The Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek – 15 days
The Classic Annapurna Circuit Trekking route traverses up along Marsyangdi Valley, crosses over the Thorong La (pass), 5,416m and descend down to Kali Gandaki Valley keeping Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri Himalayan Ranges to the north. Globally it is a very popular trekking adventure in Nepal, Annapurna Circuit Trek also well known as Round Annapurna Trek (RAT). Trekkers first pick Annapurna Circuit Trekking surpasses any trek in terms of landscapes diversity.
The circuit of the Annapurna range is rich in variety and vistas, from the lush green rice paddies of the Marshyangdi to the arid high altitude Himalayan interior. The ecological and cultural diversity of Annapurna Circuit Trekking provides the complete trekking experience. The common pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhist, Muktinath Temple is the sacred highlight of the latter half of the trek. As you hike along the way, the sights of beautiful mountain sceneries and fascinating village life will keep you enthralled, day after day.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)
Day 2: sightseeing and Preparation
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Chamje (1,410m/4,626ft): 8-9 hours
Day 4: Trek from Chamje to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 5 – 6 hours
Day 5: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 – 6 hours
Day 6: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft): 5 – 6 hours
Day 7: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3519m/11545ft): 5 – 6 hours
Day 8: Rest Day / Acclimatization Day.
Day 9: Trek to Yak Kharka (4018m), 3-4 hours.
Day 10: Trek to ThorungPhedi (4450m), 3 hours.
Day 11: Trek, ThorungPhedi – Thorung-La (5416m) -Muktinath (3800m), 7- 8 hours.
Day 12: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,743m) via Lubra 5-6 hours.
Day 13: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (810m/2657.48ft) 6-7hrs
Day 14: Drive Pokhara-Kathmandu, 7-8 hours.
Day 15: Departure
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by a representative of the Himalayan Wander Walkers. You will be checked into your hotel. You will meet our trekking operator for a briefing about the entire trek on this day. If your arrival is in the morning time then you can either rest or hang out around a famous tourist area in Kathmandu, Thamel.
Day 2: Sightseeing and Preparationfor trek
Today after breakfast you enjoy a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swoyambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we get our equipment checked by our climbing leader, are introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip at our office.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Chamje (1,410m/4,626ft): 8-9 hours
We drive to Chamje via Besisahar. Following the Prithvi Highway that leads to Mugling Bazaar and Dumre Bazaar. A short drive brings us to BesiSahar. From here we follow the east bank of the Marsyangdi River to our destination. The trip offers us the first experience of a Gurung village and some good views of Himalchuli and NgadiChuli.
Day 4: Trek from Chamje to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 5 – 6 hours
It takes you through Marshyangdi river valley enjoying a variety of climate, scenery, culture, and lifestyle of locals. Following the Annapurna circuit trail, the eye-popping panorama of unique Trans Himalayan plateaus, flourishing valleys, dramatic rock cliffs, serene lakes, striking snowcapped mountains, and swift rivers unfolds to soothe all the weariness and apathy involved.
Day 5: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 – 6 hours
We continue along the riverbed to Siraltaland, cross the Marsyangdi, and then reach Kodo(1850m). From here the trail passes over varying terrain until we reach Chame(2710m).
Day 6: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft): 5 – 6 hours
We trek past Mani Walls, memorial sites, typical picturesque villages, and alpine type forest trails. Our journey offers us great views of Annapurna, Pisang Peak, Himalchuli, and NgadiChuli. Gradually we reach DhukurPokhara. A further short walk brings us to Pisang. It is a fabulous spot to explore typical village life, monasteries and it offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
Overnight at teahouse
Day 7: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3519m/11545ft): 5 – 6 hours
The tour offers us views of the entire Annapurna range. We also have the chance to observe sacred objects of Tibetan Buddhists – Chorten, Mani walls and in Braga, we will visit the 500 years old fascinating gompa. Finally, a short walk brings us to the dramatic setting of Manang.
Day 8: Rest Day / Acclimatization Day.
Today is the day for acclimatization rather than going any further. Being active is the best way to acclimatize. We can visit different places, caves, Ice Lake, Glacier Lake, monasteries, or simply explore the settlement of Manang. We can choose any option for an acclimatizing day and spend the day at Manang.
Day 9: Trek to Yak Kharka (4018m), 3-4 hours.
Today we trek to Yak Kharka which means Yak Pastures in Nepali. The trail begins its ascent of nearly 200 meters toward Thorang la. Passing through the Marsyangdi valley and crossing the suspension bridge of Gunsang teahouse. After leaving the large trees behind and gradually the landscape turn to scrub juniper and pasture land. You will see Yak grazing below the Chulo west and Gundang peak. Finally, reach Yak Kharka.
Day 10: Trek to ThorungPhedi (4450m), 3 hours.
Today, we trek to ThorungPhedi. The traditional houses are made of clay and stone and joint to each other. The path keeps on going up slowly by crossing the innumerable tiny streams, which come from the Chulu east and Chulu west peak. We pass through Letdar (4200m) and reach ThorungPhedi.
Day 11: Trek, ThorungPhedi – Thorung-La (5416m) -Muktinath (3800m), 7- 8 hours.
Thorung-La Pass is a long day trek which is why we trek at around 3 am morning. Due to the weather condition, we have to walk early. After the clear weather, there is a magnificent view of the Himalayas and will be a breathtaking day as you gaze at the high peaks of the Himalayas. The day is cold as we pass at high elevations which will offer incredible views of the mountains. We pass through Thorung La and descend to Muktinath, a sacred spot to both Hindus and Buddhists, there exist many important temples, and it’s really good for our evening sidewalk.
Day 12: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,743m) via Lubra 5-6 hours.
As we begin the final day’s hiking, Dhaulagiri glows orange and yellow in the early morning sun. Today we take a side trip to the Bonpo monastery in Lubra, before returning to Jomsom for the flight back to Pokhara. From a small hill, the views of Muktinath valley are used for agriculture. We soon reach the PangaKhola valley and the track follows the course of the river, but high upstream. After an hour and a half, we will reach the settlement of Lubra consists of about 20 houses where the Bonpo monastery was established in the 12th century. This is one of the rare Bon monasteries remaining in Nepal. After Lubra, the trail leads to the Kali Gandaki and we will cross the Panda Khola which joins the main trail of tourists going to Jomsom.
Day 13: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (810m/2657.48ft) 6-7hr
We take an early morning 20min flight from Jomsom to Pokhara; the guide will transfer you to the Hotel there in BB Plan. The day we give you a chance for exploring the beautiful Pokhara valley with its natural and cultural beauty.
Day 14: Drive Pokhara-Kathmandu, 7-8 hours.
Drive back to Kathmandu on this day. The evening is free time.
Day 15: Departure
We are saying goodbye as your journey to Nepal comes to an end today. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Wander walkers will take you to the airport for an outbound flight back to your home country. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
T-house trek include accommodation in lodge, guide, porters and all meals
USD – per person on twin sharing – minimum of 02Pax (Persons)
Single room supplement: USD (Compulsory if no one to share the room with) Single room supplement charge is applicable for Kathmandu and Pokhara hotel only. During trek, as per the availability we shall provide single/double or dormitory room. In case of special requirement, we shall provide single with an additional room surcharge during trek.
1. Airport Pick and Drop by private vehicle
2. Accommodation during trek available everyday en-route (T-House and Hotel)
3. All meals during trek in Local Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
4. English speaking local expert guide (ratio: – 2 guide: 4/5 member, 3 guide: 10/15 member)
5. Local porters during trek (ratio: – 1 porter = 2 member)
6. Flight Jomsom/Pokhara(domestic flight)
7. Annapurna Conservation Area permits fees
8. Trekkers’ Information Management System fees (TIMS)
9. 3 nights’ accommodation at 3 star hotels in Kathmandu on twin/double sharing with breakfast
10. 1 night accommodation in Pokhara on twin/double sharing with breakfast
11. Guide sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with inclusive of monuments entry fees
12. Ground transportation/Airport transfers with an escort by Private Vehicle/tourist bus
13. Equipment clothing for porter & staffs
14. Insurance for all staff & porters
15. All applicable government tax
1. Nepal visa – Multiple Entrée
2. International flight
3. Lunch & dinner during Kathmandu and Pokhara hotel stay
4. Extra baggage charges (All together only 15 kg is allow for porter)
5. Personal gears & clothing (available on hire in Kathmandu)
6. Tips for guides, porter, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason, table drinks, snacks while walking
7. Any other tours, transfer and service other than mentioned above
8. Your insurance and medical Expenses