Annapurna Circuit Trek

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Trip Facts

  • Destinations: Nepal
  • Total Duration: 20 Days
  • Trekking Duration: 14 Days
  • Trip Grade: Medium Hard
  • Max Elevation: 5416m
  • Best Season: October to December, February to May
  • Walking Hours: 5-6hrs everyday
  • Styles: Tea House
  • Starting point of trek: Bhulbhule
  • Finishing point of trek: Naya Pul
  • Meals and Drinks: Guest houses managed by local people

Trip Map

  • Destination:Nepal

Annapurna Circuit Trek is located in the western north of Kathmandu in Manang and Mustang district. It is a popular trekking route in Nepal even well-known in the world.

Elevation begins from Besi Shar (750m) to climb Throng La (5416m) passing through rice terrace fields, villages of Gurung, Brahmin, Tibetan, and Thakali. The trail follows the Marshyangdi River corridor across suspension bridges several times over the river at the bottom of huge boulder rocks. Every stage of trip trail stands naturally beautifies with the tropical and subtropical forest of a cotton tree, rhododendron, pine and groves of pine. Small bamboo bush, wild palm trees, and various fauna and flora and beautiful waterfalls are chance to see while in the trek. The trail is often affected by dusty road from above Dharapani villages are Tibetan community so every entering and exit point is with Kani (gate) on it chortens and paths are studded with mani walls with prayer wheels. Geographical landscape changes from Dhukurpokhari(3060m) from here a very wide valley view to the west direction. While doing trek it is unique experienced day to day life of local people and their mixed culture and religion.

Some impressive high exposed villages are Pisang,(3400m), Ghyaru (3670m), )Nawal(3657m) Braga (3500m) and Manang (3540m) which have traditional roofless tied houses with colorful prayer flags some ancient gompas. Manang is the biggest village among them. Brathamg (2860m) and Jomsom (2670m) offer the biggest orchard in Nepal. After passing out Manang the landscape without forest just tundra grass and pine where blue sheep are walking on hills and ridges. After Throng La enters the territory of Mustang another district. An arid zone like desert brown.

Muktinath Holy temple for Hindu where water flows through 108 taps and also a natural gas flaming inside a Monastery. A bus runs to Jomsom and Pokhara. We are happy to walk on the Kaligandaki gorge is the world’s deepest gorge where afternoon a strong wind blows. The trek ends in Josom fly/bus to Pokhara or continue trek to Marpha to Tatopani (natural hot spring) and climb steeply through the village to Ghorepani another popular panoramic viewpoint Poon Hill (3210m). From Ghorepani, the trails split to Tadapni Annapurna Base Camp and direct dips down to Nayapul ending point.  Two nights in Pokhara with sightseeing and then drive or fly to Kathmandu.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek rewards with a long mountain range views of Lamjung Himal (6983m), Annapurna 11 (7937m), Annapurna I (7555m), Annapurna 111 (7525m), Gangapurna (7454m) and Tillich Peak (7134m). View of Mt Mananalu (8162m) to the east side and from Manang valley north direction, peak views are Pisang peak (6091m), Chulu East (6018m), and Chulu West (6419m). Throng Peak is just left side of Throng La stands with 6201m. After crossing, Throng La another side of mountain views are Mt Dhaulagiri (8172m) and its range and other closed peaks are Nilgiris North (7061m), Nilgiri Central(6091m) and Nilgiri South (6419m). Annapurna circuit is really and definitely worthful to trek with these diversities.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu
  • Day 02 Sightseeing Swayambhu, Boudha, and Durbar square
  • Day 03 Drive to Besi Shar (760m) by car or van (5hrs) Besi Shar to Bhulbhule (3hrs) (840m)
  • Day 04 Bhulbhule to Jagat (6-7hrs) (1360m)
  • Day 05 Jagat to Dharapani (6-7hrs) (1900m)
  • Day 06 Dharapani to Chame ( 5-6hrs) (1900m)
  • Day 07 Chame to Upper Pisang( 4-5hrs) (3300)
  • Day 08 Upper Pisang to Manang (6-7hrs) (3540m)
  • Day 09 Acclimatization day in Manang
  • Day 10 Manang to Ledar (4- 5hrs) (4200m)
  • Day 11 Ledar to Thorung Phedi (3 hrs) (4550m)
  • Day 12 Thorung Phedi to Muktinath (7-8hrs) (3800m)
  • Day 13 Muktinath to Marpha (6-7hrs) (2670m)
  • Day 14 Marpha to Kalopani ( 5-6hrs) (2535m)
  • Day 15 Kalopani to Tatopani (6-7hrs) (1200m)
  • Day 16 Tatopani to Ghorepani (6-7hrs) (2850m)
  • Day 17 Ghorepani to Pokhara via Naya Pul (6-7hrs)
  • Day 18 Rest day or Sightseeing in Pokhara
  • Day 19 Fly to Kathmandu
  • Day 20 Departure from Kathamndu

Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu

When you arrive at Katmandu International Airport then transfer to your hotel. A short briefing is given concerning trekking itinerary.

Day 02 Sightseeing Swayambhu, Boudha, and Durbar square

Day 03 Drive to Besi Shar (760m) by car or van (5hrs) Besi Shar to Bhulbhule (3hrs) (840m)

From upper at the end of Besi Shar, the route to Bhulbhule descends and follows along the road to Bhulbhule. Two hours walk to Khudi village has 2 simple lodges. From Khudi cross a side-stream and continues to Bhulbhule at the bank of the river. There are some common lodges available.

Day 04 Bhulbhule to Jagat (6-7hrs) (1360m)

The trail to Jagat diverts to the right east bank of the river. The route wanders through the impressive waterfall and rice fields. 90 minutes distance Nagdi village where there are few numbers of lodges. The flat road to Lampata then a few minutes ahead the route climbs up to Bahundanda (1270m) (hill of Brahmin) on the right side of the river. The police check post asks you to register. Descending to the rice fields and then walking flat to just before Lili Bhir. The trail with railing through rocky area leads to the village of Khani gaon. From here 20 minutes distance to Ghermu village which offers views of the long waterfall on the other side. From Ghermu the trail to Marsyangdi on a long suspension bridge at Syange. The riverside trail along the roadside climbs to the steep uphill a short trail climbing and then down to Jagat (1330m). Jagat has many more lodges with a nice dining room. People are mixed Gurung and Tibetan.

Day 05 Jagat to Dharapani (6-7hrs) (1900m)

From Jagat, the trail leads to Ghatte Kholla then a stiff climb right side an amazing waterfall. Ten minutes away is Chamje has half dozen lodges along the road. From the main road, the trail sets to the bank of the river then climb a rocky path that leads through fields and bamboo. A short descent then climbs steeply about 30 minutes to enter the gate of Tal (1700m) means ‘lake’. Tal is a beautiful town has 25 lodges well managed them. Shops and teahouses are along the path. The flat trail continues to a suspension bridge across the Marsyangdi then gently climb up past Karte. Across a bridge then on the left side enters to the bamboo bush along the river. Just before reaching down Dharapani again cross a bridge. Dharapani has a police check post, ACAP permit, and several lodges. Manaslu Larke Pass route joins in Dharapani.

Day 06 Dharapani to Chame ( 5-6hrs) (1900m)

Beyond Dharapani the trail gradually climbs over in partly forests. One hour away is Bagarchap has 4 lodges. If the weather is clear views of Lamjung Himal (6986m) Annapurna ii (7935m) and Manaslu Himal are seen. The trail continues to Danaque has a dozen lodges. From Danaque the trail climbs steeply through rhododendron and maple forests to stream hydropower and then climb up to big settlement Timang village (2630m). It is excellent views of Manaslu. The route leads north side to Thanchowk is a most traditional village with typical Tibetan architecture. The flat trail past through pine forests to Koto where there is a police check post to register permit. It is the gateway to Nar-Phu valley trek. Thirty minutes distance is Chame is district headquarter of Manang. There are banking service, internet service and varieties of shops. Big number of lodges is along with the town. Lamjung Himal appears just above Chame.

Day 07 Chame to Upper Pisang( 4-5hrs) (3300)

Further Chame a bridge is a cross on the river then on the left north impressive Kani (gate). Climb gently trail looking back is to see views of Manaslu. Telku a tiny village comes on the way from here further walk through pine trees to Bhratang where a teahouse and apple orchard one of the biggest in Nepal. The trail climbs along the bank of the river which is crossed then a short steep walk to a resting place. Just the north right side stands Paungda Danda (hill) rock face with an amazing curved slab of rock in black. About 40 minutes distance is Dhukur Pokhari (dove pond) mainly for lunch place. The flat trail to the Marsyandi Khola over it a bridge and then right side up through groves of pine leads to Upper Pisang is a traditional village of Manangi. Monasteries, a row of chortens, prayer wheels and village are nice to visit them.

Day 08 Upper Pisang to Manang (6-7hrs) (3540m)

To go to Manang there are two routes lower and upper routes. The lower one is easier and faster via Humde upper is better views and three hours long. From Upper Pisang the trail enters to groves of pine to a suspension bridge. From the bridge winding trail steep up to Gyaru (3670m) village with a white chorten. The views of Annapurna ii and Annapurna iii are superb. Pisang peak and Chulu east are seen. From Gyaru the trail past Kani (gate) gradually up the hilly landscape for a long walk the finally Ngawal (3660m). Nar-Phu valley trek route joins here. From Ngwal the trail hill down through groves of pine to Julu. On the right side, up eroded cliffs look amazing. The flat trail leads to Mugje (3500m) then 30 minutes away is Bragha (3470m) one of the most picturesque villages with Bragha monastery 500 years old. The flat path leads to Manang where WEL-COME TO Manang written on a big gate.

Day 09 Acclimatization day in Manang

Extra day acclimatization in Manang for the higher elevation. Manang is a big village has several lodges and guesthouses are throughout the village. There are 500 to 600 flat-roofed traditional houses separated by narrow alleys. People of the village are Manangi similar to Tibetan. Chongar View Point, Praken Gompa, Manang Museum, Himalaya Rescue Association, and Gangapurna Glacier make you busy. For hiking to Chongar View Point, one of the easier trips is to descend to the bridge from Manang and climb the spine of glacial moraine to the Chongar View Point top a hill festooned with prayer flags. There are nice views of the Gangapurna icefall, Manang village, and valley. Praken Gompa meditation retreat on the hillside above Manang. An old Lama lives in the Gompa who bless your success Throng La Pass.

Day 10 Manang to Ledar (4- 5hrs) (4200m)

The route to Ledar enters alleyways to the Kani (gate) then ascends to the Ledar path. The trail climbs to a chorten then continues to Tengi is a last permanent inhabited village. Again continues climbing the trail to the north side, Manang valley is left behind. View of Annapurna iii (7555m), Gangapurna (7434m), and Tilicho peak (7134m) are superb. On the floor vegetations are juniper and alpine bush, passing these a small village of Ghusang (3950m) comes. From Ghusang beyond is Yak Kharka 2 hours away through yak pasture, scrub juniper and to see yaks grazing on the hillside. There are 6 lodges in lower and upper Yak Kharka. Further climbing up about 40 minutes walk to Ledar (4200m). Just before Ledar across a suspension bridge. There are 4 lodges along the trail.

Day 11 Ledar to Thorung Phedi (3 hrs) (4550m)

Throng Phedi trail continues to climb along the right side of Kane Khola. Blue sheep in the group appear on the hill side and yaks are grazing on the grassy land. Then the route descends to the Khola. Two trails separate left side down is suspension bridge and the other one right side one wooden bridge. From the bridges climb up to a teashop and then flat route through landslide stone falling zone to Throng Phedi means (foot of the hill). There are 2 lodges named Throng Base Camp and Hotel New Phedi. The lodges have enough rooms. There is another lodge Throng High Camp (4835m) an hour steep up. This evening most of the trekkers go to bed early for the next day Throng La Pass (5416m). Horse riding hire over Thorunng La Pass available at Throng Phedi.

Day 12 Thorung Phedi to Muktinath (7-8hrs) (3800m)

On this day, most of the trekkers start to walk early morning at 4 to 5 to avoid strong wind and bad weather to reach on top of the pas on expected time. From Thorung Phedi the trail is steep to the High Camp then up moraines and following rocky ridges as it ascends to the pass. The route is usually snow-covered in the main winter. From High Camp, the trail climbs through in and out of canyons formed by moraines. Poles mark the trail. About an hour above the High Camp there is a small teahouse at 5030m. Abut twenty minutes before the teashop there is a bridge to cross. From the teahouse, it takes 2 hours to Thorung La Pass (5416m) with traditional chorten, prayer flags, and stone cairn. The pas separates Manang and Mustang. The views from the pass are excellent in every direction. On the right side Yakawang (6482m) and on the left side Thorung Peak (6201m). From the pass, the descent 1216m to Chabaru (4200m). It takes 3 hours to descend to Chabaru where there are 4 lodges mainly for lunch place. From Chabaru the route through meadows to Muktinath. Muktinath is now a day ruined by modern houses. Muktinath is a temple religious shrine for both Hindu and Buddhist. Because of this temple whole village named Muktinath means (salvation). The temple has 108 brass waterspouts. A short walk down left side there is Dhola Mebar Gompa or Goddess of fire Temple where natural flame burns. Banking service and transportations like a motorbike, jeep, bus and pony services are available.

Day 13 Muktinath to Marpha (6-7hrs) (2670m)

Today’s descending 1100m through Jharkot, Khingar and Ekle Bhanti villages. Excellent view of North Nilgiri (7061m) and barrel brown desert hills and meadows make you happy. After midday, a strong wind blows between Eklle Bhanti and Jomsom. Jomsom is district headquarter of Mustang. People of Jomsom are Thakali who are Buddhist and their income source is business and tourism. These ethnics are believed Mongolian race. There is an airport which is one of the busiest in the hilly region flights from Pokhara to Jomsom. In Jomsom, every day after twelve o’clock a strong wind blows due to it no flight after it. Jomsom to Marpha walking hour maximum 2hrs. Marpha is famous for the apple orchard. Most of the traditional houses are flat roof mud. Nice to see the beautiful village of Thakali inhabitant. Right side up a monastery named Tashi Lhakhang. Locally produced apple cider and apple brandy and dried fruits are available any season. Traditional houses are well preserved by local people.

Day 14 Marpha to Kalopani ( 5-6hrs) (2535m)

Today’s trail descends to left side of Kali Gandaki River. The trail enters through beautiful green forests one of the best green view and views of Kali Gandaki gorge. While walking if weather clear then views of Mt Dhaulagiri (8172m) Tukuche Peak (6920m) and villages are great. During the day, we pass small and beautiful Thakali villages Chimanggaon, Sauru has apple groves and further last villages are Kokhethanti and Dhampus. A short suspension bridge joins Dhampus to Kalopani is a small village surrounded by forests. Good and comfortable guest houses are available. From Kalopani left north side Mt Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak and southeast side Nilgiri South (6839m) and Annapurna 1 (8091m) can be seen clearly.

Day 15 Kalopani to Tatopani (6-7hrs) (1200m)

We walk down about 2 hours along the gravel road up to Ghasa is the last border of Mustang. The national park permit is checked. From Ghasa the trail descends to a suspension bridge on Kali Gandaki River then the trail leads through the bottom of cliffs and small villages Kopchepani, Gadpar and Narchyang on the left side of the river bank. The villagers are Magar and tropical vegetations are found. Tatopani means’ hot water’ just before reaching it we cross a belly bridge then Tatopani appears. There are about more than half a dozen good and normal guest houses. Tatopani community has made two hot spring cement ponds to have hot spring entry fee Rs 100.

Day 16 Tatopani to Ghorepani (6-7hrs) (2850m)

From Tatopani 30 minute walk then to cross the suspension bridge on Kali Gandaki and Ghar Khola. A steep ascent to a rocky spur called Durbin Danda from here the trail makes gentle ascent across terrace fields, Ghar, Shikha, and Chitre are Mangar villages. Chitre to Ghorepani is one hour and trail through a deep forest of rhododendron. Ghorepani means ‘horse water’. Lower Ghorepani and upper Ghorepani both together there are more than 2 dozen lodges and few shops. People prefer to stay in upper reason is nice views of mountains and valley villages. Ethnics of this area are Magar who are well known in the British and Indian Army.

Day 17 Ghorepani to Pokhara via Naya Pul (6-7hrs)

Early morning hiking to Poon Hill to see the sun rise and panorama views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya ranges. Most people reach Poon Hill before sunrise. From Ghorepani, it takes 1 hour climbing up Poon Hill. Poon Hill is a panorama viewpoint to see Mt Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak (6848m), Nilgiris and to Annapurna 1, Hiunchuli (6441m), Annapurna South (7219m) and Machhapuchhare (6997m). On top of Poon Hill stands Poona hill Tower just nearby a tea shop serves you hot drinks for local business. Back down to the lodge after breakfast a long day of descending to Naya Pull. The trail heads to forest area max 2 hrs then stone staircase path Ullery village (2000m). From here a steep down to Bhurungdi Khola to cross it a suspension bridge and another a bridge on Tikhedhunga Khola. 10 minutes walking up Tikhedunga arrives further 15minutes to Hile village (1430m). The trekking trail finishes in Hile to Naya Pul about 3 hrs walking down along the gravel road through Sudame village. From Naya Pul a car or a van drive you to Pokhara.

Day 18 Rest day or Sightseeing in Pokhara

Day 19 Fly to Kathmandu

Day 20 Departure from Kathamndu

You are assisted to reach at the airport by our staff. You have to reach at the airport 3 hours before your plane leave.

Cost Includes

  • Airport pick-up and drop off
  • Three nights hotel accommodation and breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Licensed trained trekking guide
  • Porters to carry goods
  • Accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner in trekking) coffee & tea
  • Transportation by land and air
  • All necessary documents permit for trekking
  • National park/ conservation area entry permit
  • City tour in Kathmandu (Durbarsquare, Swayambhu, Boudha stupa)

Cost Excludes

  • International air fare
  • International and airport departure tax
  • Travel trekking insurance
  • Major meals, lunch, dinner during stay in Kathmandu
  • Excess baggage charge more than air lines allowed both domestic and international
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, drinks, phone & laundry
  • Visa fee (easily get on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airportand
  • Tips and gratuities for field staffs
  • Rescue travel insurance, trips cancellation costs,
  • Lost theft and damage to baggage accident or health emergency

Equipments & Gears

Trekking shoes-  1pair

light shoes-  1pair

slipper-  1pair

down jacket - 1

trekking pant -  2pair

tights-  2pair

t-shirt-  4

gloves

hat

woolen cap

sunglasses

raincoat

headlamp

walking stick

water bottle

sleeping bag

trekking bag waterproof

changing clothes

sun cream

reading books 

indoor games

Cost and Dates

Find Dates
Trip Start Date Trip End Date Price Availability Book
25th July, 2019 31st July, 2019 Available Book Now
27th July, 2019 9th August, 2019 Limited Book Now

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Sam Rock,
United Kingdom

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Jean Clause,
USA

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Bon Jovi,
Australia
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