The Annapurna circuit trek is one such rare place on the planet that possesses such an amazing combination of natural beauty and culture. This rare combination of long stretches of snow-capped peaks, and clear lakes is unheard of. It is a beautiful place with its turbulent rivers, deep canyons, hot springs, and picturesque villages.
The people who live there are friendly and simple, with a variety of cultural backgrounds. The Annapurna circuit trek offers stunning mountain scenery and a diverse cultural experience.
This Annapurna circuit trek will take you out of vehicular traffic and into the land where the standing mountains are. The trail runs north from the Himalayan main range and then crosses into the dry Tibetan-like trans-Himalayan. This trek is easy and enjoyable.
The Annapurna Circuit trek traverses two river valleys and circles the Annapurna Massif. It reaches its highest point at Thorung La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft) and reaches the Tibetan plateau’s edge. The route is most commonly walked in an anticlockwise direction. This is because the daily elevation gain is less and the crossing of the Thorong La pass, which is high, is safer and easier. You can see the Annapurna Massif, Annapurna I-IV, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. Many other mountains rise to 6000-8000m from the Annapurna range.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek begins in Pokhara. We start at Bhulbhule and continue to Bhulbhule. The route follows the Marsyandghi River Valley, passing through Jagat and Dharapani as well as Chame and Pisang. Much of the trek is covered by the Beisahar Manang road. Mountain biking has become more popular with Mustangs, in particular, thanks to the construction of roads. After getting acclimatized at Manang we continue on the trail to Yak Kharka and hike to Thorong Phedi. Thorong Phedi is the starting point. You will reach Thorong La Pass at (5,416m/17.769ft). Muktinath Temple, sacred to both Hindus as well as Buddhists, can be visited on the way. It is known for its 108 stone faucets and eternal flame.
Continue on to Tatopani through lush rhododendron and birch forests. To reach Poon Hill, you will need to trek approximately an hour from Ghorepani. Poon Hill (3,210m) is a popular viewpoint that offers spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I, II, South, Macchapuchre, and other peaks. After enjoying a spectacular sunrise view from Poon Hill we trek to Berithanti, then drive to Pokhara.
It is possible to trek the majority of the circuit year-round, even during monsoon season.
October – November (Autumn)
This is the most popular season for hiking in Nepal. The circuit is vibrant, clean, and refreshed by the recent monsoons. The night sky is often visible and views are clear. Even though the day is usually warm, temperatures at night can drop to below freezing. This is the busiest time on the circuit, and tea houses fill up quickly.
December – March (Winter)
This is the coldest time on the circuit. The altitude will determine whether the daytime temperature is cold or cold at night. However, the trails are less crowded.
April – May (Spring)
Due to the warm weather, April-May is the second most popular trekking period on the Annapurna Circuit. The snow has mostly dissipated leaving clear skies. You can often see a strange cloud at lower elevations in May.
June – September (Summer)
This is the monsoon season. Trekking in the monsoon season is a great option. Many of the flora species bloom during this time, making it an exceptional trek. The side trek to Tilicho Lake is easier during this time.
TIMS
Every trekker who plans to hike in Nepal needs to have access to TIMS or the Trekkers Information Management System. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) have jointly adopted this fundamental permit to assure the safety and security of any trekker seeking to trek in Nepal.
ACAP
The government of Nepal declared the Annapurna region a conservation reserve in 1992, making it the country’s largest protected area.
Any hiker seeking to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area must acquire an ACAP, often known as an entry permit.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our representative will be there. They will welcome and assist you before transferring you to your booked hotel. After you check in, you will be provided with a welcome drink followed by the tour briefing. The remaining time is for leisure & relaxation. You can spend the time on your activities.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Hotel Yatri Suites & Spa at Thamel.
Our tour guide will come to pick you up along with the private vehicle. Firstly you will be visiting the UNESCO world heritage site Kathmandu Durbar Square where you can observe the typical wood-carved temples and buildings reflecting the ancient Kathmandu city and then you will be heading towards Swyambhunath- the monkey temple where you can observe the religious harmony and tolerance between the Buddhist religion and Hindu religion along with that enjoy the panoramic view of Kathmandu city and the Himalaya ranges from here.
After that, you will be visiting the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the biggest pilgrimage sites for the Hindu religion people in south-east Asia, explore the surroundings and you can observe the ritual body cremating ceremony process of the Hindu people at the bank of the holy Bagmati river and explore the surroundings.
Then you will go to visit another UNESCO world heritage site Boudhanath Stupa. It was built in 600 A.D. and is the only one of kind of stupa reflecting Buddhism in the world. Explore the surroundings of Boudhanath Stupa and after completing your sightseeing seen get back to the hotel and rest.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Hotel Yatri Suites & Spa at Thamel.
Early morning, we will leave for Syange in a private vehicle. It takes about seven hours to get to Besisahar through the serpentine roads on the hill. Here, we will stop for lunch and snacks. There are several small towns among the green hills and, certainly, you will not be bored. From Besisahar, Syange village is about one hour ride. You will get beautiful views of Mount Annapurna II, Mount Machhapuchhre, and Mount Lamjung.
Accommodation included: Overnight accommodation in a trekking lodge.
It takes 5 to 6 hours to reach Dharapani from Syange village. You will trek all the way through Jagat, Chyamche, Tal, Kyodo, and Karte (Khotro). Dharapani is situated at an elevation of 1860 meters above sea level. From Syange to Dharapani, the path is going up and down, but it is easy.
Accommodation included: Overnight accommodation in a trekking lodge.
Today you will see the breathtaking views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525 m). We also come across a small hot spring which is a place to relax for a while.
Accommodation included: Overnight accommodation in a trekking lodge.
Today, the trek begins through the forest areas in a steep, narrow valley. You can enjoy the rugged beauty of the towering Paungda Danda and pose glacial erosion at its finest. The path then leads through the peaceful forest to the upper Manang Valley. Upon ascending further, we will reach Pisang, a large & sprawling village. This village bears many lodges that offer delicious meals that challenge your taste buds.
Accommodation included: Overnight accommodation in a trekking lodge.
We will head towards Manang by Ngwal / Ghyaru. Here, the spectacular views of the mountains and an exquisite view of the valley can be observed. The trail continues by the northern bank of the river before arriving at Ngwal. One can enjoy some free time and opportunities to explore and soak in nature’s beauty at its rawest form.
Accommodation included: Overnight accommodation in a trekking lodge.
If the situation allows, we will enjoy a short boating tour at Gangapurna Lake. We can visit the monasteries that are dotted around the area. Or, we can simply enjoy the spectacular views of the Himalayas in the surrounding. It is highly recommended to pay attention to the advice of the Himalayan Rescue Association for your stay in Manang.
Accommodation included: Overnight accommodation in a trekking lodge.
Today, you will cross a stream and ascend to Tengi. You will continue ascending outside the Marsayangdi Valley and reach Ghunsang (3950 m). You will go through a scattered forest of barberry, juniper, and rose and also cross a large stream to reach Yak Kharka (4,050 m). From here, you will walk for an hour to reach Ledar.
Accommodation included: Overnight accommodation in a trekking lodge.
In the beginning, the trail will go right side. After we cross the suspension bridge, the trail goes left of the valley. We finally reach the Throung Phedi 4450 m/14596 ft and walk further straight up to the High camp. On this day, you will see Throung peak and some more mountains.
Accommodation included: Overnight accommodation in a trekking lodge.
Today’s trekking starts around 4:00 AM. Initially, you cross through Throung-La 5416 m/17764 ft- world’s largest pass. You can see the Dhaulagiri Massif straight west of the pass. Further, you will reach the village called Chirabu at the bottom of the Pass and then to Muktinath.
Then, we pass a tough descending trail (1600 m) to Muktinath. Muktinath has great religious significance. It is a pilgrimage center for both Buddhists and Hindus. You will meet the Tibetan traders, Sadhus (Holy men), and rock piles from visitors in exchange for a good fortune in their next life.
Accommodation included: Overnight accommodation in a trekking lodge.
In the morning, you will visit the Muktinath Temple. It’s a very important site for both Hindu and Buddhist religions. Also, you’ll visit the Buddhist Monastery and the famous natural gas light called the Flame of Muktinath. The Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountains can be clearly seen from here.
Later, we will start trekking to Kagbeni. The hike is downhill and easy. Passing by Tibetan-like villages, we reach Kagbeni. It is situated in the Lower region of Mustang. You will have sufficient time to explore the Monastery and/or village. You can interact with the locals to experience the first-hand local culture. Afterward, head for Jomsom to catch the flight to Pokhara, the next morning.
Accommodation included: Overnight accommodation in a trekking lodge.
According to the flight time, you will head towards the airport to catch the flight to Pokhara. It will take about 30 minutes to reach Pokhara. During the flight, you can see many mountains as well as the trail down to Tatopani /Ghorepani. Then, you can check in to the Hotel in Pokhara.
Afterward, you have a full day to stroll around the city of Pokhara. You can enjoy roaming around the lakeside as well as you can have fun by boating in Phewa lake. The shadow of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri Mountains on the water of Phewa Lake looks stunning.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Hotel Crystal Palace or Similar at Pokhara.
Today, you will be sightseeing the beautiful Pokhara. The enigmatic Davi’s Falls is a few minute’s drive away. The Pardi Khola, an outflow from Phewa Lake makes the fall. Devi’s Fall disappears into a mysterious cavern in the ground as it creates magnificent sprays.
Another attraction is the Seti Gandaki River, which flows right through the heart of the town. The limestone in the soil gives the river its milky color. At certain spots, the Seti Gandaki runs completely underground. Several Tibetan settlements around Pokhara sell handicraft goods & Tibetan carpets. Moreover, we will visit Davi’s Waterfall, Gupteswor Mahadev, and International Mountain Museum.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Hotel Crystal Palace or Similar at Pokhara.
Today, you begin with an early drive to Sarangkot. Here, we can capture the tranquil and magical view of the city before sunrise. The first rays of sunlight hitting the mountains in the background are magnificent. Further, Sarangkot offers panoramic views of the Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, and other mountains.
Thereafter, we shall go boating at Fewa Lake and we shall hike towards Peace Stupa. Pokhara Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist pagoda-style monument located on Anadu Hill of Kaski. The boat trip crossing Phewa Lake from Pumdi Bhumdi Bay to Phewa Ghat lasts up to half an hour. It’s a good opportunity to enjoy the sight of Himalayan peaks reflecting on the water. It is also a relaxing way to end a hiking day and a panoramic loop at the World Peace Pagoda.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Hotel Crystal Palace or Similar at Pokhara.
On this day you will have a scenic drive back to Kathmandu, starting from Pokhara after breakfast. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will be then transferred to your respective hotel and have a rest. In the evening, you can stroll around the downtown area in Thamel.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Hotel Yatri Suites & Spa or Similar at Thamel.
Today, our guide will receive you and then drive you to Patan for sightseeing. In Patan, you will be visiting other heritage like Krishna Temple and Patan Durbar Square. Later on, you will visit the Patan Museum, where you can learn more about the history of Patan and the kings. You will also visit the Golden Temple and Banglamukhi Temple, a major attraction for both Hindu and Buddhist people. Then after we will be visiting Bhaktapur where you will be amazed by the architecture. Observe the old wood-carved buildings all around Bhaktapur.
Explore the surroundings and visit the Nyatapola Temple, the biggest temple in Nepal. Here, you can also take the pottery-making class using traditional methods. You will visit Pottery Square. You will be taught to design and adorn your pot with beautiful patterns and inscriptions.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Hotel Ytari Suites & Spa or Similar at Thamel.
Your trip will come to an end today. First, you will be advised and assisted with your onward travel arrangements. Then, we will transfer you to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport. You will reach the airport 3 hours before your flight schedule.
