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Annapurna Circuit Trek - 22 Days
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This circuit of Annapurna - rightly known as
Nepal's classic trek - offers more variety than
any other walks of equivalent length, and takes
you through virtually every type of scenery that
Nepal has to offer.
There are superb views of Annapurna and
Dhaulagiri, and the constant variety of
landscapes ranges from sub-tropical through
alpine to an arid semi-desert akin to Tibet; at
the climax of the trek there's a formidable
5416m. pass, the Thorong La, to cross. Though it
is certainly demanding enough for the seasoned
trekker, the Annapurna Circuit is still an
excellent introduction to walking in Nepal for
those who are confident of their fitness.
This is a lodge-based trek, so you spend time in
villages inhabited by many of Nepal's different
tribes, both Buddhist and Hindu. Every day
brings opportunities to gain an insight into the
local culture and interact with the local
communities whose land you are walking through,
whether by bartering for souvenirs, talking to
the inquisitive children or relaxing at a tea
house during a well earned break.
Though it is certainly demanding enough for the
seasoned trekker, the Annapurna Circuit is still
an excellent introduction to walking in Nepal
for those who are confident of their fitness.
Facts of the Trek
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Duration: 22 Days
Trek type: Tea House
Max Altitude: 4350m.
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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 Besisahar (823m.) which
takes about six 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. 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 Bahundanda (1305m.) and
it 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. After lunch, the trail goes steeply
upwards to Bahundanda which takes about 2 hours.
At this point, you can see the area surrounded
by eye-catching scenarios with snow capped
mountains.
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Day 03 : |
Trek from Bahundanda to Chamje (1410m.) which
takes about six hours. A steep trail descends
for early half an hour and then follows flat
path 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 Lali Gaon. Ahead, the Marsyangdi valley forms
a steep V-shape, and you follow the winding
mountain path down through Syange (1100m.) where
there is a beautiful waterfall above it 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 (1330m.) situated on a shelf
which juts into the precipitous Marsyangdi
valley. Now the trail begins to observe small
ups and down to Chamje through the forests. |
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Day 04 : |
Trek from Chamje (1410m.) to Dharapani (1960m.)
and it takes about six hours. The first part of
the trail descends to the river and after
crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a climb
to Sattale (1550m.) 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, we see the level, plain of
Tal (1700m.) before us. 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 which leads to
Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Here you can
enjoy the exhilarating water fall.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
(1900m.), 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 (1960m.), and our camp for the
night.
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Day 05 : |
Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2675m.) which
takes about five and half 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 around Buddhist
monastery. Continuing to climb through forests
of pine and oak, you pass through Danaque
(2210m.). There comes a small wooden bridge
which takes you to follow steep ascent path upto
Timang. It lies at the bottom of Lamajung Himal.
The trail goes through flat level until you
reach 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 (3100m.) which 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 Bhratang
(2950m.).In the past this was the military
station for troops who fought against the Khampa
tribal revolution, but the dilapidated buildings
are all that remain 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 us. You can
see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as
Pisang Peak (6091m.) 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 (3440m.) and it takes
about five and half hours. Beyond Pisang, the
trail climbs a steep ridge which affords good
views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak
(7145m.). Descending past Manang's airstrip at
Hongde (3320m.), you come to a level area from
where the north-east 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
chortens and mani walls abound and the tall
peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us -
Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV,
Gangapurna (7455m.) and, to the rear, Tilicho
Peak (7145m.).
After a short steep climb you reach Manang which
is a surprisingly large village for this remote
mountain region. You camp here for the night,
amidst the fluttering prayer flags, which adorn
the houses. |
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Day 08 : |
Rest day at Manang and hang in and around town.
This is an important rest and acclimatization
day today 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. Moreover you can visit
Ganagapurna Glacier Lake to make your rest day a
memorable one.
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Day 09 : |
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4350m.) and it
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 (4420m.)
which takes about 3 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 spree slope and then descend to Thorung
Phedi.
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Day 11 : |
Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3850m.)
via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass and it takes about
seven hours. You start early today for your
crossing of Thorung La [5416m]. The trail
becomes steep immediately on leaving camp but as
this trail has been used by local people for
hundreds of years the path is well defined. The
gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of
steady climbing you reaches 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's 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 Kagbeni (2895 m.) and it
takes about three and half hours. You now begin
the trek descent 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 path steeply down to Kagbeni, a primitive
village famous for Tibetan architectures. People
living there follow the Tibetan life style and
culture. There is situated a monastery said to
belong to 15th Century. Kagbeni is the border
for Upper Mustang.
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Day 13 : |
Trek from Kagbeni to Marpha (2650m.) and it
takes about five and half hours. You now begin
the flat path along the bank of dramatic Kali
Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in
the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet
upto Marpha. Marpha is a big village enriched
with a Buddhist Monastery in between the village
which has its own cultural importance. It is
rich in cultivating apples. The apple brandy
available there is famous among the local people
and travelers.
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Day 14 : |
Trek from Marpha to Kalopani (2530m.) which
takes about six hours. Your trail stretches at
almost flat level through forests to 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 15 : |
Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1189 m.) which
takes about six and half hours. The trail
descends steeply upto Rukse Chhahara (Rukse
Waterfall) which is amazing to look at. 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 Tatopati 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 16 : |
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 17 : |
Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853 m.) for
about seven 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 panormic
view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
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) are a small pass and the
village of Deurali. Although there is time
enough to continue, it is better to stay here
overnight so that we can make the morning trip
to Poon Hill (3180m.) for an outstanding
panorama of Dhaulagiri I,II,III,IV, Tukuche
peak, Dhampus peak, Nilgir ranges,Annapurna I,
Bahra 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 mountain. |
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Day 18 : |
Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3180m.) to
Tadapani (2675m.) which takes about five and
half hours. Early morning trip to Poon Hill
(3232m.) 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.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.),
Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.),
Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous
snowcapped mountain peaks. After breakfast trek
Ghorepani to Tadapani (2650 m.) 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,
and Annapurna II and so on.
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Day 19 : |
Trek from Tadapani (2675m.) to Ghandruk (1950m.)
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 20 : |
Trek from Ghandruk (1950m.) to Pothana (1990m.)
which takes about six hours. First part of your
trek is steeply down following stone staircase
to Kimbu (Bee hive). Kimbu or Bee hive is
located at the elevation of 1200 meters on the
bank of Modi Khola. Now your trail steeply
ascends following the stone staircase up to
Landruk. The trail ascends gently for early two
hours and again ascends steeply for an hour to
Deurali (2150m.) passing through Tolkha village
(1850m.). From this point you can see panoramic
view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m.), Annapurna South
(7219m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), Fishtail (6997m.),
Annapurna III (7755m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.),
Annapurna II (7937m.) and Lamjung Himal
(6930m.). Now the rest of the trail descends
gently down to Dhampus passing through Pothana
village (1900m.). |
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Day 21 : |
Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi (1113m.)
which takes about four hours. Your trail
descends gradually for at least an hour and
follows gravel road for two hours and then
steeply descends to Phedi passing through
Dhampus village, paddy fields and forest
protected by local community. Upon your arrival
at Dhampus Phedi, you could take a vehicle to
reach Pokhara. |
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Day 22 : |
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 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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