19 days Cultural Experience Annapurna Circuit Homestay Trek

19 days Cultural Experience Annapurna Circuit Homestay Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek has long been considered the best trek for sceneries and cultural diversity. It brings you closer to the magic of rivers, flora, fauna and, above all, fascinating mountains. Trek through the Manang region and explore the restricted Nar-Phu valley. You will also have a chance to witness the Buddhist stupas and culture and tradition of Tibetan people. Moreover, trekkers can experience deep cultural values and norms of Buddhists and Hindus. Muktinath is a holy site for both Buddhists and Hindus. It is one of the focal points of this trek. And so is Braga, one of the oldest monasteries in the region. For those who would like to live and experience with local can choose our homestay as accommodation option during the trek. You will be placed with a local family, sleep and eat with them together. Everyday you get to enjoy with different family in their house.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrived in Kathmandu

Pass By: Tribhuvan International Airport, Ring Rd, काठमाडौँ 44600, Nepal
You could be already in Kathmandu or you may be arriving on this very day, anyway, we welcome you to Nepal! On this first day we transfer you to your hotel and brief you about the trek if the time permits. You will not do much except observing the ambiance around you and get acquainted with the country.


No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at boutique hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2: Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley

Stop At: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal
Kathmandu Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)

This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. There are also three museums inside the palace building.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Pashupatinath Temple, Pashupati Nath Road, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal
Pashupatinath Temple (World Heritage Site)

Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world and lies 5 kms east of the city center. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred Linga, or phallic symbol, of Lord Shiva.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Boudhanath Stupa, Boudh, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal
It is 2500 years old Buddhist stupa in the Valley built in 5th century with four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their doings. You will find Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet going round the stupa spinning the prayer wheels.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Swayambhunath Maha Chaitya, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Swoyambhunath Stupa – The Monkey Temple (World Heritage Site)

You can watch over the valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. Swoyambhu is also known as Samhengu and the Monkey temple because of the countless monkeys living in the premises.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at boutique hotel in Kathmandu

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat (1100m) by Jeep - approx 9 hours

Stop At: Besisahar, Lamjung, Besisahar 33600, Nepal
After early breakfast, a scenic drive along Tribhuvan Highway through the meandering foothills of the Himalaya. We will fork northward at Dumre town, towards Beshishar. After that we catch local bus go to Sange. overnight stay in guest house.

Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at tea lodge

Day 4: Trek from Sange to Dharapani (1960m) - approx 8 hours

Stop At: Dharapani Temple, 1 Dharna Dang, Ghorahi Nepal
Following breakfast, we enter the region as we pass through the fields of corn, barley and potatoes. A few hours walk and the trail passes through the bamboo and rhododendrons forest and a village called Tal, situated on the flat plain next to a sandy beach river beneath waterfall. The passing of consignments of donkeys will be memorable. Stay overnight at Dharapani.

Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at tea lodge or with a local family if you choose homestay

Day 5: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2675m) - approx 6 hours

Stop At: Dharapani Temple, 1 Dharna Dang, Ghorahi Nepal
At Dharapani the vegetation, settlement, weather and landscape change. Further the trail climb into a forest rightly at Bagarchhap where houses resemble Tibetan architecture. We will slowly gain altitude and sightings of orchard farms and beautiful pine forest becomes regular. The views of Lamjung and Annapurna II peaks become clear and the trail follows Marsyangdi River upstream passing by the villages of Ratamanang and Koto. About half hour of easy walk brings us to the village of Chame for the overnight stop. Chame is the district headquarters of Manang District. Stay overnight at Chame.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at tea lodge or with a local family if you choose homestay

Day 6: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3100m) - approx 6 hours

Stop At: Dharapani Temple, 1 Dharna Dang, Ghorahi Nepal
The trek forward from Chame here follows the pine woods and small villages including Bratang. From here the trek continues on the gradual path up to a bridge, which opens up for a steep climb through the pine forest. By now we will on top of the ridge of Pisang village and a few steps further a great view of Pisang and Chulu peaks welcomes us. A gentle descent for almost an hour brings to the windswept village of Pisang. Stay overnight at Pisang.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at tea lodge or with a local family if you choose homestay

Day 7: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3440m) - approx 7 hours

Stop At: Tilichol Lake, Manang Nepal
From Pisang onwards the trail will host constant view of the high snow capped peaks. A hill a few walk ahead offers the most dramatic views of the valleys, Hongdre village and its short air-strip along with the great peaks of Gangapurna, Annapurna II, III, Tilocho, Chuli east, and Pisang peak. The walk further is downhill all the way to Hongdre, adding a slight rise in altitude as you near to the village of Braga and Manang. We will visit the Braga Monastery, the largest in the district that has an outstanding display of statues, thangkas and the religious manuscripts. From here it is only an hour walk to Manang. Stay overnight at Manang.

Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at tea lodge or with a local family if you choose homestay

Day 8: Rest day at Manang

Stop At: Tilichol Lake, Manang Nepal
A necessary day to rest and acclimatize, and also to explore Manang. The Manang village is of about 500 flat-roofed houses, set in the most picturesque and spectacular scenery. Annapurna II, Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7454m) to the South – Tilicho (7132m) and the Grand Barrier to the West – Chulu West (6583m) and Chulu East (6059m) to the North are all within touching distance!

Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at tea lodge or with a local family if you choose homestay

Day 9: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4350m) - approx 4 hours

Stop At: Thorong La Pass, Manang - 02, Thorong la, Manang 33500 Nepal
After a wonderful time in Manang , we trek ahead slowly to the last village of Manang. The wonderful views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tiloche and the close up views of Chuli’s peaks will follow you. We will pass through juniper bushes, cross small wooden bridge and old Mani wall and then finally to small settlements of Yak-Kharka. Our night stop at Yak Kharka.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at tea lodge or with a local family if you choose homestay

Day 10: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4420m) - approx 4 hours

Stop At: Thorong La Pass, Manang - 02, Thorong la, Manang 33500 Nepal
The trail passes through the last settlement of Ledar, and gently levels offering grand views of the Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tiloche and Chuli peaks. The bareen and windswept plains make for some spectacular treat before arriving at Thorong Phedi for overnight stay. Depending upon your fitness we will go for a quick climb on the zig-zag track towards Upper Phedi or High Camp.

Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at tea lodge or with a local family if you choose homestay

Day 11: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3850m) via Thorung La Pass (5416m) - approx 8 hours

Stop At: Muktinath Temple, Mustang, Muktinath 33100 Nepal
Today we will cross the highest point and the most stunning landscape. The high pass of Thorong La (5,416m) is very challenging passes of the Himalayas. Locals regard the crossing of the La as very sanctimonious. We must be careful today while crossing it since strong icy winds regularly occur in this pass. Once on top of the pass you will be rewarded with amazing views of Himalayan range. A descend down will lead us to Muktinath. Muktinath is a popular pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus. The temple contains 108 stone taps and people believe that taking bath her absolove on of one’s sins. Stay overnight at Muktinath.

Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at tea lodge or with a local family if you choose homestay

Day 12: Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2650m)

Stop At: Marpha Monastery, Marpha Nepal
Early morning, we will slowly move downhill towards Jharkot village. Another 2- hours walking will reach to Ekle bhatti. The trek from Ekle bhatti to Marpha requires passing through the town of Jomsom. The trail mostly passes through a plateau above the Kali Gandaki. Marpha is popular for apple and its Nepali apple brandy. Stay overnight at Marpha.

Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at tea lodge or with a local family if you choose homestay

Day 13: Trek from Marpha to Kalopani (2530m) - approx 6 hours

Stop At: Kalopani Guest House, Jomsom Sadak, Lete 33100, Nepal
We will trek pass the settlements of Thakali people. On the way to Kalopani we will have chance to see apple garden, amazing panorama views of Himalayan peak including Dhaulagari, Tukuche Peak, the three Nilgiris, Fang and Annapurna I. Keeping up with scenic views we will be crossing a river at Kokhethanti and finally stop Kalopani for the night.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at tea lodge or with a local family if you choose homestay

Day 14: Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1189 m) - approx 7 hours

Stop At: Tatopani Hot Spring, Tatopani 33200 Nepal
The walk from Kalopani to Tatopani is downhill through the pine and conifer forest, with the views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Himalayan range. Within a few hours we will reach Ghasa and spend some time in its pleasant surroundings of terraced paddy fields and beautiful waterfall of Rupsi. By late afternoon we will be Tatopani which literally means Hot Spring. You can relax and even take bath in the Hot Spring, which is believed to have healing power. Stay overnight at Tatopani.

Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at tea lodge or with a local family if you choose homestay

Day 15: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853m) - approx 8 hours

Stop At: Ghorepani Community hospital, Poon Hill Marga, Ghode Pani 33200, Nepal
We start our trek towards the Ghorepani by crossing the suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River. Further we climb through the Ghara and Sikha village passing through the terraced and inclined farmlands. On the way to the Ghorepani our trail leads through the rhododendron, brich, magnolia and meadows and fantastic views of snowcapped mountain. We finally reach Ghorepani by slowly climbing the stone steps. Stay overnight at Ghorepani.

Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at tea lodge or with a local family if you choose homestay

Day 16: Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3180m) and Tadapani (2675m) - approx 7 hours

Stop At: Ghorepani Community hospital, Poon Hill Marga, Ghode Pani 33200, Nepal
We will wake well before dawn and hike to Poon Hill to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. You will be able to spectacular panorama of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Varaha Shikhar (7847m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna III (7855m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna II (7937m), Lamjung Himal (6931m) and other numerous snow capped mountains. Afterwards we descend to Ghorepani, have delicious breakfast and then begin our trek to Tadapani. The trail leads through the rhododendron forests with an ever scenic environment. Stay overnight at Tadapani.

Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at tea lodge or with a local family if you choose homestay

Day 17: Trek to Nayapul then Drive to Pokhara - approx 5 hours walk and 1 hour drive

Stop At: NayaPul Bridge, Nayapul Bus Stop, Baglung Rajmarg, कुश्मा 33400, Nepal
We descend on this day to Ghandruk passing through the forest of rhododendron, oak etc. We will hear different kinds of birds chirping on the way. Ghandruk is a traditional and most beautiful village of Gurungs. Enjoy the panoramic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m), Annapurna III (7755m) and Fishtail. This is the last day of our trek as we descend to Nayapul through rice fields and local villages until we reach Syauli-Bazaar. We will drive from Nayapul to Pokhara. We will spend the overnight in Pokhara. While in Pokhara you can enjoy your time on the Phewa Lake or taking a short hike nearby.

Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at tea lodge or with a local family if you choose homestay

Day 18: Drive to Kathmandu - approx 7 hours

Stop At: Thamel, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal
We will be driving back to Kathmandu in the morning. If you are interested in extending the trip, there are many options such as Chitwan jungle safari, river rafting adventure, Kathmandu shopping tour, mountain biking and other activities.

In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances.

Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at boutique hotel in Kathmandu

Day 19: Final departure

Pass By: Tribhuvan International Airport, Ring Rd, काठमाडौँ 44600, Nepal
We will offer you vehicle service to the Tribhuwan International Airport for your departure for your home country. We extend our best wishes and warm love to you. We also hope you to see again in Nepal.


Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.