Annapurna Circuit Trek

Drive to Besisahar, Lamjung district - Trek to Bhulebule: The next day, after breakfast at your hotel in Kathmandu, trip commence for Besisahar from where our trek start. Our trail waves along the river, continuing northwards up the Marsyangdi Valley with Himalchuli and Peak 29 dominating the horizon. We follow a quiet way through rice paddies (in seasons) and villages for approx. two hours until we meet the main trail at Bhulebule and then overnight at teahouse.

Slow scaling Marsyangdi Valley to Jagat (1300M), the trail continues up the East bank of the River to Ngaddi. From here we begin an undeviating climb through scrub forest finally arriving at Lampatta, Manangi village with Tibetan style prayer flags. Final, short sharp ascent brings us at the community of Bahundanda, sensible on a range. From the point, we are descending to the river at Syange. The trail then follows along the river to Jagat and overnight at teahouse.

Reach the village of Jagat to Dharapani (1943M), an undulating trail leads to Chyamje, cross a suspension bridge, and climb through the oak forest. The trail then beings into a level valley where 'Taal,' then the next village is situated at the foot of a grand waterfall (1700M). Once crossing the river a couple of times we reach the village of Dharapani, overnight stay at teahouse.

Steady climb Dharapani to Temang through the forest, then descend to Chame (2713M). Beyond this village, we continue our climb over a spur to Bagarchap, at 2164 meters. The name of this village means 'butcher's place,' though Buddhist, the people of this area hunt for animals. Continuing, we follow the trail through the forest to Dhanagyu and climb up to Temang. Here we to have lunch with magnificent views of Manaslu and Peak 29 mountains. The trail then slopes through fir and pine forests to Koto and Chame 2,713M meters, the administrative center for Manang district, and overnight at teahouse.

Continue ascending through forested hillsides past the rock face of Paungdi Danda to Upper Pisang (3300M) - Here, we tent to an experience a dramatic change of views. Leaving the forests and flora of the alpine regions behind we enter the upper district of Manang, known as Nyeshang. Our trail follows along the river closely through a deep canyon before reach to Brathang at 2919 meters. The trail crosses the river and climbs through the deep forest. From where the impressive curved rock face of Paungda Danda rises nearly 1500M from the riverbank to Dukha Pokhari, where we stop for lunch. From here we take the trail that climbs away from the road track and to Upper Pisang village. Where we stay for the night where impressive monastery lies in the village and could visit at late noon.

High altitude trails via Gyaru and Ngawal ascend the Marsyangdi Valley Upper Pisang to the village of Manang (3519M). This would be a very-very beautiful walk with great views around the Annapurna. We have started with a continuous steep climb up to Gyaru. From where the trail undulates up the valley with magnificent views across to the Annapurnas to Ngawal and lunch. Then, we descent from Ngawal to Mungi and again drop down to the main trail and just before Braga a picturesque village dominated by a large historical Gompa. Here, we will stop for a cup of tea/coffee at the Bakery and visit the Gompa and the small tree nursery, a project has supported for many years that exodus. Passing carved mani walls, we arrive at the village of Manang at 3519M and overnight at teahouse.

Acclimatisation day in the Manang (3519M) - We spend this day around Manang acclimatizing to the altitude. Most trekkers climb the mountain behind Manang to enjoy the magnificent views of the complete Annapurna range and the enormous icefall that crashes and rumbles down from Gangapurna. This is the part of the trek from here. We are closest to the mountains. Across the valley, the massive bulk of Gangapurna and the Annapurnas tower way above us- the sunset/sunrise over this great amphitheater is one of the most incredible views of the mountain in the country. There is also a chance to walk up to the enormous glacial lake below Gangapurna. Manang has many bakeries and coffee shops and is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon and overnight at teahouse.

Towards the Thorong La. Half-day trek to reach the lodge in Yak Kharka; afternoon acclimatization walk (4000M), leaving Manang we head towards the base of the Thorong La. We climb out of the Marsyangdi Valley and turn northwest up the valley of the Jarsang Khola. We are above the forests now and pass through the dry, alpine country, with scrub juniper and occasional clumps of birch. We spend tonight at a lodge in Yak Kharka (approx. 4,000M). We will reach the lodge by lunchtime, and in the afternoon we will have an acclimatization walk onto the surrounding hills. Look out for the Blue Sheep that inhabit this cold, windy spot and overnight at teahouse.

Half-day walk to Phedi from the foot of the Thorong La (4420M), another short day to aid acclimatization. The scenery becomes wilder as we continue ascending the valley. At one point we descend to cross the Jarsang Khola, then traverse a scree slope to the lone teahouses at Phedi (4420M) at the foot of the Thorong La. Thorong Phedi can be very cold and windy. In the afternoon we can go for a walk up to Thorong High Camp, which is the last lodge and is about an hour above Phedi and overnight at teahouse.

Cross the mighty Thorong La (5416m) to Muktinath, a place of pilgrimage (3700M), a long day as we leave Phedi very early the next morning for the climb to the pass. The first part of the ascent is very steep, but it eases somewhat as we approach the top, although the altitude still makes the going tough. Eventually, after numerous false summits, we reach the pass itself at 5,416m. Ahead there is a magnificent panorama of snow-capped peaks extending northwards into Tibet, and looking back we can see several of the main peaks of Annapurna. Directly in front of us is the great chasm of the Kali Gandaki, 2,500M. It's a very long descent that begins gently and becomes steeper as we follow a series of switchbacks down to the grassy slopes before easing off to a gentle descent to Muktinath (3,700M) and overnight at teahouse.

Trekking through beautiful barren landscapes Muktinath to reach Kagbeni (2800M); from Muktinath, we pass through a view of bare, eroded hills with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. After visiting the temples above the Muktinath, we cross the Jhong Khola and climb up to the Jhong - to see a beautiful village. There is an ancient monastery here date back to the seventeenth or eighteen Century and the ruins of an old castle. The village has a small lodge from where we can have very simple meals like lunch. Passing wind-eroded cliffs in a range of beautiful colors we continue down the valley arriving at the delightful village of Kagbeni for overnight at teahouse.
Note: If delayed due to bad weather this day will be missed out, and we will trek Muktinath directly to Marpha.

Walk along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, beneath the high peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna via Dumba Lake to Marpha (2667M), the trail now follows the Kali Gandaki River down to Jomsom, an administrative center, of Mustang dist. At 2,713m. You walk down the rocky riverbed lookout for ammonite fossils amongst the pebbles. These are sacred to Hindus who call them 'Shaligrams.' After lunch in the Jomsom, we cross the river to the village of Thini, has a small monastery. We pass a wooden bridge from where it is about half an hour to Dumba Lake and considered holy places by the local Thakali community. A short climb reaches Dumba Gompa for magnificent views of the Kali Gandaki (River) Valley, Dhaulagiri and mounts Tukuche Peak.
On treks departing in October and November, we will drop down through Dumba village to the suspension bridge across the Kali Gandaki to Marpha. In December to May, we continue on the same side of the river towards the Tibetan refugee camp. A wooden bridge crossing the Kali Gandaki takes us to the pretty village of Marpha (2,667M) with its clean paved streets and white-washed houses. Marpha is famous for its locally-made apple and peach brandy, which you might like to sample to celebrate your crossing of the Thorong La for overnight at teahouse.

Continue to follow the Kali Gandaki Valley; overnight in Larjung (2550M), today we follow the Kali Gandaki Valley, a major trade route. We are now in the deepest gorge in the world - to the east Annapurna I rise to 8091M, to the West the peak of Dhaulagiri at 8167M soars above us. Leaving the dry, barren landscapes, we walk through pine, cypress, and juniper forest, sometimes on the valley floor and other times on a trail high above. From Marpha we cross back over the Kali Gandaki to avoid the road. Walking through fir and pine forests, we continue onto Chokhepani. In October and November, we must cross the large suspension bridge just before Chokhepani to Tukuche for lunch.
From December to May, we can continue to a small wooden bridge which takes us directly into Tukuche. Apple and apricot orchards surround the village, and the fruits brandy is famous throughout the area. After having lunch, we will a short walk to Larjung. In October/November, we will stay on the same side of the river. In December to May, we cross the river and follow a trail through Sauru village onto Larjung (2,550M). We stay tonight in a simple lodge. It is worth walking up towards Thasang this evening to see the sunset on Niligiri for overnight at the teahouse.

Cross the Kali Gandaki and trek past Titi Tal to Lete; descend to Ghasa (2010M). We leave the main trail and trek via Titi Tal and Titi Gaon to Kurje Gaon. In October and November, we will start with a short walk along the road to the large suspension bridge below Larjung. After crossing the river, the trail climbs up through the forest to Titi Tal, a very small lake. From December to May we can cross the Kali Gandaki using a small wooden bridge to Sirkung from where we have a fairly steep walk through the forest to Nupsang Kharka.
From here we get fantastic views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and Dhampus peaks. Dropping down through the forest we come to Titi Goan and Titi Tal. Following an easy trail, we pass through Taglung to reach Kurje Gaon. We will either carry a packed lunch or have a very simple lunch in a local teahouse at Kurje. We then head towards the Lete Khola and trek on a new trail to Ghasa for overnight at teahouse.

Follow an undulating trail through small settlements to Tatopani, famous for its hot springs (1190M). From Ghasa we drop down and cross the river. The trail climbs high above the river through a narrow gorge to Kopchepani. We continue on the same side of the river and follow an ancient trail up to Bhalebas. The trail then undulates and passes a hydro-electric project just before Tatopani. A suspension bridge brings us right into Tatopani. We usually have a more extended morning today and late lunch in Tatopani, allowing time in the afternoon to enjoy a welcome soak in the hot spring baths here - guaranteed to ease any aching limbs! And overnight at teahouse.

A long climb up through the villages of Ghara, Shika and Chitre to Ghorepani (2855M), the last stage of the trek takes us over a high ridge to the end of the trek. Today is a bit of a sting in the tail as we have a long climb to Ghorepani (2,855m). The trail climbs all day through small hamlets and terraced fields. Passing through Ghara, Shika and Chitre the trail climbs all day.
From Chitre we enter a huge Rhododendron forest (bloom around mid-April) and the last couple of hours take us up to Ghorepani. Ghorepani means 'horse water' and was a stopping place for the huge mule trains that used to ply this route. As we climb today, the mountains start to appear, and from Ghorepani, we get fabulous views of the Annapurnas from the lodge and overnight at teahouse.

Optional early morning walk up Poon Hill for sunrise before a long descent to Birethanthi (1037M). An early start for those who desire to trek the hour up to the top of Poon Hill for the sunrise. The effort is well worth it for the superb views over the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhare. We return to our lodge for breakfast. Then it's all the way downhill today through the forest to Banthanti and then down a stone staircase through Ulleri and Tirkhedunga to Birethanti by the Modi Khola and overnight at teahouse.

Short walk to Naya Pul and drive to Pokhara; afternoon free. From Birethanti it is a very short walk to Naya Pul, where we will pick up transport back to Pokhara. We usually arrive by lunchtime and have the afternoon to explore this pretty Lakeside for overnight at Hotel at Pokhara.

Leisure in Pokhara, having delicious breakfast at the hotel, and the whole day in Pokhara. There are many options to choose from Pokhara. You shall hire a bike and cycle around the Phewa lake, or you may take a boat across the lake and walk up to the Peace Pagoda with great panoramic views of the mountains. The lake from the pagoda carry up on a ridge to Raniban Resort for lunch, you might want to visit the Mountaineering Museum. The Gurkha Museum or relax in the lakeside restaurants and stroll around the shops and overnight at Hotel at Pokhara.

Return to Kathmandu - Breakfast at the hotel then drive to Kathmandu approximately 6 Hrs. , overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

After having breakfast at the hotel, wait till flight time then drives to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home.