This trek is one of contrasts between the green terraced farmland of the Marshyangdi valley and the semi-arid environs of Manang and Lower Mustang. The two areas are separated by the Thorong La (5416m) which we must cross on a long day, to reach the sacred site of Muktinath. The temple complex is a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists and when seen from here the sunrise on Dhaulagiri is particularly striking. We descend into the world's deepest river gorge, carved by the mighty Kali Gandaki, as it slices between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. The river is followed to the relaxing hot springs at Tatopani before ascending to Poon Hill for our last sunrise over the Annapurnas. We have two days in Pokhara to relax by the lakeside before flying alongside the Himalayas to Kathmandu.

Trek grade moderate/demanding,
Maximum altitude - 5416m

	Annapurna Circuit (Route Map )