Annapurna Circuit Trek with Upper Mustang Trek – 22 Days

After arriving at Kathmandu International Airport, a representative from the Alpine Club of Himalaya will welcome and escort you to your accommodation. After checking in you may explore the city or rest.
In the evening attain a brief orientation regarding the trek by your trip leader.
Overnight in Kathmandu.

Early morning after breakfast head towards Dharapani, on the winding roads which take around 7 to 8 hours, passing various villages, endless rows of Mahabharat ranges, rapid rivers on the backdrop of snowy mountains. After arriving at Dharapani proceed towards your tea-house
Overnight at Dharapani.

From Dharapani, start your trek towards the village of Bagarchap early in the morning and continue the trek towards Dhanagyu navigating through, the jungle and ascending to Temang. At, Temang witness spectacular views of Manaslu and another snowcapped Himalayan massif from here ascend through thick and dense woodlands of fir and pine to Koto and finally towards the settlement of Chame, the administrative capital of Manang district.

Today, you'll be guided by the river traversing through a deep canyon, number of waterfalls towards the village of Brathang, from here the trail passes through a steep narrow valley winding through the deep wilderness with a magnificent view of the mighty Annapurna II. From here cross the rapid and ascend towards the steep curved rock face of Paungda Danda and eventually towards the village of Pisang.

Today you have two options for the trek, a high route to Manang via the villages of Gyaru and Ngawal which takes around 8 to 9 hours, or a shorter main trail to Manang which goes through a low pass into the valley below Pisang peak and takes around 5 to 6 hours. Ask your guide for advice, both trail has scenic views of high alpine landscapes with an endless range of mountain in the background.

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 massif and the huge glaciers that rumbles down from Gangapurna. Explore the lake and settlement around and witness the majestic sights at dawn and dusk.

After an early breakfast head towards Yak Kharka. The trail takes you on an ascending route to Marshyangdi 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 pasture land for the convoy of yaks and horses but in the winter it's hard as it's covered with deep snow. Once you reach Yak Kharka, relax and explore the area and stop by for friendly little chats with the locals.

After breakfast head towards the base of Thorong Phedi, the trail today is relatively easy and takes you on the high Himalayan pasture lands. Once you reach Thorong Phedi rest as you'll be crossing the high Himalayan pass of Thorong La pass.

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. The summit of the pass is at an elevation of 5416 meters, and from the summit, you'll 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.

After breakfast head towards the holy temple of Muktinath, a famous pilgrimage destination for Hindu and Buddhist followers, witness the devotees soaking in the icy waters which believe to wash away their sins and help them in their path of liberation of the soul. After exploring the temple head towards the settlement of Kagbeni on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River.

Leaving Kagbeni early in the morning and heading towards the restricted area of Upper Mustang, following the Kali Gandaki River bank towards the village of Tangbe. From Tangbe follow the trail descending towards an agriculture belt sprawling with barley, wheat, and buckwheat to Chhuksang village and continue on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River to the settlement of Chele.

From Chele head towards Eklo Bhatti and then to another pass of Taklam La at an altitude of 3624 meters, providing beautiful frames of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, and Damodar Danda. After crossing the pass the trail descends to a tiny settlement of Samar, from Samar the trail ascends along a stream through the vegetation of dwarf juniper and conifer trees to the settlement of Syangboche.

Today the trail ascends for the first part, crossing remote tea houses and various monasteries, Chortens, and Gompas to Yamda La. From, Yamda La cross an agriculture belt of barley and ascend towards the Nyi Pass at an altitude of 4021 meters and descends towards Tsarang.

From Tsarang the trail traverses on a steep inclined offering majestic views of Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Annapurna I, and Tsarang Chu, from here the trail ascends on a steep rocky terrain towards Tholung valley and another Himalayan pass, the Lo pass at an elevation of 3850 meters, and then descends towards the ancient settlement of Lo Manthang.

Explore and enjoy the beauty of Lo-Manthang, after having breakfast head out towards the ancient walled city. Lo-Manthang is nestled in a high deserted plateau with soaring cliffs and mud walls and has various attractions from Royal Palaces, ancient Chorten and Gompas, colorful mud houses, and ancient buildings, dating back to 1400 years back.
Witness the beautiful craft and architecture of the ancient monasteries of Namgyal Gompa and Choprang Gompa, stop for friendly chats with the locals learning about their way of life and culture, or head to any vantage point around the settlements from where you'll see across high Tibetan plateaus or hike to Tingkhar the last village in the northwest of Lo Manthang. After exploring head back to your accommodation and rest or share stories with other travelers and locals.

Start early as you'll be crossing another Himalayan pass, today the trail ascends to a ridge and continues to Chogo La pass at an elevation of 4325 meters, from here follow the trail downhill and cross Tsarang River and climbs towards Lo Geker and to Ghar Gompa, follow the trail and climb a ridge walking along high pastures and finally to the settlement of Dhakmar.

After breakfast head onto the trail crossing the high barren Himalayan landscape on the backdrop of mesmerizing Himalayan giants of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Ghiling passing ancient monasteries and caves all along the way. Once you reach Ghiling rest and later on explore the region.

Today's trail takes you to the village of Samar, and the trek is simple and short of around 3 to 4 hours on a downhill trail. Once you reach Samar head towards your accommodation and later have a friendly conversation with the locals exploring the area.

Today is your final day of trekking. From Samar, you'll be heading to Jomsom, the headquarters of Mustang District and the settlement has various products to offer. Once you reach Jomsom and check-in visit the various cafes and restaurants around or explore the apple farms of the area trying various apple cuisines.

Catch an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and another flight to Kathmandu. Once you reach Kathmandu head towards your accommodation and stroll around the city after having a good rest.

After breakfast, head on a guided tour of the valley. The valley of Kathmandu has various attractions to choose from. Explore the world heritage sites of Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Bouddhanath Stupa having old historical significance and reflect the lives of the people. For Hindus, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites located on the Banks of the holy river Bagmati. The Monkey Temple is also known as Swayambhunath, and the Bouddhanath Stupa is one of the world's biggest stupas and pilgrimage destinations for Hindu and Buddhist followers and head to other attractions that the city has.

Today you'll be returning back to your country. Alpine Club of Himalaya representative will drop you at the airport three hours before your flight departs.
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.