Annapurna Circuit is a world-classic trekking around the Annapurna Himalayas and an unforgettable odyssey through amazing diversity in the landscape with a unique blend of ethnicities along the way. The mountains on display in Annapurna Circuit include Annapurna I, 8,091m (26,545ft) the 10th highest mountain in the world, and the first over 8,000 m to have been climbed. The French summit it in 1950. Additional peaks featured here are Dhaulagiri, 8,167m (26,7795ft), the world’s 7th highest, Manaslu, 8,163m (26,781ft), the world’s 8th highest, and Machhapuchhre (fishtail mountain), 6,993m (22,943ft), a beautiful and sacred mountain that is off-limit to climb.
You follow the Marsyangdi River valley for the first half of the trek till the Thorong Phedi, this valley is a part of a trade route linking different places and we follow The Kali Gandaki river valley for another half after the Thorong la pass and The Kaligandaki valley is the world’s deepest gorge/valley in the world which can be found nowhere else in the world, flanked by the giant Dhaulagiri in the west and Annapurna Himalaya range in the east, we will trek along the valley, The highpoints of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the Thorung La pass at 5,416m (17,769ft), the highest trekking pass in Nepal, furthermore, we will visit the Manang Village, a village with own culture and lifestyle.
You will visit one of the popular pilgrimages in Nepal Muktinath Temple, the God of Salvation, Legends says that once we visit the temple, all the sins from the body will be washed up and become pure, so thousands of pilgrims come here from different part of Nepal and India to take bath in the pond and the tap that exits in the Muktinath temple, Furthermore, we will have opportunities to take bath in one of the famous natural hot spring at Tatopani and the water on this spring is proved that to be very good for the skin and there are many examples of cured of many skin diseases, Apart from this, we will hike to Poon hill for the excellent sunrise views over the mighty Himalayas from where, we will see the 360-degree panoramic views of the Himalayas wow, it is amazing.
The Annapurna Circuit Trail is full of varieties as we trek through many villages of different ethnic groups which include the Brahmins, Manangis, Thakalis, Gurungs and Magars, and their own culture and lifestyle living together with great peace and harmony. The attraction of this circuit trek is the forest of the Rhododendron (the national flower of Nepal) that blooms in spring, you should do the trek from March to May to have flowered blooming, and you will see the colorful Rhododendron blooming which is amazing.
Detail Itinerary of Annapurna Circuit Trek
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu airport & transfer to hotel
When flying into Kathmandu on a clear day, the views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawl down below you & are almost breathtaking, beginning a whole link of memorable experiences that stay with you for a real, long time, our escort and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Our representative will help you check into your designated hotel then you will be briefed about your daily program. This is your first overnight in the valley of the gods.
Day 02: Full day sightseeing in historical Kathmandu valley
After having breakfast at the hotel, we will take your sightseeing tour in Kathmandu at about 9:00 am, Kathmandu is the historical heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents an interesting holy mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and western influence in the valley.
There will be a day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, and Swoyambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Squire, all of them have UNESCO recognized World Heritage sites, return to the hotel and you will have some time to buy trekking gear if you need and overnight at your hotel.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule
You will have an early breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu and our trekking guide will come to pick you up at your hotel at about 7 AM in the morning, we then drive along the Kathmandu- Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marsyangdi River to Besisahar then to Bhulbhule, check in to the lodge and overnight at Hotel.
Day 04: Trek from Bhulbhule to Chamje
After having breakfast at the lodge, we start trekking and the trekking will take about 6 hours to Chamje, The trail goes flat for the first part then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed.
Eventually, we descend to the stone village of Jagat (1330m.) situated on a shelf that juts into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley. Now the trail begins to observe small ups and down to Chamje through the forests, check into the guest house, and overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 05: Trek from Chamje to Dharapani
After having breakfast at guest house, we start our trek by descending to the river and crossing another suspension bridge; we begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) on a path so steep that seems one slip would send you hurtling down into the valley.
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 a meandering path to the top of the hill, we will see the level plain of Tal (1700m.). 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 (1900m.), there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river and we cross another suspension bridge and arrive at Dharapani, overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 06: Trek from Dharapani to Chame
After having breakfast at guest house, we start the art our trekking at first light after a cupper through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu, The Marsyangdi River then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, we arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhote village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze around Buddhist monastery, continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak.
We pass through Danaque (2210m.). There comes a small wooden bridge which makes us follow a steep ascending path up to Timang village which lies at the bottom of Lamajung Himal & then the trail goes through a flat level until we reach Chame, overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 07: Trek from Chame to Pisang
After having breakfast at the guest house, we start our trekking from Lamjung Himal (6893m) as we see it glittering in the morning sunshine with the first rays hitting us warmly in the face, & we set off for Pisang, The Mountain disappears as we climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard.
We continue through 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-sided as we follow the path to Bratang (2950m.) then a short climb from the village brings us to a rock-strewn area where we cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before crossing back to the right bank again. We now trek through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up wonderful vistas & then we come to a long mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang, overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 08: Trek from Pisang to Manang
After having breakfast at guest house, we start our trekking with climbs to steep ridge which affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.). Descending past Manang's airstrip at Humde (3320m.) will arrive & then we come to a level area from where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises to the skies above us.
From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV (7525m.) also becomes visible. Just beyond this point we cross the considerably reduced flow of the Marsyangdi 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.
We will see the village of Braga with its splendid monastery, Large Chortens and mani walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us, then after a short steep climb we will reach Manang for our overnight at a Guesthouse.
Day 09: day for rest at Manang for acclimatization
This also gives our lungs a breather while we rest our weary bones a bit till we do some short hikes to get used to the thin air as we slowly go to the higher elevations.
Today, we hang around town; this is an important rest and acclimatization day before crossing the Thorung La. There are optional day walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous icefall coming down from the Annapurna, or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley.
There is also a Himalayan Rescue Association [HRA] aid post in the village which makes for an interesting and educational visit. Moreover you can visit Ganagapurna Glacier Lake to make your rest day a memorable one, overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 10: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka
We start our trek after having breakfast at guest house, today the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through Gunsang (3960m.) village, En route, we will see panoramic views all the day and it seems it is short hiking, however, we will feel a bit fatigued as we are going higher and into less oxygen air, overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 11: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi
After having breakfast at guest house, we start our trekking with a climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marsyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge, after a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable spree slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi, overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 12: Trek from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath via Thorung La
Today, we start our trekking quite early in the morning crossing the Thorung La (5416m.), The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp but as this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of years the path is well defined, No trail hassles down here. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, we will reach the chorten 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 1600m but it's compensated for 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, overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 13: Trek from Muktinath to Tatopani via Kagbeni
This morning, we will go visit the famous temple of Muktinath and return to the lodge then have breakfast and begin the trek descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through an arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet.
After passing through Jharkot and Khingar villages with typical Tibetan architecture, we follow the path steeply down to Kagbeni, a primitive village famous for Tibetan architecture and there is a monastery hereabouts said to have been built in the 15th Century the Kagbeni is the border for Upper Mustang.
Have lunch in Kagbeni and trek to Jomsom.
Day 14: Trek from Jomsom to Kalopani
After having breakfast at the lodge, we begin the flat path along the banks of dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet up to Marpha and trek to Kalo pani.
Day 15: Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani
After having breakfast at the lodge, we start the trek and the trail descends steeply up to Rupse Chhahara (Rupse Waterfall) which is amazing to look at.
There is situated the deepest gorge of the world between two massif mountains Annapurna I (8091m.) in east and Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) in west-facing each other near Rupse Waterfall, Now the trail ascends slightly to Tatopani through different settlements, check in to the lodge and will have time to go and take bath on the natural hot spring and overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 16: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani
After having breakfast at the lodge, we start our trekking by passing through the flat level of the land at some distance. Then the trail begins ascending steeply for at least one hour then goes up through different villages inhabited by the people of different castes and a lot of agricultural lands that show this village is pretty well off. The majority of the people here are Gorkhalis who serve in the Indian army.
Then the trail ascends gently all the way to Ghorepani passing through small villages like Phalate, Chitre, and so on. While trekking you pass through rhododendron forests and come across wildlife such as monkeys and birds of various species. You are accompanied by more panoramic views of different mountains, check in to the guest house and overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 17: Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Hile
We will start our trekking with an early morning hike to Poon Hill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise view over the Himalayas including Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snowcapped mountain peaks.
We then return to the lodge and have breakfast, we again follow the gradually descending path through the forests of rhododendron and oak up to Banthanti, It is a small village where you can haul up for hot and cold drinks. Then the trail descends to Ulleri (1960m.), a big Gurung village where we will enjoy the views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli.
From here the trail up to Tikhedhunga is steeply descending passing through terraces and some robust villages. After a short walk of 15 minutes from Tikhedhunga we reach Hile, check into the guest house, and overnight at the guest house.
If you have a longer time, you can continue to Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Day 18: Trek from Hile to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara
Today is the last day of our long Annapurna Circuit Trek and it is a pretty easy hike as well. The trails gradually descend following Bhurung Khola (Bhurung Stream) all the way to Birethanti before we cross the Modi Khola over the suspension bridge a short walk & we reach Nayapul, where our vehicle will be waiting to drive us back to Pokhara and overnight at the hotel.
Day 19: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
We take a tourist bus at 7 AM to drive to Kathmandu and the drive will be fantastic along with many satellite towns on the way. And we are able to see healthy settlements, Rivers, terraces, and landscapes, after 6 hours of driving we will arrive at Kathmandu, have Farewell dinner in the evening, and overnight at the hotel.
If you have time, you can stay in Pokhara and do Pokhara Day Tour and can travel to Chitwan for Chitwan Jungle Safari as well from Pokhara.
Day 20: Transfer to international airport for your connecting flight home
· All the airport transfers
· 3 hotels in Kathmandu including breakfast
· Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu as per the itinerary
· All accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the trek
· Your standard meals during the trek with hot tea/coffee in breakfast.
· All necessary paper works, Conservation entry permits and TIMS permit
· 1 accommodation in Pokhara including breakfast on twin sharing basis
· Ground transportation from Kathmandu –Bhulbhule -Pokhara – Kathmandu
· An experienced, helpful and friendly Guide and porters (1 porter for 2 peoples)
· Salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation and insurance for the guide and porter
· Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company
· Sleeping bag, down jackets, and trekking map, if necessary (return after the trek)
· Your Travel insurance (compulsory)
· Lunch and dinner while you are in Kathmandu & Pokhara
· Your personal expenses and entrance fees while you are on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
· All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and Sweet things like chocolate
· International airfare and airport departure tax
· Tips for the guide, porter & driver
