Popularly known as one of the best trekking trails in the world, Annapurna Circuit Trek offers amazing trekking experiences in the Himalaya. Besides the towering Himalayan peaks, the deep river valley, high mountain pass, lush rhododendron and pine forest, high altitude desert of the Tibetan plateau, remote but charming mountain settlements, distinctive and Tibetan-like cultural practices, religious monuments and many more make this trek a must-see trekking destination in the Himalayas. The fact that it goes between two of the highest mountains on earth; Annapurna (10th highest) and Dhaulagiri (7th highest), and encircles the great Annapurna massif shows how enthralling and rewarding the trekking experience one can have in the ethereal land.
This Annapurna Circuit trek starts from Kathmandu with a drive to Besishahar. The trail then goes though gorges, lush terraced paddy fields, beautiful streams and waterfalls, charming villages, ornate monasteries with fluttering prayer flags and beautifully carved Mani wheels before emerging into the high desert of Tibetan plateau in Manang. In order to get better accustomed to the altitude the trek gently moves upward and there will be an acclimatization and exploration day in Manang. Crossing one of the highest mountain passes the Thorong-La at 5416m, the trail then descends to Muktinath, the sacred place for Hindus and Buddhist pilgrims. The popular Muktinath has has set an example of religious harmony in Nepal. Then, the trail further goes through the dry and arid landscape to Kagbeni and back, follows the Kali Gandaki river (the deepest river valley in the world) to reach Jomsom. The trek continues further to Tatopani (natural hot spring), Ghorepani, Poon Hill (one of the best mountain view points) and to Nayapul to end the trek. Alternatively, you can take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara if you are in shorter holiday.
Besides the standard itinerary, the other options are also available. The program can be customized based on your interest and time constraints.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Guided city tour of Kathmandu
Day 03: Drive to Besisahar (850m), 6-7 hours
Day 04: Trek to Bahundanda (1280m), 6-7 hours
Day 05: Trek to Chamje (1430m), 5-6 hours
Day 06: Trek to Dharapani (1960m), 5-6 hours
Day 07: Trek to Chame (2650m), 5-6 hours
Day 08: Trek to Pisang (3300m), 5-6 hours
Day 09: Trek to Manang (3520m), 5-6 hours
Day 10: Acclimatization day at Manang
Day 11: Trek to Yak Kharka (4110m), 4-5 hours
Day 12: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4600m), 4-5 hours
Day 13: Trek to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorong-La pass (5416m), 7-8 hours
Day 14: Trek to Marpha (2670m), 5-6 hours
Day 15: Trek to Ghasa (2120m), 6-7 hours
Day 16: Trek to Tatopani/Hot spring (1190m), 6-7 hours
Day 17: Trek to Ghorepani (2860m), 7-8 hours
Day 18: Hike to Poon Hill (3210m) and trek to Tadapani (2710m), 6-7 hours
Day 19: Trek to Nayapul via Ghandruk village(1940m) and drive back to Pokhara 6-7 hours
Day 20: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu
Day 21: Departure Day. Fly back home
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival you will be greeted and welcomed by our representative at the airport. You will then be transferred to the hotel booked for you. A pre departure meeting will be scheduled as time permits. During the meeting, you will be introduced to the leader/guide who will be guiding you all throughout the trek. You will also be briefed about the program that starts from the next day.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 02: Guided city tour of Kathmandu
Today you will be visiting various cultural, historical and architectural monuments of the Kathmandu. The centuries old monuments are full of legends and beliefs and the Durbar squares of medieval Kathmandu are full of intricate carving and superb collection of architectural riches. The qualified and experienced tour guide will lead you and show you around. The time after tour is for preparation for your trip.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 03: Drive to Besisahar (850m), 6-7 hours
The journey start with a drive from Kathmandu on winding road along the Trshuli river. Trishuli river is very popular for it offers wonderful white water rafting opportunities for adventure lovers. Driving through paddy fields, light jungle and some interestingly scattered settlements, you will reach the place Dumre from where you will drive towards north to reach Besisahar. Overnight at Besishahar. Option is open to take a local jeep and drive further to Khudi, Bhulbhule or even up to Syage.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 04: Trek to Bahundanda (1280m), 6-7 hours
The first day’s trek starts from Besishahar and goes ahead crossing some suspension bridges and coming across some waterfalls, up and downhill sections, paddy fields, subtropical forest and beautiful landscape. The beautiful villages and friendly people are really welcoming.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 05: Trek to Chamje (1430m), 5-6 hours
Trekking through terraced fields, along vertical cliff, lush forests, some wonderful villages with distinctive culture will take you to Chamje. There will be adequate amount of time for breaks in between.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 06: Trek to Dharapani (1960m), 5-6 hours
Getting to higher altitude and entering into Manang district, today you will be trekking through corn, barley and potatoes growing fields, bamboo and rhododendron forests, and beautiful mountain landscape. The mountain villages and mountain people with unique culture are another attraction.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 07: Trek to Chame (2650m), 5-6 hours
The trail goes uphill along the forested ridges and river. The oak and maple forest along with the awesome landscape will be dominated by the grandeur views of the Lamjung himal, Annapurna II & IV. You will come across the small hot water springs dipping into which you will feel relief.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 08: Trek to Pisang (3300m), 5-6 hours
The trail from Chame advances along steep and narrow river valley through dense forest and woodland. The beautiful view of Pisang peak and Annapurna II will accompany you.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 09: Trek to Manang (3520m), 5-6 hours
The morning will greet you with breathtaking sunrise view on Annapurna II. Taking the upper route to Manang via Ghyaru, Ngawal and likes of villages, you will be awestruck by the incredible beauty of the mountain and distinct landscape. The cold and dry climate make the environment here harsher but the amazing scenery is simply unrivalled. A short visit to Barge monastery, the biggest monastery in the region is greatly rewarding.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Acclimatization day at Manang
A rest day is taken at Manang to get acclimatized to higher altitude. But it won’t be a completely a free day. In order to keep you fit for following trails, you will have a side hike to Bhojo Gumpa or Gangapurna Lake and glacier. And you will surely utilize your time by exploring this beautiful of Managis.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Trek to Yak Kharka (4110m), 4-5 hours
The acclimatization day at Manang will have energized you. It’s relatively shorter day walk to Yak Kharka and in order to avoid any altitude sickness, a gradual ascent will be taken. Literally Yak Kharka means Yak pasture land and true to its name you will come across the Himalayan Yaks. Crossing streams and bridges the trail goes through beautiful woodland, Mani walls and beautiful meadows where horses and yaks graze.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4600m), 4-5 hours
It’s short and slow paced uphill trek to the base of Thorong-La pass. After an initial ascent of approx 2 hours the trail slightly descends to cross the river on a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. The trail further ascends through towering cliffs to reach Thorong Phedi. The place serves as a base camp for trekkers and climbs.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Trek to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorong-La pass (5416m), 7-8 hours
The highlight day of the trek starts with early morning. You will be walking towards one of the highest and most popular Himalayan passes and walking along steep uphill trail and then rocky ridges. A slow paced walk of approx 4-5 hours will take you to Thorong-La pass at 5416m from where you could enjoy the 360 Degree panorama of the mountains that extends even into Tibet. It’s incredible and one of the rare satisfying moments to be on the top of this mountain pass. The arrays of chhortens and sounds of fluttering prayer flags make this very land a gorgeous place. The Annapurna massif on your back and gorgeous Kali Gandaki gorge on your front, the trail descends to Muktinath, a holy and pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhist.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Trek to Marpha (2670m), 5-6 hours
In Muktinath, we visit temples and monuments of both Hindus and Buddhists in the morning. Then the day trekking starts descending down through Ranipauwa village and along the steep and barren hillside. The trail goes along the Plateau of Kali Gandaki River, the deepest river gorge. The surreal view and environment and barren landscape resembling that of Tibet are simply marvelous. The village of Marpha is also famous for beautiful apple orchards.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Trek to Ghasa (2120m), 6-7 hours
The trail descends through Kali Gandaki valley following the river. The charming villages of ethnic Thakali people, beautiful apple gardens, panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche peak, Annapurna I and many more will enthrall your journey.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Trek to Tatopani/Hot spring (1190m), 6-7 hours
The trail still continues to descend down through Kali Gandaki river valley. The trail finally takes you back to the subtropical forest with lush vegetation. We also pass by very popular Rupse Jharana- a beautiful waterfall. Tatopani literally means the hot water. Here you will have chance to bathe in natural hot spring which is believed to cure the pains and aches.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17: Trek to Ghorepani (2860m), 7-8 hours
Leaving the Kali Gandaki valley the trail now heads up Khar Khola valley. Going through the villages like Sikha and Chittre, and beautifully terraced fields , the trail takes you to the beautiful forest of rhododendron and then to Ghorepani village. In full bloom, Ghorepani looks like a beautifully dressed bride with red and pink rhododendrons all over.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 18: Hike to Poon Hill (3210m) and trek to Tadapani (2710m), 6-7 hours
One of the best view points in the region, Poon Hill offer some mesmerizing sunrise views. You will hike to Poon Hill early in the morning so that you could catch the moment of Sun’s first rays hitting the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and other Himalayas. Enjoying the views, you will walk back to Ghorepani and start another portion trekking to Tadapani. The slightly ascends to Deurali and then descends through forest and waterfalls to Tadapani.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 19: Trek to Nayapul via Ghandruk village(1940m) and drive back to Pokhara 6-7 hours
Admiring yet another gorgeous views from Tadapani, you head towards Ghandruk village. The trail descends and leads through dense and dark forests . Ghandruk is a beautiful slope village with stone houses. The views from here are simply delightful. The trail further descends to reach Syauli Bazaar and goes along the bank of the Modi river to reach Nayapul. The trek ends and drive back to Pokhara.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 20: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu
You could take either drive or flight to be back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel. Free time on your own.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Day 21: Departure Day
As per your flight schedule you will be transferred to airport and bid farewell.
Services included:
Services not included:
Equipment list of Trekking
Here is a recommended Equipment List for trekking in Nepal Himalayas. You could bring the ones you already have and rest can be bought or hired in Kathmandu or other cities.
Clothing
Lightweight trekking boots with spare laces
A pair of track shoes. To wear in the camp at night or when the boot is wet
4-season sleeping bag
Warm jacket ( Fiber fill or down should be adequate)
A rainproof jacket with hood or a poncho
Woolen shirts and thick sweaters
A pair of lightweight/ heavy weight windproof/ waterproof trousers
Thermal under wears
A tracksuit useful for wearing in camp and in the tent
2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/ skirts
1 lightweight long sleeved –shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sun burn.
A woolen hat to wear in the morning and at night and a sunhat with a wide brim to cover the face and neck
A pair of woolen gloves
1 pair of sandals to wear in the cities and in camp
2 pairs of thin and 2 pair of thick woolen socks
Equipment and Accessories
Duffle bag or kit bag to carry to gear while trekking.
Daypack/ rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day e.g. toilet items, camera, film towel, soap, a boot etc.
Water bottle.
Snow glasses and sunglasses
2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. 6-10 smaller plastic bags to dispose garbage.
Toiletries with large and small towels.
Small headlamp / torch with spare batteries
Snow gaiters essential during winter and all treks going over at other times.
Reading materials, camera, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional). Thermoses (optional)- an inflatable sleeping mat etc.
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