The Annapurna Circuit Trek is rightly considered Nepal’s classic trek. More than any other equivalent length hike, it passes through virtually every type of scenery and terrain Nepal has to offer. It is also an excellent introduction to hiking in Nepal. The trek begins at the middle-hills village of Besi-Sahar on the Marshyangdi River, and then follows the river all the way from the Brahmin-Chhetri-Gurung settlement, through the Tibetan Buddhist region of Manang, and finishing at the beautiful city Pokhara in west Nepal.
assing through the monsoon rainforest and rhododendron forest, there are also many views of the tallest mountains in the area, including Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, II, III, South, Tent Peaks and others. The high point of the trek is crossing Thorong-La Pass at 5,416 m, before descending into the Kali Gandaki Valley and stopping at the famous shrine of Muktinath. There are more villages, including Thakali, Magar and Gurung settlements before reaching the end at Pokhara.
We start this classic trek driving 8 hours toward west Nepal to Beshishar, and next morning we continue driving with a local jeep to Dharapani. Only after Dharapani, we start our hiking following the Kali Gandaki river, passing some of the most beautiful landscapes and waterfalls. Sometimes we walk on the
jeep-able road and some time on the proper trekking trails. These days local jeeps can drive up to Manang.
Along the way, we can have the opportunity to visit the Buddhist monasteries to gain insight into Buddhist cultures and traditions. We stay 2 overnights in Manang for better acclimatization, and possibly hiking to Ice Lake (4,600m). Manang allows superb mountain views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak.
From Manang, we trek to Yak Kharka viewing the stunning views of Mt. Annapurna and its sister's peaks. After spending night in Yak Kharka, now we move to Thorang Phedi, it’s base to the Thorang La Pass (5,416m), from Phedi we start very early morning about 4:30 am as it will be the longest walking and climbing day of the trip over the Thorang La Pass and all the way down to Muktinath, it will be about 10 hour of walk with all most 1,000m ascent and 1650m descent. Muktinath is important holy temple of Hindu and Buddhist as well. We stay a night at Kagbeni and another night in Marpha, and both are small beautiful towns in the area and Marpha has huge Apple farms.
From Marpha we will take bus/jeep drive to Tatopani (hot spring) and finally, we will get into another part of the Annapurna, Ghorepani and Poonhill area. Before leaving Ghorepani, early morning we will hike to Poonhill for sunrise views of the mountains and also express a hearty thankfulness to the mountains to allow us a safe and successful trek in the Annapurna area. After walking about 3 hours from Ghorepani, we will take a jeep drive to Pokhara where our trip ends.
DETAILS ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrival in KTM, transfer to hotel, briefing
After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary and you will also be introduced with your crewmembers and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 2
Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour, Necessary preparation & Packing
In the morning after breakfast, we will organize half day sightseeing tour during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel in the afternoon and time for shopping of any missing items, packing and getting ready for the trip
Day 3
Drive to Besishar (760m) 7-8 hours, O/N Guesthouse
After early breakfast, we will gather at Tourist Buspark, Kantipath and then drive through scenic Prithvi Highway with beautiful views of Nepal’s first cablecar at Kurintar and Marsyangdi River to Besisahar. We will leave the main trail towards Pokhara at Dumre and follow the branched road to Besisahar. We will pass through several Gurung, Magar and other villages before we reach Besisahar which is the District Head Quarter of Lamjung. There is a huge market area in Besisahar. It has a subtropical temperature and one can find deciduous forest at Besisahar. Stay overnight at Guest House.
Day 4
Jeep drive to Dharapani (1,860m) 7 hours
After breakfast, we will take a local jeep to Dharapani via Syange. Following the bumpy road, we will reach Syangewithin few hours of drive. We will pass through many ethnic villages on our way; such as Jagat, Chamje, Sattale, Tal etc. We beginour walk only from Dharapani. It takes about 7/8 hours to reach at Dharapani driving on bumpy and muddy road. Stay overnight at Dharapani.
Day 5
Trek to Chame (2,670m), 4-5 hours
We will notice change in vegetation from Dharapani onwards.Temperature also drops down from this point. Leaving Dharapani behind, we will follow the raised path through pine forest to reach Bagarchhap which is the first Tibetan fashioned village that we will meet in our way. From Bagarchhap, we will climb uphill to Danake. Moving through the farm land, we will enter forest area. Enjoy the views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurena II Mountain and other peaks and mountains. We will walk past Latamanang and Koto villages to reach Chame where we will stay overnight.
Day 6
Trek to Pisang (2,975m), 4-5 hours
We will start the trek on this day from the other side of river. We will walk along the northern edge of river and pass through pine forest. Moving through the dispersed villages, we will reach Bhartang which is famous for its apple garden. We will follow the gradually ascending path to bridge. The trail escalates uphill through pine forest to the top of Dhukur Pokhari hill. We will enjoy the close-up view of Pisang peak and Chulu peakas we walk along tree lines. Lowering down from the ridge over an hour, we will reach Pisang village. We will visit the local monastery and climb to the upper Pisang to enjoy view of Annapurna Range. Stay overnight at Pisang.
Day 7
Trek to Manang (3,540m), 4-5 hours
After an early morning tea, we will leave Pisang and walk through dense pine forest. We will enjoy the scenic views of surrounding Mountains as we walk through the forest to the top of the ridge from where we can get our first view of Manang valley. We will also get the view of Humde village and its small air-strip. Gangapurna Mountain, Annapurna II Mountain, Annapurna III Mountain, Tilicho Peak, Chulu East peak and Pisang peak also comes into view. We will proceed further to Humde village. The trail takes us uphill to Braga village. Depending on the time, we will visit Braga Monastery where we can see thankas and paintings. Climbing uphill for an hour, we will reach Manang where we will stay overnight.
Day 8
Acclimatization and rest day at Manang (3,540m)
This is the acclimatization day. We will utilize this day to take leisure stroll around Manang. Manang is a large village comprising of more than 500 houses. Manang allows unobstructed views of Annapurna II Mountain, Annapurna III Mountain (7,555 m), Gangapurna Peak (7454 m), Tilicho Peak (7132 m), Chulu West (6583) and Chulu East (6059 m) peaks. There also exists Himalayan Rescue Association in Manang where we can visit. Stay overnight in Manang.
Day 9
Trek to Yak Kharka (4,050m), 4 hours
Early in the morning, we will leave Manang and follow the ascending path from Manang to Tenki. The lush green area, Tenki allows views of close-up views of Annapurna Mountain, Gangapurna Peak and Tilicho peak. We will climb uphill through juniper bushes and reach Yak Kharka for overnight stay.
Day 10
Trek to Thorang-Phedi (4,450m), 3 hours
This is going to be a short and easy trek which will last for around three hours. We will follow the descending path with scenic views of mountains. After almost an hour, we will reach Ledar. The trail escalates uphill from Ledar through eastern edge of Jorsang River. Following the lowering path, we will reach river. We will cross the river over wooden bridge and reach to the tea shop. Following the narrow path, we will reach Thorong Phedi which is a small settlement located at the base of Thorong La Pass. Stay overnight at Thorong Phedi.
Day 11
Climb Thorongla (5,416), Descend to Muktinath (3,748m), 6-8 hours
This is the most difficult part of our trek. We will start our trek early before sunrise. After quick tea, the porters will arrange packing and then we will climb through the steep slope to reach the high camp. We must not hurry and take slow stride. Enjoy the sunrise view over mountain. From High Camp, it takes almost three hours of gradual ascend to reach the top of Thorong La. We will enjoy mountain views and view of Kaligandaki valley and then we will lower down to Muktinath where we will stay overnight.
Day 12
Trek to Kagbeni (2800m), 3-4 hours
Muktinath is the holy temple that is sacred to both hindus and Buddhists. Muktinath means the Lord of Salvation. Visit Muktinath temple to see 108 water sprouts. There is also a Jwala Mai temple where fire lights up eternally. We will lower down from the temple and follow the descending path through dry land with no vegetation. We will reach to the bank of Kaligandaki River. Following the river, we will reach Kagbeni. We will visit monastery and stay overnight at Kagbeni.
Day 13
Trek to Marpha/Jomsom (2,670m/2,730m), 3-5 hours
After an early morning tea, we will take couple of hours of walk through the easy path to Jomsom ( 3 hrs). This is a headquarters of Mustang region which has an airstrip located above Kaligandaki River. Jomsom is one of the major trade post that exists in ancient trade route used by locals to trade with neighbouring Tibetans. Leaving Jomsom, we will follow the sandy path with view of Kali Gandaki River and mountains. In couple of hours, we will reach Marpha. Marpha is a small village that is famous for its apple. Do not forget to take the taste of local apple brandy. Stay overnight in Marpha.
Day 14
Trek to Kalopani (2530m), 5 hours or drive to Tatopani/hot spring (1,190m)
Leaving Marpha, we will follow the picturesque path along the Kaligandaki River. Brief descend will take us to small Tukuche village that is located near Tukuche peak. We will enjoy the spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and other peaks and mountains. The trail contours down from Tukuche to Kalolpani village. Kalopani is a tiny yet pretty village that consists of about 30 houses. There are few lodges with good facilities in Kalopani. Stay overnight at Kalopani. Or to skip the walk on road and dust, we take drive to Tatopani about 4 hours and take free afternoon taking shower on hot spring pond.
Day 15
Trek Tatopani (1,190m), 5-6 hours or Trek to Shikha Danda (1,935m)
Couple of hours of downhill trek will take us to Thakali village of Ghasa. Vegetation changes from barren land to conifer forest. We will walk amid Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountains and pass through tiny ethnic villages to Tatopani. This is going to be a pleasant day. We will pass through Rupse waterfall to Tatopani. Lowering down to Dana village, we will take couple of hours of trek to Tatopani. Stay overnight at Tatopani. If we take drive option to Tatopani earlier day, then today we trek to Shikhadanda for about 4 hours uphill, this is half way to Ghorepani.
Day 16
Trek to Ghorepani (2,750m), 6-7 hours
We will enjoy bathing in natural hot spring at Tatopani lower down to the river. Crossing the suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River, we will reach the point where trail branches off. One of the path takes us through river to Beni. We will turn left and climb uphill to the top and walk through farms. Walking through the rhododendron forest, we will reach Ghorepani where we will stay overnight.
Day 17
Early morning hike to Poon hill (3,193m) & trek continue to Hile (1,430m), 6- 7 hours
We will prepare for trek quite early in the morning as we do not want to miss the opportunity of capturing sunrise view from Poon hill. 40 minutes of walk uphill from Ghorepani will take us to Poon hill. We will follow the scenic path through the Rhododendron forest. The name Poon hill is named after Pun ethnics, the inhabitant of the area. We will enjoy the panoramic views of far western Himalaya of over 600km of range including Dhaulagiri Mountain, Tukuche Peak, Dhampus, Nilgiri Peak, Annapurna Mountain, Machhapuchre Mountain (Fish Tail), Hiunchuli Peak, Manaslu Mountain, Lamjung Himal and other peaks and mountains. From Poon hill, we will reach Hile through rhododendron forest for overnight stay.
Day 18
Drive to Pokhara (3 hour), free afternoon and evening
From Hile, we will catch vehicle and drive all the way to Pokhara for about 3 hours. We will have free time in the afternoon to explore Pokhara. Visit Phewa Lake in the evening. Stay overnight in hotel.
Day 19
Fly to KTM, transfer to hotel and relax
We will drive to Pokhara Airport in the afternoon. Scenic flight from Pokhara will take us to Kathmandu. Take rest. Write a journal and arrange your photo albums. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 20
Departure for flight to home
We will transfer you to the Airport as per your scheduled flight for your onward destination. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon.
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