Annapurna Circuit Trek -21 Days

Annapurna Circuit Trek -21 Days

Embark on a fantastic Annapurna Circuit Trek which takes us around the entire Annapurna massif reaching the zenith at Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft). We also walk through the world's deepest Kali Gandaki gorge with Annapurna I rising to 8091 m to the east and Dhaulagiri hovering at 8167 m to the west! We savor the fabulous mountain views from Poon Hill and discover the diverse Annapurna region. Furthermore, Annapurna Circuit Trek also takes us to Manang, Jomsom and the Muktinath region which again gets us acquainted with the diverse Nepalese landscape and culture.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and trip preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Stop At: Tribhuvan International Airport, Ring Rd, काठमाडौँ 44600, Nepal
After arriving in Kathmandu, a representative from Vyas Treks & Expedition will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you may take a rest or visit Vyas Treks & Expedition's office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Vyas Treks & Expedition. For dinner, you will be served authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country’s food culture.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Holy Himalaya.

Day 2: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation

Stop At: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal
Today after breakfast you start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. You visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, you get your equipment checked by your climbing leader, get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss your trip at Vyas Treks & Expedition’s office.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Holy Himalaya.

Day 3: Drive to Khudi (800m/2,624ft): 7- 8 hours

Stop At: Khudi Bridge, Besisahar - Chame Sadak, Simpani 33600, Nepal
You start your journey into the hills on a winding road along the Trishuli River. On the way you admire terraced farms and beautiful huts. After reaching a juncture at Mugling, you move straight ahead towards Pokhara. At Dumre, you leave the previous trail and head north to Besisahar. A half-an-hour's drive from Besisahar takes you to Khudi, the starting point of our trek. Alternatively, you can get off at Besisahar, and then trek for an hour to get to Khudi along the wide trail. Khudi offers you a first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overenight at guest house.

Day 4: Khudi to Sirung (2200m/7216 ft): 6 - 7 hours

Stop At: Khudi Bazaar, 33600, Nepal
Your first day's walk involves crossing a few suspension bridges and waterfalls including several ascents and descents across rice paddies and a subtropical forest. Initially, the walk is gradual but is then followed by steeper trails. The mountains that you see from Khudi seem a lot closer now. Before reaching Sirung village you pass an ethnic Tamang settlement of Taranche. You admire close-up views of Nadi Chuli and Manaslu mountains from Sirung.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at guest house.

Day 5: Sirung to Jagat (1,300m/4265ft): 6 - 7 hours

Stop At: Marsyangdi Rural Municipality Office, Bhulbhule 33600, Nepal
You leave Sirung for Jagat on a relatively easy trail. You leave behind the terraces of the village and hit forest, ferns and woodland. On the forest trail you spot a variety of birds. You also pass through several small villages and a few temples on the way. You cross a suspension bridge over Sangu Khola at Mipra then again at Syange over the Marshyangdi River. There is also a waterfall nearby the bridge. Now your trail moves alongside the mighty Marshyangdi River and you cross one more bridge before reaching Jagat.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at guest house.

Day 6: Jagat to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 7-8 hours

Stop At: DharaPaani Temple Entrance, Dharna 22400, Nepal
After breakfast, you slowly begin your trek today. The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, you climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, you descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As you walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then you approach steeply-forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, you finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at guest house.

Day 7: Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 - 6 hours

Stop At: Thorangla Pass, Manang Nepal
Today you walk through a few forested ridges on your way to Chame, which is the headquarters of the Manang District. Throughout the trek you can admire amazing views of the Himalayas including Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). On today’s trek you also come across small hot springs where you can dip in and soothe your aching muscles.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at guest house.

Day 8: Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft): 5 - 6 hours

Stop At: Thorangla Pass, Manang Nepal
A steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring you to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. This is probably the steepest part of the Marshyangdi Valley, so steep that the trail is carved into the vertical rock. After passing this last bit of rock, the valley opens up with majestic vistas. And right where the valley widens stands the Paungda Danda, a massive sloping rock face that rises over 5,000ft (1500m) above the trail. You trek for a while before reaching Lower Pisang where you spend the night.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at guest house.

Day 9: Pisang to Manang : 6 - 7 hours

Stop At: Thorangla Pass, Manang Nepal
There are two routes to Manang but you follow the trail that takes you to Upper Pisang via Geru. This trail guarantees excellent views of the beautiful landscape and the mighty mountains including Annapurna and Pisang. You begin to notice a contrast in the landscape and vegetation from today. The cold and dry climate also creates a much harsher environment. Your short visit to Barge monastery, the largest monastery in the entire district of Manang will be memorable.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at guest house.

Day 10: Manang: Acclimatization day

Stop At: Thorangla Pass, Manang Nepal
In order to keep fit on the trails that follow, you keep yourself busy today with a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. If you have the energy, you can even hike to Vraga Village where you can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association which will give you some idea about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at guest house.

Day 11: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft): 3 - 4 hours

Stop At: Thorangla Pass, Manang Nepal
From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki and continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures and a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at guest house.

Day 12: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft): 3 - 4 hours

Stop At: Thorong La Pass, Manang - 02, Thorong la, Manang 33500 Nepal
It is an uphill walk to Thorang Phedi. After walking for some time you cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. You ascend furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La pass. On this trip you are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. The word Phedi in Nepalese is referred to as the foot of a mountain.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at guest house.

Day 13: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) via Thorong La pass (5416m/17764ft): 7 - 8 hours

Stop At: Muktinath Temple, Bhagwanbahal, Thamel, Kathmandu, 00977 Nepal
Crossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world, will be your ultimate objective today. You will be crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest direction. You get up around three in the morning and walk up the mountain. When you finally make it to the top, we realize that your journey was worth it. You can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at guest house.

Day 14: Muktinath to Marpha (2,670m/8,760ft): 4 - 5 hours

Stop At: Marpha Monastery, Marpha Nepal
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists alike. In the morning, you pay your visit to a Vishnu Temple and a Gompa. Descending from Ranipauwa village down the steep and barren hillside, you tumble down toward Kagbeni and then to Jomsom finally arriving at Marpha. The trail today is quite surreal as you trek along a plateau above Kali Gandaki River, the world's deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles Tibet. Marpha is also famous as the apple capital of Nepal where one can enjoy different items made from apple. The local apple brandy of Marpha is famous all over Nepal.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at guest house.

Day 15: Marpha to Kalopani (2,530 m/8,300 ft): 5 - 6 hours

Stop At: Kalopani Guest House, Jomsom Sadak, Lete 33100, Nepal
From Marpha, you take a new route toward Kalopani via Chokhopani village. Today, you come across traditional villages of the ethnic Thakali people. Also, you get to see beautiful apple gardens. From here you get panoramic views of Dhaulagari, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Fang and Annapurna I mountains. From Chokhopani, you continue to Kokhethanti. You cross a river and come across the newly constructed road site before reaching Kalopani.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at guest house.

Day 16: Kalopani to Tatopani (1,200m/3,937ft): 6 - 7 hours

Stop At: Tatopani Hot Spring, Tatopani 33200 Nepal
Your journey today is mostly downhill. During the early part of today’s trek, you cross the bridge at Ghasa. As you drop to lower elevations, you emerge back into subtropical forests, lush with vegetation. Our trail continues along Rupse Chahara (waterfall). you continue down the east bank from Kopchepani via Garpar to a bridge at Dana. At Narchyang Besi, you get to see a powerhouse that supplies electricity in the area. There are bigger villages in this area where you can observe the everyday lives of the local people. Upon reaching Tatopani, you relax and have a bath in the hot spring.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at guest house.

Day 17: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 7 - 8 hours

Stop At: Ghorepani Community hospital, Poon Hill Marga, Ghode Pani 33200, Nepal
You leave the Kali Gandaki and head up the Ghar Khola valley. The trail leads you through a terraced farmland with mountains all around. You pass through the villages of Shikha and Chitre before reaching a beautiful rhododendron forest. When in bloom the rhododendron trees with its average height of up to 100" will be covered with pink or red flowers. Walking further you reach Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at a ridge top.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at guest house.

Day 18: Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Tadapani (2,700m/8,860ft): 6 - 7 hours

Stop At: Poon Hill Marga, Histan Mandali 33711, Nepal
To catch the sunrise over the Himalayas, you make an early morning climb along the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3,210m/10,529ft), the most popular trekking destination of the Annapurna region. It is also a great viewpoint to enjoy the amazing views of Mustang, Pokhara and more than 20 of the highest mountains including the close-up views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The snowy peaks of the high mountains loom above and around you glowing in the morning light. After taking photographs, you return back to Gorepani. After breakfast, you head east and climb a nearby ridge. You descend through rhododendron forests, pass by spectacular waterfalls and reach Tadapani to spend the night
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at guest house.

Day 19: Tadapani to Pokhara (827m/2,789ft) via Ghandruk: 5 - 6 hours trek, 1 hour drive

Stop At: Pokhara Lakeside, Lakeside Rd, Pokhara 33700 Nepal
From Tadapani, you make a steep descent through the dense and dark forest. This part of the trek will be through a thick forest of old rhododendron trees. When the rhododendron trees are in bloom, these forests actually turn into amazing gardens. By afternoon, depending upon the season of travel, you also get to enjoy cherry blossoms in bloom on the slopes on the other side of the ravine. After trekking a few more minutes, you enter the village of Ghandruk, a slope settlement with stone houses mostly inhabited by the Gurung people. Here, you enjoy the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains. You continue your trek to Nayapul from where you drive to Pokhara.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Dandelion.

Day 20: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 5-6 hours

Stop At: Thamel, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal
After breakfast, you say goodbye to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, you have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of your journey, you will have a farewell dinner in the evening.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Holy Himalayan.

Day 21: Final departure

Stop At: Tribhuvan International Airport, Ring Rd, काठमाडौँ 44600, Nepal
Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from Vyas Treks & Expedition will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Duration: 4 hours

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