Annapurna Circuit Trek
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu airport and you will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives. Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants in Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel Marshyangdi www.hotelmarshyangdi.com or similar
Elevation: 1334m
Day 02: Visit Swoyambunath and Patan: start our tour visiting Swoyambunath, a magnificent Buddhist stupa located on a high hill which is just 10 minutes drive from Thamel followed by a visit of Patan, a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples, and monasteries.
Overnight: Hotel Marshyangdi www.hotelmarshyangdi.com or similar
Elevation: 1334m.
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m) by private vehicle and trek to Bulbule (840m): The Annapurna Circuit trek begins with a road journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar which takes approximately six hours followed by a short trek to Bulbule following a dirt road.
Overnight: Lodge
Driving Time: 6 hours
Walking Time: 2 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 494m.
Day 04: Trek Bulbule to Jagat (1290m): The trek takes us through the villages richly cultivated fields, rice terraces and a deep gorge with cascading waterfalls.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 450m
Day 05: Trek Jagat to Dharapani (1860m): Today the trail continues turning to the North West as it follows the Marshyangdi valley entering Manang District. We cross a large suspension bridge just before Dharapani.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 570m
Day 06: Trek Dharapani to Chame (2670m): As we continue our trek, the Annapurna range offers splendid view of Annapurna II (7937m) and Annapurna IV to the west. Initially the trail climbs through the forest to Dhanakyu (2290m) and continues steadily to Timang, which has a great view of Manaslu range. Then the track follows the pine forest to reach Chame (2630m). Chame is the administrative headquarter of the Manang district.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +810m
Day 07: Trek Chame to Pisang (3200m): Today's trek is a bit shorter so we get plenty of time to enjoy wonderful scenery as we cross the northern side of the river and trek west on the very easy trail to the Bhratang Village (2840m). From here the valley is steep and narrow leading through dense forest until we cross a suspension bridge which leads to gradual uphill through pine forest to our lunch spot, Dhukkur pokhari. Then continue our trek on an easy track to Pisang. Pisang is a large Trans Himalayan village and has been divided into upper and lower parts. You get spectacular view of Pisang Peak (6091m) directly in front of you along with unforgettable view of Annapurna range.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: +530m
Day 08: Trek Pisang to Ngwal (3657m): As we continue our trek, the view of the mountain ranges gets better. We start our day little early today to catch the clear view of the Annapurna range from Ghyaru (3670m). Trek starts with gentle walk through pine forest and climbs steeply from Ghyaru khola. It is about 2 hours climb on this steep uphill. The view from the top (Ghyaru) is superb. Then the trek continues on a gradual pace to Ngwal, a traditional village with a rich Tibetan culture.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +457m
Day 09: Trek Ngwal to Manang (3540m): About 5 hours gentle walk to reach today's destination, Manang (3440m). Manang is a large Trans Himalayan village with rich Tibetan culture and gateway to Thorang-la pass.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 117m
Day 10: Acclimatization day in Manang: Spending two nights allow you to become adjusted to thinning air and lessening pressure for your approach to Thorong-La. We go for day hike towards Gangapurna Lake which helps you to acclimatize more for higher altitude. In the afternoon, we can visit the clinic run by Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) to get more information about high altitude trekking.
Overnight: Lodge
Elevation: 3540m
Day 11: Trek Manang to Yak Kharka (4018m): After getting well acclimatized, we continue our trek towards Thorang la. We climb gradually now on, giving enough time to get adjusted to the elevations we gain every day. It is about 4 hours trek to Yak Kharka and we go for short hike (day hike) in the afternoon to get more acclimatized.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Difference in Elevation: +478m
Day 12: Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4450m): Our final day of the preparation for Thorang la pass takes us to the base of the Thorang la. It is called Thorang Phedi (4450m). It is about 4 hours trek to Phedi so we get enough time to repeat our acclimatization hike this afternoon as well, to get well acclimatized for the next day.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Difference in Elevation +432
Day 13: Trek Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3760m): Today is the most strenuous day of this trek because of the altitude and long hours of walking (as we ascend almost 1000m and descend about 1600m). Hence, we set off about 4 or 5 AM in the morning and commence the long climb up to the Thorong-La Pass (5416m). You need to have plenty of water and a warm outfit (down jacket / windproof trousers) with you. The trek Phedi to Thorong- La takes about 4-5 hours, depending on your fitness and acclimatization level. Upon reaching Thorong-La we can see the traditional chorten, cairn and prayer flags. We take a short break here before descending to Muktinath (3760m). The panoramic view from Thorong-La is superb. As we start descending, we get a great view of Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Tukuche (6920m) to the south-west and Mustang valley in North West. The descent is long and tiring (about 4 - 5 hours) but offers a great view of the surrounding peaks and Mustang valley.
Muktinath is a fascinating village with sacred temples for Hindu and Buddhist. You may see lot of pilgrims bathing in the holy water flowing from the 108 spouts carved in the shape of cow's heads surrounding the Vishnu Temple. The temple is built in Tibetan style and contains huge brass idols of Shiva, Vishnu, Kali and Brahma.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 8-10 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 690m
Day 14: Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2750m) via Kagbeni: Continuing our descend enjoying the view of Mustang valley; we walk towards Jharkot, which is another traditional village with flat roofed houses (Tibetan style) and lot of green fields. The trail continues descending to Kagbeni for about two and half hours. Kagbeni (2800m), located near the Kali Gandaki river, is a very fascinating medieval village with stone houses, narrow alleys, green fields and view of the high mountains. Kagbeni is gateway of legendary Mustang and Lo Monthang.
NOTE: Upper Mustang is a controlled trekking region; a special permit is required to travel in upper part of the Mustang.
Then we continue our trek following the Kali Gandaki River down to Ekle Bhatti (2730m), where we join the alternative and more direct route from Muktinath. From here it is an easy walk to Jomsom; the administrative headquarter of the region, at 2750m. This is our trekking ending point so in the evening; we celebrate the completion of our epic journey.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 1010m
Day 15: Flight Jomsom to Pokhara (820m): With our trek successfully completed, today our flight takes us from Jomsom to Pokhara (20 minutes).
Overnight: Temple Tree Resort & Spa www.templetreenepal.com or similar
Flight Time: 20 mins
Difference in Elevation: -1930
Day 16: Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu (1334m): a scenic drive for about 7 hours to Kathmandu by private vehicle. In the evening, we can participate in Buddhist Puja ceremony at Bairoling Monastery.
Overnight: Bairoling Monastery
Driving Time: 6 -7 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 514m
Day 17: Visit Boudhnath and Bhaktapur: start our day visiting Boudhnath, largest stupa in Nepal built in 14th century followed by an hour drive to visit an ancient city, Bhaktapur. It is one of the oldest cities of Kathmandu valley.
Overnight: Hotel Marshyangdi www.hotelmarshyangdi.com or similar
Elevation: 1334m
Day 18: Transfer to the airport and departure.