Trip Name: Annapurna Circuit Trek
Trip Days: 21 Days
Max-Elevation: 5,415m, Thorung La Pass
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Seasons: Autumn & Spring
Group Size: 1-12 people
Arrival On: Kathmandu, Nepal
Departure From: Kathmandu, Nepal
Accommodation: Star hotel at Kathmandu and Pokhara and teahouse during the trek
Meals: Breakfast at Kathmandu and Pokhara and all meals during the trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek is incredibly diverse and exotic journey around the foothill of Annapurna massif. It is the most popular trek among the longest trek in Nepal. Impressive deep gorges, adventurous High Mountain passes, age-old Buddhist monasteries, charming cultural villages, diverse floral and faunal species and magical view of snow clad mountain peaks are the key highlights of the trek.
Annapurna Circuit Trekking route length varies between 160-230 km depending on the where the trek starts and concludes. This classical trek crosses two river valleys i.e. Marshyangdi river valley and Kali Gandaki river valley and encircles the Annapurna massif crossing Thorung La pass at 5,415m.
To begin the trek, we take a long drive first down to the main Kathmandu-Pokhara road and then follow the Marshyangdi River to Khudi beyond Besisahar. We hike through forested route of rhododendron and oak cluster and cross and re-cross the suspension bridge over gorge of Marshyangdi River to reach Manang, the largest village in the route.
Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary allows you proper acclimatization for crossing Thorung La Pass (5,415m) – the highest point of the trek. Further, we descend to Muktinath where we pay homage to sacred Muktinath- the spiritual site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Trekking via the village like Manang, Jomsom and Muktinath allow trekkers to get acquainted with diverse culture and landscapes. We descend via the Kali Gandaki gorge, the world’s deepest gorge with Annapurna I (8,091m) to the east and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) to the east. We hike further to savor the magnificent mountain and sunrise view from Poon Hill ridge.
Rated as “Moderate Plus” trek, it is suitable for passionate walker who have ability to walk for 5-7 hours a day with light backpack. (September to November) during autumn and (March to May) during spring are the time of the year for circuit trek around Annapurna massifs. If you are willing to trek Annapurna circuit during monsoon, you must be aware that the Annapurna region is wetter area in Nepal and the initial part of the trek receives quite a bit rain during Monsoon.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport (1,300m/4,265ft)
Day 02: Kathmandu: Exploration and trek preparation day
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Khudi (800m/2,624ft) – 7-8 hour drive
Day 04: Khudi – Sirung (2,200m/7,216ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Day 05: Sirung – Jagat (1,300m/4,265ft) – 6-5 hours trek
Day 06: Jagat – Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft) – 7-8 hours trek
Day 07: Dharapani – Chame (2,700m/8,890ft) – 5-6 hours trek
Day 08: Chame – Pisang (3,300m/10,825ft) – 5-6 hours trek
Day 09: Pisang – Manang – 6-7 hours trek
Day 10: Acclimatization and Exploration day at Manag
Day 11: Manang – Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,450ft) – 3-4 hours trek
Day 12: Yak Kharka – Thorong Phedi (4,600m.15, 090ft) – 3-4 hours trek
Day 13: Thorong Phedi – Muktinath (3,800m/12,465ft) via Thorong La Pass (5,415m/17,765ft) – 7-8 hours trek
Day 14: Muktinath – Marpha (2,670m/8,760ft) – 4-5 hours trek
Day 15: Marpha – Kalopani (2,530m/8,300ft) – 5-6 hours trek
Day 16: Kalopani – Tatopani (1,200m/3,940ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Day 17: Tatopani – Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft) – 7-8 hours trek
Day 18: Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani (2,700m/8,860ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Day 19: Tadapani – Pokhara (827m/2,790ft) via Ghandruk – 5-6 hours trek, 1 hour drive
Day 20: Drive from Pokhara – Kathmandu – 5-6 hours trek
Day 21: Final Departure
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport (1,300m/4,265ft)
Upon you arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Alpine Kailash Representative will meet you at arrival gate of airport. He will escort you to your hotel via private vehicle. Today, you will meet your trekking guide, get trek briefing and prepare yourself for trekking. In evening, you will attend welcome dinner organized by Alpine Kailash and stay overnight at hotel.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Meals: Dinner
Day 02: Kathmandu: Exploration and trek preparation day
After breakfast, we begin our guided tour to several historic, antique and spiritual site in Kathmandu which are protected by UNESCO world heritage sites. Today, we explore quaint Durbar Square, Pashupatinath (Hindu Temple), Swayambhunath (2,000 years old monkey temple) and Boudhanath (largest Buddhist stupa). After sightseeing of UNESCO designated world heritage sites, we drive back to hotel and get our trekking gears checked by our trekking leader and discuss about the trip at Alpine Kailash’s office.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Khudi (800m/2,624ft) – 7-8 hour drive
After breakfast, we drive towards Khudi via the winding roads along the Trishuli River. During the trip, we enjoy the beautiful terraced farms and many scattered village. After we reach Mungling, we join the Pokhara road and from Dumre, we leave the previous trail and drive straight north to Besishar. Further half an hour drive takes us to Khudi, the starting point of the trek.
Alternatively, we can stop at Besishar and trek all along to Khudi admiring the beauty of the region. Khudi is small settlement that presents the first glimpse of magnificent Manaslu range, the fifth highest mountain in the world.
Overnight in Khudi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 04: Khudi – Sirung (2,200m/7,216ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Khudi to Siriung trail involves crossing few suspension bridges over Mountain River and waterfalls along with several ups and downs through the rice paddies and subtropical forest. The first section of the trail follow the fair and easy path but later the routes changes into the steeper trails. As the trail start gaining altitude, the mountain seen from Khudi seems closer and greater. Before we reach Sirung, we traverse ethnic Tamang settlement of Taranche. From Sirung, we get to enjoy the stunning view of Nadi Chuli and Manaslu mountain range.
Overnight in Sirung
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 05: Sirung – Jagat (1,300m/4,265ft) – 6-5 hours trek
The trail from Sirung to Jagat is relatively easy. We cross the terrace villages and enter into the lush forest of ferns and rhododendron. The forest route lets you enjoy the different species of birds. We also walk through the several villages and temples on the way. Crossing the suspension bridge over Sangu Khola at Mipra, over Marshyandgi River at Syange and one more bridge at Jagat, we reach Jagat.
Overnight in Jagat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 06: Jagat – Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft) – 7-8 hours trek
After early morning breakfast, we descend from Jagat until we reach the river back and join the route that follows the lush forest. We climb until we reach sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. Chyamje appears amidst of glorious backdrop of soaring Annapurna Mountain range. We cross suspension bridge and ascend steeply towards the arduous and challenging path to reach Sattale. We walk through the succession of rock-strewn trail and drop off to join grassy riverbank that leads us to Tal. From Tal, the path changes into rugged and winding route. Further, we climb steeply through the forested trail to the village of Karte. Treading along the waterfalls and several cliff, we finally enter into the village of Dharapani after crossing suspension bridge.
Overnight in Dharapani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 07: Dharapani – Chame (2,700m/8,890ft) – 5-6 hours trek
Dharapani – Chame route follows the route of forested ridges. Chame is also the head-quarter of Manang District. Today‘s trail allows you to enjoy the great view of Lanjung Himal, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). On the way, we can soothe our aching muscle in natural hot spring.
Overnight in Chame
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 08: Chame – Pisang (3,300m/10,825ft) – 5-6 hours trek
After breakfast, we walk through the narrow and steep path through the dense forest that leads us to the dramatic curved rock face rising 1,500m from the river. This route is the steepest part of the Marshyangdi Valley, it is so steep that the trail is carved into vertical rock. Further, the valley widens up and we trek for a while to reach Lower Pisang where we rest overnight.
Overnight in Pisang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 09: Pisang – Manang – 6-7 hours trek
There are two routes that leads to Manang. We choose to trek through the Upper Pisang via Geru. The trail assures the excellent views of Himalayan vistas and alpine landscapes. As we start gaining altitude, we notice a change in vegetation, temperature and landscapes. The climate here remains cold and dry throughout the year. We pay homage to Barge monastery- the largest monastery in Manang distruct and spend overnight in Manang.
Overnight in Manang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Acclimatization and Exploration day at Manag
In order to acclimatize properly, we remain active today and join a short hike to either to Bhojo Ghumba or Gangapurna Lake. If time and energy permits, we hike to Vrage village where we can explore Himalayan Rescue Association that gives us knowledge about the Altitude sickness. We hike back to Manang.
Overnight in Manang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Manang – Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,450ft) – 3-4 hours trek
From Manang village, we hike along the stream and ascend to the village of Tenki and start climbing out of the Marshyangdi valley. We turn north-west up to the Jarsang Khola valley and enter into the route that follows few pastures and scrub of juniper trees. Crossing the small village of Ghunsa, we trek through the meadows where horses and yaks graze. We further cross small wooden bridge over the river and walk along the quaint Mani wall to reach the small settlements of Yak Kharka.
Overnight in Yak Kharka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Yak Kharka – Thorong Phedi (4,600m.15, 090ft) – 3-4 hours trek
Today’s trail is quite uphill and challenging. We cross suspension bridge to reach Ledar village and climb further to reach Thorong Phedi- the last settlement before Thorong La Pass. On the way, we get to explore the best view of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan.
According to the local dialects, the word Phedi means the foot of the mountain.
Overnight in Thorung Phedi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Thorong Phedi – Muktinath (3,800m/12,465ft) via Thorong La Pass (5,415m/17,765ft) – 7-8 hours trek
Crossing Thoring Phedi, one of the highest mountain pass in the world, is the major attraction of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. We hike from east to west (Manang – Muktinath) which is safest and comfortable trekking route.
Today, we get early in the morning and walk up to the mountain. This arduous climb is worthy. The top of the mountain allows you to savor the best natural scenery on the earth. After enjoying the views and taking photos, we climb down to Muktnath.
Overnight in Muktinath
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Muktinath – Marpha (2,670m/8,760ft) – 4-5 hours trek
Mukinath is significant spiritual site for both Hindus and Buddhists. We make a visit to a Vishu Temple and a Gompa. We drop off from Ranipauwa village through the steep and arid landscapes to reach Kagbeni and further walk up to Marpha via Jomsom. Today’s trail goes through the impressive plateau above Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge in the world. This barren and dry landscape is much more similar to Tibetan plateau.
Marpha is famous for apple in Nepal where you can enjoy different items made from apple. The local brandy of apple in Marpha is famous all over Nepal.
Overnight in Marpha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Marpha – Kalopani (2,530m/8,300ft) – 5-6 hours trek
From Kalopani, we join a trailhead that leads us to Kalopani via Chokhopani village. We cross the traditional villages of ethnic Thakali people where we explore beautiful apple gardens. On the way, we admire the best view of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Fang and Annapurna I mountain peaks. Crossing the river, we come across the newly constructed road side and finally reach Kalopani.
Overnight in Kalopani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Kalopani – Tatopani (1,200m/3,940ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Today, we make a downhill journey to Tatopani. At early part of the trek, we cross the bridge at Ghasa. As we drop off the height, we start entering into the subtropical forests rich with vegetation. Continuing along the Rupse Chahara waterfall, we descend down to the east bank from the Kopchepani via Garpar to the bridge at Dana. We explore the powerhouse at Narchyang Bensi. We hike through different village exploring culture and lifestyle of local people.
At Tatopani, we soothe at nature hot spring to relax the tired muscle.
Overnight in Tatopani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17: Tatopani – Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft) – 7-8 hours trek
Today, we leave Kali Gandaki behind and enter into the Ghar Khola valley. The trail leads crosses terraced fields and hilly terrain. We hike through the village of Shikha and Chitre before reaching the forested route of rhododendron. Treading further, we reach Ghorepani.
Overnight in Ghorepani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 18: Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani (2,700m/8,860ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Today, we make a pre-dawn hike to the ridge of Poon Hill, the famous viewpoint in Nepal after Kalapatthar. The Poon Hill ridge offers the mesmerizing view of Mustang, Pokhara, Upper Dolpo and multiple mountainous peak.
After capturing photos, we descend back to Ghorepani and head east to climb the nearby ridge. We climb down through the rhododendron forest and several waterfalls to reach Tadapani.
Overnight in Tadapani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 19: Tadapani – Pokhara (827m/2,790ft) via Ghandruk – 5-6 hours trek, 1 hour drive
Today is the last day of our trek. We descend through the dense and dark forest to reach Ghandruk. The forested route is filled with magical rhododendron trees. After arrival at Ghandruk, we explore the local museum and village to learn about the local culture and tradition. We further continue to trek until Nayapul where we catch car to drive back to Pokhara.
Overnight in Pohara
Meals: Breakfast
Day 20: Drive from Pokhara – Kathmandu – 5-6 hours trek
After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu on tourist bus or private van. En route – we enjoy the best view of mid hill scenery, cultivated fields and quaint villages. After reaching Kathmandu, we take a rest day off and catch last minute shopping in the evening.
We attend farewell dinner organized by Alpine Kailash at typical Nepali restaurant with cultural show.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 21: Final Departure
You journey in Nepal ends today. You will be escorted to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. If you wish, you can plan your next Nepal adventure.
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