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Overview

  • Trip Type: treking
  • Trip Grade: challenging
  • Duration: 20 Day(s)
  • Max Alt.: 5,416m at Thorong La High Pass
  • Group Size: 1-12
  • Location: Annapurna Region
  • Arrival On: Kathmandu Nepal
  • Departure From: Kathmandu Nepal

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Nepal’s second most popular traditional trek is the trekking around the Annapurna.

This trek is also one of the featured trekking that Himalayan Windhorse organize in Nepal.

This trek lies within the Annapurna region around the entire Annapurna massifs and includes crossing Thorung La Pass (5,416m), walking by the edge of the world’s deepest gorge (Kaligandaki Gorge), enjoying sunrise views over the Himalayas from Poon Hill, visiting Muktinath temple (a major pilgrimage destination for the Hindus & Buddhists), and refreshing in the hot springs of Tatopani.

We will be traveling through altitudes ranging from 800m to 5,416m taking us through several climatic zones past rice paddy fields, subtropical forests, rural farmland, and glacial zones.

You will be able to view panoramic sceneries of the Himalayas, including Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m.), Mt. Annapurna III (7,555m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525m), Mt. Annapurna south (7,219m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,041m), Mt. Machhapuchhare (6,998m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6,986m), Tukuche peak (6,920m), and Tilicho peak (7134m).

This trek provides you the opportunity to learn about the Tibetan way of life that strongly runs in Mustang valleys. There is a slight chance of seeing a snow leopard in Yak Kharka along with blue sheep. We will also stop at Tatopani, where you can take a dip in the famous hot springs.

We will start the trek at Bhulbhule after a scenic drive from Kathmandu, and the route follows the Marsyandghi River Valley taking you through Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang. We will be spending a night in all these places.

On our sixth day, we trek to Manang, where we stay for acclimatization to prepare for the crossing of Thorung La pass. After acclimatizing at Manang, we continue the trail and head to Yak Kharka, and on the next day, we hike up to Thorong Phedi and spend the night there.

We leave Thorong Phedi on our ninth day and trek towards Muktinath, and this will be the day you will cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft). Thorong La Pass connects Manang village in the east with Muktinath temple and Ranipauwa village to the west.

After passing the Thorong La Pass, we head down to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. From Muktinath, we drive to Tatopani -famous for hot springs. People believe that hot spring water at Tatopani cures skin diseases. If you like, you can take a dip in this hot water. We will be spending the night at Tatopani.

The next day, we will trek from Tatopani, through lush rhododendron, birch, and magnolia forests, to Ghorepani. We will be spending our night in Ghorepani. The following morning we wake up at Ghorepani and trek for about an hour to reach Poon Hill. Poon Hill is a famous viewpoint known for spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna (I, II, III, South), Hiuchuli, Nilgiri, Macchapuchre, Tukuche Peak, Dhampus Peak, and Gurja Himal.

After spending some quality time in Poon Hill, we trek to Berithanti and then drive to Pokhara, where we will spend our last night in the trekking region. The following morning we will return to Kathmandu on a tourist bus.

This journey is for trekkers who would like to experience adventurous journeys in the Nepali Himalayan region while enjoying the diversified scenery, geography, and different climate zones. We have other exciting trek packages in the Annapurna region, and if you want, Himalayan Windhorse can customize your trek.

 

Trip Highlights


This trek is one of the most famous and long trek because of its variation form dense forest to Tibetan plateau. The most interesting part of this trek is to encounter with different ethnic groups like Gurungs, Magars and Thakalis. Trekkers passing through the 5416m Throng-La pass can have the perfect views of 3 beautiful mountains of named Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki river being the deepest gorge in the world, is still virgin land to attract the people from all over the world.

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Jagat (1300m).

After breakfast; We set up off our journey into the hills on a winding road along the Trishuli River. On the way we admire terraced farm lands and beautiful huts. After reaching a juncture at Mugling, we move straight ahead towards Pokhara. At Dumre, we leave the previous road and head north to Besisahar, there will be connecting drive to Jagat by local jeep, total drive today will be around 8 hours. Alternatively, we can just drive to Bulbule or Khudi from Kathmandu to avoid long ride but that will add one extra day in your itinerary. Overnight in stay at Jagat. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner.

Day 2: Trek to Dharapani (1,960m), 6-7 hours walk.

Today, we leisurely start our trek. 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, cross 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 stay at Jagat. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner.

Day 3: Trek to Chame (2,710m) 5 - 6 hours walk.

Today we walk 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). On today’s trek we also come across small hot springs where we can dip in and soothe our aching muscles. Overnight stay in Chame. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner.

Day 4: Trek to Pisang (3,300m), 5 - 6 hours walk.

The trails goes on through a steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. This 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 5: Trek to Manang (3540m), 6 - 7 hours walk.

Today, we trek to Manang via Upper Pisang which is an off the beaten trail that guarantees excellent views of the beautiful landscape and the mighty mountains including Annapurna and Pisang on clear day. 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 Braga monastery, the largest monastery in the entire district of Manang will be memorable. Overnight stay at Manang. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 6: Rest or acclimatization day at Manang (3540m).

As acclimatization is very important considering AMS. In order to keep fit on the trails that follow, we keep ourselves busy today with a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. If we have the energy, we can even hike to Ice Lake. Overnight in stay at Manang. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 7: Trek to Leddar (4230m), 4 hours walk.

From 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 Leddar for overnight stay. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 8: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,600m), 4 hours walk.

It 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 stay at Thorong Phedi. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 9: Trek to Muktinath (3,800m) via Thorong La pass (5416m), 7 - 9 hours walk.

Today; it is challenging and a thrilling day crossing over 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 get up around 4 o’clock in the morning and walk up the mountain. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. Overnight stay at Muktinath. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 10: Trek to Marpha (2,670m), 5-6 hours walk.

Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists alike. In the morning, we pay our visit to a Vishnu Temple and a Gompa. Descending from Ranipauwa village down the steep and barren hillside, we tumble down toward Kagbeni and then to Jomsom finally arriving 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 11: Drive to Tatopani (1,200m) 3-4 hours drive.

We drive to Tatopani today from Marpha to Tatopani meaning “Hot Spring” in Nepalese. We can enjoy the natural hot spa here after the big hike over Thorong La. Nepalses believe that the body ache and bone and vein related diseases like Arthritis are healed if you soak in hot spring. Overnight in Tatopani. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 12: Trek to Ghorepani (2,850m), 7 - 8 hours walk.

We trek to Ghorepani leaving 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 stay in Ghorepani. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 13: Trek to Hiley - Nayapul and drive to Pokhara.

An early morning hike to Poon Hill before dawn to catch a amazing sunrise over the Himalaya climb along the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill at 3,210 meter the most popular trekking destination of the Annapurna region. It is also a great viewpoint to enjoy the amazing views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The snowy peaks of the high mountains loom above and around us glowing in the morning light. After taking photographs, we return back to Ghorepani. After breakfast, we head Hile descend through rhododendron forests, pass by spectacular waterfalls. There will be our car/van waiting for us to drive to Pokhara. Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.

Day :

We will fly or drive back to Kathmandu and check in the hotel.

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pick up and drop by private vehicles (domestic and international arrivals/departures).
  • Kathmandu sightseeing with tour guide and private transportation.
  • Full board meals ( breakfast, lunch, dinner ) during trekking.
  • 3 Night Hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu.
  • Tea house accommodations with twin sharing rooms during the trekking.
  • Professional and experienced English-speaking guide for your entire trek and one porter for two trekkers.
  • Food, Accommodation, Salary, Equipment, Medicines, and insurance for trekking staff.
  • All the necessary permits and entrance fees during the trekking.
  • Our trekking guide/leader carries a medical kit.
  • All the government taxes and operating charges.

Cost Excludes

  • Personal trekking equipment and gear.
  • Nepal visa, learn more about the visa for Nepal.
  • Your travel and rescue insurance, Helicopter rescue, and any kind of insurance-related things.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. Tips for guide, porter, and driver (expected).
  • Mineral water, soft drinks, hard drinks, laundry, and your personal expenses during the Nepal trip.
  • Donations for local people, hospitals, and schools (not compulsory).
  • International flight tickets and city sightseeing entrance fees.
  • The rest of the expenses that are not mentioned in the cost include.

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