Annapurna Circuit Trek

As you land at the Airport in Kathmandu, our staff from the Nepal Hiking team will receive you and transport you to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle. The staff will help you with the check-in process.

After the long flight, rest and rejuvenate at the hotel. Once you feel refreshed, you can go outside to glimpse Kathmandu.

Before your Annapurna Circuit trekking starts, you will get the detailed itinerary briefing and meet your guide. If any equipment is missing, he can assist in buying it in the local market.

Your actual Annapurna adventure starts on the second day. Early in the morning, we will depart from your hotel in Kathmandu by a private tourist vehicle or shared jeep.

The first part of the trip is upto Besisahar only, which may take about 5 or 6 hours. After Besisahar, the road is slightly rough; the journey will then continue through a dirt track.

As we ascend, we can see the changes in the landscapes, which offer the view of snow-covered mountains and waterfalls. This second part takes about 2-3 hours. We will pass several small villages like Bhulbhule, Ngadi, and Syange before reaching Jagat, the first destination of Your Annapurna Circuit Trek.

As we touch Jagat, we can see a shift from lush hills to more rugged terrains, which symbolizes the transition to a higher altitude. The rest of the time is free, so we can rest or explore the beautiful village of Jagat.

Today, on our Annapurna circuit Itinerary, we will trek to Dharapani covering about 12- 14 kms of distance.

We start our day with a warm breakfast; this helps us to fuel our energy for the trek ahead. Firstly, we will descend and then climb up to Chajme. Continuing the trail, we will reach Tal; a beautiful village of Annapurna Region situated in a broad, flat valley with a stunning waterfall.

Passing by the Karte with a gradual ascent along the lush forest and small villages, we will finally get to Dharapani. Dharapani is a major destination of the Annapurna circuit, marked by its chortens and mani walls. It is the gateway/entrance pass for the Manang district.

Today, on our Circuit hike, we gradually climb with the beautiful scenery of pine and oak trees upto Bagarchhap. It is famous for its Tibetian-style houses and the views of the mountains, such as Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.

We will enter the forest area after that, cross several small streams, and enjoy the surroundings. We will take a short break while walking in a small village named Danaque. From there, with a steep climb to Timang, this place offers stunning views of Manaslu and other surrounding Annapurna Himalayan range.

The final stop before reaching our ultimate destination on day 4 of the Annapurna Circuit hike is Koto. Koto village is the gateway to another hidden trekking gem in the Annapurna area, Nar Phu Valley. We pass the forest path and the village of Latamarang before reaching Koto.

From there, with a gentle ascent, we will be at Chame, an administrative center of Manang district.

We will start our day with crisp and refreshing morning air and wind through a beautiful pine forest along a relatively flat route that follows the Marsyangdi River.  The majestic Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV looming in the distance, making our Annapurna Circuit adventure more exciting.

The first stop will be Bhratang, a small village famous for its apple orchards. The trail becomes steeper as we leave Bhratang. We will cross several suspension bridges and dramatic rock formations. Even if the climb is challenging, every step we take is worth it, and we will be rewarded by the breathtaking views of Annapurna's surrounding peaks.

We will finally stretch from Dhikur Pokhari to Upper Pisang, enjoying the views. Arriving in Pisang we will be welcomed by a charming village which is divided into Lower and Upper Pisang.

The sixth day of this Annapurna Circuit Trek route is filled with a variety of highlights. We will cover approximately 16 km within 5 to 6 hours.

The journey begins with a vertical climb from Pisang; we will get immediate rewards as we can see views of Pisang Peak and the Annapurna Massif. We will pass by Ghyaru; the trail will take us to several ups and downs along the valley.  We will reach Ngawal, a small, beautiful village famous for its traditional Tibetian-style houses and fields.

After Ngawal, we will slowly descend and merge with the lower trail before getting to the expansive valley of Manang. The surroundings become drier and rockier terrain; we can hardly see green vegetation. As we approach Manang village, the views of the Annapurna range, Gangapurna, and Tilicho peak will dominate the horizon.

Manang is a crowded village with a variety of facilities for trekkers from worldwide. In the evening, we will enjoy a hearty meal at the guesthouse and take the opportunity to interact with the locals and fellow trekkers.

On this day, you acclimatize for your trek to a higher altitude. You can visit monasteries around or hike up to Gangapurna Lake as well. You’ll also have the chance to absorb insights into the local culture and lifestyle.

Optional: You can also hike to Milarepa Cave, a round trip that may take 5 to 6 hours.

From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream and ascends to the village of Tenki above Manang. Then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley, turning northwest up Jarsang Khola's valley. We'll then follow the valley northward, passing pastures and a scrub of juniper trees as it steadily gains elevation.

Further, we give 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 contentedly graze.

We cross the river on a wooden bridge and pass an ancient Mani wall in a pleasant meadow before arriving at Yak Kharka. Gentle but gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems.

We'll head to the base of the pass at Thorong Phedi, a bustling little settlement that serves weary trekkers and climbers like us. It often acts as a base camp for groups aiming for the summit.

While some of our members may opt to hike to High Camp today to lighten tomorrow's load, we've planned a challenging day ahead. To ensure a good night's rest, we'll stay at Thorong Phedi, choosing the assurance of sound sleep over the uncertainties that higher altitudes at High Camp might bring.

We will start early for our climb to the pass, ensuring we're energized for the steep initial ascent. As we near the peak, the trail may turn slushy due to melting snow.

Moving through rocky ridges, we reach the summit (5416m), where an indescribably magnificent 360-degree panorama awaits us, with snow-capped peaks stretching north into Tibet.

Looking back, the Annapurna panorama unfolds behind us, and ahead lies the stunning Kali Gandaki gorge. The trail then takes us on a steep descent to Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, as well as a cherished place for many ethnic Tibetans and devout Buddhists.

You visit the Muktinath temple in the morning and offer your prayers. You roam around the temple, appreciating its architecture as well as its traditional significance. After you roam around for a while, you begin your trek to Jomsom.

This hike unravels snow-capped peaks, gushing waterfalls, and twisting valleys. You will encounter true hospitality from the local communities as you dwell in their rich heritage. You reach Jomsom and stay overnight there.

Note: The road connecting Muktinath and Pokhara offers an alternative to trekking, providing the convenience of driving instead. If you prefer not to walk along the road, you can take a jeep to Jomsom, which is just a one-hour drive away and at extra cost.

You’ll catch a bus back to Kathmandu, leaving the mountains behind you. The roads are winding and will take you through green hills and cool rivers.

Notes:

Because of extensive road construction, the journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes approximately 8-9 hours. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the traffic congestion and increased air pollution during this period. The construction aims to improve the road infrastructure, and we appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

If you prefer not to drive, you can take a domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The flight takes only 25 minutes, but it costs USD 90.00 per person. However, it's worth noting that flight delays and cancellations are common, especially during the summer and winter seasons.

A Nepal Hiking Team member will pick you up and accompany you to the airport. You’ll leave with some incredible memories of this Annapurna Circuit Trekking.