Krishna by the river

Trek: Annapurna Circuit

See the whole Annapurna region..

The Anapurna circuit is a popular trek as it passes through various kinds of mountain terrain and interesting villages where you will have the chance to meet local Nepali families. Enjoy the specuacular peaks of the Manasalu and other mountain ranges, theraputic hot springs, breathtaking displays of rhodedendron flowers, quaint rice fields and ancient Budhist temples.

Day 1

Kathmandu – Besisahar 1 hr walk and 30 minutes drive

Today we travel by car or bus for 5-6 hours to the town of Besisahar. We take two rest stops along the way for lunch and snacks before arrival.

Day 2

Besisahar – Bahundada 6 hrs walk

We start by walking along the Marsyangdi valley through picturesque rice fields, banana and mango orchards. Then we cross a bridge at Bhulbhule and again at Ngadi to then start the climb to Bhaundanda where we stay overnight.

Day 3

Bahundada – Chamje 5 hrs walk

From today we will start to notice the Buddhist influence on the local culture. Starting with a downhill walk to Syanje, we then cross a bridge over the Marsyangdi river. We walk along the river and then climb up to Jagat.

Day 4

Chamje – Dharapani 5 hrs walk

Crossing several bridges on the Marsyangdi river, we pass a number of narrow valleys between Manaslu range and the Annapurna sub-range of Lamjung Himal. The trek is mostly up hill with some waterfalls and mixed vegetation. Overnight at Dharapani.

Day 5

Dharapani – Chame 6 hrs walk

The trek today stays on the left side of river through an area rich in vegetation and interesting higher altitude villages. We pass by the hot springs at Lata Manang and can visit the other side of Marsyangdi if the river is not too high. Chame is the administration center of the Manang District with Government offices. The hot springs are located on the other side of the river.

Day 6

Chame – Pissang 5 hrs walk

After an hours walk, we pass through Bharthang village with its apple gardens and then cross the river again. There is a little climb through peaceful pine forests that leads into the wide Manang valley. We then reach the new Pisang village passing the original village is on the other side of river near the Monastery.

Day 7

Pisang – Manang 7 hrs walk

We continue to walk through the pine forests and come out at Hongde where there is an airport and more cultivated lands. We cross the river and reach the old village of Braga with an ancient monastery, which is located one hour before Manang. Manang is a big village with many lodges, much cultivation, and an HRA clinic that runs seminars for trekkers on high altitude safety.

Day 8

Manang Rest day

This will be an important day for acclimatization. There is plenty to explore around Manang without gaining or decreasing in altitude.

Day 9

Manang – Yak Khark 4 hrs walk

Leaving the main village, we take the path up to Thanki village. The lifestyle here is very different from the rest of the countryside. The buildings have mud roofs and the animals usually live downstairs, in the same house as their owners! The path goes down the right hand side of the valley with some amazing views of the Annapurna, Gagnapurna and Tilicho mountinas. Heading northwest, we will enjoy views of Chulu west and east. By the end of the day you will reach Yak Kharka.

Day 10

Thorong Phedi 3hrs and highcamp 2 hrs walk

Slow downhill walk to the river and climb again up to Thorung Phedi . Time permitting and if all trekkers are feeling comfortable with the altitude, we can proceed on to a higher camp. It will be hard to sleep tonight at this altitude.

Day 11

Thorong Phedi – Muktinath 10 hrs walk

We ascend steeply to 4590m, then along an undulating trail to a relatively flat path to Thorung La (5416m.) From here there are views of the Annapurna range to the south and Mukut Himal bordering Dolpo to the West. The trail descends steeply over glacial terrain, which gives way to grassy meadows before we reach Muktinath. This is one of the most important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Holy water flows from the 108 carved spouts surrounding the Vishnu temple in a grove of poplars. Muktinath is also home to many ethnic Tibetans and holy Buddhists, who come here for the temple in which fire miraculously burns in a stream of water inside a small but very holy temple.

Day 12

Muktinath Rest day

The day is at your leaisure to explore Muktinah.

Day 13

Muktinath – Marpha 7 hrs walk

Today we descend, passing through Jharkot and Khinga Gurung and Thakali villages. Descend via Akale Bhatti. It is a winding path along the Kali Gandaki river via Jomsom.

Day 14

Marpha – Kalopani 6 hrs walk

Leaving the beautiful village Marpha we walk along the side of the Kali Gandaki river passing Tukuche, Larjung, Khobang and Kokhe Thati. After crossing the bridge we arrive at Kalopani, before the trek heads down hill.

Day 15

Kalopani – Tatopani 7 hrs walk

Leaving Kalopani we cross the bridge at Lete. We walk alongside the Kali Gandaki and descend, crossing a few bridges. We arrive at Tatopani, a sub-tropical paradise complete with orange gardens, and hot springs. Enjoy a relaxing and therapeutic soak in the hot springs with a well deserved cold beer!

Day 16

Tatopani Rest day

The day is at your leisure to further enjoy the hot springs and spectacular scenery of Tatopani.

Day 17

Tatopani- Ghorepani 7 hrs walk

We continue to follow the Kali Gandaki River after crossing the bridge and at Bega Khola, we ascend steeply up hill via Ghara and Sika. After long day climb, we arrive at Ghorepani.

Day 18

Ghorepani – Tadapani 5 hrs walk

Wake up early this morning and climb up to Poon hill from where can see from Dhaulagiri range to Ganesh Himal range. You will enjoy a stunning sunrise behind the majestic mountain range. After breakfast we walk up hill towards Tadapani. The trail descends steeply through dense moss-covered forest rich with bird life. A short early-morning climb to the Deurali Pass for a spectacular panorama over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas, and to Tadapani for beautiful sunset views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare- the 'fish tail' peak.

Day 19

Tadapani – Ghanduruk 4 hrs walk

Today the trail descends along the dense moss-covered forest rich with bird life. A short walk to Ghandruk, which is a big village of Gurungs and ACAP office. From the village there is a spectacular panorama over the Annapurna south, Hinchuli and Machhapuchhare.

Day 20

Ghanduruk – Tolka 4 hrs walk

Walk down to Modi Khola and then climb to Langdrung and then the trial goes to Tolka zigzag. Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchre, can be viewed from there.

Day 21

Tolka – Dhampus 5 hrs walk

Start and climb to the Deurali for the first hour. From there the Annapurna South, Annapurna II, and IV, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal and Lamjung Himal can be viewed. Now walk down to the Pothana, stop there for a lunch and walk to Dhampus.

Day 22

Dhampus – Pokhara 1 hr walk and 30 minutes drive

Finish the trek.

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