Annapurna Circuit With Annapurna Base Camp Trek 23 Days

To skip the traffic on our slender highway we depart early after breakfast from Kathmandu hotel. Along the way, you will enjoy pleasant views of tumbling Whitewater Rivers, amazing terraced hillsides, and superb mountain panoramas. We will stop for lunch in one of the highway restaurants depending on our time schedule, as sometimes our smooth driving may get interrupted by our road statuses – like traffic. Lunch will most probably be at Besi-Sahar where you will be introduced to the rest of our local trekking crew who always wear a smile on their beautiful face. From Besi-Sahar we drive further to Bahundanda. On our way, the views of the mountains are spectacular with Lamjung Himal (6931m) dominating the skyline. The views from Bhulbule are tremendous, with the snowy peak of Himalchulee (7893m) dominating the skyline, views of Manaslu (8156m), Peak 29(7541m), and Lamjung (6986M) open out on the horizon. Gradually we get to Bahundanda for an overnight stay with a gorgeous local organic dinner. 

Our trek starting from Besi-Sahar until we get to Manang we follow the MARSYANGDI NADI (river) all the way. After a short descent from Bahundanda you again follow the river valley to lunch at Syange (1136m). In the afternoon the trail follows a cut in the near-vertical cliffs high above the river, although at no time does it become difficult. You will spend the night at Jagat (1341m), a Tibetan village that served as a customs post on the old trading route from Tibet.

Leaving Jagat we walk a gradual trail first and then climb to the village of Chyamche. Leaving this village with a descend soon we cross the suspension bridge. From here the trail steepness and consequently the angle of the river does the same, sending the water tumbling through a maze of large boulders. In due course, we get to Tal Phedi. We further climb top following the switchback trail and amazingly the valley widens out to reveal the village of Tal, which nestles amongst the fields of barley, wheat, and potatoes. Now entered the district of Manang and you will take lunch in one of the many fine hotels here. The afternoon's walk follows river valley crossing back to the west bank before gradually ascending to Dharapani (1890m) where you will end the trekking day.

The valley now extends westward through dramatic fir and pine forests. After half an hour, you reach Bagarchhap (2160m), the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture. Here you may observe firewood stacked on the roofs in preparation for the long, hard winters. The village marks the transition between the lower, wet valleys and the higher, dry, arid area of the Manang Valley. From here, there are excellent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II (7937M), and Annapurna III (7555m) up the valley. Down the valley to the west Manaslu and Peak 29 soar magnificently to the skies. Leaving Bagarchhap, you cross a small wooden bridge beside a beautiful waterfall and ascend to Lata-Marang (2360m) where you may wish to relax over a cold drink. Your permit may be checked at the police post at Koto, a short distance from before Chame (2685m) that boast among other things, a wireless station, bank, health post, and well-run hotels.

A trail now leads through fields of barley and buckwheat, to reach the apple orchards at Brathang (2840m), a formal Khampa (Tibetan rebels) settlement. Here you will stop for lunch, before crossing the river into thick fir forest where you will have a glimpse of Lamjung and Annapurna towering high above the trail. After spending some time in the forest we will suddenly reach a clearing to reveal the huge rock slabs of Paungda Danda. From here you continue to follow the valley to reach the flat-roofed with stone houses of Pisang village (3200m) and our lodge in full view of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak (6092m). 

Today we skip the regular trekking tail and take the upper Pisang trail (High trail) that eventually leads us to the most beautiful medieval town of Ngawal. After crossing a suspension bridge, we walk a gradual trail and then climb the switchback trail for 2 hours that leads us to Ghyaru, the village high up on the ridge. The view of Annapurna massif with Tilicho from the viewpoint of Ghyaru is one of the finest that you would ever see. It’s the premium scenic vista for which we take the upper Pisang trail. From Ghyaru we further walk the most beautiful trail overlooking the Marsyangdi Valley and eventually get to the medieval village of Ngawal for lunch. Ngawal is a place where trekkers stay overnight after the Kang-La pass while doing Naar-Phu Trek. From Ngawal we descend all the way down to Braga and walk further to the luxurious town of Manang. Manang would be a great place to enjoy little shopping and for fresh Coffee. 

Manang is a tight compact village of about 500 flat-roofed houses set among spectacular scenery. The huge icefall of Annapurna rears over the village. Annapurna II and IV (7525m) tower dramatically above the valley floor to the southeast, with Tilicho (7132m), Roc Noir (7485m), and the Grand Barrier to the west. Chulu West (6630m) and East (6200m) lay behind the village a hauntingly beautiful panorama. The rest here is designed to aid in acclimatization and you can choose to relax or trek above the village where you will be rewarded with great views of the Annapurnas. The walk up to the ridge for the view of the mountain and Gangapurna lake is simply unbelievable. After you are done with your acclimatization excursion lunch will be served. The afternoon is basically free and you will have ample time to relish, do some laundry, watch movies in the video parlor, buy yourself an organic coffee, or explore the town. 

Today's walk will be pretty short as compared to our previous days. For the next few days, the walking hours will be short to prepare enough ground for acclimatization for all. Leaving Manang we ascend to the ancient village of Tengi, the old Manang. Here you branch away from Marsyangdi Valley and follow the Jarsang Khola (river). As you walk don’t miss looking back for the amazing scenes. Since now we are heading over 3500 m, alpine juniper and alpine herbs replace lush woodland of pine and rhododendron. You pass small yak herders (shelters) before stopping at the pleasant but small settlement of Yak Kharka (Yak Pasture Land). As the name suggests, since generation this place has been used by the locals to graze their Yaks during monsoon. A relaxing walking day today, taken at a slow pace to allow for the effects of altitude. You will be once again delivered with a free afternoon to relish and save energy for the upcoming event (going over the Pass).

Today is another short day to ensure we arrive at the base of the Thorong pass felling well acclimatized. This 4-hour walk provides you with great trekking experience. You would very well realize the difference between being in the tree line area and into thin air. As we head towards the alpine, due to thin air some may find a little exhausted and experience heavy breathing. However, all these are very normal, yet we recommend everyone take it very slowly. On the way, you may have ample opportunity to witness the Blue Sheep into the wild or Himalayan Thar including the soaring peak of Chulu. You arrive at Phedi (4420 meters) in time for lunch, and you will have the afternoon free to relax and prepare for the crossing of the pass. Depending on the weather and your health conditions your group leader may organize a short excursion until the High Camp. 

Though the pass poses no technical problems you need to start very early, around 5 am, so you can proceed slowly and safely. The trail is not steep and long, gradual approach passes several false summits before reaching some stone cairns making the crest of the pass at 5416 m. in fine conditions the views from the pass are truly fantastic. Spread out before you is the entire Annapurna range to the south, the Mukut and Mustang Himal to the west, and the incredibly deep Kali Gandaki valley below. Peaks of Chulu West and east lie to the north, and on either side of the pass are Thorungtse (6482m) to the north and the snow dome of Thorung peak (6484m) to the south. After the pass, we enter into another district of Mustang. The steep descent from the pass is guaranteed to make the knees wobble, but you are compensated with the view of mighty Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Tukche peak (6920m). We will arrive at Muktinath, in the early afternoon. This may be the tiring day but after the 1600 m descend once you get to Muktinath you will start breathing fresh and normal which essentially makes you more lively than exhausted. Enjoy your accomplishment.

We visit Muktinath, the name suggests “A Place of Salvation” which is a sacred place for both Buddhists and Hindus. This is the place where you would witness the great harmony that exists between Hinduism and Buddhism. Muktinath is very Symbolic and spiritual. Soon Leaving Muktinath we and follow the KALI GANDAKI valley, the world’s deepest gorge. We descending through the desert, Tibet like region of Jomsom and Marpha and gradually descend to the alpine forest to Larjung, Kalopani, and Ghasa, the last major Thakali settlement of the region. Now we enter into a different district of Myagdi. You have now descended, gradually, over 4,000 meters since the Thorong Pass, and you now find yourself in warm, sub-tropical surroundings, in stark contrast to the colder, higher altitudes. We will take a break for lunch at some point depending on our schedule. In the afternoon you continue to descend through the Magar village to arrive at Tatopani (hot water) by mid-afternoon. Tatopani was once a large and thriving village: sadly in the last 15 years, two major floods have washed a major part of the old village away. Tatopani has a Natural Hot Spring pool where is fun to dip your fatigued muscles – minimal charges will be levied by the authority who cater to the pool. 

After the previous days' easy driving, this is yet another long day and all uphill. Leaving the Kali Gandaki valley, you ascend steeply to the Magar village of Ghara passing porters and mule trains ferrying supplies to the villages of the Kali Gandaki valley. You will cross a large landslide before reaching the village of Sikha for lunch. The views one again fantastic with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna dominating the horizon while trekking to Ghorepani. In the afternoon you walk through rhododendron forest, arriving at Chitre (2390m) before a final pull up through oak and rhododendron forest to the village of Ghorepani. Spectacularly site, this busy village supplies food and shelter for the drivers of the many mule trains moving along the caravan route. Your lodge is located in the heart of the village.

We start our walk with a gradual uphill morning excursion to Poon Hill, which takes us to the world's top destination to have the 180' panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manasalu ranges. The million-dollar sunrise view from Poon-Hill and the view of the world's deepest gorge and after returning from the vantage point we head to Tadapani. We walk through the world's largest Rhododendron growing area above Ghorepani and eventually get to Tadapani, a small settlement in the mid of the forest. In the afternoon we observe the local people and their market, which is very fascinating. 

Tadapani is famous for the sunrise view. Unlike Poon-Hill you can simply enjoy the mesmerizing sunrise from your bed or the lodge veranda itself. The trail drops down from Tadapani, through the dense rhododendron forest taking you the village of Chuile. We further descend to the Kimrong River and walk to Taulung for lunch. In case if you are early, you may walk further for lunch. We climb all the way up to a ridge of Durpin Danda and walk an easy trail to Chomrong. Towering above the village is the mighty peak of Annapurna South (7219m) with the holy mountain of Fishtail (6993m) locally Machhapuchhare facing it across the valley. Chomrong is a lovely village situated at the inclined terrain, but the to explore the village around the afternoon is entertaining. 

Today we start our walk with the interminable staircase of steps through Chomrong to reach a suspension bridge below. This crosses the Chomrong Khola and beyond it the trail begins a long twisting climbs up and around the hillside spur, which divides the two valleys. After a steep ascends we get to the Sinuwa. We usually have lunch at upper Sinuwa 2340 m. leaving Sinuwa we walk a gradual trail through the dense forest of Rhododendron, Maple, oak, Bamboo, etc. Shortly we walk the undulating trail with the view of series of waterfall and in the due course, we get to the old ACAP check post, a solitary demolished building. Next, we descend all the way down for the next 45 minutes to Bamboo, a small town with limited tea-houses. From this point onward taking any live meat is strictly prohibited since we are now entering the real sanctuary – a sacred place of the natives.  

Now we walk the sanctified area of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Walking into this lush woodland of Rhododendron, Maple, Oak, Bamboo you would realize why it is so considered holy. It’s a dwelling place of the goddess Barahi (Goddess Durga). Walking the trail with occasional steep climbs in between we pass Dovan and head to the small lodge area of Himalaya where we will have our lunch. After lunch, we climb all the way to Hinku Cave, a place that has sheltered many trekkers, especially porters during the weather crisis. This is the place where you can give a break to your weary legs From Hinku Cave we descend down and walk the gradual up trail leading us to Deurali for an overnight stay.  

Today is the day to get spiritual in the tranquility of our walk. Take lots of rest and drink plenty of fluid at least 3-4 liters a day. It is a journey but not a destination. After Deurali, the valley broadens and there is a change in vegetation as the trail meanders across a fairly level section where Mt. Gangapurna (7485m) shows itself ahead, framed by the steep walls that form the gateway to the Sanctuary. A stream pours down from the left and is crossed by a bridge. Immediately in front raises a steep, vegetated bluff on top of which is settled a lodge. This is the first of the buildings of Machhapuchhare Base Camp (MBC) where we take a short break.

Next 2 hours walk from MBC we reach our final destination to Annapurna Base Camp. The trek to the Base Camp ascends at a steady gradient, never very steeply, but the altitude is likely to have a tiring effect. Do not hurry, but ascend slowly and enjoy the expanding panorama. It should be noted that this Base Camp was used by Chris Bonington's 1970 expedition. The panorama out here is nothing short of spectacular where you get a chance to have breakfast outside enjoying the view. 

We wake up early to take a morning good picture as the sun hits the Annapurna I – the 10th highest mountain in the world. Today is going to be a little longer day to head back to Sinuwa. After breakfast, leaving Annapurna Base Camp we retrace our trail back to Bamboo and then walk further to Sinuwa, which is another opportunity for you to stay in a different village. 

Today would be a short walk to Jhinu Danda. We descend all the way down to Chomrong Khola (river) and then climb the step trail to get to Chomrong. From Chomrong we take a different trail that steeply descends down to the town of Jhinu Danda, with a natural hot spring. 

From Jhinu we cross one of the longest very newly built suspension bridge and walk a beautiful easy trail for an hour and a half to the place called Matkyu. From Matkyu we drive for 3 hours to Pokhara.

Transportation is provided. You Group Leader will accompany you to the airport for assistance. You need to be at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight departure and the vehicle will be organized as per the departure schedule.