Annapurna Circuit trek

The Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal is a spectacular 16-day journey that showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Annapurna region, combining rich cultural experiences and diverse landscapes. Starting in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, trekkers will drive to Chamje, where the adventure truly begins. The trek winds through lush forests, charming villages, and terraced fields, gradually ascending to higher altitudes while offering stunning views of majestic peaks like Annapurna and Manaslu.

Key highlights of the trek include an acclimatization day in Manang, which allows trekkers to adapt to the altitude while exploring the local culture and stunning landscapes. The journey reaches its pinnacle on Day 10 when trekkers cross the Thorung La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,416 meters, rewarding them with panoramic vistas of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.

The trek then descends through the picturesque village of Muktinath, famous for its spiritual significance, and continues to Jomsom, where the landscape transforms dramatically. The route culminates with a relaxing visit to the hot springs in Tatopani, followed by a scenic trek to Ghorepani, renowned for its breathtaking sunrise views from Poon Hill.

After returning to Nayapul, trekkers will have the opportunity to unwind in Pokhara before departing, creating unforgettable memories of this incredible adventure in the heart of the Himalayas. The Annapurna Circuit offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and exhilarating trekking experiences, making it a must-do for adventure enthusiasts.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Outfitters Nepal will greet you with a warm Namaste and assist you with your transfer to your hotel. After settling in, depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the vibrant areas of Basantapur, Thamel, and Durbar Square. This day serves as a relaxing start to your adventure, allowing you to acclimate to the new surroundings.

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Chamje via Besisahar

In the morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel to help load your luggage into a private vehicle. The day involves an eight-hour journey through picturesque hills and charming villages, with stunning views along the way. You will travel from Kathmandu to Besisahar, where the scenic landscape unfolds before you. Upon arriving at Chamje, the breathtaking sights of Manaslu and Lamjung Himal greet you, marking the beginning of your trekking adventure.

Day 3: Trek from Chamje to Dharapani

Today’s trek covers a distance of 15 km (9 miles) from Chamje to Dharapani, taking approximately 6 hours. You will start your hike early in the morning, ascending through dense forests and encountering traditional villages such as Danakyu, Bagarchhap, and Timang. The trek provides incredible views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges, immersing you in the natural beauty of the region as you make your way to the mountain lodge in Dharapani.

Day 4: Trek from Dharapani to Chame

On the fourth day, your trek from Dharapani to Chame offers spectacular scenery as you walk past alpine meadows and traditional villages. The trek starts at an elevation of 1,860 meters and ascends to a maximum altitude of 2,710 meters. Covering a distance of 19 km (11.8 miles) in about 5 hours, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, making this a memorable day on the trail.

Day 5: Trek from Chame to Pisang

Today’s trek begins with a steep ascent from Chame as you navigate through dense pine forests alongside rivers. The hike covers a distance of 15 km (9.3 miles) and will take about 5-6 hours to complete. You will pass by picturesque villages such as Bhratang and Dhukur Pokhari, eventually arriving in Pisang. In the afternoon, you can explore the nearby areas at your leisure, soaking in the local culture and breathtaking landscapes.

Day 6: Trek from Pisang to Manang

The trek from Pisang to Manang presents a challenging yet rewarding journey. Starting at 3,200 meters, you will hike uphill for a total distance of 15 km (9.9 miles), reaching an elevation of 3,540 meters by the end of the day. The trail takes you through Ghyaru, Ngawal, and Braga villages, offering stunning views along the way. You can expect to spend around 6-7 hours trekking, culminating in a cozy night at a mountain lodge in Manang.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Manang

Today is set aside for acclimatization as you are now trekking above 3,000 meters. Manang offers various optional day hikes that are ideal for acclimatizing your body. You can hike to stunning viewpoints, visit the Ganagapurna Glacier Lake, or explore the local area. Additionally, a visit to the Manang aid station, operated by the Himalayan Rescue Association, is highly recommended to gain insights into altitude sickness and acclimatization strategies.

Day 8: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka

Today’s trek is a shorter and more comfortable journey from Manang to Yak Kharka. Starting at 3,450 meters, you will hike approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) over 4-5 hours, passing through Ghunsang where you can stop for lunch. Upon reaching Yak Kharka (4,110 meters), you can take the time to relax and explore the nearby areas, enjoying the tranquility of the mountains.

Day 9: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi

Similar to the previous day, today’s hike from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi is also relatively short, covering about 9 km (5.6 miles) over 3-4 hours. You’ll stop at Ledar for lunch before continuing your trek. By the end of the day, you’ll have gained an elevation of 340 meters, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,450 meters at Thorung Phedi, where you will rest in preparation for the challenging ascent to Thorung La Pass tomorrow.

Day 10: Trek from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath via Thorung La Pass

This is the highlight of your trek as you will cross the Thorung La Pass, the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit at 5,416 meters. An early morning departure is essential for this challenging trek, which takes about 7-8 hours. As you reach the pass, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The descent to Muktinath is steep but offers stunning vistas, culminating in a well-deserved rest at a mountain lodge.

Day 11: Visit Muktinath Temple and Trek to Jomsom

After a hearty breakfast, you will head to Muktinath, one of the most revered religious sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. The morning is spent exploring the temple and enjoying panoramic views of the mountains. Following your visit, you will trek towards Jomsom, covering approximately 15 km (9.3 miles) over 5-6 hours, and spending the night in a cozy tea house.

Day 12: Drive from Jomsom to Tatopani

Today, you will enjoy a scenic jeep ride from Jomsom to Tatopani, where the roads are bumpy yet exhilarating. After breakfast, the journey will allow you to take in the beauty of the Kali Gandaki River valley. Once you arrive in Tatopani, you can unwind at the famous hot springs, known for their healing properties—perfect for relaxing after your challenging trek.

Day 13: Trek from Tatopani to Shikha

Resuming your trek, you will hike from Tatopani to the beautiful village of Shikha. Starting after breakfast, the trail involves a steady uphill ascent to Ghara (1,700 meters), followed by a more level path to Shikha. This village is known for its agricultural landscape and the presence of families whose members serve in the Gurkha army. You will stay in a tea house, enjoying the charm of this rural community.

Day 14: Trek from Shikha to Ghorepani

After breakfast in Shikha, you will continue your trek towards Ghorepani. The trail takes you through several small villages, such as Phatale and Chitre, with a mostly steady ascent. The journey is characterized by lush forests and beautiful mountain views, making it a delightful day on the trail. Once you arrive in Ghorepani, you will have time to relax and take in the breathtaking surroundings.

Day 15: Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill and Return to Nayapul

Early in the morning, you will hike to Poon Hill, a renowned viewpoint famous for its stunning sunrise over the Annapurna range. After soaking in the views, you will return to Ghorepani for breakfast before beginning your trek back down to Nayapul. The trek back will take about 6-7 hours, allowing you to reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had over the past two weeks. Upon reaching Nayapul, you will be transported back to Pokhara, where you can relax and enjoy the vibrant lakeside atmosphere.

Day 16: Departure from Pokhara

On your final day, you will have some free time to explore Pokhara before your scheduled departure. You can visit the local markets, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake, or simply relax in the serene surroundings of the Himalayas. A representative from Outfitters Nepal will assist you with your transfer to the airport for your departure, marking the end of an unforgettable trekking experience in Nepal.

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