Annapurna Circuit Trek - 16 Days

Flying into Kathmandu on a crystal clear day is itself a truly breathtaking experience. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, & begin a whole sequence of memorable experiences that stay with you for a real long time. Upon arrival, a representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Our team will assist you with check-in process and provide an orientation about your daily activities. This will be your first overnight stay in the city of temples.

Kathmandu, is the historical heart of Nepal, has been a popular destination for tourists ever since the country opened its borders to outside world. The city presents a wonderful combination of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two prime neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances.

We will arrange a professional tour guide for you and a private tourist vehicle with a driver to explore between monuments. The tour guide will take you to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Stupa, the historical and cultural sites you’ll visit today. Offering panoramic views of the valley.

After completion of your day tour, you will be having meeting with your trek guide at our office/hotel. He will brief you about the Trek and all the essentials. The Thamel has many trekking gear shops, where you can buy missing gear in the late evening and get ready for the jeep driving to Dharapani.

After completing all the necessary preparations, acclimatization, and logistic arrangements, we begin our Annapurna trekking journey with a scenic jeep drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani. Cruising along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre, we then follow the rugged road that winds beside the Marsyangdi River.

Along the way, we pass through picturesque lowland villages, terraced rice fields, and river valleys, offering a glimpse of rural Nepali life. After around 8 hours of driving, we arrive at Dharapani, a lively town and the official starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

We evade a narrow field from the village. The Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu and then Marshyangdi, steers to the left. Sinuous trails of the Annapurna II becomes visible as we arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhotia village with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. As we continue ascending through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall. Further on, the Marshyangdi River enters a gorge and the trail follows a rock-strewn path.

We now grab a breather for a while and take in the splendor of the picturesque Manaslu. When the steep incline ends, we follow a path amid magnificent rhododendrons and continue on a gently rising path. We cross a stream before entering a pine forest. We then enter the pristine hamlet of Kotho, from where we can graps the most enchanting view of Annapurna II. Treading further, the route reaches a large white gate with a corrugated iron roof, which is the entrance of Chame. Chame is the administrative headquarter of Manang district. There is electricity, wireless station, schools, shops, health post, post office, police check post, hotels, lodges and banks that are found in Chame. The hot springs are the major attraction of this place. Stay overnight at Chame.

After a mesmerizing sight of the glowing Lamjung Himal [6893m] in the morning, we head off for Upper Pisang. En route, we cross a large suspension bridge along Marshyangdi and approach houses and lodges on the northern side of the river. Our trail then meanders through barley field leading to Teleku at 2775 meters. As we leave undulating mountain passes, we enter fascinating apple orchards near a bridge at 2840 meters. On crossing the bridge, the pristine hamlet of Bratang appears. History has it that Bratang used to be a Khampa settlement. A stone memorial of a Japanese climber has been built in this place. After leaving the forested village, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape. Before us, the Annapurna mountain range rears up. Further on, we continue our steep rock-strewn trails to the south side and cross a long suspension bridge at 3040 meters. At this vantage point on the bridge, we get to view Paungda Danda rock rising more than 1500 meters from the river. En route, we get to capture splendid views of Annapurna II rising up on the east with Pisang Peak on the north-east. We cross a bridge and enter the village of Pisang. From here, we climbs gently through pine forests and traditional stone houses toward Upper Pisang, a charming settlement known for its ancient monastery and dramatic mountain scenery. We spend the night at Upper Pisang, enjoying the peaceful Himalayan atmosphere and stunning sunset views over the Annapurna range.

We continue our trek to Ngawal, the trails gently ascends through pine forests, passing through ancient monasteries, prayer flags, and traditional stone villages offering breathtaking views of Annapurna ll,lll,lV, and Gangapurna. This scenic route is quieter and more rewarding than the lower trail. After a steady walk, we arrive at Ngawal, a beautiful village perched above the valley, known for its Tibetan-style houses and panoramic mountain views. Overnight stay at a lodge in Ngawal.

The trek from Ngawal to Manang begins with a gentle descent along a scenic trail, offering spectacular views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. Passing through juniper forests, stone chortens, and small settlements, the path gradually leads down to the Marsyangdi Valley. We then continue on an easy, mostly level trail toward Manang, the largest village in the region. Surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes and glacial valleys, Manang is an important acclimatization stop. Overnight stay at a lodge in Manang.

Upon reaching Manang, we take a well-earned rest day for proper acclimatization before crossing the Thorong La Pass. This day can be spent with gentle walks along the river to witness the spectacular icefalls cascading down from glaciated mountain peaks, or simply relaxing while enjoying the panoramic views of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. A short visit to the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) aid post is also recommended, offering valuable insight into altitude awareness and high-altitude health.

Today we gonna head toward Ledar from Manang, the trail passes through Tenki Manang and then ascends gradually trough the Jarsang Khola valley, We will also pass through Yak Kharka (above 4000 m), it is often used for a lunch and resting stop. Today trek is a moderate, steady climb, moving from alpine forests into high-altitude, also offering breathtaking views of Annapurna II, III, IV Gangapurna, and Tilicho peak. After several hours of trekking we reach our destionation Ledar, a small high altitude settlement. Ledar has many basic teahouses and lodges available for overnight stays. 

The trek from Ledar to Thorong Phedi follows a scenic yet increasingly rugged high-mountain trail. Leaving Ledar, the path climbs gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marsyangdi River, which is crossed by a covered wooden bridge.

After the crossing, the trail ascends briefly along the right bank of the river and then continues on a narrow path traversing a steep and unstable slope, requiring careful footing. The landscape becomes more barren as you approach Thorong Phedi, the final settlement before the Thorong La Pass crossing. This stop is essential for rest and final acclimatization.

It’s an early start today for the crossing of Thorong La [5416m]. The trail gets steep immediately on leaving camp, but then the local folks have used this trail for hundreds of years & the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, we reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. From the snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang, which spread out before us, we are presented with a the spian landscape, that’s stunning to the eyes.

The descent to Muktinath is a 1600m trek. But the excellent views of Dhaulagiri, more then rewards us for the tiring journey. Eventually, the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath, with its shrines and temple.

After the memorable trek to Muktinath, we drove on a senic drive to Tatopani. The path takes us through the rugged Mustang landscape, with winding roads that offer views of terraced fields, traditional villages, and the Kali Gandaki River below. After few hours, we will reach Marpha for lunch and explore Marpha. As we descend to Tatopani, the surroundings gradually shift to lush subtropical forests. Tatopani is famous for its natural hot springs, where trekkers can relax and rest after days of trekking in the high Himalayas. Upon arrival, you can soak in the thermal pools or explore the charming village before settling in for the night.

From Tatopani, we begin our uphill trek through lush forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak, enjoying the fresh mountain air and the sound of birdsong along the trail. The route passes through charming villages and terraced fields, giving glimpses of traditional rural life in the Annapurna region. As we ascend, the views of the surrounding peaks gradually unfold, offering stunning panoramas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trail eventually leads us to Ghorepani, a vibrant village known for its panoramic mountain vistas and as a gateway to Poon Hill. We stay overnight at a comfortable lodge, resting and preparing for the early morning excursion to Poon Hill.

Today we start our day early in the morning with a short climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m). Poon Hill is known as one of the most famous view points in the Annapurna region. It offers a spectacular panorama over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, and on the clear day, see all the way south to the plains of India.

After soaking in the beautiful sunrise above the mountains and majestic views, descend along a path that winds through dense, moss-covered forests teeming with birdlife towards Banthanti. From Ulleri, we tackle the steep, seemingly endless stone staircase, a classic highlight of the Annapurna trekking route. After this walk down, the trail gradually descends to Hile you can take a ride from here, our drive back to Pokhara by jeep, concluding the trek while offering time to relax and reflect on the stunning landscapes and unforgettable Himalayan experiences along the way.

While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you go up to Damauli, Dumre, Mugling and Kurintar where Nepal’s first Cable car is operated to reach Manakamana (wishes) Temple. In route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and see the local folks happily engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe, you climb up to Thankot, gateway to the capital city of Kathmandu. You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes.

Our escort team will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight home. For those who wish to extend their stay in Nepal, a variety of optional activities can be arranged, including a jungle safari with a game drive in one of the national parks, adventurous white-water rafting, Tibet overland tours, or mountain biking experiences. Simply let us know your interests and budget, and we will be happy to tailor an extension program to suit your needs.