Annapurna Circuit Trek, also popularly known as Round Annapurna Trekking. In the past round, Annapurna used to be the world’s one of the best long days trek. After the development of roads in the trekking trails, the trekking days have been shortened but it is still an equally popular trek that offers spectacular panoramic views. You will be amazed to see the dramatic changes in landscape, culture and climate. Lush green valleys and typical Nepalese villages with towering snow-capped Himalayas in the background are the things that will amaze you during the Round Annapurna Trekking. You start our trek below the altitude of 1,000 meters from sea level and reach the staggering 5416 meters (Thorungla Pass) altitude from sea level.
Day 1: Arrival:
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Meet assists and transfers to the hotel.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing:
After Breakfast, we will go around the important heritage sites of Kathmandu, which has been enlisted in UNESCO world heritage sites. Swoyambhu stupa, Magestic Bouddha stupa lunch in Bouddha then drive to Pashupatinath temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. Back to the Hotel.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (830 m)
In early morning, we leave busy Kathmandu city and drive to Besisahar by private bus enjoying the beautiful fast flowing rivers, green forests, agricultural field and small towns and villages. It will take nearly 6 Hrs. Overnight stay at Besisahar.
Day 4: Drive from Besisahar to Dharapani (1,943 m)
Today we will take a private jeep drive on a rough and hilly road towards Dharapani. Though the distance is short, the journey will be exciting due to the rough and bumpy road which will take us 4 Hrs. approx to reach our destination. we might feel exhausted so we will take a rest and enjoy the natural surroundings. Overnight stay at Dharapani.
Day 5: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2630 m)
Today we will get our gears ready to begin our trek. The trail gradually goes up to Bagarchap, a village influenced by Tibetan culture. We then enter the dense forest, cross the bridges over tributaries, and at the foot of the waterfall ascend steep stone steps to reach the new trail to Chame. We will trek 5-6 Hrs. to reach Chame. Overnight stay at Chame.
Day 6: Trek from Chame (2630 m) to Pisang (3,300 m)
We move along the normal trek route and walk 4-5 Hrs. We can see Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II on the way. A few hours of walk through the pine forest and Marsyangdi River on the left we reach Bhartang. We rest for tea and then start climbing through the forest, we can see awesome view of Annapurna II, Lamjung, Chulu west and Pisang peak on the way untill we reach Upper Pisang. We will visit monasteries, see the view of Annapurna II, Annapurna III & Annapurna IV.
Day 7: Trek from Pisang to Ngawal(3,660 m) via Ghyaru village (4-5) Hrs.
From Pisang to Ghyaru, the trail is steep. We can enjoy the majestic view of Himalayan range and the beautiful valley. Lunch at Ghyaru and resume our trail. If we can see Himalayan blue sheep, if we are lucky. The route is slightly up and down, on our way we see Himalayan ranges from very close and Marsyangdi River running steep down. Moving forward on a normal trek, we reach Ngawal, the village of Gurung community. Overnight stay at Ngawal.
Day 8: Trek from Ngawal to Manang (3,540 m) (3-4) Hrs.
Today’s route will be normal, no such steep up or down. We move through Mujigaon (village) before reaching Braga village. After Lunch we will visit monasteries, and we move through flat land to reach Manang, where we can see the jaw dropping view of Annapurna range. Overnight stay at Manang.
Day 09: Acclimatization day in Manang.
On this day, we will visit to Gangapurna Glacier, Gangapurna Lake and make short walk around the valley to acclimatize ourselves for further trek. The view of mountains and Manang valley looks majestic and spectacular from the Gangapurna Glacier view point. Overnight stat at Manang.
Day 10: Trek from Manang to Sri Kharka (3700 m) (3-4) Hrs.
After Acclimatizing, we will continue our adventure trek to Tilicho Lake. We will take the western gate and then follow the path down to the river. After crossing the Khangsar Khola (river) on the bridge below Khangsar and ascend the slope to the village of old Tibetan culture, also known for the last village of Nepal. After crossing Khangsar, we will reach Sri Kharka. Stay Overnight at Sri Kharka.
Day 11: Trek from Sri kharka to Tilicho Phedi (Tilicho Base Camp) (4,200 m)-(3-4) Hrs.
From Sri Kharka, we will continue on a large path, go pass through Gompa (monastery). The route ahead goes on a recently constructed path up towards a high ridge. At one point is an intersection. One path maintains the altitude, traversing the slopes towards a place where the valley is narrow; the other continues to ascend towards the line of the ridge. The former is the old path, and is much more difficult as it goes on really steep screed; the latter is the new path that goes a completely different way. So, we continue along the new path, reach a high crest, and descend on switch backs carved out through the screed slopes to a side valley of the main valley. At its bottom is a brook. On the other side of it is a building known as Tilicho Base Camp at elevation of 4200 meters.
Day 12: Trek from Tilicho Phedi to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) and back to Tilicho Phedi
Today our journey will start early in the morning to avoid the wind. From Base camp we trek up to the Tilicho Lake. Tilicho Lake is a cold barren place. It is very rare to find the lake at such a high altitude so it is among one of the lakes in the world that is situated at the highest altitude. After we spend some time around Tilicho Lake we will return same way back to Tilicho Base Camp as there are no any accommodation facilities available at Tilicho Lake area.
Day 13: Trek back from TilichoPhedi to Yak Kharka (4,110 m)- (3-4) Hrs.
Returning from Base camp, we will follow a track 400 meters or so above Khangsar village passing through the ruins of old Khangsar.
Day 14: Trek from Yak Kharka to High Camp (4,880 m)
On the way we can see Chortens and prayer Flags on our way to ThorungPhedi. We can see the beautiful Mountain View of Dhaulagiri (8167m). People use this point as a base camp of Thorungla Pass.
Day 15: High camp to Muktinath (3800 meters) via Thorung La Pass (5,416 m)
Today is a longest and toughest day of the trek. We cross over at an altitude of 5416 meters we can be exposed to strong winds if we cross the pass too late. So, we start the trek very early in the morning. Thorung La Pass (5416m), lies in between beautiful mountain ranges – KathungKhang (6484m) and YakawaKhang (6482m). From the top of Thorung La pass we can see the view of Mountains including Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), Dhampus Peak (6012m) etc. After crossing Thorung La Pass, we then start descending down the barren Kali Gandaki Valley. After few hours downhill trek will take us to the holy town of Muktinath, a scared pilgrimage site to both Hindus and Buddhists. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has 108 waterspouts around it from which Holy water pours.
Day 16: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2,740 m) via Luphra Village (2,790 m)
Today, there are two trails to get Jomsom. The first trail is the normal route followed by most of the trekkers and the second trail goes via Lupra, which is an interesting and scenic trekking trail to catch Jomsom. We can see the mesmerizing view of the mountains view including Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. Lupra is an isolated village two Bon Po monasteries lies in Luphra. Visit Dhumba Lake in the evening time and stay overnight in Jomsom.
Day 17: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
On this day we take anearly morning flight to Pokhara. The flight duration is very short but is very scenic and adventurous.
Day 18: Sightseeing around Pokhara valley
On this day we will go around the Pokhara valley enjoy the nightlife near to the beautiful lake, do boating etc.
Day 19: Flight back to Kathmandu.
Day 20: Rest day in Kathmandu:
Day 21: Departure