This circuit is considered one of the best treks in the world though road construction is threatening its reputation and its future as a classic trek. Yet no one disputes that the scenery is outstanding: 17 to 21 days long, this trek takes you through distinct regional scenery of rivers, flora, fauna and above all – mountains.
Commencing with an overland journey to Beshi Sahar, 130 km West of Kathmandu where we overnight. Our trek follows the gorge of Marshyangdi river through lush fields of paddy, innumerable tiny streams, waterfalls and beautiful villages, eventually emerging into high desert country at Manang (3597 m.). The trek gains in height fairly gently reducing the chances of altitude sickness, although, we do spend a day acclimatising before crossing the Thorang-La (5416 m.). From a high lodge camp we are up early for our crossing of the Thorang- La (tremendous high mountain feelings) before our decent to Muktinath in the lower Mustang region, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Buddhist and Hindu people in Nepal.
Day 01: Kathmandu to Besi Sahar
Our trip starts from the capital city, Kathmandu. From here, we can either a take local bus or hire a private jeep to reach Besisahar. We spend the night in Besisahar.
Day 02: Besi Sahar to Bahun danda
We can take a bus or a jeep to Bhulbule at 840 meters. After travelling on rocky road, we begin walking towards Bahun danda. We first cross the Marsyangdi River and continue along its right side. As we travel through terraced fields and forests, we start to get glimpses of the 8000m peaks like Manaslu, Himal chuli, Ngadi chuli and others in the region. After a while, the trail makes a steep climb to finally reach Bahun danda.
Day 03: Bahun danda to Chamje
After an early breakfast, we start our day towards Chamje. From Bahun Danda, the trail dips abruptly as we reach Syange at 1080 meters. We cross Marsyangdi River on a suspension bridge and walk along the river. Finally, after a climb, we reach the stone village of Jagat at 1330 meters. From here, the trail descends, across the Ghatte Khola and then climbs to Chamje.
Day 04: Chamje to Bagarchhap
From Chamje, we pass across narrow valleys among rhododendron, pine, and bamboo forests. As we cross the rocky folds of a mountain, we cross a bridge and then ascend to a wider valley. After crossing the village of Tal, we trek past fields of barley, wheat, and potatoes till we reach Dharapani. Then, we turn west from the pine and fir forests to reach Bagarchhap.
Day 05: Bagarchhap to Chame
From Bagarchhap, we reach a village and then take a steep climb to reach a Tamang village. It is a beautiful village with exquisite views of peaks like Manaslu, Lamjung, Annapurna and others. From here we move towards a Tibetan village that separates the lowlands and high hills. As we follow a flat path we pass through Thanchowk, then Kolo and finally reach Chame.
Day 06: Chame to Pisang
We start the day from the older part of Chame and climb up to Telekhu. After crossing forests, we reach Brathang and after a while cross back to the south bank of Marsyangdi river. Then, we make a climb over a ridge and finally reach Pisang.
Day 07: Pisang to Manang (3540 m)
Pisang is the gateway to the upper region of Manang. The trek reaches up to a village named Braga. During the trek we reach a Gompa, the largest in the village and perched high with beautiful views of the entire village. From here we soon reach Manang and spend the night there.
Day 08: Acclimatization day at Manang
We take a rest day to acclimatize to the increasing elevation. We can also take a short detour to Khangsar village. You follow the Khangsar River and cross it over a bridge and ascend for a while to reach Khangsar village. We return back to Manang to spend the night.
Day 09: Manang to Letdar(4245 m)
From Manang, we trek slowly towards Thorung la. As we leave the large trees behind, we see vegetation comprising of junipers and small alpine grass. Then, an hour later we reach Letdar, We spend the night there.
Day 10: Letdar to Thorang Phedi
From Letdar, we follow the east bank of Jarang Khola to Thorung Phedi. Thorung Phedi is a rock-strewn meadow surrounded by vertical cliffs. We might see blue sheep, snow leopard, lammergeyers, and Himalayan griffons. We make our way to Thorung la pass.
Day 11: Thorang Phedi to Muktinath
We cross the 5416 meter point at the pass. It takes about 16 hours to complete the day’s journey. It takes around 4 – 6 hours to reach the pass from Thorung Phedi.
From Thorung la pass, we can view mountains like Annapurna, Gangapurna and Khatung kang. After a descent of 1600 meters, we reach grassy fields and meadows to reach Muktinath.
Day 12: Muktinath to Jomsom( 2713 m)
From Muktinath, we descend through springs, meadows, and trees to Kagbeni. Then, we descend down to Jomsom. As we keep descending, we finally reach Jomsom.
Day 13: Jomsom to Kalopani (2530 m)
From Jomson, we again keep descending to reach Kali Gandaki valley and then further more to reach Marpha.
The trek passes through a new trail that passes through Chokhopan. After crossing a river , we finally reach Kalopani.
Day 14: Kalopani to Tatopani (1680 m)
We descend from Kalopani until we reach a bridge in Ghasa. Then we pass through forests and a popular Ruptse Chhahara (waterfall) till we reach Narchyang Besi. We pass through different villages on this day till we reach Tatopani. Tatopani is famous for its natural hot spring.
Day 15: Tatopani
We take a rest day in Tatopani.
Day 16: Tatopani to Ghorepani
From Tatopani, our trek proceeds to the mid-hills of Nepal as we pass through terraced fields and farmlands. We get the glimpses of beautiful Himalayan peaks as we near Ghorepani. Ghorepani is a small Magar village with shops.
Day 17: Ghorepani to Birethanti (1039 m)
From Ghorepani, we pass through meadows, rhododendron forests, and fields and then descend through stone steps to reach Tikhedhunga. After another 3 hours of descent, we reach Birethanti.
Day 18: Birethanti – Pokhara
From Birethanti, we take a taxi to Pokhara via Nayapool. There we can visit lakes, temples, caves and other tourist attractions. This is where our trek officially ends.
Day 19: Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 20: Final departure
Our representative will drop you off at the airport.
0 Reviews on Annapurna Circuit Trek
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