Annapurna Circuit

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the greatest treks in Nepal, if not the world. This classic circuit trek is an incredibly varied and extraordinarily beautiful journey. Dramatic deep gorges, bleak high mountain passes, Buddhist temples, picturesque farming villages and all the major mountains of the Annapurna Massif. To reach the start of the trek, we drive first down the main Pokhara road from Kathmandu and then follow the Marshyangdi River to Besisahar. The trek proper begins here, crossing and re-crossing the gorge carved by the Marshyangdi River on suspension bridges before you reach Manang, the largest village on the route. An acclimatisation day is taken here to prepare for crossing the Thorung La pass which is the highest point of the trek at 5416m. From there you descend progressively with plenty of up and down along the way until you reach Jomsom. We end our trip with a spectacular mountain flight to Pokhara and then a second flight on to Kathmandu.

02 / WHY GO

The memorable moments

One of the World’s greatest circuit treks Traverse the famous Thorung La pass Lodge-based accommodation Open and private treks available

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day 01: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU — All trekkers need to organise their own flights to Kathmandu International Airport (KTM). From Kathmandu Airport we will arrange a private transfer to your hotel. That night or early the next morning you will meet your local Kandoo representative and have a full pre-trek briefing. Day 02: DRIVE TO BESISAHAR - TREK TO BHULBHULE — We begin this trip driving along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then following the rough road along the Marshyangdi River. After 6 hours we finally reach Besisahar, the capital of Lamjung District, and starting point of our trek. We begin the trek following the path to Pam Khola. On crossing the stream, we climb up towards the village of Denauti where we will see Nepali village life at close quarters. As the trail nears the Khudi Khola, we reach the Gurung village of Bhulbhule. Day 03: TREK TOO JAGAT — A steep trail descends from Bhulbhule before crossing a stream. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside before reaching the village of Hani Gaon. We follow the winding mountain path down through Syange and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the river-bed. Eventually we descend to the village of Jagat, situated on a shelf that juts out into the Marshyangdi valley. TREK TO BAGARCHAP TREK TO CHAME TREK TO PISANG Day 04: TREK TO BAGARCHAP — The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest, before ascending to a sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply on the path to Sattale and then to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding and we pass the forested village of Karte and Dharepani before we finally reach Bagarchap. Annapurna II becomes visible as we arrive at Bagarchap, a Bhotia village with colourful prayer flags. Day 05: TREK TO CHAME — As we continue ascending through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a large waterfall. Further on, the Marshyangdi River enters a gorge and the trail follows a rock-strewn path. When the steep incline ends, we follow a path amid rhododendrons and continue on a gently rising path. We cross a stream before entering a pine forest. We then enter the hamlet of Kotho, from where we can get a good view of Annapurna II. The route reaches a large white gate with a corrugated iron roof, which is the entrance of Chame, the administrative headquarters of Manang district. There is electricity, shops, health post, post office and banks in Chame. The hot springs are a major attraction too. Day 06: TREK TO PISANG — Today we head off for Pisang crossing a large suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi. Our trail meanders through fields leading to Teleku at 2775 metres before reaching Bratang. After leaving the forested village, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape. Further on, we continue up steep trails to the south side and cross a long suspension bridge at 3040 metres. From here we get to view Paungda Danda rising more than 1500 metres from the river. We cross one final bridge and enter the village of Pisang. Day 07: TREK TO MANANG — We start today heading along a steep ridge with wonderful views of the Manang valley and the Tilicho peak. We descend through Manang’s airstrip to come to Hongde, lying beneath Annapurna III on the north-east face. The route then leads to the wide plain of the Sabje Khola Valley from where we get views of Annapurna IV (7525m). Further on, we cross a wooden bridge, and enter the village of Mungji. We continue along the cultivated fields and after a while arrive at the village of Bryaga which has a lovely monastery. On trekking down to Manang, we get more views of the Annapurna range – Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m) and Tilicho Peak (7134m). Day 08: ACCLIMATISATION IN MANANG — A day for rest and acclimatisation. Today we will trek up a further 300 metres to help your acclimatisation before returning to Manang. Day 09: TREK FROM MANANG TO SRI KHARKHA — From Manang, we will start our journey to reach Siri Kharka by following the path down to the river. Crossing the river, we will continue walking through coniferous forests. We will reach the Kangsar Village, but we will continue our trek further up towards Siri Kharka and pass a monastery on the way. The uphill walk could be tiring, but the scenic view of Gungang Himal and Mount Chulu will make us to forget all our tiredness. Overnight at Siri Kharka. Day 10: SRI KHARKA TO TILICHO BASE CAMP (4140m) — In the morning, We will start our trek towards Tilicho Base Camp from Siri Kharka . We will have to walk on narrow paths in a loose scree and landslide-prone area. Walking through the middle of landslide area we can see impressive rock formations. Overnight stay at the Tilicho Base Camp. Day 11: VISIT TILICHO LAKE (4949m) ; BACK TO SRI KHARKA — Today, we begins our trek to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. The path towards lake is quite steep. After walking for Two to three hours we will reach the Tilicho lake, also called as THE GREAT ICE LAKE which is on the lap of Tilicho peak, Annapurna Range and Nilgiri Himal. From Tilicho Lake we even can’t want to blink our eye to view the fantastic views of snow capped mountain surrounding the lake. We will spend some time at lake and return back to Siri Kharka. Day 12: SRI KHARKA TO YAK KHARKA — In the morning we will leave Siri Kharka and descend towards the Khangsar Village today. On the way, we will pass Tare Gumba- a thousands year old monastery which is very important to the local people there. We will continue our journey by following a rock wall that take out of Khangsar to the Thorang Khola valley. We will be walking until we reach Yak Kharka. Yak Kharka is famous for blue sheep, if the time is right you may also see the snow leopard. Day 13: YAK KHARKA TO THORANG PHEDI (4600M) — We will start our trek towards Thorong Phedi from Yak Kharka. We will walk through uphills path until we reach the Thorong Phedi. On the way, we will get to see the several mountains including Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. Day 14: THORONG PHEDI TO MUKTINATH (3800M) VIA THORONG LA PASS (5416M) — Our journey begins from Thorong Phedi to the Thorong La Pass today. We will make a steep climb along a trail that is regularly used and easy to follow. But we need to walk through the higher altitude and Snow. Thorong La Pass is one of the highest passes in the world. It is also the highest point of the trek. From Thorong La you can get to see mesmerizing view of scenic mountains which you ever seen before. After we spend some quality time in Thorong La Pass then we will get down towards Muktinath. Day 15: DRIVE FROM MUKTINATH (3760m) VIA JOMSOM TO POKHARA — Today, early in the morning we will visit Muktinath Temple- a sacred site of Hindus and Buddhist. You can see the 108 stone sprouts through which icy cold water flows. After holy visit to Muktinath temple, we will drive to Jomsom and we will continue our journey towards Pokhara. Our path will be quite rough. After Eight to Nine hour long drive we will reach Pokhara. Day 16: REFRESH IN POKHARA AND FLY BACK TO KATHMANDU — After breakfast, we will enjoy sightseeing around Pokhara valley. In late afternoon, we will take flight to Kathmandu. Once you reach Kathmandu, it will be your rest day after successfully completing your trekking journey. Day 17: DEPARTURE — It is hard to say Goodbye to you, in this entire journey we will be as family members but no worries hope we will meet very soon in Nepal with other adventures activities. After breakfast, our representative will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your onward flight to your destination.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 10SRI KHARKA TO TILICHO BASE CAMP (4140m) — In the morning, We will start our trek towards Tilicho Base Camp from Siri Kharka . We will have to walk on narrow paths in a loose scree and landslide-prone area. Walking through the middle of landslide area we can see impressive rock formations. Overnight stay at the Tilicho Base Camp.+