Annapurna Circuit Trek - 14 Days

This trek lies within the Annapurna region around the entire Annapurna massifs and includes crossing Thorung La Pass (5,416m), walking by the edge of the world’s deepest gorge (Kaligandaki Gorge), enjoying sunrise views over the Himalayas from Poon Hill, visiting Muktinath temple (a major pilgrimage destination for the Hindus & Buddhists), and refreshing in the hot springs of Tatopani.

We will be traveling through altitudes ranging from 800m to 5,416m taking us through several climatic zones past rice paddy fields, subtropical forests, rural farmland, and glacial zones.

You will be able to view panoramic sceneries of the Himalayas, including Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m.), Mt. Annapurna III (7,555m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525m), Mt. Annapurna south (7,219m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,041m), Mt. Machhapuchhare (6,998m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6,986m), Tukuche peak (6,920m), and Tilicho peak (7134m).

This trek provides you the opportunity to learn about the Tibetan way of life that strongly runs in Mustang valleys. There is a slight chance of seeing a snow leopard in Yak Kharka along with blue sheep. We will also stop at Tatopani, where you can take a dip in the famous hot springs.

We will start the trek at Bhulbhule after a scenic drive from Kathmandu, and the route follows the Marsyandghi River Valley taking you through Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang. We will be spending a night in all these places.

On our sixth day, we trek to Manang, where we stay for acclimatization to prepare for the crossing of Thorung La pass. After acclimatizing at Manang, we continue the trail and head to Yak Kharka, and on the next day, we hike up to Thorong Phedi and spend the night there.

We leave Thorong Phedi on our ninth day and trek towards Muktinath, and this will be the day you will cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft). Thorong La Pass connects Manang village in the east with Muktinath temple and Ranipauwa village to the west.

After passing the Thorong La Pass, we head down to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. From Muktinath, we drive to Tatopani -famous for its hot springs. People believe that the hot spring water at Tatopani cures skin diseases. If you like, you can take a dip in this hot water. We will be spending the night at Tatopani.

The next day, we will trek from Tatopani, through lush rhododendron, birch, and magnolia forests, to Ghorepani. We will be spending our night in Ghorepani. The following morning we wake up at Ghorepani and trek for about an hour to reach Poon Hill. Poon Hill is a famous viewpoint known for spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna (I, II, III, South), Hiuchuli, Nilgiri, Macchapuchre, Tukuche Peak, Dhampus Peak, and Gurja Himal.

After spending some quality time in Poon Hill, we trek to Berithanti and then drive to Pokhara, where we will spend our last night in the trekking region. The following morning we will return to Kathmandu on a tourist bus.

This journey is for trekkers who would like to experience adventurous journeys in the Nepali Himalayan region while enjoying the diversified scenery, geography, and different climate zones. We have other exciting trek packages in the Annapurna region, and if you want, Discovery World Trekking can customize your trek.

1. day 1

   Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (845m / 2,815ft) west of the Kathmandu

   Itinerary Facts

   Driving hours	(200km / 124 miles) 7-8 hrs.

   Our first day of the trek starts early in the morning. After breakfast, we take a bus from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule. The route takes us out of the Kathmandu valley along the picturesque Trishuli river to Besisahar, and finally to Bhulbhule. Bhulbhule lies by the side of Marsyangdi river. Throughout the ride, you will get to see the terraced farms, traditional villages, and Ganesh & Manaslu snow peaks. At Bhulbhule, we register our permits at the check post for trek entry.

   • Overnight stay at Holiday Trekkers Lodge
   • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
2. day 2

   Trek from Bhulbhule (845m / 2,815ft) to Jagat (1,300m / 4,265ft)

   Itinerary Facts

   Trek Distance	16km / 9.9miles
   Highest Altitude	1,300m / 4,265ft
   Trek Duration	5 hrs

   After a nourishing breakfast, we will set foot on the trails this day. The route follows a pleasant path through the fertile jungle and terraced fields upriver, along the flowing Marsyangdi river. We take a leisurely lunch break and pass through several rural settlements and more farmlands to gradually reach the peaceful village of Jagat, a former trading post. 

   • Overnight stay at Tilicho Guest House (room with attached bathroom)
   • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
3. day 3

   Trek from Jagat (1,300m / 4,265ft) to Dharapani(1,860m / 6,200ft)

   Itinerary Facts

   Trek Distance	15km / 9.3miles
   Highest Altitude	1,860m / 6,200ft
   Trek Duration	5 hrs

   We begin our 3rd day of the trek following the Marsyangdi river, and after a steep climb, we enter the vicinity of the Manang region at Tal village. Here we can see several waterfalls forming a river by the sandy beaches. We will hike through the barley, rice, and potato fields and reach Kodo - one of the biggest villages in the Manang valley. Moving forward, we cross a suspension bridge, and after a short climb of the stone Kani, we reach Dharapani - the destination for this day.

   • Overnight stay at Hotel Gorkha's inn (room with attached bathroom)
   • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
4. day 4

   Trek from Dharapani (1,860m / 6,200ft) to Chame (2,610m /8,890ft)

   Itinerary Facts

   Trek Distance	15.5km / 9.6miles
   Highest Altitude	2,610m / 8,890ft
   Trek Duration	6 hrs

   We leave Dharapani and follow the trails through the forests with pine, fir, oak, and maple trees along the Marsyangdi river to reach Chame - the district headquarter of Manang district. You will find yourself surrounded by the green forests around and over you, and as you look up, you will see remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We will also stop by a small hot spring for a short rest.

   • Overnight stay at Four Season Guest House (room with attached bathroom)
   • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
5. day 5

   Trek from Chame  (2,610m / 8,890ft) to Upper Pisang (3,300m / 10,826ft)

   Itinerary Facts

   Trek Distance	13.2km / 8.2miles
   Highest Altitude	3,115m/10,200ft
   Trek Duration	5 - 6 hrs

   This day, after breakfast, we walk through a steep and narrow valley to have our first view of a massive rock wall - the Paungda Danda Rock, considered very sacred by the local people. The Paungda Danda Rock is a curved rock face rising 1500m from the Marshyandi river. From the trails, we also see clear views of Annapurna II in the south and Pisang Peak in the northeast. Then our path descends taking us to the Manang Valley floor into the Pisang village, where we will spend our night.

   • Overnight stay at Hotel Mandala (room with attached bathroom)
   • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
6. day 6

   Trek from Pisang (3,115m / 10,200ft) to Manang (3,540m / 11,300ft)

   Itinerary Facts

   Trek Distance	17km / 10.6miles
   Highest Altitude	3,540m / 11,300ft
   Trek Duration	5 - 6 hrs

   On our sixth day, we will be trekking on the upper trails through Upper Pisang via Geru, from where we can catch outstanding views of the north face of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho, and Pisang Peak. As the path ascends, you will feel the air turn cold, dry, and harsher. This trail goes through the Tibetan settlements, and we get a chance to explore Buddhist culture. We will not miss visiting Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in Manang. You will find that the path is dotted with Buddhist shrines as we pass more monasteries and finally reach Manang bazaar- an area that caters to tourists. 

   • Overnight stay at Hotel Himalayan Singi (room with attached bathroom)
   • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
7. day 7

   Rest and Acclimatization day at Manang (3,519m / 11,545ft)

   We will be acclimatizing on this day. However, we will remain busy throughout the day exploring Manang village. In the morning, we will visit  Gangapurna & Ice Lakes, and spend the rest of the day soaking in the magnificent views of Annapurna III, Tilicho, Pisang, and Chulu Peaks. In the afternoon, we may visit the Himalayan Rescue Association in Vraja village, where we will be briefed about acute mountain sickness, its symptoms, and prevention methods. 

   • Overnight stay at Hotel Himalayan Singi (room with attached bathroom)
   • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
8. day 8

   Trek from Manang (3,540m / 11,300ft) to Yak Kharka (4,050m / 14,275ft)

   Itinerary Facts

   Trek Distance	9.4km / 5.8miles
   Highest Altitude	4,050m / 14,275ft
   Trek Duration	3-4 hrs

   After a day in and around Manang, acclimatizing to the high elevation and allowing our bodies time to rest and get used to the environment, we move Yak Kharka. First, we cross a stream and climb to Tenki village, then head out of Marshyangdi valley northwest to Jar Sang Khola valley. The trail ascends slowly, as we head northwards.

   We will be passing through several pastures and juniper forests. As our trek continues, we will pass through a small village called Gunsan that has houses made of flat mud roofs. You will also get to see yak and horse pastures. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, we make our way up the spectacular valley to an open, peaceful meadow known as Yak Kharka. 

   • Overnight stay at Hotel Gangapurna
   • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
9. day 9

   Trek from Yak Kharka (4,050m/ 14,275ft) to Thorong Phedi (4,525m / 14,525ft)

   Itinerary Facts

   Trek Distance	8.5km / 5.2miles
   Highest Altitude	4,525m / 14,525ft
   Trek Duration	4-5 hrs

   Today we head to the foot of Thorong La pass, Thorong Phedi. From Yak Kharka, we will climb up to a ridge, then head down and cross the Marsyangdi river on a wooden bridge. After climbing up the mountain, we follow a narrow trail across a slope and descend to Thorung Phedi. The uninhabited, rugged terrain is otherworldly and much different than the lush lowlands that we passed on the way up during the initial phase of the trek.

   • Overnight stay at Thorong High Camp Hotel
   • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
10. day 10

    Trek from Thorong Phedi (4,525m / 14,525ft) to Muktinath Temple (3,760m / 12,623ft) via Thorong La High Pass (5,416m / 17,756ft)

    Itinerary Facts

    Trek Distance	15.6km / 9.6miles
    Highest Altitude	5,416m /17,756ft
    Trek Duration	9 hrs

    This day will be remarkable as we will trek from Thorong Phedi (4,525m/14,525ft) to Muktinath Temple (3,760m/12,623ft) via Thorung La high pass (5,416 m/17,756 ft). It is also one of the most challenging parts of the trek as Thorong La Pass is one of the highest passes in the world, and it is the highest point of the trek. 

    We start early in the morning and push ourselves through the icy air and high altitude, but the views from the pass are totally worth it. Northwards, towards Tibet, we will see a panorama of majestic Himalayan peaks, and if you look back, you will see the Annapurna range.

    We then descend to Muktinath - a sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists. The Buddhists call Muktinath - Chumig Gyatsa, which in Tibetan means Hundred Waters. Muktinath Temple is known for 108 stone sprouts with water flowing from the Kaligandaki. You can also see the eternal flame that has been burning there for more than 2,000 years.

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Town House Muktinath (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
11. day 11

    Drive from Muktinath  (3,760m / 12,623ft) to Jomsom and Tatopani (1,200m / 3,940ft)

    Itinerary Facts

    Driving hours	(113km / 70miles ) 6-7 hrs
    Highest Altitude	3,760m / 12,623ft

    In the morning, we visit Muktinath Temple and then continue our journey on a local bus ride to Tatopani. It will be a rough drive as the road passes through some of the deepest gorges in the world. We will be moving from the arid highlands to lush green forests. Tatopani is famous for natural hot springs, and it is a place where we can immerse ourselves in the hot springs and relax. The waters of Tatopani are said to have curative properties against skin diseases. 

    • Overnight stay at Dhaulagiri Lodge (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
12. day 12

    Trek from Tatopani (1,200m / 3,940ft) to Ghorepani (2,860m / 9,385ft)

    Itinerary Facts

    Trek Distance	17km / 10.5miles
    Highest Altitude	2,860m / 9,385ft
    Trek Duration	6-7 hrs

    We leave the hot springs behind and cross to the east side of the Kali Gandaki River and ascend to Ghorepani through the ethnic Thakali villages of Sikha and Chitre. Our trek takes us through terraced farmlands with mountains all around and passes through lush forests filled with rhododendron, birch, and magnolia. We will stop at Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at a ridge top, to spend our night.

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Snow Land (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
13. day 13

    Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210m / 10,525ft) - then trek to Birethanti (1,039m / 3,250ft) - Drive to Nayapul, Pokhara

    Itinerary Facts

    Trek Distance	12.5km / 7.7miles
    Highest Altitude	(3,210m / 10,525ft)
    Trek Duration	4-5 hrs
    Driving hours	2 hrs

    This will be our final day on the trail. We ascend to Poon Hill (3,210m) in the early morning to view sunrise over the whole Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif -including Mt Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Poon Hill is one of the favored spots for photography because of the incredible views it offers. We will also be taking pictures to our heart's content and then return to our Ghorepani lodge for breakfast. After breakfast, we will trek to Birethanti and then take a bus to Pokhara.

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Silver Oaks Inn (room with attached bathroom)
    • Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch)
14. day 14

    Drive from Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft ) to Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,450ft)

    Itinerary Facts

    Driving hours	(200km / 124miles) 6-7hrs

    Your Annapurna Circuit Package ends today. We wake up in Pokhara this day, and after breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu on a tourist bus. It's a 200 km route that initially follows the Marsyangdi River and Trishuli River later. You may also choose to return by a 25-minute flight (not included in the package) from Pokhara. Our trek package completes at Kathmandu.
    

    • Excluded from the package
    • Included standard meal (Breakfast)

• Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (trek start) by local bus
• Birethanti (Trek ends) to Pokhara by private transport
• Muktinath to Tatopani by local transport
• Pokhara to Kathmandu on a tourist bus
• One night accommodation at Hotel Silver Oaks Inn Pokhara
• Total 12 nights - 9 nights room with attached bathroom in Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manang (2N) Muktinath, Tatopani, and Ghorepani. 3 nights standard rooms - Bhulbhule, Yak Kharka, Thorang Phedi (twin sharing room)
• 13 lunches, 13 dinners, and 14 breakfasts during the trek
• Government licensed, experienced trek leader (guide), assistant trekking guide (for a group of 12 or more trekkers), and porters to help trekkers' luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers, combined porter weight limit -18kg.)
• Guides' and porters' expenses - meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee.
• Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
• Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
• All government, local taxes, and official expenses
• Rescue operations arrangement in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance).
• Souvenirs - a company T-shirt & Cap
• Discovery World Trekking appreciation certificate after the successful trek
• Farewell dinner at the end of the trek in Kathmandu

• International flight costs
• Excess baggage charges (limit is 9kg per Person)
• Nepal entry visa fees required on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport- USD50 for 30-day stay.
• All accommodation and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
• Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
• Extra night accommodations, meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival or late departure, or early return from the trek.
• Personal expenses - shopping, snacks, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, bar bills, bottle or boiled water, shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone call, battery recharge costs, extra porters, etc
• Personal clothing and gear
• Travel insurance which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation compulsory
• Tips for guide and porters
• Additional costs or delays caused by circumstances beyond our control like landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policy, strikes, mass movements, etc
• All the costs and expenses not listed in - "What is included in this trek package?" above.