Annapurna Circuit trek is the world’s most popular 150-mile long trek that encircles the entire Annapurna massif and awards with stunning views of Annapurna Himalayan range from Annapurna I (8,091m) the 10th highest mountain in the world, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri ( 8,167m ) and Manaslu (8,163m) ), the world’s 7th highest mountain. The trail to Annapurna Circuit begins in an anti-clockwise direction. While trekking you pass through spectacular villages inhabited by different ethnic groups of people of the country and landscapes from lowland farming terrain to alpine meadows and Tibet-like country on the northern slopes of the Himalaya.
From Kathmandu we begin the trek to Bhulbhule (830m), the initial days of the trek involve hike through rice farms, forests, and villages in the lower section of the Annapurna Conservation Area. After reaching Manang (3500m) which offers the enjoyment of the mountain views. No place anywhere in Nepal looks similar to Mustangs’ landscape. It lies behind the Annapurna range in rain shadow area which blocks the rain and is desert-like landscape. From Manang, you will continue walking ascending slowly and on day 12 of the trek you cross the classic Thorung La pass at 5416m and set out for Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. Crossing Thorong La pass is technically easy and you would have a wonderful experience.
After crossing Thorong La pass you make easy but long descend into the Kali Gandaki river valley, witnessing Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains towering on either side. Then, you will visit Muktinath temple. If you are religiously inclined, you can take a bath in 108 taps and 2 ponds in the temple premises to relieve yourself of all your sins as per the sayings of Hindu religion.
Further down you will reach Tatopani on day 16 where you take bath in natural hot springs and relax. Then, you climb up Poon Hill, above Ghorepani, to enjoy magnificent mountain views. While returning to Pokhara you will walk through many beautiful Gurung villages that dominate this ancient trading salt route between Tibet and India. Accommodation and food are provided in every local lodge along the trail. The best time for this trek is from March to May, as you will see the colorful Rhododendron blooming along the trail at the lower part of the Annapurna region.
Our staffs from Adventure Gandaki Treks and Expedition will be there at the Airport to Pick you up. You will be then transferred to 3 star Hotel in Kathmandu.
Next morning we drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule which takes about 5 to 6 hours from the Prithvi highway. We drive through the bustling town of Dumre and head towards Besisahar. We stop by here and have lunch then head to Bhulbhule in the Marsyandi valley where we stay overnight.
Driving further from Bhulbhule we reach towards Bahundanda where we can take the local bus. We walk about 4 to 5 hours taking a necessary break which takes us to Chamje.
From Chamje, we will have an easy walk that leads us to Bagarchhap. The trail walks further for about 5 to 6 hours where we can experience mountain climate and culture and takes you to Dharapani.
Trailing through Dharapani heading Chame along the headquarters Mmananag. Manang district lies beyond the Himalayas and is the popular destination in Nepal. We will be staying in the lap of Annapurna in the mountain town which will definitely amaze one.
Next day we will be hiking from Chame to Pisang. It takes about 5 to 6 hours of walk from Chame to Pisang. We stay overnight here at the Hotel.
It takes about 5 hours to reach mountain village of Manang from Pisang. This village follows Tibetan Buddhist culture. During the walk, we can view the outstanding famous Annapurna range. We will experience mountain atmosphere here,
Today, we take a rest and acclimatize to the altitude. We will visit villages, Gangapurna glacier, Gangapurna lake, and mountains. We will experience high altitude here.
Next day, we head to Yak Kharka which means Yak pasture land. On the mountain giants where we enjoy beautiful mountain views with the amazing atmosphere.
Through Yak Kharka we head towards Thorung Phedi Base Camp and prepare to climb up the hill to Thorung La Pass.
Today is an amazing trail we head towards Thorung pass, the highest pass which takes about 4 hours of the hill climb. At the top, the sceneries look amazing and make one feel like standing out of the world. After experiencing the beauty, we descent towards Muktinath for another 6 hours.
Veer off the main trekking trail to make a side trip to an ancient village of Purang. Further up from the village, continue to take the less frequented route going past another village with a medieval feel to it – Jhong. From Jhong, descend to the Jhing Khola (river), following the course which you emerge on to Kagbeni. From Kagbeni we will hop on a public bus back to Jomsom.
Pokhara is 156 km from jomsom . We will take a bus ride. Or we can take 25 mins flight to pokhara.
Your accomodation in a trek will be on twin sharing basis. Your hotels in mountains while on trek will be very basic standard. We it as a trekkers lodge/tea houses. Tea houses wont be very luxurous as on the cities but beds will be comfortable . we will provide you with the best standard type hotel available in the area.
Food is of a very good quality, and we recommend you try local foods such as dal bhat (lentil stew with rice and curried potatoes or meat), boiled potatoes with chilli sauce, Sherpa stew (meat, potatoes, vegetables in a rich sauce) or curry with rice. These are the staple foods for Sherpa people but every lodge will also offer a wide range of western meals:
Breakfast – Eggs (fried, boiled), omelettes, toast, pancakes, Tibetan bread, muesli, porridge, tea, coffee, chocolate.
Lunch/dinner – Soups (tomato, garlic, vegetable, mushrooms etc), veg fried rice, dal bhat, curry w/rice, noodles (mix fried, veg, egg, w/cheese), macaroni, spring rolls (veg, egg, cheese, mixed), momo (boiled or fried mini pasties with either veg or meat), pizza (all types), fried potatoes (w/veg or cheese), chips, buff steak (water buffalo, occasionally yak), lasagne.
Dessert – apple pie, fruit cocktail, chocolate cake, rice pudding, snickers pie!
The Essentials
Optional
Nepal Trekking Season generally known best as two seasons after falls and after the winter. The following month mid of September to mid of December consider ever best season of trekking in Himalayas. During this period of months have pleasant climate condition not so hot and cold and visibility of mountain are crystal clear. There is another best season of trekking Nepal after winter when sun getting more warmer in spring time may trekkers to Himalayas can again enjoy comfortable climate condition.
