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Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trip code NET-TR-ANC
Package name Annapurna Circuit Trek
Duration 16
Max. elevation 5416 m
Level MODERATE
Transportation Public Bus, Tourist Deluxe Bus and Flight
Accomodation 2-3 Star Hotel Accomodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Lodge Accomodation during Trek
Starts at Kathmandu
Ends at Kathmandu
Trip route Kathmandu - Bhulbhule - Chamje - Dharapani - Chame - Pisang - Manang - Yak Kharka - Thorong Phedi - Thoron La Pass - Muktinath - Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu
Cost USD 1,090 per person

Highlights

Overview

Annapurna Circuit Trek Circumambulates Annapurna Massif and passes Manang valley and the Lower Mustang Valley and The Thorung La pass.
 
Annapurna Circuit Trek is the longest and popular trek in the Annapurna Region and it encompasses all the attractions from the highest mountains to enchanting Tibetan culture and valleys. 
 
 Highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek include fascinating Tibetan ethnic group such as Tamangs and Thakalis, incredible views of many of the Himalaya's tallest peaks, and constantly changing panoramas ranging from lush, tropical rice paddies and rhododendron forests, waterfalls to Tibetan fortresses clinging to rocky cliffs. 
 
Starting off with a drive to Ngadi, you ascend the Marsyangdi river valley. You will pass through forests, hills and picturesque villages and walk beneath highest peaks including Annapurna I, II, III and IV stretching north as far as Tibet. You then cross Thorung La Pass (5418m), one of the highest passes in the Himalayas, on your way to the holy shrine of Chumig Gyatsa or Muktinath. Chumig Gyatsa is an important shrine for Buddhists as well as Hindus and hosts a mud statue of Buddha and an eternal flame.
 
The Thorung La pass provides spectacular views of Himalayas including Annapurna I (8091m), tenth highest mountain, and Dhaulagiri I 8167m), eighth highest mountain in the world. You then descend into the Kali Gandaki Valley that includes the deepest gorge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The trail continues through a wonderful rhododendron forest on the Ghorepani Ridge and past Gurung villages before winding back in Pokhara. You will be able to experience hot springs, monasteries and rare wildlife such as blue sheep, Himalayan Tiger and snow leopard. 
 
As this is one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal, there are many good lodges catering to the needs of the trekkers along this trail. Apart from being able to enjoy homely comforts, you will have the unique opportunity to know and appreciate the lifestyle of local people. 

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport

On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be greeted with flower garlands/Khadas. Our representative will then take you to your hotel. If time prevails, you will visit office for paperwork.

Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2 : Trip preparation and city tour of Kathmandu or Patan and Bhaktapur.

Today, you will visit popular world heritage monuments in Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath, and Pashupatinath. Alternatively, you can choose Bhakatapur and Patan sightseeing.  By late afternoon you will drive back to your hotel.

Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3 : Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (840m.) via Besisahar, takes about seven hours.

After early morning breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule via Besisahar, takes about seven hours. During the drive you will follow Trisuli and Marshyangdi Rivers passing through several villages and you will enjoy views of green hills and snowcapped mountains. The road from Kathmandu to Besisahar is paved while rest of the journey to Bhulbule is on a graveled path.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 4 : Trek from Bhulbhule to Chamje (1410m.) takes about seven hours.

Trek from Bhulbhule to Chamje (1410m.) takes about seven hours. You will step into Marshyangdi valley and follow the winding mountain path down to Syange (1100m). Afterwards climb steeply through sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed to reach Chamje.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 5 : Trek from Chamje (1410m) to Dharapani (1960m) takes about six hours.

Trek from Chamje (1410m) to Dharapani (1960m) takes about six hours. The first part of the trail descends to the Marshyangdi River and then crosses over a suspension bridge and makes a steep climb to Sattale (1550m). From here the trail descends to a grassy riverbank that leads to the village of Tal (1700m). Beyond Tal, the trail goes around winding cliffs, passes through Karte village and finally passes the Mani entrance to Dharapani (1960m.).

Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 6 : Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2675m) takes about five and half hours.

Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2675m) takes about five and half hours. Today the trek goes along the Dudh Khola that originates from the south face of Mt. Manaslu. You will soon arrive at the village of Bagarchhap, distinct with its prayer flags and a Buddhist monastery. Continue to climb through forests of pine and oak to reach Danaque (2210m.) and thereafter trail levels all the way to Chame where there are government offices, shops and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters of the Manang district.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 7 : Trek from Chame to Pisang (3100m.) takes about five hours.

Trek from Chame to Pisang (3100m.) takes about five hours. After greeting Lamjung Himal (6893m) sparkling in the morning sun, you will climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard. The trail then enters fir and pine forest, and emerges out to a high, rocky cliff which is extremely steep that leads to Bhratang (2950m.). You will now walk through a short stretch of pine forest as the path opens up to a wonderful vista of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak (6091m). Afterwards follow a long section of Mani wall to enter the village of Pisang.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 8 : Trek from Pisang to Manang (3440m) takes about five and half hours.

Trek from Pisang to Manang (3440m) takes about five and half hours. Leaving Pisang in the morning, the trail ascends a steep ridge that offers good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m). When descending to Hungde (3320m), you will come to wide plain of the Sabje Khola Valley from where the north-east face of Annapurna III and Annapurna IV (7525m) rises majestically. Afterwards you will cross Marshyangdi Khola over a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. Mungji has large Chortens and mani walls and is surrounded by tall peaks of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m.) and Tilicho Peak (7145m.). A short steep climb from Mungji will reach you Manang.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 9 : Rest day at Manang for acclimatization.

Today is a rest day for acclimatization in preparation for crossing the Thorung La Pass. You can choose to cross the river to see the tremendous icefall coming down from the Annapurna or climb high above the village for views of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 10 : Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4350m) takes about three and half hours.

Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4350m) takes about three and half hours. Today the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through Gunsang village (3960m). En route, you can see panoramic mountain views all day long.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 11 : Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4420m) takes about 3 and half hours.

Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4420m) takes about 3 and half hours. Leaving Yak Kharka, you will climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of Marshyangdi. After a short ascend along the river bank, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable spree slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 12 : Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass takes about seven hours.

Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass takes about seven hours. You will start the trek very early in the morning. The trail is long, steep and challenging all the way to the Thorong La pass. After around 4 hours of steady climbing on moraines, you will arrive at the Thorong La pass which is adorned with chorten and prayer flags. Thorong La pass is one of the highest passes in the Annapurna region and offers great views of the valley below. Descend from the top of Thorang La pass following along the Jhong Khola Valley towards Muktinath. Muktinath is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in the Himalaya for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 13 : Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2743m.) takes about 4 hours.

Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2743m.) takes about 4 hours. Today the trail gradually descends all the way to Jomsom. Enjoy an easy and pleasant trek on this day. Jomsom is a popular town based on the bank of Kali Gandaki River and is the starting point of Upper Mustang trek. There is a regional airport in Jomsom which is connected to Pokhara with daily flights.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 14 : Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (914m.) takes about 25 minutes.

Early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (914m.) takes about 25 minutes. The flight is a scenic one with beautiful views of Kaligandaki River and several Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri etc. The flight to/from Jomsom occurs only in the morning because of high wind in the afternoon time. In case of cancellation of flights due to bad weather, you can alternatively choose to drive from Jomsom to Pokhara takes about 7 hrs.

Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara

Day 15 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about six hours.

After breakfast early morning, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about six hours. During the highway journey, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities.

Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 16 : Departure

As per your flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer you from your hotel to the airport for your final departure.

Inclusions

What is included?

What isn't included?

Complimentary

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