Moderate Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Detail Itinerary

Day 01Arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu/ Pick up from the airport and transfer to the HotelOur airport representative will greet and welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying Authentic Adventures signboard and Group Name-list outside the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private vehicle.

Day 02Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (840m/2755 ft) 8-9 hours driveAfter breakfast, we start our journey into the hills on a winding road along the Trishuli and Marshyangdi River. On the way we admire terraced farms, mountain views and beautiful villages. After reaching a juncture Dumre, we leave the previous trail and head north to Besisahar. About an hour's drive from Besisahar takes us to Bhulbhule, the starting point of our trek. This drive gives us some insight of the local people, their lifestyle and culture.

Day 03Trek from Bhulbhule to Jagat (1300m/4264ft) 6-7 hours trekOur first day's trek involves crossing a few suspension bridges and waterfalls including several ascents and descents across rice paddies and a subtropical forest. Initially, the walk is gradual but is then followed by steeper trails. We start to see some beautiful mountain views. We trek through beautiful waterfalls, small settlements and jungle alongside the Marshyangdi River.

Day 04Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1860m/6101ft) 6-7 hoursThe trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steeply-forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge.

Day 05Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2710m/8889ft) 5-6 hoursWe trek through a few forested ridges on our way to Chame, which is the headquarters of the Manang District. Throughout the trek we can admire amazing views of the Himalayas including Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. In Chame, we also come across small hot springs where we can dip in and soothe our aching muscles. Chame is a little market town with many government offices, school, colorful shops, hotels and restaurants.

Day 06Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3310m/10857ft) 5-6 hoursA steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. This is probably the steepest part of the Marshyangdi Valley, so steep that the trail is carved into the vertical rock. After crossing the Marshyangdi river on a swinging suspension bridge, we ascent about 45 minutes to Dhukure Pokhari, where the valley opens up with majestic vistas. We trek for about an hour to Upper Pisang overlooking the valley and breathtaking views.

Day 07Upper Pisang to Manang (3540m/11611ft) 6-7 hoursThere are two routes to Manang and we follow the upper trail that takes us via Ghyaru and Ngawal. This trail guarantees excellent views of the beautiful landscape and the mighty mountains including Annapurna and Pisang Peak. We begin to notice a contrast in the landscape and vegetation from today. The cold and dry climate also creates a much harsher environment. On the way, we pay a quick visit to the Braga monastery, the largest monastery in the entire district of Manang.

Day 08Acclimatization day in Manang/ Day hikesIn order to get well acclimatized, we keep ourselves busy today with a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Glacier view point. If we like something more challenging, we can even hike to the Ice Lake which offers absolutely amazing views.

Day 09Manang to Yak Kharka (4020m/13776ft) 4-5 hoursThe trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki and continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures and a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka.

Day 10Yak Kharka to High Camp (4850m/15908ft) 5-6 hoursIt is an uphill walk to High Camp. After walking for some time we cross a suspension bridge and reach Chouri Ledar. We ascend furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, then we trek steeply about an hour to the High Camp. On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkang. The view from the view point little above the High Camp is absolutely breathtaking.

Day 11High Camp to Muktinath (3800m/12464ft) via Thorang La (5416m/17764ft) 7-9 hours Drive to Jomsom (2760m/9053ft) 2 hours driveCrossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world, will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up around 4:00 AM in the morning and walk up the mountain after some quick breakfast. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists alike. We take our lunch in MUktinath and the drive to Jomsom for a comfortable stay after past few days of hectic and long days trek.

Day 12Trek from Jomsom to Kalopani (2530m/8298ft) 6-7 hours trekThe trail today is quite surreal as we trek along a plateau above Kali Gandaki River. From Marpha, we take a new route toward Kalopani via Chokhopani village. Today, we come across traditional villages of the ethnic Thakali people. Also, we get to see beautiful apple gardens. From here we get panoramic views of Dhaulagari, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Fang and Annapurna I mountains. From Chokhopani, we continue to Kokhethanti. We cross a river and come across the newly constructed road site before reaching Kalopani.

Day 13Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani/ Hot spring (1190m/3903ft) 6-7 hours Our journey today is mostly downhill. During the early part of today’s trek, we cross the bridge at Ghasa. As we drop to lower elevations, we emerge back into subtropical forests, lush with vegetation. Our trail continues along Rupse Chahara (one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Nepal). We continue down the east bank from Kopchepani via Garpar to a bridge at Dana. At Narchyang Besi, we get to see a powerhouse that supplies electricity in the area. There are bigger villages in this area where we can observe the everyday lives of the local people. Upon reaching Tatopani, we relax and have a bath in the hot spring.

Day 14Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara (885m/2903ft) 5-6 hours driveAfter breakfast, we take out on an interesting drive back to Pokhara which takes about 5 to 6 hours. The first part of the road is a bit bumpy and rough but it gets better after Beni.

Day 15Drive or fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1335m/4379ft) 7-8 hours drive/ 25 minutes flightThe last day of our trip, we take on a scenic drive or flight back to Kathmandu after breakfast. We get back to Kathmandu in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. You get a free evening to relax on your own.

Day 16Transfer to the airport for farewell and departureThe trip concludes here. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your final departure from Nepal.

Photos of Moderate Annapurna Circuit Trekking