Trip Highlight:
“Fabulous cultural and scenic walks within both sides of Annapurna range of peaks Facing delightful scenery of rolling green hills with ever-present views of mountains Exciting journey from low warm areas to cool alpine woodland and into arctic zone Explore Manang, Thakali impressive villages of great interesting culture and traditions Into lovely alpine green woodland of tall rhododendron-magnolia and pine trees Stunning sunrise views from scenic Poon Hill over chain of world’s highest mountains Completing marvelous treks at picturesque Pokhara city by its serene Phewa Lake.”
Brief Trip Profile:
Mode of Trekking: On Hotels and Lodge on walks.
Trekking Grade : Moderate to Adventurous Highest Altitude : On top Thorang-la Pass at 5,416 m high.
Activities : Sightseeing tour, exciting drive and scenic trekking.
People and Culture : Higher up dominated by Manang Gurung and Magar hill tribe of Buddhism religion, lower area mixed tribes Gurung-Magar- Thakali, Hindu Brahmins and Chettries with varied culture and custom of Buddhist and Hindu traditional life.
Area of Trekking : Nepal North West around North and South of Annapurna Himalaya range.
Trekking duration : 12 Nights and 13 Days (with drives ending at Pokhara).
Total Trip : 17 Nights and 18 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu).
Season : Almost all year round except the monsoon months of June to mid September, March to May wild-flowers rhododendron and magnolia in full bloom.
Introduction:
Mountain Challenger presents a beautiful scenic adventure ‘Annapurna Circuit Trekking’ one of the most magnificent walking journeys in whole Himalaya range, and probably in this world where walks leads you with ever-present views of mountains at close range. Annapurna Circuit Trekking, a delightful journey and full of excitement where scenery on walk leaves you breathless with incredible views of rolling green hills, valley and snow peak range on daily treks. We have designed the itinerary days of less than two weeks to accommodate you with ample time to soak into the beauty of Annapurna Himalaya and its local attractive culture and traditional life interwoven with Buddhism religion. This wonderful walks Annapurna Circuit will be quite different to other itinerary days provided by other local companies, as we understand that since the motorable road had reached halfway around Manang and Mustang areas, so we have planned this trek with drive in between to save time and energy but never missing the views of surrounding landscapes and mountains. Starting with an interesting drive to Nepal Mid West to reach lower warm areas at Besar town around Lamjung district, where walks follow River Marysangdi upstream all the way to its glacial source near Manang valley. The walk continues on leaving warm low areas towards cooler mid hills where Tibetan origin culture and traditions start as our route leads past lovely villages of Dharapani-Chame the headquarter town of Manang area, and then leaving the green forested area for the arid and dry country at high and scenic Manang valley. At Manang village with a rest day to acclimatize where you can explore impressive culture around Manang villages with the visit of the interesting monastery with close views of Northern peaks of Annapurna with Chulus and Pisang peaks towards the north. Adventure leads beyond Manang towards the highest point of the trek on top scenic Thorang-la pass at 5,416 m high overlooking fabulous panorama of mountains with Dhaulagiri and Mustang Himal. The walk leads downhill towards Mustang area at holy Muktinath Temple premises, one of the sacred pilgrimage places for Hindu and Buddhist as well, from here taking few hours drives towards low warm area at Tatopani village with natural hot-spring to enjoy. From Tatopani trek continues heading uphill into alpine cooler hills at scenic Ghorepani and Poon Hill for fantastic sunrise over a great range of Dhaulagiri-Annapurna and Manaslu with majestic Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail’. After enjoying scenic views from Ghorepani and Poon Hill than on the downhill to road-head for short drive to reach beautiful Pokhara city and its verdant valley with lakes with views of Annapurna Himalaya. At Pokhara, our wonderful adventure completes in this renowned touristic place with mesmerizing time and experience in Annapurna Circuit Trekking. offers an ever exciting and marvelous short round trip on high green hills of Annapurna Himalaya, where fabulous Poon Hill Panorama Treks leads you into deep enchanting woodland of tall rhododendron-magnolia and pines tree lines. A scenic and beautiful walks of less than a week duration, where all age-groups and interested trekkers can join in this awesome journey ‘Poon Hill Annapurna Panorama’ for closest views of mountains with a stunning sunrise. Incredible views of world’s three highest Mountains range from high Poon Hill located above 3,210 m facing worlds’ 7th highest Dhaulagiri 8,167, 8th highest Mt. Manaslu 8,163 with a whole range of 10th highest Mt. Annapurna includes majestic Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail’ with striking sunrise views.
Starting from beautiful Pokhara blessed with natural wonders of mountains, valley, and lakes one of the renowned touristic spots in whole Himalaya and probably in the world, where walk leads you to green hills with constant views of Annapurna Himalaya. The walk leads you into enchanting woodland of tall rhododendron trees listed as the world’s largest natural garden which you can witness in flowering times where hills turn magic with varied colors. Finally, walk leads on the top highest spot at Poon Hill for an amazing panorama of snow-peaks with fantastic sunrise and then heading back to scenic Pokhara via an alternative route with beautiful views of unique landscapes and mountains. The walk continues to an end with up and downhill overlooking amazing views of mountains in the harmony of local farm villages, enriched with varied old culture and custom and then staying at Pokhara by the calm Phewa Lake for last overnight, after a memorable time and short adventure on Poon Hill Panorama trekking.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Reach Kathmandu 1,340 m via respective airlines and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: In Kathmandu with a sightseeing tour around world heritage sites.
Day 03: Drive to Jagat 1,290 m via Besar 800 m - 08 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Dharapani 1,920 m - 05 hours.
Day 05: Trek to Chame 2,670 m - 05 hours.
Day 06: Trek to Pisang 3, 230 m - 05 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Manang Village 3,450 m - 05 hrs.
Day 08: Rest day at Manang for local hikes and acclimatization.
Day 09: Trek to Yak Kharka 4,110 m - 04 hours.
Day 10: Trek to Thorang High Camp 4,600 m - 04 hrs.
Day 11: Cross Thorang-La 5,416 m and to Muktinath 3,800 m - 07 hrs.
Day 12: Drive to Tatopani 1,190m via Jomsom and Marpha - 04 hrs.
Day 13: Continue trek to Ghorepani 2,750 m - 06 hrs.
Day 14: Trek to Tirkhedhunga 1,500m -05 hours walk.
Day 15: Trek to Nayapul 1,100m and drive to Pokhara 860m.
Day 16: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to respective hotels.
Day 17: Free Day in Kathmandu for individual activities.
Day 18: International departure for homeward bound.
Day 01: Reach Kathmandu 1,340 m via respective airlines and transfer to hotel.
On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International airport received by our Mountain Challenger staff and guides for short transfer and drive in the heart of Kathmandu city to your respective hotels. After checking into your rooms meet at the briefing hall where our guide or leader will brief you regarding Annapurna Circuit trekking. Include information of hotels, lodge and do’s and don’ts with group welcome dinner in a nice authentic Nepalese Restaurant with various Folk programs of Nepal as entertainment.
Day 02: In Kathmandu with a sightseeing tour around world heritage sites.
Morning after breakfast our city guide will take you for an interesting sightseeing tour in and around Kathmandu city, where Kathmandu valley steeped with ancient historical, religious monuments which is listed on world heritage sites. Tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square (old Malla and Shah Royal courtyard) with resident of virgin ‘Goddess Kumari’ and other places of great interest, from here heading to oldest landmark of Kathmandu and Nepal at Swayambhunath Stupa, believed to be more than 2,600 years old a Buddhist dome shaped with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. From here head back to Hotel with free afternoon preparation for Annapurna Circuit treks.
Day 03: Drive to Jagat 1,290 m via Besisar 800 m - 08 hrs.
Morning taking a tourist coach or smaller vehicle as per group size for the ocean and drive that leads you away and beyond Kathmandu valley heading low warmer areas with views of snowcapped mountains. As drive continues on busy main highway past farm villages and town then heading Nepal Mid-West to reach at Lamjung area in Besisar town. From here drive continues on rough jeep road heading higher up past farm villages and well Crops terraced as our drive ends at Jagat village for ocean right stop, in this nice village.
Day 04: Trek to Dharapani 1,920 m - 05 hours.
From Jagat, our first day walk begins, starting on winding path to Chamje, and to raging Marsyangdi River, and into forested area with super views of Annapurna and Manaslu range, with continues reaching at Tal village located on a nice valley, after Tal another 2 hours walk to Dharapani village for overnight stop. Dharapani a nice village with Buddhist culture, situated on the junction of Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trekking trail.
Day 05: Trek to Chame 2,670 m - 05 hours.
Start the morning walk a into cool rhododendron and pine forest passing villages of Bagarchap and Danque, then to Timang village from here onwards into more Buddhist area, with super view of Mt. Manaslu 8,163m / 26,781ft, from this village few hours trek leads to a large town at Chame for overnight stop, a major town and headquarter of Manang district.
Day 06: Trek to Pisang 3, 230 m - 05 hrs.
From here air gets cooler as the walk leads closer into mountains through a beautiful forest of rhododendron and pine trees, following Masrsyangdi River upstream to Bhratang village. From this village, an uphill into pine trees to Dhukure Pokhari a small place with few lodge and views of Chulu and Pisang peak, after a lunch stop walk downhill to Pisang village for an overnight stop.
Day 07: Trek to Manang Village 3,450 m - 05 hrs.
Pisang village located within Manang valley with stunning mountains views as altitude gains for here onwards. Walking into the forest with short uphill with views of Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna Chulu and Pisang peak, then reaching Hongde village with a small air strip, from here tree lines fades to barren, arid landscapes. On route Manang village visit old Braga monastery with Buddhist relics, ancient wall painting, frescos and a super panorama of Annapurna Himalaya, from here an hour walk to Manang village. The houses here are of traditional Tibetan style with culture and traditions.
Day 08: Rest day at Manang for local hikes and acclimatization.
An important rest day for acclimatization before reaching high altitude and up to Thorang –la, here with short hike exploring Manang village beneath towering Annapurna and Gangapurna peaks, a nice short hike up for views of Gangapurna Glacier and the Manang glacial Lake.
Day 09: Trek to Yak Kharka 4,110 m - 04 hours.
After a good rest at Manang, walk towards Yak Kharka, an interesting high altitude walk with views of mountains, crossing small streams to reach at Yak Kharka, a small settlement with incredible views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks.
Day 10: Trek to Thorang High Camp 4,600 m - 04 hrs.
Morning walk leads closer to Thorang-la as the walk progress crossing a bridge and then a climb along the Jarjung River, then leading at Thorung Phedi for short rest and then climb the last hour uphill to Thorang High Camp for an overnight stop.
Day 11: Cross Thorang-La 5,416 m and to Muktinath 3,800 m - 07 hrs.
Start the early morning walk on this Big Day! A thrill and highlight of this great adventure, after breakfast a long climb up to Thorang-la with the steep haul to reach at 5,416 m / 17,700 ft on top of Thorang-la festooned with Buddhist prayer flags. Highest point of the adventure certainly requires high spirit and a strong mind to reach this high point. The top offers superb vista landscapes and snowcapped peaks, from here a long descend to Muktinath at 3,800 m. Muktinath a holy place for both Hindu and Buddhist the word Muktinath literally means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation’.
Day 12: Drive to Tatopani 1,190m via Jomsom and Marpha - 04 hrs.
After Muktinath, rest of the journey is easier with the exciting scenic drive all the way downhill with a big drop of 1,200m to Kaligandaki river valley, as ride leads at Kaligandaki river valley, from here heading past Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang area with small airstrip above Kaligandaki River. From Jomsom through charming Marpha village with white painted houses, paved streets and well kept lodges. Famous for delicious apple and its products cider, brandy and juice this area from Kagbeni to Larjung is famous for apples orchard. Enjoyable drive follows Kaligandaki river downstream with views of Tukuche peak, Dhaulagiri and Mt. Nilgiri walk to Larjung village, and then back into forest of pine, oaks and rhododendron trees past Kalapani village, another lovely village with grand views of Mt. Annapurna I, Nilgiri’s and Dhaulagiri, a short downhill past Lete. Drive enters between two giant peaks of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna forming world deepest gorge of Kali-Gandaki River. After Ghasa village end of Mustang area dominated by Thakali people ethnic tribe till Tatopani village. This pleasant drive continues leading back to paddy fields in warm sub-tropical climate to Tatopani for overnight stop past beautiful waterfalls of Rupsi. Tatopani (Hot Spring) village the valley is quite constricted and it is quite warm with sub-tropic climate and vegetation, Tatopani is another nice village with large hot spring pools just by the bank of the River Kaligandaki.
Day 13: Trek to Ghorepani 2,750 m - 06 hrs.
After a wonderful time at Tatopani, trek continues on the nice winding trail for an hour, our route diverts heading uphill with steep climb then with gradual up all the way through dense forest to reach at Chitre, from here an hour climb to Ghorepani village with fantastic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South with Vara-Shikar known as Annapurna Fang. Ghorepani famous and popular for a hike to Poon Hill a view point offering super wide angle views of world’s three highest peaks and range of other mountains with striking sunrise and sunset.
Day 14: Trek to Tirkhedhunga 1,500m - 05 hours walk.
Morning an hour hike up to Pun-Hill at 3,210m, offers fantastic sunrise views over an array of mountains from Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu to Annapurna and as far to Ganesh Himal in the far eastern horizon including the majestic Mt. Machhapuchare “The Fish Tail”. From here walk through lovely rhododendron forest, and then with long descend from Ulleri village to Tirkhedhunga for last overnight stop in the hills of Annapurna Himalaya.
Day 15: Trek to Nayapul 1,100m and drive to Pokhara 860m.
From Tirkhedhunga where our last day of the adventure leads you on gradual trail with few short ups and down, past Bhirethati nice village by the Modi River and then a short walk to Nayapul town for two hour drive to Pokhara, after a great and wonderful time up in the high mountains.
Day 16: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to respective hotels.
After pleasant and interesting time on high hills and valley of Annapurna with last overnight at Pokhara, morning taking a drive back to Kathmandu on the same exciting highway where the interesting journey ends on reaching hustle and bustle city life of Kathmandu, afternoon free at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs. (Options via air 30 minutes of scenic flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara airport).
Day 17: Free Day in Kathmandu for individual activities.
In Kathmandu free day for you to enjoy individual activities shopping or just relax, where one can join in our interesting sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley exciting places.
Day 18: International departure for home ward bound.
Last day in Nepal country of high mountains and varied colorful culture, as per your international flight time, our staff transfer you to the airport for final departure homeward bound with fabulous and unique memories and adventure on Annapurna Circuit Trekking.
