Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu
Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by one of our airport representatives and transferred to your hotel for check-in. You will then be given further details about the program. There are no planned activities for the day, so you can enjoy your stay at the hotel and take in its surroundings.
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat (1,100m) Duration: 8 – 9 Hours.
We will drive to Beshisahar by car. We then take a jeep from Beshisahar to Jagat. This drive gives insight into the rural people – their lifestyle and culture. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 3: Jagat to Dharapani (1960m) Distance: 12 km, Duration: 6 Hours
We'll trek on foot from Jagat, through an Oak Forest and across a suspension bridge to reach Chyamje. After walking through a valley and passing Kodo village, we'll ascend to Dharapani village and stay overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 4: Dharapani to Chame (2,630m) Distance: 15 km, Duration: 5 Hours
The trek from Dharapani to Chame is a beautiful journey through the Manang district of Nepal. We start the day with a gradual ascent along the Marshyangdi River, passing through charming villages and enjoying breathtaking mountain views. The trail takes us through dense forests, across suspension bridges, and past waterfalls. We reach the town of Chame, the administrative center of Manang, where we can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery before continuing our trek further into the Himalayas. Overnight at guesthouse.
Day 5: Chame to Pisang (3,300m) Distance: 15 km, Duration: 5 Hours
Hike through a steep, wooded river valley with stunning views of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II. Stay overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 6: Pisang to Manang (3,370m) Distance: 16 km, Duration: 4 Hours
We will take the upper route to Manang via Ghyaru-Ngawal-Mungji, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Pisang peaks. The cold, dry climate will create a harsher environment with changes in landscape and vegetation. We will visit the largest Barge monastery in the Manang district, and stay overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 7: Manang – Acclimatization Day, 3 – 4 km, 2-3 Hours
On this particular day, our itinerary has been planned for acclimatization to the higher altitude. Our activities will include a visit to the monastery and a side trip to Gangapurna Lake.
Additionally, we will take the opportunity to explore the nearby local villages and pay a visit to the Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic.
Note: Optional Hike to the Milarepa Cave takes 5-6 hours for round trips.
Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 8: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m) Distance: 11 Km, Duration: 3 – 4 Hours
Starting from Manang village, the trail leads to the village of Tenki and then gradually climbs up the valley of Jarsang Khola, away from the Marshyangdi Valley, in a northwestern direction. As we trek through the valley, we'll pass pastures and juniper trees, and the altitude will steadily increase. Continuing on, we'll come across the small village of Ghunsa, identifiable by its flat mud roofs. From there, we'll walk through meadows where yaks and horses graze peacefully. Crossing the river on a wooden bridge, we'll reach a pleasant meadow with an ancient Mani wall and then proceed to another small village, Yak Kharka. It's crucial to make a gentle but gradual ascent to avoid altitude sickness. We can spend the night at a guesthouse.
Day 9: Yak Kharka to Throng Phedi (4,450m) Distance: 8 km, Duration: 3 – 4 Hours
Our group will head towards Throng Phedi, a bustling settlement that serves as a pitstop for weary trekkers and climbers. It also acts as a base camp for groups like ours. While some members might want to hike to High Camp on the same day to make the following day easier, we have a challenging day planned ahead, so we'll stop at Throng Phedi for a peaceful night's sleep instead of risking a restless night at High Camp's higher altitude. We will stay at a guesthouse overnight before continuing our journey.
Day 10: Trek to Muktinath (3,800m) Over Thorong La Pass (5,416m) Distance: 16.5 km, Duration: 7-8 Hours.
We will start our climb to the pass early to tackle the steep initial ascent while we are still fresh. As we approach the peak, we will encounter slushy trails due to melting snow. After navigating through rocky ridges, we will reach the top of the pass, which stands at an elevation of 5416m. The summit offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of snow-capped peaks extending into Tibet and Annapurna's several peaks behind us. In front of us lies the stunning gorge of Kali Gandaki. Following the pass, we will make a steep descent to Muktinath, a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and home to ethnic Tibetans and devout Buddhists. Spending the night at the guesthouse, we will get to experience the culture and spirituality of this unique and special place.
Day 11: Muktinath to Marpha (2,670 m) Distance: 22km, Duration: 6 Hours
As we descend through the picturesque Kali Gandaki Valley, our journey takes us to the charming town of Marpha. This delightful place boasts numerous apple orchards, and visitors can enjoy a wide array of delectable fruit-based food products. One such local specialty is the famous Apple Brandy, a drink that you might be fortunate enough to savor while on your way to Marpha.
Note to Read: The road is connected between Muktinath and Pokhara; you may drive instead of trekking. You can take a jeep to Tatopani – 4-5 hour drive, which saves us 2 days.
This option is open and available for private trips only.
Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 12: Marpha to Ghasa (2,010m) Distance: 23 km, Duration: 6 Hours
We descend through the valley following the Kali Gandaki River to Ghasa.
We walk along the bank of the Kali Gandaki River.
Overnight at Guesthouse
Day 13: Ghasa to Tatopani (1,190 m) Distance: 14.5 km, Duration: 5 Hours
Today, we will embark on a journey to explore the Kopchepani, the deepest gorge on Earth, and trek down through the scenic Kali Gandaki River valley to Tatopani. Tatopani is renowned for its natural hot springs, which provide a perfect opportunity for visitors to unwind and rejuvenate their bodies after a long day of trekking.
This location is ideal for those seeking to relax and unwind, and we will be spending an extra day here to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs. We will be staying overnight at a guesthouse, providing a comfortable and peaceful resting place for our stay.
Day 14: Rest and Relaxing at Hot Spring
Rest and relax in the hot spring.
Overnight at Guesthouse
Day 15: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,810m) Distance: 17 km, Duration: 7 Hours
Leaving the hot spring behind, we ascend again to Ghorepani, arriving in mid-afternoon.
Overnight at Guesthouse
Day 16: Ghorepani to Pokhara, Distance: 22 km, Duration: 7 – 8 Hours
Embark on a 7-hour, 22 km hike to Poon Hill, with an early start to catch the spectacular sunrise and panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Fishtail. Return to Ghorepani for a hot breakfast before descending to Nayapul, and finally a short hour drive to Pokhara. Spend the night at a hotel.
Day 17: Pokhara to Kathmandu Bus Ride. 6-7 Hours.
We shall drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. The journey is filled with the ever-diverse landscape and changing topography. Overnight at the hotel.
Note: One alternative to driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu is to choose a domestic flight. The journey by car typically lasts between 6 and 7 hours, or even longer depending on traffic, and can be quite tiring.
The flight time for this route is 25 minutes in the air, and there is an additional charge of USD 80.00 per person. However, it should be noted that there is a high likelihood of flight delays or cancellations during the summer and winter seasons.
Day 18: Farewell/Departure
A representative from Visit View Nepal Treks will take you to the airport, approx. 3 hours before the scheduled flight.
What's included
- All airport/hotel transfers by private vehicle
- Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
- A night accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star hotel in Pokhara.
- Best available twin sharing room for accommodation during the trek
- Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
- Surface transfer from Kathmandu – Beshisahar by private car and from Beshisahar to Syange by local jeep
- Surface transfer from Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus
- Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, Visit View Nepal Treks duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
- An experienced English-speaking (trekking guide), porter to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging.
- A comprehensive medical kit.
- All necessary paper work and permits (ACAP, Trekking permit)
- All government and local taxes
What's not included
- Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
- All kind of cold drinks e.g., water, coke, fanta, juice etc.
- Personal trekking equipment
- Hot showers during the trek
- WI-Fi internet during the trek
- Tips for trekking staff and driver
The classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most iconic treks in Nepal, known for its 18-day journey through the Tibetan plateaus. This trek is considered as one of the longer and strenuous treks in Nepal, taking you from Jagat to Chame, Manang, Muktinath, and Ghorepani. This journey offers a unique blend of landscapes, including barren terrains, alpine landscapes, and terraced farms. As you make your way through the foothills of the Himalayas, you will also come across off-the-beaten paths, which will make the trek more interesting.
The trek begins at Kathmandu and takes you to the local settlements in the region, where you can enjoy the scenic views of the oak and maple trees along the river. As you move ahead, you will come across the narrow river valley that leads through deep woodlands. On the way, you will be able to see the stunning views of Pisang peak and Annapurna II, and you will also get to visit the homeland of the traders in Manang. As you traverse deeper into the region, you will be accompanied by the majestic views of Lamjung, Himalchuli, Manaslu, and other Annapurna massifs.
Crossing the rocky terrains, you will reach the Thorong La Pass, which is the highest pass of the trek at an altitude of 5416 meters. From here, you will enter the Kali Gandaki valley as you descend to Muktinath. Muktinath is one of the most important heritage sites and a popular pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek
The trek further takes you to Marpha, Ghasa, and the hot springs of Tato Pani, where you can relax and unwind for a day. After a much-needed break, you will ascend to Ghorepani, known for its panoramic sunrise and sunset views. The hike to Ghorepani-Poonhill can be tiring, but the experience is worth it as you get to walk through the villages and experience the local lifestyle of the ethnic Gurung people.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek that encompasses the region’s wealth and rich heritage. It is a magical journey that takes you through diverse landscapes, including rivers, forests, spiritual, and cultural sites of Nepal. The trek is suitable for people who like to travel in different climatic conditions and appreciate the diversity of nature. However, to ensure a successful trek, it is recommended to stay fit and train regularly before embarking on the journey. The trek ends at Pokhara, where you can spend the night before heading back to Kathmandu the next day.
In conclusion, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is an experience that you will never forget. With its diverse landscapes and rich heritage, this trek is a must-do for all adventure lovers. The journey offers a unique blend of challenges and scenic views, making it an unforgettable experience.