• info@nepalinfotreks.com
  • +977-9841856761

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Overview

ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREKKING
‘an adventure around Annapurna and scenic Manang Valley’

Annapurna Circuit Trekking is an adventure that leads around all sides of the massif Annapurna Himalaya range of peaks. Heading from the eastern sides of Annapurna close to Manaslu and Lamjung Himal, then towards a northern range of Annapurna Himalayas. As the walk progress crossing high Thorang-La Pass, towards Mustang areas, the route leads to the west the end of Annapurna Himal. The walk finally ends at the southern range of mighty Annapurna Himalayas around mid-hills and low warm country at beautiful Pokhara city.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking, one of the most popular trekking as well for various adventures, is the walking trail of Annapurna Circuit.

Regarded as the world’s top ten adventure destinations, you will experience this scenic and cultural trek.

The adventure begins with an exciting long drive from the capital Kathmandu heading due Mid-West around low warm areas of Lamjung district. On reaching the large town of Besisar, as road follow the Masrsyangdi River, and then up to cooler mid-hills. Finally ending the overland journey at Dharapani village within Manang district, where our walk begins heading due north-west. Following the trail to Chame, a large town and headquarter of the Manang district, the walk continues through a lovely forest path. Then reaching a wide Manang valley at Pisang village and onwards to the main village of Manang. Located on the backsides of

Annapurna-II and III peaks with towering Gangapurna Himal, a lovely village to explore. Have a rest day for acclimatization by visiting its scenic viewpoint in between Chulu’s and Annapurna Himalaya range.

The adventure continues towards the far end of Manang valley at the bottom of Thorang-La high pass. A long strenuous climb leads you to the top Thorang-La, the highest point of the adventure at 5,416 m. Enjoy the dramatic scenery of the massive mountain range of Dhaulagiri, Chulu’s, Damodar Himal, and Annapurna peaks.

From the pass, a long descent reaches around the Mustang area at Muktinath, a place with a holy temple. Revered as the most sacred pilgrimage site for all Hindu and Buddhist followers, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. One of the three main of the Hindu religion is a pleasant and exciting temple premises to visit.

At Muktinath, breaking the walk with a hitchhike in the comfort of vehicles for an exciting scenic drive. As drive leads to Kaligandaki River valley through the town of Jomsom and then heads downhill.

Where journey leads through the world's deepest gorge of Kaligandaki River, sandwiched between towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himal.

The road follows to low warm farm areas at a nice village in Tatopani, a place with a natural hot spring. As the name Tato-Pani for hot water or spring, having a refreshing time at Tatopani village.

Trekking continues with a climb up to a ridge reaching the wide farm villages of Ghara, Sikha, and Chitre. From Chitre climb to Ghorepani a famous village and popular destination for a short moderate trek of a few days from Pokhara.  

Next morning hour hike up to Poon Hill for an alluring view of stunning sunrise reflecting on an array of snow peaks. Includes views of three world’s tallest peaks

Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu Himalayas with majestic Machhapuchare Himal the Fish-Tail peak.

After a refreshing morning back to Ghorepani, the walk continues downhill through a beautiful forest of rhododendron. Our adventure and walk slowly end reaching a road-head, where the drive leads to a lovely city in Pokhara.

A perfect finishing at beautiful Pokhara, blessed with charm and beauty of Snow Mountains and lakes. From Pokhara, an interesting drive leads back to Kathmandu, completing our memorable adventure and experience on Annapurna Circuit Trekking.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: From Kathmandu drive to Jagat 1,440 m via Syange 1,230 m - 06 hrs.

Day 03: Trek to Dharapani 1, 825 m - 06 hrs

Day 04: Trek to Chame 2,710 m -05 hrs.

Day 05: Trek to Pisang 3,115 m - 05 hrs.

Day 06: Trek to Manang 3,540 m- 04 hrs.

Day 07: Rest day in Manang for acclimatization and local excursion.

Day 08: Trek to Yak Kharka 4, 110 m - 04 hrs.

Day 09: Trek to High Camp 4,900 m -04 hrs.

Day 10: Trek to Muktinath 3, 800 m via Thorang-La pass 5,416 m /17,769 feet- 06 hrs.

Day 11: Drive to Tatopani 1,100 m-04 hrs.

Day 12: Trek to Ghorepani village 2,885 m - 06 hrs.

Day 13: Morning hike to Poon Hill, trek to Tirkhedhunga 1,425 m - 06 hours.

Day 14: Trek and Drive to Pokhara 860 m- 03 hrs.

Day 15: Drive or fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Day 16: At Kathmandu free day at leisure.

Day 17: Depart for international departure

Trip Highlights

    “Adventure from north to southern range of Annapurna Himalayas Fantastic views of towering snow-capped peaks and dramatic landscape From green forest of tall rhododendron and pine trees to windswept terrains Walk from low warm villages to cooler hills and at arctic zone of ice and glaciers Crossing high Thorang-La pass towards picturesque country of Mustang valley”

    Trip Brief Summary:

    Trekking Mode: Staying in best available Lodges

    Trekking Grade: Moderate to Adventurous.

    Highest Spot: On top Thorang-La 5, 416 m / 17, 7000 feet high.

    Activities: Exciting drives and scenic trekking.

    Trekking duration: 11 Nights and 12 Days with drives both ways.

    Total Trip: 16 Nights and 17 Days from arrival to departures.

    Best Seasons:

    Annapurna Circuit trekking, the best seasons are in spring and autumn/fall, where days are crystal clear for views and pleasant walks.

    The springtime’s begin from March till May, the high seasons for trekking to Annapurna Circuit and around all Himalayas.

    Most days are clear fine and bright with sunshine, which can get overcast in the late afternoon. Chances of snowfall sometimes on higher terrain, cold in the morning late afternoon, and nighttime. The mid-hills are lively with wildflowers in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendron of various species from trees to a bush.

    The next best time is in autumn/fall, another peak season for trekking around the Himalayas. As well for Annapurna Circuit, most days are crystal clear for views and scenic walks. However, days are shorter due to sun-light hours, much colder morning and late afternoon till night time.

    Could get snowfall sometimes on walks from above 2,500 m high, but the clear bright starry night sky.

    Religion, Culture of Annapurna Himalaya region:

    The lower areas are mixed hill tribes of Gurung, Magar, and Newar with Hindu Chettries and Brahmins. The lower warm country villagers due to mixed types of people follow both Hindu and Buddhism religions.

    But around high Manang valley from Dharapani onwards, populated by Manang tribes call themselves Gurung and Ghale. Practice strong Buddhism with a similar culture to their predecessor the Tibetan's heritage and custom.

    On walks encountering religious monuments and prayer walls and spinning wheels, similar cultures followed by Mustang people. On the other side of Thorang-La Pass around Lower Mustang areas' the main tribes are Thakali, interwoven with Buddhism.


Detail Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

On arrival in Kathmandu at Nepal international airport, received by our staff and guide for short drive to your hotel. Located amidst the main city, check into your rooms and join in for trek briefing with other members of the trip. Our guide provides information about the trekking trails, local lodge, and culture and so on. Evening group dinner an introduction to Nepalese meals and traditions.
Day 2:

From Kathmandu drive to Jagat 1,440 m via Syange 1,230 m - 06 hrs.

Morning an early drive for interesting drive from Kathmandu to Nepal Mid-West. Where journey takes you on main Kathmandu and Pokhara highway past many farm villages and towns, and then route diverts from the main road. As drive enters low warm heavily cultivated farm area within Lamjung district to reach at large town at Besisar headquarter of Lamjung district, from here journey continues following Masrsyangdi River to reach Syange. A small nice farm village where our drive climb on hilly winding dirt tracks above from Masrsyangdi River reaching our first overnight stop at Jagat village, a nice moderate size village within hill farm land facing views of cascading water-fall
Day 3:

Trek to Dharapani 1, 825 m - 06 hrs.

From Jagat morning first day trek begins heading high above Masrsyangdi River, and with gradual uphill to Chamje village, from here onwards within strong Buddhism religion and culture. Walk leads to cross a small bridge on other side of Masrsyangdi River reaching a forested trail, trekking gradual path for an hour. Then short climb to a ridge as walk leads to a nice valley at Tal Besi for possible lunch stop. From here entering into Manang district on leaving the Lamjung area, afternoon few hour walk with short ups and down. As trail follows to cross a bridge then reaching Dharapani for overnight stop. Dharapani a moderate size village and a junction of Annapurna and Manaslu circuit route.
Day 4:

Trek to Chame 2,710 m -05 hrs.

First day walk from Dharapani village, morning leads into a nice forest of blue pines, rhododendron and fir trees. As walk follows to Bagarchap and Danque villages with garden of apple orchard. Enjoy the views of Annapurna-II and III with Lamjung Himal and Manaslu range of peaks. Walk then climb to a steep up to Timang a nice village facing views of high snow-capped peaks. From here few hours walk reaching at Chame for overnight stop, Chame a large and a major headquarter town of Manang district.
Day 5:

Trek to Pisang 3,115 m- 05 hrs.

After a pleasant overnight in Chame, morning walk follows through a nice forest of rhododendron and pine trees. Following the Masrsyangdi River upstream with short ups and down hills to Bhratang village. After Bhratang village climb to Dukuri Pokhari for lunch facing view of Pisang Peak and Chulu peaks. Afternoon walk downhill reaching at Pisang village for overnight stop. The village located beneath Pisang Peak with views of Chulu and Annapurna-II and IV in the south direction.
Day 6:

Trek to Manang 3,540 m/ 11,300 feet- 04 hrs.

Morning walk into cool forest of firs and rhododendron as climb leads to a scenic hill top facing views of Annapurna-II and III, with Gangapurna Himal, Chulu and Pisang peak. From the top down to Hongde village with a small airstrip, from here tree lines slowly disappears for short alpine bush and shrubs. As walk continues on arid and barren landscapes of arctic zone terrain. Slowly the walk leads to main Manang village, on the way visit the old Braga monastery enriched with old Buddhist relics and great historical idols of Buddha and famous Buddhist gurus. From the monastery super views of Annapurna and Chulu range, after an interesting visit of the monastery. A short walk to Manang village for overnight stop.
Day 7:

Rest day in Manang for acclimatization and local excursion.

At Manang a perfect place for rest day and acclimatization before heading towards higher terrain to cross over Thorang-La pass. At Manang enjoy the day exploring the interesting village, where houses are built in lovely Tibetan traditional architectures. As you notice similar colorful culture and custom to its Tibetan predecessors. At Manang village, hike to a scenic hill near towering Gangapurna Himal facing great views of Ice-Fall, with views of Annapurna-II and the turquoise colored glacial lake of Manang.
Day 8:

Trek to Yak Kharka 4, 110 m - 04 hrs

After a pleasant rest day in Manang, morning leads heading west end of Manang valley. Walking past village of Ghunsang as walk follow to gradual winding up to Yak Kharka for overnight stop. A nice settlement, located on a valley with few lodges for travelers, facing views of Chulu West Peak and Gangapurna Himal.
Day 9:

Trek to High Camp 4,900 m-04 hrs.

Morning from Yak Kharka, walk leads to Ledar a small place with few lodge which is the route to Chulu West Peak base camp. From here walk on gradual path and down to a stream, and then a short steep climb reaching level path to Thorang Phedi, the bottom of Thorang-La pass. After short refreshing stop, an hour climb on steep rocky slopes to Thorang High Camp for lunch and overnight stop.
Day 10:

Trek to Muktinath 3, 800 m via Thorang-La pass 5,416 m /17,769 feet- 06 hrs.

Having early breakfast start the morning long and steady climb on winding uphill to the top of Thorang-La Pass. On the highest spot at 5,416 m / 17,700 feet high, from the top enjoy stunning panorama of snow mountain range with Chulu peaks, Damodar Himal, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. After feeling in high spirit reaching on the highest point of the adventure, a long descend leads to the bottom of the pass at Muktinath for overnight stop. A famous Hindu pilgrimage site as well for some Buddhist followers, where the word Muktinath means a place for ‘Nirvana or Liberation’. A beautiful spot located within Mustang district facing views of Tilicho, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountain range.
Day 11:

Drive to Tatopani 1, 200 m on local jeep - 04 hrs

From past few years motor road has reached all around Mustang and Muktinath areas. Breaking the walk for a day taking the pleasure with exciting drive on local jeep or similar vehicle. For few hours drive to low areas at Tatopani from Muktinath. As morning drive heads downhill to Kaligandaki River valley past large town of Jomsom, headquarter of Mustang district. An interesting drives leads through lovely villages of Marpha and Tukuche to Kalapani and Lete with grand views of Nilgiri-Tukuche-Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain range. Journey continues downhill reaching warm low farm country through Kaligandaki River, in between towering Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountains which makes this area world’s deepest gorge. Slowly drive reaches Tatopani for overnight stop, a place with natural hot spring to enjoy rest of the day in its warm pools at Tatopani means hot / water or spring.
Day 12:

Trek to Ghorepani village 2,885 m - 06 hrs.

After a temporary break from the walk taking a drive, from Tatopani village onwards our walk continues for few days. Morning climb up to Ghara and Sikha farm villages, from here walk on gradual winding trail with last hour of steep climb to Ghorepani. A place with lovely nice lodge for overnight stop with great food menu. Located at the bottom of famous Poon Hill view point, amidst dense Rhododendron forest. In spring time the hills are alive with bright colored wild flowers in seasonal bloom
Day 13:

Hike to Poon Hill 3,210 m trek to Tirkhedhunga 1,440 m -06 hrs.

Rising early morning for short hike of an hour to Poon Hill at 3,210 m high, from this high hill top enjoy stunning sunrise over range of mountains that includes Dhaulagiri-Tukuche-Nilgiri-Annapurna Fang (Vara-Shikar) with massive Annapurna range includes majestic Machhapuchare Himal the famous 'Fish Tail' the virgin and unclimbed peaks of Himalaya. Views extends towards Mt. Manaslu and Lamjung Himal all the way to Ganesh massive peaks in the far east horizon, after glorious moment then walk back to Ghorepani, after breakfast carry on trekking downhill within nice forest of rhododendron trees. On reaching top of Ulleri village where long descend takes you to our overnight stop at Tirkhedhunga, a village with beautiful cascading waterfalls.
Day 14:

Trek and drive to Pokhara 860 m- 03 hrs

Last day walk of the adventure, from Tirkhedhunga village walk completes, heading down to Hille village. As trail leads further towards low warm areas with descent into a gorge, facing views of cascading waterfalls. Finally ending the trek on reaching at Bhirethati village on a road-head for short exciting drive to Pokhara. An interesting drive through farm villages and town, then reaching the city area and by the beautiful Phewa Lake side. At Pokhara enjoy the comfort of nice lovely hotels, a renowned tourist destinations blessed with natural beauty of high Annapurna Himalayan peaks and serene lakes.
Day 15:

Drive or fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

Morning after a pleasant time in Pokhara and around high hills of Annapurna Himalayas. From Pokhara drive leads back to Kathmandu on an interesting highway past farm villages and town. After hours of exciting drive reaching Kathmandu, by late afternoon. Rest of the day free at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs. (Options for flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara of half hour scenic flight)
Day 16:

At Kathmandu free day at leisure.

In Kathmandu we have spared a day free to enjoy individual activities, as well for shopping souvenirs of Nepal. Interested people can join in for another exciting sightseeing tour of Patan and Bhaktapur worth a visit.
Day 17:

Depart for international departure.

Transfer to Nepal international airport in Kathmandu, as per your international flight time, our guide and staff transfer you to the airport. Then bid farewell to staff and guide, enter the airport terminal for homeward bound, after a great wonderful adventure and experience on Annapurna Circuit trekking.

Gears

    • Duffel/Rucksack bag
    • Day pack
    • Trekking shoes
    • Sports shoes or sandals
    • Sun Hat/cap
    • Warm woolen cap
    • Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
    • Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
    • Pullover or warm sweeter
    • Raincoat
    • Hand towel
    • 4/5 pairs of good quality socks
    • Hand gloves
    • 3/4 pairs of trekking trousers
    • 4/5 pairs of trekking shirts
    • 3/4 pairs of underwear (non cotton preferred)
    • Sun glasses
    • Water bottle
    • 4 season sleeping bag
    • Flash or Torch light
    • Emergency contact information; Personal medical kit.