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Annapurna Circuit and Sanctuary trek - 27 Days
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Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the classic and
most rewarding treks in Nepal. The Southern
slopes of Manaslu and, Annapurna ranges are
heavily settled and farmed except the higher
regions which support thick forests of
Rhododendron and fir. Most of the tribes
inhabiting this area are Gurungs, Magars,
Chehettris and Newars. Thakali and Mustang
tribes control the busy trading and pilgrimage
trail along the Kali Gandaki. One of the most
striking significance of this trek is that you
have a spectacular view of most mountains range
every day.
On the other hand, Annapurna Base Camp is a
natural amphitheater ringed by Annapurna South
and Annapurna I, Varahashikhar, Gangapurna and
the holy mountain Macchapucchre (Fish Tail). The
first few days are spent traveling through
quaint villages and lush forests before reaching
more barren and rugged terrain.
The trail to Annapurna Base Camp threads up the
valley into the sanctuary where it gradually
gives way to a grey screed and scrub before
reaching snow fields, there are no villages to
speak of for five days. Annapurna Base Camp trek
is a wonderful trek with some tremendous views,
from base camp a labyrinth of mountains tower
almost vertically above with Annapurna I in
dominance. An hour or two is spent here taking
in the high mountains before commencing the
return journey. Five further days are taken
returning to Pokhara. Annapurna Base Camp trek
is a good introduction to higher altitude
without being too strenuous.
Facts of the Trek
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Duration: 27 Days
Trek type: Tea House
Max Altitude: 5416 m.
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Minimum Pax: 1 +
Mode of travel: Land
Grade: Moderate
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Itinerary in Detail
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Day 01 : |
Drive from Kathmandu to Beshishahar (760m.) by
bus and it takes approximately seven hours. You
drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to
Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road
by the Marsyangdi River to Besi Sahar (823m.).
Beshishahar is the district headquarters of
Lamjung district. All the local government
offices are situated here. From here, you can
see some of mountain peaks, natural sceneries
surrounding the valley and the daily activities
of local people. This headquarter is the centre
from where the daily usable commodities are
supplied to the different villages and numerous
towns.
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Day 02 : |
Trek from Beshishahar to Nagdi (930m.) which
takes about six hours. The first part of the
trail passes thorough flat level along the bank
of the Marshyangdi River. You can enjoy the
sceneries and the local culture of Gurung
community. Here you walk through the rice
terrace fields with good views of various
mountains.
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Day 03 : |
Trek from Nagdi to Jagat (1300m.) and it takes
about six hours. A steep trail ascends from
Nagdi, through rice terraces, before crossing a
stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It
then climbs again and traverses the hillside
high above the river before reaching the village
of Lili Gaon. Ahead, the Marsyangdi valley forms
a steep V-shape, and you follow the winding
mountain path down through Syange and along the
river for some distance. The trail then climbs
steeply and the path is cut into the sheer
cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed.
Eventually you descend to the stone village of
Jagat, situated on a shelf, which juts into the
precipitous Marsyangdi valley. You stay
overnight at tea house (lodge).
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Day 04 : |
Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1860m.) which
takes about six and half hours. The trail from
Jagat descends until it almost reaches the river
and then begins to climb again through a forest.
The sheer cliff on the opposite bank plunges
downward but this side is also steep. When the
climb ends, you follow a level track to Chyamje,
which is marked by a magnificent waterfall on
the opposite bank. After descending to the river
and crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a
climb to Sattale on a path so steep that it
seems one slip would send you hurtling down into
the valley. You continue on an undulating path
above the river, and at one point, where a
tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the
main river becomes covered with huge boulders
that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag path to
the top of the hill, you see the level, plain of
Tal before you. Though it is enclosed by cliffs,
the level area looks reassuring after the
harrowing mountain paths just traveled on. You
descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal
with its hotels and teahouses. Beyond Tal, the
valley narrows and the path becomes high and
winding, and in several areas hewn from the rock
itself. Beyond the small village of Karte, there
is a bit more cliff-walking before the path
drops again to the river. You cross a suspension
bridge, and climb the short distance to the
stone kani marking the entrance to Dharapani,
and you stay for the night.
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Day 05 : |
Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2670m.) which
takes about five hours. As you cut through a
narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola,
which originates from the south face of Manaslu,
enters on the opposite bank. The Marsyangdi then
veers to the left, and as Annapurna II becomes
visible ahead, you arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhote
village with prayer flags fluttering in the
breeze. Continuing to climb through forests of
pine and oak, you pass through Dhanakyu before
coming to a thundering waterfall. Further, the
Marsyangdi Khola enters a gorge and the path
consists of steep stone steps. Pausing for
breath, you can look back for views of Manaslu.
When the steep incline ends, you follow a path
amid magnificent rhododendrons to Ratamron and
then continue on a gently rising path, crossing
a stream before entering a pine forest. You then
cut across a loose hillside to the hamlet of
Kotho from where you can look straight up at
nearby Annapurna II - a sight convincing you
that you are deep in the Himalayan mountains!
From here the trail climbs through a fir and
pine forest to Chame where there are government
offices, shops, and hotels. Chame is the
administrative headquarters for the Manang
district.
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Day 06 : |
Trek from Chame to Pisang (3155m.) and it takes
about five hours.
With Lamjung Himal [6893m] sparkling in the
morning sun, you set off for Pisang. The
mountain disappears as you climb the path up the
valley, passing a huge apple orchard. You
continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing
to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank
becomes an impassable cliff. From this point,
the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as you
follow the path to Bratang. In the past this was
the military station for troops who fought
against the Khampa tribal revolution, but the
dilapidated buildings are all that remained of
that era. A short climb from the village brings
you to a rock-strewn area where you cross a
wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path,
before crossing back to the right bank again.
You now walk through a pine forest and as the
forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape
to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful
vista before you. You can see the east peak of
Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak to the
north-east. Continuing on, you come to a long
Mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of
Pisang.
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Day 07 : |
Trek from Pisang to Manang (3540m.) which takes
about five hours. Beyond Pisang, the trail
climbs a steep ridge, which affords good views
of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak.
Descending past Manang's airstrip at Hongde, you
come to a level area from where the northeast
face of Annapurna III rises majestically above
you. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola
Valley, Annapurna IV [7525m] also becomes
visible. Just beyond this point you cross the
considerably reduced flow of the Marsyangdi
Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of
Mungji. Cultivated fields appear on both sides
of the path and off to the right, below a craggy
mountain, you can see the village of Bryaga with
its splendid monastery. Large chorten and mani
walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya
spread out before you - Annapurna II, Annapurna
III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna [7455m] and, to
the rear, Tilicho Peak [7134m]. After a short
steep climb you reach Manang which is a
surprisingly large village for this remote
mountain region. You stay here for the night,
amidst the fluttering prayer flags that adorn
the houses.
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Day 08 : |
Rest day at Manang for acclimatization. It
demands an important rest and acclimatization
day before crossing the Thorung La. There are
optional day walks such as crossing the river to
see the tremendous icefall coming down from the
Annapurnas, or climbing high above the village
for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and
the Manang Valley. There is also a Himalayan
Rescue Association [HRA] aid post in the village
which makes an interesting and educational
visit.
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Day 09 : |
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4018m.) which
takes about three and half hours. Now the trail
ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing
through the Gunsang (3960m.)village. En route,
you can see panoramic views all the day.
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Day 10 : |
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4450m.)
which takes about three and half hours. Leaving
Yak Kharka, you climb gradually to a ridge
before descending to the headwaters of the
Marsyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden
bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain
path on the right bank, you follow a narrow
trail across an unstable screed slope and then
descend to Thorong Phedi.
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Day 11 : |
Trek from Thorong Phedi to Thorong La (5416m.)
to Muktinath (3800m.) which takes about seven
hours. It demands an early start today for your
crossing of Thorong La [5416m]. The trail
becomes steep immediately on leaving camp but as
local people have used this trail for hundreds
of years, the path is well defined. The gradient
then eases and after around 4 hours of steady
climbing, you reach the chorten and prayer flags
of the pass. The views are dramatic to say the
least, from the snow-covered mountains above, to
the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and
the brown and purple hills of Mustang which are
spread out before us. The descent to Muktinath
is a knee pounding 1600m but it is compensated
for with excellent views of Dhaulagiri.
Eventually the moraines give way to grassy
slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong
Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and
temple.
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Day 12 : |
Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2710m.) and it
takes about approximately five hours. You now
begin the descent path down the dramatic Kali
Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in
the same geographical and climatic zone as
Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar,
villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you
follow the valley floor most of the way to
Jomsom. Jomsom is sprawled along both banks of
the Kali Gandaki and from here there are fine
views of the Nilgiri peaks. You continue down to
Marpha, a delightful Thakali village, complete
with a drainage system beneath the flagstone
streets. Its narrow alleys and passageways
provide welcome shelter from the strong winds of
the Kali Gandaki Gorge and Marpha is
particularly well known for its apples, apple
cider and apple juice, apricot and peach brandy.
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Day 13 : |
Trek from Jomsom to Kalopani (2530m.) which
takes about six hours. Your trail follows flat
level along the bank of Kali Gandaki river until
you reach Kalopani, a Thakali village and the
southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism . En
route, you find Larjung which is situated near
Dhaulagiri Glacier. The first part of the trek
passes through the windy area covered with pine
forests, rhododendron forests and birches are
seen. At Kalopani, you are quite amazed at the
panoramic view of Annapurna I (8091m.),
Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.).
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Day 14 : |
Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1190 m.) which
takes about six and half hours. While crossing
steeply descent path through forests you reach
Ghasa (2010m.), a Thakali village. The
surrounding area of Ghasa is famous destination
for bird watching and wild Marijuana. Here you
are quite amazed at the panoramic view of Mount
Nilgiri North (7061m.), Nilgiri Central
(6940m.), and Nilgiri South (6839m.) and others.
From here, the trail descends steeply upto Rukse
Chhahara (Rukse Waterfall) which is amazing to
look at as it is the highest waterfall. There is
situated the deepest gorge of the world between
two mountains Annapurna I (8091m.) and
Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) facing each other near
Rukse Waterfall. The trail again descends
slightly to Tatopani through different human
settlements. You can enjoy the hot spring at
Tatopani as the word Tatopani is termed after
the natural hot spring situated at the bank of
the Kali Gandaki River. It is popularly believed
that taking bath in Hot Spring helps you to get
rid of skin diseases. Along this, it gives you
physical and mental refreshment as well.
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Day 15 : |
A rest day at Tatopani to enjoy the natural hot
spring bath. It is believed that one who takes
bath get rids of skin diseases. After several
days trekking, it is a great idea to take bath
at hot spring and relax.
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Day 16 : |
Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2750m.) and it
takes about six and half hours. Your trail
passes through flat level of the land at some
distance. Then the trail begins ascending
steeply for at least one hour. Now path goes up
through different villages inhabited by the
people of different caste and agricultural land.
The majority of the people here serve Gorkha
Regiment and Indian Regiment as well. While
trekking you cross through the Kali Gandaki
river with panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and
Annapurna ranges. Now the trail ascends gently
all the way to Ghorepani passing through small
villages like Phalate, Chitre and so on. While
trekking you pass through rhododendron forests
and come across the wild life such as monkeys
and birds of various species. You are
accompanied by more panoramic views of different
mountains. Ghorepani (Watering to Horse) is a
small pass and the village of Deorali. Although
there is time enough to continue, it is better
to stay here overnight so that you can make the
morning trip to Poon Hill (3180m.) for an
outstanding panorama of Dhaulagiri I, II, III,
IV, Tukuche peak, Dhampus peak, Nilgiri ranges,
Annapurna I, Baraha Sikhar (Twelve peaks or
renowned as French Fang),Annapurna South,
Himchuli, Fishtail and Mardi Himal. The view you
can see from here is probably the best view in
the world. Not only this, Poon Hill is crowded
by different visitors to enjoy the sunrise and
sunset over the snow-capped mountains.
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Day 17 : |
Early morning trip to Poon Hill (3193m.) to
enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri
(8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri
(6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna
I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna
III (7855m.), Machhapuchhare (6993m.), Annapurna
IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung
Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snowcapped
mountain peaks. After breakfast you trek from
Ghorepani to Tadapani (2590m.) through the deep
forests of rhododendrons, bamboos and oaks. En
route, you frequently see waterfalls, rocks,
wild animals, local birds and green scenarios.
Tadapani is a small village surrounded by
beautiful forests which grants you a magnificent
view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail,
Annapurna II and so on.
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Day 18 : |
Trek from Tadapani (2590m.) to Ghandruk (1940m.)
and it takes about three hours. It is very easy
trek by descending gently all the way through
rhododendron, oak and other kinds of dense
forests. You could hear different kinds of birds
chirping on the way. This is one of the popular
destinations for the birds' lovers. Ghandruk is
a big Gurung village. There is a handicraft
centre and Gurung museum. From this village you
could see good views of Annapurna South,
Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III
(7755m.) and Fishtail.
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Day 19 : |
Trek from Ghandruk to Chomrong (2170 m.) which
takes approximately four hours. At the beginning
of the day, you could ascend gently for an hour
up to Ghandrukkot (2100m.) and descend steeply
to the Kimron Khola (1700m.). Immediately, you
ascend steeply and walk at a level for an hour
and still ascend gently to the final camp.
Chhomrong is a gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary
trek and inhabited by Gurung, one of the major
Ethnic group of Nepal.
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Day 20 : |
Trek from Chomrong to Bamboo (2335m.) and it
takes about five hours. Leaving Chhomrong, the
trail descends on a stone staircase and crosses
the Chhomrong Khola on a swaying suspension
bridge, then climbs out of the side valley. High
above the Modi Khola on its west bank, the trail
passes through the tiny settlement of Tilicho in
forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak.
Climbing further on a rocky trail (beware of the
stinging nettles) you reach three hotels at
Sinuwa, at 2350m. You climb in rhododendron
forests to Kuldi, at 2520m. This was once a
British sheep breeding project; now the stone
houses are an ACAP visitor centre and check
post. In winter, it's common to find snow
anywhere from this point on. Then you descend a
long, steep stone staircase into deep bamboo and
rhododendron forests. It is then a short
distance on a muddy trail to Bamboo Lodge
(2340m.).
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Day 21 : |
Trek from Bamboo to Deurali (3230m.) which takes
about five hours.
You trek gently ascend through bamboo forests
with varieties of rhododendron and oak trees.
The first town you reach is Dovan (2630m.) where
there are few lodges and camp sites. Now you
pass through muddy trail which traverses high
above the river. There are debris of avalanches
except during winter season. After short trek,
you reach at Himalayan Hotel (2900m.), the town
named after the Himalayan Hotel. Beyond it, the
trail is steeply ascent up to Hinko Cave
(3160m.), this named as a huge overhanging rock
provides some protection against rain and
avalanches. It takes approximately twenty
minutes through normally ascent path to reach
Deorali (3230m.)
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Day 22 : |
Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4130
m.) via Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3700m.) and it
takes about four hours. From here, the valley
widens and becomes less steep and you can see
the gates to the sanctuary. The trail is less
steep. As the trail continues into the
sanctuary, it crosses two avalanche tracks on a
narrow trail that hurdles up against the cliffs.
After short trek you will be at Bagar (3310m.),
a meadow and some abandoned hotels. The normal
trail follows the left side of the valley. Now
the trail appears gently ascent until you reach
Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m.). Here you find
almost 6 to 7 lodges. This is one of the places,
where you can enjoy the view of Mount Hiunchuli
(6441m.), Annapurna South (7229m.), Annapurna I
(8091m.), Annapurna III (7555m.), Gangapurna
(7454m.) and Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail
(6997m.). The path follows through alpine meadow
and after some distance your trails go gently
up. After a short trek, you begin to approach
Annapurna Base Camp (4170m.). From here, you can
see the views of several peaks at 360degree.
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Day 23 : |
Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan (2505m.)
which takes about five hours. It's much easier
going down. You should have no problem reaching
Sinuwa in a single day from Annapurna Base Camp.
Now you trek through Himalayan Hotel to Dovan.
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Day 24 : |
Trek from Dovan to Jhinudanda (1780m.) and it
takes about six hours. The path is descent up to
Bamboo passing through forests with varieties of
rhododendron, oaks and bamboo plants. After
Bamboo, the trail goes steeply up to the Kuldi
Ghar and now the trail is quite flat until you
reach Sinuwa. You trek gradually descend to the
Chhomrong Khola and you have to follow stone
staircase for almost an hour to reach Chhumrong.
The last part of the trail is steeply down to
Jhinudanda. From the town you should walk down
for 20 minutes to reach Hot Spring at the bank
of the Modi Khola. You can relax at Hot Spring.
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Day 25 : |
Trek from Jhinudanda to Pothana (1900m.) which
takes about five hours.
The first part of the trek is descent and then
appears through flat land until you reach Himal
Pani. Here you can enjoy view of beautiful
waterfall. Beyond this small village, the trail
ascends gently crossing numerous streams and
terraces. After short trek, you will be at
Landruk (1640m.), a pretty big village inhabited
by mixed community of Gurung, Magar and Brahmin
as well. Now the trail gently ascends to Tolka
(1850m.) and then ascent and level path to
Bherikharka. From here, the trail goes steeply
up to Deorali (2100m.) with a view of different
mountain peaks in panorama. Now the trail
gradually descends to Pothana passing through
different oak forests. Pothana is a small town
resided by Gurung, an ethnic community of Nepal.
From here too, you can enjoy the splendid views
of various mountain peaks.
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Day 26 : |
Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi (1650m.) and
it takes approximately three hours and drive
from Dhampus Phedi to Pokhara by car which takes
about forty minutes. The trail is gently descent
up to Dhampus, a village mainly inhabited by
Gurung. Now you trek through flat land for some
distance and steeply descend to Dhampus Phedi.
Now you take vehicle to drive from Dhampus Phedi
to Pokhara.
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Day 27 : |
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist mini
bus that takes about seven hours. While driving
from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to
Damauli,, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the
Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to
Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the
mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace
fields, vegetable fields and people being
engaged in their daily life activities. From
Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to
capital city. You are then directly taken to the
hotel
You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which
takes about 25 minutes.
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Services
Included
National Park entry permit, Trekking permit,
Land transportation to and fro, Accommodation in
lodges during the trek, Food: three meals a day,
A guide & required number of porter(s),
Essential equipment.
Services
Excluded
Personal expenses, Insurance, Tips, Emergency
evacuation by Helicopter, Alternative
transportation in case of heavy rain, landslide,
strike, road blockade etc.
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