Trip Overview
Annapurna circuit trekking is one of the best trekking destinations in the world without doubt! Annapurna region has dramatic mountain chain, alpine desert, cultivated terraces, turbulent river gorge, crystal clear lake and waterfall. It’s equally enjoyable the distinct culture and life style of the people living there. The classic Annapurna circuit trek has been destroyed by the recently built road track thus we felt necessary to introduced Namun Bhanjyang -La (5,560 m) route to make alive the famous Annapurna circuit. The Namun Bhanjyang trek starts from Khudi, some about 8 km from Besishahar then the trail ascend gradually via Baglugpani following the ancient pilgrim route until Dudh Pokhari (a sacred pond for local people), beyond Dudh Pokhari the trek is demanding but at the same time spectacular mountain view awaits you to enjoy. After tremendous ascend of the Namun Bhanjyang pass the trail meet up with classic Annapurna circuit at Timang, the trail continue following the Marshyangdi river valley to the high desert land at Manang .we explore Manang and its surrounding then prepare for the final challenge, the Thorang- La pass (5,416 m). It takes some about 5 hours ascend to reach the Thorang- La top from the base camp (4,550 m), A long descend from the top of Thorang -La brings you to Muktinath, the holy place for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. The trek continues through the dry arid landscape to Kagbeni, a fascinating historical fortress town then to Jomsom where we end our trek.
Outline Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu, Hotel transfer
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Day 2
Visit around Kathmandu
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Day 3
Drive Kathmandu to Besishahar (760 m)
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Day 4
Besishahar – Kapur gaun (1,890 m/5 hrs)
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Day 5
Kapur Gaun – Maidu Kharka (3,100 m/5 hrs)
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Day 6
Maidu Kharka – Kyuper Kharka (3,645 m)
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Day 7
Kyuper Kharka – Taunja Lake (4,220 m/6:30 hrs)
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Day 8
Taunja Lake – Thurchu Lek (4,265 m/3 hrs)
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Day 9
Thurchu Lake – Danfe Lake (4,515 m/5:30 hrs)
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Day 10
Danfe Lake– Timang (2,500 m/5 hrs)
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Day 11
Timang to Chame (2,675 m/3 hrs)
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Day 12
Trek Chame to Pisang (3,150 m/5 hrs)
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Day 13
Trek Pisang to Manang (3,440 m/5-7 hrs)
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Day 14
Acclimatization day in Manang
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Day 15
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 Gungsang (3,960 m). En route, we can see the amazing panoramic views all the day. The trek follows the Marshyangdi River George through lush fields of buckwheat/Barley, then to the high arid.
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Day 16
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4,550 m/ 3 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
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Day 17
Trek Thorang Phedi to Muktinath (3,800 m) via Thorang- La (5,416 m & it takes 6-8 hrs)
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Day 18
Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2,750 m/6 hrs)
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Day 19
Flight Jomsom –Pokhara (915 m)
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Day 20
Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,350 m)
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Day 21
Kathmandu sightseeing: Leisure time in Kathmandu, visit Bouddhanath, Patan and Bhaktapur, we discover more monument and historical legend of Nepal on this day.
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Day 22
Airport transfer: we transfer you at the right time for your returning flight.
Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu, Hotel transfer
One of our representative receive group at Kathmandu Airport and group will be transferred to the hotel. -
Day 2
Visit around Kathmandu
On this day, we visit historical and ancient royal palace at Hanumandhoka and the Swayambhunath Temple/Monkey Temple, the UNESCO cultural heritage sites in Kathmandu. -
Day 3
Drive Kathmandu to Besishahar (760 m)
We drive to Besishahar from Kathmandu which takes around 6 hrs; the journey is spectacular along the Trisuli and Marshyangdi River. -
Day 4
Besishahar – Kapur gaun (1,890 m/5 hrs)
The trek begins with gradual ascend from Besishahar, passing through small villages of mid-hill Nepalese, their paddy terraced, after some about 2 hours gradual ascend the trail goes steeper to reached Baglungpani, a tiny but spectacular Nepali village, Kapurgaon is still 2 hours further from Baglungpani, we enjoy the spectacular view of Mt. Manaslu, Himalchuli and Nagdi Chuli (peak 29) on this walk. -
Day 5
Kapur Gaun – Maidu Kharka (3,100 m/5 hrs)
As soon as we begins our trek the trails goes by the cultivated land of the local people, they grow mainly the maize, paddy and wheat on their terraced, the trail head toward the Ghalegaon (2,050 m), one of the biggest village of region and popular for home stay tourism in a recent year. After Ghalegaun, the trail lead you to the highest settlement of the region named Ghan-Pokhara, beyond this point trek goes inside the dense forest of Rhododendron and Oaks. -
Day 6
Maidu Kharka – Kyuper Kharka (3,645 m)
Trek starts with demanding ascend inside the forest, after few hours we reach the top where we stop for lunch, another less demanding ascend bring you to another hilltop, beyond this top the trek goes cooperatively easier to the camp site. -
Day 7
Kyuper Kharka – Taunja Lake (4,220 m/6:30 hrs)
Today we reach above 4,000 m, the Manaslu, Himalchuli, Lamjung Himal get fantastically closer view. The first part of the trek goes through the forest, once we get at the top ascending gently the trail get even easier, the pleasant walk bring you to the lunch spot where our kitchen staff awaits you, we may cross by the high altitude sheep herds grazing their cattle, resuming our trekking toward the Taunja pass (5,100 m), the last part of the trek is step up, we camp before the pass called Taunja Lake. -
Day 8
Taunja Lake – Thurchu Lek (4,265 m/3 hrs)
Our mission is to go over Taunja pass (5,100 m), it may takes 2 hours for good hiker to reaches the top from our camp, we enjoy the view from the top then descend to our camp which is another one and half hour, the step down hill trail need to concentrate on your step, all afternoon we can explore the Dudhpokkhari (Milky Pond) -
Day 9
Thurchu Lake – Danfe Lake (4,515 m/5:30 hrs)
Today mission is to cross the highest elevation of the Annapurna trek, the day start ascending toward the pass from our camp, it takes approximately 4 hrs to reach the Namun Bhanjyang (5,560 m) locally known as Danfe pass. The trek is strenuous but fantastic view await you from the top, the Manaslu, Himalchil, peak 29, and many other are visible from the close range. After the pass we descend to our camp by recently built trail which is comfortably safer to walk. -
Day 10
Danfe Lake– Timang (2,500 m/5 hrs)
Today, we join with the classic Annapurna circuit trek; on our east direction splendid views of Mt. Manaslu & Himalchuli can be viewed. We have to cross a small pass called Danfe Deurali then continue downhill trek to join main Annapurna trail at the Marshyangdi valley. -
Day 11
Timang to Chame (2,675 m/3 hrs)
The trek continues through the dense forest of pine and rhododendron until Koto village (2,590 m) and then we follow the wide road to Chame where we spend overnight. Chame is district headquarter of Manang district (administrative centre for local people) located at the bank of the Marshyangdi River. -
Day 12
Trek Chame to Pisang (3,150 m/5 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 (6,092 m) to the northeast. Continuing on, we come to a long Mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang. -
Day 13
Trek Pisang to Manang (3,440 m/5-7 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 (7,555 m) 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 here for the night, amidst the fluttering prayer flags which adorn the houses. -
Day 14
Acclimatization day in Manang
Today, we spend the day acclimatizing in splendid Manang. OR, small side trip in & around Manang village (Visit 100 Rupees Lama or Gangapurna Glacier Lake) -
Day 15
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 Gungsang (3,960 m). En route, we can see the amazing panoramic views all the day. The trek follows the Marshyangdi River George through lush fields of buckwheat/Barley, then to the high arid.
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 Gungsang (3,960 m). En route, we can see the amazing panoramic views all the day. The trek follows the Marshyangdi River George through lush fields of buckwheat/Barley, then to the high arid. -
Day 16
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4,550 m/ 3 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
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4,550 m/ 3 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 17
Trek Thorang Phedi to Muktinath (3,800 m) via Thorang- La (5,416 m & it takes 6-8 hrs)
Today, we start early in the morning to cross Thorang- La (5416 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. The descent to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600 m but the time passes quickly with excellent views of Dhaulagiri, the 7th highest mountain in the world! 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 18
Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2,750 m/6 hrs)
The trail descend to the Kaligandaki river valley passing through Jharkot village, the view over the Dhaulagiri range is dramatic on this walk. The descent continues down the dramatic Kali Gandaki gorge, 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. Beyond Kagbeni, we walk the Kaligandaki river bed until Jomsom. Jomsom is district headquarter of Mustang, a local government administrative centre. -
Day 19
Flight Jomsom –Pokhara (915 m)
After the successful trek over the high route of Annapurna, we take small Aeroplane to Pokhara which is 20 minutes flight, a Nepal`s most beautiful city. Pokhara is a Lake City 200km west of Kathmandu; we enjoy Pokhara all afternoon, overnight at hotel. -
Day 20
Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,350 m)
The road journey is scenic between Kathmandu and Pokhara, it takes about 7 hours with few stops on the way. -
Day 21
Kathmandu sightseeing: Leisure time in Kathmandu, visit Bouddhanath, Patan and Bhaktapur, we discover more monument and historical legend of Nepal on this day.
Kathmandu sightseeing: Leisure time in Kathmandu, visit Bouddhanath, Patan and Bhaktapur, we discover more monument and historical legend of Nepal on this day. -
Day 22
Airport transfer: we transfer you at the right time for your returning flight.
Airport transfer: we transfer you at the right time for your returning flight.
Trip Info
Cost Includes
- Airport picks up & drops off by private vehicle.
- All short distances transferred by taxi (hotel-bus station & airport -hotel-airport)
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (4 nights) & Pokhara (one night) in tourist standard with B/B basis.
- Kathmandu -Besishahar & Pokhara-Kathmandu by tourist standard bus /coach (surface transportation)
- Trekking permit/TIMS Card, Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit & camping charges.
- Air ticket between Jomsom- Pokhara
- Domestic airport tax.
- Guide, necessary no. of porters, Sherpa, cook, kitchen helper, etc.
- All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, coffee, etc)
- Necessary camping equipment & tents.
- Trekking food stuffs & bamboo baskets
- Trekking gears for porters (shoes, jacket & trousers)
- Insurance for trekking staffs.
- All government & local taxes.
- All paper works.
- An emergency Rescue Evacuation (porter`s back, horse`s back & helicopter), in case of required, arrangement service & pre-deposit.
Cost Excludes
- Monuments entry fees during sightseeing in Kathmandu & in the mountain
- Meals in Kathmandu (lunch & dinner)
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking equipment (shoes, sleeping bags, down jackets & walking poles)
- All alcoholic drinks
- Personal nature of expenses
- Hot shower during the trek.
- Tipping for trekking staffs.