Last month, I completed one of the most exciting treks in Nepal — the Annapurna Circuit. It was a long but beautiful walk through villages, rivers, forests, and high mountain passes. We started our adventure from the capital city, so this article is all about Annapurna Circuit trekking from Kathmandu. If you’re planning this trek, you’ll get a good idea of what to expect, how to begin, and what makes this journey so special.
I had a few trekking friends with me. We all wanted a big adventure, and the Annapurna Circuit gave us everything we hoped for and more.
Starting Point – Kathmandu to Besisahar
We began our journey in Kathmandu. The city is always busy, full of sounds, colors, and people. After organizing our gear and permits, we took a local bus to Besisahar. The ride was bumpy but fun, and it took about 7 to 8 hours. Besisahar is the traditional starting point of the trek. From here, we felt the real adventure was about to begin.
We stayed in a simple lodge that night and rested well for the walk ahead.
Into the Hills – Besisahar to Manang
From Besisahar, we started walking. The first few days of the trek took us through small villages, rice fields, waterfalls, and forest trails. The air was fresh, and the people were kind. Every stop had a small teahouse where we could eat and rest.
As we climbed higher, we reached places like Chame and Pisang. The mountain views began to open up, and we saw peaks like Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. We took our time and stayed safe.
Soon we reached Manang, a lovely mountain town at around 3,500 meters. We stayed there for an extra day to help our bodies adjust to the altitude. It was a good place to rest and explore. We visited a local monastery and watched the yaks grazing nearby.
The Big Climb – Manang to Thorong La Pass
After Manang, the trail became more challenging. The air got thinner, and we had to walk slowly. We stopped at Yak Kharka and then Thorong Phedi. The night before the big pass, we went to bed early, feeling both nervous and excited.
The next morning, we left early and began climbing up to Thorong La Pass. It’s the highest point of the trek, at 5,416 meters. It was cold and windy, but the views were amazing. When we reached the top, we were so happy. We took photos near the pass sign and shared hugs. It was one of the proudest moments of our lives.
Down to Muktinath and Beyond
From the top, we began walking down to Muktinath. It is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. We stayed there for a night, visited the temple, and then continued our journey through the Kali Gandaki Valley.
We passed through Jomsom, Marpha, and Tatopani. The scenery changed again — now we saw apple orchards, wide valleys, and rivers. We also enjoyed a relaxing time in the natural hot springs in Tatopani.
Ending the Trek – Drive Back to Pokhara and Then Kathmandu
We ended our trek in a village called Nayapul. From there, we took a jeep to Pokhara. After a night by the lake, we returned to Kathmandu by tourist bus. The ride took about 6 to 7 hours.
The whole trip — from Kathmandu to the mountains and back — felt like a full circle. We saw so many places, met many people, and made memories that will stay with us forever.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about Annapurna Circuit trekking from Kathmandu, I highly recommend it. This trek is full of beauty, culture, and real adventure. It takes time and effort, but the reward is worth it. Start in Kathmandu, plan your days well, and enjoy each step of the way.
This journey taught us to walk slow, breathe deep, and appreciate the simple things in life. We returned home tired but full of joy. If you love the mountains, this trek is waiting for you.
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