The Annapurna circuit is situated in the western part of Nepal. Annapurna trekking is the most famous trekking in Nepal. About 60 percent of people who visit Nepal do Annapurna trekking. The Annapurna region is best described as the most happening trekking destination of Nepal. The Annapurna Circuit Trek has a reputation as a spectacular trekking route and has been constantly highly praised since it first opened to foreign trekkers in 1977. This two weeks trek starts right from Besishahar and goes along the Marshyangdi River, with great views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east and Annapurna Himalayas views to the other side. This magnificent trek leads you through the fine villages inhabited by a wide diversity of people from different ethnic groups, offering spectacular and majestic view of the snow capped Himalayas. As it continues to the north of the main Himalayan range on to the high and dry Tibetan Plateau, the scenery is equally breathtaking.
The highest point of the trek is Thorung La pass at the top of the valley at 5416m. Due to the difficulties of crossing the pass, the circuit is usually walked in a counter clockwise direction. Traveling clockwise the longer ascent and shorter descent from west to east is too much for many peoples to manage in one day.
As we descend to the west at Muktinath from Manang, we continue to Jomsom. It is the district headquarters of Mustang. Through Kali Gandaki Rive we take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and then we finish our trip. But if you have time you could extend your trip to the world's deepest gorge, which passes between the giant Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains.
View point: Timang, Dhukur Pokhari, Ghyaru, Ngawal, Ice Lake, Thorung La pass, Muktinath etc.
Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing by professional tour guide.
Kathmandu has many world heritage sites. We visit all of the heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambunath (monkey) Temple, Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath Stupa. In the evening we prepare for the trek and then overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Besishahar (790m).
About 5 hours scenic drive by car / van and overnight at lodge.
Day 04: Besishahar to Bahundanda (1310m) and then overnight at lodge.
Beshishahar - Khudi- Bhulbhulle- Ngadi- Bahundanda
Today our journey starts at Besishahar, it is an easy walking trail to Khudi at 790m, and we then reach the first Gurung village (many of Nepal’s Gurkha soldiers are Gurungs). As we continue from Khudi the trail offers fine views of Himalchuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli). It climbs to Bhulbhule at 825m; during this part of walking we can enjoy the sound of the Marsyandi River and terraces of rice we then arrive at Ngadi. After the Ngadi it is a steep walk up to Bahundanda. It is the first steep part of this trek.
Day 05: Bahundanda to Chyamje (1400m) and then overnight at lodge.
Bahundanda – Thamigaon – Ghermuphant – Syange – Jagat - Chamje
Today the trail drops steeply to Syange at 1070m from Bahundanda, crossing the Marsyangdi River on a suspension bridge through ThamiGaun and Ghermuphant. We see the great waterfall of the Ghermuphant. We then follow the river to the stone village of Jagat before climbing through forest to the small village of Chamje.
Day 06: Chamje to Bagarchhap (2160m) and then overnight at lodge.
Chamje – Sattare – Tal – Khotro – Karte – Dharapani – Bagarchhap
The day begins with the rocky trail following the Marsyandi river gradually uphill to Tal at 1675m, the first village in the Manang district. We make trails crossing a wide, flat valley. The trail then climbs a stone stairway to 1860m until another stairway. The journey continues ascending and descending to Dharapani at 1890m. There we find a stone entrance chorten typical of the Tibetan influenced villages from here northwards. We then visit the Bagarchhap at 2160m that offers the typical flat roofed stone houses of local Tibetan design throughout the village which is still in the transition zone before the dry highlands. We see the first view of Annapurna II from here.
Day 07: Bagarchhap to Chame (2630m) and then overnight at lodge.
Bagarchhap – Danaque – Timang – Thanchok – Koto - Chame
With often rough and rocky ground, the trail climbs to Timang at 2460m; we see beautiful views of Mt. Manaslu (8163m) and many other snow capped peaks. We then continue through forest to Thanchok village at 2630m and Koto village. As we reach Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district, we are rewarded by the fine view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. There are also two small hot springs by the town. Chame is a major town in this region.
Day 08: Chame to Pisang (3300m) and then overnight at lodge.
Chame – Thaleku – Bharatang – Dhokure pokhari – Pisang
The day starts through deep pine forests in a gradual and narrow valley. We cross a river on a long bridge at 2910m and then climb steeply up to the Dhukure Pokhari from where we appear to see many mountains like Annapurna II, Pisang peak, Chulu peak, Tilicho peak and others. After this place it is an easy walk to Pisang. There are two parts to Pisang, one is lower Pisang and another is Upper Pisang. We have the choice of staying in either location.
Day 09: Pisang to Manang (3500m) and then overnight at lodge.
Pisang – Ghyaru – Ngawal – Mungji – Braka – Manang (upper route)
Pisang – Hongde – Mungji – Braka – Manang (Lower route)
Today we continue through the drier upper part of the Manang district, cut off from the full effect of the monsoon by the Annapurna Range. People of this region, herd yaks & raise crops for part of the year, they also continue to enjoy special trading rights gained way back in 1784.
Leaving Pisang, we have a choice of trails north or south of the Marsyangdi River which meet up again at Mungji. The southern route by Hongde, with its airstrip, at 3325m involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru, Ngawal though there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. From Mungji, the trail continues past the picturesque but partially hidden village of Braka at 3475m to nearby Manang at 3500m.
Day 10: Manang - Acclimatization day and then overnight at lodge.
Today we spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. We spend the whole day doing some fine day walks and enjoying the magnificent views around the village. We take advantage of the chance to gain altitude to help us acclimatise. At the end of the day, we return back to our accommodation & have a good nights rest.
You have many choices of ways to spend your acclimatization day.
Day 11: Manang to Ledar (4250m) and then overnight at lodge.
Manang – Tenki Manang – Gunsang – Yak kharka – Leader (Churi Leader)
Today we leave Manang & the trail makes an ascent of nearly 2000m to the Thorung La pass. We make the climb steadily through Tenki, Gunsang leaving the Marsyangi Valley. Continuing along the Jarsang Khola Valley, we reach Ledar at 4250m, here we see the vegetation become steadily sparser.
Day 12: Ledar to Phedi or High camp (4600m) and then overnight at lodge.
Leader – Phedi or High Camp
The trail descends to cross the river at 4310m we then climb up to Phedi at 4420m. At High Camp on the elevation of 4900m, we can find some good, recently built guesthouses. Your overnight stay will be there. You see the condition, if you feel totally great you can continuous to high camp. If not, you better to stay at Phedi.
Day 13: Phedi or High Camp to Muktinath (3710m) and then overnight at lodge.
Phedi or High camp – Tea shop – Tea shot at top of Thorung La – Phedi (Muktinath side) – Muktinath (Rani Pauwa)
The journey from Phedi “foot of the hill” to the 5416m Thorung La pass begins the day. We climb steeply up; this is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow. It can cause problems crossing the pass if it is covered by snow. After about four hours climbing up to the pass marked by the Mani stone & prayer flags. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent view from the top and then we walk down to Muktinath with amazing mountains view.
Day 14: Muktinath to Jomsom (2750m) and then overnight at lodge.
Muktinath ( Rani pauwa) – Jharkot – Khingar – Kagbeni – Eklebhatti
We visit the Muktinath temple early in the morning. This is a Hindu temple as well as a Buddhist temple. Many Hindu pilgrims come to visit this temple. There are 108 water taps and two small pounds. The Hindu people believe that if you take bath 108 taps (108 is a sacred number in Tibetan Buddhism), cast in the shape of cows’ heads, which pour forth sacred water. You will be the free from the sin which you committed in your past life. A short walk past a collection of chortens is the Dhola mebar Gompa, or Jwalamai (goddess of fire) temple, where a holy flame of natural gas burns behind a grill just above the spring. After that we come back to the lodge for breakfast and than we go down through Jharkot village, Kagbeni, Ekle Bhatti to Jomsom which is the headquarters of Mustang district. It is one of the windiest valleys in Nepal. Every afternoon is guaranteed to be windy in the season. This is a main town of Thakali people.
Day 15: Jomsom to Pokhara and then overnight at selected hotel.
On day 15 we fly in the morning to Pokhara. It is about 30minutes to Pokhara. During the flight we may see many mountains as well as the trail down to Tatopani /Ghorepani. After arriving in Pokhara, we drive near to your hotel. After that we can go boating in Fewa Lake.
Extend your trip:
If you have more time, you can extend your trip to Tatopani (natural hot spring), Ghorepani, Ghandruk / Poonhill and Annapurna base camp as well. It is also possible drive to Tatopani. It is dependent on the amount of time you have.
Day 16: Pokhara to Kathmandu (200km driving by car/van) and then overnight at selected hotel.
Alternative route:
There are many flights from Pokhara to Kathmandu every day. You may take a flight to get there. It takes 30 minutes to Kathmandu. It is easy and short way to get Kathmandu.
Day 17: Departure to your home country.
The highest point of the trek is Thorung La pass at the top of the valley at 5416m. Due to the difficulties of crossing the pass, the circuit is usually walked in a counter clockwise direction. Traveling clockwise the longer ascent and shorter descent from west to east is too much for many peoples to manage in one day.
As we descend to the west at Muktinath from Manang, we continue to Jomsom. It is the district headquarters of Mustang. Through Kali Gandaki Rive we take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and then we finish our trip. But if you have time you could extend your trip to the world's deepest gorge, which passes between the giant Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains.
TRIP FACTS
Destination: Annapurna Around
Trip Duration: 17 Days
Season: Spring & Autumn
Trip Start/End: Kathmandu
Trek Start: Besisahar
Trek End: Jomsom
Trek Type: Tea House / Lodge
Accommodation: Hotel, lodge (tea house)
Transportation: Flight/Tourist Bus/Car/Van
Altitude: 900m - 5416m
Grade:
Major attraction: Chame, Upper Pisang, Ghyaru, Ngawal ,Manang, Braka , Khangsar village, Milerepa cave, Marshyangdi river , Kali Gandaki river, Thorung la pass, Muktinath temple, Kagbeni , Jomsom.Destination: Annapurna Around
Trip Duration: 17 Days
Season: Spring & Autumn
Trip Start/End: Kathmandu
Trek Start: Besisahar
Trek End: Jomsom
Trek Type: Tea House / Lodge
Accommodation: Hotel, lodge (tea house)
Transportation: Flight/Tourist Bus/Car/Van
Altitude: 900m - 5416m
Grade:
View point: Timang, Dhukur Pokhari, Ghyaru, Ngawal, Ice Lake, Thorung La pass, Muktinath etc.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, transfer to selected hotel and spend the rest of the day settling in.Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing by professional tour guide.
Kathmandu has many world heritage sites. We visit all of the heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambunath (monkey) Temple, Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath Stupa. In the evening we prepare for the trek and then overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Besishahar (790m).
About 5 hours scenic drive by car / van and overnight at lodge.
Day 04: Besishahar to Bahundanda (1310m) and then overnight at lodge.
Beshishahar - Khudi- Bhulbhulle- Ngadi- Bahundanda
Today our journey starts at Besishahar, it is an easy walking trail to Khudi at 790m, and we then reach the first Gurung village (many of Nepal’s Gurkha soldiers are Gurungs). As we continue from Khudi the trail offers fine views of Himalchuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli). It climbs to Bhulbhule at 825m; during this part of walking we can enjoy the sound of the Marsyandi River and terraces of rice we then arrive at Ngadi. After the Ngadi it is a steep walk up to Bahundanda. It is the first steep part of this trek.
Day 05: Bahundanda to Chyamje (1400m) and then overnight at lodge.
Bahundanda – Thamigaon – Ghermuphant – Syange – Jagat - Chamje
Today the trail drops steeply to Syange at 1070m from Bahundanda, crossing the Marsyangdi River on a suspension bridge through ThamiGaun and Ghermuphant. We see the great waterfall of the Ghermuphant. We then follow the river to the stone village of Jagat before climbing through forest to the small village of Chamje.
Day 06: Chamje to Bagarchhap (2160m) and then overnight at lodge.
Chamje – Sattare – Tal – Khotro – Karte – Dharapani – Bagarchhap
The day begins with the rocky trail following the Marsyandi river gradually uphill to Tal at 1675m, the first village in the Manang district. We make trails crossing a wide, flat valley. The trail then climbs a stone stairway to 1860m until another stairway. The journey continues ascending and descending to Dharapani at 1890m. There we find a stone entrance chorten typical of the Tibetan influenced villages from here northwards. We then visit the Bagarchhap at 2160m that offers the typical flat roofed stone houses of local Tibetan design throughout the village which is still in the transition zone before the dry highlands. We see the first view of Annapurna II from here.
Day 07: Bagarchhap to Chame (2630m) and then overnight at lodge.
Bagarchhap – Danaque – Timang – Thanchok – Koto - Chame
With often rough and rocky ground, the trail climbs to Timang at 2460m; we see beautiful views of Mt. Manaslu (8163m) and many other snow capped peaks. We then continue through forest to Thanchok village at 2630m and Koto village. As we reach Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district, we are rewarded by the fine view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. There are also two small hot springs by the town. Chame is a major town in this region.
Day 08: Chame to Pisang (3300m) and then overnight at lodge.
Chame – Thaleku – Bharatang – Dhokure pokhari – Pisang
The day starts through deep pine forests in a gradual and narrow valley. We cross a river on a long bridge at 2910m and then climb steeply up to the Dhukure Pokhari from where we appear to see many mountains like Annapurna II, Pisang peak, Chulu peak, Tilicho peak and others. After this place it is an easy walk to Pisang. There are two parts to Pisang, one is lower Pisang and another is Upper Pisang. We have the choice of staying in either location.
Day 09: Pisang to Manang (3500m) and then overnight at lodge.
Pisang – Ghyaru – Ngawal – Mungji – Braka – Manang (upper route)
Pisang – Hongde – Mungji – Braka – Manang (Lower route)
Today we continue through the drier upper part of the Manang district, cut off from the full effect of the monsoon by the Annapurna Range. People of this region, herd yaks & raise crops for part of the year, they also continue to enjoy special trading rights gained way back in 1784.
Leaving Pisang, we have a choice of trails north or south of the Marsyangdi River which meet up again at Mungji. The southern route by Hongde, with its airstrip, at 3325m involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru, Ngawal though there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. From Mungji, the trail continues past the picturesque but partially hidden village of Braka at 3475m to nearby Manang at 3500m.
Day 10: Manang - Acclimatization day and then overnight at lodge.
Today we spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. We spend the whole day doing some fine day walks and enjoying the magnificent views around the village. We take advantage of the chance to gain altitude to help us acclimatise. At the end of the day, we return back to our accommodation & have a good nights rest.
You have many choices of ways to spend your acclimatization day.
- Ice Lake (4600m): It is a nice place to hike to, but it is a long walk. It is about 6 hours there and back. You can see the wonderful views of the mountains and the ice lake is excellent. It is definitely worth doing.
- Monastery (100 rupees lama): Praken Gomba is name of the monastery. It is a nice short walk. We see great Annapurna mountain views. The monastery has a Monk. He blesses your impending crossing of the Thorung La pass by tying a sacred thread around your neck. We have to give him one hundred rupees per person for this reason we call him Hundred Rupees Lama.
- Gangapurna glacier:
It is also not very far from Manang village. We see a close view of Gangapurna Lake and the glacier.
- Khangsar village: It is the last village after Manang. Khangsar is a collection of traditional stone buildings surrounding a large village square. Near the top of the village is a small Sakyapa school monastery. This village is on the way to Tilicho Lake (the world’s highest lake or Mesokunda pass. It is a lovely old village.
- Milerepa cave: This cave is another interesting site in this area. Many years ago a monk from Tibet lived in this cave. His name was Milerepa. He is famous for meditating in this place.
Day 11: Manang to Ledar (4250m) and then overnight at lodge.
Manang – Tenki Manang – Gunsang – Yak kharka – Leader (Churi Leader)
Today we leave Manang & the trail makes an ascent of nearly 2000m to the Thorung La pass. We make the climb steadily through Tenki, Gunsang leaving the Marsyangi Valley. Continuing along the Jarsang Khola Valley, we reach Ledar at 4250m, here we see the vegetation become steadily sparser.
Day 12: Ledar to Phedi or High camp (4600m) and then overnight at lodge.
Leader – Phedi or High Camp
The trail descends to cross the river at 4310m we then climb up to Phedi at 4420m. At High Camp on the elevation of 4900m, we can find some good, recently built guesthouses. Your overnight stay will be there. You see the condition, if you feel totally great you can continuous to high camp. If not, you better to stay at Phedi.
Day 13: Phedi or High Camp to Muktinath (3710m) and then overnight at lodge.
Phedi or High camp – Tea shop – Tea shot at top of Thorung La – Phedi (Muktinath side) – Muktinath (Rani Pauwa)
The journey from Phedi “foot of the hill” to the 5416m Thorung La pass begins the day. We climb steeply up; this is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow. It can cause problems crossing the pass if it is covered by snow. After about four hours climbing up to the pass marked by the Mani stone & prayer flags. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent view from the top and then we walk down to Muktinath with amazing mountains view.
Day 14: Muktinath to Jomsom (2750m) and then overnight at lodge.
Muktinath ( Rani pauwa) – Jharkot – Khingar – Kagbeni – Eklebhatti
We visit the Muktinath temple early in the morning. This is a Hindu temple as well as a Buddhist temple. Many Hindu pilgrims come to visit this temple. There are 108 water taps and two small pounds. The Hindu people believe that if you take bath 108 taps (108 is a sacred number in Tibetan Buddhism), cast in the shape of cows’ heads, which pour forth sacred water. You will be the free from the sin which you committed in your past life. A short walk past a collection of chortens is the Dhola mebar Gompa, or Jwalamai (goddess of fire) temple, where a holy flame of natural gas burns behind a grill just above the spring. After that we come back to the lodge for breakfast and than we go down through Jharkot village, Kagbeni, Ekle Bhatti to Jomsom which is the headquarters of Mustang district. It is one of the windiest valleys in Nepal. Every afternoon is guaranteed to be windy in the season. This is a main town of Thakali people.
Day 15: Jomsom to Pokhara and then overnight at selected hotel.
On day 15 we fly in the morning to Pokhara. It is about 30minutes to Pokhara. During the flight we may see many mountains as well as the trail down to Tatopani /Ghorepani. After arriving in Pokhara, we drive near to your hotel. After that we can go boating in Fewa Lake.
Extend your trip:
If you have more time, you can extend your trip to Tatopani (natural hot spring), Ghorepani, Ghandruk / Poonhill and Annapurna base camp as well. It is also possible drive to Tatopani. It is dependent on the amount of time you have.
Day 16: Pokhara to Kathmandu (200km driving by car/van) and then overnight at selected hotel.
Alternative route:
There are many flights from Pokhara to Kathmandu every day. You may take a flight to get there. It takes 30 minutes to Kathmandu. It is easy and short way to get Kathmandu.
Day 17: Departure to your home country.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Pick up and drop off at Kathmandu International Airport by private car.
- All the transportation during trek.
- Lodge accommodation along the trek.
- All the meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) with tea/coffee.
- Annapurna conservation area (ACAP) Permit and (trekkers’ information management system (TIMS) card.
- Kathmandu to Besishahar and Pokhara to Kathmandu by Deluxe Tourist Bus.
- Hotel in Kathmandu.
- Hotel in Pokhara.
- Guide and porter: all the meals, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, transportation etc.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- First aid box.
- Fluent English speaking government registered export trekking guide.
- All the official charges and government tax.
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Soft and hard table drinks such as: coke, beer, mineral water.
- Rescue operation charge.
- Your travel insurance.
- Meals in Kathmandu.
- Personal shopping and laundry.
- Tips for your guide and porters etc.
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