Nepal: 12 Days Annapurna Circuit Trekking

  • Moderate
  • 5,416 M
  • 7 Days Tea House
  • 4 Days Hotel Days
  • 8 Days Trekking Days

Annapurna Circuit Trekking: Exploring the Marsyangdi Trail and Throngla Pass

Annapurna Circuit Trekking is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the Nepal Himalayas. This trek offers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush green forests to arid desert-like regions, and from high-altitude passes to traditional mountain villages. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the trek, starting with the route and the best time to visit.

Route of Annapurna Circuit Trekking

The route of the Annapurna Circuit Trekking has been modified in recent years to meet the time constraints of tourists. On the first day of the trek, we drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani, the starting point of the trek. This journey takes about 9 to 10 hours by bus or other private transportation. Or we can drive directly to Manang.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking is generally called the Marsyangdi trail, which goes upstream along the Marsyangdi River. The trek starts from Dharapani and follows the river upstream to reach Manang village, which was once a kingdom. The trek provides a glimpse of the region’s diverse landscape, including canyons, gorges, and the north side of the Annapurna Himalayas.

Exploring Manang Village

Once we get to Manang, we stay there for a day to acclimatize to the high altitude. This is because we are going to cross the Throngla Pass, which is 5416m above sea level and is one of the world’s highest passes. Manang is a beautiful village with traditional houses, Monasteries, and Chortens. It is also a hub for trekkers who are on their way to the Throngla Pass. The village provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Chulu West.

Crossing Throng La Pass

After acclimatizing to the high altitude in Manang, trekkers are ready to face the challenging Throng La Pass, which stands at a height of 5416 meters above sea level. It is one of the highest passes in the world and offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayas. Crossing the pass requires physical endurance and mental strength, but it is an unforgettable experience that rewards trekkers with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Descending to Muktinath

Once trekkers cross the Throng La Pass, they descend to the sacred town of Muktinath, located at an altitude of 3800 meters. Muktinath holds great significance in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology and is considered one of the holiest places in Nepal. The town is home to a famous temple, which is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, a Hindu deity, and contains a holy flame that is believed to have been burning for centuries.

Final Destination: Jomsom

Jomsom is the final destination of the Annapurna Circuit trek. It is a popular town situated at an altitude of 2800 meters and is known for its unique culture and beautiful scenery. The town is famous for its apples and apple brandy and offers a range of accommodation options for trekkers. From Jomsom, trekkers can take a direct flight back to Pokhara, which marks the end of the trek.

Conclusion

The Annapurna Circuit trek is an unforgettable experience that takes trekkers through a diverse range of landscapes and cultural experiences. It offers stunning views of the Annapurna Himalayas and allows trekkers to immerse themselves in the local culture and customs of the region. The trek is a physically challenging but rewarding experience that is suitable for experienced trekkers and novice hikers alike. The best time to embark on this adventure is from March to May and September to November when the weather is mild and the skies are clear. Overall, the Annapurna Circuit trek is a must-do for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Nepal Himalayas.

Day to day schedule to Nepal: 12 Days Annapurna Circuit Trekking

  • Day 01: Arrival o/n in a hotel +D

    Arrival and pick up from the international airport in Kathmandu, after some refreshment we will invite you for a traditional Nepali dinner.

  • Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley o/n in a hotel +B

    After breakfast, we will start sightseeing tours around Kathmandu valley, the sightseeing program is focused to introduce some highlights and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu such as Durbar square, Swoyambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Bouddhanath.

  • Day 03: Drive to Koto (9/10 hrs, 2800m) o/n in the lodge. +B+L+D

    Today you will be picked up from your hotel for the drive to Koto. Your journey takes you through deep gorges as you trace the Trisuli River westwards. You will pass through the small town of Mugling where the Trisuli and Marshyangdi rivers meet. The town also serves as the crossroads between Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan in the South. Upon arrival at Mugling, we head along the road toward Pokhara. We leave the highway to Pokhara at Dumre and head north to Koto, the starting point of our trek.

  • Day 04: Trek to Pisang (5hrs, 3190m) o/n in lodge. +B+L+D

    This day is a shorter trek to Pisang. However, as it is so beautiful most trekkers take their time to admire the scenery and take lots of photographs. You will pass through a series of mani walls. The trail is pretty even until the apple orchards of Brathang. The trail heads uphill for about 45 minutes through the forest, leveling off before reaching a suspension bridge. A moderate climb follows after crossing the bridge through a forest consisting of Juniper, Pine, and Fir. The valley begins to broaden and Pisang Peak 6091m stands out in front of you. You pass a couple of small lakes where sometimes birds can be seen wading. Pisang is divided into upper and lower.

  • Day 05: Trek to Manang (7 hrs, 3540m) o/n in lodge. +B+L+D

    From Lower Pisang, we climbed steadily up the hill, past a lovely little green lake, and then more steeply, zig-zagging over the open ground all the way up to Ghyaru. we then walk along a contour path high up on the valley side, stop for lunch at Nawal, here we can see the paranomic view of Annapurna II, avalanche, Annapurna 3, Annapurna 4, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Humde valley. After crossing to the north bank of the river near Mungli we will reach Braga at (3475m) – A Tibetan-style village with an ancient gompa. After a short walk, we will reach Manang.

  • Day 06: Rest day at Manang o/n in lodge. +B+L+D

    To adjust to the thinning air and lessening pressure, the day is kept aside for acclimatization to continue upwards towards the Thorung La the next day. On this day, we can walk around to a number of the interesting areas near Manang, though it is also important to rest before the trek to a higher altitude.

  • Day 07: Trek to Yak Kharka (4018 m, 5 hrs) o/n in Lodge +B+L+D

    The trail continues to climb out of the Marsyangdi Valley. The trail follows this valley north, passing a Goths as it steadily gains elevation. You have left the large trees below; the vegetation now consists of scrub juniper and alpine grasses. you can keep high and follow a track above Khangsar village passing through the ruins of old Khangsar and follow an unmarked trail which will lead you around and down to cross the river on an old log bridge between Gunsang and Yak Kharka. It’s fun to see large yaks grazing at Yak Kharka. The view of Annapurna III is excellent.

  • Day 08: Trek to Thorungla Phedi (4-5hrs, 4450m) o/n in lodge. +B+L+D

    The first small settlement we reach after a steady walk upwards is Letdar (4250m). With a climb along the east bank of the Jarsang Khola, we will reach Thorung Phedi (4450m) which means “foot of the hill”, and indeed this is the starting point for the long trek up to the pass at 5416m.

  • Day 09: Trek to Muktinath via Thorung La Pass (5416m) and drive to Jomsom (7-8hrs, 3800m) o/n in lodge +B+L+D

    Depending on the fitness and acclimatization, the walk to Thorung La could take less than 4 hours, but we will make a steady climb up to the Thorung La (“la” means “pass”) with the aim to reach the pass in four hours from Phedi. The site one can see upon reaching the pass is of traditional Chorten, prayer flags, cairn, and the panorama of Himalayan giants along with the first view of the immense Kali Gandaki valley to the west. As we descend we can have great views of Dhaulagiri (8167m) to the south-west, and Tukuche Peak (6920m) as we reach down to Muktinath and Ranipauwa. And further 1 and half hours drive to Jomsom.

  • Day 10: Flight to Pokhara to Kathmandu o/n in a hotel +B

  • Day 11: Free day in Kathmandu o/n in Hotel +B

  • Day 12: Departure +B

    After having breakfast, enjoy the leisure t.ime until transfer to the airport.

What is included?

  • Arrival and transfer transport from to international and domestic airport in Kathmandu
  • Hotel with bed and breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Government licensed guide for sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
  • Government licensed trekking guide and porters during trekking
  • 3 meals a day during trekking (B, L, D)
  • Accommodation in hotel and lodge
  • Conservation fee and TIMS
  • Private Transfer from Kathmandu to trekking starting point
  • Domestic flight ticket JOM-PKR-KTM

What is excluded?

  • International flight ticket and airport tax
  • Sleeping bag
  • Nepal visa fees
  • Personal expenses, personal travel insurance
  • Tips for local staff
  • and other expenses not mention above
  • Personal insurance for helicopter rescue in case of emergency
  • Lunch and dinner in city

Trip Dates and Availibility

From/To Availability
From 18 Aug, 2023 To 29 Aug, 2023 Guaranteed when booking Inquire
From 11 Sep, 2023 To 22 Sep, 2023 Guaranteed when booking Inquire
From 25 Mar, 2024 To 5 Apr, 2024 Guaranteed when booking Inquire
From 19 Apr, 2024 To 30 Apr, 2024 Guaranteed when booking Inquire

Best Seasons Listing

Best Season
February to June, August to November

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Nepal Trekking

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