You can encounter a gamut of topological variations in the Annapurna Circuit trek within the duration of a normal trek. Aptly titled as Nepal’s classic trek the Annapurna trek displays divergent landscape ranging from the sub-tropical region to the alpine region and the semi-desert region.
The Annapurna Circuit trek is demanding even for a seasoned trekker, but it is an exceptional introduction to walking in Nepal for those who are physically fit. This lodge based trek offers you magnificent vistas of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges and the opportunity to observe at close quarters the lifestyle and cultures of the different tribes of Nepal.
Trip
Hightlights:
Duration:
21
Days
Type of Trek :
Teahouse / Camping
Max Altitude:
5416 m.
Minimum Pax:
1 +
Mode of travel:
Land Transportation
Grade:
Moderate
Outline Itinerary
Day
1
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (823m.) takes about six hours. You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marshyangdi River to Beshisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung district. All the local government offices are situated here. From here, you can see some mountain peaks, natural sceneries surrounding the valley and the daily activities of local people. This headquarters is the center from where the daily usable commodities are supplied to the different villages and numerous towns. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
2
Trek from Beshishahar to Bahundanda (1305m.) takes about six hours. The first part of the trail passes on a flat level along the bank of the Marshyangdi river. You can enjoy the sceneries and the local culture of Gurung community. After lunch the trail goes steeply upwards to Bahundanda which takes about 2 hours. From this point, you can see the area surrounded by eye-catching scenarios with snow -capped mountains. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
3
Trek from Bahundanda to Chamje (1410m.) takes about six hours. A steep trail descends for early half an hour and then follows a flat path through rice terraces before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Lali Gaon. Ahead the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape and you follow the winding mountain path down through Syange (1100m.) where there is a beautiful waterfall above and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually you descend to the stone village of Jagat (1330m.) situated on a shelf juts into the precipitous Marshyangdi valley. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 4
Trek from Chamje (1410m.) to Dharapani (1960m.) takes about six hours. The first part of the trail descends to the river and after crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) on a path so steep that it seems one slip would send you hurtling down into the valley. You continue on an undulating path above the river, and at one point, where a tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the main river becomes covered with huge boulders that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, you see the level, plain of Tal (1700m.). Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain paths just traveled on. You descend to a grassy river bank that leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Here you can enjoy the exhilarating waterfalls. Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding and in several areas hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte (1900m.), there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river. You cross a suspension bridge and climb the short distance to the stone Mani marking the entrance to Dharapani (1960m.), and your camp for the night. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
5
Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2675m.) takes about five and half hours. You climb through forests of pine and oak as you pass through Danaque (2210m.). Soon, there comes a small wooden bridge that will take you on a steeply ascending path up to Timang which lies at the bottom of Lamajung Himal. The trail goes then on a flat level until you reach Chame, where you will find government offices, shops and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
6
Trek from Chame to Pisang (3100m.) takes about five hours. With Lamjung Himal (6893m) sparkling in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. You continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as you follow the path to Bhratang (2950m.). You now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before you. You can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak (6091m.) to the north-east. Continuing on, you come to a long Mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
7
Trek from Pisang to Manang (3440m.) takes about five and half hours. Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge that affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.). Descending past Manang's airstrip at Hungde (3320m.), you come to a level area from where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises majestically above you. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV (7525m.) also becomes visible. Just beyond this point you cross the considerably reduced flow of the Marshyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. After a short steep climb you reach Manang which is a surprisingly large village for this remote mountain region. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
8
Rest day at Manang and hang in and around town. This is an important rest and acclimatization day today before crossing the Thorong La. There are optional day walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous icefall coming down from the Annapurnas, or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley or you can visit Ganagapurna Glacier Lake to make your rest day a memorable one. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
9
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4350m.) and it takes about three and half hours. Now the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through Gunsang (3960m.) village. En route, you see panoramic views all day. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
10
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4420m.) takes about 3 and half hours. Leaving Yak Kharka, you climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable spree slope and then descend to Thorong Phedi. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
11
Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass and it takes about seven hours. You start early today for your crossing of Thorong La [5416m]. The views are dramatic to say the least, from the snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang which are spread out before you. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 12
Trek Muktinath to Marpha (2667m.) takes about approximately six hours. You now begin the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. From here there are fine views of the Nilgiri peaks. You continue walking down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali village, complete with a drainage system beneath the flagstone streets. Its narrow alleys and passageways provide welcome shelter from the strong winds of the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 13
Trek from Marpha to Ghasa (2013m.) takes about six hours. Your trail descends steeply through forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. The beginning part of the trail is stretched at almost a flat level to Kalopani and then your trail begins descending steeply to Ghasa. The first part of the trek passes through the windy area covered with pine forests, rhododendron forests and birches .The surrounding area of Ghasa is a famous destination for bird watching and wild Marijuana. Here you are quite amazed at the panoramic view of Mount Nilgiri North (7061m.), Nilgiri Central (6940m.), and Nilgiri South (6839m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.) Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 14
Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani (1189 m.) takes about five hours. The trail descends steeply to Rukse Chhahara (Rukse Waterfalls). The deepest gorge of the world is situated between the two mountains Annapurna I (8091m.) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) which face each other near Rukse Waterfalls. Now, the trail ascends slightly to Tatopani through different human settlements. You can enjoy the hot spring at Tatopani as the word Tatopani is termed after the natural hot spring situated at the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. It is popularly believed that taking bath in hot spring helps you to get rid of skin diseases. Along with this, it gives you physical and mental refreshment as well. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 15
A rest day at Tatopani to enjoy the natural hot spring bath. After several days of trekking, it is a great idea to take bath at hot spring and relax. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 16
Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853 m.) for about seven hours. Your trail passes on a flat level for some distance. Then the trail begins ascending steeply for at least one hour. The path then goes up through different villages inhabited by the people of different castes and agricultural land. The majority of the people here serve in the Gorkha and Indian Regiments. While trekking you cross through the Kali Gandaki river with panormic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 17
Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3180m.) to Tadapani (2675m.) takes about five and half hours. Early morning trip to Poon Hill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snow-capped mountain peaks. After breakfast, trek Ghorepani to Tadapani (2650 m.) through the deep forests of rhododendrons, bamboos and oaks. En route, you frequently see waterfalls, rocks, wild animals, local birds and green scenarios. Tadapani is a small village surrounded by beautiful forests and grants you magnificent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail and Annapurna II and so on. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 18
Trek from Tadapani (2675m.) to Ghandruk (1950m.) takes about three hours. It is a very easy trek by descending gently all the way through rhododendron, oak and other kinds of dense forests. You can hear different kinds of birds chirping on the way. This is a popular destination for the bird lovers. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village where there is a handicraft center and Gurung museum. From this village you can see good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and Fishtail. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 19
Trek from Ghandruk (1950m.) to Pothana (1990m.) takes about six hours. The first part of your trek is steeply down following a stone staircase to Kimbu (Bee hive). Kimbu is located at the elevation of 1200 meters on the bank of the Modi Khola. Now your trail steeply ascends following the stone staircase up to Landruk. The trail ascends gently for early two hours and again ascends steeply for an hour to Deurali (2150m.) passing through Tolkha village (1850m.). From this point you can see panoramic views of Dhaulagiri I (8167m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), Fishtail (6997m.), Annapurna III (7755m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.) and Lamjung Himal (6930m.). The rest of the trail descends gently down to Dhampus passing through Pothana village (1900m.). Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 20
Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi (1113m.) takes about four hours. Your trail descends gradually for at least an hour and follows a gravel road for two hours before steeply descending to Phedi, passing through Dhampus village, paddy fields and forest protected by the local community. Upon your arrival at Dhampus Phedi, you can take a vehicle to reach Pokhara. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Day 21
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes about seven hours. While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach Manakamana Temple. En route, you can enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to Kathmandu.
The price includes
the following services:
Trekking guide
Porter/s (1 porter carries the luggage up to 25 kgs of 2 participants)
All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) during the trek
Sleeping bag & down jacket if required
Entry Permit for Annapurna conservation Area
Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
All land transportation
First aid kit
Necessary insurance for trekking staff
One night hotel Accomodation in Pokhara with breakfast
Airport pick- up and drop-off service
The price does
not include:
Personal nature expenses
Drinks, beverages, etc.
Tips
Lunch & dinner in Pokhara
Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
Note: We can arrange the hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per your interest and budget.
