Annapurna Circuit Trek - 23 Days

This is one of the classic and most rewarding treks in Nepal which circles the Annapurna massif, starting at either Bhote Order or Gorkha, west of Kathmandu and ending at Pokhara. For most of the trek we have close views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and the magnificent Machhapuchre. The high point of the trek entails crossing of the 5414m high Throng Pass, from the arid valley of the upper Manang, home of Tibeto- Buddhists, down to the Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath, and the Kali Gandaki valley, the world’s deepest river gorge, before heading down to Pokhara. Besides the mountain views, we encounter on this trek a variety of mountain communities of the Gurung, Manangi and Thakali people. 

Itinerary Outline:

Day 01: Kathmandu arrival/ transfer to hotel.  Our represent will be at the airport to receive you on your arrival. Just look for Eco Trek's banner.

Day 02: Kathmandu valley Guided tour. Our Guide will take around Kathmandu to show its back ground and history/ visiting temples, monasteries and colorful city itself gives you a picture of Nepal.

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Khudi Khola. Trek to Ngadi (1011m) Overnight in Lodge / Camp.
After breakfast, you will drive to Khudi Khola via Beshi Sahar and trek to Nadi (1011m) Walk for about 3 hours towards Nadi through narrow tracks, suspension bridges and a deep river gorge. Overnight at Nadi.

Day 04: Ngadi to Jagat (1314m)
Walk for about 7 hours towards Jagat through the valley crossing several suspension bridges and passing several beautiful waterfalls land view the tower of Mt. Lamjung (22,291Ft.), Manaslu (26,760 Ft.) and Peak 29 (24,652 Ft.). Overnight at Jagat.

Day 05: Jagat to Dharapani (1943m.)
Walking distance of about 7 hours from Jagat to Dharapani, entering Manang district from Taal and crossing a large bridge to Dharapani to stay overnight.

Day 06: Dharapani to Chame (2713m)
The distance is covered within 6 hours. The trail now leads to the west in Manaslu .forming a splendid backdrop of Annapurna II appearing occasionally to the south. As we continue, Annapurana range offers a splendid view. Overnight at Chame.

Day 07: Chame to Pissang (3185m)
Keeping by the side of river all day for about 7 hours and passing through narrow and steep gorge reach Passing from where Manang Valley (a wide U - shaped valley) hanging between two giant snows peaks. Overnight at Pisang.

Day 08: Pissang to Manang (3351m)
After a 7-hour walk through trails and broad forested valley floor a small stool airstrip and a village of about 200 houses and Barge monastery which is the largest in the entire district and reach Manang.

Day 09: Rest in Manang for acclimatization A necessary day to rest and acclimatize and explore Manang; the village of about 500 flat.

Day 10: Manang to Ledar (4330m)
From the landscape is more alike Tibetan Plateau. It seems more gradual than up but hard to breath take longer time to cover the short distance. We branch away from the Marsyandi Khola steadily climbing into quiet distinct alpine areas. Camp/lodge at Ledar 4 hrs walk.

Day 11: Ledar to Thorong Phedi (4335m)
This can be hard night with lack of enough oxygen. Ready to wake up early in the morning for the next most excited at all. Crossing the Jarsang Khola we climb to a small grassy valley and camp. Approximately 3 hrs walk.

Day 12: Thorong Phedi Pass Thorong-la pass (5416m) to Muktinath (3798m)
Start the climbing early in the morning. This is the most awaited day for your Nepal trip. The top of the Thorong La (pass) 5416 m. is the highest point for the whole period. Muktinath is the name of the Hindu God with the meaning of the “God of Salvation” in Hindu and in Buddhism “Nirvana”.  The Sep- Oct fest is the most interesting and crowded. Apart from this, this is the greatest example of the co-relation and harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism. Overnight in Lodge / Camp

Day 13: Muktinath to Kagbeni (2800m)
The part of the trek from Muktinath till Kagbeni, is really different from the trek in the Marsyangdi side. Here, the climate is relatively dry, and the landscape looks like a desert. The area on the way from Muktinath to Kagbeni is full of ancient caves, and till you reach Jomsom you'll be able to see wonderful geological forms around you. From Muktinath (3800 meters) the trail descends gradaually towards Jarkot, a nice village with interesting houses and lots of green fields in the brown-looking area around. From Jarkot the trail keeps descending, and you can choose between two ways: one goes directly to Jomsom, and the other goes to Kagbeni; located 2800 meters high, Kagbeni is an interesting village, with stone houses and narrow alleys, and a green area of fields lying between the high mountains above. The village is located near the Kali-Gandaki River, and it is the first place you meet this huge river, still flows in a very wide valley at this area. Beware not to walk north of this village!! It is the border to Mustang area, which is usually closed to tourists and requires a very special permission to visit. Fail to do so - and you are inviting an enchanting randes-vous with the local policeman.

Day 14: Kagbeni to Marpha (2650m) via Jomsom (2730m)
The way from Kagbeni to Jomsom goes along the Kali-Gandaki River, as most of the trek in the next few days. The geological forms you'll see on the way around you are really spectacular, and children on the way will offer you to buy black fossiles called "Salligrams". Jomsom, located 2700 meters high is a big village. It has a small airport, and so - connected by air to Pokhara and Kathmandu for the following day. Although it is a comfortable place to stay in, we recommend to keep on and sleep in Marpha - a small and charming village, located 2660 meters high. It contains stone houses built on the mountain above the Kali-Gandaki river, with narrow streets paved with flat stones. There are few lovely guest houses there, with excellent food - our recommended one will be "Neeru" guest-house - don't miss their cakes!

Day 15:  Marpha to Ghasa (1970 m.) 5/6 hrs walk
A dramatic change in the surrounding with green vegetation and very beautiful view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna region. Overnight at Ghasa.

Day 16: Ghasa to Tatopani (1189 m.) 5/6 hours walk
Gradual descend to Tatopani through valleys, fields and the beautiful Rupse Chhahara (water falls) and then the time to have lunch at Dana village which is the deepest gorge in the world. Rest and overnight at Tatopani.

Day 17: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2793 m.) 6/7 hrs. Walk
A challenging ascent upto Ghorepani. Lunch at Sikha village, and overnight at Ghorepani from where one can observe the best sun set view over the profile of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

Day 18: Rest at Ghorepani and Excursion to the Poon Hill.
The highest hill in the west in the whole trek, bird- eye view of Mustang and Pokhara valleys, also provides clear view of 30 snow-capped peaks including the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri. Or walk to Tadapani at the afternoon for 4 hrs.

Day 19  Ghorepani/Tadapani to Ghandrung (1951 m.) 6/3 hours
With ups and downs towards Tadapani for lunch and camp at Ghandrung which is the biggest Gurung settlement with a closer view of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli.

Day 20  Ghandrung to Birethati (5/6 hours, walk downwards to Modi river) and drive back to Pokhara

Day 21: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu

Day 22: Day in Kathmandu on your own/ shopping.

Day 23: Drive to airport/departure or stay as your time permits.

Or day for rest in Pokhara/ prepare for rafting or Jungle trip/ Pokhara is good place to relax/ Clean/ nice and cool with lots of good restaurants. 
  
Cost: Please contact us.
Minimum Group size: 2 
Season: March to November   
Grading: 4 
Departure date: as per your convenience.

Cost Includes:  

• Completely lodges trekking which includes Breakfast, Lunch, dinner and room during the whole trekking periods.
• All entrance fees
• All necessary transportations
• Airport pick up/drops
• First aid kits
• All government taxes and official charges.
• Kathmandu valley Guided city tour
• 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast 
• 1 night hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
• Guide, Assistant Guide and Porters
• Accidental and medical Insurance of Nepalese staffs
• Road transport/ one way flight as well. 
• Personal equipment such as sleeping bags/ jackets (if you do not have we can arrange within US $1.00/day for two items).

Cost Non-Include: 

• Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara 
• Rescue/ emergence and insurance cost 
• Beverage and hard drinks and alcohol
• Nepal entry visa fee and airport tax during the departure.
• Personal equipments and personal expenses.
• Tips (usually people can keep US $2/day in total for tips and donation which is good amount) 
• In case of natural calamities i.e. political unrest, cancellation of flight due to weather, landslides etc the extra charge should be born by themselves.

For More Information: info@ecotrek.com.np