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Trekking,  Annapurna region

Around Annapurna trekking 16-22 Days

Date Published

The Annapurna Circuit is considered to be the most traditional trek in the Annapurna region. The highlight of this trek is crossing over the 5,416m Thorong La Pass, which is as high as one can get in this region without climbing a mountain. The Annapurna Circuit tends to be more physically demanding than the other treks in this region, so good physical condition is necessary.

Itinerary

Kathmandu

Day 01

Fly to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and be met by a member of our crew. We will be driven to our Hotel and later go on a familiarization walk with one of our guides. 

Kathmandu

Day 02

Spend the day on a guided tour of sacred Tibetan stupas and monasteries. 

Khudi (790m/2,600ft)

Day 03

Drive 190km (5 hrs) by private vehicle from Kathmandu to Besisahar and than trek 1 hour further to Khudi. This is a beautiful road trip through the hill country with views of the Himalayas. 

Syanje (1,314m/4,323ft)

Day 04
7,493m/24,652 ft

Trek 16km (6 hrs) through a lovely valley, crossing suspension bridges and seeing waterfalls. From this portion of the trek you can view Mt. Lamjung (6,775m/22,291 ft), Mt. Manaslu II and Peak 29 . 

Dharapani (1,860m/6,120ft)

Day 5

As we proceed ahead (17km/7hrs), the valley becomes more narrow with scarcely populated villages perched on the steep flank of the valley wall. This valley was once a well trafficked area along the salt trading route with Tibet. We will officially enter the Manang District at Tal (1,700m/5,593ft) which is 2 ½ hours away from Dharapani. Here the Marsyangdi River ambles through a small widening of the valley floor, providing fertile ground for planting before vanishing into the huge boulders created by landslide. 

Chame (2,670m/ 8,596ft)

Day 6

Trek 13km/6hrs passing by many chortens and mani-walls, as we go through villages heavily influenced by the Tibetan culture. The entry gate at Kani Village wards off evil spirits giving those that pass through it added blessings for a safe journey. As we reach Chame, the headquarters for the Manang District, Annapurna II appears looming in the distance. 

Pisang (3,185m/10,479ft)

Day 07

This 14km/5.5hrs trek crosses to the right and then the left bank of the Marsyangdi River, and the valley narrows as the trail gradually climbs to Pisang. 

Manang (3,351m/11,025ft)

Day 08

As we trek 15km/5hrs along the south bank of the Marsyangdi Khola the landscape becomes sparse with vegetation. The trail continues along the river basin slowly ascending to Manang. 

Manang

Day 09

We will spend a day in the village of Manang to rest and acclimatize. Some nice day trips are possible from here. Annapurna III and Gangapurna are displayed magnificently here with a hanging glacier in between. 

Yak Kharka (4,018m/13,219ft)

Day 10

We trek 8.5km/5.5hrs branching away from the Marsyangdi Khola, steadily climbing into quiet distinct alpine areas. 

Thorong Phedi High camp (4,800m/15,792ft)

Day 11

The trek (9km/6hrs) to Thorong Phedi goes through meadows and ever changing rocky landslide areas, before finishing with a very steep climb to the high camp.

Muktinath (3,798m/12,495ft)

Day 12

Today is one of the most challenging trek days (11km/7hrs), as we will leave very early in the morning (before sunrise) to cross the Thorong La pass (5,416m/17,819ft) by noon, and then trek down to Muktinath. Muktinath, a symbol of religious acceptance, is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike, for they worship their God by a different name in the same temple.

Jomsom (2,800m/9,212ft)

Day 13

The 18.5km/5hrs trek to Jomsom descends from here, with views of the Kaligandaki River far below and Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri peaks towering in the west. At Eklobhatti Village the trail conjoins with the path from Kagbeni winding along the valley floor through beautiful barren lands with snow capped peaks in the distance. 

Tukche (2,590m/8,521ft) (4 hrs) (11km)

Day 14

Trek 11km/4hrs along a river bed (where you can look for ammonite fossils) and then by apple, peach and apricot orchards. We will pass through Marpha, a peaceful Tibetan settlement with a large temple and monastery, before reaching Tukche. 

Ghasa (2,010m/6,613ft)

Day 15

We trek 19km/6hrs along the river valley with a few tributary crossings before reaching Larjung. After Dhampu the scenery changes dramatically, as we enter a pine forest with lush vegetation and have beautiful views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna region. The trek from Kalopani to Lete Khola gradually goes down before the final climb to Ghasa.

Tatopani (1,190m/3,915ft)

Day 16

The trek (15.5km/6hrs) is a gradual descent through valleys and fields with beautiful rupse chahara (water falls) along the way. We will stop in Dana Village, site of the deepest gorge in the world, and have lunch. Tatopani (hot water), where we will be stopping, is home to some wonderful hot springs that sit beside the icy river. It is here that you will have your first opportunity in many days to have a nice soak. 

Tatopani

Day 17

We will take a rest day in Tatopani, and renew our weary limbs by alternating soaks between the river and the springs. 

Ghorepani (2,750m/9,047ft)

Day 18

This 13km/7hrs trek is a challenging ascent, but it is well worth the sunset view over the profiles of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. 

Pokhara (800m/2,632ft)

Day 19

The day begins with a pre-sunrise hike (45 minutes) up to Poon Hill (3,193m/10,505ft), the highest hill on the entire trek, for amazing views and photo opportunities of the Mustang and Pokhara Valleys. From the top you can see as many as 30 snow capped peaks, including the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri. Trek 16km/6.5hrs down to Nayapul (1,100m/3,619ft) and drive 33km (1 hr) to Pokhara. 

Pokhara

Day 20

Today is a rest day in this lovely lakeside village. For those that choose to go on an outing, you can go paddling on the lake or take a visit to the Peace Temple which overlooks the lake. 

Kathmandu

Day 21

Fly back from Pokhara to Kathmandu in the late morning after breakfast. 

Kathmandu

Day 22

Depature from the airport.


 

The trek program is – because of weather or unforeseen events – subject to change.