Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights Cross Thorong La Pass, world’s widest trekking pass.

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular treks in Nepal, and rightly so. On this route, the scenery and culture dramatically change from subtropical forests, paddy fields, and the world’s deepest river gorge to ice flows, a high mountain pass, arid cliffs, and mountain views.Passing through Manang, the trek starts with views the Manaslu range, Tibetan-like Buddhist villages, and woodlands, through the Marshyangdi Valley.Heading towards the high Thorong La Pass, a host of mountains come into view, including the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Tilicho Peak.The trail continues over the pass to enter Mustang and the Hindu pilgrimage town of Muktinath and on down the Kali Gandaki Valley, past the unique and interesting village of Marpha with its small monastery, narrow cobbled streets, and apple orchards, on to the hot springs at Tatopani.This trek allows for proper acclimatization before tackling the Thorong La pass at 5,414m. However, it is a long trek, with an average day being 6-7 hours, and a good basic physical fitness is recommended.With the varied landscapes, villages, and peoples along the trail, and of course, the majestic mountains, it is a photographer’s paradise. It is also a way to discover the different aspects, cultures, and landscapes of the country in one trip, and while circling the Annapurna range!The temple and 108 waterspouts at Muktinath are holy to Hindus and form part of the cultural history of Nepal. Just a short hike down the trail and the villages of Jharkot and Kagbeni plunge the visitor back into a Buddhist culture of monasteries and prayer flags.Kagbeni is a charming village: from Kagbeni another trail enters Upper Mustang, and there is a constant stream of yak and mule trains taking goods north.Exploring the tiny village, there are many interesting sights such as almost prehistoric clay effigies.

TREK DETAILS:

Trek Duration: 17 Nights 18 Days

Max Altitude:  5,416 meters

Grade: Moderate - Difficult

Trip Starting/Ending Point: Kathmandu

Trek Category: Adventure

Best season: Sep-Oct-Nov/ Apr-May –June –July –Aug

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit:

• Pass by the yak pastures
• Natural hot springs at Tatopani where you can choose to take a dip
• Jomsom - the headquarter of Mustang
• A day at tourist hub Pokhara
• Spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West, and Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV
• Visit the beautiful Manang district
• Magnificent lakes, glaciers, deep gorges, and stunning waterfalls
• Visit Muktinath (a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists) known for 108 stone faucets, and eternal flame
• Cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters
• Visit Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in the Manang district
• Poon Hill Viewpoint (3,210 m)

Outline Itinerary:

Itinerary Details:

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu:

Arrive at Kathmandu International airport. Meet, welcome, and assist by our office representative & transfer to hotel. Welcome drink, followed by tour briefing. Get refreshed, free time for your own & Overnight at Hotel.

Day 2:Trek Preperation day in Bhaktapur:

A half-day sightseeing tour of UNESCO heritage site Bhaktapur includes different temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions. There is time to explore the city’s many places of interest on your own or take a rest while trekking permits are finalized. We will escort you with our trekking guide for program briefing of the trek.

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat:

Early morning after breakfast, today we will drive from Kathmandu to Jagat which takes approximately about 7 hrs. We start our trek through a pleasant trail, traversing through lush forests and terraced fields following the Marsyangdi River.We will be spending our night at Jagat.

Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani:

After a peaceful stay at Jagat, we follow the trail to reach Dharapani. We enjoy several stunning waterfalls forming small sandy beaches on our way. Walking past the rice and potato fields and crossing numerous bridges, you will reach one of the biggest villages of Manang, Kodo. After a short climb of the stone Kani, you will reach Dharapani. Dharapani has a checkpoint where we will get our Annapurna permits checked before trekking further. We conclude our trek day at Dharapani and enjoy the delicious food of the place.

Day 5: Trek from Dharapani to  Chame:

Along the Marsyangdi River, we follow a trail that passes through pine, fir, oak, and maple forest and head to Chame, the district headquarters of the Manang district. This area is covered with natural greenery. We'll also stop by a small hot spring where we can relax all our sore muscles.

Day 6: Trek from Chame to Pisang:

We leave Chame and head to Pisang today. As you trek through a steep and narrow valley, you will get glimpses of a massive rock wall, known as Pinguda Danda rock, which locals believe to be holy.. We descend further to the Manang Valley floor. The trail throughout the journey, without a doubt, looks breathtaking.

Day 7: Trek from Pisang to Manang:

We start at the upper Pisang path, which steeply ascends to Ghyaru, providing stunning views of the north face of Peak. The air starts to turn cold and dry. You will also visit one of the largest and most famous monasteries of Manang - Barge Monastery.

Day 8: Acclimatization day in Manang:

To acclimatize, we will spend one whole day in Manang. You are free to spend the entire day exploring this village. However, we will stay busy, taking part in side hikes. There are several monasteries in this area that you might like to visit. After a relaxing day exploring the enigmatic village of Manang, we will have acclimatized to this altitude, and we will be ready to trek ahead the next day.

Day 9: Trek from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp:

After Breakfast, we follow the easy path that leads through the middle of the landslides area where we can view impressive rock formations we trek up till Tilicho base camp where we can get a good view of Tilicho Peak and other surrounding snow peaks, overnight at lodge.

Day 10: Trek from Tilicho to Shreekharka:

Today we start early-day hiking to Tilicho Lake after having breakfast at the lodge. we climb gradually up to reach Tilicho lake, which is the highest lake in the world, It lies on the bottom of the surrounding 360' Mountain views. it's one of the spectacular lakes and very impressive. we descend after enjoying the beautiful scenery and mind-blowing view, Overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 11: Trek from Shreekharka to Yakkharka:

Today we descend to the Khangsar village, passing beautiful ancients monasteries and gumba, we cross a river, hike up to a plateau to reach yak kharka. This is the best point to stay and see the magnificent Annapurna, Gangapurna ranges. Overnight at Lodge.

Day 12: Trek from Yakkharka to Thorongphedi:

Today we head to the foot of Thorong La Pass - Thorong Phedi. From Yak Kharka, we first climb up to a ridge, then head down and cross the Marsyangdi river on a wooden bridge. Then, we will ascend one more time, following a narrow trail, and descend to Thorong Phedi. The uninhabited, rugged terrain is otherworldly and much different than the lush lowlands we passed on the way up during the initial trekking days. Thorong Phedi is well situated to cross the Thorong La Pass. We will stay at Thorong Phedi for the night.

Day 13: Trek Thorongphedi to Thorong la and trek to Muktinath:

We begin this day as early as possible, ready to conquer the most challenging parts of the trek. From Thorong Phedi, we ascend to Thorong La Pass, the highest point of this trek. Due to the high elevation and low level of oxygen in the air, the hike will be challenging. We take this hike slow and steady and conquer it. However, despite the climbing difficulty, the view from the pass is unquestionably worth it.  From Thorong La Pass, we descend to Muktinath and visit the famous Muktinath temple. This site is holy for both Hindus and Buddhists. We will be staying at Muktinath for the night.

Day 14: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom:

The hike today is comparatively concise and easy. You descend from Muktinath to Jomsom, while on the way, you will witness famous sky caves. These caves are as old as 3,000 years, but no one is sure about their purpose.You can also have a short detour to the traditional villages of Chhyongkhar, Jhong, and Purang. 

Day 15: Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara:

Early morning after breakfast we will drive from Jomsom to Pokhara.It takes about 8hrs to reach pokhara.we will be staying at pokhara.

Day 16: Rest day at Pokhara:

Early in the morning we will walk to Taal Barahi Temple.Then back to hotel for breakfast.Today we will explore some of the amazing places of Pokhara like Pumdikot, Davi’s falls,Gupteshwor cave and many more. We will also enjoy the Pokhara night life.

Day 17: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Early morning we will drive back to Kathmandu. Its 8 hours drive (200 kms) then we will check in at the Hotel in Thamel.Evening we will have leisure time Overnight stay.

Day 18:Kathmandu

We are confident that you have enjoyed one of the best holidays ever & will go back home with lasting memories of this amazing country. Our escorts & vehicles will be on standby at your hotel to take you to the airport for your final departure.

Cost Includes:

Government registered, well experienced and friendly local trekking guide.

 Accommodation.

 All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek.

 Accommodation on Bed and breakfast plan during Bhaktapur Kathmandu and Pokhara Stay.

Kathmandu-Jagat by Private Jeep Muktinath –Pokhara by sharing jeep / bus.

Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS Cards.

All tourist service charge, tax and Office Service charge.

 Porters ( 1 for 3 people)

Cost Excludes:

All bar bills, beverages such as coke, fanta, sprite and mineral water.

Immediate Rescue.

Travel insurance, Items and expenses of personal nature.

Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.

Personal Trekking Equipments and rescue operation in case of emergency.

Lunch and dinner during Bhaktapur Kathmandu and Pokhara Stay.

Any expenses which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political trouble, and strikes etc.

Laundry, phone calls, internet, heater charge and wifi services.

Tips for guide, porters, and driver.