Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit is one of Nepal’s most iconic treks. It takes hikers from the green rice terraces of the lower valleys to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, passing through traditional Tibetan villages and rhododendron forests. The highest point of the trek is the Thorong La Pass, located at an altitude of 5,416 meters, which offers a spectacular view of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu – Besisahar – Dharapani (1,920m)
Departure by private jeep to Besisahar, then continue to Dharapani. A long day of driving — about 9 hours on the road. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 2: Dharapani – Chame (2,630m)
Start of the trek: ascend to Timang, then Koto, and finally the village of Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. We are at the foot of the north face of Annapurna II and IV, and Lamjung Himal. About 5 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 3: Chame – Pisang (3,185m)
Ascent through the forest, arriving in the upper Marsyangdi Valley. Views of the Annapurnas along the way, as well as Pisang Peak (6,091m). Trekking for 5 to 6 hours. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 4: Pisang – Manang (3,530m)
Steep ascent to the village of Gyaru (3,670m) via a trail on the north bank, followed by a pleasant terrace walk to Ngawal (3,600m). Spectacular mountain scenery lies ahead. We then descend to Braga via the upper path through the small village of Julu to reach the large town of Manang, which will serve as a rest base before ascending to higher altitudes. Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 5: Manang
Acclimatization day with a short excursion around the area. About 3 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge in Manang.
Day 6: Manang – Letdar (4,250m)
We will reduce our walking time to avoid fatigue and allow for better acclimatization. We follow the barrier of the three Chulu peaks to reach Letdar. About 4 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 7: Letdar – Thorong Phedi (4,450m)
Another short day of trekking to reach Thorong Phedi. About 3.5 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 8: Thorong Phedi – Thorong La (5,416m) – Muktinath (3,800m)
Very early departure to cross the Thorong La Pass, a long day of 8 to 9 hours of trekking to Muktinath. Stunning views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m). Overnight in a lodge.
Day 9: Muktinath – Lupra – Marpha (2,670m)
Gradual ascent with beautiful views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, the Annapurnas, and the Nilgiris, followed by a descent to the village of Lupra and then down the Kali Gandaki Valley to the picturesque village of Marpha. We avoid the road at Jomsom and walk on the opposite side of the river to reach Marpha. About 5 to 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 10: Marpha – Ghasa – Tatopani (1,220m)
By local bus to the village of Ghasa, then on foot to Tatopani via the old trail on the opposite side of the river. Beautiful views of the Annapurnas, Nilgiris, and Dhaulagiri. About 1 hour by bus and 4 hours of walking. Hot springs available. Overnight in a lodge in Tatopani (1,220m).
Day 11: Tatopani – Ghorapani (2,800m)
Cross the Kali Gandaki River to ascend to the Ghorapani Pass. This area is fairly populated, with terraced fields. About 7 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 12: Ghorapani – Poon Hill (3,100m) – Tadapani (2,540m)
Early morning ascent to Poon Hill above Ghorapani for a spectacular sunrise over Dhaulagiri, the Nilgiris, and the Annapurnas. Then return to Ghorapani and descend to Tadapani. About 6 to 7 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 13: Tadapani – Ghandruk (1,940m)
Pleasant forest descent to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk. Views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. About 3.5 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 14: Ghandruk – Nayapul – Pokhara
After a descent to Syauli Bazar, we follow the Modi Khola to Birethanti and then Nayapul, followed by a transfer to Pokhara by private minibus. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15: Pokhara – Kathmandu
Departure by tourist bus to Kathmandu.
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