Annapurna Circuit Trek

The itinerary

1. 1
   Day 1

   Arrival in Kathmandu

   Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by a representative who will assist you in transferring to your hotel. After you have checked in and settled into your room, you will meet your trekking guide, who will provide you with an informative briefing about the trek, including the route, itinerary, and essential trekking tips. This briefing ensures that you are well-prepared for the adventure ahead. You can spend the rest of the day at leisure, either exploring Kathmandu’s bustling streets and cultural landmarks or relaxing in the comfort of your hotel, preparing for the trek the following day.

2. 2
   Day 2

   Drive to Besi Sahar and Trek to Bhulbule

   After a hearty breakfast, you will set off for a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar, the starting point of your trek. The drive takes you through the picturesque countryside, with views of rolling hills, terraced fields, and small villages. Upon arrival in Besi Sahar, you will begin your trek, heading towards Bhulbule. This portion of the trek takes you along the Marsyangdi River, passing through lush greenery and tranquil landscapes. Upon arrival at Bhulbule, you will stay at a teahouse where you can rest and recharge for the next day’s trek.

3. 3
   Day 3

   Trek to Chamje

   Your trek continues today along the Marsyangdi River, with the path winding through scenic villages, terraced fields, and small streams. You will be immersed in the beauty of the surroundings as you pass through rural settlements where the local culture is rich, and the lifestyle remains simple and traditional. The trail gradually ascends, taking you to Chamje, a charming village where you will stay overnight at a teahouse. The views along the trek are stunning, with glimpses of the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal ranges in the distance.

4. 4
   Day 4

   Trek to Bagarchhap

   Today, you will trek through dense forests of oak and pine trees, heading towards the village of Bagarchhap. The trail passes through traditional villages, offering the opportunity to interact with local residents and experience the hospitality of the region. As you walk, you will be rewarded with incredible views of the towering peaks of Manaslu and the Annapurna range, which form the backdrop of the trek. Bagarchhap is a quiet and picturesque village, where you will rest for the night at a local teahouse. The trek today is moderately challenging, but the spectacular landscapes make it a rewarding experience.

5. 5
   Day 5

   Trek to Chame

   Today’s trek will take you through pine forests and barley fields as you make your way toward Chame, the administrative headquarters of the Manang District. Along the way, you will pass through charming villages, and the terrain will become more rugged as you gain altitude. Chame is a bustling town with a variety of amenities, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. After a day of trekking, you will stay overnight at a comfortable teahouse in Chame, where you can relax and enjoy the mountain scenery.

6. 6
   Day 6

   Acclimatization Day in Chame

   To ensure that your body properly adjusts to the increasing altitude, today will be a rest and acclimatization day in Chame. Acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness, and you can spend the day resting, taking short hikes to nearby viewpoints, or exploring the village. The village offers stunning views of the mountains, and you may visit the nearby hot springs to relax and rejuvenate. This day will help you prepare for the higher altitudes you will encounter in the coming days.

7. 7
   Day 7

   Trek to Upper Pisang

   Today, you will continue your trek toward Upper Pisang. The route takes you through apple orchards and traditional Tibetan-style villages. The village of Pisang is located on the slope of a hill and offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range. As you ascend, you will pass through picturesque forests, with snow-capped peaks forming the backdrop of your journey. Upper Pisang is a quiet, peaceful village where you will stay for the night in a cozy teahouse, allowing you to enjoy the serene environment and prepare for the next day’s trek.

8. 8
   Day 8

   Trek to Manang

   You will trek to Manang, one of the most popular and significant villages on the Annapurna Circuit. The trek takes you through a variety of landscapes, from lush forests to alpine meadows, all while offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna ranges. Manang is a large village with several teahouses, shops, and facilities for trekkers. It is also a popular spot for acclimatization, and you will have time to explore the village, interact with locals, and enjoy the stunning mountain views that surround it. The day ends with a well-deserved rest in Manang, where you will prepare for the challenging days ahead.

9. 9
   Day 9

   Acclimatization Day in Manang

   Another important acclimatization day is planned in Manang. This day allows you to further adjust to the high altitude before tackling the more strenuous sections of the trek. You can take short hikes to nearby viewpoints, such as the Gangapurna Lake or the Annapurna III base camp. Manang is also home to the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic, where you can learn more about the effects of altitude sickness and meet fellow trekkers. This day provides a valuable opportunity to rest and explore before continuing on your journey.

10. 10
    Day 10

    Trek to Yak Kharka

    Today, you will trek to Yak Kharka, a small settlement located at a higher altitude. The trek involves a gradual ascent, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As you move toward higher altitudes, the landscape becomes more rugged, with sparse vegetation and alpine meadows. Yak Kharka is known for its quiet environment, and it serves as a peaceful retreat for trekkers. After arriving, you will have time to rest and take in the surrounding scenery before settling in for the night.

11. 11
    Day 11

    Trek to Thorong Phedi

    You will continue your trek towards Thorong Phedi, the base camp for crossing the Thorong La Pass. The trail today involves a steady climb, and as you get closer to Thorong Phedi, the terrain becomes more challenging. Thorong Phedi is a small village that serves as the last stop before tackling the pass. After arriving, you will have the rest of the day to rest and prepare for the high-altitude crossing the following day.

12. 12
    Day 12

    Cross Thorong La Pass and Trek to Muktinath

    This is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the trek. You will begin the trek early in the morning to reach Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit at an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet). The climb to the pass is strenuous, but once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. After crossing the pass, you will descend towards Muktinath, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Muktinath is known for its spiritual significance, and you will have the opportunity to explore the temples and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this holy place.

13. 13
    Day 13

    Trek to Jomsom via Kagbeni

    Today, you will trek to Jomsom via Kagbeni, a picturesque village located at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Mustang Rivers. Kagbeni is known for its ancient monasteries and unique Tibetan-style architecture. The trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni is relatively easy, and you will pass through dramatic landscapes with views of the surrounding peaks. After reaching Kagbeni, you will continue to Jomsom, a larger town that serves as the administrative center for the Mustang region. Jomsom is known for its windy weather and its role as a key point for trekkers.

14. 14
    Day 14

    Fly to Pokhara

    After an exciting trek, today you will take a short flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The flight is scenic, offering incredible aerial views of the Himalayas, and it will allow you to relax after the trek. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you can enjoy the serene lakeside atmosphere and take time to explore the city. Pokhara is known for its beautiful surroundings, with Phewa Lake offering opportunities for boating and relaxation. You can also visit other attractions in the area, such as the World Peace Pagoda or the caves nearby.

15. 15
    Day 15

    Drive or Fly back to Kathmandu

    On your final day, you will either drive or fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. The drive offers scenic views of the hills and valleys of Nepal, while the flight is a quick and easy option to return to the capital. Once in Kathmandu, you will have time to explore the vibrant city, shop for souvenirs, or visit cultural landmarks such as the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) or the Pashupatinath Temple. After a day of exploration, your adventure will come to a close, and you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Pictures