scenery and changing landscape make this an exciting and memorable day on the Mardi Himal trekking route.

Arrive at High Camp (3,550 m) in the afternoon and settle into Heaven View Guest House. Accommodation is provided on a twin-sharing basis with a shared bathroom. The lodge will provide breakfast and dinner, while lunch will be served at a suitable local lodge or restaurant along the trekking route during the day. Enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings and prepare for the next stage of your Mardi Himal adventure.

After an early breakfast at the lodge, begin your hike from High Camp (3,550 m) to Mardi Himal View Point (4,200 m). The trail follows a scenic mountain ridge, gradually climbing above the tree line into a rugged alpine landscape. As you ascend, the views become increasingly expansive, with spectacular panoramas of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Continue towards the Mardi Himal View Point (4,200 m), one of the most scenic highlights of the trek. The higher you climb, the more dramatic the mountain scenery becomes, with open ridges and wide Himalayan vistas. Depending on weather and trail conditions, you can enjoy clear views across the Annapurna range before beginning the descent back towards High Camp.

After spending time at the viewpoint, retrace the trail towards High Camp and continue descending through the changing mountain landscape towards Low Camp (2,970 m). The trail gradually becomes greener as you lose altitude, passing through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests. The long descent offers a different perspective of the landscape and provides a pleasant contrast to the morning's high-altitude hike.

The trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal View Point and onward to Low Camp covers approximately 11 km and takes around 8–9 hours, depending on your walking pace, weather and trail conditions. The day involves approximately 490 m of ascent and 1,020 m of descent, reaching Low Camp at 2,970 m. Although this is a long and demanding trekking day, the combination of the Mardi Himal View Point, Himalayan panoramas and scenic descent through changing landscapes makes it one of the highlights of the Mardi Himal trek.

Arrive at Low Camp (2,970 m) in the afternoon and settle into Hotel Moonlight. Accommodation is provided on a twin-sharing basis with a shared bathroom. The lodge will provide breakfast and dinner, while lunch will be served at a suitable local lodge or restaurant along the trekking route during the day. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the peaceful mountain surroundings after the rewarding hike to Mardi Himal View Point.

After breakfast at the lodge, begin your trek from Low Camp (2,970 m) to Landruk (1,565 m), following a scenic trail through peaceful rhododendron and mixed forests. The route gradually descends through the forest, with occasional openings offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills and Himalayan landscape. The trail passes through Forest Camp, adding a scenic highlight to the day's journey.

As you continue trekking, the landscape changes from alpine forest to greener hills and traditional mountain settlements. The trail passes through quiet woodland and scenic ridges before descending towards Landruk, a beautiful Gurung village known for its traditional houses, terraced fields and welcoming local culture. On clear days, you can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and valleys along the way.

The trek from Low Camp to Landruk covers approximately 12.3 km and takes around 5–6 hours, depending on your walking pace and trail conditions. The trail involves approximately 570 m of ascent and 660 m of descent, reaching Landruk at 1,565 m. The combination of forest trails, mountain scenery, terraced landscapes and Gurung culture makes this a rewarding section of the Mardi Himal trekking route.

Arrive at Landruk (1,565 m) in the afternoon and settle into Maya Guest House. Accommodation is provided on a twin-sharing basis with a shared bathroom. The lodge will provide breakfast and dinner, while lunch will be served at a suitable local lodge or restaurant along the trekking route during the day. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the peaceful Gurung village of Landruk and take in the surrounding mountain scenery.

After breakfast at the lodge, begin your trek from Landruk (1,565 m) to Tadapani (2,630 m), following a scenic trail through traditional villages, terraced hillsides and beautiful rhododendron and mixed forests. The route gradually climbs towards Ghandruk, one of the best-known Gurung villages in the Annapurna region, with views of the surrounding hills and mountains along the way.

Continue from Ghandruk towards Tadapani, following peaceful forest trails surrounded by rhododendron and oak trees. As you gain altitude, the Himalayan scenery becomes increasingly impressive, with possible views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and other Himalayan peaks on clear days. The changing landscape and traditional mountain villages make this a rewarding section of the Annapurna trekking route.

The trek from Landruk to Tadapani via Ghandruk covers approximately 10 km and takes around 6–7 hours, depending on your walking pace and trail conditions. The trail involves approximately 1,350 m of ascent and 300 m of descent, reaching Tadapani at 2,630 m. The combination of Gurung culture, terraced landscapes, rhododendron forests and Himalayan mountain views makes this a memorable day of trekking.

Arrive at Tadapani (2,630 m) in the afternoon and settle into Fishtail View Top Lodge. Accommodation is provided on a twin-sharing basis with a shared bathroom. The lodge will provide breakfast and dinner, while lunch will be served at a suitable local lodge or restaurant along the trekking route during the day. Enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by the peaceful forest and mountain landscape, and prepare for the next stage of your Annapurna adventure.

After breakfast at the lodge, begin your Tadapani to Dobato trek, following a scenic trail through beautiful rhododendron and mixed forests. The route gradually climbs through peaceful woodland and along mountain ridges, with occasional openings offering views of the surrounding hills and Himalayan landscape.

As you continue towards Dobato, the trail becomes more alpine, with changing vegetation and increasingly open mountain scenery. On clear days, you may enjoy views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and other Himalayan peaks. The peaceful forest trail and spectacular mountain surroundings make this a rewarding section of the Annapurna trekking route.

The trek from Tadapani to Dobato covers approximately 6 km and takes around 3–4 hours, depending on your walking pace and trail conditions. The trail involves approximately 810 m of ascent and 30 m of descent, reaching Dobato at 3,426 m. Although the distance is relatively short, the steady uphill sections make this a moderately demanding day of trekking.

Arrive at Dobato (3,426 m) in the afternoon and settle into Hotel Mount Lucky. Accommodation is provided on a twin-sharing basis with a shared bathroom. The lodge will provide breakfast and dinner, while lunch will be served at a suitable local lodge or restaurant along the trekking route during the day. Enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings and prepare for the next stage of your Annapurna adventure.

After an early breakfast at the lodge, begin your day with an optional Muldai Hill Sunrise Hike, offering spectacular early-morning views across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After enjoying the sunrise and panoramic mountain scenery, return to Dobato and continue your trek towards Chistibung.

The trail gradually descends through beautiful rhododendron and mixed forests, with occasional uphill sections along scenic ridges and forested slopes. As you continue towards Chistibung, the landscape becomes greener and more peaceful, with changing vegetation and beautiful views of the surrounding hills. On clear days, you may see Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri and other Himalayan peaks.

The Dobato to Chistibung trek covers approximately 9 km, including the Muldai Hill Sunrise Hike, and takes around 5–6 hours for the main trek, depending on your walking pace and trail conditions. The optional sunrise hike is an additional early-morning activity. The trail involves approximately 340 m of ascent and 840 m of descent, reaching Chistibung at 3,026 m. The combination of a spectacular Himalayan sunrise, peaceful forest trails and mountain scenery makes this a memorable day of trekking.

Arrive at Chistibung (3,026 m) in the afternoon and settle into Hotel Rock Land. Accommodation is provided on a twin-sharing basis with a shared bathroom. The lodge will provide breakfast and dinner, while lunch will be served at a suitable local lodge or restaurant along the trekking route during the day. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the peaceful mountain surroundings and prepare for the next stage of your Annapurna adventure.

After breakfast at the lodge, begin your Chistibung to Khopra Danda trek, following a scenic uphill trail through beautiful rhododendron and alpine forests. The route gradually climbs towards the higher ridges, with the landscape becoming more open as you gain altitude. Along the way, enjoy peaceful mountain surroundings and views across the surrounding valleys.

As you continue higher, the trail emerges from the forest and follows open mountain slopes towards Khopra Danda (3,660 m). The increasingly expansive views are one of the highlights of this section of the Khopra Ridge Trek. On clear days, you can enjoy spectacular panoramas of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Fang, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and other Himalayan peaks.

The trek from Chistibung to Khopra Danda covers approximately 4 km and takes around 3–4 hours, depending on your walking pace and trail conditions. The trail involves approximately 650 m of ascent and 30 m of descent, reaching Khopra Danda at 3,660 m. Although the distance is relatively short, the steady uphill climb makes this a rewarding day of trekking, with increasingly impressive mountain views as you approach the ridge.

Arrive at Khopra Danda (3,660 m) in the afternoon and settle into Khopra Co-operative Lodge. Accommodation is provided on a twin-sharing basis with a shared bathroom. The lodge will provide breakfast and dinner, while lunch will be served at a suitable local lodge or restaurant along the trekking route during the day. Enjoy the peaceful high-altitude surroundings and spectacular Himalayan panorama views from Khopra Danda.

Khopra Danda Rest Day – Optional Hike & Mountain Views

Khopra Danda to Swanta Trek – Scenic Mountain Village Trail

Swanta to Ghorepani Trek – Chitre & Rhododendron Forests

Poon Hill Sunrise Hike, Ghorepani to Hile Trek & Drive to Pokhara

Pokhara Leisure Day – Lakeside Relaxation & Exploration

Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus – Scenic Journey Through Nepal

Kathmandu Leisure Day – Optional Sightseeing & Exploration

Kathmandu International Departure – Farewell & Airport Transfer