Annapurna Circuit Trek:

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 and the view point of Poon Hill.

From Poon Hill, it is possible to see more than 20 of the highest mountains within the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

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. This trek is certainly varied and full of daily surprises and interesting finds and accompanied all the way with up close and personal mountain views.

TREK DETAILS:

Trek Duration: 22 Nights 23 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:

•  A classic and alluring trail to Annapurna Base Camp
• View yak pastures and other meadows
•  Relax at hot springs in Tatopani, Jhinu Danda
• Stay at the stunningly beautiful Jomsom, the headquarter town of the Mustang District.
• Spend a day in Pokhara, the most happening city in Nepal
• Spectacular views of Mount Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West, and Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV
• Magnificent glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls
• Tour around the famous Muktinath Temple, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists
• Visit the beautiful Manang district and embrace its beauty.
• Visit Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in the Manang District.
• Traverse through the world’s most extensive pass – the Thorong La Pass (5,416m)

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 Preparation 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 Besisahar and trek to khudi:

An about 176km from Kathmandu to Besishar. 6/7 hrs scenic drive through Trishuli and Marsyangdi however, the bus will be stopping on the way for the lunch.After lunvh we will trek from besisahar to Khudi and overnight stay.

Day 4: Trek from Khudi to Bahundada:

We will share the trail with mule caravans that transport supplies to the remote villages. After we pass the village of Bhulbule, we will see a majestic 60-meter-high waterfall. Along the way, we have views of Manaslu (8,156 m). The mountain views disappear as we come closer to the small town of Ngadi. Here, we will have to cross the Ngadi Khola on a long suspension bridge. From here on the trail moves gently upwards to Bahundanda, an attractive village in the saddle of a long ridge at 1,300 m (7 hrs).

Day 5: Trek from Bahundada to Jagat:

We will start the day by descending on a steep, slippery trail past amphitheater-shaped rice terraces. There will be a small hot spring after this descent. The rest of today’s trek will have us pass the river a few times, and we will see a few waterfalls as well. As we near the village of Jagat, we will have a steep 200-meter climb to a trail that has been blasted out of the rock face. 15 minutes Below this village, we can visit another small hot spring.Overnight stay at Jagat.

Day 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: Trek from Manang to Khangshar Village:

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 Khangsar Village and overnight at lodge.

Day 12: Trek from Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp:

Early morning after breakfast we will start trek from Khangsar to tilicho base camp.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 13: 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 14: 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 15: 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 16: Trek Thorongphedi to Thorong la and trek to Muktinath:

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. We will be staying at Muktinath for the night.

Day 17: 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 18: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom:

From today, we will follow the “Jomsom trek” in reverse order. We will first go down to Kagbeni, which is a 990-meter descent through meadows, streams, and fruit trees like peach orchards. Then we will continue going down to Jomson (more correctly, Dzongsam, or “new fort”). Our descend continues through the Kali Gandaki Valley to Marpha.

Day 19:Trek from Jomsom to Lete:

The hike today is comparatively concise and easy. You descend from Jomsom to Lete , while on the way you will witness the panaromic views of uphills and mountains,lakes and beautisul scene.With this trail we will reach lete and ovetnight stay.

Day 20:Trek from Lete to Ghorepani:

After the early morning breakfast,today we will trek from Lete to Ghorepani. The trek ascent through nice and cool rhododendron forest most of trekking trail.

Day 21: Trek from Ghorepani,poonhill to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara:

Early morning we will hike to Poonhill tower for the amazing views of peaks.After breakfast we will trek from Ghorepani poonhill to Nayapul and then drive from Nayapul to Pokhara.Overnight stay at Pokhara.

Day 22: 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 23: 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 24: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.

Kathmandu – Besisahar –Pokhara- Kathmandu by   Jeep/Tourist coach.

Necessary insurance for your guide and porters.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS Cards.

All transportation, tourist service charge, tax and Office Service charge.

Cost Excludes:

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

Travel insurance, Nepal Tourist Visa fees, Items and expenses of personal nature.

Sightseeing tour, in Kathmandu.

Personal Trekking Equipments and rescue operation in case of emergency.

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.

Porters

Tips for guide, porters, driver