The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the best treks in the world. The trek lies in the Annapurna range area with the total length between 160 – 230 kilometers. The trek is one of the most happening treks in Nepal and is being highly praised by most of the trekkers all around the world.
Trekking around the massif Annapurna range with the highest point of Thorang La Pass (5,416 m) will take the trekkers through the cross-section of Nepal from lowland rice plantations, deep forests, snowcapped mountain range, and the beautiful view of the sunrise and sunset. The wide range of climate variation ranging from the tropics to the arctic and the Tibetan culture of the Manang and Lower Mustang are the extra attractions of the trek.
The trek around the 10th highest mountain will drive you along the Gorge of the Kali Gandaki. The diverse flora and fauna, waterfalls, culture, traditions and lifestyle of the people attracts the tourists from cross the world. Also, trekkers will have a closer view of the mountains like Hiunchuli, Manaslu, Annapurna I, II, Machhapuchhare, Nilgiri, Lamjung Himal and Tukuche peak.
Day 1 – Arrive Kathmandu
You will be met at the airport and be taken to the hotel. You may relax or explore until the group meets at dinner.
Day 2 – Tour around Kathmandu
After breakfast, you venture out for the full day sightseeing (6-7 hours) in a fascinating medieval city, its streets, bazaars, temples, shrines and Buddhist stupas are crowded with peoples of every creed, color and race. Rickshaws, taxis and hooting motorists add to the din and create that special atmosphere that Kathmandu is so famous for. You visit the Swayambhunath Temple (also known as the Monkey Temple) and the Durbar Square in the heart of the city. This is where the Kumari is. Many of Kathmandu’s most historic and important temples are located here. Next you will drive to Patan, once a beautiful city in its own right which rivaled Kathmandu in terms of the splendor of its temples and squares. You cross a bridge over the Bagmati River that links Kathmandu with the city of Patan, its neighbor to the south. Patan has more excellent architecture and has long been a centre of Newari craftsmanship. There will also be time to purchase any last minute supplies for the mountains.
Day 3 –Kathmandu to Bhulhule (840 m) around 7 hours drive
After an early morning breakfast, we will start our journey towards Bhulhule on a private vehicle. The long scenic drive of 7 hours will pass through the beautiful farms and a suspension bridge. Bhulhule offers the trekkers with the beautiful views of the Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, Peak 29, and others.
Overnight at Teahouse in Bhulhule
Day 4 – Bhulhule to Jagat Village (1,300 m) around 5 hours walk
The destination for today is Jagat Village. Trek to Jagat takes about 5 hours. On the way, trekkers will see the V shaped structure of the Marshyangadi valley. Passing across the crossed path of the Syange and then further down to the bank of the river, the rocky trail will lead you to the Jagat village. Jagat is a small village with mostly the Tamang and Gurung people.
Overnight at Teahouse in Jagat village
Day 5 – Jagat Village to Danakyu (2300 m) around 5 hours walk
Leaving Jagat village behind, we will set off now for a new destination: Danakyu. The trail is comparatively easier which crosses through the suspension bridge. Ascending further you will walk along the motorway which will lead you towards Dharapani. Climbing up from Dharapani, you will finally reach Danakyu: a long village stretched over more than 1 km.
Overnight at teahouse in Danakyu
Day 6 – Danakyu to Chame (2700 m) around 6-7 hours walk
Trekkers will start the trek with an ascend following the southern bank of the river and climbing the Syal Khola (the river of Jackals) at 2210 meters. Further steep ascend through the forest of walnut and the landslide area, you will reach the Temang village. The village offers with the beautiful views of the Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV. A motorway soon after the Temang village will take the trekkers to the Chame leaving behind the several local villages, pine forest and fields. Chame is the district headquarters of Manang.
Overnight in Chame
Day 7 – Chame to Pisang (3,190 m) around 5-6 hours walk
A new destination: Pisang awaits you today. After you leave Chame, on the way to Pisang, trekkers will see some glimpse of the Lamjung Himal. Crossing the Marshyangadi River via a suspension bridge, and passing the planted fields, you will see the apple orchard which is run by the local community. Try the fresh organic apple juice of the place. After crossing the Marshyangadi River, the trail turns to be steeper until we reach Dhikur Pokhari. The Pisang peak, Annapurna II, IV and other unnamed peaks are the attractions of the place. Continuing the trek by crossing a suspension bridge, a final ascend will take us to Upper Pisang.
Overnight in Pisang
Day 8 – Pisang to Manang (3500 m) around 6-7 hours walk
We will now start our trek towards the Manang. Challenging the colder environment, we will walk to the Ghyaru village which peacefully rests on the lap of Annapurna III, IV, and Pisang peak. Leaving the buckwheat field of the village behind, trekkers will reach a ridge which offers with the views of the Humde village, and peaks like Gangapurna, Annapurna II and III, Tilicho and Chulu. Moving further to reach Ngawal, the trail continues to join the main trail. The trail will lead the trekkers to Braga which is a beautiful place filled with Tibetan style houses and monasteries, sculptures and Thangka. An hour walk from here and you will rest your feet on Manang.
Overnight in Manang
Day 9 – Explore Manang
This is an important day because you will be spending a spare day in Manang in order to acclimatize the environmental condition. The best idea to explore in Manang is to explore the Gangapurna Lake: a beautiful glacial lake originated from the Gangapurna glacier. To acclimatize, we will trek above the lake and reach the Chongkor viewpoint.
Day 10 – Manang to Yak Kharka (4090 m) around 3-4 hours walk
The trek to Yak Kharka starts in early morning. The steady ascend will first lead to Tenki Manang which provides a closer view of the Annapurna, Gangapurna and Tilicho peak. The terrains and the juniper bushes along the way will lead you to the Yak Kharka. Since, today’s walk is quite shorter, the rest of the day will help the trekkers to acclimatize and explore the village. We can walk around the valley in the spare time. You may also encounter some yaks and blue sheep if you are lucky enough.
Overnight in Yak Kharka
Day 11 – Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4490 m) around 3-4 hours trek
Today’s trek is short and will take us to the foot of the Thorang La Pass. As we walk steadily to an edge and move down the Marshyangadi River, we will follow the narrow trail across the high, unstable slope. You will enjoy the landscapes and the mountain views along the way. Likewise, Yaks, Eagles and Horse are common in the trail. These areas might possess higher risk and thus trekkers need to be more cautious. Almost after 4 hours walk, you will now reach the Thorong Phedi. Trekkers will spend the rest of the day in leisure in Thorong Phedi.
Overnight in Thorong Phedi
Day 12 – Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass (5416 m) to Muktinath (3800 m) around 8-9 hours walk
We have a really long day today. Early morning we will start our walk down the Marshyangdi river and pass through the river across the wooden bridge. After trekking 4 to 5 hours we will reach the Thorong La Pass, which is the height point if the whole trek. The prayer flags and stone cairn on Thorong La Pass provide fabulous views. The Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Khatung Kang will be your friends along your way.
Descending down from Thorang La Pass, we will follow the grassy fields and pastures along with the beautiful views of the Dhaulagiri Mountain. Finally, we will reach Muktinath: a holy place for Buddhists and Hindus. The temple is especially famous for the 108 stone taps from all of which water flows. Pilgrims believe that taking a bath on these taps will sweep away the sin and open their gateway to heaven.
Overnight in Muktinath
Day 13 – Drive to Jomsom (2800 m) around 5-6 hours drive
Leaving Muktinath, the trail will continue down to Kagbeni and along the Kali Gandaki River to the town of Jomsom. We will pass through the settlements like Jharkot which is rich in Tibetan architecture. The Nilgiri and the Dhaulagiri Mountain will cheer you up with their beauty. We will walk across the apple orchids, reach Marpha and then finally to Jomsom.
Day 14 – Jomsom to Pokhara and to Kathmandu
Regular flights are available from Jomsom to Pokhara. After an early breakfast, we will catch a flight to Pokhara. From Pokhara a short flight will land you in Kathmandu. Or, you can spend a spare day site seeing the Pokhara valley.
Day 15 – Departure
This will be your last day in Nepal. With gratitude and honor, we will drop you to the International Airport to catch your flight back to your country.
Inclusions
- Government Trained License Holder English-speaking guide/leader
- All domestic and International airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Good standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu/cities with twin sharing bed and breakfast basis
- All road transport by private vehicles
- All domestic airfares
- All meals and accommodation on trek including tea and coffee
- Morning bed-tea on trek
- A free high-quality Dolma Treks duffel bag/relative trekking map and Tee-shirt
- Trek staff and full porteragem
- All camping gears in our camping treks
- High altitude Sherpa/porters properly insured and equipped
- National Park fees + Permits
Exclusions
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Tips
- Laundry and personal expenses
- Whatever is not mentioned in the included section
