Trip Overview
Annapurna circuit trek starts with an overland journey to Besisahar about 170 km west of Kathmandu. From there, the trek follows the Marshyangdi River gorge through lush fields of paddy, innumerable tiny streams, waterfalls and beautiful villages, until eventually we emerge into the high desert country at Manang village (3,550 m). The trek gains elevation gradually which reduces the chances of altitude sickness, although you will spend a day acclimatizing before crossing the pass at Thorang-La pass (5,416 m). From Thorang Phedi (Base camp), you wake up early for our crossing of the Thorang-La (tremendous high mountain feelings) before you descend to Muktinath (3,760 m), in the lower Mustang region, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Buddhist and Hindu people in the world! The around Annapurna trek continues through the dry arid landscape to Kagbeni (2,800 m), a fascinating historical fortress town. The trail back follows the Kali Gandaki River to Jomsom (optional fly out here) beneath the shadow of immense Himalayan peaks and through the deepest canyon/gorges in the world, Dana /Tatopani (1,189 m) village. You descend to Tatopani before ascending to Ghorepani & Pun Hill for some tremendous sunrise views of both the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himal. A further two days are spend trekking through beautiful rhododendron, bamboo and oaks forests before eventually reaching Nayapul for a short drive to the beautiful Lake city of Pokhara. This trek is considered to be the classic Nepalese experience featuring vast bio-diversity and the cultural heritage that Nepal is renowned for. This trek is one of the most popular trekking destination in Nepal & one of the most important things to do in your life among the top 50 destinations in the world!
Outline Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
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Day 2
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
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Day 3
Kathmandu to Besisahar (823 m/6 hrs)
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Day 4
Trek Besisahar to Bahundanda (1,305 m/ 6-7 hrs)
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Day 5
Trek Bahundanda to Chamje/Chamche (1,430 m/5-5:30 hrs)
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Day 6
Trek Chamje/Chame to Dharapani (1,860 m)
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Day 7
Trek Dharapani to Chame (2,675 m/6 hrs)
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Day 8
Trek Chame to Pisang (3,150 m/5-5:30 hrs
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Day 9
Trek Pisang to Manang (3,440 m/ 5 hrs)
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Day 10
Acclimatization day in Manang
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Day 11
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,100 m/4 hrs)
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Day 12
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4,425 m/4 hrs)
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Day 13
Trek Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,750 m) via Thorang- La passes (5,416 m/7-8 hrs)
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Day 14
Trek Muktinath to Kagbeni (2,800 m/4hrs)
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Day 15
Trek Kagbeni to Marpha (2,650 m/5 hrs)
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Day 16
Marpha to Ghasa (2,050 m/6-6:30 hrs)
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Day 17
Trek Ghasa to Tatopani /Hot Spring (1,189 m/5-6 hrs.)
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Day 18
Trek Ghasa to Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850 m/7-8 hrs)
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Day 19
Trek Ghorepani to Hille (1,430 m)
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Day 20
Trek from Hille to Nayapul and then Pokhara
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Day 21
Drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara by Tourist Bus/Coach which takes about 7 hrs
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Day 22
Airport transfer
Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Our airport representative will meet you at the Kathmandu airport, only one international airport in Nepal till now and then arrange the necessary transfer to the hotel. For your comfortable, we select a centrally located 3-star hotel in the city and leave the rest of the evening for you to explore the city. -
Day 2
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Today, our professional tour guide will bring you to visit the major monuments and cultural attractions of the Kathmandu valley, most notably the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple/Monkey Temple, Papshupatinath Temple & Bouddhanath Stupa. In the evening, you will use the time to prepare for our final trekking departure. -
Day 3
Kathmandu to Besisahar (823 m/6 hrs)
Today, we drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway to Dumre and then follow a narrow and paved road by the Marshyangdi River to Besisahar. After lunch at Besisahar, you will explore the city in & around. This is the district headquarter of Lamjung district, a pretty big town/ city. -
Day 4
Trek Besisahar to Bahundanda (1,305 m/ 6-7 hrs)
Today, walk about half an hour on the dusty road to Chame, then cross the Marshyangdi River (Suspension Bridge), then trek to New Annapurna trail through small villages till Bhulbhule where the main trails join. After Bhulbhule (840 m), the trail is very flat up to Ngadi bazaar/village (930 m), where you take your good lunch. After having lunch, trail is pretty level & immediately, the trail ascends to Bahundanda (1,305 m), overnight at lodge. -
Day 5
Trek Bahundanda to Chamje/Chamche (1,430 m/5-5:30 hrs)
Steep trail descends for nearly half an hour and then follows a flat path through rice terraces, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. The trail then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Lali Gaon/Bhir. Then after, you walk paddy field/ flat farm for an hour walk till Ghermu Phant (1,130 m) with a great view of waterfall. Immediately, the trail descends to Marshyangdi River at Syange 1,100 m) ahead, the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape through the forests. We walk on the dusty roadside till Jagat (1,300 m), where you will take your lunch. After having lunch, you walk on the roadside about an hour & leave the road & climb about 50 m and then you will be at Chame, overnight at lodge. -
Day 6
Trek Chamje/Chame to Dharapani (1,860 m)
The first part of the trail, descends to the river and after crossing a suspension bridge, we begin a climb to Sattale (1,680 m on a path so steep that it seems one slip would send you hurtling down into the valley. From there, we continue on an undulating path above the river, and at one point, where a tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the main river becomes covered with huge boulders that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, we see the level, plain of Tal (1,700 m) extend before us. Though cliffs enclose it, the level area looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain paths we just traveled. From there, we descend to a grassy riverbank, which leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding and in several areas hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte (1,850 m), there is a bit more cliff walking before the path drops again to the river. Finally to reach our camp, we cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone kani marking the entrance to Dharapani (1960 m) the location where we camp/overnight for the night. -
Day 7
Trek Dharapani to Chame (2,675 m/6 hrs)
As you cut through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu enters on the opposite bank. The Marshyangdi then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, you arrive at Bagarchhap (2,160 m), a Bhote village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze around the Buddhist monastery. From there, we continue to trek through forests of pine and oak until we pass through Danaque at 2,210 meters. Here we come to a small wooden bridge which takes you to follow a steep ascending path up to Timang (2,650 m). The bridge lies at the bottom of Lamjung Himal. The trail then goes through a flat level area until we reach Chame where there are government offices, shops, and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district. -
Day 8
Trek Chame to Pisang (3,150 m/5-5:30 hrs
With Lamjung Himal (6,893 m) sparkling in the morning sun, we set off for Pisang. The mountain disappears as we climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard along the way. From there, we continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point, the valley becomes extremely steep on both sides as we follow the path to Bhratang (2,950 m). In the past this was the military station for troops who fought against the Khampa tribal revolution, but the dilapidated buildings are all that remains of that era. A short climb from the village brings us to a rock-strewn area where you cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before crossing back to the right bank again. We now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before us. From here, we can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak (6,091 m) to the northeast. Continuing on, we come to a long Mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang. -
Day 9
Trek Pisang to Manang (3,440 m/ 5 hrs)
Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge, which affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho Peak (7,145 m). Descending past Manang's airstrip at Hongde (3,320 m), we come to a level area where the northeast face of Annapurna III rises majestically above you. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola valley, Annapurna IV (7,525 m) also becomes visible. Just beyond this point we cross the considerably reduced flow of the Marshyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. Cultivated fields appear on both sides of the path and off to the right, below a craggy mountain, you can see the village of Bryaga with its splendid monastery. Large Chhortens and Mani walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7,455 m) and, to the rear, Tilicho Peak (7,145 m). After a short steep climb, you reach Manang which is a surprisingly large village for this remote mountain region. You camp /overnight here for the night, amidst the fluttering prayer flags, which adorn the houses. Note: There is an alternative trail to reach Manang through high route which is 2 hrs longer than the lower route, but the view is so great! To take higher route; Upper Pisang (3,200 m)- Ghyaru (3,670 m) -Ngawal (3,680 m) -take a lunch -Mungi (3,320 m) -Braka village (3,360 m) -Manang village (3,500 m) -
Day 10
Acclimatization day in Manang
Today, we spend the day acclimatizing in splendid Manang. Or side trip in & around the village. -
Day 11
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,100 m/4 hrs)
Now, the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through the village of Gunsang (3,960m). En route, we can see the amazing panoramic views all the day. -
Day 12
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4,425 m/4 hrs)
Leaving Yak Kharka, we climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi to cross via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, we follow a narrow trail across an unstable spree slope and then descend to Thorang Phedi. -
Day 13
Trek Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,750 m) via Thorang- La passes (5,416 m/7-8 hrs)
Today, we start early to cross Thorang- La (5,416 m). The trail becomes steep immediately after leaving camp but local people have used this trail for hundreds of years making the path well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, we reach the Chhorten and prayer flags of the pass. The views are dramatic to say the least, from the snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang, which are spread out before us. Then descend to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1,600 m but the time passes quickly with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple. -
Day 14
Trek Muktinath to Kagbeni (2,800 m/4hrs)
You now begin descending down the dramatic Kaligandaki George, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar villages with their typical Tibetan architecture, we follow a steep path down to Kagbeni, a primitive village famous for Tibetan architecture. People living there; follow the Tibetan customs and traditions. Here a monastery is situated that is said to date to back to the 15th Century. Kagbeni is also along the border of Upper Mustang. -
Day 15
Trek Kagbeni to Marpha (2,650 m/5 hrs)
Today, we begin to travel along the flat path on the bank of the dramatic Kali Gandaki George until we reach Marpha by passing through Jomsom, a windy town. Marpha is a large village filled with a Buddhist Monastery in between the village which has its own cultural importance. It is also rich in cultivating apples. The apple brandy available there is famous among the locals and travelers alike. -
Day 16
Marpha to Ghasa (2,050 m/6-6:30 hrs)
Today we take a New Annapurna trail leaving the dusty road & Gas /oil smell, another side of the Kaligandaki till Kalopani (2,500 m) ,with very good view of Nilgiri, Tukche Peak & Dhaulagiri Massif. At the end of the day, descend to Ghasa, a paradise for Bird Lovers/watcher! -
Day 17
Trek Ghasa to Tatopani /Hot Spring (1,189 m/5-6 hrs.)
Today, you will take again New Annapurna trail, dislike the dusty road, noisy & smell of the Gas/Oil, passing through Kopchepani (1,620 m)- Narchyang village (1,510 m) –Giithe -Tatopani, the world`s deepest George, measuring of two mountains over 8,000m. -
Day 18
Trek Ghasa to Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850 m/7-8 hrs)
Today, the trail passes through a flat level of the land for a distance. Then, the trail begins ascending steeply for at least one hour. Today the path goes up through different villages inhabited by the people of different castes and agricultural land. The majority of the people here Magar, who serve Gorkha Regiment and Indian Regiment as well. While trekking you cross through the Kali Gandaki River with panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. You pass different villages such as Ghara, Shikha & Chitre, before reaching to Ghorepani /Deurali. -
Day 19
Trek Ghorepani to Hille (1,430 m)
Today, we take an early morning trip to the top of Poon Hill (3,232 m) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Varaha Shikhar, Mt. Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna IV, Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal and other numerous snowcapped mountain peaks. After breakfast, we follow a gradually descending path through the forests of rhododendron and oak up to Banthanti. It is a small village, where we break for hot and cold drinks. Then the trail descends to Ulleri (2,070 m), a big Magars village from where we can enjoy the view of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli. From here, the trail up to Tikhedhunga descends steeply passing terraces and some villages along the way. After a short walk of 15 minutes from Tirkhedhunga, we reach Hille. There is also a small Gurung village with surrounding green hills. Most of the inhabitants of this village are occupied in agriculture. -
Day 20
Trek from Hille to Nayapul and then Pokhara
This day’s trek gradually descends following Bhurung Khola (Bhurung Stream) all the way to Birethanti before we cross the Modi Khola over the suspension bridge. We pass by amazing small villages to see the magnificent waterfalls and walk through the sparse forests nearby. -
Day 21
Drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara by Tourist Bus/Coach which takes about 7 hrs
Today, we head up to Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where Nepal's first cable car is operates to reach Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe, you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to the capital city. Or, you can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes -
Day 22
Airport transfer
Our airport representative will transfer you to the airport at the right time for your departure. Note : There are so many options in this trip-Either drive to Chame, then trek to all the way to Pokhara via Ghandruk -Dhampus or fly out from Jomsom or Drive by jeep to Tatopani, trek to Pokhara. Also,by Private Vehicle or Aeroplane from Pokhara to Kathmandu. You should let us know what type of trip you are looking for!
Trip Info
Cost Includes
- Airport picks up & drops off by private vehicle (Car /Van / Mini Bus)
- 4 Nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara at a standard hotel on B/B basis.
- A full day city sightseeing tour in Kathmandu (4 sites)/ private vehicle & tour guide
- Tourist Bus/Coach surface transportation from Kathmandu-Besisahar & Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Private surface transfer (Hotel-bus station-Hotel & Nayapul to Pokhara)
- Lodge accommodation on trek
- All meals; 3 meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner with a cup of tea/coffee)
- Trek leader/guide & required no. of porter/s (normally, 2Pax. trekkers: 1 porter)
- All trekking permits (trekking permit/TIMS Registration Card & ACAP entry permit)
- Trekking equipment (sleeping bag & down jacket which are need to returned back to company after complete the trek), if required
- Trekking equipment for all porter/s (shoes, jacket, trouser, etc)
- Insurance & security for all trekking staffs.
- All government & local taxes
- All necessary official paper works
- All transportation, meals, wages, accommodation for trekking staffs
- First Aid -Kit box/ bag
- T-shirt & Certificate of competition the trek
- An emergency or rescue evacuation arrangement service & pre-deposit for Helicopter (porter`s back, Horse`s back, vehicle & Helicopter), if required or wanted / wished
Cost excludes
- Nepal visa fee, photos for trekking permits & flight tickets fare to & from Kathmandu
- Meals in Kathmandu (lunch & dinner)
- Monuments / Temples / Monasteries entry fees in Kathmandu, Pokhara & Mountains
- Personal nature expenses (telephone bills, laundry service, message, bar bills, donation for local school/club, mineral/bottle or boiled water during the trek etc)
- All kinds of alcoholic drinks, soft & cold drinks etc.
- Private transportation (vehicle, horse, aero plane, etc)
- Travel / Rescue Insurance
- Tipping for all trekking staffs
- An alternative transportation, in case of heavy rain, landslide, strikes, road blockade, etc.
- An emergency or rescue evacuation cost /charge, if required
- Others than what are included in the cost include section