Trip Highlight
- Sightseeing around Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Rising up to the Marshyangdi River valley also explore the remote valleys of Nar and Phu
- Get introduced with the mountain people in the heart of Himalayas
- Aspects of the world’s towering mountains: Manaslu, Dhaulagiri I, and Annapurna I
- Also visit Muktinath Temple, the holy place.
- Descend into one of the deepest gorge’s in the world – the Kali Gandhaki
- Majestic sunrise views from Poon Hill
One of the classic Himalayan treks, Annapurna Circuit Trek basically provides marvelous views of sub-tropical forests, gorgeous valleys and rivers, majestic mountains, and numerous ethnic settlements with their culture and lifestyle. Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the easiest and the most fulfilling treks in Nepal packed with the allures of nature and culture in abundance.
Attractions of Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, from where we will drive to Besisahar. First of all, the trekking begins from Besisahar and passes through many culturally and geographically rich places-Bahundanda, Chyamche, Bagarchhap, Chame, and Pisang–before reaching the famous Thakali village of Manang.
Furthermore, the trek then moves on to Thorong La Pass (5416m), the highest elevation of the Annapurna Circuit Trek; which provides the mesmerizing view of the Annapurna massif and Dhaulagiri massif. Muktinath, having high religious importance to both Buddhists and Hindus, is another destination of the trek. Marsayangdi River and the Annapurna mountains along with many other snowy peaks is our backdrop throughout the trek.
The variety of villages inhabited by people from the different cultural and religious background of Nepal and also the Tibetan influence on them along with the chance to acquaint with them is one of the significant features of this trek. Moreover, the diversity of scenery this trek provides from the majestic mountains to the graceful rivers, the waterfalls, the valleys, and the sub-tropical forests are really enthralling and unique.
The world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki valley, and the sunrise from Poonhill are other features of this trek. Due to the difficulty of crossing Thorong La Pass (5416m) in its frozen state, March-April and October-November are the best months for Annapurna Circuit Trek.
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Itinerary
Our team representative will welcome you at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu from where you will be transferred to your hotel. You can make a short visit to Thamel if you wish. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
You will be sightseeing the beautiful Kathmandu valley and its significant religious and cultural places like Pashupatinath, the most significant Lord Shiva temple in Nepal, and Swayambhunath, one of the most sacred Buddhist shrine, as guided by our expert guides. Apart from that, you will have a brief session with your guide on the trek essentials. Overnight at the hotel.
Driving alongside Trishuli and Marsayangdi Rivers and enjoying the curves and turns of the road, we reach Besisahar in our private van. This town, which mainly serves as an attractive starting point of Annapurna Circuit Trek, also houses Lamjung Durbar and Lamjung Kalika Temple. Besisahar is also the administrative headquarters of Lamjung district. Overnight in Besisahar.
Our trek begins from Besisahar. Until reaching the foothill of Bahundanda, the trek ascends slowly. But from here, we have to climb uphill to reach Bahundanda, a beautiful village at the top of the hill. Being on a hilltop, this place provides a magnificent view of the topography around. Overnight in Bahundanda.
From Bahundanda, the trail drops steeply at the beginning. Passing through many mountain streams, we cross the Marsayangdi River through a suspension bridge, trek alongside it, and climb through the forest to reach Chyamche where we will stay overnight.
After a healthy breakfast, we begin our today’s trek walking along the bank of Marsayangdi River to reach the village of Tal. We will pass through many tea houses and waterfalls along this ascending trail to Bagarchhap. This Gurung and Tibetan settlement features houses with Tibetan designs. Overnight in Bagarchhap.
Today’s trek begins with a steep climb to Timang which facilitates the view of mountains like Annapurna II (7,937 m) and Manaslu (8,163 m). The view gets even more magnificent when we reach Chame. The influence of Tibetan culture continues in this village too. Overnight in Chame.
Passing along the pine forest with Lamjung Himal (6983m) in sight, we continue on our trail alongside Marsayangdi River. We are greeted by the magnificent waterfall as we reach Brathang village. The Mani wall along the way and the marvelous sight of Pisang Peak (6091m) and Annapurna II (7937m) can be seen from Pisang. Overnight in Pisang.
Taking the route south of Marsayangdi River via Humde, the Pisang Peak (6091m) accompanies on the way. Passing along the small Thakali villages, we can see the magnificent panoramic view of Annapurna II (7937m) and Annapurna III (7555m) on our way to Manang. We cross many monasteries before entering the famous town of Manang. Overnight in Manang.
We will spend the day resting and getting used to the environment for upcoming steep climbs. We can stroll around this beautiful town of Manang, make a visit to a nearby village, or even take a visit to Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake as per one’s wish. The vista of the Annapurna range and Gangapurna (7454m) seen from Manang and the outskirts is mesmerizing. Overnight in Manang.
Leaving Manang, we pass through the stupa with the marvelous view of Gangapurna Lake. Before reaching the village of Tengi, we reach the confluence Thorung Khola and Khangsar Khola that make up the beautiful Marsayangdi River. We can witness an amazing view of Gangapurna Mountain (7454m) on the way to Ghunsang village. Along the way to Yak Kharka, we are also blessed with the magnificent view of Annapurna I (809m), III (7555m), Tilicho Peak (7134m). Walking alongside Thorung Khola, we cross a Mani wall and then enter Yak Kharka. As its name suggests, we can find many yaks grazing in the meadows here. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
Passing by the suspension bride before reaching Ledar village, we can witness great views of Nilgiri (7061m) and Annapurna I (8091m). Walking along the narrow and steep slopes, we reach Thorung Phedi from where we can witness wonderful views of Mt. Syagang (6026m), Thorung Peak (6144m), and Khatungkang (6484m). Overnight in Thorung Base Camp.
A steep climb awaits the day to reach Thorong La Pass (5416m), one of the highest mountain passes in Nepal. So we begin this day's trek quite early than the previous days. We are rewarded with a magnificent view from the top of the pass after a tedious climb. This is the highest elevation of the whole trek. From Thorong La Pass to Muktinath is mostly a downhill trek. Muktinath, situated in lower Mustang, is an important pilgrimage site to both Buddhists and Hindus. Overnight in Muktinath.
The day starts with an early morning visit to Muktinath temple, which is mostly bustling with pilgrims from all around the country. Then the downhill trek takes us to Lubra village through Lubra Danda (hill). Passing through the gorge created by the Kali Gandaki River, we reach Jomsom. On the way, we can also witness gorgeous views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountain ranges on the backdrop. Jomsom, a place mainly inhabited by Thakali ethnics, is famous for its strong winds. Overnight in Jomsom.
Passing by the ethnic Thakali community and the apple gardens along with the panoramic views of Nilgiri (7061m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), and Tukuche (6920m) on the background, we reach Kalopani via Marpha. Marpha is considered the apple capital of Nepal where different food and beverages made from apple are available. We descend from Marpha via Chokhopani and Kokhethanti to reach Kalopani for the overnight stay.
Mostly a downhill trek along the deep canyon of Kali Gandaki, the trail takes us through the village of Lete where the river with the same name meets Kali Gandaki River. We cross a Mani wall before heading across the suspension bridge near Ghasa. The drop in altitude leads to abundant sub-tropical vegetation. Before reaching Tatopani, we also pass through a beautiful waterfall at Chhahara. The sight of the mountains mostly relegates to the far away backdrop. After reaching Tatopani, we can enjoy bathing in the natural hot spring. Overnight in Tatopani.
Today's trekking route covers dense vegetation, rhododendron forests, and the sub-tropical valleys along with the encounter with the Gurung and Magar inhabitation. We pass through the beautiful village of Shikha and Chitre before reaching Ghorepani. Overnight in Ghorepani.
The day begins with a hike to Poon Hill early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Poon Hill is the last attraction of this trek. The landscape surrounded by rhododendron and the majestic sight of the Himalayan panorama from the top of Poon Hill is quite dazzling. Afterward, we descend to Ghorepani and then head on to Nayapul. The trail takes us to Nayapul through Hile, Sudame, Lamdawali, and Birethanti from Tikhedhunga. Enjoying the scenes along the way, we will drive back to Pokhara from Nayapul on the same day. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Pokhara.
Leaving the beautiful city of Pokhara, we drive back to Kathmandu watching the scenic background along the mighty Trishuli River. We will make a few stops at times to have tea and lunch and travel in the most relaxed way. In Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel room. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
The 20-day long trip comes to an end today. Our team representative will have a brief session with you and you will be accompanied to the airport to connect you with your flight back home.
FAQs
The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the Thorong La Pass, situated at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet)
The ideal times for the Annapurna Circuit Trek are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods offer stable weather conditions, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making them favorable for trekking.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered moderately to highly challenging due to its length, altitude, and varying weather condition.
Yes, altitude sickness is a significant concern due to the high elevations reached during the trek. If symptoms occur, it's important to descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention if necessary.