Annapurna Circuit Trek is renowned as one of the world's best treks, but its reputation and future as a classic trek are threatened by road construction. Despite this, the trek offers stunning scenery, taking 14 to 23 days to complete and passing through four distinct regions: Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi.
The lower elevations of Lamjung and Myagdi are predominantly Hindu, with lush green subtropical valleys, villages, and terraced farming. The higher elevations of Manang and Mustang are predominantly Tibetan Buddhist. The Manang people are proud of their unique cultural heritage, which is a blend of lower land Gurung and Tibetan influences. The Mustang region has a strong connection to Tibet and is one of the last places in the world to view the ancient Bonpo Religion.
The trek starts in Besisahar and goes counter-clockwise to Nayapul, reaching its summit at Thorung La pass, which stands at 5416 m or 17,769 ft. The route passes through the world's deepest gorge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, and offers stunning views of Manaslu, Langtang Himal, Annapurna II and IV, Annapurna III and Gangapurna. Poon Hill, at the end of the trek, affords views of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, South Annapurna, and Macchupucchre.
The trek also passes through Buddhist villages and Hindu holy sites, such as Muktinath and Braga, one of the oldest monasteries in the region. From Dharapani to Kagbeni, the trek follows the Annapurna section of The Great Himalaya Trail, a long-distance trekking route that connects Nepal from East to West.
The eastern portion of the trek follows the Marsyangdi River upstream to Manang, and then goes over the pass and down the other side to meet the Kali Gandaki River. After the pass, an alternative to walking is to rent a mountain bike and bike down the mountain, following the jeep road or alternative trails. At the end of the trek, several options are available, including following the river further to Beni and catching a bus to Pokhara or adding on a trek to the Annapurna Base Camp or Annapurna Sanctuary.
The trek is a "teahouse trek," meaning there are villages with lodges and restaurants also can be less Days due to transportation excess now a days as per Trekkers interest.
Day 01: Kathmandu
We will meet you at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to hotel. When you will have time to settle in and freshen up after your long flight, you will be invited to visit our office for a briefing about your program. You will have a meeting with your trekking guide and discuss the equipment needed for the trekking and we will process for the trekking permits. If you arrive at night we will have the same discussion in the next day morning after your breakfast.
Day 02: - Kathmandu
Next morning, after breakfast you will be taken for a full day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You can visit the center of pilgrimage Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath Stupa, ancient listed in UNESCO World Heritage sites. The biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath might make you feel calm and peace and visit Patan the city of fine arts and Durbar Square is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. On a journey back to the hotel, you can explore the local areas, gullies, and lifestyle. After your dinner, you can perhaps take the leisurely stroll through the famous streets Thamel .
Day 03 - Kathmandu – Syange - Jagat (1330m) 8 hrs
Drive Besi Sahar by Tourist Sharing Bus through Prithvi Highway, about 6 hours . Reach Besi Sahar or Bhulbule at Lunchtime. Take a local jeep to Syange (1080m) driving with the view of River, greeneries, local villages and beautiful mountain scenery. A steep and slippery trail runs up and down through paddy fields, passing through tiny Tibetan villages, the trail ascends through the rhododendron forest to Jagat (1330m). If your drive is slow, we can stay in Syange .
Day 04: - Syange/Jagat - Dharapani (1960m) 6-7 hrs.
You continue the way across the right side Marsyangdi river view and after crossing again suspension bridge in the Marsyangdi River the trail goes uphill and gradually steep flat and get to Tal. Tal is one of the famous places for valley views and waterfalls. You enter Manang district, the trail continues through barley, rice, potato fields and pine forests past the village of Khotro (1860m). Descend to a forest to a long suspension bridge and very pleasant courtyards of Alpine. Passing through Karte and Nache village, the new trail continues a stone Kani making a formal entrance to Dharapani. Dharapani is one junction way for Manaslu round and also big villages in the Manang valley.
Day 05: - Dharapani - Chame (2710m) : 7 Hrs.
The trail stays on the south bank of the river, climbing through forests to Danaque (2210m), the valley surrounded by apple orchards. Climb steeply crossing section of the road through rhododendron forest. The trail climbs along the mule track through in and fir forest and then follows the river for a time amongst the higher oak and maple trees. At the entrance to Chame is a long wall with many prayer wheels; the administrative headquarter of the Manang district. There are fine views of Lamjung, Annapurna II/IV (7525m).
Day 06: - Chame - Pisang (3210m) : 5 hours
There is long, peasant and mostly level walk in forests. The pine-scented trail rounds a bend to reveal the first views of dramatic Paungda Danda rock face, a tremendous curve slab of rock. The trail follows through the river valley with good views along the way of Pisang peak and Annapurna II at Pisang. Pisang marks the beginning of the region upper portion of the Manang district.
Day 07: - Pisang - Manang : 7 hours,
It’s about 7 hours Trekking Today. From upper Pisang, the high trail enters pine grooves to reveal views of the small turquoise lake. The trail does a dogleg through the charming village, passing with views of painted Mandalas and dragon mouth spouts. Hiking through the fields of grazing yak and the wide variety of crops. This large Tibetan settlement provides good views of Annapurna II/III/IV, Gangapurna and Tarkekang. Stay at 3570m.
Day 08: - Mannag
This day you spend the second night in the Manang region to acclimatize to the higher elevations you will encounter towards the Thoroung La. Take advice from Himalayan Rescue Association and observe the spectacular views of the Himalaya nearby. There are fine views of the milky blue glacier lake at the foot of spectacular Gangapurna icefall and traditional stone buildings.
Day 09: - Manang - Chure Letdar (4250m) : 5 hours,
The trail continues to climb out of the Marsyangdi Valley. The trail follows this valley north, passing a Goths as it steadily gains elevation. You have left the large trees below; the vegetation now consists of scrub juniper and alpine grasses. It’s fun to see large yaks grazing. The view of Annapurna III is excellent.
Day 10: - Churi Letdar -Thorung Phedi (4400m) : 3 hours,
From Letdar the trail climbs along the east bank of the Jarsang Khola, then descends and crosses the stream on a wooden bridge at 4310m. Blue sheep, and even snow-capped leopards, sometimes magically appear. The crow-like bird choughs, large lammergeiers and Himalayan griffons circles you overhead. Overnight at Phedi 4400m.
Day 11: - Thorung Phedi - Muktinath (3800m) : 9 hours,
The trail becomes steep immediately after leaving Thorung Phedi, switch backing up moraines and following rocky ridges as it ascends to the Thorung La pass (5416m). You can see the long Great Barrier ridge, Tibet like region of Manang, as well as the Annapurnas, Gangapurna and the heavily glaciated peak of Khatung Kang (6484m). The trail descends crossing meadows steeply down to Muktinath. One of the most important pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Day 12: - Muktinath - Kagbneni - Jomsom (2713 m)
After enjoying the temple and the religious shrines of Muktinath, we head down the steep, barren hillside to Kagbeni. Kagbeni still feels like a medieval village, with its closely packed mud houses and dark tunnels. Situated at an auspicious river confluence, it is also the gateway to Upper Mustang. We will pass some ancient caves and view the impressive white snow capped mountains. We transit at the significant town Kagbeni. Enjoying the plateau we will reach Jomsom the district headquarter of Mustang.
Day 13 - Jomsom - Pokhara
Early morning fly to Pokhara it is short flight and we will take you to the hotel, you will have rest and free stay, Some time Jomsom flight may get canceled also due to bad weather, an alternate you can drive back to Pokhara from Jomsom can take 9 to 10 hours .
Day 14: - Pokhara - Kathmandu,7 hours .
Take a flight or drive by tourist bus/Private car to Kathmandu. In the evening you can have your last night in Nepal enjoying the Nepali cultural dinner show, taking some beautiful snaps and making up your mind about the returning journey. You can have greetings exchanging among friends and with all Nepalese people.
Day 15: - Departure
We will take you to the International Airport for your convenience. Wish you a happy journey in the traditional and cultural way of us Nepalese and Good-Bye .