Nepal Travel Trek

Annapurna Circuit - 21 Days

The 21-day Annapurna Circuit is considered one of the true classic trekking routes of Nepal, and is rated widely as one of the "Top 20" treks worldwide. The complete route around the Annapurna massif covers 150 miles of marvelous trails, and offers some of the most varied mountain scenery in Nepal as it penetrates the Northern Himalayan range and the Tibetan plateau.
The complete circuit has only been possible since mid 1980's when the Manang area was officially opened up to non-Nepali visitors. For and all- round experience of the scenery and culture of Nepal this trek has a lot to offer. Starting in the lush Marsyandi valley, that separates the Annapurna range from that of Manaslu, the scenery is composed of lush cultivated fields with dense forests on either side. In the winter season, orange tree are laden with fruits and fragrant frangipani blossoms cast their scent along the trails. As you travel higher the valley becomes more rugged until the villages and forests finally give way to the arid hills of Manang. The Thorong La pass, at 5416 meters, marks the highpoint of the treks after which the trail joins the kali Gandaki river that flows through the deepest gorge on earth. This itinerary also includes a hike to the popular trekking destination of Poon Hill, providing a spectacular panoramic view of Manaslu Himal (8th highest mountain in the world), Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail Peak), Annapurna I (10th highest mountain in the world), and Dhaulagiri Himal (7th highest mountain in the world) and colorful Gurung villages- Ghandruk famous for their hospitality, breathtaking vistas of terraced rice fields, and walks through serene and inspiring forests of pine and rhododendron.

Best season to visit: In the spring (March to May) when the rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal, are in bloom. Also in the fall (September to November) or post-monsoon when the weather is temperate and the skies are clear.
Trek Grade: Moderate to difficult. This is not a difficult trek although it has some steep climbs. No mountaineering skills required. This itinerary offers a gradual gain of the altitude to greatly reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Maximum altitude: 5416m at Throung Pass.
Length of trek: The trek can be completed in a minimum of fifteen days, starting in Kathmandu and finishing in Pokhara. If a few extra days are allowed for it is then possible to enjoy several of the possible side trips and add immeasurably to the experience. It is advisable to spend three weeks along this route to fully experience the full scenic and cultural splendor.
Accommodations: This is traditionally a teahouse trek with well-maintained facilities along the route. It can also be organized as a camping trek as the valley floor can provide comfortable camping spots in good weather. Camping trek rates and fees are considerably higher as more resources are required.
Legal Preparation: Entry permit (NRS 2000) for the Annapurna conservation area project (ACAP) is needed.
Additional Information: The crossing of Thorong La can be dangerous at times, especially during unexpected snowfall and Alititude sickness so potential trekkers must make sure that they are well prepared and equipped for all eventualities.  Our experienced porters/guides will help you to avoid potentially unsafe situations.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01	Kathmandu to Besi-Sahar (760 m) (175 km/ 7-8 hours): Drive by bus.
Day 02	Besi-Sahar to Bahundanda (1310 m.): Trek.
Day 03	Bahundanda to Chamje (1430m): Trek.
Day 04	Chamje to Dharapani (1860 m.): Trek.
Day 05	Dharapani to Chame (2670m): Trek.
Day 06	Chame to Pisang: Trek (3200m)
Day 07	Pisang to Manang (3540 m):
Day 08	Manang (Acclimatization Day in Manang): Rest.
Day 09	Manang to Yak Kharka; Trek
Day 10	Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi (4450m) / High Camp (4925 m): Trek.
Day 11	Thorung Phedi/High Camp to Muktinath (3760 m) : Trek.( Early morning pass Thorung la- 5416 m)
Day 12	Rest Day at Muktinath.
Day 13	Muktinath to Kagbeni; Trek
Day 14	Kagbeni to Marpha: Trek.
Day 15	Marpha to Ghasa (2010 m), Trek.
Day 16	Ghasa to Tatopani (1190 m): Trek
Day 17	Tatopani to Ghorepani 2860 m):  Trek
Day 18	Ghorepani (2860 m) to Poonhill (3193m) to Tadapani   (Poon Hill is the excellent view point- Early morning view)
Day 19	Tadapani to Ghandruk; Trek
Day 20	Ghandruk to Nayapul to Pokhara (Trek & 1 Hour drive by Taxi)/ End of Trek Program
Day 21	Pokhara to Kathmandu: Drive or fly to Kathmandu

Day 01: Kathmandu to Besisahar by Bus – Overnight Hotel.
We leave Kathmandu early in the morning by private bus/car. It is a scenic drive with several picturesque gorges and occasional glimpses of mountain peaks. We will stay Overnight in a lodge at Besi Sahar.

Day 02 - Besisahar to Bahundanda - Accommodations (Tea House)             
From Besi Sahar the trail descends to the marshyangdi river then climbs steeply through the deep gorge. It moves up and down through fields, tropical forest and small hamlets to the Gurung village of Khudi at 825m. It is from this region that the British Army recruits many young men into the Gurkha regiment, and we occasionally meet soldiers who are home from Britain on vacation. From Khudi, The trial heads northwards up the Marsyangdi valley and get our first views of Himalchuli (7893m) and Peak 29 (7836m).  We cross the Marshyandi River on a wide suspension bridge, which brings us to the village Bhulebule. From Bhulbhule we trek up the east bank of the river to the lush green paddies fields around Ngati. We again cross the river on a high suspension bridge and make the final steep climb to the village of Bahundanda (1320m). Prayer flags and chortens can now be seen, indicating the Tibetan influences in the region.
Day 3. Bahundanda to Chamje (1,430m).
Today as we trek up the valley the sides will begin to narrow and increase in height. After walking through several villages the trail descends to the valley floor and crosses a steel suspension bridge across the Marshyangdi to the village of Syange. There is a steep climb from here to Chamje.

 

 

Day 4. Chamje to Dharapani (1,940m).
The trail passes through an oak forest and over a ridge to arrive in a wide valley with the village of Tal. Soon after leaving this village the climbs the narrowing valley and descends to cross the river at Dharapani.

 

 

 

Day 05. Dharapani to Chame (2,700m).
We climb to the village of Bagarchhap, walk through a forest and then follow the river to Chame.Today, there are great views of Annapurna II (7,937m) and Lamjung Himal (6,932m) up the valley and if you look back you will be able to see the Manaslu (8,154m) and Peak 29 (7,833m).

 

 

 

Day 06: Chame to Pisang

The trek undergoes a dramatic change of scenery as we leave behind the dense forests and fertile agricultural land of the lowlands and enter a high and arid Himalayan region. Sparse stands of oak, birch and pine dot the landscape and in the fields there are potatoes, wheat and corn, which are the staples of the region. The people are Tibetan in appearance and rows of elaborately carved mani stones line the trail. To respect the local beliefs these stones, as well as prayer wheels and other Buddhist icons on the trail, should always be passed in a clockwise direction keeping them to your right. As we progress the valley adopts a distinctive glaciated ‘U’-shaped appearance and in front of us raise a series of tremendous rock slabs. We climb up to the village of Pisang (3185m) with its prayer flags and flat-roofed Tibetan buildings.

Day 07:  Pisang to Manang - Accommodation (Tea house)
Heading towards Manang we enter an arid area in the rain shadow of the Himalaya. The landscape is desert like with bare eroded hillsides, testimony to the sparse rainfall this region receives. We pass through Humde where there is a small rough STOL (short take-off and landing) airstrip although there are no scheduled flights here. We continue through the little village of Braga with its fascinating Gompa before eventually reaching the village of Manang. For centuries this has been an important trading center providing a conduit for goods traveling between Tibet with India. Today this particular trade has largely ceased but the Manangbhots now have their sights set higher and many have traveled to Bangkok or further a field to advance their business interests. The village has good views of Gangapurna (7455m) and Annapurna III (7555m), whilst to the north we can see the Chulu peaks.

Day 08 Rest Day In Manang - Accommodation (Tea house)
It is important to have an extra day in Manang in order to help acclimatization for the next few days as we start the climb towards the Thorong La. Behind the village is a small hill, which makes a worthwhile training exercise and provides magnificent views of the whole Annapurna range. The icefall, which descends from Gangapurna, is in a constant state of change and we will probably witness huge blocks of ice calve off and come crashing down. We also can walk to Khangsar village on the way to Tilicho Lake or a longer walk to Ice Lake above Braga. It is well worth visiting the Gompa above Braga as well as attending the Himalayan Rescue afternoon lecture on altitude and acclimatization. However, we have a succession of hard days ahead of us so for the sake of our legs it is best to gain as much rest today as possible.

Day 09. Manang to Yak Kharka (4,090m).
It is a shorter day today, about 3 to 4 hours, in order to help everyone acclimatize to the altitude. It is a good idea to go for an afternoon walk, which also helps with this process; you can either walk up the valley and back to the lodge or climb the ridge behind the village.

Day 10 – Yakkhara to Throung Phedi or High Camp

It is another short day of about 3 to 4 hours walking again to help the acclimatisation process. Leaving Yak Kharka we pass through a few lodges at Letdar and after crossing the river there is a climb to Thorong Phedi. In the afternoon it is a good idea to go for a short walk.Or , you can climb up to High Camp for the better mopuntain view and to make shorter the next day as well.

Day 11:Cross the Thorong La Pass to Muktinath
We leave Thorong Phedi before first light and begin making our way up the frozen shattered scree path. Initially the path ascends quite steeply but as dawn breaks and the sun raises over the cobalt-blue horizon the angle eases and the trail becomes enjoyable. As we climb higher the views become more impressive and we can look back towards the Chulu peaks and across to Manaslu. The trail undulates over many false summits before finally reaching the colorful collection of prayer flags which adorn the top of the pass at 5416m. Here we are treated to a fantastic view down towards Muktinath in the Kali Gandaki valley – an arid and desolate Tibetan landscape. Above us rises the fluted peak of Thorong Phedi and beyond lies the entire Annapurna range. If the weather is good we can linger on the pass taking numerous photographs and greeting other trekkers making this arduous crossing. Eventually it’s time to leave and we descend steeply down a long series of switchbacks and scree. Ski poles will be found useful on this section to protect our knees from the pounding they’ll be getting as we drop 1600 meters to Muktinath. The village is situated in a pleasant grove of poplar trees and has a selection of comfortable lodges where beer and soft drinks are available. There is also a fascinating Gompa and Hindu temple where naturally occurring gas venting out of the ground burns as a small perpetual flame, making this a pilgrimage site of great importance.

Day 12: Rest Day – Muktinath

Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa is a sacred place for both Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists at 3750 meters (12,300 feet) at the Annapurna Circuit in the Himalayas of Nepal. It is a great example of how two religions can share the same holy spot with mutual respect and support.
In Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa all the elements are represented, not only earth, air and holy water, but also fire. Beside trees are growing at an unusual altitude. For this and reasons unseen yogis from both religions do their meditation at Muktinath.  

Day 13 Muktinath to Kagbeni (2,800m).
Today we have a short walk to Kagbeni; this will probably be welcome after the long day going over the pass yesterday. After breakfast it is well worth going to visit the temples above the village of Muktinath. The trail passes through a beautiful arid landscape in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, this is starkly different to green and lush terrain at the start of our trek a week ago!
We descend steeply to the green oasis of Kagbeni. It is a fascinating place to explore with narrows streets and old buildings. One needs a special permit to follow the path north of Kagbeni along the Thak Khola to Upper Mustang.

Day 14. Trek to Marpha (2,670m).
The trail follows the Kali Gandaki down to the town of Jomsom and then on to the pretty village of Marpha set amongst apple orchards.

Day 15. Trek to Kalopani (2,560m).
Today we pass the interesting village of Tukuche with its large, carved houses before continuing on down the Kali Gandaki to the villages of Karjung and Larjung. Kalopani is further located a little further down the valley.

 

 

Day 16. Trek to Tatopani (1,190m).
We now leave the Tibetan like landscape and start to see pine, cypress and junipers trees. The trail is sometimes on the valley floor and other times on a trail high above. Tatopani is village with natural hot springs and is it well worth having a soak in the afternoon.

Day 17: Tatopani to Ghorepani

 

About 10 minutes south of the Tatopani path crosses a bridge over the Kali Gandaki to its left bank and then crosses another bridge over its tributary the Ghar Khola. Just after this bridge turn steeply uphill just to the left of a building. It looks like a path into the owner's back garden.
Slog up the hill steeply for 300 meters until you reach the crest of the ridge. The view up the Ghar Khola valley towards Ghorepani is dramatically revealed here. Stop here at the teahouse for a rest and to admire the view (50 minutes). Climb less steeply for another 500 meters to Sikha (3 hours 30 minutes). The path is paved most of the way with what appears to be marble. Phalante (4 hours 20 minutes) is mentioned in the origin myth of the Thakali people. The four Thakali ancestors turned back here when they were unable to find their way to the Ghorepani pass. They were probably discouraged by the never-ending ascent.
Chitre (4 hours 50 minutes) is a little further on. Here the path forks. Take the right hand uphill fork by a building. From here it is a 600-meter steady uphill ascent through the endless rhododendron forest past the electricity pylons to Ghorepani. Ghorepani village (6 hours) is in the col of the Ghorepani pass.

 

Day 18: Ghorepani to Tadapani

Early morning, hike two hours up to Poon hill from Ghorepani village, best spot to see the marvelous view of Manaslu in the east and Dhaulagiri to the west including unrivalled views of Machhapuchhare Annapurna, Hiunchuli and as well as Sunrise view. Then we lead our trek east from Ghorepani village along the ridge, which offers glorious views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. From here, we lead down to Banthanti our lunch spot. Then the trail goes down to the Tadapani stream then leads up again through the thick forest to Tadapani village. Our six-hour trek duration finishes here for today. This day is up and down walking through the magnificent stand of giant rhododendrons....

Day 19: Tadapani to Ghandruk

The Ghandruk trail descends steeply through forests. There are two trails from here, both of which lead to Ghandruk. The paths descents on stone steps into the village. Ghandruk is famous village where Gurung people used to live.

 

 

 

Day 20: Ghandruk to Pokhara via Nayapul

The trail to Birethanti leads south from here. After walking few famous places along the trail, we will reach Birethanti. It's a 20-minute walk on the rough trail to Nayapul from Birethanti, then we have to climb steeply up the hill to the road. We found here some taxi, which leads us to Pokhara.

Day 21: Pokhara to Kathmandu

Drive by tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu around 06-07 hours (depending upon road conditions). Another option is to drive by private car or take the 25-30 minutes flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu.

Price includes:

• Arrival and departure by Car.  (Airport to City, City to Airport)
• Ground Transportation from Kathmandu to Besisahar, Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus and Nayapul to Pokhara by car or taxi.
• All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) and Accommodation in Trek.
• Best quality Sleeping bags, dawn Jackets.
• First Aid Kit
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (Nrs. 2000 Per person)
• English speaking Experienced Guide cum Porter.
• All necessaries for Nepalese staff (all meals, accommodation in teahouses, equipments, insurance etc).
• Certificate of Trek completion from Himalayan Humanity Trekking.

Price Excludes:

• Any bar bills (alcoholic drinks, mineral water and cold drinks),
• Client's personal insurance,
• Personal expenses,
• Meals and Accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Rescue,
• Tips for staff (porter/Guide) etc

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