Annapurna Circuit Trek - 18 Days

Duration: 8-9 hours
Distance: 225 km

Today, you embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Jagat, starting with a journey to Beshisahar and continuing on to Jagat. The drive is a visual feast, offering glimpses of Nepalese rural life with terraced fields, green hills, and charming villages. Along the Prithvi Highway, you’ll follow the Trishuli River, pass through towns like Malekhu and Mugling, and navigate winding roads with dramatic landscapes. Arriving in Jagat, a traditional stone village perched on a hillside, you'll check into a cozy guesthouse for the night, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of this remote area.

Duration: 6 hours
Distance: 12 km

Your trekking adventure begins today with a hike from Jagat to Dharapani. After breakfast, you'll cross suspension bridges and ascend through lush oak forests to reach Chyamje. The trail then takes you through terraced fields, narrow gorges, and the village of Kodo before arriving in Dharapani. The journey provides stunning views and cultural insights, with traditional stone houses and vibrant local life. Dharapani, situated at the confluence of the Marsyangdi and Dudh Khola rivers, offers a warm welcome at a guesthouse where you'll stay overnight.

Duration: 5 hours
Distance: 15 km

On the fourth day, you'll trek from Dharapani to Chame, passing through several villages and enjoying diverse landscapes. The trail climbs through forests to Bagarchhap and then Danaque, where you can catch glimpses of Mount Manaslu. As you continue to Timang, you'll enjoy spectacular mountain views and rugged terrain. The route takes you through Thanchowk and Koto, offering a taste of the Nar-Phu Valley’s remote charm. Reaching Chame, the administrative center of Manang, you'll have time to explore, relax in hot springs, and appreciate the stunning views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal before settling into your guesthouse for the night.

Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: 15 km

Today’s trek from Chame to Pisang takes you through enchanting forests and past traditional villages. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna Range and traverses through Bhratang, a village known for its beautiful apple orchards. As you hike through Dhikur Pokhari and Humde, you’ll experience the cultural richness of the local Tibetan communities. Pisang, with its traditional Tibetan houses and Pisang Monastery adorned with prayer flags, awaits you for an overnight stay. The serene environment and spectacular mountain vistas make this a memorable stop on your journey.

Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: 16 km

On the sixth day, you continue your trek from Pisang to Manang, passing through Ghyaru and Ngawal villages. The trail provides panoramic views of the Annapurna and Pisang Peaks as you ascend into the drier, more arid landscapes of the Manang Valley. The trek’s highlight is a visit to the Barge Monastery in Manang, where you can explore local Buddhist traditions. By evening, you’ll reach Manang, a vibrant village with a unique blend of Tibetan and Nepali culture, and settle into a guesthouse for a well-earned rest.

Duration: Variable (Day hike)
Distance: Variable

Today is set aside for acclimatization to help your body adjust to the higher altitude. You can choose to hike to Gangapurna Lake or explore the local area, including the Barge Monastery. This day is crucial for acclimatization, so staying active helps your body adjust. If you're up for a bit more adventure, consider a visit to Milarepa Cave, which adds about 5 to 6 hours to your day. This rest day is essential for ensuring you’re well-prepared for the higher altitudes ahead.

Duration: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km

Today’s trek from Manang to Yak Kharka involves a steady ascent through varied terrain. The trail crosses a stream and ascends to Tenki before moving northwest up the Jarsang Khola Valley. You’ll pass through meadows where yaks graze and cross a wooden bridge over the river. The gradual climb helps prevent altitude sickness as you reach Yak Kharka, a small settlement offering a peaceful environment and stunning views. You’ll stay overnight in a guesthouse, surrounded by the serene beauty of the high Himalayas.

Duration: 3-4 hours
Distance: 8 km

Your trek today takes you from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi, the base camp for the challenging Thorong La Pass. This small, bustling settlement is a critical stop for trekkers preparing for the pass. Some trekkers may choose to hike up to High Camp to make the next day’s ascent easier. Staying at Thorong Phedi allows for a restful night before tackling the strenuous climb ahead. The day’s trek is relatively short, preparing you for the big challenge of crossing the pass.

Duration: 8-10 hours
Distance: 16 km

Today is a demanding but rewarding day as you cross the Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,416 meters. The ascent starts early to avoid the afternoon snow and strong winds. As you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Himalayas and the Kali Gandaki Gorge. The descent to Muktinath, a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists, is steep but offers stunning scenery. You’ll need to be prepared for cold weather and strong winds. After a challenging day, you’ll reach Muktinath and settle into a guesthouse.

However, try to be extra careful as you descend. The path down can be slippery. After 5 hrs, we reached Muktinath, a secret site. Explore the temple and let the peaceful vibes wash over you. Overnight stay at the hotel, all meals included.

From Muktinath, you descend into the Kali Gandaki Valley, heading towards Marpha. This picturesque village is renowned for its apple orchards, and you’ll have the opportunity to sample various apple products, including local apple brandy. The trek takes you through charming villages and scenic landscapes, offering a contrast to the high-altitude terrain of the past days. Marpha’s serene environment and cultural richness make it a delightful place to spend the night.

Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: 17 km

Today, you trek from Marpha to Ghasa, descending through lush forests and crossing several streams. The route takes you through Kalopani, known for its stunning views of Mount Annapurna. The journey continues through areas filled with pine, rhododendron, and birch trees, offering excellent bird-watching opportunities. Ghasa, the last Thakali village, provides a picturesque and tranquil setting for your overnight stay, with its traditional wooden houses and serene surroundings.

Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 20 km

Your trek today takes you from Ghasa to Tatopani, where you’ll experience a steep descent to the Rupse Waterfall and traverse the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki Gorge. After descending, you’ll ascend slightly to reach Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs along the Kali Gandaki River. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the therapeutic waters and recharge your energy. Tatopani offers a rejuvenating end to a day of trekking, with comfortable guesthouse accommodations awaiting you.

Duration: Variable
Distance: Variable

This day is dedicated to relaxation at the natural hot springs in Tatopani. After days of trekking, take full advantage of the opportunity to unwind and soak in the healing waters. Enjoy a leisurely day in this tranquil setting, allowing your muscles to recover and your spirit to rejuvenate. You’ll spend the night in Tatopani, making the most of the restorative properties of the hot springs and the serene environment.

Duration: 7-8 hours
Distance: 19 km

On the fifteenth day, you’ll trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani. The trail begins with a gradual ascent through flatlands before climbing steeply through a dense rhododendron forest. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trek takes you through picturesque landscapes, and as you reach Ghorepani, you’ll find yourself in a charming village with fantastic views. Ghorepani, perched on a ridge, offers a comfortable guesthouse for your overnight stay.

Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 21 km (Trek) + Drive

Start your day with an early hike to Poon Hill for a spectacular sunrise and panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail. After enjoying the sunrise, return to Ghorepani and descend to Banthanti. From there, you’ll take a jeep ride to Pokhara, passing through scenic landscapes and enjoying the lush greenery along the way. Arriving in Pokhara, you’ll check into your hotel and relax after the day’s adventures.

Duration: 7-8 hours
Distance: 225 km

Today, you’ll travel back to Kathmandu by bus, passing through Damauli, Muglin, and Kurintar, where you can see Nepal’s first cable car reaching Manakamana Temple. Enjoy the scenic views of terraced fields, lush forests, and snow-capped mountains along the route. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you’ll check into your hotel and reflect on your trek. For a quicker return, you can opt for a domestic flight instead, though this may be subject to delays or cancellations depending on the season.

Duration: Variable
Distance: Variable

On the final day of your trip, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. As you prepare to leave, reflect on the incredible journey you’ve experienced and the memories you’ve made. With a heart full of adventure and a camera full of stunning views, you’ll head home, carrying the spirit of the Annapurna Circuit with you.