About this Trek

Trip Details

Trek Distance
160km-230km

Trek Duration
17 Days

Itinerary

Trek Itinerary
Day 1 – Drive from Kathmandu to Bulbule
You will drive from Kathmandu to Bulbule (840m). You will drive along the Prithivi highway to Besisahar (6-7 hours) and then continue on more minor roads to Bulbulle where you will spend the night. You will enjoy excellent views of Himalchuli and Nagdichuli from Bulbule.

Day 2 – Jagat
We will travel to Jagat (1300m). We will cross and follow the Marshyangdi river, enjoying the views of Manaslu until we arrive at Bahundanda. From there, the trail goes down steeply until we cross the stream and head back up to Lilli Bir. The trail continues high above the river before dropping down to again cross Marshyangdi at Syange. From there, it is a steep climb to Jagat.

Day 3 – Darapani
We will travel to Darapani (1860m). From Jagat, the trail goes back down to the Marshyangdi river and then up and through the forest to Chamje at 1430m. We will continue up to the large village of Tal and then follow the river, crossing back and forth until we finally arrive at Darapani.

Day 4 – Chhame
We will travel to Chhame (2651m). As we continue to follow the Marshyangdi river through the Manang valley, you will enjoy wonderful views of Annapurna in the west. The trail climbs through the pine and fir forest, passing through a number of villages before reaching the ridge at Kotho 2590m. From there, you make your way along the ridge arriving at the capital of Manang, Chhame.

Day 5 – Pisang
We will travel to Pisang (3333m). The trail is relatively easy and runs through apple orchards and forests to the village of Bhratang. From there, the trail runs through a dense forest and to the river where the magnificent rock face of Paungda Danda towers 1500m out of the river below. You will continue to ascend to Dudhpokhari where you will have lunch. You may start to feel the effects of the higher altitude, so staying hydrated and paying attention to how you feel is essential. From Dudhpokhari the rest of the afternoon trail is relatively level through the peaceful forest until you reach the bustling little village of Pisang. You can rest here, or if you are feeling okay with the altitude, you can continue to Upper Pisang, another 60 m and 30 minutes up the hill. This is where the landscape transforms from the more lush sub-tropical to a drier climate.

Day 6 – Manang
We will travel to Manang (3540m). There are two routes to Manang from Pisang. From Upper Pisang, there is a longer route with mountain views and better acclimatization. From Lower Pisang, a shorter and slightly easier route takes you through the last forest of Manang. Once you climb higher, the fauna becomes more barren. The lower trail along the southern side of the Marsyangdi river takes you over a ridge into the next valley and passes through the village of Hongde, where there is a small airstrip and some shops. Once you cross to the north side of the river, you will join the other route at Mungli. The upper route on the north side of the river is about two hours longer and more challenging, but it offers tremendous views and takes you much higher past Ghyaru and Ngawal (3660m). You will ascend the extra height before coming down again because it is better for your altitude acclimatization. From Mungli (3500m), the trail is joined by the southern route to the traditional Tibetan village and gompa at Braga. Manang is just a little further down the trail.

Day 7 – Manang
We will travel to Manang for an acclimatization day. You can explore the village of Manang and stock up on anything you might need or want, as the shops are well-prepared for the trekker’s desires! It is a good idea to go for a hike at a higher altitude to adjust further before coming back to sleep in Manang. The air is thinner, and there is less oxygen, so you might feel a little breathless. Make sure to take it easy, stay hydrated and keep active without overexerting yourself. This day is very important because it should prepare you for the challenges of the coming days.

Day 8 – Yak Kharka
We will travel to Yak Kharka (4018m). It is a slow and steady upwards journey through the villages of Tengi and Gunsang and out of the Maryshangdi valley. Continuing through the Jarsang Khola valley, the scenery becomes increasingly barren and dusty as you ascend the plateau. Yak Kharka is 500m above Manang, and you must rest here to acclimate. The peaks of Annapurna are on fine display from here.

Day 9 – Thorang Phedi
We will travel to Thorang Phedi (4450m). This is a relatively short day that covers another big ascent in altitude. The trail becomes more and more barren as you go up along the eastern side of the Jarsang river. The high desert landscape is stark and unforgiving in its beauty. You will continue to feel the effects of the heights you have ascended, so the short day will give you a chance to rest and catch your breath in preparation for the pass tomorrow.

Day 10 – Muktinath
We will travel to Muktinath (3760m) and Thorang La (5416m). Early in the day, you will ascend the famous Thorang pass, the climax of your trek. The well-trodden trail is steep as you climb steadily up towards the 5416m summit of Thorang La. You will soon feel the effects of the higher altitude and it can be challenging to navigate if there is snow on the pass. It will take around 4 hours to reach the top, where prayer flags and chortens decorate the summit. From here, you will be in awe at the spectacular view from the pass of the Annapurnas and the Kali Gandaki valley. After some rest, you will start the steep and sometimes slippery descent down to Muktinath – this should also take around 4 hours and pass through the village of Phedi.

Day 11 – Kagbeni
We will travel to Kagbeni (2840m). The trek to Kagbeni is short enough that you will have some time in the morning to reach the revered religious pilgrimage temple complex of Muktinath – an important site for Buddhists and Hindus. The trek to Kagbeni will take you past Jharkot and Khinger, both medieval and atmospheric stone villages, and through the dramatic landscape of the barren desert.

Day 12 – Lete
We will travel to Lete (2480m). From Marpha, you will go via the Tibetan Camp at Chairo Gompa, before continuing through the villages of Tukuche, Khobang and Larjung. After lunch, you continue down the valley along the river and eventually reach Kalopani and then Lete.

Day 13 – Tatopani
We will travel to Tatopani (1190m). We will follow the river to Ghasa where you will have lunch. And then continue down to the beautiful hot springs at Tatopani where you can soak your weary bones in the natural springs.

Day 14 – Ghorepani
We will travel to Ghorepani (2860m). This is a long day of trekking through the forest. Starting with a steep climb to Sikha where you can enjoy views of the Dhaulagiri range and the Kali Gandaki river gorge below. The day continues through the lush rhododendron forest before you reach Ghorepani.

Day 15 – Visit Poon Hill
We will travel to Poon Hill (3193m) and trek to Ulleri (1960m). You will arise before dawn to trek to Poon Hill for a panoramic sunrise view of the Himalayas – possibly the most memorable and sublime moment of your trek. After breakfast, you will continue down the stone trail of stairs, walk through forests, and rest at Ulleri.

Day 16 – Trek to Nayapul
We will travel to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara. We will hike down to Birenthani at the Modi river, where you will have lunch before your final descent to Nayapul. From Nayapul, you will drive back to Pokhara and enjoy a hot shower, a nice meal, and a comfortable bed!

Day 17 – Drive to Kathmandu
You will take a tourist bus to Kathmandu. The tourist bus leaves early, and it is a pleasant, relaxing journey along the Prithivi Highway, where you will stop for lunch and tea. You will reach Kathmandu in the afternoon.

Activities

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“Annapurna Circuit is perfect for acclimatizing to the Himalayan Mountains. This is a trek famous for its beauty.”

— LHAKPA SHERPA