Quick Facts
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Itinerary
Day 01 - Arrival Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Highland Expeditions at the exit of arrival hall. Welcome drinks will be served and after you’ve refreshed, your trek leader will brief you about your trip in the lobby of your hotel in the evening. Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street
Day 02 - Drive to Jagat. [1,290m/4,233ft]
After early morning breakfast, we will head west and follow the Prithvi Highway along Trishuli River to the homeland of Central Himalaya including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre. The road offers an opportunity to have a view of rustic Nepal that comprises green hills, river, villages and snow-clad mountains at the backdrop. We will part our ways with the Highway at Dumre and choose the branched off route to Besisahar and continue to Jagat where we will stay overnight at a lodge.
Day 03 - Trek to Dharapani [1,860m/6,103ft]
Our first day of Annapurna Circuit Trek, Early in the morning, we will lower down from Jagat village and follow the winding path along Marsyangdi River to the forest. A brief walk through sprawling forest will take us to Chamje village (1430m) from where we will cross the river and continue walking along its eastern edge. The trail takes brief ascend to the big village of Tal (1675m). Being clustered with tea houses and lodges, it will be fine idea to take our lunch at Tal. Enjoy the lunch in a serene atmosphere with mesmerizing natural views of surrounding valleys at Tal and take gradual ascend to Karte village. We need to cross the river at several points and move past the valley and pretty tiny villages to arrive at Dharapani.
Day 04 - Trek to Chame [2,715m/8,908ft]
Leaving Dharapani, we will head west through the rugged trail to arrive at Marsyangdi River. We will follow the river uphill to Manang Valley. We will be blessed with mesmerizing views of Annapurna II (7937m) and Annapurna IV Mountains. Trade with Tibetans is the chief occupation of locals in this region. Following the old trade route, we will climb uphill through the forested ridge of oak and maple to Dhanakyu (2290m). Moving further through the rock-strewn path, we will reach Latemarang village (2360m). Passing through the forested ridges, we will reach Koto (2590m). Descending trail from Kotho will take us to Chame (2670m) which is the administrative headquarters of the region. We will be greeted with views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II Mountain and Annapurna IV Mountain at Chame. Stay overnight at Chame.
Day 05 - Trek to Pisang [3,185m/10,450ft]
Leaving Chame, we will cross over to the northern side of the river from where the trail stretches uphill through apple orchards to Bhratang village (2840m). This is marked as an old Khampa community. There will be a change in terrain from this point. We will follow the rock-strewn path through the tapered valley that is covered in thickets. Exiting from the forest, we will meet the river which we will cross over a suspension bridge that is located somewhere above 3040m from sea level. We will get the first view of magnificent Paungda Danda which is the 1500 m wall of rock that stems up from the river. We will traverse the ridge decorated with prayer flags and stone cairns to arrive at Pisang. We will visit local gompa and stay overnight in a teahouse.
Day 06 - Trek to Manang [3,350m/10,991ft] via Ghyaru and Ngawal
From Pisang, we will move along the north edge of the river uphill to the ridge via Ghyaru (3,670m/12,038ft) and Ngawal (3,660m/12,005ft) to Manang. This is going to be a long and slow climb as we cross the mark of 3600m height today for a part of our acclimatization. The climb is rewarding as we get breathtaking views of surrounding mountains of Annapurna 2, Annapurna 4, Annapurna 3 and Gangapura. We will lower down to the valley before continuing towards the Hongde (3325m) village. A small airstrip is located at this village. Walking along the mani wall, we will reach Mungli from where we need to cross the river. Walking along the northern shore, we will reach Braga (3475m). Lifestyle in this village is heavily influenced by neighbouring Tibetans. Braga also boasts of housing the largest gompa in the district. The gompa preserves collection of ancient Tibetan thankas that are more than 500yrs old. A brief walk from Braga will take us to Manang village that comprises of about 500 homes, mani walls and chortens. Chortens are supposed to ward evil spirit away.
Day 07 - Rest and acclimatization day
An active rest and acclimatization day around Manang to adapt our body to the high altitude before we trek further to Thorungla Pass
Day 08 - Trek to Yak Kharka [4,130m/13,550ft]
After morning tea, we will follow the narrow path to Tengi village (3620m) that locates above Manang. Taking brief ascent, we will head northwest up the valley of Jarsang River. We will head north and pass through a trail lined with juniper trees to reach Gunsang (3930m). We will walk through the alpine meadow. We get to see Gangapurna (7454m) and Annapurna III (7555m) Mountains from most of the point. We will descend to Yak Kharka where we will stay overnight.
Day 09 - Trek to Thorung Phedi. [4,400m/14,436ft]
We will leave Yak Kharka and follow the rugged trail to Letdar (4250m). From Letdar, we will follow the ascending trail to Jarsang River. Walking along the eastern edge of the Jarsang river, we will ascend to Thorong Phedi (4450m). This small settlement got its name from its geographical position which translates as Base of Thorong Hill. We will stay overnight in Thorung Phedi.
Day 10 - Cross Thorung-la [5,416m/17,770ft] and trek to Muktinath [3,800m/12,478ft]
This is going to be a challenging day. We will begin the long climb to the top of Thorong La. Following the cattle trail through moraine and snow, we will reach the summit in about 4hrs depending upon the weather condition and strength of climbers. The summit is festooned with prayer flags. We will rejoice the views of Kali Gandaki Valley to the west while we can get a view of Yakgawa Kang Peak (6481m) to the north. Sharp descend from Thorong La will take us to Muktinath temple. The journey is rewarding with views of Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Tukuche Peak (6920m). Walkthrough the moraine path and grassy slopes to Jhong Valley. Walking further, we will reach Muktinath where we will stay overnight.
Day 11 - Trek to Jomsom [2,750m/9,020ft]
Our final day of trekking on the Annapurna circuit. After breakfast, we begin our trek to Jomsom where the airport is built. The trail lowers down through barren hillside to Kagbeni. From Kagbeni, we will move to Jomsom via Ekla Bhatti. On reaching the river bed at Ekale-bhatti, we reach a small settlement with about 3-4 teahouses, where we can take a breather for some time. From here onwards, it can get very windy in the afternoon time, as our walk follows a gentle trail for another two hours till the large town of Jomsom is reached for our overnight camp. Jomsom, a large village town is the headquarters of the Mustang region with a small airstrip just above by the river Kaligandaki. In the evening, celebrate the successful completion of the trek with the trekking crews.
Day 12 - Fly to Pokhara [827m/2,714ft]
After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. This dramatic 15 minutes flight to Pokhara between the gorge of the two huge mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is a nervy tingling experience we will enjoy. On arrival at Pokhara airport our guide will transfer us to the lakeside hotel. We use the rest of our time exploring the lake and then spend our overnight at our hotel down by the lake.
Day 13 - Drive to Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]
We will return to Kathmandu on this day. Kathmandu is separated from Pokhara by 200km. Prithvi Highway links Pokhara with Kathmandu. It takes 7 hrs to reach Kathmandu from Pokhara by bus. You will be transferred to the hotel where you will have a pleasant stay.
Day 14 - Free day in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]
Enjoy a leisure day. You are on your own. Participating in a day tour in Kathmandu is a pleasant plan. You can also go for shopping in Thamel, a tourist hub where you can buy souvenir items like handicrafts and arts to your family.
Day 15 - International Departure
Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.
Trip Includes
- All meals (B,L,D) on OPEN/CHOICE Menu during the trek with boiled water, tea & coffee.
- Twin-sharing accommodation at Kathmandu guest house or similar category for 3 nights with breakfast in Kathmandu.
- Twin-sharing accommodation at Hotel Dandelion or a similar category for 1 night in Pokhara.
- Twin-sharing accommodation at teahouses/lodges on the trek
- All ground transportation as mentioned in the itinerary on private vehicle
- Jomsom to Pokhara airfare
- All required permits for the trek (ACAP & TIMS Card)
- Experienced local trek leader with a 1:4 assistant guide-to-client ratio
- Full support crew with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
- All airport transfers and escorts as per flight time.
- Comprehensive first aid kit with supplementary oxygen for emergency purpose
- Free usages of Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bags
- Staff equipment, insurance and allowances
- Trek completion certificate (Upon request)
Trip Excludes
- International airfare, Visa and travel insurance
- Meals at Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason)
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for staff