Annapurna circuit trekking is one of the popular trekking circuits in Nepal. The trek of Annapurna region is called Annapurna circuit trekking. In 1980s Manang area was opened for the trekkers, since then the circuit was possible for the trekking. The region no doubt is rich in sceneries apart from the diverse culture and flora and faunas.
Annapurna circuit trekking is the most popular trekking as there are panoramic sceneries of Himalayas, including of the Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m) Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), Mt. Annapurna II (7937 m.) , Mt. Annapurna III (7555m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7525m), Mt. Annapurna south (7219m), Mt. Nilgiri (7041m), Mt.Fishtail also called Mt.Machhapuchhare (6998m), Mt.Hiunchuli (6441m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6986m),Tukuche peak (6920m),Tilicho peak (7134m). Furthermore, there are the settlements of diverse communities such as Bramin, Chhetree, Tibetian sherpa, Thakali, magars, Tamang, Gurung. Subsequently, it is the trail which is rich in wild animals such as Mountain Thair/ Goat, Leopards, Jackal, birds such as pheasant, long-tail birds among others.
Around Annapurna Trekking or the Annapurna Circuit is one of the classic treks in the world. The circuit takes one around the Annapurna Himal, following the courses of two mighty rivers-- Marsyangdi in theeast and the Kaligandaki in the west. The Kaligandaki is the world's deepest gorge, flanked by the giant Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya range. The flora, geography and culture also change dramatically around the circuit trekking.
Itinerary Detail:
Day 01- Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345meters). There you will be met by our Airport Representative and transferred to hotel by private tourist vehicle.
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar.
It takes about six hours. You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the MarsyangdiRiver to Besi Sahar . Beshishahar is the district headquarters of Lamjung district. All the local government offices are there. From where you can see some of mountain peaks, natural sceneries surrounding the valley and you can the daily activities of local people.
Day 02: Trek from Beshishahar to Bahundanda (1305m.).
It takes about six hours. The first part of the trekking passes thorough flat level along the bank of the MarshyangdiRiver. You can enjoy the sceneries and the local culture of Gurung people. After lunch, the trail goes steeply upwards to Bahundanda which takes about 2 hours. At this point, you can see the area surrounded by eye-catching scenarios with snow capped Himalayas.
Day 03: Trek from Bahundanda to Chamje (1410m.).
It takes about six hours. A steep trail descends for early half an hour and then follows flat path through rice terraces, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall then it climbs again high above the river before reaching the village of Lali Gaon. Ahead, the Marsyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape, and you follow the winding mountain path down through Syange (1100m.) where there is a beautiful waterfall above it and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually you descend to the stone village of Jagat (1330m.) situated on a shelf which juts into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley. Now the trail begins to observe small ups and down to Chamje through the forests.
Day 04: Trek from Chamje (1410m.) to Dharapani (1960m.).
It takes about six hours. The first part of the trail descends to the river and after crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) on a path so steep that it seems one slip would send you hurtling down into the valley. You 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 the zigzag path to the top of the hill, you see the level, plain of Tal (1700m.). Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain paths just traveled on. You descend to a grassy riverbank which leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. 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. You cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone kani marking the entrance to Dharapani (1960m.).
Day 05: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2675m.).
Ittakes about five and half hours. As you cut through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu. The MarsyangdiRiver then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, you 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, you pass through Danaque (2210m.). There comes a small wooden bridge which takes you to follow steep ascent path upto Timang village. It lies at the bottom of Lamajung Himal. The trail goes through flat level until you reach Chame where there are government offices, shops, and hotels. Chame is the district headquarters for the Manang district.
Day 06: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3100m.).
It takes about five hours. With Lamjung Himal (6893m) dazzling in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. The mountain disappears as you climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard. You continue through a 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 you follow the path to Bhratang (2950m.).In the past this was the military station for troops who fought against the Khampa tribal revolution, but the dilapidated buildings are all that remain of that era. A short climb from the village brings you to a rock-strewn area where you cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before crossing back to the right bank again. You 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 a wonderful vista . You can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as PisangPeak (6091m.) to the north-east. Continuing on, you come to a long mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang.
Day 07: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3440m.).
Ittakes about five and half hours. Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge which affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.). Descending past Manang's airstrip at Humde (3320m.), you come to a level area from where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises majestically above you. From the wide plains of the SabjeKholaValley, Annapurna IV (7525m.) also becomes visible. Just beyond this point you 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, you can 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 you - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m.) and, to the rear, Tilicho Peak (7145m.).
After a short steep climb you reach Manang which is a surprisingly large village for this remote mountain region.
Day 08: Rest day at Manang
Today, you 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 Annapurnas, or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the ManangValley. There is also a Himalayan Rescue Association [HRA] aid post in the village which makes an interesting and educational visit. Moreover you can visit GanagapurnaGlacierLake to make your rest day a memorable one.
Day 09: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4350m.).
It takes about three hours, now the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through the Gunsang (3960m.) village. En route, you can see panoramic views all the day.
Day 10: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4420m.).
It takes about 3 and half hours. Leaving Yak Kharka, you 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.
Day 11: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass.
Ittakes about eight hours. Today, you start early for your crossing of 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. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, you 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 you. 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 JhongKholaValley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple.
Day 12: Trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni (2895 m.).
It takes about three and half hours. You now begin the trek descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you follow path steeply down to Kagbeni, a primitive village famous for Tibetan architectures. People living there follow the Tibetan life style and culture. There is situated a monastery said to belong to 15th Century. Kagbeni is the border for Upper Mustang.
Day 13: Trek from Kagbeni to Marpha (2650m.).
It takes about five and half hours. Now, you begin the flat path along the bank of dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet up to Marpha. Marpha is a big village enriched with a Buddhist Monastery in between the village which has its own cultural importance. It is rich in cultivating apples. The apple brandy available there is famous among the local people and travelers.
Day 14: Trek from Marpha to Ghasa (2013m.).
It takes about six hours. The trail descends steeply through forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. The beginning part of the trail is stretched at almost flat level up to Kalopani and then the trail begins descending steeply to Ghasa. The first part of the trek passes through the windy area covered with pine forests, rhododendron forests and birches are seen. The surrounding area of Ghasa is famous destination for bird watching and wild Marijuana. Here you are quite amazed at the panoramic view of Mount Nilgiri North (7061m.), Nilgiri Central (6940m.), and Nilgiri South (6839m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.)
Day 15: Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani (1189 m.).
It takes about five hours. 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.) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) facing each other near Rupse Waterfall. Now the trail ascends slightly to Tatopani through different human settlements. You can enjoy the hot spring at Tatopani as the word Tatopani is derived after the natural hot spring situated at the bank of the KaliGandakiRiver. It is popularly believed that taking bath in Hot Spring helps you to get rid of skin diseases. Along this, it gives you physical and mental refreshment as well.
Day 16: A rest day at Tatopani to enjoy the natural hot spring bath. It is believed that one who takes bath get rids of skin diseases. After several days trekking, it is a great idea to take bath at hot spring and relax.
Day 17: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853 m.).
It takes about seven hours. The trail passes through flat level of the land at some distance. Then the trail begins ascending steeply for at least one hour. Now path goes up through different villages inhabited by the people of different caste and agricultural land. The majority of the people here serve Gorkha Regiment and Indian Regiment as well. While trekking you cross through the KaliGandakiRiver with panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
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 the wild life such as monkeys and birds of various species. You are accompanied by more panoramic views of different mountains.
Day 18: Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3180m.) to Hille (1475m.).
It takes about five hours. Early morning trip to Poon Hill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise view over 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. After breakfast, you again follow gradual descent path through the forests of rhododendron and oak upto Banthanti. It is a small village where you can pause for hot and cold drinks. Then the trail descends to Ulleri (1960m.), a big Gurung village from where you can enjoy the view of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli. From here the trail upto Tirkhedhunga is steeply descent passing terraces and some villages. After a short walk of 15 minutes from Tirkhedhunga, you reach Hille.
Day 19: Trek from Hille to Nayapul (1050m.) via Birethanti and drive to Pokhara.
It takes almost three hours and drive from Nayapul to Pokhara which takes about one and half hours. This days trek gradually descends following Bhurung Khola (Bhurung Stream) all the way to Birethanti before you cross the Modi Khola over the suspension bridge. You are amazed to pass small villages, see the magnificent waterfalls and walk through the sparse forests.
