Charming Annapurna Circuit Trekking Itinerary

Nepal Adventure Team’s staff and guide receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to the respective hotels in Thamel, tourist hub of Kathmandu. After refreshment, our guide / leader brief you regarding hotels, Nepali cultures, tours and Annapurna Base Camp Trekking along with welcome dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant assisted by a folk cultural program.

• Meals: Dinner

Briefing about the entire trekking schedule and associated team members would be carried out. The Nepal Adventure Team will help to sort the required documents and tricks for the trek. You can utilize this day to take rest from long flight or for the sightseeing of Kathmandu valley which include the UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.

We have long scenic drive towards mid west of Nepal. The drive is made up to Jagat for the day. Upto Beshisahar we have smooth pitched road then, the off road adventure begins passing the villages as Khudi, Bhulbhule and Ngadi. Beside the road Marsyangdi River continuously accompany us. As we reach to Syange, we slowly climb up for our night stay at Jagat leaving Marsyangdi river behind.

From Jagat village, our actual trek begins through winding path passing Chamje and eastern bank of Marsyangdi. We land at forest area, with superb views of Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges. Tal Besi is our lunch. Likewise, 2-3 hours walk leads to Dharapani village for overnight stop which is a junction of Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trekking trail.

The trail along rhododendron and pine forest, Bagachap and Danque village from Dharapani leads to Timang village. More Buddhist culture enriched village with grand view of Mt. Manaslu is observed. Without being diverted by the trail’s beauty, we reach Chame for the night stay by passing Koto village. Chame is large and major town of Manang area as being the head quarter of Manang district.

Through enchanting alpine forests of rhododendron and pine trees, following the Marshyangdi River upstream with short ups and down hills we drop to Bhratang village. From Bhratang village walk follows uphill by alpine woodland to Dhukure Pokhari. Dhukure Pokhari is a small place with few teahouses and lodge overlooking Chulu’s and Pisang peak. With a lunch break here, walk descends to lower Pisang village for overnight stop.

Pisang village offers great scenery of mountains and surrounding landscapes. From here, altitude gains as a short uphill climb begins with super views of staggering Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna, Chulu’s and Pisang peak. As you reach flat valley of Hongde village, tree lines disappear, barren and arid landscapes with cold, dry arctic climate is experienced. We visit old Braga monastery with old Buddhist relics, ancient wall painting and stunning views of Annapurna Himalaya. Manang village is accomplished after an hour walk where we have warm night stay.

A day is separated for the acclimatization before heading higher elevation of Thorang –la pass. You have optional short hike for exploring Manang village. Manang is a large village situated on windswept valley at the bank of Marsyangdi River beneath Annapurna and Gangapurna mountain range. Nearby walk gives the views of Gangapurna Glacier and the Manang emerald Lake.

With a day rest, we head to Ghunsang village on the uphill path to Yak Kharka. On this day, we trek on high altitude with super views of snowcapped mountains. Across a small stream river Yak Kharka is situated where we spent our night. Yak Kharka is a small settlement with tremendous views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks.

The trek takes it peak as we head to Thorong-La Base. By crossing a bridge and climbing along the river bank of Jarjung leads to Thorong Phedi. Now, depending upon the physical conditions of the clients we step forward to Thorong High Camp for overnight stop. 

11th Day of our trek is much essential as we pass the most difficult pass, Thorang –La. By grouping up our energy with breakfast, we climb up on a steep terrain and winding path to Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m. The highest altitude of this adventure certainly requires a high spirit and physical strength to accomplish Thorong La pass. Undoubtedly, the top offers superb vista of amazing landscapes and bright snowcapped peaks. Then, descend long way to Muktinath at 3,800 m which is a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists (Muktinath means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation’).

After sound stay at Muktinath, rest of the journey requires with moderate walks which is much easier. Now, we aim to drop at 1,200m downhill in Kaligandaki river valley. Jomsom is encountered; headquarter of Mustang district and small airstrip above Kaligandaki River. Further, beautiful Marpha village of Thakali community encriched with culture and apple farm take away the tiredness. Here, celebrate with very famous local apple products like cider, brandy and juice. 

From Marpha onward, walk is much easier on the bank of Kaligandaki river across Tukuche village, beneath tall bright towering Tukuche peak and Dhaulagiri. Similarly, from Larjung village crossing a broad river bed get back into tree line of pines, oaks and rhododendron. The path meanders away from the river for an hour then coming back to the river bed we reach Kalapani village. The fresh peaceful environment won’t let you get tired so we march to Lete for overnight stop.

Lete brings a dramatic change in vegetation and landscapes from dry desert to pine and conifer forests. The first two hours of trek passes through the village of Ghasa with constant view of the snow capped peaks in between the cool forest. This pleasant walk continues amidst the high hills all the way to the village of Tatopani through the high and beautiful waterfalls of Rupsi. Tatopani (Hot Spring) is another nice village with large hot spring pools just by the bank of the River Kaligandaki. During summer and spring season, you view numerous high waterfalls throughout the trek.

After a wonderful time at Tatopani, winding trail continues for an hour, then cross a suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki river to arrive at the junction of two trails. Our route diverts from here to dense alpine forest reaching at Chitre. Ghorepani-Deurali is an hour away from Chitre. Ghorepani is famous for the viewpoint Poon-Hill and its culure. It offers the magnificent scene of mountain range whose beauty is enhanced by the golden sunrise and sunset. 

At dawn, hike begins and an hour walk lands to Poon-Hill at 3,210m. Poonhill offers fantastic sunrise views over array of mountains from Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu to Annapurna to as Ganesh Himal in the far eastern horizon including the majestic Mt. Machhapuchhre. After heart pleasing moment, we continue trek through aromatic rhododendron forest. The whole area could be a paradise for naturalist and botanical people when the flowers are in full bloom. A long descend from Ulleri village on the stone paved steps drop to Tikhedhunga for last overnight stop.

We descend to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara. Pokhara has much to offer from mountain view, lake view to night life. The rest of the day can be celebrated with drinks and foods along with generous Nepal Adventure Team's staffs.

Early in the morning following the same route, you'll be driven back to Kathmandu within few hours where you can relax and browse around the market rest of the day. You can ask your guide to take you to explore around if you feel like doing so. Farewell dinner is also served.

With the big heart after visiting Annapurna Base Camp, as per your schedule, Nepal Adventure Team drops you to Tribhuvan International Airport. Nepal Adventure Team is open to your feedback and reviews as well as bid you goodbyes with the hope to meet you soon in your next trip in Nepal