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Annapurna Circuit Trek (12-18 Days)

One of the best teahouse treks that also takes you over a high mountain pass.

TR#208.

  • Recommended: October to November OR March to April

Annapurna Circuit Trek Overview

The Annapurna circuit trek is a popular trek that will take you through a trail of  diverse landscapes, dry cliffs, rural farming and subtropical rainforest. You can explore ancient village areas, Buddhist and Hindu temples and monasteries during this trek. The route will also welcome you with the scenic views of Himalayas like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhare, Lamjung, Tukuche peak, Manaslu peak and Tilicho peak.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek has been considered as one of the best treks in the world, easily compared to the eternal treks like Everest Base Camp Trek or Langtang Valley Trek . This trek gives you a chance to experience the wonderful cultural and traditional lifestyle of both Hindu and Buddhist. From the lush vegetation of the Annapurna Conservation Area to the rarefied air of the high-altitude mountains itself, you’ll hike across a variety of unique temperature zones.

The Annapurna circuit trek also includes climbing Thorung La Pass (5,416m), traversing the world’s deepest gorge (Kali Gandaki Gorge), viewing the Himalayas at sunrise from Poon Hill, visiting Muktinath Temple (a significant Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site), and cooling off in Tatopani’s hot springs.

The route of Annapurna Circuit Trek will take you through a variety of climatic zones, passing through rice paddies, subtropical forests, rural farming, and glacial zones at altitudes ranging from 800m to 5,416m. 

On the trek through the Mustang valleys, you will get the opportunity to learn about Tibetan culture. There is a slim chance of spotting a snow leopard and blue sheep in Yak Kharka. We’ll also stop in Tatopani, a popular hot springs destination where you can relax.

Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Trek

The months of October and November, or April and May for the Annapurna Circuit, are often regarded as the best times for trekking. When traveling to high altitudes during these two seasons, it is not too chilly because the weather usually remains clear and dry.

Trip Highlights

  • As you approach the high Thorong La Pass, you can see the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Tilicho Peak.

  • Stunning views of Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West, Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV.

  • Visit Muktinath, a Buddhist and Hindu holy site famous for its never-ending glow and 108 stone faucets.

  • Passing through picturesque Gurung villages where you can meet locals and learn about their culture.
  • Visit Manang and Kagbeni, two stunning Tibetan-influenced villages.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Besi Sahar to Bhulbule (2 ½ hr)
Besi Sahar to Bhulbule (2 ½ hr): After a bus ride to Besi Sahar, the trek begins. Take the dirt road to Bhulbule or cross over to the other side of the Marshyandi river. The first village reached is Khudi after which comes Bhulbule (840m). At Bhulbule you enter the Annapurna Conservation Area but the check point is at Dharapani. Mountain views dominate.
Day 2: To Ghermu (5-6 hr)
Follow the trail on the east bank of the river enjoying views of mountains. Past the bamboo groves and a steep climb lies Bahunedanda (1270m). There are panoramic views after climbing further up. A steep descent is followed by a climb to a ridge leading to the village of Kanigaon. Soon after, Ghermu (1140m) is reached.
Day 3: Ghermu to Tal (5-6 hr)
The trail drops and leads to a suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi at Syange. Next, you walk through a steep canyon. After another descent, Jagat is reached. From here the trail descends further down to Ghatta Khola. There are many lodges along the way. Walking past abamboo grove and rhododendron trees you enter Manang District and finally reach Tal (1700m) below a large waterfall
Day 4: To Chame (6 ½- 7 ½ hr)
The trek to Chame (2710m) is long but you can overnight at one of the places along the way such as Timang, Koto or Karte. You’ll be passing through many suspension bridges. After going through Dharapani and Bagarchap, you arrive at Chame where there are plenty of lodges and a bank where you can change money. There’s a hot spring nearby and views of Lamjung and Annapurna mountains.
Day 5: Chame to Upper Pisang (4 -5hr)
Views of Manaslu and apple orchards before arriving at Bhratang following a 1 ½ hr walk. An unforgettable sight awaits – a rock face that rises 1500m from the river called Paungda Danda. First Lower Pisang (3240 m) is reached. The lodges at higher levels at upper Pisang have better views of the mountains.
Day 6: Upper Pisang to Manang via Ngawal (6 -7 hr)
The longer, higher route is better than the shorter route. The trail rises above the Mring Tso (lake) and finally descends to Ngawal. You then come across the picturesque village of Bragha (3470m) where you’ll find a most interesting Bragha Monastery. Just a short climb later you arrive at Manang (3540m). Annapurna and Gangapurna mountains loom large as they are only 8 km away.
Day 7: Acclimatization in Manang
You can visit Milarepa’s cave nearby as you need an extra day in Manang or Bragha for acclimatization. Manang to Khangsar (1 ½ to 2 hr): The trail descends and then climbs again after crossing the Jarsang Khola. After the pine forest and wheat fields you arrive at Khangsar (3745m). Tilocho Lake is a good side excursion although a tough one.
Day 8: Manang to Letdar (3 ½ to 4 ½ hr)
You leave the Marshyangdi valley behind as you climb up. The vegetation changes to shrub and Letdar (4230m) provides the last accommodations before Thorung la (the pass).
Day 9: To Thorung Phedi (2 hr)
Walk along the banks of the Jarsang khola, cross over and climb up to Thorung Phedi (4540m).
Day 10: Thorung Phedi to Muktinath & Ranipauwa (6 – 8 hr)
Get advice from locals about weather conditions, snow conditions and avalanche before heading off to Thurung la (5416m). The climb is steep and the weather can change or too much snow can block the path. In such conditions one must return to Phedi. The climb to the pass can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hr. Amazing views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, Manang, the Kali Gandaki valley and more. The descent to Muktinath (3800m) is difficult. There are no accommodations near this famous temple so carry on to Ranipauwa (3710m).
Day 11: Ranipauwa to Kagbeni (2 ½ -3 hr)
Enjoy the outstanding views as you look down toward Jharkot. The trail descends down the Jhong valley to reach green Kagbeni (2840m).
Day 12: Kagbeni to Jomsom (2 ½ – 3 ½ hr)
You will be well advised to start early to avoid the strong winds that come up the valley after 11 am. You can visit the Bon village of Lubra before reaching Jomsom (2760m).
Day 13: Jomsom to Marpha (1 – 1 ½ hr)
A very short hike which ends after crossing the Pankya Khola. Marpha (2680m) is known for its unique alcoholic drinks made from apples, apricot or peach.
Day 14: Marpha to Larjung (3- 4hr)
Take the alternative route via Chhairo and Chimang to avoid traffic on the main road. Pass through Tukuche’s stone houses. Enjoy the views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri North peaks. Around Larjung (2560m) there is much to explore especially the meditation caves.
Day 15: To Ghasa (5 -6 hr)
Walking through Lete and Kalopani, you reach Ghasa (2000m) the last Thakali village and also the point from where the landscape changes to subtropical.
Day 16: Ghasa to Tatopani (4 ½ -5 ½ hr)
You can avoid the main road and follow the mule trail. Tatopani (1190m) gets its name from the hot springs nearby where you can take a dip.
Day 17: Tatopani to Ghorepani ( 6 -7 hr)
It is possible to catch a bus from here to Beni or Pokhara, but you’ll miss great views of mountains and rhododendron forests. A hard climb uphill leads to Ghorepani (2750m). An early morning visit to Poon Hill rewards you with spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri massif and some of the Annapurna peaks.
Day 18: Ghorepani to Naya Pul (6 -7 hr)
An early descent from Ghorepani means you’ll be back in Pokhara via Naya Pul with plenty of time on your hands.

Our Travel Expert

Udaya Gartaula

+9779801026642

info@rolwalingtrek.com

Cancellations & Refunds

At Rolwaling Trek, we just want our clients to have the best possible experiences. That’s why we don’t withhold deposits or have a fixed cancellation policy. We understand that sometimes life puts you in unexpected situations, so if you have to cancel or postpone a trip, there’s no need to worry.

If you need to change plans, please get in touch with us as soon as you can, and we will make the necessary arrangements to amend or cancel your trip. You can contact us at: +977 – 9801026642.

Notes

  • Trekking routes can be customised to suit your personal interests, abilities and time constraints.
  • If an area does not have good quality accommodation options, we can provide very comfortable camping-style accommodation for the duration of your journey.
  • Rolwaling also has a team of cooks who specialise in making Japanese cuisine, using authentic ingredients from Japan.
  • A lot of the fresh produce used in our dishes is sourced locally from growers in the trekking region.

Contact our Travel Expert

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