This circuit of Annapurna - rightly known
as Nepal's classic trek - offers more variety
than any other walks of equivalent length,
and takes you through virtually every type
of scenery that Nepal has to offer.
There are superb views of Annapurna and
Dhaulagiri, and the constant variety of
landscapes ranges from sub-tropical through
alpine to an arid semi-desert akin to Tibet;
at the climax of the trek there's a formidable
5416m pass, the Thorong La, to cross. Though
it is certainly demanding enough for the
seasoned trekker, the Annapurna Circuit
is still an excellent introduction to walking
in Nepal for those who are confident of
their fitness.
This is a lodge-based trek, so you spend
time in villages inhabited by many of Nepal's
different tribes, both Buddhist and Hindu.
Every day brings opportunities to gain an
insight into the local culture and interact
with the local communities whose land you
are walking through, whether by bartering
for souvenirs, talking to the inquisitive
children or relaxing at a tea house during
a well earned break.
Outline
Itinerary
Day
1
Drive
from Kathmandu to Besisahar
(823m.) which takes about six
hours. You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara
Highway to Dumre and then follow
the narrow and paved road by
the Marsyangdi River to Besi
Sahar. Beshishahar is the district
headquarters of Lamjung district.
All the local government offices
are situated here. From here,
you can see some of mountain
peaks, natural sceneries surrounding
the valley and the daily activities
of local people. This headquarter
is the centre from where the
daily usable commodities are
supplied to the different villages
and numerous towns.
Day
2
Trek
from Beshishahar to Bahundanda
(1305m.) and it takes about
six hours. The first part of
the trail passes thorough 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. At
this point, you can see the
area surrounded by eye-catching
scenarios with snow capped mountains.
Day
3
Trek
from Bahundanda to Chamje (1410m.)
which takes about six hours.
A steep trail descends for early
half an hour and then follows
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 Marsyangdi
valley forms a steep V-shape,
and you follow the winding mountain
path down through Syange (1100m.)
where there is a beautiful waterfall
above it 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 which juts
into the precipitous Marsyangdi
valley. Now the trail begins
to observe small ups and down
to Chamje through the forests.
Day
4
Trek
from Chamje (1410m.) to Dharapani
(1960m.) and it 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, we see
the level, plain of Tal (1700m.)
before us. Though it is enclosed
by cliffs, the level area looks
reassuring after the harrowing
mountain paths just traveled
on. You descend to a grassy
riverbank which leads to Tal
with its hotels and teahouses.
Here you can enjoy the exhilarating
water fall.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 kani marking the
entrance to Dharapani (1960m.),
and our camp for the night.
Day
5
Trek
from Dharapani to Chame (2675m.)
which takes about five and half
hours. As you cut through a
narrow field from the village,
the Dudh Khola, which originates
from the south face of Manaslu,
enters on the opposite bank.
The Marsyangdi then veers to
the left, and as Annapurna II
becomes visible ahead, you arrive
at Bagarchhap, a Bhote village
with prayer flags fluttering
in the breeze around Buddhist
monastery. Continuing to climb
through forests of pine and
oak, you pass through Danaque
(2210m.). There comes a small
wooden bridge which takes you
to follow steep ascent path
upto Timang. It lies at the
bottom of Lamajung Himal. The
trail goes through flat level
until you reach Chame where
there are government offices,
shops, and hotels. Chame is
the administrative headquarters
for the Manang district.
Day
6
Trek from Chame to Pisang
(3100m.) which takes about
five hours. With Lamjung Himal
(6893m) sparkling in the morning
sun, you set off for Pisang.
The mountain disappears as
you climb the path up the
valley, passing a huge apple
orchard. 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.).In the past
this was the military station
for troops who fought against
the Khampa tribal revolution,
but the dilapidated buildings
are all that remain of that
era. A short climb from the
village brings you to a rock-strewn
area where you cross a wooden
bridge and follow a high,
winding path, before crossing
back to the right bank again.
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 us. 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.
Day
7
Trek
from Pisang to Manang (3440m.)
and it takes about five and
half hours. Beyond Pisang, the
trail climbs a steep ridge which
affords good views of the Manang
valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.).
Descending past Manang's airstrip
at Hongde (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 Marsyangdi Khola via
a wooden bridge to the tiny
village of Mungji. Cultivated
fields appear on both sides
of the path and off to the right,
below a craggy mountain, you
can see the village of Bryaga
with its splendid monastery.
Large chortens and mani walls
abound and the tall peaks of
the Himalaya spread out before
us - Annapurna II, Annapurna
III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna
(7455m.) and, to the rear, Tilicho
Peak (7145m.).
After a short steep climb you
reach Manang which is a surprisingly
large village for this remote
mountain region. You camp here
for the night, amidst the fluttering
prayer flags, which adorn the
houses.
Day
8
Rest
day at Manang and hang in and
around town. This is an important
rest and acclimatization day
today before crossing the Thorung
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.
There is also a Himalayan Rescue
Association (HRA) aid post in
the village which makes an interesting
and educational visit. Moreover
you can visit Ganagapurna Glacier
Lake to make your rest day a
memorable one.
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 the Gunsang
(3960m.) village. En route,
you can see panoramic views
all the day.
Day
10
Trek
from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
(4420m.) which takes about 3
and half hours. Leaving Yak
Kharka, you climb gradually
to a ridge before descending
to the headwaters of the Marsyangdi
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 Thorung
Phedi.
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 Thorung
La [5416m]. The trail becomes
steep immediately on leaving
camp but as this trail has been
used by local people for hundreds
of years the path is well defined.
The gradient then eases and
after around 4 hours of steady
climbing you reaches the chorten
and prayer flags of the pass.
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 us. The descent to
Muktinath is a knee pounding
1600m but it's compensated for
with excellent views of Dhaulagiri.
Eventually the moraines give
way to grassy slopes before
a pleasant walk along the Jhong
Khola Valley to Muktinath and
its shrines and temple.
Day
12
Trek
Muktinath to Marpha (2667m.)
and it 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. Jomsom is sprawled
along both banks of the Kali
Gandaki and from here there
are fine views of the Nilgiri
peaks. You continue 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 and
Marpha is particularly well
known for its apples, apple
cider and apple, apricot and
peach rakshi.
Day
13
Trek
from Marpha to Ghasa (2013m.)
which 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 flat level up 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 are seen. The surrounding
area of Ghasa is 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.)
Day
14
:
Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani
(1189 m.) which takes about
five hours. The trail descends
steeply up to Rukse Chhahara
(Rukse Waterfall) which is amazing
to look at. There is situated
the deepest gorge of the world
between two mountains Annapurna
I (8091m.) and Dhaulagiri I
(8167m.) facing each other near
Rukse Waterfall. 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 this, it gives you physical
and mental refreshment as well.
Day
15
A
rest day at Tatopani to enjoy
the natural hot spring bath.
It is believed that one who
takes bath get rids of skin
diseases. After several days
trekking, it is a great idea
to take bath at hot spring and
relax.
Day
16
Trek
from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853
m.) for about seven hours. Your
trail passes through flat level
of the land at some distance.
Then the trail begins ascending
steeply for at least one hour.
Now path goes up through different
villages inhabited by the people
of different caste and agricultural
land. The majority of the people
here serve Gorkha Regiment and
Indian Regiment as well. While
trekking you cross through the
Kali Gandaki river with panormic
view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
ranges.
The trail ascends gently all
the way to Ghorepani passing
through small villages like
Phalate, Chitre and so on. While
trekking you pass through rhododendron
forests and come across the
wild life such as monkeys and
birds of various species. You
are accompanied by more panoramic
views of different mountains.Ghorepani
(Watering to Horse) are a small
pass and the village of Deurali.
Although there is time enough
to continue, it is better to
stay here overnight so that
we can make the morning trip
to Poon Hill (3180m.) for an
outstanding panorama of Dhaulagiri
I,II,III,Iv, Tukuche peak, Dhampus
peak, Nilgir ranges,Annapurna
I, Bahra Sikhar (Twelve peaks
or renowned as French Fang),Annapurna
South, Himchuli, Fishtail and
Mardi Himal. The view you can
see from here is probably the
best view in the world. Not
only this, Poon Hill is crowded
by different visitors to enjoy
the sunrise and sunset over
the snow-capped mountain.
Day
17
Trek
from Ghorepani to Poon Hill
(3180m.) to Tadapani (2675m.)
which 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
snowcapped 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 which grants
you a magnificent view of Annapurna
South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail,
and Annapurna II and so on.
Day
18
Trek
from Tadapani (2675m.) to Ghandruk
(1950m.) and it takes about
three hours. It is very easy
trek by descending gently all
the way through rhododendron,
oak and other kinds of dense
forests. You could hear different
kinds of birds chirping on the
way. This is one of the popular
destinations for the birds'
lovers. Ghandruk is a big Gurung
village. There is a handicraft
centre and Gurung museum. From
this village you could see good
views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli,
Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna
III (7755m.) and Fishtail.
Day
19
Trek
from Ghandruk (1950m.) to Pothana
(1990m.) which takes about six
hours. First part of your trek
is steeply down following stone
staircase to Kimbu (Bee hive).
Kimbu or Bee hive is located
at the elevation of 1200 meters
on the bank of 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
view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m.),
Annapurna South (7219m.), Hiunchuli
(6441m.), Fishtail (6997m.),
Annapurna III (7755m.), Annapurna
IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.)
and Lamjung Himal (6930m.).
Now the rest of the trail descends
gently down to Dhampus passing
through Pothana village (1900m.).
Day
20
Trek
from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi
(1113m.) which takes about four
hours. Your trail descends gradually
for at least an hour and follows
gravel road for two hours and
then steeply descends to Phedi
passing through Dhampus village,
paddy fields and forest protected
by local community. Upon your
arrival at Dhampus Phedi, you
could take a vehicle to reach
Pokhara.
Day
21
Drive
from Pokhara to Kathmandu by
tourist mini bus that takes
about seven hours. While driving
from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you
head up to Damauli,, Dumre,
Muglin and Kurintar where the
Nepal's first Cable car is operated
to reach to Manakamana Temple.
En route, you could 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 capital
city. You can also fly from
Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes
about 25 minutes.
