21 Days
Duration
Moderate
Physical
Nepal
Location
+20
Age
Jun-Oct
Dates
The Annapurna Circuit is the popular name for a 300 km trek in the Annapurna mountain range. The trek reaches an altitude of 5,300m on tehe Thorung La pass, touching the edge of the fabled Tibetan plateau. The trek is a magnificent plan, covering two different river valleys. It encircles the Annapurna Massif, crossing Thorung La [5416m], the highest pass on this trek.
The magnificent mountain scenery, seen at close quarters includes Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna [7455m] and Tilicho Peak [7134m]. Ten peaks of 600-800m rises from the Annapurna. Machhapuchhre looks breathtaking from this viewpoint as also the south face of Annapurna.
The trek begins at Besi Sahar and concludes at Kali Gandaki river valley. After a seven hours drive from Kathmandu, you reach the Besi Sahar in the Marshyangdi river valley. The trek finally concludes at Kali Gandaki river valley. En route, you pass along paddy fields and subtropical forests, view the beautiful mountain scenery, several waterfalls and gigantic cliffs, and experience fascinating village life. The entire trip is so exhilarating that you will be kept enthralled, day after day.
A moderate to challenging trek and sometime requires climbing up and down steep mountain paths. This trek can be done anytime of the year except during monsoon and winter, when the Thorung pass gets blocked by snow.
Itinerary Highlights
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 03: Drive to Besi Sahar [820m] [drive approx 6 hours]
Day 04: Trek to Khudi [790m]
Day 05: Trek to Bahundanda [1310m]
Day 06: Trek to Jagat [1290m]
Day 07: Trek to Dharpani [1920m]
Day 08: Trek to Chame [2630m]
Day 09: Trek to Pisang [3190m]
Day 10: Trek to Manang [3520m]
Day 11: Rest day in Manang [3520m]
Day 12: Trek to Letdar [4250m]
Day 13: Trek to Thorung Phedi [4500m]
Day 14: Trek to Muktinath [3800m]
Day 15: Trek to Marpha [2665m]
Day 16: Trek to Lete [2470m]
Day 17: Trek to Tatopani [1160m]
Day 18: Trek to Ghorepani [2775m]
Day 19: Trek to Birenthanti [1050m] & drive to Pokhara
Day 20: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu:
Day 21: Depart Kathmandu
1
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Meet, assist upon arrival in Kathmandu airport by our representative and escort to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
2
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
AM: Proceed for sightseeing tour to Kathmandu city visiting, the ancient palace square also known as the Durbar Square where you will witness the ancient palaces and the temples, Kasthmandap temple made out of a single tree during ancient age, temple of the living goddesses the Kumari, etc. Later, proceed towards Swoyambhunath stupa, one of the Buddhist shrine and also known as the monkey temple situated on the hillock towards the west of Kathmandu and overlooking the Kathmandu valley. Unlike other stupas, this stupa has got a spiral shape which has typical significance.
PM: Proceed on to another city of the valley called Patan city which is also known as the city of fine arts where one can witness splendid artifacts of the medieval period. Afterwards, drive back to the Hotel and rest of the evening will be at leisure
Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
3
Day 03: Drive to Besi Sahar-820m, drive approx 6 hours
Driving along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then following the rough route by the Marsyangdi River, we pass through the low-lying villages and rice fields. After 6 hours long drive, we finally reach Besi Sahar. Besi Sahar is the capital of Lamjung District.
Overnight at Tea House.
Overnight at Tea House.
4
Day 04: Trek to Khudi -790m
From Besi Sahar, we trek along the trail turning right at the canal on the outskirts of the village and descending the narrow path to the Pam Khola. On crossing the stream, we ascend towards the village of Denauti where we get to see Nepali village life at close quarters. The route further leads to the banks of the Marshyangdi Khola, passing through paddy fields and subtropical forests. As the trail nears the Khudi Khola, we approach the Gurung village of Khudi.
Overnight at Tea House.
Overnight at Tea House.
5
Day 05: Trek to Bahundanda-1310m
As we walk northwards up the Marsyangdi Valley, away from Khudi, we get to see the magnificent Annapurna mountain ranges. The trail winds through a suspension bridge and follows terraced rice fields offering breathtaking view of Manaslu and cascading waterfalls. Further, as the trail goes uphill, we spot several shops and teahouses at Ngadi village. On leaving Ngadi after a brief rest, we skirt through the challenging trails to Bahundanda. Bahundanda literally means “Brahmin hill” and as the name suggests Bahundanda is largely inhabited by Brahmins. Here we conclude our trekking journey for the day.
Overnight at Tea House.
Overnight at Tea House.
6
Day 06: Trek to Jagat-1290m
A steep trail descends from Bahundanda, through rice fields, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Hani Gaon. Ahead, the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape. We follow the winding mountain path down through Syange and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually we descend to the stone village of Jagat, situated on a shelf, which juts out into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley.
Overnight at Tea House.
Overnight at Tea House.
7
Day 07: Trek to Dharpani-1920m
The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steep forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge.
Overnight at Tea House.
Overnight at Tea House.
8
Day 08: Trek to Chame -2630m
We skirt through a narrow field from the village. The Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu and then Marshyangdi veers to the left. Sinuous trails of the Annapurna II becomes visible as we arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhotia village with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. As we continue ascending through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall. Further on, the Marshyangdi river enters a gorge and the trails follows rock-strewn path. We can pause for a while and take in the splendor of the picturesque Manaslu. When the steep incline ends, we follow a path amid magnificent rhododendrons and continue on a gently rising path. We cross a stream before entering a pine forest. We then enter the pristine hamlet of Kotho, from where we can capture the most enchanting view of Annapurna II. Treading further, the route reaches a large white gate with a corrugated iron roof, which is the entrance of Chame. Chame is the administrative headquarter of Manang district. There is electricity, wireless station, schools, shops, health post, post office, police check post, hotels, lodges and banks in Chame. The hot springs are the major attraction of this place.
Overnight at Tea House.
Overnight at Tea House.
9
Day 09: Trek to Pisang-3190m
After a mesmerizing sight of the glowing Lamjung Himal [6893m] in the morning, we head off for Pisang. En route, we cross a large suspension bridge along Marshyangdi and approach houses and lodges on the northern side of the river. Our trekking trail meanders through barley field leading to Teleku at 2775 meters. As we leave undulating mountain passes, we enter fascinating apple orchard and near a bridge at 2840 meters. On crossing the bridge, the pristine hamlet of Bratang appears. History has it that Bratang used to be a Khampa settlement. A stone memorial of a Japanese climber has been built in this place. After leaving the forested village, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape. Before us, the Annapurna mountain range rears up. Further on, we continue our steep rock-strewn trails to the south side and cross a long suspension bridge at 3040 meters. At this vantage point on the bridge, we get to view Paungda Danda rock rising more than 1500 meters from the river. En route, we get to capture splendid views of Annapurna II rearing up on the east and Pisang Peak on the north-east. We cross a bridge and enter the village of Pisang.
Overnight at Tea House.
Overnight at Tea House.
10
Day 10: Trek to Manang-3520m
As we continue with our trek, further afield from Pisang we head along a steep ridge savoring beautiful sights of the Manang valley and the Tilicho peak towering above 7132 meters. As we descend through Manang’s airstrip, we come to Hongde lying beneath the gigantic Annapurna III on the north-east face. The route further leads to the wide plain of the Sabje Khola Valley from where we get the majestic view of Annapurna IV [7525m]. Further on, we cross a wooden bridge, as the Marsyangdi River gushes below us. We enter the beautiful village of Mungji. We continue treading along the cultivated fields and after a while we arrive at the village of Bryaga with a splendid monastery. On trekking down to Manang, we enjoy the majestic views of the Annapurna range – Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna [7455m] and Tilicho Peak [7134m].
Overnight at Tea House.
Overnight at Tea House.
11
Day 11: Rest day in Manang-3520m
After reaching Manang, we take a day off for complete rest and adequate acclimatization before crossing the Thorung La pass. We can spend this day strolling down the river to see the tremendous ice-fall cascading down from the glaciated mountain peaks or by simply take in the panoramic beauty of the Annapurna mountain range and the Manang Valley. A short visit to Himalayan Rescue Association [HRA] aid post makes for an interesting visit.
Overnight at Tea House.
Overnight at Tea House.
12
Day 12: Trek to Letdar-4250m
Thoroughly acclimatized, we advance towards Thorung La pass. On the way, we cross a stream, climb to Tengi, 120 meters above Manang and ascend further past Marshyangdi Valley turning north-west up the valley of the Jarsang Khola. Amid the spectacular vistas of Annapurna mountain range, we trek beyond the lush vegetation of scrub juniper and alpine grasses to reach the small village of Gunsang. Gunsang is a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trail at 3960 meters. Along the route, we see several lodges. As we approach picturesque meadows and rich forests of barberry, juniper etc, we encounter horses and yaks grazing. The trail takes us further along a large stream that flows from Chulu West and Gundang, and leads to a rich pasture at 4000 meters.
Overnight at Tea House.
Overnight at Tea House.
13
Day 13: Trek to Thorung Phedi -4500m
Leaving Letdar, we climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, we follow a narrow trail across an unstable steep slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi.
Overnight at Tea House.
Overnight at Tea House.
14
Day 14: Trek to Muktinath -3800m
We have an early start today for the crossing of Thorung La [5416m]. The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp, but as local people have used this trail for hundreds of years, the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, we reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. From the snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang, which spread out before us, we are presented with a dramatic tableau. The descent to Muktinath is a 1600m trek. But the excellent views of Dhaulagiri, more than makes up for the tiring journey. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath, with its shrines and temple.
Overnight at Tea House.
Overnight at Tea House.
15
Day 15: Trek to Marpha-2665m
We now begin the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with typical Tibetan architecture, we follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. Jomsom is sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki and from here we get fine views of the Nilgiri peaks. We continue down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali village, with a well-planned drainage system. Its narrow alleys and passageways provide welcome shelter from the strong winds of the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Marpha is particularly well known for its apples, apple cider and apple, apricot and peach raksh, the homemade brandy.
Overnight at Tea House.
Overnight at Tea House.
16
Day 16: Trek to Lete -2470m
We continue descending the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Tukuche, a Thakalivillage with a large gompa. Beyond Tukuche we walk along the west bank of the Kali Gandaki towards Larjung. Here, as in many of the villages in this area, narrow alleyways and tunnels connect houses with enclosed courtyards, providing protection against the wind blowing up the valley. We make our way through pine, juniper and cypress forests to Kalopani, enjoying fine views of Annapurna I and Fang. We then reach Lete, which lies just twenty minutes beyond Kalopani.
Overnight at Tea House.
Overnight at Tea House.
17
Day 17: Trek to Tatopani -1160m
Our trail descends steeply through forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. We enter the steepest and narrowest part of the gorge shortly after Ghasa. At the hamlet of Rupse a magnificent waterfall tumbles down beside the trail. Continuing on, we come to Dana, a Magar village from where the massive peak of Annapurna South can be seen across the valley. The trail then descends to Tatopani where we can have apple pie and bathe in the hot springs.
Overnight at Tea House.
Overnight at Tea House.
18
Day 18: Trek to Ghorepani -2775m
A short distance downstream from Tatopani, we cross the river on a large suspension bridge and leave the Kali Gandaki behind. After passing through the villages of Sikha and Chitre, we climb through the forest to Deorali, a 2834m pass from where we can get excellent views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Just 10 minutes beyond the pass is the village of Ghorepani. Ghorepani literally means “horse water” and is a welcome watering spot for the packs of mules, which ply the route between Pokhara and Jomsom.
Overnight at Tea House.
Overnight at Tea House.
19
Day 19: Trek to Birenthanti -1050m & drive to Pokhara
Overlooking Ghorepani is Poon Hill [3193m]. An hour-long pre-dawn ascent gives us the opportunity to see the fascinating views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri glowing in the morning sun. After breakfast, we begin the long descent to Birethanti through magnificent oak and rhododendron forests. From the village of Ulleri, a long steep stone staircase seems to go on forever before eventually reaching Hille. A more gradual descent then brings us to Birethanti, from where it is a short distance to the road and we drive to Pokhara from this point.
Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
20
Day 20: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu:
Free till departure and later, transfer to the airport in Pokhara to connect the flight to Kathmandu. Receive upon arrival in Kathmandu by our representative and escort to hotel.
Rest of the day will remain at leisure to browse around the area.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Rest of the day will remain at leisure to browse around the area.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
21
Day 21: Depart Kathmandu
- Kathmandu to Beshisahar (Trek starting point by private car).
- 17 days trek to Annapurna Circuit, as specified in the above itinerary on full board basis (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner).
- Sherpa guide and Sherpa porters for the Trek portion.
- All the surface transfers in the above itinerary with private vehicle.
- Equipments, clothings for porter.
- Prevailing government taxes, ACAP fee, Tims card fee.
- Any international airfares, Airport tax, Visa fees etc.
- Expenses of personal nature such as alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages, telephone & laundry bills, camera fees etc.
- Insurances of any kind and any extra cost arises during the trip due to the natural calamities, political disorder or due to any reason which is beyond the control of Adventure G.Nepal.
- Any other services which is not specified in the COST INCLUDES section above.
Please note: Any change in program, no. of pax, exchange rate, fuel surcharge, govt. taxes (currently 13% VAT + 10% service charge are applied) and inflation will change the quotation accordingly.
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