Nepal: Annapurna Circuit Trek

On this challenging classic trek around the Annapurnas you will encounter a fascinating variety of Tibetan/Nepali cultures set amongst some of the most impressive and varied landscapes found in the Himalayas. Although the core route is a popular trail, we endeavour to explore “off the beaten path”, in traditional expedition fashion, and interact with the region’s people. Combined with time in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can discover some of the best trekking Nepal offers, in just a 26-day trip.

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the Kathmandu Guest House. Short arrival briefing and afternoon walk-about in Thamel area or free to relax and get over your jet-lag!

DAY 2: Final briefing and preparations for the trek in the afternoon. Free to discover the shops, temples, back alleys, restaurants and people of Kathmandu on your own later in the day.

DAY 3: Transportation to the trailhead at Besisahar (2600ft, 790m). Travelling time from 8 – 10 hours. Camp.

Day 4: Begin trekking to Bahundanda (4300ft, 1310m). We travel along the Marsyangdi River until Bhulbhule where we cross over to the east bank. We descend to the Nadi Khola and cross the Musi Khola on a suspension bridge. The trail then steadily climbs it way up Bahundanda (Brahin Hill). During the day one is treated with beautiful views of Himalchuli and Peak 29. We camp near Bahundanda.

Day 5: To Chyamje (4600ft, 1400m). We cross over the Marsyangdi river once more to the west bank before reaching Syange. The trail then climbs through forest and Tibetan settlements to the high ground above the river, offering wonderful views of the river below.

Day 6: To Danagyu — an interesting route off the main trail.

Day 7: To Bhratang — hot springs near Lattamarang. Cross to south shore again to reach Bhratang (9600ft, 2925m), a former Khampa settlement — Tibetan warriors.

Day 8: To Pisang — monastery leave main trail again. As we approach Pisang (10800ft, 3300m) the surrounding forest opens up. There is a steep ascent from the valley to the village, which is some 100 m above the river. Pisang offers spectacular full views of Annapurna Two and Pisang Peak.

Day 9: To Ngawal (12000ft, 3650m) off the main trail on the spectacular high north-side route toward Manang. The route contours up through a pine and juniper forest and small green lake with incredible views of Gangapurna and Annapurnas II & III.

Day 10: To Manang via the 900 year old Braga monastery (11500ft, 3500m)

Day 11:Manang — Braga monastery. Rest and acclimatization day.

Day 12:To Yak Kharka (13500ft, 4100m) a 4 1/2 hr walk. The trail crosses a river and ascends to Tengi, gradually climbing out of the Marsyangdi valley and then heads off in a north west direction along the Jhargeng Khola valley. Enroute we trek above the tree line. .

Day 13: To Thorong Phedi (15000ft, 4575m) a 5 – 6 1/2 hr walk. The trail continues along east bank and then crosses the Jhargeng Khola by bridge. The trail continues on the opposite side of the valley over scree covered slopes. Camp at Phedi.

Day 14: To Muktinath — across Thorong La Pass (17700ft, 5400m). We depart first thing in the morning and begin the steep ascent lined with switch backs and rocky ridges until we reach the mountain pass at 15,300 ft. From here the gradient becomes less steep. We forge on over moraines and false peaks until we reach the summit plateau at 17,700 ft. Descend to Muktinath in the presence of mount Dhaulagiri. Spend the night near Muktinath (12500ft, 3800m).

Day 15: At Muktinath. Rest day, free to explore (or buffer day should one be lost earlier on).

Day 16: To Jomsom / Marpha (8750ft, 2670m) — via Kagbeni. Descend down the Jhong Khola Canyon, until we reach Kagbeni , and then turn south to follow along the Kali Gandaki River. Along the way we will have a direct view of Dhaulagiri (8168m). We pass through Jomsom, an administrative center, and then proceed on to Mar-pha, a large Thakali village lined with paved roads and boasting an important monastery.

Day 17: At Marpha. Rest day.

Day 18: To Lete Khola (8000ft, 2440m). Travelling is noticeably easier today, but we must cover a fair distance. During the day the valley narrows and forests reappear. (approx. 6 hours)

Day 19: To Tatopani (4000ft, 1200m) meaning ‘Hot Water’ in English - and the relaxing hot springs. As we descend into the Kali Gandaki Gorge the forest is replaced with semi-arid vegetation. Visit the therapeutic hot springs! (approx 6 hrs).

Day 20: To Ghorapani (9100ft, 2775m). Cross the Kali Gandaki by suspension bridge. We leave the Kali Gandaki Valley and begin as-cending along the Ghar Kola river passing through ancient rhododen-dron forests, and extensively ter-raced farm land.

Day 21: To Ghandrung (6400ft, 1950m). Up early and hike to Poon Hill at over 10,000 feet and enjoy the sunrise on the Annapurna range. Fantastic day long hike via Deorali to Ghandrung and the Modi Khola.

Day 22: To Thulo Kharka (Australian Camp) (6750ft, 2050m) Gentle hike through Gurung villages to this picturesque camping spot.

Day 23: To Phedi. Morning hike and afternoon drive to Pokhara. Overnight at comfortable hotel in Pokhara.

Day 24: Pokhara — Free day to explore.

Day 25: Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to Kathmandu Guest House.

Day 26: Trip ends.

Synopsis

Trip grading:

Length: 26 days from Kathmandu

(Trips start two days earlier and end one day later from North America).

Land Cost: $2395us / $2495ca (includes flight from Pokhara)

Airfare to Kathmandu: Apx. $1600 usd from USA, $1900 cad from Canada

Single supplement: $150 usd / $175 cad

Included in the land cost: 20 days trekking including all meals and major equipment; 5 nights accommodation in Kathmandu and/or Pokhara; flight from Pokhara, internal transportation to and from trek starting and ending points; airport transfers for all group flights; services of an experienced trip leader, cook, porters, and local guides. (Meals are not included in Kathmandu and Pokhara only).

You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.