Overview
Annapurna Circuit Trek will bring you close to the natural beauty, Himalayan wildlife, culture, traditions and lifestyle of the people who are living in the Himalayas for many years. Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the popular circuit treks in Nepal. Annapurna Circuit Trek takes us around the complete Annapurna massifs reaching the Zenith Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft).
In Annapurna Circuit Trek we will walk through the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki gorge. More than that this trek will take you to the Poonhill from where you can view the best sunrise over the Himalayas and also 20 of the highest mountains within the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
We will also visit Manang, Jomsom, and Muktinath temple which is a major pilgrimage destination for Hindu and Buddhist people and we will be refreshed and get relaxed in the natural hot spring at Tatopani. We will also explore Mustang valley from where we can learn more about the lifestyle of Tibetan people. We will also do a short hike to Jharkot and Kagbeni to visit Buddhist Monasteries.
We will trek through altitudes ranging from 800m to 5,416m taking you through a number of climatic zones from past rice paddy fields, subtropical forests, rural farmland, and glacial zones. We will be able to have a glimpse of a panoramic view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m) Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m.), Mt. Annapurna III (7,555m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525m), Mt. Annapurna south (7,219m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,041m), Mt. Machhapuchre (6,998m), Mt. Hiuchuli (6,441m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6,986m), Tukuche peak (6,920m), Tilicho peak (7134m).
Annapurna Circuit Trek starts from Bhulbhule after a scenic drive from Kathmandu and follows the path towards Jagat, Dharapani to Chame to Pisang accompanying the Marsyangdi River valley. We trek to Manang where we practice acclimatization to prepare for crossing the Thorong La pass. From Manang, we will keep going through the trail and we set out for Yak Kharka. Afterwards, we hike up to Thorong Phedi and again we trek from Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft). After crossing the Thorong La pass we will go for Muktinath. Thereafter, we drive to Tatopani and stay there at night. After Tatopani we trek to Ghorepani, Poon Hill to Birethati then we drive to Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is full of daily surprises and always brings you close to the pretty sight of the Himalayas. In other words, you can enjoy a close-up view of many mountains. The scenario of the Annapurna region could be a paradise for photographers. Open trail treks could be an option to make your trip easy to Nepal. if you are looking for more information please don't hesitate to contact us.
Annapurna circuit trekking Altitude Map
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
After arriving in Kathmandu, a representative from Open trail treks will pick us up from the airport and take us to our hotel. In the afternoon, we may take a rest or visit Open trail treks’s office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by open trail treks. For dinner, you will be served authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country’s food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Dinner
Day 2 : Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation
We will begin our second day with breakfast before starting a guided tour to some of the historical and religious sites of Kathmandu, which are listed as World Heritage Sites. We will visit Kathmandu Darbar Square, Buddhist Stupa (Buddha Nath), and the Hindus secret temple, Pashupatinath. We will end our tour by visiting the Monkey temple – Swayambhunath. After the tour, we will take you to a very special local restaurant for lunch. After we finish the tour we will meet our trekking guide and leader for discussion and preparation for our upcoming days of trekking.
Day 3 : Drive to Besi Shahar
After breakfast in hotel, we drive to BesiShahar. Driving will be prox. 6hr After reaching Besi Shahar we explore there and rest overnight
Day 3 : BESI SHAHAR TO CHYAMJE TO DHARAPANI
We drive for about 2 to 3 hours furthermore towards the village of Chyamje from where we begin our trekking. We make our way to the Dharapani village and the walk will take from 5-6 hours.
Day 4 : Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 – 6 hours
Today we walk through a few forested ridges on our way to Chame, which is the headquarters of the Manang District. Throughout the trek, we can admire amazing views of the Himalayas including Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). On today’s trek, we also come across small hot springs where we can dip in and soothe our aching muscles. Overnight in Chame.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 5 : Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft): 5 – 6 hours
A steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. This is probably the steepest part of the Marshyangdi Valley, so steep that the trail is carved into the vertical rock. After passing this last bit of rock, the valley opens up with majestic vistas. And right, where the valley widens, stands the Paungda Danda, a massive sloping rock face that rises over 5,000ft (1500m) above the trail. We trek for a while before reaching Lower Pisang where we spend the night.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 6 : Pisang to Manang : 6 – 7 hours
There are two routes to Manang but we follow the trail that takes us to Upper Pisang via Geru. This trail guarantees excellent views of the beautiful landscape and the mighty mountains including Annapurna and Pisang. We begin to notice a contrast in the landscape and vegetation from today. The cold and dry climate also creates a much harsher environment. Our short visit to Barge monastery, the largest monastery in the entire district of Manang will be memorable. Overnight at Manang.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 7 : Manang: Acclimatization day
In order to keep fit on the trails that follow, we keep ourselves busy today with a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. If we have the energy, we can even hike to Vraga Village where we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association which will give us some idea about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Overnight in Manang.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 8 : Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft): 3 – 4 hours
From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to the village of Tenki, and continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures and a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near 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 graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka. Overnight at Yak Karka.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 9 : Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft): 3 – 4 hours
It is an uphill walk to Thorang Phedi. After walking for some time we cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. We ascend furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La pass. On this trip, we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak, and Mt. Khatungkan. The word Phedi in Nepalese is referred to as the foot of a mountain. Overnight in Thorong Phedi. Overnight in Thorang Phedi.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 10 : Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) via Thorong La pass (5416m/17764ft): 7 – 8 hours
Crossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world, will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up around three in the morning and walk up the mountain. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. Overnight in Muktinath.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 11 : Muktinath to Kagbeni and Jomsom : 6 – 8 hours
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists alike. In the morning, we pay our visit to a Vishnu Temple and a Gompa. Descending from Ranipauwa village down the steep and barren hillside, we tumble down toward Kagbeni and then to Jomsom.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 12 : Jomsom to Tatopani 1191M/6530ft: 5-7hr drive
Today we'll drive through the world's deepest gorge also known as the Kali Gandaki gorge. From there we'll be descending through the Kali Gandaki valley towards Tatopani. As the name suggests, Tatopani literally means hot water and it is named so because of the existence of a hot spring. It is an amazing experience as getting into the natural hot water relax our tired bodies and gives us the energy we need that we might have lost from walking too much.
Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13 : Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 7 – 8 hours
We leave the Kali Gandaki and head up the Ghar Khola valley. The trail leads us through a terraced farmland with mountains all around. We pass through the villages of Shikha and Chitre before reaching a beautiful rhododendron forest. When in bloom the rhododendron trees with its average height of up to 100″ will be covered with pink or red flowers. Walking further we reach Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at a ridge top. Overnight in Ghorepani.
Included meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 14 : GHOREPANI TO HILLE TO POKHARA
We wake up early in the dawn and hike up towards a hill station called Poonhill before sunrise. This is a specialty of this place as it provides the panoramic sunrise view of the Annapurna range which is a beautiful sight to behold. Walking through the starry sky and finally watching the peaks of the mountain change its color from white to glittering gold is really spectacular. After enjoying the view we descend back to Ghorepani and upon having breakfast we make our way towards Hille. We trek down to Hille from where we'll drive back to Pokhara as we have come to an end of our trekking journey. We can enjoy the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara and its nightlife this day.
Meal Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 15 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Breakfast Dinner
Day 16 : Final departure
Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! the Open trail treks representative will escort us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
