Kathmandu – A city of constrasts

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is quite literally an experience in itself. From vibrant streets to iconic temples like Pashupatinath and Boudhanath, the city has something special for everyone. On one hand, trekkers and tourists alike can explore the chaotic markets of Thamel, shop for trekking gear and mountaineering essentials. On the other hand, the city offers multi-cuisine cafés, restaurants, and an extraordinary nightlife with a completely different vibe!

For any trek in Nepal, it is ideal to spend at least one night in Kathmandu. The reason is quite simple: it gives you a chance to shop for last-minute essentials and get some rest before beginning an epic adventure. However, even if you don’t need either of these, we highly recommend spending at least a day exploring the city. We promise you, it will only add to your experience of what Nepal has to offer!

Road Journey: From Kathmandu to Manang & Muktinath to Pokhara

The journey from Besisahar to Manang is an adventure in itself. The road winds through mountain villages, follows the Marsyangdi River, and crosses increasingly rugged terrain as you travel deeper into the Himalayas. Long stretches of rough roads and off-road driving make the journey slow, but the changing scenery keeps it interesting. It also offers a glimpse of how road connectivity has transformed the traditional Annapurna Circuit Trek over the years.

On the other hand, the drive from Muktinath to Pokhara is a beautiful transition from the dry, rugged landscapes of Mustang to the greener hills and valleys of central Nepal. After days of being surrounded by high-altitude mountains, this drive gradually takes you through river valleys and traditional villages through mountain roads, eventually leading you closer to civilization towards the city of Pokhara.

Manang

Manang is one of those Himalayan villages where you could easily spend a few extra days without getting bored. Surrounded by the magnificent Annapurna peaks, it offers a beautiful mix of traditional mountain life and cosy cafés. We spent two days here acclimatizing, exploring the surrounding trails, and enjoying cappuccinos and fresh apple pies. It was the perfect place to slow down before continuing our Annapurna Circuit adventure.

Yak Kharka

Yak Kharka offers a glimpse of the rugged, high-altitude landscape that defines the Annapurna Circuit. The settlements become smaller, the vegetation becomes sparse, and the surrounding mountains begin to dominate the scenery. It is also an important overnight stop for trekkers heading towards Thorong Phedi. After a long day on the trail, we enjoyed some well-deserved coffee and snacks before settling in for the night.

Tilicho Lake

At approximately 4,919 metres, Tilicho Lake is one of the most spectacular highlights of the Annapurna region. We started early in the morning and climbed steadily towards the lake, gaining considerable altitude along the way. In April, we found the lake completely frozen, creating a surreal landscape surrounded by towering Himalayan mountains. Standing beside this vast frozen lake was an unforgettable experience and well worth the effort it took to get there.

Thorong La Pass

At 5,416 metres, Thorong La Pass is one of the defining milestones of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Reaching the top requires an early start, patience, and a steady pace through the steep, high-altitude terrain. The prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze and the surrounding snow-covered peaks make the effort feel worthwhile. Standing at the pass is a moment of immense satisfaction, especially after hours of climbing in the thin mountain air.

Muktinath

After crossing Thorong La Pass, the long descent towards Muktinath brings a noticeable change in the landscape. The terrain gradually becomes drier and more rugged as you enter the Mustang region. Muktinath is known for its sacred temple, which holds deep religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. After the demanding pass crossing, arriving here feels like a fitting end to one of the most memorable sections of the Annapurna Circuit.

Pokhara

Unlike Kathmandu, Pokhara is far more scenic and offers plenty of opportunities for those looking for a stay closer to nature. Despite being a well-populated city and one of Nepal’s most popular destinations, Pokhara has a charm of its own! It has its busy streets and traffic issues, yes! But it also offers quiet lakeside spots where you can sit in silence, soak in the surroundings, and almost slip into a state of meditation.

The city has several serene spots around Phewa and Begnas Lakes, Pumdikot Temple, and the World Peace Pagoda. You can also head out on sunrise hikes to Sarangkot for stunning views. Bear in mind that these places are popular and attract plenty of tourists and locals alike! However, Pokhara also has an equally fascinating side for those willing to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. Places like Kahunkot Viewpoint, Vhalam Suspension Bridge, Tara Hilltop, and Hemjakot Village offer opportunities to discover quieter corners of the region.

Whether you’re looking to shop for souvenirs, browse clothing stores and thrift shops, enjoy local and international cuisine, or explore peaceful valleys away from the crowds, Pokhara is definitely worth stopping for!

Parting Thoughts

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of those adventures that will forever be etched in your memory. We’re quite confident that these pictures speak for themselves! This extraordinary journey is definitely not for the faint-hearted. The trail takes you to over 5,400 metres at Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The breathtaking views from the top make the grueling climb feel worth every step!

We hope these pictures have given you a glimpse of the incredible landscapes this trek has to offer. If you’d like to learn more about the route and what the journey is really like, here’s a first-hand account from one of our trekkers who completed the Annapurna Circuit Trek in April, 2026!