Annapurna Circuit Trek

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular and challenging trek that takes you through a variety of landscapes and cultures in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The trek is usually completed in about 11 days, depending on the itinerary and pace of the trekker. It can also be extended for a week to visit Ice Lake at 4600m and Tilicho lake at 4900m. Tilicho lake is the highest altitude freshwater lake in the planet. The trek passes through 5416m Thorang la pass. The Annapurna Circuit Trek offers breathtaking views of some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. You will also have the opportunity to visit ancient monasteries and temples, including the famous Muktinath temple, which is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and Evening Sightseeing — You will be greeted by our representative at the airport and transferred to the hotel. After you are settled, you will go on a guided sightseeing tour of some of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu, including the historic Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa. In the afternoon, you will meet your trekking guide and check your trekking gear. Guide will brief you about the trip during the dinner. In the event your arrival is late in the afternoon or evening, we will reserve an extra day for the sightseeing. Day Day 2: Drive to Beshisahar (160km) and Chame (70km, 2700m / 8858.27 ft) — We will ride in a jeep for 5 hrs to beshisahar and another 4 hours to Chame following the Marshyangdi River. Its about 230 km total ride from Kathmandu through some roller coaster off roads and spine shilling cliffs. You will pass through Bagarchhap, Danakyu, and Timang before reaching Chame, which is the administrative center of Manang. We will rest overnight in Chame. Day Day 3: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,300m / 10,826.77 ft) — Chame - Pisang After breakfast, you will trek towards Pisang, passing through dense forests and beautiful apple orchards at a place called Brathang. We will stop at the apple farm for Tea and snacks. Along the way, you will have stunning views of the Annapurna Mountains and Pisang peak. It’s a moderate hikes with a few uphill stretches. Trekking distance: 14-15 km/ 8.7-9.3 mi Trekking time: 5-6 hours Total ascent: 600 m /1,968 ft Total descent: 200 m /656 ft Day Day 4: Trek from Pisang to Braka (3,540m/ 11614.17 ft) — Pisang - Braka Today, you will trek through the beautiful upper Pisang route, which offers stunning views of the Annapurna range. Annapurna 2 looks imposing from the trail. You will pass through the beautiful local villages of Ghyaru, Ngawal, and reach Braka. Trekking distance: 4-5 km/2.5-3.1 mi Trekking time: 2-3 hours Total ascent: 200 m /656 ft Total descent: 100 m /328 ft Day Day 5: Trek to Manang and acclimatize, hiking around the village (3540m/ 11614.17 ft) — Braka - Manang It’s a short trek from Braka to Manang. You can stroll around the village, get to glacial lake Gangapurna and see remnants of old village. There are nice cafes and bakery in Manang and you can sip warm tea and coffee in one of the coffee houses. Trekking distance: 7-8 km/4.3-5 mi Trekking time: 3-4 hours Total ascent: 300 m/984 ft Total descent: Minimal descent Day Day 6: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m/ 13,484.25 ft) — Manang - Yak Kharka After breakfast, you will trek towards Yak Kharka, which is a small village situated at an altitude of 4,110 meters. Along the way, you will have stunning views of the Mt. Gangapurna and, Annapurna 2, Annapurna 3, GlacierDome Chulu Mountains and Pisang peaks. Views extend all the way to Mt. Manaslu ranges. Trekking distance: 9-10 km/5.6-6.2 mi Trekking time: 3-4 hours Total ascent: 500 m/1,640 ft Total descent: Minimal descent Day Day 7: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/ 15091.86 ft) — Yak Kharka - Thorong Phedi On this day, you will trek towards Thorong Phedi, which is the last village before crossing Thorong La Pass at 5416m. The trek is relatively short, and you will have time to rest and prepare for the uphill strenuous climb the next day. Trekking distance: 7-8 km /4.3-5 mi Trekking time: 3-4 hours Total ascent: 450 m/1,476 ft Total descent: Minimal descent Day Day 8: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m / 12467.19 ft) via Thorong La Pass (5,416m/ 17769.02 ft) — Thorong Phedi - Muktinath This is a challenging uphill hike of almost 900m. We start 4:00am in the morning and reach Thorang High Camp at 6-7am. We will have tea and breakfast and continue forward to Thorang la pass and spend some time taking photos. We munch on some snacks and continue steep downhill for a 1600m descent to Muktinath. We should reach Muktinath hotel in the early afternoon. Overnight in Muktinath Hotel with nice and warm meal. Trekking distance: 16-17 km/9.9-10.6 mi Trekking time: 8-10 hours Total ascent: 1,000 m/3,280 ft from Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass; approximately 1,800 m/5,905 ft descent from Thorong La Pass to Muktinath Total descent: 1,800 m/5,905 ft Day Day 9: Trek from Muktinath to Jomson (2,670m/ 8759.84 ft) — Muktinath - Jomson It’s a beautiful trek through Lupra Pass. View of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Tukuche and Mt. Mana Pathi extends north to Mt. Mustang and the landscape in Mystifying. The descend from Lupra Pass to the village of Lupra, a village of Bonpo followers is strenuous and then the trail is more easy from there to Jomson. We will have something to eat and drink in Lupra before continuing to Jomsom. We will stay in a hotel in Jomsom. Trekking distance: 17-18 km/10.6-11.2 mi Trekking time: 5-6 hours Total ascent: Minimal ascent Total descent: 1,130 m/3,707 ft Day Day 10: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight the next day or whole day jeep ride the same day — Jomsom is the district headquarters and administrative center of Mustang. The airport connects to Pokhara by flights. We can terminate our trek in Jomson and catch a flight to Pokhara or catch a jeep ride for 10-12 hrs to reach Pokhara by road. The view of Mt. Nilgiri is a sight to behold and is directly south and east of Jomsom. If time permits, we will visit the village of Marpha, an ethnic Thakali Village 9 km south of Jomson. It is famous for apples, apple brandy and yak meats. Day Day 11: Fly to Kathmandu and Afternoon Sightseeing and shopping — It’s a 25 min short flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. If you are seated on the left window, you will see the Mt. Dhaulagiri on west, Annapurna ranges followed by Manaslu, Ganesh and Langtang on north and your flight time will be over before you even notice. We will settle in the hotel and visit the city for sightseeing and souvenir shopping. Day Day 12: Return back home — We will drop you at the airport and bid you a pleasant bye for your return journey home.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu and Evening Sightseeing — You will be greeted by our representative at the airport and transferred to the hotel. After you are settled, you will go on a guided sightseeing tour of some of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu, including the historic Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa. In the afternoon, you will meet your trekking guide and check your trekking gear. Guide will brief you about the trip during the dinner. In the event your arrival is late in the afternoon or evening, we will reserve an extra day for the sightseeing.+