Annapurna Circuit Trek

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. After checking in and settling down, you can take some time to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel or rest up for the adventure ahead. In the evening, guide will meet you and give a briefing about trek and assist you with any missing equipments. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Starting early in the morning, you’ll embark on a journey from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule via Besisahar on a public bus following the trisuli river. From there, a shared jeep will take you to Dharapani, your destination for the day. Along the route, you’ll be treated to breathtaking waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and numerous suspension bridges, making your Annapurna Circuit Trek experience truly memorable. Following the Marsayangdi River, you’ll pass through picturesque villages such as Ngadi, Bahundanda, Syange, Jagat, Chamje, and Tal before reaching Dharapani. Upon arrival, it’s important for trekkers to complete their registration and permit formalities at the police checkpoint in Dharapani.

Today’s leg of your Annapurna Circuit Trek leads you through high-altitude terrain, where the climate turns colder and more variable. The trail winds through alpine landscapes, passing through charming Tibetan-influenced villages like Bagarchhap and Danakyu nestled amidst dense woodlands. En route, you’ll be greeted by expansive pine forests, terraced farms, and stunning views of Lamjung and Annapurna II peaks, known for their apple orchards.

Continuing onwards, you’ll traverse through the scenic settlements of Timang, Thanchowk, and Koto, where the trail intersects with the Naar-Phu route, adding to the richness of your journey. Finally, you’ll reach well known Chame bazar, a bustling hub and the administrative center of the Manang District. Here, you’ll find a prominent mani wall adorned with prayer wheels marking the entrance to the town. Chame offers a range of amenities including comfortable lodges, internet cafes, gear shops, banks, and essential services for trekkers’ needs, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable stay amidst the mountains.

Heading out from Chame, the Annapurna Circuit trail meanders through a picturesque pine and rhododendron forest nestled within a narrow, rocky valley. As you ascend, the path unfolds with awe-inspiring vistas of rugged landscapes, including the imposing faces of Pangdi Danda and Swargadwari Danda. Crossing the Marshyangdi River via a suspension bridge adds a thrilling element to your journey.

Continuing along the trekking route, you’ll pass through charming villages such as Talekhu and Bhratang before reaching Dhikur Pokhari. This tranquil spot offers panoramic views of prominent peaks like Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, Chulu Peak, and Tilicho Peak, creating a dramatic backdrop for your trekking adventure.

From Dhikur Pokhari, the trail leads you across another suspension bridge over a rushing river, setting the stage for the final stretch towards Upper Pisang. This village rewards trekkers with breathtaking vistas of the Annapurna Range, with prominent landmarks including Kuntu Danda, Longyo Danda, and Pisang Peak dominating the horizon. At this higher elevation, the thin air may pose challenges for some hikers, reminding them to pace themselves and enjoy the unique mountain experience.

Embarking on the most challenging segment of your trek from Pisang, you’ll encounter steep ascents and winding trails that lead through Upper Pisang via Ghyaru and Ngawal. Along this high-altitude route, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of some of the Himalayas’ most iconic peaks, including Lamjung Himal (6,983m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna III (7,555m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Gandarbha Chuli (6,250m),Khangsar Kang (6,091m), Gangapurna (7,544m) and Glacier Dome (7,193m).

As you ascend, you’ll notice the air becoming colder, drier, and more challenging, reflecting the rugged beauty of the high-altitude terrain. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Tibetan Buddhist culture as you pass through Tibetan communities and villages.

En route to Manang, you’ll pass through the picturesque village of Munchi and the quaint hamlet of Braga, known for its secluded charm. The journey culminates in Manang Bazaar, the largest settlement along the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Here, you’ll find all essential amenities, including comfortable lodges, internet cafes, shops offering trekking gear, banks, and healthcare facilities.

Famous Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in the region, offering insights into the rich Buddhist heritage of the area. As you explore Manang, you’ll encounter Buddhist shrines dotting the landscape, adding to the spiritual ambiance of this Himalayan town.

Acclimatization is crucial for adapting to the higher altitude although you are not a beginner. Today is reserved for a rest day in Manang to allow our bodies to adjust to the thinning air. We can take short hikes to nearby viewpoints such as Gangapurna Lake or visit the local monasteries to gain insights into the unique culture of the region. This day helps us prepare for the challenging trek ahead towards Thorung La Pass. Overnight stay in Manang.

From Manang village, your Annapurna Circuit journey continues with an ascent towards the settlement of Tengi. Crossing a bubbling spring, the trail climbs out of the Marshyangdi Valley, gradually turning northwest into the Jarsang Khola valley. As you proceed northward through this valley, the path steadily gains altitude, passing through occasional meadows and patches of juniper tree scrub.

Along the route, you’ll come across the small settlement of Ghusang, characterized by its rustic mud-roofed structures, before continuing through yak and horse grazing pastures known as Yak Kharka. Crossing a historic Mani wall in a serene meadow after traversing a small river via a wooden bridge, the trail eventually leads you to the charming hamlet of Ledar. Here, amidst the tranquil mountain surroundings, you can unwind and prepare for the next leg of your adventure on the Annapurna Circuit.

Today’s trek takes you to Thorung Phedi or Thorung High Camp, a crucial staging point before crossing Thorung La Pass. Depending on weather conditions and your physical condition, the hike typically spans 4 to 5 hours to reach Thorung Phedi or Highcamp. At these higher altitudes, the terrain becomes more challenging, compounded by occasional harsh winds and potential snowfall, which can significantly affect travel times. It’s essential to proceed cautiously under your guide’s guidance, hike gently and more carefully.

Thorung Phedi offers limited tea houses, contrasting to lower region or Annapurna Circuit Trek. Region is more deserted, rocky environment with spiky bushes unlike the lush vegetation of lower region you crossed earlier. If you are not exhausted and well fit, you may hike further 1 to 2 hours to reach Thorung highcamp from thorung phedi. Opting to trek to Thorung High Camp can ease the journey over Thorung La Pass the following day, provided you’re feeling strong and eager to advance.

Preparing well and maintaining a steady pace ensures a safe and memorable passage through these high-altitude terrains on your Annapurna Circuit adventure.

Today is a long and rewarding day as we start before dawn to cross Thorung La Pass (5416m), the highest point of our Annapurna Circuit Trek. You’ll have ascended steeply from either Thorung Phedi or Thorung High Camp to reach challenging, but the panoramic Thorung La Pass.

Upon reaching Thorung La Pass at an elevation of 5416 meters, you’ll have ascended steeply from either Thorung Phedi or Thorung High Camp. From this vantage point, the panoramic views encompass the majestic Annapurna Range, Thorong Peak, Dhaulagiri Range, Nilgiri, and other surrounding peaks. Take some time to capture the breathtaking scenery before beginning your descent towards Muktinath.

The trail descends steadily from Thorung La Pass towards Muktinath, tracing a path that leads you through varied landscapes and changing scenery. Muktinath holds significance as both a Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage site, drawing devotees from both religions. The temple complex at Muktinath is renowned for its two small ponds and 108 water spouts, believed to cleanse pilgrims of sins from past lives when bathed in. Adjacent to these sacred waters is the Dhola Mebar Gompa, or Jwalamai Temple, where a natural gas flame burns perpetually behind a protective grill.

After visiting the revered Muktinath Temple and absorbing its spiritual atmosphere, you’ll return to your lodge for breakfast. The journey continues towards Jomsom, passing through scenic locales like Jharkot Village, Kagbeni, and Ekle Bhatti, which serves as the administrative center for Mustang District. Jomsom is renowned for being one of the windiest valleys in Nepal, adding an element of adventure to your trekking experience in this remarkable region.

The bustling town of Jomsom stretches along both banks of the Kali Gandaki River, serving as a crucial hub for journeys to Muktinath and Upper Mustang. Early this morning, you’ll head to Jomsom airport to catch your flight to Pokhara, marking the final day of your trek on the Annapurna Circuit Itinerary. Flights are scheduled in the morning due to the region’s notorious windy conditions, typically becoming challenging after 10 am.

The scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes, offering spectacular views along the way. You’ll marvel at the landscapes unfolding below, including the routes leading to Tatopani and Ghorepani, as well as uninterrupted panoramas of the Annapurna Himalaya Range. This scenic flight provides a fitting conclusion to your unforgettable adventure through the Himalayas.

Upon arrival, you have the rest of the day free to relax and explore Pokhara. You can take a boat ride on Phewa Lake, visit the International Mountain Museum, or simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Lakeside. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu, retracing the scenic route through rural landscapes and small towns. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you can spend the remaining day shopping for souvenirs or exploring more of the city’s cultural landmarks. In the evening, we’ll have a farewell dinner with guide and team to celebrate the successful completion of our Annapurn Round trek. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Your adventure on Annapurna Circuit Trail trek comes to an end as we transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. We bid you farewell with wonderful memories of your Annapurna Circuit Trek and hope to see you again for more Himalayan adventures with abcTrail Trek & Expedition in the future. Safe travels!