Annapurna Circuit Trek – 15 Days

When you get to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a friendly person will be there to greet you. They’ll drive you to your hotel in a place called Thamel, which is a popular spot for tourists.

Once you’re at the hotel, you can relax and get used to the new place. Look around and enjoy the special atmosphere of Kathmandu. You’re about to have some exciting adventures in this amazing land of mountains and friendly people!

We start our journey from Kathmandu very early in the morning, heading 190 kilometers to Besishar. Along the way, you’ll be treated to the sight of charming villages, lush farmlands, meandering rivers, and glimpses of stunning mountain ranges, making the trip a treat for your eyes. Since we’ll be using a local bus, there’s a possibility of unexpected traffic or other delays when switching buses in Besishar, which could slow down our progress towards Jagat.

On the third day of our journey, we kick things off with breakfast. Then, we undertake an adventure by crossing a hanging bridge and climbing up a steep hill into the beautiful Manang region. During our trek, we’ll spot numerous waterfalls that come together to create a river with lovely sandy shores.

As we trek further, we’ll pass by fields of barley, rice, and potatoes, and we’ll reach the village of Kodo, which happens to be one of the biggest in the Manang Valley. Another suspension bridge awaits us, and after a short ascent up the stone Kani, we’ll reach our destination, Dharapani.

Today, our journey leads us through a lush forest filled with pine, fir, oak, and maple trees that runs alongside a river. Our destination is Chame, the main town of the Manang district.

As we walk, we’ll be surrounded by vibrant greenery, and we’ll be treated to magnificent views of mountains like Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV, which stands at 7,525 meters. Along the way, we’ll even take a break to relax in some small hot springs.

We descend into a small valley to catch our very first view of Paungda Danda, a curvy rock wall that rises 1,500 meters above the river. From this vantage point, we can also spot Annapurna 2 to the south and Pisang Peak in the northeast. Afterward, we continue our journey down to reach the flat terrain of the Manang Valley, and our final destination for the day is the Pisang.

We trek along the upper trail that takes us through upper Pisang and Geru. This route treats us to breathtaking views of the northern sides of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho, and Pisang Peak. As we ascend, the air gets colder, drier, and a bit harsher.

Along the way, we pass through Tibetan communities, and we can take a short break at Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in Manang. This is a great opportunity to immerse ourselves in the teachings and culture of Buddhism.

We dedicate the day to adjusting to the high altitude by taking in the stunning sights of Annapurna III, Tilicho, Pisang, and Chulu Peaks. Today, we explore Manang Village and its monasteries in order to acclimate to the increasing altitude.

In the morning, we hike up to Gangapurna Lake and Base Camp, where we continue to enjoy the breathtaking views of Annapurna III, Tilicho, Pisang, and Chulu Peaks.

Our journey begins in Manang village, where we follow a path that winds alongside a picturesque stream and takes us uphill toward the charming village of Tenki.

Continuing on our adventure, the trail leads us to climb even higher, leaving the Marshyangdi Valley behind and turning northwest into the beautiful Jarsang Khola Valley. Along the way, we are treated to the peaceful scenery of meadows and groups of juniper trees. As we steadily ascend, we find ourselves immersed in the calmness of our surroundings.

Further along the path, we reach the modest village of Ghunsa, situated just below the trail, with its unique flat mud roofs. Continuing our journey, the trail opens up to vast meadows where horses and yaks peacefully graze, leading us to Yak Karka.

Our journey takes us to Throng Phedi, a lively place that provides for the needs of tired hikers and climbers. It’s a base camp for different groups, including ours. Some in our group may want to trek to the High Camp today to make tomorrow’s trek easier.

We kick off our ascent bright and early, ready to tackle the steep climb right from the start. As we get closer to the mountain pass, the path becomes a bit mushy due to melting snow. After carefully making our way over rocky ridges, we finally reach the summit of Thorong La Pass at 5416 meters. The view from up there, with snow-covered peaks and the impressive Kali Gandaki gorge, is breathtaking.

Heading down, we descend quite rapidly and eventually arrive at the sacred place of Muktinath, sitting at an altitude of 3800 meters. Muktinath is a spot where various cultures come together.

Saying goodbye to the sacred Muktinath temple, we set off on the final stretch of the amazing Annapurna Circuit Trek, leading us to the charming town of Jomsom.

During this scenic hike, we are treated to breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks, winding valleys, and beautiful waterfalls, creating a stunning natural backdrop.

The journey from Muktinath to Jomsom marks the grand finale of an unforgettable adventure, leaving us with lasting memories of the awe-inspiring Himalayan landscapes.

The trip from Jomsom to Pokhara usually starts with a morning flight. After you’ve settled into your comfortable hotel in Pokhara, take some time to do a bit of shopping and unwind by the lakeside with a refreshing drink before dinner.

Following our farewell to Pokhara, we embark on a lovely journey back to Kathmandu. While on this trip, you’ll have the chance to soak in the stunning scenery and the delightful rural atmosphere of Nepal.

Once you reach Kathmandu, get yourself settled in your hotel, and then you can choose to relax or explore the bustling city for one last time.

Spend a day exploring the vibrant city of Kathmandu. Explore its captivating cultural and historical treasures, such as the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, the peaceful Boudhanath Stupa, the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa (known as the Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

By visiting these renowned sites, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into Nepal’s abundant culture and spirituality. You can also appreciate the beauty of Kathmandu, its intriguing architecture, and its lively atmosphere.

The time has come for your departure. We’ll be here to assist you with any final preparations and ensure your smooth transfer to the airport for your journey back home. If you decide to extend your stay in Nepal, we hope you have a wonderful time, and we’re ready to help you with any arrangements for your next adventure.