WE HAVE DECIDED TO REMOVE THE CIRCUIT TREK FROM OUR PROGRAMME AS THE NEW ROAD HAS IN OUR OPINION SPOILED THE BEAUTY OF THIS TREK. We recommend the Annapurna Snactuary Trek as a better alternative

The Annapurna Circuit trek is one of Nepal’s finest mountain walks and a classic Himalayan adventure. It provides a combination of spectacular high mountain scenery, picturesque lowland farms and villages, great culture and a high pass. After a sightseeing day in Kathmandu we head to Besisahar, the starting point for this superb route that takes you through the mysterious and lovely Marsyangdi valley with its fertile green terraces and long distance views. We trek over the famous Thorong La at 5416m our highest point and descend into the mighty Kali Gandaki valley where the old caravan route squeezes its way between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, both 8000m giants. Throughout you will be rewarded with spectacular and varied scenery, a must do trek!

Exclusive private departures, min 2 people. Please call our office to book.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Days 1 to 2 Depart UK, and arrive Kathmandu usually early evening the next day. Transfer to hotel close to the famous, bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu within easy walking distance of the Monkey Temple with its lovely gardens.

Day 3 Morning briefing, after which the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the wonders of Kathmandu.  Sightseeing tours can be arranged.

Day 4 Drive to the road head at Besisahar (also known as Lamjung) stopping for lunch on route. Time to relax and enjoy the rest of the day whilst final preparations are made with the porters.

Days 5 to 7 Following and criss-crossing the Marsyandi river, we enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, climb from tropical forests to mountain forests, enjoy ever improving views of the mountains as we get closer and closer to them and pass through numerous interesting villages seeing the culture change as we ascend.6 to 7 hours walking each day.

Days 8/9 Now in the Tibetan Manang District we continue our trek through forests with views of Manaslu and Annapurna II. We overnight at the administrative capital, Chame (2685m),and continue on up to Pisang (3185m). 5 hours walking each day.

Days 10/11 Above Pisang we are treated with magnificent views of Tilicho Peak, Annapurna II and IV, Gangapurna and Glacier Dome. We reach the settlement of Braga and continue to Manang (3535m). 5 to 6 hours walking.

Here we stop for an acclimatisation day when we can take short walks to viewpoints and enjoy the local culture and food whilst taking a well-deserved break from the trail.

Day 12 A reasonably long and tiring day. We soon reach the village of Tengi (3660m) and enter the Jarsang Khola valley. Passing through Gunsang, a series of pastures lead to Leder (4250m) where we continue up to reach the plateau of Phedi (4420m) at the foot of the Thorung La. 5 hours walking.

Day 13 The hardest and most spectacular part of the trek. The trail ascends steadily, passing a number of glacial lakes on the way to the chortens of Thorung La (5416m) which boasts magnificent views to Gangapurna and Dhaulagiri. The steep, possibly snow covered descent takes around three hours and provides stunning views of Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak and Nilgiri. Muktinath(3792m) hosts the sanctuary of JuwalaMapa (Temple of Miraculous Flame) a 'must see'. 9+ hours walking.

Day 14 We continue our descent until we reach the ancient village of Kagbeni (2810m) with houses of pounded earth stacked against each other, and the ruins of Sakyapa Monastery. A long, level path leads to Jomsom (2743m), the administrative capital of the Kali Gandaki Valley. 5 hours walking.

Day 15 Our trail today takes in some of the most stunning scenery in the Kali Gandaki Valley. There are superb views of the Dhauglagiri and Annapurna 1 as we descend through the paved streets of of Marpha, Tukucha (2592m).and on to our destination of Ghasa. 7 hours walking.

Days 16/17 Skirting the river, our path rises and falls to pass the waterfalls of Rupse Chhara, past the village of Titre (1524m), the larger settlement of Dana (1463m) and onwards to Tatopani. 5 hours walking.

Enjoy the next day relaxing in the thermal pools for which Tatopani is famous for. The town also boasts a number of good restaurants and teahouses where you can relax and unwind before the final part of your journey.

Day 18 Today we climb up to Ghare and continue on our trek to Ghorapani (2853m). A short side trip to the viewpoint of Poon Hill from which Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak can be seen in all their glory is another ‘must do’. 7 hours walking.

Day 19 Today we descend through tropical forest passing small settlements along the way until reaching a 'stairway' that leads onwards to Birethanti.7 hours walking.

Day 20 We begin our day climbing to the village of Chandrakhot (1567m) and beyond before a descent which offers brilliant views of Annapurna.  Our final descent takes us through forest and rice fields through the town of Suikhet and on to Pokhara (900m). 5 to 7 hours walking.

Days 21 to 23 A short flight takes us back to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, with time to finish shopping before depart Kathmandu and arrive back in the UK.

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