Annapurna Circuit Trek - 16 Days

You are welcomed by a team member of Access Nepal on your arrival in Kathmandu and escorted to your hotel. You’ll have some time to rest and relax until the evening when we’ll gather for a special welcome dinner. This dinner will be in a traditional Nepali restaurant, complete with cultural performances. 

Included: Airport pick-up, Accommodation with breakfast

After breakfast, we start on a tour of four of Kathmandu’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each of these places shows the city’s rich cultural and religious diversity.

We start at Pashupatinath, a sacred Hindu temple complex dedicated to Pashupatinath, the lord of all beings. Here, you’ll see the Bagmati River and Aryaghat, a significant cremation site. This spot offers a profound glimpse into the cycle of life and death.

Next, we visit Boudhanath, famous for its massive white stupa with a golden pyramid top and painted eyes. Surrounded by prayer wheels, saffron-clad monks, and bustling souvenir shops, the atmosphere is both peaceful and vibrant.

Our journey continues to Kathmandu Durbar Square, famed for its intricate wooden and stone architecture. This historical site features pagoda-style temples dedicated to Hindu deities and is home to Kumari, the living goddess. 

We also explore Swoyambhunath, a Buddhist stupa perched on a hilltop. Here you will get to see the panoramic views of the city. You can also experience Tibetan Buddhism and visit various temples and monuments.

After the tour, a private vehicle will return you to your hotel and check our trekking gear and equipment. You may explore the jovial Thamel market if you have time.

In the evening when we’ll gather for a special welcome dinner. This dinner will be in a traditional Nepali style, complete with cultural performances to give you a taste of the local heritage. After dinner, back to the hotel, we’ll hold a pre-trek briefing to go over the details of the trip ahead. You’ll meet your trek guide and the crew members who will be accompanying you.

Included: Day sightseeing and Accommodation with breakfast

After breakfast, we start our journey to the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit trek. We drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway through towns, and paddy fields and over numerous short and long bridges to reach Dumre. We then follow the road above the Marsyangdi River and arrive at Besishahar about 7 hours later. Later in the afternoon, we explore the town of Besishahar. Dinner and overnight at Besishahar.

Included: Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

The drive along the Annapurna Circuit starts in the morning after breakfast. A motorable road has virtually replaced the trekking trail but the scenic beauty still remains as beautiful.

We drive along the serpentine country road through paddy fields and villages with the view of Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli gracing us. Thereafter, we cross streams and drive past cascading waterfalls aplenty. As we traverse the pine and fir forests near the village of Bagarchhap, we can savor our first view of the Annapurna. Up ahead, the landscape starts to change noticeably, as pine and fir forests replace the lush vegetation and sparse houses supersede dense villages. The trail now climbs up the Manang Valley to Danakyu offering glimpses of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Manalsu. It is followed ahead by a series of ups and downs past buckwheat fields, apple orchards, and forests before we arrive at Chame to stop for the night. If you’re up for it, we have the option of enjoying a hot spring pool.

Included: Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

The drive along the Annapurna Circuit starts in the morning after breakfast. A motorable road has virtually replaced the trekking trail but the scenic beauty still remains as beautiful.

We drive along the serpentine country road through paddy fields and villages with the view of Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli gracing us. Thereafter, we cross streams and drive past cascading waterfalls aplenty. As we traverse the pine and fir forests near the village of Bagarchhap, we can savor our first view of the Annapurna. Up ahead, the landscape starts to change noticeably, as pine and fir forests replace the lush vegetation and sparse houses supersede dense villages. The trail now climbs up the Manang Valley to Danakyu offering glimpses of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Manalsu. It is followed by a series of ups and downs past buckwheat fields, apple orchards, and forests before we arrive at Chame to stop for the night. If you’re up for it, we have the option of enjoying a hot spring pool. 

Included: Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

At the start of the day’s trek, we pass through a ‘Kani’ gate and then navigate a serpentine path against the side of a mountain up ahead. A densely forested trail is also part of the trek before we arrive at a suspension bridge. On the other side, the trail climbs up before we arrive at the picturesque village of Ghyaru. Walking along the narrow stone-paved alley, through clustered stone houses with thatched roofs makes the walk intriguing. The trail ahead mostly levels out with a gradual climb in some sections. A welcome gate marks the arrival of Ngawal where we stop for the night with spectacular views.

Included: Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

The trek starts along a pleasant trail through fields and past a few monasteries as we exit Ngawal. We are accompanied by the beautiful Annapurna on the left. The trail drops gradually to the Julu River and we continue the descent all the way to reach the beautiful village of Braga. More impressive desert scenery highlights the trail ahead while the gigantic Annapurnas soar above. We pass mani walls, Chortens, and streams with grind mills to reach Manang, half an hour later. A brief exploration before our overnight at Manang.

Included: Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

After continuous days of trek and with the altitude gain significant, we enjoy our day of acclimatization in the stunning ambiance of Manang. The town of Manang is placed on a plateau as the majestic Annapurna and Gangapurna mountains soar above. The scenic glacial lake view of Gangapurna is our perk for the morning hike. It is a two-hour walk (both ways) below the town. We can enjoy spectacular views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Annapurna II, Pisang, and other peaks in the western part of Manang Valley from around the lake and the Chongkor viewpoint. We head back to Manang, enjoy lunch, and further explore the fascinating medieval town of Manang with traditional houses and narrow alleys. The remaining time may be spent in rest and relaxation. We may also indulge in shopping at the well-stocked stores and eateries in the town before we call it a night.

Included: Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Today’s journey leads you to the enchanting destination of Yak Kharka. Embrace the mesmerizing transformation of landscapes as you ascend, encountering a tapestry of picturesque villages, a diverse mosaic of terrains, undulating hills that paint a breathtaking panorama, and the timeless allure of mani walls. Traverse through alpine yak pastures that adorn the path, each step bringing you closer to the captivating allure of Yak Kharka. 

Included: Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Today’s adventure commences with a serene hike across expansive flat fields adorned with awe-inspiring mountain vistas, leading you toward the picturesque destination of Churi Ledar. Departing from Churi Ledar, your journey entails traversing a sizable suspension bridge, followed by ascending a steep path that reconnects with the trail on the opposite side of the valley. Along this path, you’ll encounter a passage through a landslide, a section that warrants caution and adherence to your guide’s instructions. Beyond this point lies the arrival at Thorang Phedi, marking the culmination of this exhilarating day’s trek. 

Included: Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

After a wholesome breakfast, we prepare for the toughest section of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Crossing the Thorung La pass averages about four hours. Before we set off, the current weather needs to be taken into serious consideration. The climb resumes alongside moraines before a cluster of prayer flags signal the nearing of the pass. On reaching the highest point of the trek at 5416m (17769ft), we are treated to magnificent views while the congratulatory sign adds to the excitement. The Annapurna massif, Gangapurna, and Khatung Kang peaks along with the Kaligandaki Valley (to the west) and the arid Manang Valley (to the east) make up the southern view, and the Yakwakang peak can be seen in the north.

We now have ahead of us a steep descent (over 1600m / 5249ft) all the way to Muktinath. The initial part of the descent requires careful navigation as the melting snow renders the trail slippery. Eventually, the descent gets pleasant as we continue downwards and start to walk past green meadows and vegetation. On arriving at Muktinath about four hours later, we leave the detailed exploration for the next day and head to our lodge to get dinner and a good night’s rest.

Included: Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

After breakfast, we head to the sacred area of Muktinath in the early morning. Monuments to explore on the premises of Muktinath include the popular 108 brass waterspouts, the Shiva and Vishnu temples flanked by other shrines, the Gompa Sambha monastery, and the Jwalamai temple (with a burning flame of natural gas) among others.

Next off, we are up for a drive of about 70 km along the country road. The first section of the drive up to Kagbeni is quite interesting as you pass through medieval fortified towns like Jharkot and Khingar where the traditional stone houses and monasteries are quite a sight. The drive continues to Eklebhatti via Kagbeni. From here onwards, the drive is along the Kaligandaki River all the way to Tatopani. To our sheer delight, the scenery includes plenty of desert landscapes with oases of apple orchards and paddy fields. Moreover, Tukuche Peak, Mt. Annapurna I, Nilgiri, and the Dhaulagiri range may also be witnessed on the way. At Tatopani, you may treat your sore muscles to a well-deserved relaxation at the natural hot water springs down towards the river. Overnight at Tatopani.

Included: Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

We start with a brief descent to cross the Kaligandaki River before chasing the trail to Ghorepani on the other side of the suspension bridge over Ghara Khola. Then, we take the steep uphill trail that leads to the village of Shikha. This section of the Annapurna Circuit trail is quite interesting and leads to the more frequented region of the Annapurna.

An early morning hike to the Poon Hill viewpoint offers a beautiful sunrise view over the panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Annapurna I (8091m), Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Nilgiri (6940m), and Tukuche (6920m) can be witnessed from here. After a return hike to Ghorepani, we have breakfast at the teahouse and prepare for our hike down to Ulleri. The hike to Ulleri begins along a gradual trail and then drops steeply after Nangethanti. Eventually, we find ourselves walking through a dense oak and rhododendron forest. It is a beautiful walk, particularly during the Spring season with the wildflowers in full bloom. We arrive at Banthanti shortly and then make our way down to Ulleri. We then navigate the winding country road to Birethanti before joining the highway that leads to Pokhara, marking the end of our Annapurna Circuit trek.

Next, we continue our walk through the rhododendron forest for almost three hours before reaching the village of Ghorepani. The Gurung village is worth an exploration trip before we end the day with dinner and some rest.

Included: Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

An early morning hike to the Poon Hill viewpoint offers a beautiful sunrise view over the panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Annapurna I (8091m), Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Nilgiri (6940m), and Tukuche (6920m) can be witnessed from here. After a return hike to Ghorepani, we have breakfast at the teahouse and prepare for our hike down to Ulleri. The hike to Ulleri begins along a gradual trail and then drops steeply after Nangethanti. Eventually, we find ourselves walking through a dense oak and rhododendron forest. It is a beautiful walk, particularly during the Spring season with the wildflowers in full bloom. We arrive at Banthanti shortly and then make our way down to Ulleri. We then navigate the winding country road to Birethanti before joining the highway that leads to Pokhara, marking the end of our Annapurna Circuit trek.

Included: Lodge accommodation with full board of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

After breakfast, we board the tourist bus back to Kathmandu. The drive is along the Prithvi Highway along the hilly road that goes over numerous bridges, towns, and sub-urban fields. On reaching Kathmandu, you are escorted to your hotel. In the evening, we’ll gather for feedback and celebrate with a farewell dinner at one of Kathmandu’s finest restaurants. If you want to stay a few more days in Kathmandu or add more activities, just let us know. We can help arrange extra days and trips to fit your plans.

Included: Return tourist bus transfer to Kathmandu, Farewell Dinner, Accommodation with breakfast

The Annapurna Circuit trek has ended, and for a change, you do not have to attend a wake-up call to be ready for the day’s trek. You may choose to spend the last day in Kathmandu as you prefer. We would be happy to recommend more places of interest for exploration or outdoor activities like rafting, climbing, cooking local cuisine, and leisurely or spiritual sightseeing.

We will drop you off via a private vehicle at the airport. Hope to see you again!