Day 01: Kathmandu City tour
The very first day, we shall go for a guided city tour to get an insight into the ancient heritages, traditional and cultural richness and harmony between various religions, ethnicity and lifestyles. Pashupatinath Temple, one of the UNESCO World heritage sites and popular Hindu pilgrimage, is one such heritage that Kathmandu is proud of. The other heritages are Swayambhunath Stupa or Monkey Temple as known among the foreigners, is one of the oldest monasteries in the world known for its importance to Buddhists, rich heritages and beautiful view of Kathmandu valley. Boudhanath is another stupa, one of the largest of its kind in the world, attracts large number of Buddhist and non-Buddhists every year. Besides these religious heritages, we shall also pay visit to Patan Durbar Square, a large complex with historical royal palace, unique Temple, museum, resting places and water taps as well as other ancient heritages with ornate carvings and arts. After exploration, we shall also have interaction with trekking guide and prepare ourselves for the adventure beginning tomorrow. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Besisahar (900m) 5hrs by Local Bus or Private Car/Jeep then trek to Bhulbhule. 840m (2/3 hrs)
Today we shall leave Kathmandu for Besisahar as the adventure in one of the most popular classical trekking destination begins today. Beginning our drive out of Kathmandu, we shall follow Trishuli River, one of the most popular rivers for white-water rafting, till Muglin and head on towards the road towards Pokhara. The drive continues till Besisahar, the administrative centre for Lamjung District after which trekkers start their walk. Intermittently, the drive takes us past lush and terraced hills, traditional and rural settlements, view of the snowcapped mountains far away, beautiful waterfalls and mighty rivers, and some famous spots including pilgrimage of Manakamana Temple. After reaching Besisahar, we shall now follow the Marshyangdi River upstream and proceed further up the valley. Traversing through the cultivation areas, terraced hills and traditional villages as well as the majestic Himalchuli Peak and Peak 29 dominating the view, we shall reach to the settlement of Bhulbhule. Here we shall join the main trail to Annapurna Circuit Trek. Stay overnight in Bhulbhule.
Day 03: Trek from Bhulbhule to Jagat. 1300m (5/6 hrs)
Following the trail through the hills continues today as we start our trek from Bhulbhule after breakfast. Continuing along the eastern trail of Marshyangdi River, we trek in the increasing elevation as we reach Ngaddi past a cool and beautiful waterfall. Crossing over a suspension bridge we now march through scrub forest and then reach to the village of Lampatta. Ahead of this village decorated with prayer flags, we climb to a popular settlement of Bahundanda located on a ridge. From here on we have a descent for quite some time through several settlements, forest, open grounds and smaller streams before crossing the mighty Marshyangdi River again and reach to the village of Syange. Past another beautiful waterfall we continue ahead and after traversing through some other villages we ascent to Jagat, our destination for today. Stay overnight in Jagat.
Day 04: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani. 1995m (5/6 hrs)
Continue along the trail that increasingly feels like teleportation to some prehistoric days due to its raw natural beauty. The trek ahead of Jagat begins with the uphill walk on steep stone steps before descending through lush forest and climbing again to sharp-edged cliff facing the river and reach to Chamje village. From this village with picturesque background of Annapurna ranges, we have a slippery path to Sattale past some cultivation fields and grassy riverbank ahead of which we reach to another village dominated by Tibetan culture, the settlement of Tal. We are now into Manang district as we enter Tal village. As we proceed ahead of Tal, the landscape is now dominated by alpine vegetation and the trail becomes increasingly rugged and winding. We walk past Mani walls and prayer flags, small isolated mountainous settlements and navigate through steeply forested village of Karte. Ahead in the trail we cross couple of bridges, walk past waterfall and cliffs, and snaking our way up the valley through small villages we reach Dharapani. Stay overnight in Dharapani.
Day 05: Trek from Dharapani to Chame. 2670m (5/6 hrs)
We continue following the Marshyangdi River up the Manang valley and ahead in the trail turn west to climb up and pass through an interesting village of Bagarchhap where we have a wonderful view of Manaslu and Annapurna II Peaks. Past beautiful waterfall, alpine forest of oak and maple, we continue along this trail used by the people of Manang to trade salt and yaks across the mountains for ages and reach to the village of Danakyu. We then climb to the village of Latemarang, enjoy the wonderful view of Manaslu and other sibling peaks. Traversing along the several forested ridges, interesting settlements and wonderful views we reach to the village of Koto. From here the trek to Chame is a short and easy march. Chame is the administrative headquarters of Manang District which provides breathtaking views of mountains including Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Lamjung and other sibling peaks besides interesting cultures, chortens and prayer wheels, small temples that enhance richness of Chame. Stay overnight in Chame.
Day 06: Trek from Chame to Pisang. 3300m (5/6 hrs)
As we leave Chame and head on for Pisang, we start our trek on a stone steps through some door stupa and follow the trail that has mighty river flowing below the trail. Passing through small hamlets, waterfall and apple orchards we reach to the village of Bhartang which is an old Khampa (an indigenous tribe of Tibetan origin) settlement which now remains relatively abandoned these days. We now trek through the terrain surrounded by rocky walls and through the narrow and steep trail covered by dense forest with alpine vegetation, pass the memorial, cross over some suspension bridges, enjoy the beauty of lake and surrounding landscape to climb past a ridge festooned with prayer flags and stone cairns before reaching the village of Pisang. En route the view of Paungda Danda, a rock wall rising up from the river below is marvelous. Pisang is divided into Upper and Lower Pisang. Though little longer, the route via Upper Pisang is breathtaking and enchanting. Stay overnight in Pisang.
Day 07: Trek from Pisang to Manang. 3540m (5/6 hrs)
From our overnight destination of Pisang we are now heading for interesting and mystic Manang village. Starting with the trek past some chortens and prayer stones, carved arts, we make a long climb on a ridge past some small settlements, Mani walls as we reach to the settlement of Ngawal with view of majestic mountains and traversing through the route of Upper Pisang we move past ancient Sher Gompa and descent to Munchhi and to Braga village. From the lower route, we trek past the settlement of Hongde, a village with small airstrip; impressive Mani walls and police check post, cross the river and reach to Braga. Braga has interesting settlement where the terraces of upper houses form the roof of lower houses and Braga Gompa, the largest gompa in the district hosts ancient Tibetan Thangkas. The trail ahead of this interesting settlement to Manang village is a short walk. Stay overnight in Manang.
Day 08: Manang Rest. (Sightseeing at Manang village, Gangapurna glacier & Lake)
Today we shall have a rest and acclimatization day in this interesting and ancient village of Manang. This village of ancient chortens and monasteries, small yet culturally rich settlement and long Mani wall with the Buddhist prayers and chants carved on it makes it popular among the trekkers and explorers. A sightseeing of this interesting village gives trekkers an idea of the authentic lifestyle of locals following Tibetan Buddhism. As a part of acclimatization we shall also hike to the higher altitudes and settle down at lower altitude. The hike to Gaganpurna Glacier and Lake is one popular day hike option among the trekkers. With the marvelous view of the glittering glacial lake and the surrounding lofty peaks, trekkers make the best out of this hike. Bhojo Gumba is another day hike destination where ancient Buddhist heritages are well preserved. Vraga village is bit farther destination for hike where Himalayan Rescue Association provides instruction on altitude sickness. Exploring the surrounding areas we are now prepared for further journey. Stay overnight in Manang.
Day 09: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka. 4050m (5/6 hrs)
After Manang the main and immediate concern for trekkers is crossing of the challenging Thorong La Pass. Leaving the village of Manang, we now trek out of the Marshyangdi valley and traverse in northwest direction up the Valley of Jarsang River. Navigating through the small settlement of Tengi, we move ahead in a trail with increasing elevation, past chortens and prayer wheels and flags to reach another scenic settlement of Ghunsang after a slow climb. The ascent along the trek continues past mani walls, small tea shops, bridge over small rivulets with Thorung River running below the trail before we reach to Yak Kharka, a village with open pasture lands for Yaks. En route we have marvelous view of Gaganpurna Peak and Annapurna III. Stay overnight in Yak Kharka.
Day 10: Trek from Yak Kharka to Throng Phedi. 4450m (4/5 hrs)
As we prepare for our climb across Throrang La Pass, we shall today stay overnight in Thorang Phedi so as to better prepare ourselves for higher altitude. Gradually trekking past Yak Kharka, we have our first stoppage at Ledar village which has ACAP Office, after an hour’s trek. The climb now continues along the glacial river as we reach the destination of Thorang Phedi past some tea shops and landslide prone area. As we reach Thorang Phedi, which literally means the foothill of Thorang hill, we now are one step close to crossing over the highest point in this trek, the Thorang La Pass. Stays overnight in Thorang Phedi and get prepared for the next day.
Day 11: Trek from Throng Phedi to Muktinath (3850m) via ThrongLa pass. 5416m (7/8 hrs)
Today we have a long and challenging walk in the higher altitude, due to which our trek shall start early in the morning. Depending upon the fitness of the group and the weather condition during that particular day, it shall take around 4 hours to cross this challenging pass. In a trail that has been used by the local herders and traders for ages, we have Thorung High Camp as the one milestone before the summit of the pass. Walking along the trail with moraines and snow, rocky ridges and twisting trails, we reach to the summit of Thorang La Pass decorated with Tibetan prayer flags, stone cairns and traditional chortens. From the peak of this summit, we have the panoramic view of the Himalayas including Annapurna I, III, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Gaganpurna and many other soaring peaks, beautiful landscape of Kali Gandaki valley to the west and towering Yakgawa Kang Peak to the north. From Thorung La Pass, world’s biggest pass, we have a sharp descent which becomes less steep as we proceed further down. Trekking past the ruined huts of yak herders and barren hillsides, we reach to Chaharu Phedio and after a short trek along the grassy slopes Muktinath arrives in front of us. Stay overnight in Muktiath.
Day 12: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom. 2720m (6/7 hrs)
The destination for today is the windy town of Jomsom. Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage worshipped by the Hindus and Buddhists alike and home to 108 holy taps, sacred flame, monastery and small temples besides the arid yet scenic landscape. Leaving Muktinath, we shall take on the trail above the Kali Gandaki gorge and through the interesting settlements, high pass to meet the trail from Kagbeni at the settlement of Ekle Bhatti. Ahead from the settlement of Ekle Bhatti, the trail follows the mighty Kali Gandaki River through the trail with sand dunes formed due to the river and the afternoon wind blowing in the region every day. After trekking for around 3 hours we shall reach to another scenic town in the region famous for breathtaking landscape and scenery and the afternoon wind blowing through the town. Stay overnight in Jomsom.
Day 13: Jomsom to Pokhara by Air (30 min flight)
Today we shall leave the beautiful region of Mustang and head on for the Lake City of Nepal, the beautiful city of Pokhara. To reach Pokhara we can either take on a 20-minute flight from Jomsom that takes us over the scenic landscape and with the close up of the giant Himalayas including the Annapurna massifs, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail Mountain, and many other high peaks. Stay overnight in Pokhara.
Day 14: Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus
Now it’s time that we return from this adventurous journey around the beautiful Annapurna massif and head on to Kathmandu. You can take a flight of around 30-35 minutes over the beautiful landscape, rolling hills, terraced farmlands, lush valleys, perennial rivers and beautiful landscape as well as marvelous view of the Himalayas to reach Kathmandu. Another option to reach Kathmandu is drive along the twisting and turning roads along the perennial rivers including Marshyangdi and Trishuli, rural settlements, waterfalls, green and lush hills and snowy Himalayas looking over the trail from far away. Either may be the mode of transportation, you shall be transferred to the hotel for your stay. Get relaxed in the hotel and after refreshment you may go for some souvenir shopping or stroll around the buzzing streets of Kathmandu. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
