Welcome to Nepal! After you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Rainbow Adventure & Travel will greet you at the arrival area and transfer you from the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle. Once you check in, you can rest after your journey or head out for a gentle walk around Thamel—Kathmandu’s vibrant traveler district filled with trekking shops, cafés, and local culture. This first day is kept flexible and easy so you can settle in comfortably and prepare mentally for the mountain adventure ahead.

Today is a practical and important day before heading to the Annapurna region. You will meet your trekking and climbing team, review the itinerary in detail, and do a full gear check—making sure you have the right layers, boots, gloves, and personal items for both trekking and climbing. If anything is missing, Kathmandu is the best place to rent or buy quality equipment. If time permits, you can also enjoy optional sightseeing to cultural heritage sites, giving you a meaningful introduction to Nepal’s history and spiritual traditions before you enter the mountains.

In the morning, you drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar on a comfortable tourist vehicle. The road journey follows river valleys and rolling hills, passing local towns, terraced farmlands, and scenic roadside views. This day is a smooth transition from city to countryside and gives you a real taste of Nepal’s landscapes and daily life. After arriving, you settle into your lodge and enjoy a quiet evening at the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit.

Today you continue by mountain drive from Besisahar to Chame, heading deeper into the Marsyangdi Valley. The scenery becomes more dramatic—steeper hillsides, waterfalls spilling down cliffs, and pine forests replacing warmer lowland vegetation. As you gain altitude, the air gets cooler and the mountains feel closer. Chame is the administrative center of Manang, with a beautiful river setting and the first strong sense of high-Himalayan trekking atmosphere.

Your trekking begins with a scenic trail through pine forests and rocky cliffs, with the Marsyangdi River flowing beside you. The path is well-used and generally moderate, with a steady climb that helps your body start acclimatizing naturally. As you approach Pisang, the valley widens and offers striking views of high peaks and dramatic mountain walls. Pisang feels special because it marks a clear change into the higher Manang landscape—traditional stone houses, prayer flags, and the strong presence of Himalayan culture.

This day is famous for its scenery and cultural experience. You trek from Pisang to Manang, choosing the higher trail for better acclimatization and wide panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. The trail passes old monasteries and traditional villages where Buddhist culture is strong—mani walls, prayer wheels, and mountain rituals are part of daily life here. Arriving in Manang is exciting because it is the key acclimatization hub of the Annapurna Circuit and a lively mountain town with bakeries, tea houses, and incredible views.

A rest day doesn’t mean doing nothing—today is designed to help your body adapt safely for the climb and higher trekking days. You can take an acclimatization hike to a nearby viewpoint or explore the area around Gangapurna Lake. The trail is mostly gentle but includes some uphill sections to stimulate acclimatization. This day is important because proper adjustment at Manang increases your summit success and reduces altitude risk. In the afternoon, you can relax, hydrate well, and prepare for the expedition phase.

Today the adventure shifts toward the climbing route. You trek from Manang to Pisang Peak Base Camp, leaving the main circuit trail and moving into more alpine terrain. The path becomes quieter, with fewer trekkers and more expedition atmosphere. You’ll notice a change in scenery—less forest, more open slopes, rocky sections, and glacial views. Reaching base camp is special because it feels like a true mountaineering camp: tents, team coordination, and a clear goal ahead.

This is a crucial day for safety and confidence. Your climbing guide will teach you how to use essential climbing equipment such as harness, crampons, ice axe, helmet, and ascender. You will practice walking on snow or ice (depending on conditions), learn rope techniques, and review summit-day rules, pacing, and communication. Even if you are an experienced trekker, this training gives you the correct method and mindset for climbing in high altitude and makes the summit day smoother and safer.

You climb from Pisang Peak Base Camp to High Camp on steeper terrain, often over rocky ridges and alpine slopes. The route may include snow depending on season. This is a shorter day in distance but challenging due to altitude and the continuous climb. High camp is set in an exposed mountain environment with dramatic views. You will rest early, eat well, and prepare for a very early summit attempt.

Summit day is the most exciting and rewarding day of the trip. You start well before sunrise, climbing steadily using ropes where required. The trail condition can include snow slopes and ridge sections, and the pace is slow and steady due to altitude. Reaching the summit of Pisang Peak is a proud achievement, with panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the surrounding Himalayan range. After enjoying the summit moment and photos, you descend carefully back to base camp, where your team celebrates a successful climb.

This spare day is kept for weather or acclimatization issues. Mountain conditions can change quickly, and having a reserve day increases summit success significantly. If your summit is completed on the planned day, this day can be used for extra rest and recovery before continuing the Annapurna Circuit route.

After the expedition phase, you trek from base camp to Manang. The descent feels refreshing as oxygen improves and the body regains energy. You return to comfortable tea houses, warm meals, and a lively trekking atmosphere. This day is perfect for recovery, sharing stories, and enjoying the comfort of Manang after your summit success.

The trek continues from Manang to Yak Kharka on a gradual uphill trail across open alpine landscapes. The scenery becomes wider and more rugged, with yaks grazing in high pastures and impressive mountain views all around. The trail condition is generally steady and manageable, and this day is important because it keeps your acclimatization safe for Thorong La Pass.

A shorter but significant day as you approach the pass zone. The trail climbs gently with some steeper sections, and you’ll feel the altitude more strongly. Thorong Phedi is the classic base settlement below Thorong La, where trekkers rest, hydrate, and sleep early for the pass crossing. The evening is calm and focused—preparing mentally and physically for tomorrow’s big challenge.

A memorable and challenging day. You start early and climb steadily to Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in Nepal. The trail condition can be cold and windy, but the views from the top are spectacular. After reaching the pass, you descend a long way to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. This day is special because it combines adventure, achievement, and cultural meaning all in one.

After breakfast, drive from Muktinath to Jomsom through the Kali Gandaki valley, known for its windswept landscapes and dramatic cliffs. The drive is scenic and comfortable, and it gives your legs a rest after the pass crossing. Jomsom is a busy mountain town with an airstrip, and it’s a great place to relax and celebrate the completion of your peak climb and high-pass trek.

Early in the morning, you take a scenic mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, deep river valleys, and rugged Himalayan terrain. After landing in Pokhara, our representative from Rainbow Adventure & Travel will transfer you from Pokhara airport to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free to relax after the long trekking and climbing journey. You can enjoy a gentle walk around Phewa Lake, have a good meal at Lakeside, or simply rest at the hotel and let your body recover in the warmer climate.

After breakfast, begin the comfortable overland journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu by VIP Luxury Sofa Seater Tourist Bus. The scenic drive follows rivers, rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and small Nepali towns, giving you one last look at Nepal’s countryside.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Rainbow Adventure & Travel will transfer you from the bus station to your hotel. The evening is free for rest, a farewell dinner, or last-minute souvenir shopping.

This day is reserved for relaxation and flexibility after your Himalayan adventure. You may choose to shop for souvenirs in Thamel or Durbar Marg, relax at your hotel, or explore Kathmandu’s cultural heritage sites such as temples, stupas, and old city squares (optional and at additional cost).

This buffer day is also useful in case of any travel delays and allows you to end the trip at a relaxed pace.

A representative from Rainbow Adventure & Travel will transfer you from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your scheduled international flight.

Optional trip extensions available such as Chitwan jungle safari, Pokhara sightseeing, Lumbini tour, mountain flight, or Nagarkot sunrise stay.