Annapurna Circuit Trek – Traditional Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek takes the crown of ultimate trekking experience that whole of Nepalese Himalaya has to offer and we are not the only ones making this statement, ask any other fortunate soul who has completed the circuit and more than likely, he/she will run out of adjectives to embellish their experience.
This 128- mile route which circles around glorious Annapurna range, is almost a holy grail of trekking and can be done in 19 days. We are sure there are places with more luxurious lodges, places that can surpass in terms of their ruggedness as well as remoteness and areas that house many holier spiritual hubs but still, no other trail can ever take the crown away from Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Annapurna Circuit Trek starts with a short drive from Kathmandu and with newer roads, this trek has been more accessible. But, we suggest you to leave the comfort of vehicle and complete this trek on foot for more authentic and raw experience.
The lodges in this region provide many dining options and are usually full of necessary resources that you might need in various stages of trek. There are many relatively unexplored villages on the way, housed by indigenous Gurung people well known for their warm hospitality, unique culture and honesty.
The influence of Buddhism can be seen in all major aspects of life and the traditional beauty of Gompas and other monasteries adorn the route. From the low lands of Lamjung to the high alpine region of Manang, from otherworldly arid landscape of Mustang to the woodlands of Kaski, the everyday variation in landscape and vegetation will be quite a treat to your eyes.
This is a circular trek and thus it will entail going up from one valley and over the high pass to descend to a different valley. The highlight of this trek includes, tropical lush woodlands, deep valley of Marshyangdi, descending into world’s deepest gorge i.e.Kali Gandaki Gorge, ancient salt trading routes, Throang La pass, windy valley of Jomsom, holy temple of Muktinath, spectacular views of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Manaslu (8163m), Annapurna (8091m), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Nilgiri (7041m), Machhapuchhre (6998m) and many more.
In conclusion, Annapurna Circuit Trek is an amalgamation of the best of what Annapurna region has to offer and it will add up to be one of the most complete and wholesome trekking experience for you.
As being one of the famous trekking trail in Nepal, Annapuna Circuit Trek has being receiving many tourist these years before this Covid- 19 pandemic, and after the pandemic, this region is also seriously affected due to the low number of tourist. Somehow after this new year 2022, there has been gradually growing on number of trekkers doing Annapurna Circuit Trek. After following the protocol of CCMCC which is Covid- 19 Crisis Management Coordination Center of Nepal, one can have the pleasure of getting the most exiting experience of trekking in Annapurna Region.
In alternate of Annapurna Circuit Trek for seeking a less crowd, it is recommended to trek to Manaslu Circuit Trek as the ultimate experience of losing yourself in the paradise of Himalayas with ancient human civilization of people from Tibet and also it is contentment to explore preserved gompas and stupas which has the history of hundreds of ages.
After landing at the Tribhuwan International Airport, we will be greeted by a representative of Trek Venture Nepal, who will drop us off at our hotel. We then check-in at the hotel, freshen up and take a rest. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be hosted by Trek Venture Nepal.
Overnight in Kathmandu, Breakfast and Dinner Included.
We tour Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa and Bouddhanath stupa which are all world heritage sites. The Durbar Square reveals the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple and Baudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. We stroll around the shop of Thamel to buy the necessary things for the trek.
Overnight in Kathmandu, Breakfast Included.
We will have our breakfast at hotel in Kathmandu and our trekking guide will meet you there in hotel. He will brief about the schedule for the day. We then drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway to Dumre and turn right towards the narrow and paved road by the Marsyangdi River to Besisahar. Beshisahar means the lower city and it is the junction for shopping, get together and gateway for traveler in this region.You will be driven for around 5 hours today to Besi Sahar through first glimpse for true nature outside Kathmandu valley where you will explore fast flowing rivers, greenery vegetation through the road before reaching Besi Sahar, the Lamjung district headquarters. Here you will be shown to your hotel for the night.
Overnight in Lodge, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included.
This is not the main route of the Annapurna circuit but it allows you to explore small villages like Khasur with good landscape of the valley. We will cross the first (and for sure not the last) suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi River and walked steep uphill to Khasur. From Khasur we had a great view down to the valley and the Marshyangdi River and again we start to walk further all the way down to the valley. It will be up and down for the rest of the day. At the end of the day, we had to walk up steep again and after 6 ½ hours walking time we will make it to Bahundanda. There was a checkpoint for permits and after the permits where checked, we will stay in the respected hotel.
Overnight in Bahundanda, Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
After having breakfast, we start trek descends to Syange village crossing fields and local villages, a short downhill walk brings you Syange village is reached after crossing a long suspension bridge, and we will trek continues gradually uphill from the river and the last steep climb to get to Jagat Village for overnight stay.
Overnight in Jagat, Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Dharapani, we will continue trek enjoying the view of mountains, and beautiful waterfalls on the way. Today will be an easy day. After 5 hours of walking, we will reach Chame, the headquarter of Manang district. It’s a beautiful little town with more facility than our previous trekking days.
Overnight in Chame, Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Dharapani, we will continue trek enjoying the view of mountains, and beautiful waterfalls on the way. Today will be an easy day. After 5 hours of walking, we will reach Chame, the headquarter of Manang district. It’s a beautiful little town with more facility than our previous trekking days.
Overnight in Chame, Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
After breakfast at Chame, we climb up to Telekhu and continue on a long, mostly flat path through a forest to Bhrathang. We cross the Marshyangdi via a suspension bridge. Reach Dhikurpokhari and 45 minutes trek to reach Pisang. We will stay in Pisang at the teahouse.
Overnight in Pisang, Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
The Pisang village divides of lowland settlements from those in the mountains. Visit the Tibetan-style village of Braga, where houses are stacked upon each other with the roof of one house acting as a veranda of the one above it. The main attraction of Braga village is its monastery, the largest in the district. With an array of statues on display, this monastery is perched atop a high crag and provides wonderful views of the surrounding areas. From Braga 45 minutes trek to reach Manang. We will stay in Manang at the teahouse.
Overnight in Manang, Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
We need to acclimatize to avoid the risk of altitude sickness as we move hike to a higher elevation. Spend a day in Manang village. Explore the village or hike up to Gangapurna Lake/ 100 rupees Lama Cave in the afternoon. We will stay in Manang at the teahouse.
Overnight in Manang, Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
After having breakfast, we head off on 4 hours an uphill trek to Yak Kharka passing through juniper forests and may see yak grazing in the pastures. On the way, we pass the only teahouse at Thorong Khola. Depending on the conditions we may decide to go a little further and stay the night at Letdar. We will stay in Yak Kharka at the teahouse.
Overnight in Yak Kharka, Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
After breakfast, We Follow the Jarang River. Reach Thorong Phedi, a meadow surrounded by vertical cliffs. We will stay in Thorong Phedi at the teahouse.
Overnight in Thorung Phedi, Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Today, Time to cross the highest navigable mountain pass in the world. you need to care about the altitude and strong winds. The trail we follow today has been used for hundreds of years by traders. from Phedi to trek for about 6 hours to reach Thorong La. Cross the pass while enjoying beautiful views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and other mountains. See Mt Dhaulagiri up close while descending. The trail becomes less steep as it enters grassy fields and meadows to finally reach Muktinath, one of the holiest shrines of the Hindus that is also known for its hot water spouts. We will stay in Muktinath at the teahouse.
Overnight in Muktinath, Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
After having breakfast, we start our trek, it will be an easy downhill trek towards Eklai Bhatti. Enjoying the great mountain landscapes, we finally arrive at Marpha, Marpha village is famous for apple products. The walking trail is quite windy today, therefore it is better if we cross the trails before noon. We will stay overnight in Marpha at Teahouse.
Overnight in Marpha, Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
From Marpha, we will follow the Annapurna circuit trekking trails further passing through local tea shops. The trail becomes much flatter as we hike along the Kaligandaki River with stunning views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and other neighboring peaks. The journey continues towards Kalopani, this village offers beautiful Himalayan views. We spend our night in Lete at Teahouse.
Overnight in Lete, Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
From Lete, we will continue to descend through the Kali Gandaki River Valley. On the way, we will encounter the world’s deepest gorge, Kopchepani. Tatopani is famous for its hot springs. Tatopani is the best to place relax our bodies after a long trek. We will spend our day relaxing at this spot.
Overnight in Tatopani, Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Today is a big trekking day. It will take about 7 to 9 hours to walk from Tatopani to Ghorepani. We climb about 1,680 meters up. From Ghorepani, we will be able to see Mt, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, and Tukuche Himal. We will trek through the Magar and Gurung villages on the trail.
Overnight in Ghodepani, Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Today, very early in the morning, we start one-hour hiking to Poon Hill at an elevation of 3,210 m – a brilliant spectacle. This vantage point provides unobstructed views of the early morning sunrise over the mountains, weather permitting. In Poon Hill, we spend about an hour. We return to Ghorepani where we take breakfast at the hotel. We trek down towards Tikhedunga, descending along the ridges and through rhododendron forests before finally reaching Tikhedhunga. We stay overnight at the beautiful Tikhedhunga Village.
Overnight in Tikhedhunga, Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
From Tikhedhunga After some light trekking, we reach Nayapul (1,010 m). An hour's drive takes us to Pokhara
Overnight in Hotel, Pokhara, Breakfast only
After breakfast, we will drive to Kathmandu via Prithvi Highway. Once again, the scenic bus ride will keep us refreshed throughout the journey. On arriving at Kathmandu, you can once roam around this vibrant city and buy gifts and souvenirs to take back home.
Overnight in Kathmandu, Breakfast only
Today is the end of the beautiful Annapurna Circuit journey. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking Team’s representative will take you to the airport 3 hours prior to your flight. We bid farewell as you take heaps of memories and happiness back to your home. Thank you.
