Highlights
Explore the Muktinath Templesacred to Hindu and Buddhists alike, Cross the biggest passes in the world at Thorung Pass (5416m), Trek through the settlements of ethnic Groupe.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
GRADE Moderate
TRIP DURATION 16 days
BEST SEASON March to May & Sep. to Dec.
Maximum Altitude 5,416 Meters
The Trek
For those in search of a religious and cultural awakening, the Annapurna Circuit Trek will definitely inspire you. This astounding journey shall take you through the highs and lows of the famed Annapurna region and it shall give you a detailed insight into the lifestyle and cultures prevalent within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Known to the outside world, for being one of the best trekking routes, the Annapurna Circuit Trek provides a memorable experience.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek sits in the central-north part of Nepal. A major attraction of this circuit is the mighty Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains along with the revered Muktinath Temple and the astounding Thorung La Pass (5416m). The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you through the ancient and culturally rich settlements of Pisang, Manang, Thorung Phedi, and Jomsom which are inhabited by the people of Gurung, Thakali, Manangi, and Chhetri communities.
The people in these communities mostly follow Buddhism, which is both Nepali and of Tibetan origin. The trek begins from Kathmandu and heads to Besisahar which is the lowest point on the trek at 760 meters. As the trek progresses, we see an increase in altitude until we reach the highest point of the trek at Thorung La Pass which is 5416 meters. The Annapurna Circuit Trek involves heavy walking during the middle and final parts, whereas the initial parts are relatively easy. The trekking trail is well established but some paths are pretty steep and strenuous. The ideal time to explore the Annapurna region is during the season of autumn and spring.
Upper Mustang Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, are other trekking options near to this trek. If time permits, you can do the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Accommodation:
You will arrive in Kathmandu where you will be greeted and 3* hotel accommodation will be provided. On the trek, the accommodation will Lodges or what is known as a teahouse (Mountain hut). All accommodation is on a twin-shared basis. A single supplement will be served on request and at an additional cost. Lodges in most places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also, please note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevations but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations. Regarding the budget, the hotel accommodation can be upgraded and downgraded in Kathmandu.
Food:
On your trek, you will experience authentic Nepalese cuisine as well as more common international food (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) Breakfast and dinner will be served in the Lodge where we spend the night and lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided while trekking while only breakfast in Kathmandu.
Electricity facilities in trekking lodge:
Some villages will have hydropower lines but most commonly there will be a solar power system. There are likely to be battery charging facilities in most of the Lodges but for these facilities, there may be a separate charge (a cost of about 1USD for 1hour of charge).
Outline itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)
Upon arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted and will be taken through the bustling capital to your hotel. You are free to spend the day as you wish. Overnight stay at a 3* hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Trek Preparation and Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour.
Today, we shall explore the major UNESCO world heritage sites of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath. We will also visit Kathmandu Durbar Square. Later, we head to our hotel and prepare for the trek that lies ahead. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive to Besisahar (760m), Local Jeep to Syange (1100m) 8 hours.
We begin the day with a drive heading towards Besisahar. The drive shows you the beauty of a Nepali highway as rivers and streams accompany us on the drive. We take a brief stop at Mugling and later arrive at Besisahar. From here, we will book a jeep and drive to Syange. Overnight stay at Syange.
Day 04: Syange to Dharapani (1860m) 6 hours.
After we cross the large bridge near Tal, we enter the Manang district. Our trail leads us through the barley and rice fields along the Marsayangdi River. Passing Chamje, Jagat, and Sattale, we arrive at Tal. We will go through the Kartevillage and a little bit forward lies Dharapani which is the biggest village in the Manang valley. Overnight in Dharapani.
Day 05: Dharapani to Chame (2670m) 5 hours.
Our trail leads us through a few forested ridges and we will walk through landslide-prone areas. As we go ahead, we will be accompanied by awesome views of Lamjung Himal (6983m), Annapurna II (7937m), and Annapurna IV (7,525m). Along the way, you will enjoy the sublime landscapes. Once passed Koto, we arrive at Chame. Overnight in Chame.
Day 06: Chame to Pisang (3200m) 5 hours.
We traverse through steep and narrow valleys to get a glimpse at the amazing Pangdi Danda, which rises about 1500 m from the riverbank of Marsayangdi. From here, we can see the amazing Annapurna II (7937m) and Pisang peak (6091m) that reside in the north. Later, we descend into the Manang valley to enjoy the captivating landscape. Overnight stay at Pisang.
Day 07: Pisang to Manang (3540m) 4 hours.
The trail for the day leads us to Upper Mustang. We must initially go through Ghyaru, and the road will provide a clandestine view of the amazing Annapurna Mountain, Pisang, and other small mountain ranges. We make a small visit to Braga Monastery and learn about the history of Buddhism in the region. The landscape change into arid dry and cold, which signals our arrival in Manang. Overnight stay at Manang.
Day 08: Acclimatization day in Manang.
Today, we will spend the day acclimatizing to the changing surrounding and altitude. We make a small visit to the BoozoGompa and Gangapurna Lake. We can even hike to Braga village. As the day is meant to help you adapt to the changing atmosphere and altitude. Overnight stay at Manang.
Day 09: Manang to Yak Kharka (4050m) 3 – 4 hours.
The route from Manang to Yak Kharka sees a rapid rise in altitude. However, along with the trek, you will find yourself distracted by the backdrop of the Himalayas. The trail goes through the Thorung La Khola and crosses the Tengi Manang and Ghunsang. Yak Kharka is a grazing ground and you can see numerous cattle grazing here. Overnight stay at Yak Kharka.
Day 10: Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi (4525m) 3 to 4 hours.
The walk to Thorung Phedi is mostly uphill and we have to cross suspension bridges in order to arrive at the Ledar village. We pass through towering cliffs and finally arrive at the Thorung Phedi. This is the final stop before the Thorung La Pass (5416m). We will catch a magnificent view of mountains like Mt. Syagang (6026m), Thorung Peak (6144m), and Mt. Khatungkang (6484m). Overnight stay atThorung Phedi.
Day 11: Cross Thorung La Pass (5416m), Trek to Muktinath (3760m) 8 hours.
The major highlight of the day is crossing the Thorung La Pass (5416m). We begin the climb along the steep terrain and gradually make the ascent to the top. Although the climb can be a bit challenging, it is definitely worth it. The views comprise the panorama of Annapurna and Saribung ranges. After crossing the pass, we commence the trek to Muktinath. We arrive at Muktinath after trekking for a few hours. Overnight stay at Muktinath.
Day 12: Muktinath to Jomsom (2720m) 5 hours.
We begin our morning by praying at the holy temple of Muktinath. The Hindu and Buddhist sites within the temple promise to offer great insight into the history and religious significance of the holy shrine. After finishing the exploration, we begin our trek to Jomsom. The trail sees a drastic decrease in altitude and we have to be careful while traversing these paths. In Jomsom, we are greeted by the roaring winds. Overnight stay at Jomsom.
Day 13: Jomsom to Pokhara Flight (820m).
From Jomsom, we get on the flight and head towards Pokhara. The flight lasts for about 30 minutes and it shows you the beauty of the Annapurna region and the Manaslu region. We spend the remainder of the day in Pokhara. Tours and sightseeing to places like Davis Falls, Mahendra Cave, Peace Pagoda, and the mesmerizing Phewa Lake. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
Day 14: Pokhara to Kathmandu 5 hours.
From Pokhara, we get on to Kathmandu. The drive covers 200 km and goes along the Prithvi Highway. The road blesses you with the sights of the Trishuli River, green hills, and many small settlements. After reaching the capital, you are free to spend the day as you wish. Sightseeing, rest, or souvenir shopping are the possible options. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu. Day 15: Free day in Kathmandu.
Today is a free day that can be used to either further explore the Kathmandu valley or go on a shopping spree. The durbar square in Patan and Bhaktapur, Changunarayan temple, White Gumba are popular destinations within the valley. Similarly, Phulchowki, Champadevi, Nagarkot, and Shivapuri are also viable for hiking adventures. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu
Day 16: Departure.
Today is your final day in Nepal and our representative will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.