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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 we 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 terain.
The trail to Annapurna Base Camp threads up the valley
into the sanctuary where it gradually gives way to a
grey scree 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 Trek
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Duration |
21 Days |
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Trek Type |
Tea House |
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Max. Altitude |
5416 m. |
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Minimum Pax
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1+ |
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Mode Of Travel |
Land |
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Grade |
Moderate |
Itinerary
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Day 01 |
Drive from
Kathmandu to Beshishahar (823m.) 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 Khola to Besi Sahar (823m.). It takes
almost 6 hours. Beshishahar is the district
headquarters of Lamjung district. All the local
government offices are situated here. From here,
you can see some of mountain peak, 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 (1200m.) which takes
about four and half 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 the good views of various
mountains. |
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Day 03 |
Trek from
Bahundanda to Jagat (1800m.) 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 (1943m.) which takes about
six 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 Taal 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 that leads to Taal with its hotels and
teahouses. Here you can enjoy the exhilarating
water fall. Beyond Taal, 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 your camp for the
night. |
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Day 05 |
Trek from
Dharapani to Chame (2713m.).which takes about
four 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 us 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 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 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 (3351m.) 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 us - 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 camp 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.
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. |
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Day 09 |
Trek from
Manang to Thorong Phedi (4420m.) and it takes
approximately six 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.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
Thorung Phedi. |
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Day
10 |
Trek from
Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3795m.) which takes
about eight hours. It demands an early start
today for your crossing of Thorung 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
11 |
Trek
Muktinath to Marpha (2667m.) and it takes about
approximately six hours. You now begin the
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
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, apricot and peach rakshi. |
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Day
12 |
Trek from
Ghasa to Tatopani (1189 m.) which takes about
five hours. The trail descends steeply up to
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. Now the
trail ascends 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
13 |
Trek from
Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853m.) and it takes
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 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 we 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,
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
14 |
Early
morning trip to Poon Hill (3232m.)to Ghandruk
(1950m.) You will 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. 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. |
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Day
15 |
Trek from
Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2040 m.) which takes
approximately four and half hours. At the
beginning of the day, you could ascend gently
for an hour up to Ghandruk kot (2100m.) and
descend steeply to the Kimron Khola (1700m.).
Immediately, 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
16 |
Trek from
Chhomrong to Dovan (2030m.) 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. 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. 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
17 |
Trek from
Dovan to Annapurna Base Camp (4170 m.) via
Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m.) which takes
about seven 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.). 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 360 degree. |
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Day
18 |
Trek from
Annapurna Base Camp to Chhomrong (2040 m.) which
takes about seven hours. It's much easier going
down. You should have no problem reaching Sinuwa
in a single day from Annapurna Base Camp. The
trail descends through the local tree forest
through which you will see some mountain peaks. |
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Day
19 |
Trek from
Chhomrong to Pothana (1900m.) and it takes
approximately six hours. The trail steeply
descends through human settlements upto Himal
Pani. It is a small village with few lodges and
tea houses. Now after crossing Modi river you
follow gradually ascent path until you reach
Landruk. It is also a village occupied by people
of mixed community. You leave for Bherikharka
following flat level path through terrace
fields. From here you go steeply upwards to
Deorali, a small village with few lodges and tea
houses. The path is fully descent upto Pothana.
Here you can stay overnight as there are lodges
and tea houses. You can have splendid view of
Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, Annapurna
II, Lamjung, Manaslu and others. |
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Day
20 |
Trek from
Pothana to Dhampus Phedi and it takes
approximately three hours and drive from Dhampus
Phedi to Pokhara by car. 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
21 |
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. |
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