Annapurna Circuit Trek

Starting early in the morning, a public bus will take you from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule via Besisahar. From there, you'll switch to a shared jeep that will drive you to Dharapani, your final stop for the day. The Annapurna Circuit Trek offers breathtaking views of beautiful waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and several suspension bridges. Following the Marsayangdi River, you'll pass through charming villages such as Ngadi, Bahundanda, Syange, Jagat, Chamje, and Tal before reaching Dharapani. Upon arrival, trekkers must register their identities and trekking permits at the Dharapani police checkpoint.

Today, your Annapurna Circuit Trek will traverse alpine terrain, bringing colder weather. You'll pass through the Tibetan villages of Bagarchhap and Danakyu after traveling through woodlands. The route offers views of pine trees, farms, and the Lamjung and Annapurna II peaks, as well as the apple-growing region. Continuing through the picturesque villages of Timang, Thanchowk, and Koto, where the Naar-Phu path joins the Annapurna Circuit, you'll eventually arrive in Chame. At the village entrance, you'll find a large mani wall with prayer wheels. Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, boasts excellent hotels, Internet cafés, trekking gear shops, banks, and communication and health facilities.

The route from Chame winds through a beautiful pine and rhododendron forest in a narrow, rocky valley. Ascending the trail, you'll cross the Marshyangdi River via a suspension bridge and be rewarded with stunning views of rocky surfaces, including Pangdi Danda and Swargadwari Danda. Continuing on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you'll pass through Talekhu and Bhratang villages before reaching Dhikur Pokhari, where you can admire Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, Chulu Peak, Tilicho Peak, and more. After crossing another suspension bridge, you'll head toward Upper Pisang, offering breathtaking views of Kuntu Danda, Longyo Danda, and Pisang Peak in the Annapurna Range. Be mindful of the thin air in Upper Pisang, as some hikers may experience breathing difficulties.

Starting from Pisang, you'll tackle the toughest section of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, featuring steep ascents and twists. You'll trek the higher trails through Upper Pisang, passing Ghyaru and Ngawal, with breathtaking views of Lamjung Himal (6,983m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Gandarbha Chuli (6,250m), Annapurna III (7,555m), Gangapurna (7,544m), Glacier Dome (7,193m), and Khangsar Kang (6,091m). As you ascend, the air becomes colder, drier, and harsher. This route offers a chance to explore Buddhist culture through the Tibetan communities you pass. The trail goes through the picturesque town of Munchi and the quaint village of Braga before arriving in Manang. In Manang, you'll visit Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in the area. Upon reaching Manang bazaar, you'll notice the road lined with Buddhist shrines. Manang, one of the largest settlements on the Annapurna Circuit, offers all necessary amenities.

A vital rest day for acclimatization is essential before the ascent to high altitudes and Thorung La Pass. According to your Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary, today is dedicated to acclimatization. Take advantage of this day by enjoying a short acclimatization walk to Gangapurna Lake and its stunning surroundings. The trail is slightly rocky and scattered with small pebbles, but the views are breathtaking. Gangapurna Lake, fed by melting glaciers, is tranquil and surrounded by majestic mountains and rugged hills. From the shoreline, you can see Mt. Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, Glacier Dome, and Annapurna. Some trekkers also opt for a side hike to Ice Lake and Base Camp, where spectacular landscapes await. This route showcases stunning vistas of Chulu Peak, Tilicho, and Annapurna III.

Your Annapurna Circuit route will ascend from Manang village to the settlement of Tengi, crossing a spring and continuing upward out of the Marshyangdi Valley. The trail then turns northwest and climbs the Jarsang Khola valley. As you progress northward through this valley, the altitude gradually increases, passing through meadows and juniper scrubs. Nearby, you'll find the small settlement of Ghusang, characterized by a cluster of mud-roofed buildings. The trail continues through yak and horse grazing meadows known as Yak Kharka. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the path leads you past a historic Mani wall in a serene meadow before arriving at the charming village of Ledar.

Today, you will trek to Thorung High Camp, also known as Thorung Phedi. Depending on your fitness level and the weather, this journey will take approximately 4 to 5 hours. The challenges of higher altitudes can be intensified by severe winds, and snow on the Annapurna Circuit Trek route may prolong your trek. Follow your guide and proceed slowly and carefully. As you trek, you might spot herds of yaks and blue sheep grazing across the river. Thorung Phedi has limited tea houses, offering a stark contrast to the lush lowlands you traversed earlier in your hike. Reaching High Camp will set you up for a smoother journey the following day, especially if you're feeling energized and ready to continue.

You will reach Thorung La Pass at 5,416 meters after a steep ascent from Thorung Phedi, or Thorung High Camp. From the pass, enjoy breathtaking views of the Annapurna Range, Thorong Peak, Dhaulagiri Range, Nilgiri, and other distant mountains. After taking some pictures and soaking in the scenery, your Annapurna Circuit Trek route will descend to Muktinath. The trail from Thorung La Pass to Muktinath is entirely downhill. Muktinath is not only a significant Buddhist site but also the second-largest Hindu temple, attracting numerous Hindu pilgrims. The temple features two small ponds and 108 water taps; Hindus believe that showering at all 108 taps will cleanse them of sins from previous lives. Nearby, the Dhola Mebar Gompa, also known as the Jwalamai (Goddess of Fire) temple, has a holy natural gas flame burning behind a grill just above the spring.

After your visit to Muktinath Temple, return to the lodge for breakfast before continuing your journey to Jomsom through Jharkot Village, Kagbeni, and Ekle Bhatti, the administrative center of the Mustang District. Jomsom is known for being one of the windiest valleys in Nepal.

Jomsom is a significant town situated along both banks of the Kali Gandaki River. It serves as the main gateway for journeys to Muktinath and Upper Mustang, and a company of the Nepalese Army is stationed here. Jomsom Airport, which accommodates flights from the Nepalese Army Air Service, offers regular flights to Pokhara. This morning, you will head to Jomsom Airport to catch your flight to Pokhara. According to your Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary, this will mark your final day of trekking in the mountains. The flight to Pokhara takes about 30 to 40 minutes, during which you'll enjoy views of the route to Tatopani and Ghorepani, as well as panoramic vistas of the Annapurna Himalaya Range.

Once in Pokhara, take advantage of your free day to unwind, relax, and rest your muscles after a long trek. Pokhara offers a variety of attractions to explore, including Phewa Lake, Tal Barahi Temple, Devi's Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, World Peace Pagoda, the International Mountain Museum, and Bindabasini Temple. It's particularly enjoyable to take a boat out on the lake, especially if the weather is pleasant.

This marks the final day of your Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary. After waking up in Pokhara, you’ll board a tourist bus to return to Kathmandu. The journey covers approximately 205 kilometers, following the scenic routes of the Marsyangdi River and Trishuli River. Along the way, you'll pass through charming villages like Damauli bazaar and Dumre bazaar. The drive offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, hilly landscapes, and cascading waterfalls. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our team will greet you and escort you to your hotel, allowing you to freshen up before spending your last evening in Nepal exploring Thamel or indulging in some shopping.

We typically arrange airport transfer services three hours prior to your departure time. If you have extra time available, we can organize side trips for you, or you can explore on your own.