The Annapurna Circuit is a trek within the Annapurna mountain range of central Nepal.The total length of the route varies between 160–230 km (100-145 mi), depending on where motor transportation is used and where the trek is ended. This trek crosses two different river valleys and encircles the Annapurna massif. The path reaches its highest point at Thorung La pass (5416m/17769 ft), touching the edge of the Tibetan plateau.
Practically all trekkers hike the route anticlockwise, as this way the daily altitude gain is slower, and crossing the high Thorong La pass is easier and safer. The mountain scenery, seen at close quarters includes the Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda. Numerous other peaks of 6000-8000m in elevation rise from the Annapurna range. The trek begins at Besisahar or Bhulbhule in the Marshyangdi river valley and concludes in the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Besisahar can be reached after a seven-hour drive from Kathmandu.
Overview
Starting Trek point: Jomsom
Ending Trek point: Jomsom
Highest altitude to gain: Dhi Pass (4100 m)
Difficulty: 3.8 out of 5
Seasons to avoid trekking here: December to February (winter season)
Itinerary
Altitude information: Kathmandu (1400m)
Your arrival will be awaited by our representatives at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). You will be transferred to the hotel rooms in the city along with your luggage. There is no specific activity designated for this day. You will meet the rest of the trekking team and representatives and you will have all the freedom to prepare yourself for the next day.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Kathmandu (1400m), Pokhara (822m)
We leave the bustling city of Kathmandu and fly to Pokhara. The flight experience guarantees unforgettable panoramic mountain scenery and an aerial view of Pokhara also popularly known as “The city of lakes”.
We can shop for gears and other essential items in Pokhara for final preparation.
Overnight in Pokhara
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Pokhara (822 m), Jomsom (2740 m), Kagbeni (2830 m)
We leave Pokhara on a magical flight to the gateway of the upper mustang, Jomsom. It will take us about 22 minutes to reach Jomsom but with a beautiful aerial view of the Annapurna range and Mt. Dhaulagiri, the flight duration will feel like a minute trip.
After we finally enter the mustang district we trek towards Kagbeni. You will immediately see the vast difference in the landscape as we enjoy and cherish the barren beauty of Jomsom. It will take us about 3 hours to reach Kagbeni from Jomsom. The hike today is easy and short. Once we reach Kagbeni we will explore the area and the Red Monastery.
Overnight in Kagbeni
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Kagbeni (2830 m), Chele (3050 m)
After leaving Jomsom situated at the banks of Gandaki River we start today walking alongside the Gandaki River. We enter the upper mustang premises today after our permits are checked and approved. When we approach the Tangbe village we start seeing more typical Tibetan-style houses. Open fields of barley and apple orchards decorate the village. We then cross a river to reach Chele village where we explore the beautiful area and spend our night.
Overnight in Chele
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
We continue our trek with chortens and main walls along the ridge leading us to the village of Samar. It will take us about 3 hours to reach Samar village from Chele. We will cross Ramching Cave and also acclimate towards the Taklam La Pass (3624 m) and Darjori La Pass (3735 m). The trek today will be difficult but once we gain altitude we will be able to see the Yakama Kang peaks, Damodar danda, and a range of multiple snowcapped mountains.
We finally walk down another steep trail to reach our resting destination, the village of Syangboche.
Overnight in Syangboche
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Syangboche (3800 m), Ghami (3520 m), Tsarang (3560 m)
We will continue our walk in the barren heaven but as you gain altitude the wind speed can cause a dusty experience so sunglasses and a piece of cloth for covering your skin are highly recommended. It will take us about 4 hours to reach Ghami where we will have our lunch. Then from Ghami, it is about 9 km to reach Tsarang which will take us approximately 3-4 hours. Tsarang is a small village situated at the top of Tszang Chu canyon which is full of maze fields and willow trees.
Once we reach Tsarang we will explore the area and most importantly visit an ancient red monastery to learn about the culture there.
.
Overnight in Tsarang
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Tsarang (3560 m), Lo Manthang (3810 m)
Once known as the kingdom of King Lo, we finally step foot in the capital of the Mustang Kingdom. We pass the Charang Chu from where we will get our first view of Lo Manthang. We will be covering around 13 km of ground today. The cultural and traditional essence of this place is immense and one can only know the actual value of Lo Manthang’s ever-growing history after seeing the beautiful whitewashed walls, caves, gompas, and colorful Buddhist monuments. The peaks of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Bhrikuti Himal, and Annapurna are seen very distinctly from here, adding frosting to the cake.
.
Overnight in Lo Manthang
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Lo Manthang (3810 m), Choser caves (3770 m)
Today we will visit the cave of Choser. This ancient cave is the biggest highlight of the forbidden kingdom. We can also visit the Buddhist schools, Monasteries, and Gompas of Lomanthang but the Choser cave is an unmissable destination. This destination can be reached by trekking or by jeep. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach Chose cave by walking. There are many conspiracy theories about why and how the caves were built. We will visit the caves and enjoy the tall red cliffs with some peaceful moments with an otherworldly landscape and return to Lomanthang.
If needed, one more day of exploration can be added to completely observe the cultural diversity of the Lo Manthang.
Overnight in Lo Manthang
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Lo Manthang (3810 m), Dhakmar (3807 m)
Today our main goal would be to stop at the beautiful village of Gyakar and explore an ancient Gumba known as Ghar Gompa. This historic monument is popular for its unique rock paintings. It is also believed that anyone who visits this gompa is granted a wish and it will be fulfilled once you enter the gompa and pray for it. We will spend a majority of our time exploring this place before we cross Dhi Pass at 4100m and head to Dhakmar to spend our night.
.
Overnight in Dhakmar
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Dhakmar (3807 m), Ghiling (3530 m)
Today we head to the village of Ghiling following the plateau and mani walls. With Chortens and small monasteries along the way, we will reach Ghilling in about 5 to 6 hours. The glistening peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri are visible from this beautiful village.
Overnight in Ghiling
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Ghiling (3860 m), Chuksang (3050 m)
The trail gets easier from this checkpoint as we start losing altitude. We pass through some settlements going by their regular lives. We will enjoy the snowcapped peaks and barren beauty of the Chuksang village where we spend our night.
Overnight in Chuksang
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Chuksang (3050 m), Jomsom (2720 m)
We wave goodbye to the upper Mustang and enter the Lower Mustang region. The highlight of today’s walk is that we will get to observe the beautiful aerial view of Kagbeni village and Kali Gandaki. We will significantly drop in altitude meaning warmer nights and less windy days. At the end of the day, we will arrive at the exact location where we started our trek.
Overnight in Jomsom
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Pokhara (822 m), Jomsom (2740 m)
We fly from Jomsom to Pokhara reliving the thrilling 20minute flight to the vibrant city of Pokhara. We will simply rest, enjoy and celebrate in Pokhara.
Pokhara city is one of the most popular tourist hubs in Nepal. There are ancient caves, historic waterfalls, temples, and numerous vibrant lakes for everyone to enjoy along with boating, paragliding, cycling, and many more. It is also host to some of the most historic places like Gupteshwor Mahadev cave, Davis falls, Begnas Lake, Phewa Lake, Mahendra Lake, Mahendra cave, lakeside, Mountaineering Museum, and many more. If you are too tired, spending some quiet time at the lakeside is a perfect painkiller after a long trek.
Overnight in Pokhara
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Kathmandu (1400m), Pokhara (822m)
We can return to Kathmandu by bus, minivan, or flight. The return to the capital denotes an end to our memorable journey.
The Trip Cost Includes
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
- Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea)
- Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
- First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
- All the required permits and paperwork
The Trip Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopters.
FAQs
This is a moderate trek that can easily be completed with proper guidance and gear. Some days might be tough where you have to gain massive altitude in a single day but to make the trek easier extra days can be added to the schedule and longer walking days can be divided to protect yourself from altitude sickness and fatigue.
Accommodation in Kagbeni and Jomsom is very spacious and comfortable but after Kagbeni accommodations get less facilitated. As we gain more altitude the services and facilities become scarce but the basic infrastructures like water, electricity, and food will be no problem. The services also get expensive as we get to a higher altitude.
You will have to be physically and mentally prepared for this trek. Preparing physically through cardio workouts, lower body workouts, and core strengthening exercises are highly recommended. Remember you will be crossing around 4000 meters of altitude. If you are a novice trekker, regular physical preparation is very important.
Yes! When you gain altitude oxygen level in the atmosphere decreases but with a healthy diet, hydration, and slow-maintained walking pace it will not be a problem. If you see any signs of altitude sickness our guides and porter will guide you to a lower altitude for recovery.
