Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek-10 Day/s

Today we will have early Breakfast then, drive to Besisahar (approximately 5.5 hours) to immediately immerse yourself in the spectacular mountain wilderness that encompasses the Annapurna Range. After lunch you’ll link drive to Dharapani; it takes around another 4 hours off-road drive.  Overnight at Dharapani.

Meals: Lunch [1], Dinner [1] , Transport [ By jeep], Accommodation [ Tea house 1 night]

We continue ascending through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a large waterfall. Further on, the Marshyangdi River enters a gorge and the trail follows a rock-strewn path. When the steep incline ends, we follow a path amid rhododendrons and continue on a gently rising path. We cross a stream before entering a pine forest. We then enter the hamlet of Kotho, from where we can get a good view of Annapurna II. The route reaches a large white gate with a corrugated iron roof, which is the entrance of Chame, the administrative headquarters of Manang district. There is electricity, shops, health post, post office and banks in Chame. The hot springs are a major attraction too.

Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours; Ascent: 550 m; Max. Altitude: 2710 m; Accomodation: Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast [1], Lunch [1], Dinner [1], Accommodation [Tea house 1 night]

Today we head off for Pisang crossing a large suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi. Our trail meanders through fields leading to Teleku at 2775 metres before reaching Bratang. After leaving the forested village, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape. Further on, we continue up steep trails to the south side and cross a long suspension bridge at 3040 metres. From here we get to view Paungda Danda rising more than 1500 metres from the river. We cross one final bridge and enter the village of Pisang.

Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours; Ascent: 600 m; Max. Altitude: 3310 m;

Meals: Breakfast [1], Lunch [1], Dinner [1], Accommodation [Tea house 1 night]

We start today heading along a steep ridge with wonderful views of the Manang valley and the Tilicho peak. We descend through Manang’s airstrip to come to Hongde, lying beneath Annapurna III on the north-east face. The route then leads to the wide plain of the Sabje Khola Valley from where we get views of Annapurna IV (7525m). Further on, we cross a wooden bridge, and enter the village of Mungji. We continue along the cultivated fields and after a while arrive at the village of Bryaga which has a lovely monastery. On trekking down to Manang, we get more views of the Annapurna range – Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m) and Tilicho Peak (7134m).

Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours; Ascent: 230 m; Max. Altitude: 3540 m

Meals: Breakfast [1], Lunch [1], Dinner [1], Accommodation [Tea house 1 night]

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 preventions.

Meals: Breakfast [1], Lunch [1], Dinner [1], Accommodation [Tea house 1 night]

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.

Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours; Ascent: 800 m; Max. Altitude: 4250 m

Meals: Breakfast [1], Lunch [1], Dinner [1], Accommodation [Tea house 1 night]

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.

Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours; Ascent: 600 m; Max. Altitude: 4850 m;

Meals: Breakfast [1], Lunch [1], Dinner [1], Accommodation [Tea house 1 night]

We have an early start today for the 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, we reach the prayer flags of the pass. From the snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang, which spread out before us, we are presented with dramatic views. The descent to Muktinath is a tough 1600m. But the excellent views of Dhaulagiri are a good distraction. Eventually moraine gives way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath, with its shrines and temple.

Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours; Ascent: 566 m; Descent: 1616 m; Max. Altitude: 5416 m;

Meals: Breakfast [1], Lunch [1], Dinner [1], Accommodation [Tea house 1 night]

This is the final day of trekking. You walk down to the southern border of Mustang called Kagbeni. The trail gradually descends through salt route and takes you to Kagbeni. After lunch here, you follow the Kaligandaki river bank on a flat and easy track to reach Jomsom. Jomsom is a stop where you can enjoy the local delicacies and even the apple brandy- ’Marpha’ here. Overnight stay at Jomsom.

Meals: Breakfast [1], Lunch [1], Dinner [1], Accommodation [Tea house 1 night]

Today, you take an early morning flight to Pokhara. You will have plenty of time spare in Pokhara so you can go visit the Davis Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, Phewa Lake, Tal Barahi temple, and other tourist attractions in Pokhara. In the evening, you can check out the bars and lounges around the lakeside area and celebrate the successful completion of the trek. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

Meals: Breakfast [1], Lunch [1], Accommodation [Hotel 1 night]