Annapurna Circuit trek takes us to the world’s biggest pass Thorung La in the Manang District of Nepal. That’s why Annapurna Circuit Trek is also known as Thorung La Pass Trek. Our trail joins the Manaslu circuit trek route at Dharapani and crosses ahead to Thorung La. From Pisang, there are two routes to Manang. We take the one which passes through Upper Pisang via Ghyaru and Ngawol villages (situated on the old route of Annapurna Circuit Trek) as it guarantees outstanding views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Annapurna III Pisang Peak, and others.
We also climb up to Poon Hill which is not common to combine with Annapurna Circuit Trek but famous for its spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. On our 18 day journey we pass through forests, cross pristine meadows, experience the change in vegetation, all the while being in the company of the glorious Himalayas including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges. Hotspring in Tatopani is also the major attraction of the trek.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Overview
Activity – Trekking
Country – Nepal
Arrive On – Kathmandu, Nepal
Departure from – Kathmandu, Nepal
Max-Altitude – (5416m)
Transportation – Private vehicles
Trip grade – Strenuous
Area – Annapurna Region
Best season – Spring(March-May) and Autumn(Sept–November)
Meals – All the meals are included according to Itinerary
Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1380mtrs)
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu (TIA), our representative from Adventure Team will be there to pick you up. You will be transferred to the hotel in half an hour drive by private vehicle. We discuss our trip and you have time for refreshment. In the evening we are together again for a welcome dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant with a cultural program.
Day 02: Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu (1380mtrs)
After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up for half a day sightseeing in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Bouddhanath Stupa. You will have your lunch in the restaurant with the view of Stupa then you back to the hotel. You will meet your trek leader and discuss the trek and do last minutes arrangements.
Day 03: Drive to Syange via Besisahar (1100m): 8 – 10 hours
We begin our long drive to Syange early in the morning. En route we get to enjoy the countryside of Nepal with its green hills, winding rivers, terraced farms, and of course the mighty Himalayas. Overnight in Syange.
Day 04: Trek to Dharapani (1,960m): 7 – 8 hours
We enter Manang district after crossing a large bridge near Tal. The trail passes through barley, rice, and potato fields; and the waterfalls continue to accompany us even today. We also pass through the village of Kodo before reaching Dharapani which is one of the biggest villages in the Manang valley. Overnight in Dharapani.
Day 05: Trek to Chame (2,710m): 5 – 6 hours
Today we negotiate a few steep forested ridges along with several landslides on route to Chame. We should not forget to look up though, as we will be greeted with remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV. We also come across small hot springs which should help us relax for a while. Overnight in Chame.
Day 06: Trek to Pisang (3,300m): 5 – 6 hours
We walk through a steep and narrow valley to have our first view of Paungda Danda’s rock face, a dramatic curved rock face rising 1500m from the river. From here, we also gain excellent views of Annapurna II to the south and Pisang Peak to the northeast. Next, we descend to the Manang Valley floor enjoying the captivating landscape. Overnight in Pisang.
Day 07: Trek to Manang (3,500m): 6 – 7 hours
From Pisang, there are two routes to Manang. We choose the one which passes through Upper Pisang via Ghyaru as it guarantees outstanding views of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and others. As we walk near Manang the climate becomes more cold and dry. However, a short visit to Barge Monastery, the biggest monastery in the Manang District should cheer us up. Overnight in Manang.
Day 08: Manang: Acclimatization day
In order to keep fit on the trails that follow, we keep ourselves busy today with a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. We can even visit the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) which will give us some idea about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Overnight in Manang.
Day 09: Trek to Yak Kharka (4040m):4-5 hours
Trekking slowly upwards to Thorung La we will leave the large trees behind and see vegetation consisting mainly of scrub juniper and alpine grass and we will pass a few meadows where horses and yaks graze. After we reach Yak Kharka we will see herds of blue sheep grazing the steep slopes as well.
Day 10: Trek to Thorang Phedi: (4420m): 3-4 hours
It is an uphill walk to Thorung Phedi. After walking for some time we cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. We ascend furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorung La. On this trip, we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gudang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak, and Mt. Khatungkan. Overnight in Thorung Phedi.
Day 11: Trek to Muktinath (3,800) via Thorong La pass (5416m): 7 – 8 hours
Crossing Thorung La pass, one of the highest passes in the world will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up around three in the morning and walk up the mountain. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorung La pass. Overnight in Muktinath.
Day 12: Trek to Jomsom (2713m) 4-5hours
The day begins with the view of the Dhaulagiri range and we trek down 1000 meters to the Eklebhatti. Heading away from Muktinath, you retrace your steps to Jomsom taking on the magnificent view of Nilgiri, instead, you have to face the wind blowing from the opposite direction.
Day 13: Drive to Tatopani (1,200m) via Jomsom: 6 – 8 hours
In the morning we set up for driving to Tatopani through the several villages which are in main trekking trail before construction of the road and spend the night in Tatopani.
Day 14: Trek to Ghorepani (2,850m): 7 – 8 hours
We leave the Kali Gandaki and headed up the Ghar Khola valley. The trail leads us through a terraced farmland with mountains all around. We pass through the villages of Shikha and Chitre before reaching a beautiful rhododendron forest. Walking furthermore we reach Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at a ridge top. Overnight in Ghorepani.
Day 15: Trek to Poon Hill to Tadapani (2,680m): 6 – 7 hours
To catch the sunrise over the Himalayas, we make an early morning climb along the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3,210m), the most popular trekking destination of the Annapurna region. It is also a great viewpoint to enjoy the amazing views of Mustang, Pokhara, and more than 20 of the high mountains including the close-up views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The snowy peaks of the high mountains loom above and around us glowing in the morning light. After taking photographs, we return back to Ghorepani. After breakfast, we head east and climb a nearby ridge. We descend through rhododendron forests, pass by spectacular waterfalls and reach Tadapani to spend the night.
Day 16: Trek to Nayapul then drive to Pokhara: 5-6 hours trek and a 1-hour drive
The trek from Tadapani until Ghandruk will be through a thick forest of rhododendron trees. After trekking for a while, we enter the village of Ghandruk, a slope settlement with stone houses mostly inhabited by the Gurung people. From here, we enjoy the towering views of the Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains. We trek further to Naya Pul then drive to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 17: Drive to Kathmandu: 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenirs shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 18: Departure
We will transfer you to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination. You must leave the hotel 3 hours earlier than your scheduled flight time.