Annapurna Circuit Trek

On arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you'll be received by View Nepal Treks staff and guide and then transfer to your hotels. After checking into rooms and getting refreshed join at the meeting place for Annapurna Circuit treks. You will get a briefing on the hotels, lodge, route, with other, do's and don’ts. This session also includes a welcome dinner.

Today in Kathmandu preparation starts for this great trek. You have the day to buy and hire the gears required for the treks. For interested people, you can join in our half-day tour around Kathmandu with places of great interest like the world heritage sites. Complete the preparation for the trek Annapurna Circuit.

The morning starts with a drive on a tourist coach or smaller vehicle depending on the group size for an overland journey. This takes you away from Kathmandu valley, heading into areas with clear views of snowcapped mountains. The journey continues on busy main highway past farm villages and towards Mid-West to reach the Lamjung district. Crossing Besisahar town, our drive follows Masrsyangdi River upstream to reach our first overnight stop at a small farm village at Syange.

From Syange village a morning climb after leaving the river behind will take you to a nice farm village of Jagat. The walk leads on a gradual winding up the trail to Chamje. After crossing a bridge we will walk in the forested area, with views of Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. A relaxed path takes you to the nice village of Tal Besi, from here it's 2-3 hours of walk left to Dharapani village for the overnight stop. Dharapani is a nice village situated at the junction of Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu trekking trail.

After Dharapani we will follow the rhododendron and pine tree forest and into Bagachap and Danque. It then goes steep up to Timang village. Around this area, you can expect a cooler climate and notice more Buddhist culture with the view of Mt. Manaslu 8,163m / 26,781ft. From Timang village, a few hours walk takes you to Koto and then to Chame town for an overnight stop. Chame a large and major town of Manang area and the headquarters of Manang district.

From here onwards the air gets chilling as the walk leads us close to the mountains. The morning walk leads through enchanting alpine forests with rhododendron and pine trees. Follow the Marshyangdi River upstream with short ups and down hills to Bhratang village. From Bhratang village our walk follows uphill through alpine woodland to Dhukure Pokhari, a small place with few teahouses and lodge overlooking Chulu’s and Pisang peak. With a lunch break here, the walk descends to lower Pisang village for the overnight stop.

Pisang village offers great scenery of mountains and surrounding landscapes. From here altitude gain continues as the morning walk leads through the forest. Short uphill grants you with super views of staggering Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna Chulu’s and Pisang peak. As the walk reaches the flat valley at Hongde village next. From here onward tree lines disappear for barren, arid landscapes with cold, dry arctic climates. Before Manang, visit the old Braga monastery with old Buddhist relics, ancient wall paintings and frescos. The stunning views of Annapurna peak lead an hour walk to Manang village. The houses around Manang are built in traditional Tibetan style and the Manang people are known for their rich culture and traditions.

A necessary rest day for acclimatization before heading higher towards Thorang-la pass. In Manang, you have an optional short hike and you can explore Manang village and valley next. Manang is a large village situated on a windswept valley at the bank of Masrsyangdi River beneath the Annapurna and Gangapurna mountain range. Take a nice walk uphill for views of Gangapurna Glacier and the Manang emerald Lake.

After a good rest at Manang, a morning walk leads towards Ghunsang village. It continues on the uphill path to Yak Kharka, an interesting high altitude trekking stop with super views of snowcapped mountains. Then after crossing a small stream river you will reach Yak Kharka. It is a small settlement with tremendous views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks.

As the walk advances to the high areas, we will be heading closer to the base of Thorang-la. The walk leads to cross a bridge and then a climb along the riverbank of Jarjung. Passing by Thorang Phedi short steep climb takes you to Thorang High Camp for an overnight stop.

A Big Day! Of this great adventure. An early breakfast and morning walk leads us to the long climb of Thorang-la. A steep and winding trail awaits to reach on top at Thorang La Pass above 5,416 m high. The highest spot of the adventure rewards you with a super vista of landscapes and snow-capped peaks. Enjoy for a while and then a long descend follows to reach the Muktinath Temple premises. At an elevation of 3,800 m high, prepare for an overnight stop in its nice and cozy lodge, facing views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri’s peaks. Muktinath Temple here is a holy spot for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. The word Muktinath means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation.

After Muktinath, the rest of the journey is much easier due to the construction of a motorable road. Take a drive from here to reach lower warmer areas at Tatopani village with natural hot-springs. The journey leads to a big drop of 1,200 m towards Kaligandaki river valley, and the riding past Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang region with a small airstrip above Kaligandaki River. After Jomsom head to Marpha, a charming village with whitewashed houses, paved streets, and numerous well kept lodges. Marpha and Kaligandaki areas are famous for delicious apples and local products like cider, brandy, and juice. From Marpha onward follow the Kaligandaki River downstream, past Tukuche village. As the drive leads past Kalapani and Lete villages the views of Mt. Annapurna I, Nilgiri’s and Dhaulagiri, from here onward is fantastic. A dramatic change in vegetation and landscapes from dry, arid desert to pine and conifer forested area, as the journey leads between two giant peaks of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna forming world’s deepest gorge of Kaligandaki River. Finally, our scenic drive leads to Tatopani village for an overnight stop.

After a pleasant and refreshing time at Tatopani, We'll continue to walk after a short drive for the day. Soon we leave the river behind as our walking route diverts uphill towards the steeply terraced hillside, dotted with farms and villages. After the walk past the steep section and then on a gradual trail all the way walking into the dense alpine forest to Chitre. From this nice village, an hour climb lets you reach Ghorepani village offering fantastic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri range of peaks with Annapurna South and Vara-Shikar also known as Annapurna Fang. This lovely village Ghorepani is located on a high spot on the route of the old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade Route which leads to Upper Mustang and beyond the Tibet border.

In the morning, take an hour hike to Poon Hill 3,210 m high. The hilltop offers fantastic sunrise views over the array of mountains from Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu to Annapurna and as far to Ganesh Himal around the eastern horizon. Views also include majestic Mt. Machhapuchare “The Fish Tail” one of the most recognized and scenic peaks. After a marvelous time at Poon Hill, we head back to Ghorepani and continue to walk within the serene rhododendron forest. The walk continues on a gradual trail for short period, and then a long descend from Ulleri village on the stone-paved steps all the way to reach Tirkhedhunga for our last overnight stop of the Annapurna Trek.

From Tirkhedhunga, our last day walk of the adventure leads on a downhill trail through scattered farm villages with views of beautiful waterfalls and then reaching the nice village Bhirethati. Located by the Modi River we will follow its bank to a short walk to Nayapul. Here our trek ends and we will be taking an exciting drive to beautiful Pokhara valley for the overnight stop. Walk by the serene Lake Phewa in the evening.

Enjoy the pleasant overnight stop at magnificent Pokhara by its beautiful Phewa Lake with superb views of the Annapurna Mountains. An exciting drive brings you back to Kathmandu. Remember the trek with memorable moments around the high hills of Annapurna Himalaya. Rest for the afternoon is free at leisure.

A free leisure day in Kathmandu for you to enjoy extra individual own activities and shopping souvenirs. One can also join in another exciting sightseeing tour around Kathmandu-Patan and Bhaktapur. You can cover all places listed in world heritage sites as well as the sites of great religious and historical importance.

Today, your last day in Nepal will be the day to look back at the adventure you have completed. With great experiences and fond memories of excellent Annapurna Circuit trekking, you will leave this country. As per your time for the flight, View Nepal staff will transfer you to the airport for your final departure homeward bound or to your next destinations.