Photo Courtesy: Kelsie DiPerna.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek (Highest Trekking Pass on Earth) is one of the most surreal and commercial trek in the Himalaya region. Do not worry about empty stomach during the trip, because you can find number of eateries and coffee shops around.
You can embark on an audacious journey all around the Annapurna mountain chain, which is about 160-230 K.M. long, before touching the apex of Thorong La Pass (5416 m.). En route to the trek, you will witness Kali Gandaki Gorge – one of world’s deepest gorges – along with Annapurna I in the east and Dhaulagiri on the west. Similarly, other special attractions of this place are Gangapurna glacier, Ice Lake, and world’s highest lake, Tilicho at 4919 m height.
Throughout the trek, you will be withdrawn by the beauty of numerous small and big mountainous peaks, pine trees, yaks, and crystal clear waters. Besides, the thrilling adventure will guide you to the famous and culturally diverse regions of Manang, Mustang, and Jomsom.
Day 01:
Arrive Kathmandu
Day 02:
Sightseeing to Swayambhunath, Kathmandu and Patan
Day 03:
Drive to Besi Sahar (820m)
Day 04:
Besi Sahar drive to Chame (2670m) - Not in Monsoon
Day 05:
Trek to Pisang (3200m)
Day 06:
Trek to Manang (3540m)
Day 07:
Acclimatization in Manang (3540m)
Day 08:
Trek to Yak Kharka (4110m)
Day 09:
Trek to Thorung Phedi (4420m)
Day 10:
Trek to Muktinath (3800m) Over the Thorung La Pass (5416m)
Day 11:
Trek to Jomsom (2713m)
Day 12:
Drive Jeep/bus to Tatopani (1190m)
Day 13:
Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara
Day 14:
Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 15:
Departure day
Day 01:
Arrival at Kathmandu(1400m)
Upon arrival,our representative will be there to transfer you to the hotel. Late afternoon leisure walk in Thamel, a popular tourist district in Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02:
Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
Today we will visit over Kathmandu valley. UNESCO world heritage site is most popular touristic area to visit. We will visit oldest temple Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Patan darbar square. Prepare for tomorrow and rest overnight.
Day 03:
Drive to Besisahar (820m)
After breakfast we drive from Kathmandu to Beshisahar (5-6 hours, 172 km) through the Prithivi highway. We drive and fallow the Trishuli river (which is very famous for rafting) till small town Mugling. Next we will cross the Bridge of Trishuli River and turn west towards small town Dumre then turn north and fallow the Marshyandi River through Nadi valley until we reach Besisahar. Overnight stay at Besisahar.
Day 04:
Besisahar drive to chame (2670m) – Not in monsoon
Morning breakfast at the hotel. We will get on our jeep and head towards Chame passing by small Tibetan villages ,river and some beautiful mountains. Also we enter the Manang region . Overnight at Chame.
Day 05:
Trek to Pisang (3200m)
Today we walk for five hours all the way to Pisang (3200 m). After breakfast and short brief, our trail starts climb up and down and crosses rivers we will be in small village Taleku. After Taleku village within 2hours walk we cross bridge to reach sparsely inhabited settlement of Bartang. Next, almost 1hour trail through river, crosses bridge and ascend will lead us to Pisang. You can see beautiful rock wall and changes of landscape through the trekking; you can see arid land on the climb. Explore around and rest overnight.
Day 06:
Trek to Manang(3540m)
Today we experience a contrast with the landscape and vegetation from today.On the way, the cold and dry climate creates a much harsher environment.
Day 07:
Acclimatization in Manang (3540m)
Today is a scheduled acclimatization day. It is advisable to stay active and drink more water. Today we also explore the place of Manang and go for short hike. We can visit Bhojo Gumba and Ganagapurna Lake. If we have time and energy we can visit Himalayan rescue association (HRA) to get knowledge about mountain sick and back to lodge. Overnight at manang.
Day 08:
Trek to Yak Kharka( 4110m)
From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees.The trail further passes near 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 graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka.
Day 09:
Trek to Thorung Phedi (4420m)
Today we make our way to the foot of the pass. After our breakfast we trek for 1-2 hours till we reach a small villagein Ledar, see the magnificent view of Annapurna and ascend for 2 hours from Ledar we will be at Thorong la Phedi. rest overnight.
Day 10:
Trek to Muktinath (3800m) over the Thorung La Pass (5416m)
Today we wake up early morning and trek towards Thorung La Pass which would take around 6hours to reach. It will be a lifetime unforgettable experience crossing the famous hugh pass. After this we descend towards Muktinath which is a important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist. Overnight at Muktinath.
Day 11:
Trek to Jomsom (2713m)
Today we trek down to Jomsom. The Jomsom town extends over both the banks of the Kali Gandaki River and houses several lodges.
Day 12:
Drive to Tatopani (1190m)
Today we head towards Tatopani on a jeep. Tatopani, known for its natural hot spring so we will relaxing there at afternoon. Overnight at a lodge.
Day 13:
Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara
Early morning breakfast at the lodge then we will head towards Pokhara. Late afternoon scrolling around lakeside area. Overnight at Pokhara.
Day 14:
Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Today we will be flying to Kathmandu from Pokhara . On arriving to Kathmandu, our Vehicle will be there to pick you up and drop you off at the hotel. We arrange for farewell dinner in popular Nepalese restaurant enjoying ethnic dance and music with Nepalese good items.
Day 15:
Departure day
Our vehicle will be there to pick you up from the hotel. We will be dropping you off at the airport and say our final goodbye.
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
- All ground transportation.
- An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader.
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS).
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader).
- All government and local taxes.
- Nepalese visa fee.
- International flights.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s).
