Full Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 Days

To skip the traffic on OUR highway we depart from Kathmandu earliest in the morning.  Our first-day drive from Kathmandu to Besi-Sahar is around 177 Km and the next further drive to Bahundanda is 25 Km which is approximately 202 Km and would take around 8 - 9 hours excluding lunch. 

Along the way, you will enjoy fine views of tumbling Whitewater Rivers, amazing terraced hillsides, and superb mountain panoramas. we will stop for a lunch most probably at Besi-Sahar which solely depends on our time schedule. On arrival, you will be introduced to your trekking crew and you have the opportunity to explore this road-head village. While on our way to Bahundanda, 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 (7893 m) dominating the skyline. In the afternoon you cross the Marsyandi to the east bank and after a short distance, views of Manaslu (8156 m), Peak 29 (7541 m), and Lamjung (6986 m) open out on the horizon. Eventually, we get to our destination, the village of Bahundanda (1311m) located on a ridge top where we spend our first night. 

With the beautiful sunrise view in the morning and after fabulous breakfast we hit the trail and ready to walk the Marshyangdi Valley trail. First, we descend and then walk the undulating trail following the river valley to lunch at Syange (1136m). In the afternoon the track 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.

Today the vegetation changes to rhododendron and pine forest and the valley becomes narrower and steeper. You leave the village and soon cross the river on a large 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. After reaching the top of a zigzag climb, amazingly the valley widens out to reveal the village of Tal, which nestles amongst the fields of barley, wheat, and potatoes. You have 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 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 Latamarang (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 boasts 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 and our lodge in full view of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak (6092m). 

You follow wooden irrigation channels through Pisang village, an indication of the arid trans-Himalayan terrain. Here the soils are poor and only one crop per year of barley, wheat, buckwheat, or potatoes can be grown. To supplement their living many locals run hotels and teahouses as well as having herds of goats and yaks that graze on the hillsides high above the valley. 

We skip the regular lower trail and take the upper Pisang trail that leads us to the village of Ghyaru (3670 m) and Ngawal (3660 m). The upper Pisang trail is best known for its magnificent mountain views. Though the climb to Ghyaru is an hour and a half switchback trail all the way up till we get to the ridge yet its a worth of climb which is very rewarding. The panoramic mountain view is simply unbelievable. We further walk an effortless trail to the village of Ngawal for Lunch. After lunch, we descend down to the yet another settlement of Braga (3440 m) and walk further to Manang. 

Manang is the most beautiful town which looks arid in nature but is very lively. Situated at the base of the high Annapurna Himalayas the town is very fascinating with river, lakes, ample side excursion, shopping, movies, bakery, and so on. Besides all these the town has a beautiful history of Tibetan culture and their own cult.

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 to Gangapurna Glacier where you will be rewarded with great views of the Annapurnas. You may even see elusive mountain goats (Himalayan Thar) and blue sheep on the craggy higher slopes. You take a break up here in the ridge and get yourself a hot drink and enjoy as the time flies. 

We will leave early in the morning and slowly ascend to Tengi. Here you branch away from Marsyangdi Valley and follow the Jarsang Khola. Scrub juniper and grasses replace sparse fir and pine. You pass small yak herders (shelters) before stopping at the pleasant valley of Yak-Kharka. As the name suggests Yak-Kharka is a grazing area for yaks, so this small settlement with only 3 lodges is yet very serene and exceptional. A relaxed walking day today, taken at a slow pace to allow for the effects of altitude. From Ledar

Today is another short day to ensure we arrive at the base of the Thorong pass feeling well acclimatized. Leaving Yak-Kharka we climb a short ridge and then we get to the Himalayan meadow where the valley opens and the trail gets wider. Since its a territory of the Yaks, you may encounter ample.  You will cross the Jarsang Khola on a covered bridge and then follow the left bank of the river over loose screes on the steep-sided valley. 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. 

However, your trek leader may organize a short acclimatization walk to the high-camp, which all depends on weather, your physical fitness, etc. 

Though the pass poses no technical problems you need to start very early, around 3 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. 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). You will arrive at the first village on the other side of the pass, Muktinath, in the early afternoon. 

Muktinath, where Mukti" means "Salvation or Nirvana" and "Nath" mean "God or Master". Muktinath temple is very symbolic and has great religious and spiritual significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. So literally its a place of salvation where every year thousands of Hindus and Buddhists come to visit the temple. It is also a sacred place that demonstrates the harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism. 

Today we will take a local bus or jeep depending on the availability and number of trekking team. This drive is exceptional as you will be cruising through Kali-Gandaki Gorge (THE WORLDS DEEPEST GORGE). The drive is very thrilling. We will stop at some point for lunch and again drive down to Tatopani (The Natural Hot Spring). After a short break, it's an awesome opportunity to dip yourself in the natural hot spring pool to relax your tired muscles. Hot Spring charges a minimum entrance fee that is used for the maintenance and cleaning of the pool. 

Walk to Ghorepani being a yet another long day, we will start early. Since the construction of the roadway is underway we will be walking most of the time on the jeepable road occasionally taking the ancient trekking trail. After 4 hours of walking with climbs and gradual terrain, we get the village of Sikha for Lunch. It's a beautiful forested trail all along with pine and Rhododendron. After lunch, we will still continue our climb until we get to the blue roof settlement of Ghorepani. 

Ghorepani (Horse-water) has served as a junction between the traders of Nepal and Tibet during the salt trade era where they did their merchandise and set out to their destination. Ghorepani is indeed a highlight - thousands of people both international and locals come to Ghorepani for the fabulous view. It also serves as on one of the most beautiful short hike for people with limited time frame.

You will be given the earliest wake-up call for the hike to Poonhill that delivers you an exceptional sunrise view and panoramic mountain view. It's a 45 minutes hike to Poonhill - we get back, have breakfast, and start heading down to the village of Ulleri that would take most probably 3 hours. Your vehicle will be on standby and will drive you back to Pokhara. Once you get to Pokhara you will have enough time to explore the lake or do some activities like paragliding, zipline, bungee, etc.

We will drive back to Kathmandu on a tourist bus. Since the tourist bus leaves early around 7 am - we need to check out of the hotel early and drive to the bus stop station.

Transportation to the airport is provided. You need to leave the hotel 3 hours prior to your flight departure. Your vehicle will be ready as per the time schedule and you will be accompanied by your Trek Leader.