Trekking Annapurna Circuit

Upon your arrival in Nepal, a member of our team will meet you at the Airport and transfer you to the Hotel. We have a meet and greet with the Guide/Trekking team for a trip briefing and gear check. We also treat you to a welcome dinner of Nepal’s Traditional dish Dal Bhart (Rice, Lentil Soup and lots of Yummy side dishes).

We begin our long drive to Syange early in the morning. En route we get to enjoy the countryside of Nepal with its green hills, winding rivers, terraced farms and of course the mighty Himalayas. Overnight in Syange.

We enter Manang district after crossing a large bridge near Tal. The trail passes through barley, rice and potato fields; and the waterfalls continue to accompany us even today. We also pass through the village of Kodo before reaching Dharapani which is one of the biggest villages in the Manang valley. Overnight at Dharapani.

Today we negotiate a few steep forested ridges along with several landslides on route to Chame. We should not forget to look up though, as we will be greeted with remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We also come across small hot springs which should help us relax for a while. Overnight at Chame.

We walk through a steep and narrow valley to have our first view of Paungda Danda rock face, a dramatic curved rock face rising 1500m from the river. From here, we also gain excellent views of Annapurna II to the south and Pisang Peak to the north east. Next, we descend to the Manang Valley floor enjoying the captivating landscape. Overnight in Pisang.

From Pisang there are two routes to Manang. We choose the one which passes through Upper Pisang via Gyru as it guarantees outstanding views of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and others if the weather permits. As we walk near Manang the climate becomes more cold and dry. However, a short visit to Barge Monastery, the biggest monastery in the Manang District should cheer us up. Overnight at Manang.

In order to keep fit on the trails that follow, we keep ourselves busy today with a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. If we have the energy, we can even hike to Vraga Village where we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association which will give us some idea about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Overnight in Manang.

From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki above Manang, and then 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, 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. Little but Gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems

From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki above Manang, and then 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, 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. Little but Gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems

Crossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world, will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up around three in the morning and walk up the mountain. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. We stay here overnight.

In the morning we can explore the temple at Muktinath, the holiest temple in the region. Cleanse yourself like the Hindus do in the 108 spouts of the Temple. Trek down the deep gorge via Jhong, an ancient settlement and onto the lovely village of Kagbeni for Lunch. After Lunch follow the river all the way to Jomsom. Jomsom is the busy hub of this region. (Option to fly out from here if desired)

Our trek from Jomsom to Tuckche is refreshingly flat. It follows the Kaligandaki river through an ancient glacial valley. Enter forests of Pine and Spruce and enjoy the local culture along the way in secluded farming hamlets. We can also make a visit to Titi Lake along the route. Tuckche is famous for Apple Farming and Thakali Food and Culture.

An easy day, steady on the trail, flat and slightly downhill. We can explore a Tibetan refugee camp on the way. The trail crosses the river and goes through some beautiful forests. If you are lucky you can catch glimpses of Himalayan Thar on the high cliffs.

Today is predominantly downhill as we leave the valley and trek down the steep sided gorge. The river narrows and steepens and increases in its velocity. Today we pass the impressive waterfall at Rupse Chara where we can stop for some lunch. On arrival at Tatopani, rest your trek weary limbs in the soothing hot springs.

The drive from Tatopani to Pokhara takes about 5 hours, it starts off rugged as it follows the river downwards. We say goodbye to the mountains and reach Pokhara around lunch time. Spend the chilling out or visit one of the many spas here for a nice massage. A must do in Pokhara is to find one of the lake side bars, sit and watch the sunset over a chilled drink and toast your trekking success.

Today we transfer you to the Pokhara airport for the short 23mins flight to Kathmandu. A member of our team will collect you from the airport and transfer you to the Hotel. Take some time for last minute shopping or exploring this vibrant city.

Today we say farewell and transfer from the hotel to the airport for your outbound flight