| Duration: | 16 Days | Trip Code: | CO-155 |
| Trip Grade | Moderate to Strenuous | Max-Altitude: | 5,416m/17,769ft |
| Meals: | All meals during the trek | Accommodation: | Hotel/Mountain lodges |
| Group size: | Minimum of 2 | Transportation: | Private vehicle/flight |
| Trip Start: | Kathmandu | Trip End: | Kathmandu |
| Primary Activity: | Trekking, Sightseeing & Hiking | Best Season | March to May, Mid September to Mid December |
To circumscribe the elaborate Annapurna and adjoining ranges is a dream of a lifetime for an adventure lover, spanning almost 300km. This trek is one of the most preferred treks by explorers attracting scores of trekkers every year. The previously 20-day or so circuit trek allows you to traverse the region enjoying the beautiful forest, flora fauna, deepest gorges, rivers, magnificent waterfalls, and most importantly the breathtaking view of different peaks of this region. Besides, this could be an opportunity to witness the unique culture and traditions of the mutilple ethnic communities residing in this protected region.
Starting at the Marshyangdi river basin at 760m, the Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you to the Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the most spectacular passes, and through the deepest canyon in the world Kali Gandaki Gorge on the other side. Besides this, you may also visit Muktinath Temple - a spiritual hub, Manang, Jomsom, and Poonhill (3,193m) - popular for the sunrise view over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Peaks like Hiunchuli, Manaslu, Annapurna I, II, and II, Machhapuchre, Nilgiri, Lamjung Himal, and Tukuche can be viewed from different angles and elevations.
Our 16-day Annapurna Circuit Trek is well suited to all those who want to explore the entire round trek of the Annapurna range–even those who are a bit short on the number of days. The package itinerary cuts short the long walk along the initial section of the Circuit trail above Besishahar that is witnessing an increased vehicular movement, saving you at least two to three days with a jeep drive up to Chame. Aside from that, it also includes vehicle transfer along the dusty Jomsom to Tatopani trail section. The magnificent view of the terrain of Annapurna Region and the local people offering great hospitality make this trek a perfect way to spend your vacation. Spring Season (March to May) and Autumn Season (October to December) are considered to be the best season for Annapurna Circuit Trek. Our well-researched itineraries will help you get the ultimate adventure experience that you deserve to see and savor during this trek.
Annapurna region is one of the most important trekking destinations which has a variety of packages to offer for everyone. For those who are interested in trekking to the base camp, the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek can be an ideal option, else if you are interested in the short trek then Annapurna Panorama Trek( 9 days) can be an option. For more details of the trek please write us at inquiry@theclassicoutdoors.com.
Day 01: Arrival Day (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Day 02: Drive to Besishahar (760m/2,493ft), 6 to 7 hours
Day 03: Drive to Chame (2,720m/8,923ft), 4 to 5 hours
Day 04: Trek Chame to Pisang (3,060m/10,039ft), 4-5 hours
Day 05: Trek Pisang to Manang (3,440m/11,286ft), 5-7 hours
Day 06: Acclimatization Day in Manang
Day 07: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,230m/13,877ft), 3-4 hours
Day 08: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,450m/14,599ft)
Day 09: Trek to Muktinath via Thorang La (3,760m/12,335ft)
Day 10: Morning Exploration of Muktinath. Drive Muktinath to Tatopani (1,190m/3,904ft), ~6 hours
Day 11: Trek Tatopani to Sikha (1,935m/6,348ft), 4 to 5 hours
Day 12: Trek Sikha to Ghorepani (3,194m/10,479ft), 3 to 4 hours
Day 13: Hike to Poon Hill and Trek to Tadapani (2,710m/8,891ft), 5-6 hrs walk
Day 14: Trek to Ghandruk (2010m/6,600ft) and drive to Pokhara (823m/2,700ft), 5-6 hrs walk & ~1.5 hours drive
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft), ~7 hours. Evening farewell dinner
Day 16: Departure day
Should you require any further information on the given trek, please feel free to write us at inquiry@theclassicoutdoors.com.
Our airport representative welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu upon your arrival. You are escorted to your hotel in a private vehicle. Your prior trip meeting is scheduled on the very day at the hotel During the meeting, you would be introduced to your leader/guide. Please do not hesitate to ask questions about your trek. We also check our gear and equipment and prepare for our trek/trip.
Your guide picks you up from the hotel to the bus station to catch the bus for Besisahar. The journey to the west of Kathmandu is mostly along the Prithvi Highway by the Trishuli River. The journey is a tapestry of sub-urban Nepal and an introduction to its rugged terrain. After almost 5 hours of bus ride, we arrive at Dumre from where we head north towards Besishahar. Overnight at Besishahar.
The offroad drive to Chame is along a graveled road that winds across the valley along high roads and passes through beautiful villages, such as Bahundanda, Syange, Jagat, Tal, and Dharapani, among others. Forests, waterfalls along the road, and a sneak peek of the mountains like Manaslu, Hiunchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Lamjung Himal make the drive more interesting. Exploration of the village and overnight at Chame.
Today is the actual day of the trek. We start our trek to Pisang after breakfast in the morning. The initial walk is along a steep trail through Oak and maple forests before following the trail to Bhratang. Apple orchards appear as we approach the village of Bhratang. We continue further to Dhikur Pokhari and onward to Pisang. We have the option to explore the traditional village of Upper Pisang and also enjoy sweeping views of the Annapurna range, particularly the Annapurna II and III. We return back to the comforts of Pisang to rest for the night.
We have now entered the arid Neyshang region of Upper Manang. We have the option to choose either the higher route that takes you to Ghyaru or Ghongde and Ngawal (old Tibetan villages) or continue the easier path onward to Humde (Hongde). Both of these routes meet at Mungi. We can choose either of these to head forward. Upon reaching Mungi, we continue onward to Manang crossing Bryaga, one of the spectacular traditional villages in the region. Overnight at Manang.
As we have attained an altitude of 3400m and look to go higher, we have planned for an acclimatization day. We explore Manang and nearby attractions. The town of Manang has a traditional side to it which can be experienced in the traditional houses and historic monasteries, including the 400-year-old Karki Gompa. There are numerous medium to short hikes to multiple viewpoints and lakes that we can do. The peaks like Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna to the south Tilicho and the Grand Barrier to the west, and Chulu to the east and North can be seen. We will stay overnight at a lodge in Manang.
Our destination for today is Yak Kharka. A gradual climb up to Tenki, Manang marks the first section of the trek. Up close views of the peaks like Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Tilicho can be seen from here. The trail ahead gently winds up offering an amazing view of the terrain. Sparse pasture land and juniper shrubs offer some greenery. 'Kharka' in Nepali is pasture. After a few hours of walking along the gradual uphill trail, we reach Yak Kharka.
Today we head towards Thorong Phedi and overnight before summiting the pass. The trail to Thorong Phedi is gradual and pleasant in the beginning. About an hour later we reach Ledar on the other side of a suspension bridge. Gangapurna peak looks striking. The trail ahead inclines gradually with some major landslide-prone sections which we cross attentively. About a few hours of walk later we arrive at Thorong (Thorung) Phedi.
The highlight and the challenging day of the trek has arrived. We trek today to the highest point of the Annapurna circuit at 5,415m. We start the ascent quite early at dawn navigating a challenging steep uphill. The trail up ahead is generally icy as we ascend continually to Thorang La Pass lasting about 4 hours. A traditional chorten decorated with player flags marks the summit of the pass. Unlike most passes, the summit is quite wide. A spectacular view of the Annapurna range, Gangapurna, and numerous small peaks like Khatung Kang, and Yakgawa Kang can be relished from here. The Kaligandaki Valley appears further down to the west and the arid Manang region appears to the north. After relishing an all-out vista following the grueling climb, we start our descent lasting almost 4 hours. The downhill trek requires careful navigation along the steep rocky trail until we reach the grassy plains. Up ahead is a pleasant walk until Muktinath. Overnight at Muktinath.
Day 10: Morning Exploration of Muktinath. Drive Muktinath to Tatopani (1,190m/3,904ft)
Total duration: ~6 hours (Drive)
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
A quick exploration of the Muktinath Temple complex is worthwhile despite feeling weary. The fascinating shrines and the spiritual atmosphere in the vicinity may offer us respite-spiritual, if not physical. Muktinath is a sacred spiritual site in the Mustang District. A number of monuments and structures including the popular shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and the 108 water taps draw domestic as well as international pilgrims every year. We then set off on a drive to Tatopani (Hot springs). We follow the descending road along the Kali Gandaki River traversing the windy valley of Jomsom on the way. Paddy fields, dzongs (historic forts), traditional fortified houses (especially near Jharkot), apple orchards, and whitewashed stone houses in Marpha make for interesting sights. Driving along the deepest Kaligandai gorge, we cross small riverside villages like Tukuche, Kalopani, and Ghasa on our way to Tatopani. Upon arrival at Tatopani, we explore the village and waste little time heading to the hot water springs below the village where we relax our sore muscles and weary legs. Overnight at Tatopani.
We have a relatively short trekking day today although we look to ascend over 700m in a day. We cross the Kali Gandaki River and follow the trail that branches right to commence the ascent starting at Gharkholagaon. The trail ahead consists of a number of steep sections as we walk the stone-paved trail. The dense forests of Rhododendron and birch, and expansive terraced farms make for quite an interesting hike otherwise. We walk past a few Gurung villages before arriving at Sikha, our stop for the night.
We resume our ascent to Ghorepani after breakfast. The walk through the forested trail continues as we traverse the villages of Phalate and Chitre on the way. We continue along the seemingly endless flight of stairs as we approach Ghorepani. We explore the village before calling it a night at Ghorepani.
We make an early morning hike before breakfast to Poon Hill 3,193m. The sunrise view at dawn over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges is definitely one of the highlights of the trek. We can witness 20 other beautiful peaks and enjoy a distant view of Mustang and Pokhara from this point. We return back to Ghorepani and after breakfast, we set out on a hike to Tadapani. The hike is mostly gradual beginning with a brief ascent before a long descent through Deurali Pass as we delve into Rhododendron forests to reach Banthati. The gradual descent gets steeper as we approach Tadapani. The final ascent of about half an hour later we reach Tadapani.
Today is the last day of our trek. After breakfast, we descend to Ghandruk village passing through beautiful pine and rhododendron forest, marking the end of our trek. We have our lunch at Ghandruk and wait for our drive to Pokhara. Once at the Lake city of Pokhara, we can enjoy downtime and enjoy the evening by boating on the Fewa Lake or a walk by the lakeside. Treat ourselves to delicacies at restaurants or shop for souvenirs.
We return to Kathmandu from Pokhara on a tourist coach. After about 7 hours of driving along the Prithvi Highway, we finally reach Kathmandu from where our journey began. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you are escorted to the hotel. You can freshen up and go shopping in the evening around Thamel, offering a host of products. We host a farewell dinner for you to celebrate the success of the trip.
You are transferred to the airport in time for your departure flight. Bon voyage and hope to welcome you again!