Annapurna Circuit Trek

When your flight touches Kathmandu Airport (TIA), your plans of trekking Annapurna Circuit finally comes into play. First of all, complete your visa and airport custom formalities; then you will meet our office representative holding a display board with your name on it at the arrival gate. He will then transfer you to your hotel and assist you in checking into a hotel with few refreshments.

Kathmandu, the cultural and economical hub of the nation is a popular site with plenty of UNESCO world heritage sites. Basically, we shall go sightseeing around these heritage sites from Kathmandu Durbar Square (or Patan Durbar Square), Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. Get plenty of cultural influences, witnessing the jatras, festivals that happen most of the time, enjoy visits to Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, and stupas.

After completion of our sightseeing program, meet the Icicles Adventure representative and your trekking guide for a brief trip discussion. They can assist you with checking your gears and you may hire/buy any equipment that seems missing in your pack. Stay overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu. 

Today we shall take a comfortable and scenic countryside drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar via the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway.  Leaving Kathmandu behind you drive through the snaky mountain road.  You cross several small streams and run parallel to the Trishuli River. You may see people rafting in the Trishuli river. After you cross the bridge in Mungling, we drive parallel to Marshyandi River. We sometimes see beautiful views of snow-capped Himalayas most of which belong to the Manaslu range and surrounding peaks. After nearly 7 hours of drive, with a quick stop for lunch along the route, finally, we reach Beshisahar which is also the headquarter of Lamjung district. It used to be the starting point of the trek until a couple of years ago, but at present condition due to the road being constructed further, we prefer to drive up to Syange. Almost every supply to higher altitude valleys and villages passes through this route and we can see local marketplace here carrying out their deals on commodities. We stay overnight at the local teahouse.

Driving time: 7-8 hours drive.

Just after getting up at Syange, we enjoy a hearty breakfast. Our trekking route comprises a gradual descend through beautiful forests.  Crossing a river over the suspension bridge, we start to ascend to Tal. After walking along the narrow cliffs and ridges, we find ourselves around the rocky settings, and further crossing the local village of Karte, we will again gradually descend to the riverside. After crossing the river over beautiful windy and slowly swinging from steps of people passing by, we spot a mani stone marked with mantras and chants on it. This place is called Dharapani and we stay overnight here at one of the local teahouses. 

It shall be around 500m gain in altitude today while we make more ascends with few descends from Dharapani to Chame. Our trekking day begins as we slowly hike up through beautiful refreshing pine and oak trees that lead us to Danaque. Further, we do cross a small wooden bridge and it will be steep ascend to Temang which is situated at the base of Lamjung peak. From this point beautiful views of the Manaslu Himalayan range are visible and also a couple of teahouses here are available, we have our lunch over here and the path turns flattered and straight from there. After about an hour walking easily, we cross Thanchok settlement over there popular for Apple products and thirty minutes from there takes us to Chame. Chame is the headquarter of the Manang district.

Our morning at Chame would be beautiful and sparkling as warm rays of sun sparkle nearby Lamjung Himal (6894m). Boarding on from our teahouse on our foot, taking steps enjoying the natural settings and surroundings, we take a steep climb to a place called Bhartang. We take on that challenge and pull it off with help of the trekking leader’s recommendation, decision and follow-on through jungle walk in between trees, floras, faunas entering into the valley at end of the day called Pisang. We see Pisang peak(6091m) with other nearby Annapurna Himalayas today and stay overnight at the local lodge. 

As we cross 3500m of altitude today, we can see a slight change in our topographical surroundings. The trekking route is much drier in the upper half of the Manang district. Yak herding and local agricultural farmings are major practices and occupations of local inhabitants.  Leaving behind Pisang, we climb a steep ridge that allows us to enjoy great views of Manang valley. Further taking the southern route through a tiny airstrip at Hongde(3325m) gradually, we pass through Ngwal village. Marshyandi river that we see again meets us at Mungi. In this way trekking for further an hour take us to Manang where we shall stay two night for acclimatization.

We will need proper acclimatization here to avoid altitude sickness, and let our body adapt to the change in surroundings. We shall do scenic walks around Manang village and do hike up to Gangapurna lake or Melaripa cave.

At Manang, there is also the Himalayan Rescue Association and if you are interested in volunteering then you can also assist western doctors here. You can also go to the local Manang Museum and stroll around the streets within Manang exploring their local products and culture.

Gangapurna Lake is just 30-45 minutes away. From a viewpoint, you can enjoy Annapurna Range, Braga Village, and Manang Valley. The lake has turquoise blue colored water caused due the the sediments of Gangapurna Glacier.

If you choose to hike to Milarepa cave, we must get ready for a religious trail as it is a buddhist shrine significant to the locals. The cave was named after a Tibetan poet who used to meditate at this cave. On the way we can see the statie of Milarapa and a glimpse of Marsangdi Valley. In Milarepa cave, there is a huge buddhist statue and many prayers flag welcoming us with a view of nearby glaciers.

We leave behind Manang village today crossing over the river stream. It shall be a challenging walk as mostly it is climbing activity through tough terrains above 4000m of altitude. Then we shall arrive at small Tenki village settlement from where we descend towards Jarsang valley, again cross the river, have our lunch at the nearby lunch site, and take on the strenuous steep climb towards Yak Kharka which is basically a Yak grazing field or in simple words Yak pasture land where we can see few Yaks grazing on grounds. Above this point there is no greenery, we feel like we have entered into alpine surroundings now after. If you can and are interested then with consultation with our professional trekking leader, you can hike up to Ledar today. We stay overnight at the local lodge at Yak Kharka. 

Thorang Phedi can be also considered as the base of Thorongla pass or a popular stop before we cross that high altitude pass. Today we leave behind the Yak Kharka, initially, there is a short descend towards the riverside of Marshyandi River passing. Hereafter this riverside lunch we ascend towards Ledar and at the end of the day, we arrive at Thorong Phedi at 4600m above sea level. According to season, your fitness level, and level of interest, you might also take a step forward towards Thorong high camp for a night stay. But most of the time we stop at Thorang Phedi. Overnight stay at local lodge. 

Today shall be the most important, challenging as well as rewarding day as we cross Thorong La Pass, the highest point of this trek, and heavenly site at 5416m elevation standing tall at eye level with Annapurna Himalayas.  We start our day early today before sunrise between 4 to 5 AM as reaching we target to arrive at the high pass before 10 am. Strong wind and clouds are common phenomena at that point afternoon, so we try to avoid that as far as possible while taking the best views like never before. This part of the trail is quite dangerous too, as heavy snowfall may cause interruption to plans and worst-case scenarios, therefore according to the weather condition of that exact time, consulting your trip leader and following his instructions is compulsory. Don’t simply follow your instincts or other group members. Always trust an experienced and professional trekking guide leading your group. From Thorong La pass we can see panoramic views of Annapurna Himalayas, surrounding us from all directions including other peaks like Yakgawa Kang, Khatung Gang, etc.

Further gentle descend changes to a steeper one and we slowly approach the popular pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Muktinath is a well-known religious site for both Buddhist and Hindu followers. There we get an opportunity to visit temples, monasteries and major Muktinath temples with 108 surrounding water spouts is the major one. Jwala Mai temple is another attraction of the pilgrimage site. We stay overnight at a local lodge in Muktinath. 

Spiritual essence circulates around our atmosphere as we shall visit the holy temple of Muktinath early in the morning today. We shall have our breakfast and walk gradually downhill to Ekley Bhatti. It is quite a steep walk down the trails, so careful and proper use of trekking poles along is required. Take one step at a time, don’t rush; simply enjoy the serene surroundings around and comfortably reach Ekley Bhatti. Further, we push ourselves towards Jomsom, a very windy place where you need to have a full face mask and wind stopper jacket to avoid windblast. Wind forming across the Valley Mountain and gorges blow even more strongly in the afternoon; therefore we try to cross the downstream of Kaligandaki and arrive at Marpha before noon. This local village of Marpha is popular for apple products and we shall surely taste a few. 

After celebrating apple day at Marpha, we make our way along few local tea shops commonly called bhattis. Tasting a few apple brandies, tea or coffee would be a better choice over there. In this similar manner, while comfortably walking on a flatter surface,  we also get quite splendid views of nearby Dhaulagiri Himalaya. Further, we cross Tukuche village and see the famous Dhaulagiri icefall where we might stop for a while to take some pictures and enjoy beautiful landscape settings. Our walk then continues towards Largung and Kobang village on a more or less flatter surface trail to Kalopani. If you are interested then we can also do some industrial visits to Tikuche Distillery that supplies the drinking water to nearby villages and towns. 

We shall get wonderful views of Mt. Annapurna I and other surrounding peaks from Kalopani. Today we will however move towards Tatopani which is more than 1000m down in elevation. Firstly we have our early meal and descend to Dana where we shall be stopping for lunch and we get to see the deepest Kaligandaki gorge of the word. Further trekking mostly downhill for 3 hours takes us to Tatopani. From here also, we get to see nice views of Nilgiri and other surrounding peaks. There is a natural hot spring at Tatopani and we shall take a dip there for relaxation. Later we return to our local lodge at Tatopani. 

Trekking around Nepal Himalayas brings us lots of ups and downs. And as are at 1190m of elevation today, we take a challenge to ascend to 2780m hike to Ghorepani. This challenge we are taking also brings lots of cultural and natural influences along. Basically, we cross the villages of Ghare, Shika, Phalate, and Chhitre today where most of the local inhabitants are from Magar and Gurung communities with few mixed groups. With quick stops in the middle of trails, jungle walks, narrow paths, we also get fine views of Annapurnas today, however, the best view is seen the next day from the Poonhill viewpoint. We go to bed a little early as we need to wake up before sunrise tomorrow. 

Today we hike up early in the morning towards Ponnhill viewpoint before sunrise to see panoramic views of the same Annapurna Himalayas. The views will be from different sides and give us a new beautiful perspective to snow-capped peaks.

After approximately 45 minutes to hours of hike to the top of the hill, we wait eagerly for that magical moment to happen. Then the sun rises slowly above the Annapurna Himalayan range and is worth watching it. A few moments later, we return to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue our trek towards Nayapul.

We shall follow the popular route of the popular Ghorepani Poonhill trek via Ulleri, Tikhedhunga, Birethanti, and finally to Nayapul. Upon arrival at Nayapul, we will catch a jeep that takes us to the city of Pokhara. We stay overnight at a comfortable hotel in Pokhara.

With take a tourist bus ride to Kathmandu today early in the morning around 7 to 8 AM and arrive at Kathmandu, just in front of Icicles Adventure Office. You can then visit our office and share your Annapurna Circuit adventure or our office representative will assist you in hotel transfer (check-in). Later you are welcome to join our farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant in Thamel. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Driving time:  6 to 7 hours

After 17 amazing days of your Nepal trip with adventure on the Annapurna Circuit, the time comes to leave this beautiful country and fly to your onward destination. We will transfer you from your hotel to TIA airport in Kathmandu 3 hours prior to your scheduled international flight.

We hope that Icicles Adventure has been successful in offering you wonderful travel memories, see you again soon.

Trip Extension & Excursion Note: You can also extend your Annapurna Circuit Trek for extra days at the beautiful lake city of Pokhara, or take a few hours’ drives to Chitwan for a Jungle safari, take a scenic Everest flight, tour around Patan/Bhaktapur and/or add some extra thrill by going for bungee jumping, rafting, and other adventurous activities.