Annapurna Circuit Trekking

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

Annapurna Circuit Trekking The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you around the world's tenth highest mountain, Annapurna I ( 8,091m./26,700 ft.), crosses the Throng La Pass (5,416m/17,872ft.) from Manang to Muktinath, and takes in the magnificent mountain views from Poon Hill (3,210m/10,593ft).This trip is truly an amazing part of Nepal. The trek takes you from a low elevation of 830m/2739ft., to 5,416m/17,872ft and back. While you are on this trek, you will encounter ten different ethnic groups and pass through four different climate zones. Your efforts will be rewarded with the completion of this fantastic trek around the entire Annapurna massif. This magical trek reaches its zenith at 5,416m/17,872ft and traverses all the way through agricultural villages to high mountain passes that resemble mountain peaks and also to the beginning of the Tibetan Plateau.This ambitious adventure begins from the town of Besi Sahar. From there, the next seven days will be spent walking through rice farms, forests and friendly villages belonging to the lower realms of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The peaks of Annapurna-I (8,091m/26,700ft) and Manaslu (8,187m/26,860ft) provide the backdrop for the initial stage of this journey, passing the quaint villages of Chamje and Pisang. The village of Manang (3,500m/11550ft) marks the beginning of the next stage, where a day will be spent acclimatizing to the higher altitude. A number of excursions in the area can help the acclimatization process, e.g., visiting various monasteries or viewing Gangapurna Lake that lies at the foot of a large icefall.The Annapurna Circuit Trek will continue over Throng La Pass (5,416m/17,872ft). From here, you can marvel at the fabulous Mustang peak and the snow-clad bulk of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26951ft). On your descent, you will have an opportunity to visit the Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3,800m/12540ft) and wonder at the presence of 108 holy taps and mysterious natural gas fires. Further down, the village of Marpha is a welcome stop. Here you can test the different varieties of foods and juices produced from apple, such as apple fritter, apple pie, apple crumble, apple juice, apple brandy and apple cider. In addition to being very tasty and delicious, they are probably the cheapest and best in the world !You now descend further, down into the deepest gorge in the world on the Kali Gandeki River, all the way to Tatopani where you can relax and bathe in its natural hot springs. An early morning hike will lead you to Poon Hill (3,210m/10593ft) to see the most spectacular sunrise on earth, lighting up the picture-perfect Annapurna range. The trail leads you to another gorgeous site of Annapurna through a beautiful walk in a rhododendron forest. You will enjoy a close-up, panoramic view of Himchuli, Annapurna south and Machhapuchre( Fish tail) and many other snowcapped mountains. Descending further down to Ghandruk village, it will be time to bid farewell to the wonderful mountains as you reach Naya Pul and make your way back to civilization and Pokhara.

02 / WHY GO

The memorable moments

Walking the Marshyangdi River valley Get acquainted with the mountain people in the heart of Himalayas Views of the world’s highest mountains: Dhaulagiri I (7th), Manaslu (8th) and Annapurna I (10th) Crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters The pilgrimage town of Muktinath

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day 1: Kathmandu-Besi Sahar-Khudi- Chamje ( 1430m./4719 ft.) 8 hour drive — Drive to Besi sahar then continue drive to Chamje then stay overnight at lodge. Meals included: Breakfast Day 2: Chamje-Taal- Chame ( 2710m./8943ft.) 5 hours drive — Drive through amphitheatre-shaped rice terraces, along a steep vertical cliff, lush forests, and some culturally intriguing villages, then you will pass by fields of corn, barley and potatoes on your way through small villages of Khorte and Karte and after a pleasant drive, you will arrive at Chame . Stay overnight at a lodge. Meals included: Breakfast Day 3: Chame-Dukur Pokhari- Upper Pisang ( 3400m./11220ft.) 5 hours walk — A steep, narrow path through a very dense forest will bring you to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. As the trail opens up, you will be surrounded by majestic Himalayan Peaks. After beautiful scenic drive through these amazing sites you will reach upper Pisang then stay there overnight at lodge. Meals included: Breakfast Day 4: Upper Pisang- Ngawal-Manang ( 3500m./11550ft.) 4 hours walk — Enter the upper Manang region, where you will notice a contrast with the landscape and vegetation. The cold, dry climate creates a much harsher environment. Incredible views of the towering Himalayan Peaks. You will reach Manang then stay there overnight at lodge. Meals included: Breakfast Day 5: Acclimatization — Rest day for acclimatization. Enjoy the fascinating village and immerse yourself in its wonderful culture. There are many opportunities for both easy and strenuous day. Explore with spectacular side trips to Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake and Glacier. Stay at same place overnight at lodge. Meals inlcuded: Breakfast Day 6: Manang- Batase danda-Yak kharka( 4110m./13563ft.) 4 hours walk — Today is a short walk up to Yak Kharka, a small settlement and Gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems. Stay there overnight at lodge Meals included: Breakfast Day 7: Yak Kharka-Lader-Throng Phedi ( 4600m./15180ft.) 4 hours walk — Make your way to the village of Throng Phedi . You will reach this small, busy settlement which caters to both trekkers and climbers. It is used as a base camp as well as the starting point for the climb up to the famous pass – Throng La. Stay overnight at lodge. Meals included : Breakfast Day 8: Throng Phedi-Throng La Pass-Muktinath ( 3800m./12540ft.) 10 hours walk — An early start is important to begin a long day's trek over the pass. Crossing the famous Throng La pass {5,416m/17872 ft} will be an unforgettable experience. Breathtaking scenes of the high Himalayan peaks are presented from both the trail and the summit of the pass. Stay overnight at Muktinath at lodge. Meals included: Breakfast Day 9: Muktinath- Kagbeni ( 2810m./9273ft.) 3 hours walk — Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists. You will visit a Vishnu Temple and Gompa in morning. The trail today is quite surreal as you trek along a plateau above the Kali Gandaki, the world`s deepest gorge. After walking 3 hours, you reach Kagbeni and stay overnight at lodge. Meals included: Breakfast Day 10: Kagbeni- Jomsom ( 2713m./ 8952ft.) 3 hours walk — Trek to Jomsom then day trip to Marpha. Stay overnigth at lodge . Meals included: Breakfast Day 11: Jomsom- Pokhara by flight ( 20 minutes) — Early morning, Fly to Pokhara then trek ends. Meals included: Breakfast

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Kathmandu-Besi Sahar-Khudi- Chamje ( 1430m./4719 ft.) 8 hour drive — Drive to Besi sahar then continue drive to Chamje then stay overnight at lodge.+