Annapurna Circuit Trek

The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, being the historical and cultural heart of the country, is a popular destination for tourists, trekkers and other types of adventure seekers. The city is a marvelous amalgamation of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Western cultures and influences. Patan and Bhaktapur are its two major neighboring cities. These two cities, like Kathmandu, have a rich historical, cultural and religious legacy which is reflected in the many temples, monuments, and artifacts that they contain. You will be taken on a half-day guided tour of Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, you will be visiting Pashupatinath, the most famous and revered Hindu shrine in the country; Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Soyambhunath, which contains both Buddhist and Hindu shrines and stands as testimony to the religious harmony that exists in the country; and the 15th-century 55-window palace in Bhaktapur. An orientation session for the trek, which commences the following day, will be organized in the evening where you get an opportunity to ask any questions concerning our forthcoming adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu hotel inclusive breakfast.

Early in the morning, we drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway following the Trisuli and Marsyangdi River. We enjoy the gorgeous countryside of Nepal with green hills, whispering rivers, terraced farms along the way then reach Besisahar after a long 6-7 hrs of drive, which is the headquarter of Lamjung. All the local government offices are based here. From here, you get to see some well-known mountain peaks, a lot of natural green landscapes surrounding the valley and the daily activities of the happy local folks. This headquarters is the center from where the daily usable commodities are supplied to the different villages and other towns. A further one and half hours off-road drive from Besisahar will take us up to the exhilarating waterfall of Syange. Overnight at local lodge.

The first part of the trail passes on a flat level along the bank of the Marshyangdi River. You can enjoy the sceneries and the local culture of the Gurung community. The trail goes all the way through Jagat, Chyamche, Tal, Kyodo, and Karte, passing through barley, rice and potato fields. Not to mention the numbers of magnificent waterfalls and eye-catching scenarios surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Overnight at lodge.

Today we climb through forests of pine and oak as you pass through Danaque (2210m). Soon, there comes a small wooden bridge that will take you on a steeply ascending path up to Timang which lies at the bottom of Lamjung Himal. The trail goes then on a flat level until you reach Chame, where you will find government offices, shops, and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district. Stay overnight at lodge.

With Lamjung Himal (6893m) sparkling in the morning sun, we set off for Pisang. We continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point, the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as we follow the path to Bhratang (2950m.). You now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before you. You can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak (6091m.) to the north-east. Continuing, you come to a long Mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang. Stay overnight at lodge.

Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge that affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.). Descending past Manang’s airstrip at Hungde (3320m.), you come to a level area from where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises majestically above you. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV (7525m.) also becomes visible. Just beyond this point, you cross the considerably reduced flow of the Marshyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. After a short steep climb, you reach Manang which is a surprisingly large village for this remote mountain region. Stay overnight at lodge.

We will hang around for one more day in Manang for acclimatization by observing beautiful views of green landscapes, silvery mountains, Chortens, and Monasteries. We can also explore the unique culture and lifestyles of local people. We bunk out overnight at our Lodge.

The path gradually rises along Thorong Khola crossing Tangki Manang, Ghusang 3900m, then Ghyanchang finally to reach Yak Kharka. We get across a stream, climb to a village of Tenki above Manang, and then continue to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. We then follow the trail north to the valley, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees, as it firmly gains elevation. The path further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just under the trailhead. The trail then follows through the meadows where horses and yaks graze. Soon we will reach Yak Kharka. Overnight at Yak Kharka.

Leaving Yak Kharka, you climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and crossing via a suspension bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable scree slope and then descend to Thorong Phedi. Stay overnight at lodge.

Today is the most important day of this trek that you are going to conquer the height of 5,416 meters and be ready to accept the challenge. You start early today for your crossing of Thorong La [5416m]. The views are dramatic, to say the least, from the snow-covered mountains above to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang which are spread out before you. Eventually, the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple. After reaching Muktinath, we will take a short tea break and then take a local bus/jeep drive to Jomsom. Stay overnight at lodge.

This takes about 25-30 minutes flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The flights are available during the morning time. The strong breeze blows and frequent change of the weather prevents the flight from being landed and taken off in the afternoon. During the flights in the morning, the sky looks very clear which makes you able to enjoy the splendid views of different mountain peaks. Overnight hotel inclusive breakfast.

While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, we head up to Damauli, Dumre, Mugling and Kurintar where Nepal’s first Cable car is operated to reach Manakamana Temple, this is a temple where most Nepalese come to have their wishes granted before leaving home or getting married. From Naubise we climb up to Thankot, the gateway to Kathmandu and finally reach our hotel & a lovely soft warm bed.

After breakfast and our last day in Kathmandu, our vehicle and escorts will be on standby to drop you to the international airport three hours before our scheduled flight back home. At Glorious Adventure, meeting you has been a great honor and we pray for your Safe journey home and will reflect on the wonderful times we spent together. Bon Voyage!!! We hope to see you again someday.