Aptly titled as Nepal’s classic trek, the Annapurna Circuit trek displays divergent landscape ranging from the sub-tropical region to the alpine and the semi-desert region. Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal.
The trek makes a complete circle of Annapurna ranges including Annapurna I, the tenth highest mountain in the world. You will have the opportunity to visit Manang and Mustang valleys following Marshyangdi and Kal Gandaki Rivers. The trail is a mix of high barren valleys in the upper end, to terraced fields and forests of rhododendron, pine and oak at lower elevation. Waterfalls, hot spring, rivers and villages are a regular feature of this trek. Pisang, Manang, Ghorepani and Ghandruk are few of the memorable villages you will explore.
The challenging part of this trek is crossing the Thorong La Pass (5416m) and then descending down to Chumig Gyatsa or Muktinath (3850m). The hike to viewpoint Poon Hill at 3232m affords panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. All along the trekking trail, you will witness a variety of mountain peaks such as Mt. Manaslu. Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Pisang Peak, Tilicho peak, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Varaha Shikhar, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna IV, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal (6931m.).
The Annapurna Circuit trek is a demanding trek even for a seasoned trekker, but it is an exceptional introduction to walking in Nepal for those who are physically fit. This trek can be done throughout the year though Autumn and Spring are regarded the best.
On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be greeted with flower garlands/Khadas. Our representative will then take you to your hotel. If time prevails, you will visit office for paperwork.
Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Trip preparation and city tour of Kathmandu or Patan and Bhaktapur.
Today, you will visit popular world heritage monuments in Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath, and Pashupatinath. Alternatively, you can choose Bhakatapur and Patan sightseeing. By late afternoon you will drive back to your hotel.
Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
After early morning breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule via Besisahar, takes about seven hours. During the drive you will follow Trisuli and Marshyangdi Rivers passing through several villages and you will enjoy views of green hills and snowcapped mountains. The road from Kathmandu to Besisahar is paved while rest of the journey to Bhulbule is on a graveled path.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Bhulbhule to Chamje (1410m.) takes about seven hours. You will step into Marshyangdi valley and follow the winding mountain path down to Syange (1100m). Afterwards climb steeply through sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed to reach Chamje.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Chamje (1410m) to Dharapani (1960m) takes about six hours. The first part of the trail descends to the Marshyangdi River and then crosses over a suspension bridge and makes a steep climb to Sattale (1550m). From here the trail descends to a grassy riverbank that leads to the village of Tal (1700m). Beyond Tal, the trail goes around winding cliffs, passes through Karte village and finally passes the Mani entrance to Dharapani (1960m.).
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Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2675m) takes about five and half hours. Today the trek goes along the Dudh Khola that originates from the south face of Mt. Manaslu. You will soon arrive at the village of Bagarchhap, distinct with its prayer flags and a Buddhist monastery. Continue to climb through forests of pine and oak to reach Danaque (2210m.) and thereafter trail levels all the way to Chame where there are government offices, shops and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters of the Manang district.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Chame to Pisang (3100m.) takes about five hours. After greeting Lamjung Himal (6893m) sparkling in the morning sun, you will climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard. The trail then enters fir and pine forest, and emerges out to a high, rocky cliff which is extremely steep that leads to Bhratang (2950m.). You will now walk through a short stretch of pine forest as the path opens up to a wonderful vista of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak (6091m). Afterwards follow a long section of Mani wall to enter the village of Pisang.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Pisang to Manang (3440m) takes about five and half hours. Leaving Pisang in the morning, the trail ascends a steep ridge that offers good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m). When descending to Hungde (3320m), you will come to wide plain of the Sabje Khola Valley from where the north-east face of Annapurna III and Annapurna IV (7525m) rises majestically. Afterwards you will cross Marshyangdi Khola over a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. Mungji has large Chortens and mani walls and is surrounded by tall peaks of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m.) and Tilicho Peak (7145m.). A short steep climb from Mungji will reach you Manang.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Rest day at Manang for acclimatization. Today is a rest day for acclimatization in preparation for crossing the Thorung La Pass. You can choose to cross the river to see the tremendous icefall coming down from the Annapurna or climb high above the village for views of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4350m) takes about three and half hours. Today the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through Gunsang village (3960m). En route, you can see panoramic mountain views all day long.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4420m) takes about 3 and half hours. Leaving Yak Kharka, you will climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of Marshyangdi. After a short ascend along the river bank, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable spree slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass takes about seven hours. You will start the trek very early in the morning. The trail is long, steep and challenging all the way to the Thorong La pass. After around 4 hours of steady climbing on moraines, you will arrive at the Thorong La pass which is adorned with chorten and prayer flags. Thorong La pass is one of the highest passes in the Annapurna region and offers great views of the valley below. Descend from the top of Thorang La pass following along the Jhong Khola Valley towards Muktinath. Muktinath is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in the Himalaya for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2743m.) takes about 4 hours. Today the trail gradually descends all the way to Jomsom. Enjoy an easy and pleasant trek on this day. Jomsom is a popular town based on the bank of Kali Gandaki River and is the starting point of Upper Mustang trek. There is a regional airport in Jomsom which is connected to Pokhara with daily flights.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (914m.) takes about 25 minutes. The flight is a scenic one with beautiful views of Kaligandaki River and several Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri etc. The flight to/from Jomsom occurs only in the morning because of high wind in the afternoon time. In case of cancellation of flights due to bad weather, you can alternatively choose to drive from Jomsom to Pokhara takes about 7 hrs.
Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara
After breakfast early morning, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about six hours. During the highway journey, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities.
Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
As per your flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer you from your hotel to the airport for your final departure.
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