The Great Circuit of Annapurna

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Kathmandu

  

  After passing through immigration at Tribhuwan International Airport and collecting your baggage, you can find our airport representative waiting for you outside the airport. You will be taken to the vehicle that has been sent for you, which will take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. According to the time you arrive, you might have time to discover the surrounding area or some of the heritage sites that are situated nearby.

• day 2

  Drive to Besisahar, then take jeeps to Jagat - 1300m

  

  After our early morning breakfast, we drive west with the trek team. Passing by Mugling, we then head to Dumre, from where we turn north. Upon reaching Besisahar, we change our vehicle and get on jeeps, which are required to tackle the rough road ahead on our way to Jagat.

• day 3

  Trek to Dharapani - 1860m

  

  As on most of our days, we start our walk after breakfast. Due to the motor road, which is quite rough, it is more pleasurable to walk from here on. We will be taking the trail that is separate from the motor road where possible. We make a steady climb to Chamje and then descend, passing by a suspension bridge to cross the river. Then we climb again to reach Tal. Due to the terrain, the river has a lake-like appearance here. After Tal, we move on to cross the river, and then after 4 km of walking, we reach Dharapani - 1860m

• day 4

  Trek to Chame – 2713m

  

  Today, we head west, passing by Bagar Chap. Views of Manaslu and Annapurna 2 are possible at times. We might be forced to walk on the motor road at times today as we pass through forested areas before reaching Chame. Chame is the administrative center of the region, where we can find small bazaars, financial banks, mini schools, and views of the Annapurna.

• day 5

  Trek to Upper Pisang – 3300m

  

  We cross the river several times today in a steep gorge section. The path is, at times, constructed into the cliffside on wooden piers. Passing through a forested ridge beyond Bura-Dhan, we reach an open valley. We then cross the river to reach terraced fields with great views of the north side of Annapurna 2 at Upper Pisang.

• day 6

  Trek to Manang – 3540m

  

  This day, we walk towards the northern slopes via the villages of Ghyaru (3720m) and Ngawal (3680m). We pass through fascinating houses and gompas, while incredible views of the Annapurnas are just right across from us. We then descend and rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit trail, from where an approximately 4-hour walk will take us to Manang.

• day 7

  Acclimatization and optional hike day at Manang – 3540m

  

  Today is our acclimatization day at Manang, which is a large Tibetan village and the last one we encounter before the Thorang La pass. Hikes to Chongkor viewpoint above the Ganga Purna lake are one option for today. Another option is to retrace our steps to Braga and head to Ice Lake.

• day 8

  Trek to Ledar - 4250m

  

  For better acclimatization, we head towards Ledar today at a very slow pace. Taking a slow and short hike, we leave the valley while enjoying great views of Manaslu, the Annapurnas, and Tilicho Peak. Heading north, we pass through juniper and alpine meadows to reach the settlement of Ledar.

• day 9

  Trek to Thorang High Camp – 4750m

  

  We continue slowly on the east bank of Jarsang Khola to a covered bridge. Then, a steep trail takes us to Thorang Phedi (4500m), which is a possible stop point for many trekkers. To make it easier for tomorrow, we continue up to Thorang High Camp, which is 1 and 1/2 hours farther.

• day 10

  Trek to Muktinath - 3800m via Thorang Pass – 5416m

  

  We get our breakfast around 6 am, after which we head towards our challenge of the day. We make a steep ascent to the Thorang La. The trail is well-defined, and we might come across icy sections. We pass by icy lakes to reach the high pass, which is marked by cairns and prayer flags at 5416m. Both directions now provide us with great views. The mountains that have been with us for the past couple of days are visible, while the northwest side has the brown and red landscapes of Mustang, and the Kali Gandaki valley is below us. We now descend towards Muktinath – 3800m. Views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and Nilgiri are excellent from here.

• day 11

  Drive to Tatopani – 1190m

  

  The road that has been slowly extending up Kali Gandaki has now reached Muktinath. Rather than walking along this dusty road, we now take local jeeps to make our way to Tatopani via the world’s deepest gorge, located between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. This route is subject to landslips and blockages, so we might have to walk short sections or switch jeeps along the way.

• day 12

  Trek to Ghorepani – 2900m

  

  We follow a steep trail that takes us to the valley of Ghar Khola. After a couple of hours of walking, views of Dhaulagiri are possible, while we can see sparsely spread terraced fields and villages on the other side. We then pass through a forest of moss-hung oak and rhododendrons to reach Ghorepani.

• day 13

  Trek to Poonhill - 3200m and then to Birethanti

  

  Early in the morning, we climb to Poonhill. We enjoy the views of Dhaulagiri and the entire Annapurna range from here. Then we return to our lodge for breakfast, after which we descend to Birethanti.

• day 14

  Trek to Nayapul - Drive to Pokhara

  

  Today, we head to Nayapul, which takes around 30 minutes. After this, we get into our vehicle and drive to Pokhara. In Pokhara, you can stroll around the Lakeside or go boating as per your preference.

• day 15

  Fly to Kathmandu

  

  Today you will be transferred to the airport according to your flight time to Kathmandu. The flight lasts around 30 minutes. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for discovering Kathmandu, doing some souvenir shopping, or heading to the spa.

• day 16

  Final Departure

  

  You will be transferred to the airport 3 hours before your flight, according to your flight time. We hope you had an amazing trip in Nepal and look forward to seeing you again.