On your mark! Get set and go! No, it’s not a competition but a warm-up to accomplish one of the challenging treks to the Annapurna region of Nepal. Annapurna Circuit Trek, also famous as a classic trek, is an adventurous journey that initiates from the deepest gorge of the world – Kaligandaki gorge, and takes you along a beautiful terrain to the world’s highest pass -Thorong La passes at an altitude of 5416 meters. Throughout the journey, you will be walking in the backdrop of the world’s seventh and tenth-highest mountains. i.e.Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt Annapurna, respectively. And, you can have the best views of these two towering mountains all the way long. Besides these, the Annapurna Circuit trek also offers an opportunity to relish the captivating beauty of some high mountains like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, LamjungHimal, Mt. Manaslu, Pisang Peak, Chulu east peak, Chulu West peak, etc.
Annapurna Circuit trek starts with a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, which is followed by a drive from Kathmandu to Jagat. From Jagat, you begin ascending slowly and gradually via villages, farmlands, paddy fields, alpine forests, and the deepest gorge of the world to the high cliffs, mountainous terrain, and the highest mountain pass of the world. From deepest to highest, this trek traverses through a dramatic change in about two weeks time frame. Manang village falls on the route to the pass. With beautiful views of Manaslu Himal on sight, the trail passes through beautiful Tibetan villages deep into Marshyangdi Valley. The trail climbs up to Thorong La Pass from where you can get some outstanding views of mountains in the Annapurna region.
Further, the trail drops down to Muktinath, which is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites. Many Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit this place with high dedication. There is a sacred temple of Lord Vishnu, surrounded by 108 holy taps, and a Buddhist monastery nearby. Muktinath is not just famous for its religious value but for the wonderful views of the mountains that it offers. It is one of the vantage points in the Annapurna region for mountain views. Annapurna Circuit trek ends with a walk down to Jomsom, which is a jovial town in that region with friendly local people all around. Annapurna Circuit trek you will enjoy the hospitality of local people in Jomsom, which is a very homely experience. So, are you ready for this wonderful journey with World Alpine Treks? We are here to make your trip a remarkable experience.
The first day marks your arrival day in Kathmandu. Clear all the visa requirements and customs clearance, if any, at the arrival section of the airport. As you come out, you will find a representative from World Alpine Treks waiting for you holding a board with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. The representative will shortly inform you about the plans ahead.
In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel for a drive to the lakeside city of Besisahar. Today, we take a scenic drive along the Prithvi highway for around six to seven hours to Besisahar. We pass through some fantastic landscapes throughout the journey. In the first half portion, we will be able to get some stunning views of the Trishuli River along with hills and villages. In the second half, the countryside landscape and the greenery will keep you engaged. At Besisahar, we catch a jeep that will take us to Jagat. Tonight, we stay at a guesthouse in Jagat (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
From Jagat, we start our walking journey of the trip. Early in the morning, after breakfast, we follow a trail that leads us to Chamje. We come across a long suspension bridge over a river there. We cross the bridge and start ascending through the lush forests of oak until we open up to a beautiful valley. On the route, we come across the charming village of Kodo. A few hours walk uphill from Kodo, we reach Dharapani, another lovely village in that region. Tonight, at a guesthouse/ lodge in Dharapani. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
At the entrance gate of Dharapani, there is a stone-built chorten that reflects the influence of the Tibetan Buddhist religion. Ahead of the gate, get ready to get some insights into the villages with Tibetan Buddhist influence. After a few hours of walking, we come across Bargachaap, which is a delightful village with flat-roofed stone houses that resembles Tibetan-style houses. From Bargachaap, the trail ascends through a rough and rocky trail and extends through the forests to Kopar. From Kopar, we continue ahead until we reach our guesthouse in Chame. Chame is the headquarter of the Manang district. As we reach Chame, we can get some fantastic views of the mountains in the region. Tonight, at a guesthouse/ lodge in Chame. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
After breakfast, we continue our journey towards Pisang. With the fantastic views of LamjungHimal and Pisang Peak, we follow a trail that goes steeply into the dense forests. On the way, we pass a waterfall and cross suspension bridges over the river with amazing views of meadows and mountains on sight. We also get some soaring views of PaungdaDanda rock that begins to appear as we climb up towards Pisang. As you open up to the valley of Pisang, you will be blessed with some close views of Pisang Peak and Mt. Annapurna II. After relishing the fantastic views, we stay at a guesthouse/ lodge in Pisang for the night. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Today, we leave Pisang and head towards the upper part of the Manag district which is more dry and arid. The route offers some astounding views of majestic mountain peaks in the Annapurna range. With these views on sight, we take an upper path to Manag that goes through Ghyaru – Ngawal and Munji. As we move up, we can notice the change in climate, landscape, and vegetation. We come to dry places with a harsh environment. Though sharp, the dry and arid landscape looks very compelling with the close views of mountains in the backdrop. On the way, we come across a large monastery of the region – Barge Monastery. We visit the monastery and continue our walk until we reach our guesthouse/ lodge in Manang. Tonight, at a guesthouse/ lodge in Manang. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
We spend an extra day in Manang as a part of our requirement for proper acclimatization. And, there are so many places around Manang to explore. Manang, in itself, is a delightful village that offers some fantastic views of mountains and rocky terrain. Today, we explore the villages around and hike up to visit Gangapurna Lake. We can even visit a monastery and mountaineering school on the way. In the evening, we return to our guesthouse/ house in Manang. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Today, we leave Marshyangdi Valley and head towards Thorong La pass. at first, we cross a stream and climb up steadily to the village of Tenki lies just above Manang. Then we come out of the valley and turn to the north to climb up the valley of the Jarsang River. We follow the pastures and head towards the north which will take us to the village of Ghunsa. Further, the trail extends through the meadows where we can see some yaks grazing along with the yak herders busy with their stuff. We then cross a wooden bridge over a river and pass some ancient mani walls before we arrive at the village of Yak Kharka. The town is the summer settlement of the yak herders. Tonight, at a guesthouse/ lodge in Yak Kharka. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
We leave Yak Kharka and head towards Thorong La Phedi. Thorong La Phedi is a small settlement in the high altitudinal region that caters to the food and accommodation need of the trekkers visiting the Thorong La pass. it is a stopping point to cross the Thorong La pass tomorrow. Thorong La pass is the highest pass in the world. It is challenging to cross the path. Its rocky and slippery terrain with ever-changing weather conditions makes it one of the toughest parts of the journey. Today, we stop at Thorong la Phedi for an early walk through the pass tomorrow. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
The pass is prone to sharp and harsh winds after the afternoon. Hence, we wake up early to cross the pass. We walk along the rocky ridges of the past with outstanding views of mountains and glaciers in the Annapurna region. From the pass, we will be able to get 360-degree panoramic views of mountains that extend to Tibetan plateaus in the north. After crossing the path, we descend to Muktinath, which is a trendy spiritual hub of the Annapurna region. The place holds a high value amongst Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Many Hindu pilgrims visit this place early with high dedication and devotion. Tonight, we stay at a guesthouse/ lodge in Muktinath. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Early in the morning, we walk to Muktinath for amazing views of the mountains in the Annapurna range. Fater appreciating the glories of the mountains, we descend to Jomsom and complete our circuit walk around the Annapurna. Hence, we accomplish our walking journey of Annapurna Circuit Trek. Tonight, enjoy your time in Jomsom with the warm hospitality of the local people. (Inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Today, we take an early flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. Enjoy your time at the hotel in Pokhara. In the evening, you can walk to the lakeside and enjoy the serenity of the environment. (Inclusive of breakfast).
Concluding our trip, we drive back via the same route along the Prithvi Highway to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. Tonight, we stay at a hotel in Kathmandu. (Inclusive of breakfast and lunch).
Before a few hours of your scheduled flight, you will be transferred to the international terminal of Tribhuwan International Airport. (Inclusive of Breakfast).
