Annapurna Circuit Trek

Detail Itinerary

Day 01Arrival at Kathmandu (1300m).Welcome to the enchanting, exotic and energetic city of Kathmandu! The capital of Nepal is steeped in centuries of history and tradition. Immerse yourself in its vibrant markets, ancient temples, the bustle of spice sellers and street merchants and the welcoming nature of its locals. Kathmandu with its exhilarating allure is a city you won’t forget! You'll be met at the airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore. In the evening we’ll have a meeting about our trek.

Day 02Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek preparation The Kathmandu sightseeing trip will begin in the morning. After breakfast, you will be taken towards Kathmandu Durbar (Palace) Square, one of the heritage sites where you can view many historical and cultural monuments. Later, you will visit another heritage site known as Pashupatinath Temple. This is a sacred Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva named which is always crowded by Hindu pilgrims. After lunch, visit to Buddhist pilgrimage Swoyambhunath (famous by the name of Monkey temple among tourists) will be carried forward. Likewise, Boudhanath Shrine will be covered by the evening. After concluding the sightseeing, there will be seminar for you to attend to discuss about the upcoming trekking plans. O/N at Hotel

Day 03Drive Kathmandu to Jagat (1300m) 185 k.m./114 Mile, 8-9 hrs. Leave Kathmandu’s frenetic streets, drive to Jagat the starting point of the trek, nestled between the high peaks of the Annapurna’s and Mt. Manaslu – the world’s 8th highest peak. The track leading to Jagat heads north up through the Marsyangdi Valley with Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29 – 7871m) looming over the horizon. We’ll pass by lush rice paddies and quiet villages before reaching our guesthouse in Jagat. This is the start of the Annapurna Circuit, and the beginning of our trek.

Day 04Trek Jagat (1300m) to Dharapani (1860m) 12 k.m./7.45 Mile, 5-6 hrs. We follow a rocky trail following the Marsyangdi River, passing by some magnificent waterfalls and lush green flora and fauna. The trail winds progressively uphill to Tal – meaning lake in Nepali – and is also the first village in the Manang District. Here the scenery starts to change dramatically from the lush beginnings of the trek. The trail continues along an impressive, wide valley upwards along stone staircases until we reach the village of Dharapani.

Day 05Dharapani to Chame (2600m) 14 k.m./8.69 Mile, 6-7 hrs. The trail follows the Marsyangdi River, climbing towards Timang at 2360m continuing onwards through pine and fir forest. As the trail ascends through the forest there are incredible views overlooking the valley and of Annapurna II (7937m). Here you really start to get the feeling of being in the high mountains of the Himalaya. Before reaching Chame – the administrative centre of the Manang District we’ll also get to see outstanding views of Mt. Manaslu (8156m) and Peak 29 (7871m).

Day 06Chame to Pisang (3200m) 13 k.m./8 Mile, 6-7 hrs. The day begins as we exit the village past a prayer wheel leading into deep pine forest. Here the Marsyangdi Valley narrows and becomes at one of its steepest points with the trail carved right into the vertical rock face. As we pass this point the valley opens up to reveal a majestic mountain vista, where the Paungda Danda rock face towers over 1500m above the trailhead. Local Gurungs believe that atop Paungda Danda is the Gateway to Heaven. This impressive view follows with us as we ascend to Pisang.

Day 07Pisang to Manang (3540m) 12.5 k.m./7.76 Mile, 5-6 hrs. The trail continues throughout the upper part of the Manang District where the Tibetan/Buddhist influence can be seen throughout. People in this region herd yaks and raise crops such as maize. Leaving Pisang, there are two options that follow the Marsyangdi River both of which meet up again in the village of Mungji and Braga, with its beautiful monastery – the southern route or the northern route. The southern route involves a gentle climb following alongside the river. The northern route is a bit more demanding and strenuous, climbing up the north ridge of the valley. The views along the upper northern route of the Annapurna’s are stunning! We always have two guides on our treks, which means there is the option to split the group for this day.

Day 08 Manang (3540m) – Acclimatization day Today is a rest and acclimatisation day. There are a number of day walks available to do that offer amazing views, whilst also gaining altitude. Possibilities include hiking up the hill (400m ascent) behind Manang and visiting the monastery. Here you can get magnificent views of the entire Annapurna range and the enormous icefall that can be seen crashing down from Gangapurna. Another option is to take a challenging hike to Ice Lake (4500m), which takes about 5-6 hours and offers stunning views of the region. In the evening the perfect end to the day is to sit back and watch as the sun sets over the Himalaya.

Day 09Manang to Yak Kharka (4018m) 9 k.m./5.5 mile, 4-5hrs. Leaving Manang in the morning we head towards the base of the Thorung La. Climbing out of the Marsyangdi Valley, following instead, the Jarsang Khola. Here we are far above the pine and fir forests and are truly immersed in the beauty of the high Himalaya. Today is a shorter day, taking it slowly as we reach Yak Kharka (Yak Huts) – where yak herders bring their animals to graze.

Day 10Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4450m) 6 k.m./3.72 mile, 3-4hrs. This is another short day to aid in acclimatization. The scenery becomes wilder as we continue ascending the valley. The trail descends to cross the river, rising up to our highest lodge at 4450m. Phedi in Nepali means foot of the pass, and indeed it's true, as it is below tomorrow’s objective – the Thorang La.

Day 11Cross the Thorang La (5416m) to Muktinath (3800m) 16 k.m./10 Mile, 8-9 hrs. We rise early and begin our ascent. We take the path slowly, one step at a time until we reach the Annapurna Circuit’s highest point, the Thorang La, at a breathtaking 5416m high. The pass summit is quite broad, and opens up to reveal an incredible, sweeping panorama of snow-capped peaks extending towards Tibet. Looking back to where we have come offers views of the Annapurna’s.

Descending and directly in front of us is the impressive chasm of the Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge in the world. The descent is long, starting gently, but increasing in steepness, following a series of switchbacks leading to the grassy slopes and holy town of Muktinath (3800m). Muktinath is surrounded by rugged mountain landscapes and with unparalleled views of Dhaulagiri (8167m), the world’s 7th highest mountain.

Day 12Muktinath to Marpha (2670m) 17 k.m./ 10.56 mile, 7-8 hrs. In the morning we will take a visit to Muktinath temple, this temple is important to Hindus and Buddhists alike. Many people come here on pilgrimage and it is possible for you to enter and witness some of the religious ceremonies. It is a great example of how two religions can share the same holy spot with mutual respect and support. All this before we descend to Marpha.

Day 13 Drive Marpha to Pokhara (800m) 157 k.m./98 Mile, 9-10 hrs. A perfect day to rest your feet without missing out on the stunning views. Climb in, grab a seat and enjoy this breathtaking drive on mountain tracks and across riverbeds with unforgettable views of Nilgiri peak, an impressive 6995m high. We'll stop en-route at a natural hot springs. The perfect way to indulge your tired muscles after trekking. Further drive to Pokhara, overnight at Pokhara.

Day 14Rest day at Pokhara/Explore Pokhara Today we can have some sightseeing around Pokhara for about 3/4 hrs. And rest of the time can be spent for shopping and walk around the lakeside.

Day 15 Drive back to Kathmandu (1300m) 200 k.m./125 Mile, 6-7 hrs. Today we drive back to Kathmandu following the gorge of the Trisuli River, arriving in Kathmandu in the afternoon. Wander around the medieval Durbar Square in the heart of the city, sample some Newari cuisine, or shop for some locally made handicrafts and souvenirs.

We will have a group farewell dinner in the evening at a local restaurant.

Day 16Departure to the Airport Today we departure you to the International terminal by our representative approximately three hours before as per your flight schedule. Have a happy and safe journey!!!!