Annapurna Circuit Trek – 18 Days

Kathmandu Valley

Upon arrival at the Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative from the Alpine Club of Himalaya will assist you with your accommodation. Upon arriving at your hotel, rest for a while. In the evening join in for a special dinner program where you will experience excellent Nepalese cuisine.

Maximum Altitude: 1400m
Meals: Welcome dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Besi Sahar

After breakfast head on a long drive towards Besi Sahar along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. Besi Sahar is the headquarters of Lamjung and has long been the starting point for the Annapurna circuit trek. Upon reaching Besi Sahar explore the bustling settlement.

Maximum Altitude: 760m
Duration: 6 hours drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Ngadi Village

First, begin your trek towards Bhulbule. Traversing across the deep wilderness and scattered villages. As you progress cross a suspension bridge over the rapids of the might Marsyangdi River. Then climb up the narrow path around rice paddies and a few scattered houses. Eventually, you will reach Bhulbule. Beyond Bhulbule, the trail travels up the east bank of the river, past an impressive 60m waterfall surrounded by tropical trees of pandanus/ screw pine. Following the trail crossing lush terrace farms with views of Manaslu and Ngadi Chuli, you will finally reach the settlement of Ngadi.

Maximum Altitude: 900m
Duration: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Jagat

Today following the trail, some 6 km/3.5miles away, you will reach the settlement of Bahundanda. Next trekking across terrace farms and lush agriculture belts you will reach the village of Ghermu. The trail then crosses over to the west bank of Marsyangdi, continuing along you will pass the villages of Syanje and Srichaur.
From here, you will be traversing on steep stone paved stairs for about 150 m/ 500 ft. Then the trail leads you on a downhill section. As you descend witness views of Jagat at a distance perched on a small hill. A brief walk and you will eventually reach the settlement.

Maximum Altitude: 1330m
Duration: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Dharapani Village

After breakfast start your trek. As you progress you will reach the beautiful village of Chamje. Following the zig-zag trail, you will pass by a huge rock shelter and cluster of thatched huts in Sattale village. Next, the trail descends to a beautiful broad valley along the might Marsyangdi river winding lazily through it. Following the trail, you will eventually reach the village of Tal.
After walking about 7.3km/4.5 miles from Tal, you will finally reach Dharapani. Dharapani is an ancient settlement along this route, which was used as a water stop for traders traveling for the journey ahead. Upon reaching Dharapani after a brief rest head out to explore the region.
Opposite Dharapani, on the east bank explore the thunders waterfall. Fed by the Tulagi glacier of the Manaslu range, to the Marsyangdi River and Dana Khola.

Maximum Altitude: 1860m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Chame

Continuing along the banks of the might Marsyangdi river leaving Dharapani. Following a series of stairs and you will come across a Kani the gateway of Bagarchhap. Continue along the ascending route, as you gain altitude witness grand views of the eighth highest peak Manaslu on the east and Lamjung Himal in the west.
Furthermore, cross the villages of Timang, Thanchok, and Koto Qupar. From, Koto Qupar witness great views of Manaslu to the east, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal to the southeast. Next, traversing along the deep wilderness finally reach the settlement of Chame.
Chame is the largest settlement after Besi Sahar. From the settlement witness grand views of Chame, Lamjung Himal on the south, and Manaslu in the east. Also, witness impressive rock formations on the opposite bank of the Naar river. At, Chame visit various monasteries of the area and enjoy the splendid views of the sun setting from the porch of your teahouse.

Maximum Altitude: 2650m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Upper Pisang

Following a series of Mani walls and dotted Gompas head out of Chame. As, you progress you will reach Talekhu, here visit various apple orchards and try cuisines made of apples. Next, the trail takes you along pine woodlands. As you get out of the canopy you will come across a series of Mani walls and a distance further to the Bharatang village.
Continuing from here you will pass by a lake of Dhukure Pokhari nestled in heart of a lush forest. Progressing on you will reach yet another lake. Following the trail, the tree line thins out taking you to high mountain country. A brief walk gaining altitude and beyond the river, witness the grey-brown houses of Upper Pisang, like clusters of bird nests. On the foothills of the towering snow-capped Pisang Peak (609m/19985ft) and Annapurna II (7937m/26041ft). Following the trail reach the village of Pisang, a brief ascends, and crossing the bridge across Marsyangdi River you will finally reach Upper Pisang.

Maximum Altitude: 3250m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Manang

Start the trek by ascending a steep hill, which divides the valley of Pisang from that of Manang. A mountain's gap between jagged cliffs. As you ascend spot the village of Ngawal and its famous yellow roofed gompa. As you reach the summit the trail runs wide and straight. Traversing across the dry arid landscape with patches of shrubs you will reach the village of Humde. Along this section witness spectacular views of the Himalayas. The pyramidal Pisang Peak while Annapurna III towers imposingly between two hills on the southwest.
After about a kilometer trek, cross the Marsyangdi river over a wooden bridge, and soon you will be reaching the village of Mungji. As you progress from here reach the track lead to Milarepa’s cave. Next, following the trail, you will reach Braga. At Braga visit the ancient Braga Gompa.
Just about 1.5km/0.9 mile from Braga is Manang. Along this section witness the grandeur views of the snowcapped mountains and the brown, grey hills. Upon reaching Manang head towards your tea house. Later head out to explore the area.

Maximum Altitude: 3519m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today is your day of acclimatization, due to thin air at high altitude acclimatization is very important for your body. The settlement of Manang has various vantage points that you can choose from providing a perfect acclimatization excursion with views of the Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7454m), Chulu East to the north and huge glaciers tumbling down from Gangapurna. Explore the lake and settlement around and witness the majestic sights at dawn and dusk.

Maximum Altitude: 3519m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

The trail takes you on an ascending route to Marsyangdi valley, and northwest to the valley of Jarsang Khola, on a zigzag trail of dry arid alpine land with dwarf juniper and birch to the highlands of Yak Kharka. Yak Kharka in summer is pastureland for the convoy of yaks and horses but in the winter, the area is covered with deep snow. Once you reach Yak Kharka, relax, explore the area, and stop by for friendly little chats with the locals.

Maximum Altitude: 4000m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Thorong Base Camp Lodge

Traversing across the high alpine pasture lands you will reach Letdar a penultimate shelter before the pass. From Letdar, the trail continues to climb along the east bank of the Jarsang Khola, then descends and crosses the stream on a wooden bridge at 4310m. Following a narrow trail across an exposed slope on rocky terrain you will reach Thorung Phedi the base of the high Himalayan pass of Thorung La. A brief walk on an incline section and you will finally reach Thorung High View camp popularly known as Thorung High Camp.

Maximum Altitude: 4850m
Duration: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Muktinath Temple

Today start early in the morning towards the pass, as the weather can deteriorate as the day progresses. The trail today is steep and dusty, and the altitude becomes challenging so take frequent rest and make photography your excuse. Traversing along the inclined section you will reach the summit of the pass marked by colorful praying flags. From the summit, you will witness a 360-degree panorama of snow-capped peaks extending northwards towards Tibet, peaks of Annapurna, Kali Gandaki gorge, and endless pasture lands.
After spending a brief time at the pass descend towards Muktinath. The trail crosses down meadows, drops into a deep ravine that marks the start of the Jhong Khola, climbs out, and follows a wide trail into Muktinath. Upon reaching Muktinath after a brief rest head out to explore the Muktinath temple.
The Muktinath temple is a holy pilgrimage destination for people following Hindus and Buddhists. Visit the temple complex and witness devotees taking a dip in the freezing waters. Doing so is believed to wash their sins and assist them to nirvana.

Maximum Altitude: 5416m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Jomsom

Wake up before dawn and witness the spectacular views of the sunrise. After breakfast head towards Jomsom. Traversing across ancient Chorten on the banks of the dry river and witnessing various cave networks reach Jomsom. Jomsom perched on the banks of the mighty Kali Gandaki river is one of the renowned settlements of the region. From here witness the grand views of the Himalayas while relaxing on the porch of your hotel.

Maximum Altitude: 2734m
Duration: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Hot spring at Tatopani

Today's trek will take you mostly on downhill sections. Traversing across high alpine woodlands, crossing ridges, and passing various settlements you will eventually reach Tatopani. Tatopani nestled on the banks of the Kali Gandaki corridor is a renowned village for its hot water springs. Upon reaching Tatopani leave your heavy backpacks at your hotel and head towards the spring. Soak in your aching muscles in the Himalayan hot spring and relax.

Maximum Altitude: 1190m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Ghorepani

After breakfast head towards the trail. As you progress cross two successive suspension bridges. The first one is across the mighty Kali Gandaki river and the next of Ghar Khola. From here you will be trekking across farmlands and sprawling terraced fields. Following the trail, you will eventually reach Sikha. As you gain altitude witness grand views of the mountain ranges. Progressing along the trail you will pass the villages of Phalate and Chitre respectively. Beyond Chitre, there is no habitation until you reach Ghorepani. Traversing across dense woodlands of rhododendron, birch, and magnolia smeared with orchids and ferns with miles of undergrowth you will reach finally Ghorepani.
Ghorepani translates as drinking well. A stop for horses and mule packs passing along this historic trade route nestled in the laps of Himalayan giants.

Maximum Altitude: 2874m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Our guest at Poon Hill

Wake up before dawn and head towards Poon Hill, which is regarded as one of the best vantage points in the Annapurna region. The climb to the top takes around a couple of hours on an ascending trail with well-maintained series of stairs. Upon reaching the top witness views of the great landscapes of the deep wilderness and the snowcapped peaks. Mountain peaks from Dhaulagiri to Annapurna to Machhapuchhre: Dhaulagiri I ( 8167m), Tukuche (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m) and Tarke Kang (7193m). All standing at its grandeur basking in the morning rays of the sun and changing their colors.
After soaking in the sensational views, follow the main trail which leads south. Traversing on a series of stairs then following the high route above the raging river on a stone-paved trail. As you progress you will reach the tiny settlement of Chane at an elevation of 1690 meters and Kimche at 1690 meters. Following a downhill trail towards the Modi Khola next, you will reach Syauli Bazaar nestled in the heart of the jungle at an elevation of 1140 meters.
From here walking on flat terrain and following the river network through a lovely birch forest and rice terraces reach Birethanti. After a short walk from Birethanti, you will finally reach Nayapul. From Nayapul head back towards Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara after a brief rest head out and explore the Phewa lake, later visit various restaurants and pubs of the region.

Maximum Altitude: 3210m (Poon Hill)
Duration: 3-4 hours trek and 1-hour drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Kathmandu

After breakfast, head towards the airport and catch a flight towards Kathmandu. Witness views of the Himalayas and green lush hills. Upon reaching Kathmandu head towards your accommodation. Later head around to explore the city.

Maximum Altitude: 1400m
Duration: 30 minutes flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport

Today you will be returning to your country. Alpine Club of Himalaya representative will drop you at the airport
If you have any inquiries or require assistance and further information about this trip or any other trips, please feel free to contact Alpine Club of Himalaya – Walk of the Himalaya.

NOTE: All of the aforementioned trekking hours are approximations and should only be used as a general guideline.