Annapurna Circuit Trek

Detail Itineraries

• Day 01Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar/Khudi (800m/2,624ft): 7- 8 hoursWe start our journey into the hills on a winding road along the Trishuli River. On the way we admire terraced farms and beautiful huts. Khudi, the starting point of our trek can be reached by trekking for an hour from Besisahar or by bus. Khudi offers us a first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge, (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
• Day 02Trek from Khudi to Sirung (2200m/7216 ft): 6 - 7 hoursTrek from Khudi trail up to Sirung involves crossing a few suspension bridges and waterfalls including several ascents and descents across rice paddies and subtropical forest. Initially, the walk is gradual but is then followed by steeper trails. The mountains that we see from Khudi seem a lot closer now. Before reaching Sirung village we pass through ethnic Tamang settlement of Taranche. We admire close-up views of Nadi Chuli and Manaslu mountains from Sirung. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge,(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
• Day 03Trek from Sirung to Jagat (1,300m/4265ft): 6 - 7 hoursTrail from Sirung to Jagat is relatively easy. We leave behind the terraces of the village and hit forest, ferns and woodland. We pass through several small villages and a few temples on the way. We cross a suspension bridge over Sangu Khola at Mipra then again at Syange over the Marshyangdi River. There is also a waterfall nearby the bridge. Now our trail moves alongside the mighty Marshyangdi River and we cross one more bridge before reaching Jagat.Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge, (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
• Day 04Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 7-8 hoursThe 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. 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 steeply-forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge, (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner) at Dharapani.
• Day 05Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 - 6 hoursWalk through a few forested ridges on our way to Chame, which is the headquarters of the Manang District. Throughout the trek we can admire amazing views of the Himalayas including Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). Overnight in Chame,Teahouse/Lodge, (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
• Day 06Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft): 5 - 6 hoursThis is probably the steepest part of the Marshyangdi Valley, so steep that the trail is carved into the vertical rock. After passing this last bit of rock, the valley opens up with majestic vistas. And right where the valley widens stands the Paungda Danda, a massive sloping rock face that rises over 5,000ft (1500m) above the trail. We trek for a while before reaching Lower Pisang where we spend the night.Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge, (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
• Day 07Trek from Pisang to Manang : 6 - 7 hoursThere are two routes to Manang but we follow the trail that takes us to Upper Pisang via Geru. This trail guarantees excellent views of the beautiful landscape and the mighty mountains including Annapurna and Pisang. We begin to notice a contrast in the landscape and vegetation from today. The cold and dry climate also creates a much harsher environment. Our short visit to Barge monastery, the largest monastery in the entire district of Manang will be memorable. Overnight at Manang.
• Day 08Manang Acclimatization day.Hike to around Manang and explore the view of Yak and mountain,
• Day 09Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft): 3 - 4 hoursFrom Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki and continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures and a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka. Overnight at Yak Karka.
• Day 10Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft): 3 - 4 hoursIt is an uphill walk to Thorang Phedi. After walking for some time we cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. We ascend furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La pass. On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. The word Phedi in Nepalese is referred to as the foot of a mountain. Overnight in Thorong Phedi, Teahouse/Lodge, (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Day 11Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) via Thorong La pass (5416m/17764ft): 7 - 8 hoursCrossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest direction. We can then head towards Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. Overnight in Muktinath. Teahouse/Lodge, (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Day 12Trak from Muktinath to Marpha (2,670m/8,760ft): 4 - 5 hoursMuktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists alike. In the morning, we visit to a Vishnu Temple and Gompa. Descending from Ranipauwa village down the steep and barren hillside, we tumble down toward Kagbeni then to Jomsom and finally arrive at Marpha. The trail today is quite surreal as we trek along a plateau above Kali Gandaki River, the world's deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles Tibet. Marpha is also famous as the apple capital of Nepal where one can enjoy different items made from apple. The local apple brandy of Marpha is famous all over Nepal. Overnight at Marpha, Teahouse/Lodge, (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
• Day 13Trek from Marpha to Kalopani (2,530 m/8,300 ft): 5 - 6 hoursFrom Marpha, we take a new route toward Kalopani via Chokhopani village. We come across traditional villages of the ethnic Thakali people and get to see beautiful apple gardens. From here we get panoramic views of Dhaulagari, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Fang and Annapurna I mountains. From Chokhopani, we continue to Kokhethanti. We cross a river and come across the newly constructed road site before reaching Kalopani. Overnight at Kalopani, Teahouse/Lodge, (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
• Day 14Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1,200m/3,937ft): 6 - 7 hoursDuring the early part of today’s trek, we cross the bridge at Ghasa. As we drop to lower elevations, we emerge back into subtropical forests, lush with vegetation. Our trail continues along Rupse Chahara (waterfall) and continues down to the east bank from Kopchepani via Garpa. At Narchyang Besi, we get to see a powerhouse that supplies electricity in the area. There are bigger villages in this area where we can observe the everyday lives of the local people. Upon reaching Tatopani, we relax and have a bath in the hot spring.
• Day 15Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 7 - 8 hoursWe leave the Kali Gandaki and head up the Ghar Khola valley. The trail leads us through a terraced farmland with mountains all around. We pass through the villages of Shikha and Chitre before reaching a beautiful rhododendron forest. When in bloom the rhododendron trees with its average height of up to 100" will be covered with pink or red flowers. Walking further we reach Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at a ridge top. Overnight in Ghorepani, Teahouse/Lodge, (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
• Day 16Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Tadapani (2,700m/8,860ft): 6 - 7 hoursCatch the sunrise over the Himalayas, make an early morning climb along the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3,210m/10,529ft), the most popular trekking destination of the Annapurna region. It is also a great viewpoint to enjoy the amazing views of Mustang, Pokhara and more than 20 of the highest mountains including the close-up views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The snowy peaks of the high mountains loom above and around us glowing in the morning light. We descend through rhododendron forests, pass by spectacular waterfalls and reach Tadapani to spend the night. Teahouse/Lodge, (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
• Day 17Tadapani to Pokhara (827m/2,789ft) via Ghandruk: 5 - 6 hours trek, 1 hour driveWe make a steep descent through the dense and dark forest from Tadapani. This part of the trek will be through a thick forest of old rhododendron trees. When the rhododendron are in blooming, these forests actually turn into amazing gardens. By afternoon, depending upon the season of travel, we also get to enjoy cherry blossoms in bloom on the slopes on the other side of the ravine. After trekking a few more minutes, we enter the village of Ghandruk, a slope settlement with stone houses mostly inhabited by the Gurung people. Here, we enjoy the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains. We continue our trek to Nayapul from where we drive to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
• Day 18Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 5-6 hoursAfter breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu. Bed and Breakfast basis.
• Day 19Final departure