Nepal: Walking in the Annapurna Highlands

Depart the UK for your overnight flight to Kathmandu. 

Your local Tour Manager will be waiting to greet you on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. We’ll transfer to our hotel, where there’ll be time to relax after the journey before gathering in the evening for a welcome briefing and dinner. 

Accommodation: Hotel Shanker 

Today we visit Bhaktapur, one of the Kathmandu Valley’s three ancient royal cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its beautifully preserved temples, courtyards, and brick-paved lanes, Bhaktapur offers a fascinating introduction to traditional Newari culture and architecture. 

We’ll wander through Durbar Square, admire the five-storey Nyatapola Temple, and see local artisans at work in pottery and woodcarving workshops. Lunch will be served at a local Newari restaurant, giving us the chance to sample authentic regional dishes before returning to Kathmandu in the afternoon. 

Accommodation: Hotel Shanker 

Leaving Kathmandu behind, we follow the Prithvi Highway westwards, travelling alongside rivers, terraced hillsides, and rural settlements before climbing to the hilltop town of Bandipur. 

Once an important stop on the India–Tibet trade route, Bandipur is now known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautifully preserved Newari architecture. After lunch and time to explore its cobbled streets, we’ll walk to the temple viewpoint above town for sunset views across the Himalaya. On a clear day, you may see the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Langtang ranges. 

Accommodation: Bandipur Village Inn 

After breakfast, we set out on a guided countryside walk from Bandipur to Ramkot Village, passing through terraced farmland, forest trails, and traditional hillside settlements. 

Along the way, we’ll gain an insight into Magar culture, rural lifestyles, and local farming practices, with panoramic Himalayan views as a memorable backdrop. We return to Bandipur for lunch before taking a short walk to a local silk farm to learn about traditional silk farming and weaving. There’ll also be time to meet members of the local community and hear more about rural livelihoods and cottage industries. 

Later, enjoy free time to relax, explore Bandipur’s cafés, or soak up the peaceful hilltop atmosphere. 

Accommodation: Bandipur Village Inn 

Today we journey north into the Annapurna region, following the Marsyangdi River upstream through increasingly dramatic mountain scenery. 

The road climbs steadily through villages, pine forests, and narrow river valleys as snow-capped peaks begin to dominate the skyline. By the time we reach Chame, the administrative centre of the Manang district, the air is noticeably cooler and thinner. Surrounded by forests and towering Himalayan walls, Chame marks the start of our high mountain adventure. 

Accommodation: Hotel White Stupa 

Distance: 15km / 9.5 miles 

Ascent: 650m / 2,150 feet 

Our trek begins with a gradual ascent along a dirt trail beside the Marsyangdi River, with short, steeper sections through pine and fir forests. 

Crossing suspension bridges and passing small settlements, we’ll notice the valley gradually widening as the scenery becomes increasingly alpine. The trail eventually climbs steeply to Upper Pisang, a traditional Tibetan-style village perched above the valley floor, with magnificent views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. 

The village’s ancient monastery and stone-built houses reflect the strong Tibetan Buddhist culture of the region and mark our arrival into the upper Manang district. 

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Alpine 

Distance: 10km  / 6 miles 

Ascent: 360m / 1,150 feet 

This morning begins gently as we leave the village, passing ancient houses and prayer wheels on our way down to beautiful Green Lake. 

After a further gentle section, we cross a short suspension bridge before the path climbs steeply to Ghyaru, where we stop for lunch. Later, we follow the high trail to Ngawal, a peaceful village known for its far-reaching views of Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, and the Marsyangdi Valley. 

Ghyaru and Ngawal are rich in Tibetan culture, with ancient monasteries and traditional stone houses. Many local people live a semi-nomadic lifestyle, herding yaks and cultivating barley. 

Accommodation: Ngawal Cottage 

Distance: 5km /  3 miles 

Ascent: 400m / 1,300 feet 

Today’s walk takes us above Ngawal towards old trans-Himalayan trade routes and viewpoints looking out towards the remote landscapes leading to the Larke La region. 

The trail crosses open hillsides, yak-grazing pastures, and rugged alpine terrain, with expansive views across the Annapurna range and upper Marsyangdi Valley. After taking time to enjoy the scenery and allowing our bodies to adjust to the altitude, we descend back to Ngawal for a relaxed afternoon. 

Accommodation: Ngawal Cottage 

Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles 

Ascent: 240m / 750 feet 

A beautiful scenic walk brings us to the famous village of Manang. The trail contours across wide-open landscapes with uninterrupted mountain views before descending gradually into the broad Manang Valley. 

Along the way, we pass ancient monasteries, juniper forests, and small seasonal settlements. Arriving in Manang in time for lunch gives us the afternoon to explore the village’s stone alleyways, traditional architecture, and monasteries. Alternatively, you may prefer to simply relax at one of the village’s excellent coffee shops and take in the views. 

Surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers, Manang is one of the highlights of the Annapurna region. 

Accommodation: Hotel Tilicho 

Morning hike to Praken Gompa:

Distance: 5km / 3 miles

Ascent: 220m /  750 feet  

Cho Ngkor viewpoint: 

Distance: 5km / 3 miles

Ascent : 420m / 1,400 feet 

Today we explore the area around Manang, with walks that offer spectacular views from both sides of the valley. 

In the morning, we climb steadily to the retreat cave where the highly revered monk Geshe Lama Konchog meditated. The cave offers excellent views across Manang, the valley, and the surrounding peaks. We will also visit Praken Gompa, an ancient cliff-side monastery. 

After lunch, we cross the river and climb gently to the Cho Ngkor viewpoint, a beautiful ridge overlooking the Gangapurna Glacier and Annapurna range. Returning to Manang afterwards, there’ll be time to rest and enjoy the atmosphere of this unique mountain settlement. 

Both walks provide valuable acclimatisation ahead of tomorrow’s hike to Ice Lake. 

Accommodation: Hotel Tilicho

Distance: 14km / 8.5 miles 

Ascent: 1,140m / 3,750 feet 

Today is one of the most rewarding hikes of the trip and our final opportunity to trek among the mighty Himalayan peaks. 

Leaving early with packed lunches, we ascend steadily through alpine meadows and rocky slopes towards spectacular Ice Lake, known locally as Kicho Tal. As we gain height, the views become increasingly dramatic, with sweeping panoramas of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Chulu East. 

The turquoise lake sits high beneath the surrounding peaks and is considered sacred by local communities. After time to enjoy the setting and take in the views, we descend carefully back to Manang. 

Accommodation: Hotel Tilicho 

Today we leave the high mountains behind and retrace our route by road through the Marsyangdi Valley to the busy hill town of Besisahar. 

The journey passes waterfalls, pine forests, terraced farmland, and villages as the landscape gradually changes from alpine terrain to lush mid-hills. Although long and at times bumpy, the drive offers a final look at the dramatic scenery of the Annapurna region. 

Accommodation: Gateway Himalaya  

After breakfast, we continue our journey back to Kathmandu via the scenic Prithvi Highway, arriving in time for lunch and the chance to rest before our final evening in Nepal. 

In the late afternoon, we visit Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas in the world. It is also the spiritual centre of Nepal’s Tibetan community. Prayer flags flutter overhead as monks and pilgrims circle the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras. 

In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner overlooking the stupa and celebrate our journey together. 

Accommodation: Hotel Shanker 

After breakfast, we return to Tribhuvan International Airport for our flight home.