Annapurna Circuit Trek

One of our team members will warmly welcome you upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Welcome you and arrange a private car transfer to your hotel in a Thamel city center area. You’ll meet your guide during the briefing and receive important information about your journey. This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions and clarify details about your upcoming Annapurna circuit trekking in the mountains.

Meet your guide and porter and take a taxi to Gongabu New Bus Park, where you’ll board a microbus to Besisahar. Along the way, soak in breathtaking views of snow capped peaks, lush valleys, and charming villages.

Upon reaching Besisahar, transfer to a local bus again in a sharing basis for the final stretch to Nagdi village. Still, the total duration of this adventurous road journey will take about 9 hours. Finally, unwind at a cozy guesthouse, nestled among terraced rice fields and serene mountain landscapes.

A captivating journey today that unfolds through diverse landscapes and cultural highlights. First stretch leads to Syange Bazaar, where you’ll have a breathtaking waterfall at 3,510 feet, creating a serene and picturesque setting.

Cross a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River and follow its winding course toward Jagat, a charming village nestled in the hills. From there, your trail gradually ascends to Chamje, blending natural beauty with rugged terrain, making each step a rewarding challenge.

Follow with a rocky mountain trails along the Marshyangdi Tributary that ascends steadily, leading to Tal village at 1,675 meters. Tal is first village in the Manang district, whether this route uniquely stretches across a wide, flat gorge.

Winds through the rolling terrain, eventually reaching Dharapani and Bagarchap village rich in Tibetan influence. Locals have built unique homes surrounded by apple orchards and maize fields, creating a stunning and serene landscape.

Cross the river and continue to walk through the forest, eventually arriving at Kopar Lodge (2,590m), from where the guesthouses of Chame come into view. As the headquarters of the Manang district, Chame grant stunning views of Annapurna II as you approach the bustling Chame Bazaar. Visitors can further unwind with a walk to the natural hot springs, where trekkers can enjoy taking a hot bath.

Explore the local community, said to have migrated from Tibet a long time in the past, noticeable by their different features. With them, they have bought local Tibetan house designs and maintained their ways. In addition, Chame is a gateway to exploring Kajin Sara Lake situated at an altitude of 5,200 meters, said to have the highest lake in the world.

Journey to Pisang village begins through a dense forest, winding through a rough and narrow valley. Crossing a long suspension bridge over the river, the imposing Paungda Danda rock face soon comes into view, signaling the start of an exciting ascent.

As your path gradually unfolds, breathtaking landscapes emerge, making the journey even more rewarding. Upper Pisang awaits with its serene atmosphere, inviting trekkers to explore its higher elevations. Here, visitors can experience an unique lifestyle of the Manangis, who have skillfully adapted to life in this high altitude terrain.

Walk only uphill from Upper Pisang to Ngawal village at 3,660 meters presents a astonishing vista of Annapurna II, III, IV, and Tilicho Peak. Ascend gradually and pass through Ghyaru village, a traditional remote village with stunning vistas, before reaching Ngawal. From there to Braga village takes another 3 hours, following a scenic downhill trail with arid landscapes, ancient stupas, and the historic Braga Monastery.

A visit to Milarepa Cave is top most spiritual place that dates back to the 11th century, when the revered Tibetan Mahasiddha Milarepa meditated there for nearly six years. For almost 900 years, this sacred site has been honored as a place of deep spiritual significance, standing as a historic and revered landmark in the Annapurna region.

Alternatively, the lower route via Humde Airport is an easier, more comfortable walk along a dusty road. Staying in Braga Village provides a peaceful high altitude retreat, with rich Tibetan culture and a chance to explore the revered Braga Monastery, has a spiritual insights and panoramic mountain views.

Similarly, Cindi (Sabje) Lake, along with the nearby Green Lake, is another hidden gem worth exploring during your stay in Bhraka village. Nestled beyond a ridgeline and away from the main trekking route, these serene lakes has a tranquil escape from the crowds. A peaceful atmosphere and unspoiled surroundings makes it also an ideal choice for those seeking solitude and a more wilderness path experience.

This day is reserved for acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. To support this process, a gentle walk around the stunning surroundings is highly recommended, as proper acclimatization is an essential for a safe ascent and significantly reduces the risk of altitude sickness.

While rest is an important, engage in light physical activity. A highly recommended option is a scenic hike to Gangapurna Glacier Lake and the Gangapurna Viewpoint, commonly popular as a Chongkor Viewpoint. At here, you’ll achieve an excellent panorama of entire valley, river, lake and contributing to better acclimatization.

Alternatively, if you’re fit and seeking more adventure, we recommend you to trek to Ice Lake commonly known as Kicho Taal. A trek to Ice lake is one of the finest day hike in the Trans Himalaya region that provides an extensive views of the Annapurna range along with an arid valley.

For the first part of your journey to Manang is a super easy and a scenic. Manang is one of the most popular stops for its essential acclimatization benefits, vibrant trekking atmosphere, well comfortable lodges, and stunning high mountain Himalayan landscapes.

Ascend uphill through the cultivated land of Tanki Manang following with a scenic Jarsang Khola and Gunsang lodges to Yak Kharka. Additionally, you may see the Himalayan Yaks grazing in the vast landscape en route.

This stretch is also known for sightings of wildlife, such as Mountain Rams, Himalayan Thars, Mountain Goats, elusive Snow Leopards, and Jackals, as well as a variety of pheasant and long tail bird species. Reaching to Yak Kharka provides an ample opportunities to encounter these fascinating creatures.

Start with a dramatic high altitude journey from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi through a rugged alpine terrain, where the landscape becomes increasingly barren yet strikingly beautiful. Crisp mountain air and sweeping views on your ascend creates a sense of anticipation for the upcoming pass. Reaching Thorong Phedi, the final base before crossing Thorong La Pass, marks a significant milestone in your Himalayan adventure.

Thorong Phedi is a popular overnight stop for trekkers because it serves as the strategic base camp before crossing the challenging Thorong La Pass. Tourist will have an essential rest, basic facilities, and a safer acclimatization point at high altitude.

Phedi to High Camp is a short yet demanding ascent over steep with 430 meters ascend in the rugged terrain, where every step brings you closer to the pass. Despite the effort, the dramatic mountain scenery and the sense of progress make this climb both rewarding and crucial for a successful early morning crossing.

To conquer the challenging trek to Thorong La, its advisable to start an early 4:30 AM as an early departure is crucial for success. You’ll need a high quality mountain gear and full preparation for the demanding trail ahead.

For the first ascent is steep, but with a steady pace, you can reach the summit in about four hours. Upon arrival, vibrant prayer flags greet you, marking the highest point of your journey. At sunrise, you’ll stand at Thorong La at 5,416 meters high and popular as the widest pass in the Himalayas. Enjoy a warm cup of tea/coffee at a Thorong La Tea Shop, located at the pass’s widest stretch. In terms of rank, this trek starting from Thorong phedi to Muktinath is among the world’s top ten longest distance treks that provides an unforgettable experience.

From Thorong La to Muktinath temple descending is a long journey but scenic, with astonishing views of the versatile mountains, including Dhaulagiri. Muktinath is a larger settlement that has multiple modern lodges with a perfect place for a rest stop after your adventurous day.

On your following day, if you feel fatigued from the challenging Thorong La pass, you have an alternative. You can return to Pokhara by bus or jeep, allowing you to finish your trek earlier. This option presents a peaceful conclusion, letting you recover comfortably while enjoying the scenic drive.

Leave the sacred site of Muktinath and begin a scenic trek over the Lubra Pass at 3,772 meters. Trekker’s have a sweeping Himalayan vista and occasional sightings of blue sheep across the arid cliffs.

If you want to experience untouched nature while avoiding to walk on the main road roads, then from Muktinath to Lubra is the perfect choice. Arrive at Lubra or a Lupra Village, provides some budget-friendly lodges and the village itself one of the last Bonpo settlements of Nepal. It has an ancient monastery and authentic Thakali culture make it a cultural gem of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Visitors can also have a chance to find the ammonite fossils.

Follow the NATT trail (New Annapurna Trekking Trail) through rugged brown hills decorated with prayer flags and Buddhist chortens. Cross Hadigaon and reach Thini Village, a quiet settlement above Jomsom.

Enjoy a short side trip to Dhumba Lake stands at an altitude on 2,830 meters, revered by Buddhists and Hindus makes your journey amazing. Fed by Mt. Nilgiri’s glaciers, this sacred lake has turquoise waters and mountain backdrop make it one of the highlights of village trekking in Nepal.

Dumba Lake to Marpha Village takes approximately 2 hours journey following a scenic trail through the arid landscapes of Lower Mustang. Marpha is an exceptionally popular among travelers for its well preserved Thakali culture. See its charming whitewashed houses, and serene monastery atmosphere that presents an authentic Himalayan village experience. Wander through the narrow stone paved alleys, and enjoy the famous local apple products, making it a must visit cultural highlight of the Annapurna circuit region.

Take a Bus or a local jeep from Marpha is a scenic and adventurous drive through the dramatic landscapes of the Kali Gandaki valley. Pass through the uneven mountain terrain, charming villages, and river gorges, where you’ll achieve a raw and an authentic overland experience.

While the rough road changing scenery starts from arid Mustang to lush hills near Pokhara, makes the journey both exciting and memorable. Its a cost effective option is an ideal for travelers seeking a budget friendly yet an immersive Himalayan travel experience. Guide will arrange a private taxi transfer from the bus station in pokhara to your hotel located at the lap of the beautiful Phewa Lake.

In the morning but after breakfast, pack your gears and ready to leave with a tourist Bus park, catch a Tourist coach to return to Kathmandu city. Its a comfortable journey through scenic river valleys, terraced hillsides, and traditional villages. With a regular stops for meals and refreshments, this overland trip provides a relaxing and enjoyable way to experience the natural beauty of Nepal.

Since its a final day of your Annapurna mountain trek, a heartfelt tip is always appreciated for their dedication and hard work in making your journey comfortable and memorable. With that, your trip comes to a end and stay in Kathmandu as long as you wish to visit of its UNESCO Heritage Sites. You may also extend your trip exploring wild life safari tours in Chitwan or at Bardia national park.