Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.

Overview

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a fantastic adventure that showers you with the wide variety of natural amusement that Nepal has to offer. Immerse into the rhododendron forests and vibrant mountain villages to explore the beauty that lies in the towering pinnacles of Annapurna panorama. Encounter the temples, monasteries, and some fascinating landscapes that would cater to your hunger and lust for natural and cultural fantasies. The acquaintance with the rural lifestyle and unique tradition of ethnic group people will inspire you to live with joy!

Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you from the lush subtropical region of Nepal to the desert-like alpine region to cross the challenging Thorong La Pass. The dramatic views of the Annapurna range and Mt. Dhaulagiri is a fascinating treasure that will keep you going throughout your journey. Your walk up to the Thorong La pass is nerve-shaking and exhausting; however, the achievement of being there and accomplishing a circular trek around the Annapurna region is a trophy that you will hold for a lifetime.

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a moderate kind of trek; neither very demanding nor less demanding. You should be pretty fit and should be able to endure long walks uphill and downhill. Nepal Hiking Team has designed Annapurna Circuit Trek separating good days for acclimatization. The trek’s major highlights include Manang valley, Thorong La Pass, Muktinath, Kali Gandaki gorge, and Jomsom.

Manang valley is an isolated valley in the Annapurna region with desert-like wild terrain. It is inhabited by ethnic groups people such as Tamang, Gurung, and Magar, who mostly follow Buddhism. The isolated valley is the best place to admire the views of mountains like the Chulu range, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Kangaru Peak, and Throng peak.

Similarly, Thorong La Pass is the highest pass globally that offers majestic views of mountains in the Annapurna region. It is marked by a few heap of stones and prayer flags. Crossing the pass, we reach a famous spiritual hub of both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims – Muktinath. It consists of a Gompa and the temple of Lord Vishnu. There is an ever-burning flame that lights up with natural gas. The views of the mountains from this place are also awe-inspiring. Next, we descend to the deepest gorge in the world – the Kaligandaki gorge. The environment is wild and deserted, but it will lead us to the warm and lively town of Jomsom.

Come and experience the magnificence of Annapurna Circuit with Nepal Hiking Team. You will be rewarded with everything that Mother Nature has to offer!

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek

Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki River Valley
The Annapurna Mountain Peaks
Thorong La Mountain Pass
Muktinath Temple
Jomsom
Pokhara

Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (KTM) Kathmandu

You will be picked up and welcomed by our airport representative and transferred to your hotel for check in. You will then be given further details about the program. There are no planned activities for the day so you can enjoy your stay at the hotel and take in its surroundings.

Day 2:

Drive from Kathmandu to Synge/Jagat (1100m) Duration: 8 hours

We will drive to Beshisahar. We then take a local jeep from Beshisahar to Jagat. This drive gives you some insight of the rural people – their lifestyle and their culture. Stay overnight at a Guesthouse – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 3:

Jagat to Dharapani (1960m) Duration: 6 hours

We will leave Jagat on foot. Our trail winds up to Chyamje. After crossing a suspension bridge, the trail takes us uphill through the Oak forest. We’ll continue walking for a while until it emerges into a valley. We pass the village of Kodo and ascend to the village of Dharapani. Overnight at Guesthouse – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 4:

Dharapani to Chame (2630m) Duration: 5 hours

On day 5 of the Annapurna Circuit trek the trail climbs along the mule track into a fir forest and then follows the river alongside the higher oak and maple trees. On the way you will be awe- struck by spectacular views of major Himalayan peaks. Overnight at Guesthouse – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 5:

Chame to Pisang (3300m) Duration: 5 hours

Our trial now follows a steep and narrow river valley winding through deep woodland. The view of Pisang peak and Annapurna II on our way is truly amazing. Overnight at Guesthouse – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 6:

Pisang to Manang (3570m) Duration: 4 hours

Today we will take the upper route to Manang via Ghyaru – Ngawal – Mungji. We will experience more breathtaking scenery as the towering, majestic peaks overwhelm our senses with panoramic views of Annapurna, Pisang peak, and several others. We will notice a change in the landscape and vegetation from today. The cold dry climate creates a much harsher environment. Our short visit to Barge monastery, the largest in the entire district of Manang will be memorable. Overnight at Guesthouse – breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 7:

Manang - Acclimatization day

This day is set aside for acclimatization to the higher altitude. We’ll spend our time visiting the monastery with a side trip to Gangapurna Lake. We can also look around the local villages and visit the Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic. Overnight at Guesthouse – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 8:

Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m) Duration: 3 - 4 hours

From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, ascends to the village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. We’ll then follow the valley northward, passing pastures and a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. Further on we pass 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 contentedly graze.

We cross the river on a wooden bridge and passan ancient Mani wall in a pleasant meadow before arriving at another small village – Yak Kharka. Gentle but gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems. Overnight at Guesthouse – breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 9:

Yak kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m) Duration: 3 - 4 hours

On day 10 we will make our way to the foot of the pass to Throng Phedi. This is a small yet busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. Groups such as ours use this point as a base camp.

Some members of the group might want to hike to the High Camp today to make next day easier for them –although the Nepal Hiking Team have reservations about this. There is a tough day planned for tomorrow and we stop at Thorong Phedi in order to sleep soundly (rather than risk a less peaceful night in the higher altitude at High Camp). Overnight at Thorong Phedi Guesthouse – breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 10:

Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3800m) crossing over Thorong La Pass (5416m) Duration: 7/8 hours

We will make an early start on our climb to the pass. We need to be fresh for the initial stage of ascent is very steep. As we approach the peak the trail becomes slushy from melting snow.

After making our way through rocky ridges, we arrive at the top of the pass (5416m). The top offers an indescribably magnificent 360 degree panorama of snowcapped peaks extending northwards into Tibet.

Looking back, we can see several peaks of Annapurna and in front of us is the beautiful gorge of Kali Gandaki. Our trail then descends steeply down to Muktinath (3800m) – an important pilgrimage sight for Hindus. It is a special place and home to many ethnic Tibetans and devout Buddhists. Overnight at Guesthouse – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 11:

Muktinath to Jomsom (2600m) Duration: 5 hours

After visiting the holy temple of Muktinath, we are close to completing the Annapurna Circuit Trek as we hike to Jomsom. Overnight at Guesthouse -Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 12:

Jomsom to Pokhara

We board a morning flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel. The day can be spent exploring the interesting sights of Pokhara city. Overnight at Hotel – breakfast included.

Day 13:

Drive back to Kathmandu

Today, we will drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. After a six hours drive, we will be in Kathmandu, our circuit complete. Overnight at Hotel -breakfast included.

Day 14:

Farewell

Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight, a representative from the Nepal Hiking Team will take you to the airport and bid you farewell. You will take away so many stunning memories of the Annapurna Circuit and a perhaps in your heart the desire to return once again to our unique land!