Annapurna Circuit Trek

Overview

This trip allows ample time to immerse you in the fantastic Himalayan environment. The Annapurna region offers an excellent trek through the huge Himalayan range with the high pass of Thorung-la at 5,416m (17700 ft).

The trek begins following the raging Marsyangdi River all the way to its source at near Manang, then leads through a beautiful valley following well established trails and passing traditional villages, forests, and snow covered passes. The walk continues with constant views of the massive mid Himalayan range along with its rich multi culture, Himalayan wildlife and serene verdant forest of oaks, rhododendron, hemlocks, pines, and Himalayan maple trees which remind you of the ever present beauty and majesty as you engage in your trek. The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular treks not only in Nepal but in the world, and the Kali Gandaki Valley is renowned as being Nepal’s most prosperous region. This is due in part to the Trans Himalayan & Salt Trade Route which passes through this region all the way to Tibet. This section of the area is surprisingly wild and scenically varied. There are many settlements and isolated lodges and tea houses, all with open areas surrounded by enchanting forest and impressive views. Again, this trek has gained its reputation as one of the most renowned treks in the world; and this is due in part to the incredible views of the of the three highest 8000m mountain range Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Mt. Manaslu, plus an array of over 6000m snow capped peaks.

The trek leads towards a glacial lake in Manang, through the rural farm villages, and terraced farm fields from the sub-tropic climate to the arctic landscape and through the rain forest to the alpine woodlands. The dramatic deep valleys and mountain scenery is the foremost reason for this trek, and the experience is truly awe-inspiring. Further north is inhabited by the Manang people of Tibetan origin. Our trek follows the Yak country and finally over to the Thorung-la, 5,420m pass with amazing views of the surrounding landscapes and magnificent peaks. After the strenuous walk up to the top of Thorung-la, we reach the highest point of this trek. The trail descends most of the way to Pokhara passing through the holy site of Muktinath.

Muktinath is the headwater source of the sacred Kali Gandaki River. The deepest gorge in the world is located here, due to the Kali Gandaki River. You will also pass the charming villages of Jomsom, Marpha-Tukuche, and Tatopani (hot spring). We end our trek at Pokhara, one of the most picturesque places on this earth.

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m) and Transfer to Hotel

  On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our staff, who will escort you to the hotel, where our Sherpa guide or the office staff will give you a brief orientation about the hotel, Kathmandu itself, trekking, and the do's and don’ts of the area. They will also review any additional information that you might require while in Nepal, including an overview of the next day's sightseeing tour. In the evening, you will enjoy a complimentary welcome dinner at one of the finest traditional Nepalese restaurants in Kathmandu, with the necessary transfer to and from the hotel by taxi, bus. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 2

  Kathmandu Sightseeing

  After your breakfast, you will precede to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you will tour the ancient palace, the temple of the Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal, Hanuman Dhoka, and Kasthamandav Temple with a guide knowledgeable about Nepalese history, architecture, and religion. From there, you will proceed by taxi, bus to the Buddhist site, Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the "Monkey Temple" because of its lively troops of resident monkeys. You will then visit Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest shrine for Hindus, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, a popular cremation site. Before returning to the hotel, you will visit Boudhnath Stupa, a Buddhist pilgrimage center and home to many colorful gompas, or monasteries. Once back at the hotel, you will receive a briefing about the trek and have a chance to meet your guides and ask any last minute questions before tomorrow morning's departure. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 3

  Drive to Dharapani via Besisahar

  We reach Chamje from Kathmandu via Besisahar (760m) along road dominated by wild hairpin bends, to commence the trek. To start with most of the trail is fairly flat until just after Besisahar when the track narrows and the valley becomes a deep river gorge and when reaches Besisahar and permit clearance, we further drive to Dharapani passing Bulbule, Syange, Jagat, Chamje and Tal. Before building the road up to Manang, we used to start trek from Besisahar and Bulbule, Syange, Jagat were the campsites. Some of the trekkers still start trek from Besisahar or Bulbule and follow the same route.Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge

• Day 4

  Trek to Chame

  This section of the trail offers rough and rocky climbing up to Tyanja at 2360m and then continues through pine and fir forest up to Chame (2685m.). Here is the headquarters of the Manang district. There are fine views of Annapurna II from Chame. Evening time explores the market and visit small natural hot spring and you can take a bath. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge

• Day 5

  Trek to Pisang

  The trail runs through deep forest in a steep and narrow valley, crossing a river on a long bridge at 3040m. Nearing the village of Pisang one has a view of the whole of the Manang valley, a wide U-shaped valley between two huge snow peaks. Lunch will serving at Dhukur Pokhari the perfect view of Mountain and pine forest. After an hour walk reaches at Lower Pisang and overnight at Hotel. You can visit same day to Upper Pisang village looks Tibetan types of houses and traditional people and finest monastery with amazing view of Annapurna range. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 6

  Trek to Manang

  The trail climbs a steep ridge that extends into the valley. At the top of this spot are excellent views of the Manang valley, Humde airport with Tilicho peak (7132 m.) at its head and a view backing to Pisang peak (one of the famous trekking peak in Annapurna). The trail crosses the Marsyangdi on a large wooden bridge near Mungji at 3360 m then traverses to Bryaga, a Tibetan style village consisting of about 200 houses stacked one atop another, each with an open veranda and monastery. You can find some fine hotels as well. Few hundred meters further to reach at Manang village and Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 7

  Acclimatization day at Manang

  One should spend a day in Manang village to acclimatize and explore Manang. From the village of about 500 flat roofed houses one has excellent views of the Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna Lake. This day you have chance to Visit either Hundred rupees Lama or Gangapurna Glacier Lake with Village. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 8

  Trek to Yak Kharka

  The trek now begins an ascent of almost 2000 m to Thorung La. From Manang village the trail crosses a stream before climbing to Tenki Manang. We then continue to climb the Marsyangdi valley, passing the small village of Gunsang may have stop for tea or drinks for the Himalayan scene. After crossing a large stream that flows from Chulu west and Gundang, the trail passes an ancient Mani wall in a pleasant meadow at 4000 m. beyond here is Yak Kharka, also known as Koche. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 9

  Trek to Thorong Phedi

  After an hour we reach Letdar (4250m). From Letdar the trail continues to climb along the east bank of the Jorsang Khola, then descends and crosses the stream on a wooden bridge at 4310 meters. After making a short ascent on a good trail to a teashop, the route then follows a narrow path across a high, unstable slope before heading to Thorong Phedi. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 10

  Trek to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass(5410m)

  Phedi, which means ‘foot of the hill’, is a common Nepali name for any settlement at the bottom of a long climb. The trail becomes steepest immediately after leaving Thorung Phedi, and takes four to five hours from Thorung Phedi to the pass. Thorung-La pass with its traditional Chorten prayer flags is at an elevation of 5,416 m. which is the highest point during your trip. The views from the trail and from the pass itself are of outstanding high Himalayan scenery. One can see to the South the entire Annapurna range, a heavily glaciated peak, the barren Kaligandaki valley far below to the West and the peak of Thorungtse (6,482 m.) to the north. The trail descends to Muktinath with a nice mountain desert view of Upper Mustang part from here. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 11

  Trek to Kagbeni

  We will wake early in the morning to the divine sound of a temple bell, and visit the famous pilgrimage center to Muktinath Temple area. After breakfast, it is an easy trek down to Kagbeni. The trail descends very quickly to the valley floor. The descent is through a dramatic, arid landscape all the way to Kagbeni. To reach Kagbeni one must travel on either side of the Kali Gandaki River. The left fork continues up the river to Kagbeni. Late afternoon, we will visit a two hundred years old monastery, and visit the small alley ways in the village. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 12

  Trek to Marpha

  After few hours walk from Kagbeni one reaches Jomsom, a large town and a headquarters of the Mustang region with an airstrip just above the Kali Gandaki River. It is yet another major village on the Kali Gandaki area linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, but the path continues following downstream of Kali Gandaki with different views of mountain and sandy path. Another two hours of easy walking from Jomsom towards south east brings you at Marpha for the overnight stop. Marpha is a little gem, with whitewashed houses, paved streets and numerous well kept lodges. Here you will have time to celebrate with the local apple products like cider, brandy, and juice produced from the orchards of this area from that Kagbeni to Larjung is famous for. Visit Marpha village with Monastery, Apple Brandy factory and around. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 13

  Drive to Tatopani

  Dramatic changes of vegetation from dry arid desert to pine & conifer forests can he found while passing between Dhaulagiri & Annapurna region. Passing through Kalopani, magnificent views of Annapurna range can be seen. The road goes along Kaligandaki valley passing traditional villages Tukuche and Larjung. It then crosses the river back to the west side via a series of temporary bridges just before Kalopani (a small Thakali village) at 2,590 m. This is a best view point for Mt. Dhaulagiri and only one place to catch in your eye along whole circuit. This is long and tidy Thakali village with a Dhaulagiri technical school. Kalopani, another lovely village of more than 20 houses with excellent tea houses and lodge with grandeur view of Mt. Annapurna I, Nilgiri's and Dhaulagiri above the beautiful forest surrounding.Drive from Kalopani onwards leads to a dramatic change in the vegetation, from dry, arid desert to pine and conifer forests, as we pass between two giant peaks of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna ranges. The road passes through the village of Rupsi with its beautiful waterfall and Dana, situated near the deepest gorge of the world between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. By the lunch time, you will reach at Tatopani. From Tatopani the view of Mt. Nilgiri is magnificent. Natural hot spring bathing is a main attraction at Tatopani. Tato is ‘hot’ and pani is ‘water’ in Nepali. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 14

  Trek to Shikha

  After a wonderful time at Tatopani and in its warm pool, our trek continues towards east on the gradual trail for an hour crossing a suspension bridge over the Kali Gandaki river, the path leads by the river for a while just arriving at the junction of the two trails, the other wide path follows the river all the way to Beni. Our route diverts from here taking the uphill climb, the first uphill to a ridge is quite steep, where there is a small tea house, from here ahead of us lies a steep terraced hillside, dotted with farms and villages, from this spot a gradual climb leads us most of the day to the Magar / Gurung village of Sikha for the overnight stop at Sikha, with a view of terrace field and landscapes. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 15

  Trek to Ghorepani

  From here it’s a gradual climb for most of the way, leaving behind the terraced fields walking in the dense rhododendron forests and reaching to the village of Ghorepani. We stop for the night at Ghorepani Deurali for the best views of the sunset with excellent of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. This is most popular spot among the trekkers, the best view of the mid and western Himalayas. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 16

  Trek to Tadapani, Hike to Poonhill

  The guide will wake you up early for the 45 minutes' walk up to Poonhill, where you can view the sunrise over the long Himalayan chain of mountains from the far western Dolpo peaks, Dhaulagiri massive, Annapurna, Manaslu and as far to Ganesh Himal range including the beautiful majestic Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail). After the busy photo session return back to Ghorepani for breakfast. From Ghorepani the trail follows to the upper ridge to Deurali almost to the same height as Poonhill with constant view of the snow capped peaks and through rhododendron forest, then descend from Deurali where the path narrows down through the temperate rain forest, stepper section at some places as you come to Bhanthati a place in the middle of the forest, after a short break here or lunch, the trek continues on the gradual trail for an hour, after coming down to a small stream in the middle of the rhododendron forest with an hour uphill walk to Tadapani. Tadapani is in the middle of the forest of Rhododendron, Magnolia and Oaks. From this place a grand view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (fishtail) can be seen at a close distance. Tadapani with 8-10 lodges a settlement made by the local Gurung people from Ghandrung and Kimrong to serve and cater the needs of the trekkers. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 17

  Trek to Ghandruk, Drive to Pokhara

  Today’s walk leads through serene forest for an hour on the gradual path to Bhasi Kharka, from this spot the trail descends with occasional view of the Mt. Annapurna ranges & Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). The trial descends through forest, creeks and small streams and into the maze of trails till Ghandruk village is reached. This is a semi-modern village and gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary. On reaching Ghandruk at lunch time and as well for the night stop with enough time to explore the village and Gurung culture. The trail descends through the deep forest and huge boulders into the maze of tracks around Ghandruk at 1940 m. This is a modern village of Nepal and nice village settlement in terrace field. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 18

  Drive back to Kathmandu

  After a wonderful time in the mountains, Pokhara is certainly great spot to relax after the trek and swap stories with fellow trekkers. After breakfast, we will board the bus for the 5- 6 hour scenic journey back to Kathmandu. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 19

  International Departure

  Keep the departure time of international flight in mind, and make sure to keep your confirmed air ticket and passport handy! Our staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from beautiful Nepal.