Annapurna Circuit Trek Introduction
Annapurna circuit trek provides a chance to explore the local culture, natural land, and breath-taking scenery of the Himalayas. In particular, the classic Annapurna circuit trek is one of the three major trekking routes in the Annapurna region. Likewise, it is a highly admired and remarkable trekking route in the Annapurna region. Moreover, this glorious trek leads you to the villages inhabited by a widely diverse people from different ethnic groups. The picturesque villages sit alongside the white Himalayas offering spectacular and majestic views.
Annapurna circuit Trek fulfills your adventure desire to be in the bosom of high Himalayan ranges. Firstly, this 18 days trek starts from Bhulbhule. Then it goes along the Marshyangdi River, terraced fields, and small Hindu villages.
This route greets us with scenic views of Himal Chuli and Manaslu to the east. As you climb through the trail, you will reach a high desert country- Manang (3597 m). The scenery from Manang is equally breath-taking with distinct medieval feel to it. Finally, continuing through the dry aired landscape of Manang leads you to Thorang-La Pass. In fact, this is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Thorang La pass is at the top of the valley at 5416 m.
This is a challenging ascent but the trails reward you with the view of some magnificent mountains. Ultimately, you go downhill to Muktinath in the lower Mustang region. Muktinath is one of the most divine pilgrimage sites for Buddhist and Hindu people. Continuing the descent leads you to Tatopani– natural hot springs. Tatopani is a great place to soak, soothe and refresh your tired muscles. Rejuvenate yourself for more adventurous days to come.
The final section of the trek includes climbing up to Poon Hill via Ghorepani. It is popularly known as “Photographer’s Paradise”. Poon Hill lets you capture some of the best snaps of impressive Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From Poon hill, you head to Nayapul. From there a vehicle will transport you to the beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara and then to Kathmandu.
Be a part of this remarkable trip with us. We have magnificent crew members. Their care and experience would definitely make your trip one of the most memorable and rewarding.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude Chart
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our representative will pick you up and escort you to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
We begin our journey by driving along the highway to Dumre. Following the winding road to Besisahar, we get a view of amazing mountain peaks and picturesque villages as we drive. After 7 hours’ drive and mesmerizing view of Marsayangdi River, we reach Bhulbhule. Overnight at a guest house.
The trail today first climbs steeply on a cliff-face above the riverbed and then descends to the stone village of Jagat and into the mesmerizing Marsayangdi valley. We then trek through a winding trail through the forested path to reach Chamje. A stunning view of Lamjung Himal (6983m) awaits us in Chamje. Overnight at guesthouse.
Ascending from Chamje, we pass through stunning terraced fields and walk uphill through rhododendron forests. Crossing several suspension bridges over Marsayangdi River, we climb steeply on curving trails to reach the confluence of Marsayangdi River and Dudh Khola at Bagarchhap. Here, you can get an unobstructed view of the magnificent Annapurna II (7937m) and Lamjung Himal (6983m). Overnight at guesthouse.
We continue to climb through pine and oak forests as we pass through Danakyu on our way to the village of Timang, which lies at the bottom of Lamjung Himal (6983m). We then walk through the flat trail alongside Marsayangdi River past the villages of Thanchowk and Koto to reach Chame. Overnight at guesthouse.
Crossing a bridge over Marsayangdi River, we continue walking through the pine forest towards Bhratang. We ascend uphill to Dhikur Pokhari and walk ahead to Pisang enjoying the view of the Annapurna massif on one side and Pisang Peak (6091m) on the other side. Overnight at guesthouse.
We leave Pisang and walk towards Braga village where we visit the 900 years old monastery. Then, continuing to walk towards Manang, we cross a bridge over Marsayangdi River and climb uphill through pine forest to Ghyaru. We climb uphill to Ngawal and downhill to Mungji to meet the lower route to Manang. Overnight at a guest house.
Today, we spend the day exploring the outskirts of Manang. We hike up to the beautiful Gangapurna Lake from where an amazing panorama of Marsayangdi River valley, the Annapurna range, Gangapurna (7454m), and Tilicho Peak (7134m) can be seen. We also visit the ancient monasteries and the old village of Tengi while in Manang. Overnight at lodge.
Climb uphill to Tengi and continue to walk towards Ghunsang with stunning views of the Annapurna range and Gangapurna (7454m). The walk continues to Yak Kharka where we can see wide meadows with grazing blue sheep and yaks. Overnight at guesthouse.
Climb uphill and cross a stream. Ascend uphill to a tea shop and walk to Thorung Phedi. This is one of the difficult days of the trek as we walk along steep graveled trails to reach Thorung Phedi. Later, we climb to High Camp where we get to see the 360-degree view of the mountains. The view is surreal at such high altitude. Descend back to Thorung Phedi. Overnight at lodge.
Ascend to high camp and climb to Thorung La (5416 m), the highest pass in Nepal, to get a view of the amazing Kali Gandaki valley and the surrounding mountain peaks like the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Walking through the moraines, we climb steeply downhill to reach the holy temple of Muktinath. Muktinath is a popular Shiva Temple with 108 holy water taps. Overnight at lodge.
We visit Muktinath Temple in the morning and offer our prayers to the God of Salvation. Later, we climb down to Jharkot and descend to Khingar. We follow the trails of Thorong Khola and walk to reach the beautiful village of Kagbeni. We walk downhill through the apple orchards and then continue walking on the riverbed of Kali Gandaki River to reach the windy town of Jomsom. The trek continues until we reach the apple capital of Nepal, Marpha. This village is famous for its apple garden, apple brandy, and the local Thakali people. Overnight at lodge.
Continue to walk on the riverbed of Kali Gandaki River and pass the villages of Tukuche and Larjung. Relishing the view of the Dhaulagiri massif, descend through the riverbed and cross several suspension bridges to finally reach Kalopani. In Kalopani, we visit the Cultural Thakali Museum and relish the view of Dhaulagiri massif and Annapurna massif that surround the small village from two sides. Overnight at lodge.
Descend to Ghasa passing a Mani wall and walk to the beautiful waterfall called Rupse Chhahara. We then climb down to Dana village where we will find another waterfall. Then, crossing several suspension bridges over Kali Gandaki River, we reach Tatopani. You can take a dip in the natural hot spring in Tatopani to relax your aching muscles. Overnight at lodge.
Ascend to the Shikha village via Ghara village. Here, we get astonished by the view of Annapurna South (7219m) and Machhapuchhre (6993m). Walking on stone steps through the rhododendron forest while enjoying the continuous view of snow-capped mountains, we arrive in Ghorepani. Overnight at lodge.
Early in the morning, we climb to Poon Hill to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. We then descend through oak and rhododendron forest to Ulleri and descending on stone steps we reach Hille. The walk continues to Birethanti and Nayapul. From Nayapul, we drive back to Pokhara. Overnight at hotel.
We leave Pokhara behind and return back to Kathmandu via a tourist bus. Enjoy the landscape and the countryside view throughout the drive. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be dropped at your hotel. You have the evening to yourself; feel free to explore the streets of Thamel. Overnight at hotel.
Our representative will drop you at the airport 3 hours prior to the flight time.
Trip Facts
- Annapurna Region
- 5416 M
- Tea House
- Moderate
- Minimum 2
