Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek

Overnight Standard Hotel

After breakfast we will have a full briefing on the trekking days ahead, followed by a chance to visit a local hire shop to pick up any last minute equipment still needed. Following this, we then have a walking tour of the city, visiting the bazaars and the temples of old Kathmandu in the company of a local Nepalese guide. Nepal’s bustling capital is a captivating mix of spice sellers and potters, rickshaws and sacred cows, all crowded together amidst a city of vibrant noise and colour. Our sightseeing this morning takes in the sumptuous majesty of Durbar Square and its collection of ornate palaces, courtyards and temples, as well as the Asan Bazaar and the Kumari Ghar, home to the living goddess of the Kumari Devi. This afternoon we then plan to visit Swayambunath Temple, affectionately known as the monkey temple. The temple complex is perched on top of a hill to the west of central Kathmandu, offering views across the entire valley. At the centre is a large stupa with a glittering golden spire decorated with the eyes of Buddha looking out in all four directions. There are also several small temples at the site which we can visit before making our way back to our hotel.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Departing the city this morning we drive west, towards the beautiful mountain landscapes of Central Nepal, home to the towering peaks of the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and the iconic Machhapuchhre (the famous ‘Fish Tail’ mountain). Stopping for lunch along the way, on arrival in the foothills around Besi Sahar (760m) we begin our trek up to the Gurung village of Khudi (790m). Following the gorge we pass a sprinkling of small hamlets and tropical forest, before making our way across the Khudi Khola to follow the trail north along the Marsyangdi Valley to Bhulbule (840m). Approximately 3 hours walking.

Overnight Simple Teahouse Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we cross the Ngadi River by way of a high suspension bridge and continue along its east bank up to the settlement of Bahundanda. The route takes us through the villages of Ngadi and Lampata and to the north-east we are treated to some stunning views of Manaslu (8156m). From Bahundanda we then descend to a stream, before climbing to the village of Lili Bir, from where we continue to follow the trail high above the river. The track then descends to another bridge, at Syange (1190m), where we cross over to the western side of the Marsyangdi and hike up a steep trail to the ancient village of Jagat (1300m). Approximately 7 hours walking.

Overnight Simple Teahouse Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Jagat the trail descends along a meandering track that follows the Marsyangdi, mirroring the river’s course before winding up through forest to the small village of Chamje (1430m). Crossing the river to the east bank again, we then continue up to the large settlement of Tal (1675m), where we find a number of lodges and shops sharing the land-scapes with some breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. This presents us with an ideal spot to stop for lunch, before we resume our journey onto the village of Karte. The afternoon sees us crossing the river back and forth, snaking our way up the valley and passing through a collection of small villages en route to our final destination at Dharapani. Approximately 7 hours walking.

Overnight Simple Teahouse Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A rocky trail takes us west, following the Marsyangdi up the Manang Valley, where we enjoy some stunning views out towards Annapurna II (7937m) and Annapurna IV. These remote highlands are home to the Manangi people, itinerant traders who have traded salt and yaks across these mountains for centuries. Following in the footsteps of these mountain merchants of old, we head up through forests of oak and maple to Dhanakyu (2290m) and then on to the village of Latemarang (2360m). Our route then winds it way across several forested ridges to Kotho (2590m), from where we have a short easy walk down to Chame (2670m), the region’s administrative headquarters, where the distant views of Lamjung, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV provide a stunning backdrop to our day’s end. Approximately 7 hours walking.

Overnight Simple Teahouse Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Departing Chame, we cross over to the northern side of the river and follow a relatively easy trail up through apple orchards to the village of Bhratang (2840m), an old Khampa settlement that is largely abandoned these days. From here we then start along a trail that provides us with some of the most dramatic scenery of the journey so far. Blasted through the surrounding rock, the trail leads through a steep, narrow valley, blanketed in dense forest. As we exit the forest and cross the river over a bridge suspended some 3040m above sea level, we are treated to our first view of the spectacular Paungda Danda, a 1500 metre wall of rock that rises up from the river below. After crossing a ridge that lies festooned with prayer flags and stone cairns, we then reach the large village of Pisang. The village is split into lower and upper Pisang and from the gompa at the top of the town there are some lovely views out across the meandering streets and rambling houses of the lower town. Approximately 6 hours walking.

Overnight Simple Teahouse Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continuing along the south side of the river today we make a long climb up and over a ridge that takes us past 3400 metres. From here we enjoy some truly spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, before we descend into the valley and on to Hongde (3325m), a village that has the distinction of an airstrip, a police post and a truly impressive mani wall. Continuing on to Mungli, we then cross back to the north bank of the river and continue to the Tibetan-style village of Bryaga (3475m), where we find an engaging collection of interestingly stacked houses and the largest gompa in the district. The houses lie one on top of the other, the terraces of the upper houses forming the roofs of the ones below, whilst the monastery contains a wonderful collection of Tibetan Thankas that date back some 500 years. From here it is just a short walk on to the large community at Manang, our final destination for the day, where we find a settlement of some 500 houses, a chorten and a long mani wall etched with the Buddhist chant of ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’. Approximately 4 hours walking.

Overnight Simple Teahouse Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today has been left free to get a little more used to the conditions at these higher altitudes before we make the crossing of the Thorung-La. You can spend the day exploring the area around the village, taking some shorter hikes into the mountains to enjoy the views of the Chulu ranges and Thorung-La in the distance. It is important to get some rest today too though, so remember to conserve some energy for the days still to come.

Overnight Simple Teahouse Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Taking it steady today we trek to Tengi (3620m) and begin a slow climb towards Gunsang (3930m), enjoying the alpine landscapes and abundance of scrub juniper and alpine grasses that grow on these high slopes. The ever expansive views present us with a magnificent panorama that takes in the peaks of Gangapurna (7454m) and Annapurna III (7555m), as we make our way on to our overnight stop in Yak Kharka. Approximately 7 hours walking.

Overnight Simple Teahouse Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our first port of call today is the small settlement of Letdar (4250m), which we reach after an hour’s steady climb out of Yak Kharka. From here we continue to climb along the eastern bank of the Jarsang Khola, making our way up to Thorung Phedi (4450m). Translating as ‘foot of the hill’, this is the starting point for tomorrow’s long trek up to Thorung-La Pass. Approximately 7 hours walking.

Overnight Simple Teahouse Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We make an early start this morning and begin the long climb to Thorung-La, a journey that should take us some 4 hours (depending upon the fitness and conditions of the group). The trail up to the pass follows a route that has been used by local herders for centuries, crossing through moraine and snow and snaking its way steeply up over the rocky ridges. As we approach the pass we are greeted by the sight of a traditional chorten and fluttering prayer flags and as we crest the summit the views before us a simply staggering. A panorama of Himalayan giants lies before us, with the immense Kali Gandaki Valley lying off to the west and the towering peak of Yakgawa Kang (6481m) to the north. After stopping to rest and enjoy the stunning vistas, we then begin the long trek down to Muktinath, a 1600 metre descent that affords us some glorious views of Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Tukuche Peak (6920m). The moraine trail eventually gives way to grassy slopes, with the final part of our journey taking us along the upper reaches of the Jhong Valley to Muktinath and Ranipauwa, where we end our crossing of the Thorung-La. Approximately 8-10 hours walking (depending on weather).

Overnight Simple Teahouse Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we visit two small temples, one an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, the other for Buddhists.  After visiting the temples we begin our trek to Kagbeni, via the village of Jong, which avoids the newly constructed road. We spend the night in Kagbeni, the gateway to  the region of Mustang.  Approximately 4 hours walking.

Overnight Simple Teahouse Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After leaving Kagbeni, we follow the Ekle Bhatti- Jomsom trails on the opposite side of the river to reach Jomsom. Throughout the day we are met with views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. We walk further through Thini Village to reach Dumba Lake and Monastery after which we walk down from the ridge and cross stream to reach Marpha. Marpha is a typical Thakali village and it is famous for its apples and brandy. Approximately 7 hours walking.

Overnight Simple Teahouse Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We cross the river and walk to Chokhepani through Tibetan Refugee camp at Chairo, before continuing on to Tukuche. From Tukuche the trail is undulating and we pass through the small villages of Sauru, Kobang and Larjung along the way. After lunch we cross the river and continue our walk down to Kalopani. Approximately 7 hours walking.

Overnight Simple Teahouse Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We come close to one of the main access roads today and so head off the standard trail and follow the river until we reach Ghasa. We descend for most of the day and make a final cross of the river just before we reach Tatopani. The name Tatopani means hot water and this village is lucky enough to have two hot springs.  We can take time to give our legs a well earned dip in the springs before the final stages of our trek.  Approximately 7 hours walking.

Overnight Simple Teahouse Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we climb steadily through thick forest until we reach Shikha.  From this vantage point we have stunning views down through the Kali Gandaki Valley and across to the Dhaulagiri range. Continuing through rhododendron forest we make our way to Ghorepani. Approximately 8 hours walking.

Overnight Simple Teahouse Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

An early rise this as we leave our teahouse and make the ascent of Poon Hill for sunrise. From the top we have panoramic views of the Annapurna Range and if the weather permits we can watch the sun rise over the peaks of Annapurna 1, Annapurna South Machhapuchhare and Dhaulagiri amongst others. We return to Ghorepani for a well earned breakfast before descending to Birethanti. Approximately 7 hours walking.

Overnight Simple Teahouse Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have a short walk this morning to the small village of Nayapul where we say goodbye to our trekking crew and drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is Nepal’s second largest town and presents a far more relaxed aspect than Kathmandu: its beautiful lakeside setting, beneath the imposing shadow of the stunning Annapurna Range, making it the perfect ending point for our trek. There should be time to enjoy some of the town’s many attractions today, with options to visit the thriving Tibetan village of Tashiling, or perhaps take a boat trip out onto the lake to visit the small temple of Barahi Mandir. Today may also be needed as a 'buffer' day should there be any delays to the flight back from Jomsom, in which case we will spend the time visiting the Thakali village of Marpha (2680m), a unique community of paved streets and apple orchards that is famed for its apple brandy.In the exceptional case that the flight was to be delayed even further we will travel out of the mountains by local jeeps on the rough road that now reaches Jomsom.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

An early morning transfer to the domestic terminal sees us boarding the flight for the short 30 minute flight back to Kathmandu. This afternoon there is then an opportunity to take an optional excursion to the almost perfectly preserved Newari town of Bhaktapur in the eastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley. Also know as Bhadgaun or the City of the Devotees, Bhaktapur evokes the feel of a medieval village, a snapshot of a time when the city lay along the prosperous trade routes between Tibet, China and India. The ancient centre of the town is blessed with a dazzling collection of temples, palaces and monasteries that has earned it a place on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Included meals: Breakfast