
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of most celebrated treks in the world which takes you into the heart of the high mountains of Nepal. This trek has only been possible since the mid 1980s when the Manang area was officially opened to foreigners. This is definitely going to be a strenuous trek, taking about three weeks to complete, starting from 760m (Beshisahar) and ascending to 5416m (Thorong-La Pass, the highest point of this trek). During the trek you will be able to enjoy: dramatic mountain scenery; alpine deserts; rice terraces, the Tibetan plateau; turbulent rivers with deep gorges; crystal clear lakes; waterfalls and a wide variety of vegetation. In addition, you will be able to observe different cultures and ways of life of people who live in this region, as well as different birds and animals. One of the highlights is our visit to the well-known Muktinath temple used by Hindus and Buddhists. Certainly the 'peak' experience will be ascending to the Thorong-La pass where the views are superb. This may be the highest elevation you'll attain during your traveling life- you will feel on top of the world!
This classic circular trek is a reasonable proposition for a first time visit to Nepal, completing an epic journey through a wide variety of terrains of the Himalaya.
You don’t need any previous mountaineering training or technical experience for this trek as the terrain is not very difficult. However, some vigorous hiking experience and good physical condition is very useful.
Facts of the Trek
Total Days: 18 days
Trekking Days : 12 days
Hotel in Kathmandu: 4 Days
Hotel in Pokhara: 1 day
Trek Grade: Moderate
Altitude Maximum: 5416m (Throng-La Pass)
Type of Trek: Lodge (Recommended for camping also)
Best season: March–May and September-November
Walking Time: 4-7 hour each day
Special Interest: Photography, cultural etc.
Day 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu airport and you will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m
Day 02 : Kathmandu: In the morning we will visit Patan, a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples, and monasteries. In the afternoon we will visit Kathmandu's Durbar Square, including the old royal palace and the house of the Kumari (a living goddess who is the reincarnation of Kali).
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m.
Day 03 : Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m) by tourist coach bus: The Annapurna Circuit trek begins with a road journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar which takes approximately six hours.
Overnight: Lodge
Drive Time: 6 hours (200Km)
Difference in Elevation: - 574m.
Day 04 : Trek Besisahar to Ngadi (920m): The first day of the trek will commence from Besisahar where we will follow the Marsyangdi Valley, inhabited by Gurung people. After crossing suspension bridges and some narrow tracks we will reach Ngadi in about 5 hours.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 160m
Day 05 : Trek Ngadi to Jagat (1290m): The trek will take us through villages with richly cultivated fields, rice terraces and a deep gorge with cascading waterfalls.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 370m
Day 06 : Trek Jagat to Dharapani (1860m): Today the trail continues turning to the North West as it follows the Marsyangdi Valley and we will enter Manang District from Taal (1675m). Before reaching Dharapani we will cross a large suspension bridge.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 570m
Day 07 : Trek Dharapani to Chame (2670m) As we continue our trek today, the Annapurna range offers splendid views such as Annapurna II (7937m) and Annapurna IV to the west. Initially the trail climbs through the forests to Dhanakyu (2290m) and continues steadily to Latta manang (2360m). The track climbs over forest ridges to reach Kotho village (2590m) before reaching Chame (2630m). Chame is the central (Administrative) headquarter of the Manang District.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +810m
Day 08 : Trek Chame to Pisang (3200m): Today's trek is a bit shorter and we will enjoy wonderful scenery as we cross the northern side of the river and trek west on the very easy trail to the Bhratang Village (2840m). From here the valley is steep and narrow and leads through dense forests until we cross one suspension bridge which is situated at 3040m before reaching Pisang (3200m). Pisang is a large village and it has been divided into upper and lower villages. You will be able to view Pisang Peak (6091m) directly in front of you along with unforgettable views of other famous peaks.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Différence in Elevation: +530m
Day 09 : Trek Pisang to Manang (3440m): We will walk about 6 hours to reach today's destination which called Manang (3440m). Manang is very large and important village with numerous lodges and shops, where it is surprisingly well stocked with all the things. The claiming a population around 5500 in Manang Village.We will reach Manang via crossing Hungde Airport and Braga Village and we will cross one chorten which is 500 years old. At the Hungde village you will see a very long Mani wall.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 720m
Day 10 : Acclimatization day at Manang: Today will be your Acclimatization day which will allow you to become adjusted to thinning air and lessening pressure as we continue upwards towards to Thorong-La. It is essential spend the time to acclimatize in this area. In the afternoon, we can visit the clinic (run by Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) Centre) to get more information about high altitude trekking. They will give a daily briefing about mountain sickness. It is also worth visiting Manang Gompa (Monastery) if it is open.
Overnight: Lodge
Elevation: 3440m
Day 11 : Trek Manang to Yak Kharka (4018m): This day the trek will begin slowly up to Tengi (3620m) and continues upwards to Gunsang (3930m) and continues to Yak Kharka with a level grade. It is also possible to reach Phedi in one day from Manang, however it is essential for acclimatization to stop at Yak Kharka (4018m) for further acclimatization.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Difference in Elevation: +578m
Day 12 : Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4450m): Today is also another short day for the trek, where we will walk about 3 to 4 hours to provide more time for gradual acclimatization. Thorong Phedi (4450m) is our last stop before crossing Thorong-La (Pass). The lodges here are usually very crowded, but there is an air of excitement as trekkers congregate when they arrive at lunch time.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Difference in Elevation +432
Day 13 : Trek Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3760m): Today is the most difficult day of this trek because of the altitude and long hours walking (as we ascend almost 1000m and descend about 1600m). Hence, we will set off about 4 to 5 AM and commence the long climb up to the Thorong-La Pass (5416m). You need to have plenty of water and a warm down jacket with you. The trek Phedi to Thorong- La takes about 3-5 hours, depending upon fitness and acclimatization. Upon reaching Thorong-La we will see the traditional chorten, cairn and prayer flags. We will take a break here before descending to Muktinath (3760m). The panoramic views from Thorong-La are superb and this may be the highest elevation you'll attain during your traveling life- you will feel on top of the world! When you descend to the Muktinath area you will obtain great views of Dhaulagiri to the south-west and Tukuche (6920m). The descent is long and tiring (about 3 hours) but it is not very difficult. We can easily reach today's destination of Muktinath enjoying great views along the way. Muktinath is a fascinating village and a famous place for Hindu and Buddhist religions. You may see lot of pilgrims bathing in the holy water flowing from the 108 spouts carved in the shape of cow's heads surrounding the Vishnu Temple. The temple is built in Tibetan style and contains huge brass idols of Shiva, Vishnu, Kali and Brahma.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 7 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 690m
Day 14 : Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2750m) via Kagbeni: Before reaching Kagbeni from Muktinath, the trail descends gradually towards to Jharkot, which is very nice village with interesting houses and lot of green fields. The trail continues descending to Kagbeni for about two and half hours. Kagbeni (2800m), located near the Kali Gandaki river, is a very interesting and medieval village with stone houses, narrow alleys, green fields and view of the high mountains. Kagbeni is not very far from legendary areas of Mustang and Lo Monthang.
NOTE: Mustang is a controlled trekking region so a separate permit is required to travel in Mustang. Therefore we recommended that you not to walk north of this village because this is border of the Mustang. From here we follow the river down to Ekle Bhatti (2730m), where we join the alternative and more direct route from Muktinath. From here it is an easy walk to Jomsom, the administrative headquarters of the region, at 2750m. This is our trekking ending point and we celebrate our last day with singing and dancing.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 7 – 8 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 1010m
Day 15 : Flight Jomsom –Pokhara (820m): With our trek successfully completed, today our flight takes us from Jomsom to Pokahara (20 minutes).
Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 20 mins
Difference in Elevation: -1930
Day 16 : Flight Pokhara to Kathmandu (1334m): You will have scenic flight in the morning for about 30 minutes and during your flight you will enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayas again and be able to take some spectacular pictures which will be unforgettable. You will have free time in Kathmandu in the afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 30 minutes
Difference in Elevation: + 514m
Day 17 :
Kathmandu: Today we will visit Pashupatinath (ancient and holiest temple of Hindu religion), Boudhanath (the largest Stupa of Nepal built in 14th century), Soyambhunath (one of the world's most glorious stupa), famous for eyes of Buddha which seem to be observing the world from four directions.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m
Day 18 : Transfer to the airport and departure.
Special Note:
This Itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. The Trek can be operated with Lodge/tea house and/or camping accommodation, based on your preference. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget. For the Pokahara-Kathmandu segment, we can depart by flight or by bus/van.
NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.