ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK

17 NIGHTS WITH 12 NIGHT TREK | FROM US$1,995* | DEPARTS: KATHMANDU

The Annapurna Circuit offers some of the most magnificent mountain views in the Himalaya, and one of the best treks in Nepal. Climb from pretty rice terraces through narrow gorges to the stunning Manang Valley surrounded by some of the highest Himalayan peaks. Cross the high-altitude Thorong La Pass at 5,416 metres to Mustang and the medieval villages of the Kali Gandaki Valley. This is a classic teahouse trek in Nepal.

This Annapurna Circuit itinerary is a must for anyone who has always wanted to trek in Nepal. The people living in this remote and mountainous region have a rich and colourful culture providing you with a truly unforgettable experience. This trek is available as Manang to Mustang (flying out of Jomsom airport), Annapurna Circuit returning via Poon Hill or the entire Annapurna Circuit including Annapurna Base Camp.

Maximum elevation: 5,416 metres
Level of difficulty: Medium to hard
Availability: March to May & Late September to November

* Price based on twin share accommodation. Solo trekker add US$200.
Find out approximate trip price in your own currency here

Trip Inclusions

• Domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu and Jomsom to Pokhara

• Airport transfers on arrival in Kathmandu

• Surface transfer to the start of trek

• All meals on the trek

• 3 nights accommodation in a comfortable guest house in Kathmandu

• 2 nights accommodation in a 4 star boutique hotel in Pokhara

• Teahouse lodge accommodation during the trek in twin/triple sharing and occasionally dormitory style.

• Trekking permits

• Experienced, English speaking trekking guide

• Porters on the trek

Experience the very best of the Annapurna Circuit, crossing the high altitude Thorong La Pass before descending to the Kali Gandaki valley, and your flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. This trek is ideal for those with limited time without compromising on the stunning scenery.

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1

Arrive Kathmandu.
Overnight: Kathmandu | Altitude: 1,400 m

DAY 2

Kathmandu: Spend the day exploring the city. Recommended destinations include the ancient stupas at Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, and the Patan Durbar Square.
Overnight: Kathmandu | Altitude: 1,400 m

DAY 3

Kathmandu to Bessiesahar: After breakfast, depart by road for Bessiesahar, the last town before the trek begins.
Driving time: 6 hours
Overnight: Bessiesahar | Altitude: 800 m

DAY 4 

Bessiesahar to Timang: Embark on the mountain road by jeep to the entrance of the Annapurna Conservation area. The road climbs from here through mountain villages with a stop for lunch by a magnificent waterfall. Continue to Timang, offering excellent views of Manaslu and Lamjung Himal.
Driving time: 4 hours
Overnight: Timangr | Altitude: 2,650 m

DAY 5

Timang to Chame: From Timang, the trail is relatively easy, giving you a chance to acclimatise and enjoy ecellent mountain views. Arriving in Chame for lunch, you have the afternoon to relax or spend some time at the nearby hot pools. Relax at your lodge and enjoy excellent views of Annapurna II.
Walking time: 3 hours
Overnight: Chame | Altitude: 2,670 m

DAY 6

Chame to Pisang: The walk between Chame and Pisang is delightful. Soon after leaving Chame, the path turns a dramatic bend revealing a tremendous curve slab of rock. From here the path climbs through forests of blue pine and apple orchards with breath-taking views.  We see the distinct change in culture as we arrive in Pisang, which resembles a medieval Gurung community. Spend the night here, the first real high altitude stop on the trek. 
Walking time: 5.5 hours
Overnight: Pisang | Altitude: 3,300 m

DAY 7

Pisang to Ngawal: The path from Pisang follows the contour line at 3,300m providing magnificent views of Annapurna II. Descend to cross the river before the steep and twisty climb to the village of Ghyaru. The trail then passes a ruined fort and leads to Ngawal for your overnight stay.
Walking time: 5 hours
Overnight: Ngawal | Altitude: 3,660 m

DAY 8

Ngawal to Manang: The path from Ngawal drops more than 200 metres back to the Marsyangdi Valley passing bizarre rocks sculpted by wind and stunted pines. Along the way there are magnificent views of the Annapurna ridges. Stop in the welcoming village of Bhraka before reaching Manang. Manang boasts numerous lodges and good food and the views of the mountains and glaciers are stunning.  
Walking time: 4 hours
Overnight: Manang | Altitude: 3,500 m

DAY 9

Manang rest day: Although described as a rest day, it is advisable to do an acclimatization hike here. The views are stunning and there are several good options. In the afternoon attend a lecture on the prevention and treatment of altitude sickness by volunteer doctors at the Himalayan Rescue Association health post in Manang.
Overnight: Manang | Altitude: 3,500 m

DAY 10

Manang to Yak Kharka: Leaving Manang, the path climbs steeply to the village of Gunsang. The views are fantastic but you need to walk slowly at this altitude. Continue to Yak Kharka where it is advisable to climb a little higher and walk back down to the village to acclimatize to the altitude.
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Overnight: Yak Kharka | Altitude: 4,900 m

DAY 11

Yak Kaharka to Thorong Phedi: This shorter hike takes you to the last stop before the pass and you are likely to feel the effects of altitude here. Passing the village of Letdar (4,200 m) the trail continues to a much more barren landscape, finally reaching Thoring Phedi. Walk slowly and rest when you get there, and again go a little higher and back down. 
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Overnight: Thorong Phedi | Altitude: 4,450 m

DAY 12

Thorong Phedi to Muktinath: Leaving Thorong Phedi very early in the morning, the trail steeply climbs on a zigzag path to high camp for a breakfast stop. The final ascent to the Thorong La pass (5,416 m) is tough and your body will really know it is at high altitude. The views from the pass festooned with prayer flags, make the long walk worthwhile. The landscape changes dramatically as you descend on the Mustang side of the pass. The descent is knee jerking almost all the way to the holy temple at Muktinath. When you arrive in Muktinath be sure to rest well. Do visit the 108 Water Spouts as this is an important shrine for both Buddhists and Hindus and attracts pilgrims from all over Nepal and India.
Walking time: 8-9 hours
Overnight: Muktinath | Altitude:  3,800 m

DAY 13

Muktinath to Kagbeni via Lupra: From Muktinath, the walking trail crosses rocky, desert like scenery to the Lupra Pass where there are excellent mountain views. Descend to the charming Bon village of Lupra. This off-the-beaten-track gem of a village has managed to maintain its charm with tightly packed, traditional rammed earth houses. From Lupra, the trail descends to meet the road at Ekle Bhati. Follow the Kali Gandhaki River to the stunning village of Kagbeni, which is home to an ancient monastery and a small museum at the border with Mustang. Opposite the museum there is an excellent café serving homemade cake and ‘real’ coffee.
Walking time: 7 hours
Overnight: Kagbeni | Altitude: 2,804m

Alternatively, you can stay in Lupra after a 4 hour walk, missing out Kagbeni and walk the short distance (2 hours) from Lupra to Jomsom the next day.

DAY 14

Kagbeni to Jomsom via Phalyak: Retracing our steps to Ekle Bhati, we cross the Kali Gandhaki river and climb to the aptly names Windy Pass (3,200 m) to reach the village of Phalyak. The trail descends through Dhagarjune and continues to the mountain town of Jomsom, where your trek ends. There is an airport here, where your flight departs early tomorrow morning.
Walking time: 6 hours
Overnight: Jomsom | Altitude: 2,743 m

DAY 15

Jomsom to Pokhara: Take the morning flight to Pokhara and explore the lakeside.

Flying time: 20 mins
Overnight: Pokhara | Altitude: 895 m

Day 16

Pokhara:  Relax and explore this lake-side town.   
Overnight: Pokhara | Altitude: 895 m

DAY 17

Kathmandu: Return to Kathmandu by air from Pokhara and do some last minute sightseeing or shopping.
Overnight: Kathmandu | Altitude: 1,400 m

DAY 18

Depart Kathmandu

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