Annapurna Circuit Trek 19 days

Breakfast and get drive to Besishahar for 6 hours, and trek to Khudi for 2 hours and stay night in Khudi.

Our first day’s walk involves crossing a few suspension bridges and waterfalls including several ascents and descents across rice paddies and a subtropical forest. Initially, the walk is gradual but is then followed by steeper trails. The mountains that we see from Khudi seem a lot closer now. Before reaching Sirung village we pass an ethnic Tamang settlement of Taranche. We admire close-up views of Nadi Chuli and Manaslu mountains from Sirung.

We leave Sirung for Jagat on a relatively easy trail. We leave behind the terraces of the village and hit forest, ferns and woodland. On the forest trail we spot a variety of birds. We also pass through several small villages and a few temples on the way. We cross a suspension bridge over Sangu Khola at Mipra then again at Syange over the Marshyangdi River. There is also a waterfall nearby the bridge. Now our trail moves alongside the mighty Marshyangdi River and we cross one more bridge before reaching Jagat.

After breakfast, we slowly begin our trek today. The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steeply-forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge. Overnight in Dharapani.

Today we walk through a few forested ridges on our way to Chame, which is the headquarters of the Manang District. Throughout the trek we can admire amazing views of the Himalayas including Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). On today’s trek we also come across small hot springs where we can dip in and soothe our aching muscles. Overnight in Chame.

Venture into a steep and narrow path through a very dense forest and see the curved rock face that rises 1500 m from the river. The forests and heavy vegetation would now be out-of-the-sight. You have to again and again cross the river on suspension bridges. With the trail opening up, you get surrounded by the splendid Himalayan Peaks. Here you find yourself in the U-shaped valley of Manang hanging between two giant snow peaks. Sfter walking through these wonderful sites, you reach Pisang. Overnight stay in Upper Pisang.

In Pisang, you have to make a decision on the trek around Annapurnas. You need to decide particularly whether you will go on the faster and shorter lower path, or on so-called higher path via Upper Pisang, Ghyaru and Ngawal with beautiful views. It is more desirable to set off oneself for the higher path from where it is also possible to take a few side acclimatization trips.

The path from Ngawal descends more than 200 meters back down to Marsyangdi valley along bizarre rocks sculpted by wind and stunted pines. Along the way, you could enjoy the magnificent views of Annapurna ridges. It is also possible to visit a very nice village- Bhraka- before arriving to the downtown area of Manang. It is the only short way from Bhraka to Manang where lodges are there to serve the guests. It has high concentration of tourists who are getting acclimatized here and making trips before the main ascent to the pass Thorong la.

Today represents the scheduled acclimatization day. Do not stay idle but rather take a short walk to higher altitude to get acclimatized with the altitude. Manang is a good place to do that as the next two days will be very challenging with the rapid gain in altitude. Not downplaying the possibility of serious health hazards posed by high altitude with cautiousness is simply crucial. Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake is worth visiting sites from the acclimatization perspective. An excursion to a little distance away to a village called Vraga, a small old village with a monastery, is also worthy. Also worth visiting is the Himalayan Rescue Association where you can get some ideas about Mountain Sickness. Overnight stay in Manang.

From the Manang village, the trail is eclectically interesting. It crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki, and then continues to climb to the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail passes through this valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees as it gradually elevates. The trail passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now, it crosses through the meadows where the horses and yaks are seen to be grazing. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, you will spot an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reach another small village of Yak Kharka. Little but a gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems. Overnight stay in Yak Kharka.

We head to the foot of the pass, Thorong Phedi, today. Thorong Phedi is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. People use this point as a base camp with some of them even doing a hiking to the high camp so that the next day can be easier for them. However, we do not recommend this with overnight stay there because sleeping in higher altitude could well prove life-threatening. As we will have a tough day tomorrow, we take a shelter in the Thorong Phedi for sound sleep. Overnight stay at Thorong Phedi.

The climax of our Annapurna circuit trek comes today. Of course, crossing the famous high pass, Thorong La, will not be an ordinary feat for you. An early start is important to successfully reach the final destination. Passing through the icy high-altitude trail is a daunting task but the outstanding high Himalayan scenes are bound to be exhilaratingly to you visual senses. We reach Muktinath, an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists, amidst the dimming light of the setting sun. The holy place hosts a Vishnu temple of Hindu and a monastery of Buddhist, thus demonstrating a great deal of religious harmony in Nepal. Overnight stay at Muktinath.

In the morning, you will be visiting Vishnu Temple and Gompa. Then you have to descend from Ranipauwa village down the steep and barren hillside. You come down toward Kagbeni and also to Jomsom finally arriving at Marpha. The trail is quite enigmatic as you trek along a plateau above Kali Gandaki, the world`s deepest gorge. Marpha is also reckoned as the apple capital of Nepal where one can enjoy different items including the famous local apple brandy, Marpha. Overnight stay at Marpha.

Today, you need to embark upon a new route toward Kalopani via Chokhopani village from Marpha. You happen to pass through the traditional villages of the ethnic Thakali people and also get to see apple gardens. Here you can visually relish several Himalayan peaks: Dhaulagari, Tukuche Peak, the three Nilgiris, Fang and Annapurna I. From Chokhopani, you continue to move to Kokhethanti. After crossing a river, the newly constructed road site at before reaching Kokhethanti of Kalopani waits you. Overnight stay at Kalopani.

You have to take a new downhill route to Tatopani from Kalopani. Then you cross the bridge at Ghasa. As the lower elevations start, you find yourself into subtropical forests with rich vegetation. You keep on moving along Rupse Chahara to reach down the east bank from Kopchepani via Garpar. There is a bridge at Dana and at Narchyang Besi, you can see a powerhouse that supplies electricity in the area. Upon reaching Tatopani, you can relax by having a bath in the hot spring.

In the course of this trek, you can observe the lifestyle of the midland village dwellers of Nepal. You gradually walk steep up to Ghorepani and pass through the Phalate and Chitre. While doing so, you can see the rhododendron flowers, birch trees and some meadows. As you elevate to the peaks, the scene is wonderful. Then you have to stay at Ghorepani and the climb to Poon Hill starts early tomorrow morning.

Climbing to Poon Hill (3,210m/10,531ft) early morning to visually enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the whole Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs and surrounding rice terraces. It is not for nothing that this hill is known as the “photographer`s paradise”. After breakfast, you cross the trail to Tadapani through the rhododendron forests. Sceneries are splendid here throughout the day.

The trail passes through the Rhododendron forest to Ghandruk, the place inhabited by the Gurung community. After the lunch, you walk to Nayapul to complete the trail which is followed by a short bus ride back to Pokhara, the place of beautiful lakes with the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayas. Overnight stay in Pokhara (850m/2,789ft).

In the early morning after the breakfast, driving or flying back to Kathmandu. Overnight stay at the hotel.