Annapurna Circuit Trek

Enjoy a short trek from Besi Sahar, offering the first glimpse of the Himalayan peaks, and a challenging climb to reach the village of Jagat.

Cross breathtaking landscapes and winding paths around the mountains. Steep sided valleys filled with lush vegetation line the way to Bagarchhap. Leave Chamje behind to walk along the Marshyangdi River and pass through beautiful forests of rhododendron (seasonal) and pine trees to reach the village of Tal, where we stop for lunch. As the group approaches Bagarchhap (2160m), the trail becomes steeper and you'll begin to see the houses of the Manang Region – built from stone and slate roofs.

Walking distance - 20 Kms. Time 8-9 hours. Elevation gain - 750m
Terrain: mostly rocky terrain with mixed forested areas.

Trek from Bagarchhap to Chame and watch as the scenery changes to more Alpine surroundings. Breathe in the fresh mountain air. Climb up along the trail through dense pine and fir forests to reach the village of Timang (2630m), and enjoy stunning views along the way of Manaslu and other peaks of the Annapurna range. After reaching the village, the trail continues to climb up through the forest to reach Thanchok where the group will have lunch. From there, pass through the Marshyangdi River, apple orchards, and more small villages before reaching Chame. Chame is the district headquarters of Manang with a few shops and guest houses, which are mostly traditional Manang styled houses.

Walking distance – 16 kms. Time 6-7 hours. Elevation gain - (510m)
Terrain: Rocky, crossing through pine forests with a mix of steep and gradual ascents

Leave the village of Chame behind, walk out past the prayer wheels and cross wide rivers and pine forests on the way to Pisang. Today, the trail is moderately challenging with several uphill and downhill stretches, but the group will be rewarded with the stunning scenery of waterfalls, narrow canyons, and valleys with Annapurna Range as the backdrop. Today our lunch spot will be the small, beautiful village of Dhukur Pokhari. Upon reaching Pisang, take a short hike to Upper Pisang village and visit the monastery of the village.

Trekking distance 16km. Trek Time 6-7 hours. Elevation gain - 630m.
Terrain: Mix of rocky trails, forested areas, and open fields.

Cross the Marsyandi River on the way out to Manang. Leave Pisang behind, head out west, passing several small villages and fascinating Buddhist monasteries before arriving at Manang, the largest village in the area. Stop in Manang overnight.

Trekking Distance 17km. Trek time 6-7 hours. Elevation gain - 240m.
Terrain: Initial part is flat along the banks of Marshyangdi river, later it is dusty and rocky
terrain as the trail climbs up through dense pine and juniper forest.

The dramatic setting of Manang makes for a pleasant rest and acclimatization day with the added benefit of hot showers. The best way to acclimatize is to do some high climbing then return to the lower altitude of Manang for sleeping.

Trek through Manang, where the altitude continues to rise as the route snakes through the mountains and up to Yak kharka. Today, is a relatively short walking day with only 9kms in distance covered. Trek slowly and climb higher, feeling the temperature drop significantly as there is a decrease in oxygen levels. The trail passes through a sparse forest of juniper and scrub. Yak Kharka is a very small settlement with a handful of teahouses. After lunch in Yak Kharka, complete an acclimatization hike in the surrounding area for another hour or two.

Trekking distance 9km. Trek time 6-7 hours. Elevation gain - 478m
Terrain: Mostly uphill, rocky trails, and steep ascents, landscape becomes barren,
possibility of snow.

Trek from Yak kharka via pastures of grazing yak, small chortens, and streams before arriving at Thorong Phedi. The hiking time will be shortened today as the group continues to trek into higher altitudes. Begin with a gradual ascent through the alpine landscape. The final stretch of the trek is quite challenging.

Trekking distance 6-7 km. Trek time 4-5 hours. Elevation gain - 432m
Terrain: Barren landscape, rocky and rugged with scattered vegetation, possibility of
snow during winters.

Today is the “THE DAY” of our Annapurna Circuit Trek. Begin around 3AM or 4AM with a steep climb up to Thorong La Pass (5416m) – the highest point of the trekking route. We begin the day early in order to avoid the strong wind at Thorong La and to enjoy the majestic and panoramic views of the mighty Annapurna Ranges at the top. Hiking this early requires a headlamp or torch to light the way. After reaching the top, the trail descends steeply for several kilometers to Muktinath – an important pilgrimage site for both Hindu’s and Buddhists.

Trek Distance 18km. Trekking time 10-11 hours. Elevation gain - 966m
Terrain: Mostly rocky with steep drops on one side, and rugged cliffs on the other, narrow
path and possibility of snow.

Enjoy some time away from the trek to adjust to the higher altitude. Take it easy, enjoy the scenery, drink plenty of fluids, and prepare for the next day's hiking. Take a short hike to Nagarjuna Peak (Nangkartshang Peak) at 4850m.
Walking distance - 3 kms. Time: 3-4 hours. Elevation gain - 440m

The trek from Ghasa to Narchyang takes the group through the Kali Gandaki Valley and the lower Mustang region of Nepal. Cross the Kali Gandaki River and walk through the lush forest of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo. Upon arriving at Narchyang, our host community members will welcome the group to their
village and community. Later in the afternoon walk for around 30 minutes and enjoy a dip in a natural hot spring to sooth those aching muscles from the trek.

Trekking distance 14km. Trekking duration 4-5 hours. Elevation change - 800m
Terrain: Some steep descents, some gentle climbs, varied vegetation, sub tropical forest
and stone steps.

From Sikha, take a route seeped in history all the way to Ghorepani; myths and stories of the origins of the indigenous people of the Annapurna region abound. The views of Machhupuchare and the Himalayas from Ghorepani are absolutely spectacular on a clear day. The trek while relatively short, is a very steep climb through the forest offering beautiful views of the mountains and valley below.

Trekking Distance 8km. Trekking Duration 4-5 hours. Elevation gain - 945m.
Terrain: Terraced fields, uphill ascents through the rhododendron and oak forests.

Trek from Ghorepani to Ramghai. The views from the trek are absolutely stunning and are known to be among the best in the area. The trail starts with a steep uphill climb through the rhododendron forest. After breakfast at the top, the group will begin the down hill walk all the way to Ramghai. This is the last day of the trek. Enjoy a final day in the mountains with the team of our guides and porters, thanking them for their effort in endlessly supporting our trek and making it successful.

Trekking Distance 15km. Trekking Duration 6-7 hours. Elevation loss - 1525m.
Terrain: Mostly downhill, through rhododendron forests and farmlands.