Annapurna Circuit Trek

At dawn, meet your guide and porter before setting off on your Annapurna Circuit adventure. A short taxi ride will take you to Gongabu New Bus Park, where you’ll board a microbus to Besisahar—covering 174.5 kilometers (108.43 miles). Along the way, soak in breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and charming villages.

Upon reaching Besisahar, transfer to a local shared bus for the final stretch to Nagdi village. This 8–9 hour journey is an adventure in itself. Finally, unwind at a cozy guesthouse, nestled among terraced rice fields and serene mountain landscapes..

You’ll have a captivating journey today that unfolds through diverse landscapes and cultural highlights. However, first stretch leads to Syange Bazaar, where trekkers are greeted by a breathtaking waterfall at 3,510 feet, creating a serene and picturesque setting.

As you continue, you’ll cross a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River, following its winding course toward Jagat, a charming village nestled in the hills. From there, the trail gradually ascends to Chamje, blending natural beauty with rugged terrain, making each step a rewarding challenge.

We continue toward Bagarchap, following rocky mountain trails along the Marshyangdi Tributary. The path ascends steadily, leading to Tal at 1,675 meters—the first village in the Manang district. From here, the route stretches across a wide, flat gorge.

Furthermore, the trail then winds through rolling terrain, eventually reaching Dharapani at 2,200 meters. Further ahead, Bagarchap sits at 7,085 feet, a village rich in Tibetan influence. Here, locals have built unique homes surrounded by apple orchards and maize fields, creating a stunning and serene landscape.

Cross the river and continue to hike through the forest, eventually arriving at Kopar Lodge (2,590m), from where the guesthouses of Chame come into view. As the headquarters of the Manang district, Chame grant stunning views of Annapurna II as you approach the bustling Chame Bazaar. Upon reaching Chame, visitors can further unwind with a walk to the natural hot springs, where trekkers can enjoy taking a hot bath.

Along with this travel route, explore the local community said to have migrated from Tibet a long time in the past, noticeable by their different features. With them, they have bought local Tibetan house designs and maintained their ways.

In addition, Chame is a gateway to exploring Kajin Sara Lake which is situated at an altitude of 5,200 meters, said to have the highest lake in the world.

Today’s hike to Pisang begins through a dense forest, winding through a rugged and narrow valley. Crossing a long suspension bridge over the river, the imposing Paungda Danda rock face soon comes into view, signaling the start of an exciting ascent.

As the trail gradually unfolds, breathtaking landscapes emerge, making the journey even more rewarding. Upper Pisang awaits with its serene atmosphere, inviting trekkers to explore its higher elevations. Here, visitors can experience the unique lifestyle of the Manangis, who have skillfully adapted to life in this high-altitude terrain.

For the first section of your journey is from Upper Pisang to Ngawal village at 3,660 meters, takes approximately 3 hours, depending on your pace and acclimatization. This section follows the Upper Route of the Annapurna Circuit, providing a majestic views of Annapurna II, III, and IV, as well as Tilicho Peak. You can ascends gradually and passes through Ghyaru, a traditional village with breathtaking mountain vistas, before reaching Ngawal at 3,660 meters (12,008 feet).

From Ngawal to Braga village trek takes about 2 to 3 hours, following a scenic downhill trail that merges with the main Annapurna Circuit route. Along the way, you’ll pass through arid landscapes, ancient stupas, and mani walls, with stunning views of the Annapurna range before reaching the historic Braga Monastery, a highlight of the journey.

Alternatively, if you take the lower route via Humde Airport, your excursion becomes much easier. It allow you to walk comfortably along the dusty road the entire way.

Staying in Braga Village, you’ll have a peaceful, high-altitude retreat with stunning mountain views and a chance to experience the traditional Tibetan culture. Exploring the Braga Monastery, one of the oldest and most revered in the Annapurna area, provides trekkers with insight into the spiritual heritage of the local people while contribution a serene and enriching experience.

Trekkers can reach the guest house in Manang within an hour, where they can explore the surrounding areas. It’s crucial to spend a day acclimating in Manang, which helps ensure a gradual ascent to higher altitudes and minimizes the risk of altitude sickness. While it’s not mandatory to hike or explore, allocating time for activities is recommended, such as a leisurely walk to Ice Lake or Gangapurna Glacier Lake.

Alternatively, you can hike to Ice lake, is one of the finest day treks in the Trans-Himalaya region. It present extensive views of the Annapurna range, including Gangapurna and Tilicho Peaks, as well as the stunning arid valley.

Begins with an uphill trek through the cultivated land of Tanki Manang village, following the scenic Jarsang Khola valley to Yak Kharka. Along the way, you may spot Himalayan Yaks grazing in the vast landscape.

This stretch is also known for sightings of wildlife, such as Mountain Rams, Himalayan Thars, Mountain Goats, elusive Snow Leopards, and Jackals, as well as a variety of pheasant and long-tail bird species. The ascent provides ample opportunities to encounter these fascinating creatures./p>

Today’s journey to Thorong phedi involves a trek that unfolds in distinct stages. Following a two-hour ascent along a verdant Yak trail, the path gradually descends, leading you to a river crossing at an altitude of 4,310 meters.

The journey then resumes with a subsequent climb, guiding you to the welcoming Thorong Phedi guest house, nested at an elevation of 4,450 meters. En route, you’ll traverse areas that have been affected by landslides.

Arriving at the base camp of Thorong La, you’ll discover well-maintain guest houses with comfortable and pristine environment. These accommodations not only provide excellent culinary options and a bakery but also grant access to Internet facilities, ensuring a well-rounded experience amidst the breathtaking surroundings.

To conquer the challenging trek to Thorong La, we recommend starting early, around 4 AM. Early departure is vital for success, as you’ll need the finest mountain gear and full preparation for the demanding trail ahead.

As the sun rises, your adventure to the Thorong La pass at an elevation of 5,416 meters begins. This section of the trek ranks among the world’s top ten long-distance hikes, offering a truly remarkable experience.

An initial ascent is steep, but with a steady pace, you can reach the summit in about four hours. Once at the pass, vibrant prayer flags greet you, marking the highest point of your hike. Here, you can enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee at the Thorong La Tea Shop, located at the pass’s widest stretch.

Your descend to Muktinath is long but scenic with breathtaking mountain views. Muktinath, a larger settlement, offers modern lodges, making it an ideal resting spot after a day of adventure.

On the following day, for those who may feel fatigued after the long day hikes, including the challenging Thorong La pass crossing, there is an alternative option to return to Pokhara by bus or jeep, allowing you to finish the trek earlier. This option provides a more tranquil conclusion to your journey, ensuring you can recover comfortably while still enjoying the scenic drive.

In the first section of your descent, you can explore a hike to Jharkot Gompa, where you’ll have an opportunity to learn about the Buddhist monks. This ancient monastery, commonly known as Shakyapa Monastery of Mustang, provides insight into the region’s spiritual heritage.

Continuing your journey, you’ll walk along the Kali Gandaki River’s sandy road. The Kali Gandaki, also referred to as the Narayani or Gandak, is one of Nepal’s major rivers and a left-bank tributary of the Ganges in India.

Marpha is a charming village known for its apple orchards and the delightful aroma of cider. The village is also home to several excellent bakeries, producing delicious apple puff pastries and cakes.

The trek from Marpha to Ghasa offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna North range, especially from Kalo Pani, where Annapurna I is visible. As we descend steeply from Kalo Pani and Lete through woodlands, we reach Ghasa, a small Thakali town and the southern limit of Tibetan Shakyapa Buddhism. It winds through pine trees, rhododendron forests, and birches, leads to Ghasa, renowned for birdwatching and wild marijuana. Along the way, trekkers enjoy stunning views of Mt. Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri I, and Tukuche Peak.

We begin our Tatopani trek, following its flagstone-paved streets, and make our way towards the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, which also marks the last remnants of Tibetan influence in the valley.

From there, the trail leads us to the impressive Rupse Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Nepal Himalayas. Continuing onward, we reach a charming Tatopani Lodge, where trekkers can unwind and take a rejuvenating dip in the natural hot springs.

Today’s journey to Ghorepani leads us away from the Kali Gandaki Gorge, guiding us toward the Gar Khola River. As the landscape shifts, expansive rice terraces offer a refreshing visual change. Upon reaching Chitre, we ascend numerous steps until the distinctive blue rooftops of Ghorepani appear above us.

This adventure through diverse forests unveils captivating views of the Himalayas and charming village scenes. Ghorepani, meaning “horse water” in Tibetan, greets visitors with vibrant jewelry markets, offering a unique shopping experience in this fascinating setting.

Early in the morning around 5am, hike to Poon Hill at 3,210 meters to catch a stunning sunrise view over the Himalayan horizon. Upon reaching the Poon Hill Station, a short climb to the Poon Hill Tower presents a glimpse of the Annapurna Mountain range. At an altitude of 10,548 feet, Poon Hill is renowned for its breathtaking mountain views, especially during sunrise over the Annapurna Massif. Tourists can also enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna South, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri.

After soaking in the views, we return to the lodge for breakfast and descend to Hile Guest Houses at 1,520 meters for lunch. Following that, we continue our easy descent to Nayapool, where a private taxi will take us back to Fewa Lakeside in Pokhara.

In the morning, we begin our drive back through the scenic countryside, making stops along the way. The journey from Pokhara’s Phewa Lakeside to Kathmandu by tourist bus takes about seven hours, depending on traffic.

Upon arrival at Sorekhutte Tourist Bus Park, your guide will arrange a private taxi to your hotel in Thamel. With that, your trip comes to a close.