Tatopani (1,189m) is a warm, subtropical village on the Kali Gandaki river where Annapurna Circuit trekkers traditionally stop after the high sections. The descent from Muktinath (3,760m) to Tatopani takes two days, dropping through increasingly lush vegetation as the valley narrows and the altitude drops. By the time you arrive in Tatopani, the temperature is comfortable, oranges hang on trees outside guesthouses, and the famous hot springs await.
The natural hot spring pools are right by the river, built into stone structures. They fill up in the evenings with trekkers rubbing sore muscles and comparing route notes over chang (local barley beer). The water is genuinely therapeutic — rich in minerals, very hot — and an hour here after several days at altitude feels remarkably restorative.
From Tatopani the circuit continues south to Ghasa and eventually to Nayapul or Birethanti, with the option to divert via Ghorepani and Poon Hill for the classic sunrise viewpoint before returning to Pokhara. Tatopani is also accessible by bus from Pokhara (5–6 hours), which makes it a popular weekend destination for Pokhara residents.