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The Annapurna region in
Central Nepal is one of
the most geographically
and culturally diverse
regions for trekking!
The Annapurna
Conservation Area
Project (ACAP) working
along with the King
Mahendra Trust for
Nature Conservation has
declared this region as
area of conservation and
sustainable development.
Stretched over 2600
sq.km., the area boasts
of a variety of diverse
cultures, tribes and
castes as the Brahmins,
Chettris, Newars,
Gurungs, Magars,
Manangis and the
Tibetans. This area has
sub-tropical lowlands,
valleys, bamboo, oak and
rhododendron forests,
alpine meadows,
windswept desert
plateaus and the
towering Annapurna
Mountains.
Annapurna Himal and the
town of Pokhara dominate
Annapurna area. There
are three major trekking
routes in this region to
Jomsom, to Annapurna
sanctuary and Annapurna
circuit and Pokhara is
also a good starting
place for a number of
short treks of one to
four days duration,
including the ‘Royal
Trek’.
This great trek offers
you the view of
Marsyangdi valley,
Manaslu, Himalchuli,
Lamjung and Manang your
first slice of Tibetan
culture and landscape.
The walking pace slows
to allow for safe
acclimatization and a
rest Day in the tiny
village of Manang allows
time to explore the
great glacier of
Gangapurna and to
prepare for the crossing
of the famed Thorong La
Pass (5395m). The
rewards for your effort
in reaching the top are
extraordinary view
across the entire
Annapurna range,
northern to the wild
plateau of western Tibet
and west across the
forbidden land of
Mustang. A well-earned
rest Day at the small
village of Muktinath on
the western side of
Thorong La allows time
to recuperate and
explore the hallowed
Vishnu temple of Jiwala
Mayi before walking back
to Pokhara down the
spectacular Kali Gandaki
valleys. The deepest
gorge on the earth with
Annapurna I and
Daulagiri is soaring
above. This trek is one
of the Himalayan's true
classics. |
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A trek that cuts across
rhododendron forests and
crystal clear gushing
waterfalls; towered in
the protection of
massive snow capped
peaks, and all this as
you hike through trails
that meander into the
heart of nature.....so
natural.....unforgettable.....never
seen before.
This is a moderate trek
that can be done by
anyone. The combination
of easy walking and
majestic scenery makes
the trek to Annapurna
Base Camp (4200m),
commonly known as
Annapurna Sanctuary, one
of the most popular
treks in Nepal. Enjoy
mountain views, thick
bamboo and rhododendron
forests and a mix of
cultures unparalleled by
other treks as you
venture deep into the
Annapurna Himal and its
sacred sanctuaries.
The Annapurna Base Camp
is a high glacial basin
lying north of Pokhara.
This magnificent
amphitheatre is called a
"sanctuary" because of
its natural serenity,
beauty and the divine
presence of the Hindu
goddesses Annapurna and
Gangapurna. This
isolated cirque of peaks
can only be approached
by one route, a deep
gorge that carves into
the fortress of
mountains between
Machhapuchhre and
Hiunchuli. Many of the
peaks are over 7000m,
including the famous
twin-peaked Machapuchare,
as well as Annapurna I
and lll, Annapurna
South, Gangapurna and
the Glacier Dome. Head
for this trek with rolls
of reels for your
camera....and go back
home with memories of a
lifetime experience.
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Itinerary of Annapurna
Base Camp in Details |
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Day 01 |
Drive from Kathmandu to
Pokhara (914m.) which takes
about six hours.
You depart for the six hours
drive to Pokhara (915m,),
200 kilometers west of
Kathmandu. As you climb out
of the Kathmandu valley,
only to quickly descend
again to the Trisuli River,
you follow upstream to its
junction with the
Marshyangdi River. You
follow the Marshyangdi
gently up through heavily
terraced fields and small
hill towns to the Seti River
that takes you directly into
Pokhara. Blessed with
pleasant weather, Pokhara is
a tourist's paradise with
full of natural as well as
cultural heritage sites that
cover lakes, caves, temples
of Buddhist and Hindus
surrounded with majestic
mountains. You can observe
views to the north across
the hills and Phewa Tal
(lake) to the white peaks of
the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
ranges. This drive will take
most of the morning, leaving
much of the afternoon to
fall in love with its
beauty. As an option, you
can also fly from Kathmandu
to Pokhara which takes about
25 minutes. Stay overnight
at hotel in Pokhara.
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Day 02 |
Trek from Pokhara (915 m.) to
Nayapul (1050m.) by car
which takes approximately
one and half hours drive.
Your trek begins from
Nayapul (1050m.) to
Tirkhedhunga (1577 m.) via
Birethanti (1065m.) which
takes about four and half
hours.
After breakfast, you could
drive for one and a half
hour to Nayapul and then you
start your trekking. The
first part of your trek is
easy passing through
numerous small villages and
settlements. Afterwards you
could ascend gently to the
final destination of the
day. The majority people
here are Gurungs and they
are Buddhist by faith. The
inhabitants here engage
themselves in agricultural
activities; tourism business
and some are employed in the
British and Indian armies.
Stay overnight at lodge or
camp.
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Day 03 |
Trek from Tirkhedhunga to
Ghorepani (2675 m.) and it
takes about six hours. To
begin your trek, you could
ascend steeply for the first
2 hours and then ascend
gently passing through
Ulleri (2070m.) and
Banthanti, Magar villages.
On the way you could see
good views of Machhapuchhare
or Fish Tail (6997m.),
Hiunchuli (6441m.) and
Annapurna (7219m) south. Now
your trail is quite easier
passing through rhododendron
and shadowy trees and
descends gently up to the
final camp. You could see
some wildlife here such as
monkeys and various bird
species. Overnight at lodge
/ camp
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Day 04 |
Trek from Ghorepani to Poon
Hill (3180m.) to Tadapani
(2675m.) which takes about
five and half hours. Early
morning trip to Poon Hill
(3232m.) to enjoy the
sunrise view over Mt.
Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche
Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri
(6940m.), Varaha Shikhar
(7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I
(8091m.), Annapurna South
(7219m.), Annapurna III
(7855m.), Machhapuchhare
(6993m.), Annapurna IV
(7525m.), Annapurna II
(7937m.), Lamjung Himal
(6931m.) and other numerous
snowcapped mountain peaks.
After breakfast trek from
Ghorepani to Tadapani
(2650m.). After walking for
almost one and half hour you
reach Gurung Hill which has
the splendid mountain views
similar to Poon Hill. From
here you follow small
forests with rhododendron
and bamboos until you reach
Deurali. The trail goes
steeply down through deep
forests all the way to
Banthanti. It takes one hour
from here to reach Tadapani.
After breakfast, trek from
Ghorepani to Tadapani
(2731m.) through deep
forests of rhododendrons,
bamboos and oaks. En-route,
you frequently see
waterfalls, rocks, wild
animals, local birds and
green sceneries. Tadapani is
a small village surrounded
by beautiful forests which
gives you magnificent views
of Annapurna South,
Hiunchuli, Fishtail, and
Annapurna II and several
other peaks. Overnight at
lodge / camp
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Day 05 |
Trek from Tadapani (2675m.) to
Ghandruk (1950m.) and it
takes about three hours. It
is very easy trek by
descending gently all the
way through rhododendron,
oak and other kinds of dense
forests. You could hear
different kinds of birds
chirping on the way. This is
one of the popular
destinations for bird
lovers. Ghandruk is a big
Gurung village. There is a
handicraft centre and Gurung
museum that's found here.
From this village you could
see good views of Annapurna
South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna
(7455m.), Annapurna III
(7755m.) and Fishtail.
Overnight at lodge / camp
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Day 06 |
Trek from Ghandruk to
Chhomrong (2040 m.) which
takes approximately four
hours. Early in the day, you
could ascend gently for an
hour up to Ghandrukkot
(2100m.) and descend steeply
to the Kimron Khola
(1700m.). Immediately,
ascend steeply and walk at a
level for an hour till you
ascend gently to the final
camp. Chhomrong is a gateway
to Annapurna Sanctuary trek
and inhabited by Gurungs,
one of the major ethnic
groups of Nepal. Overnight
at lodge / camp
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Day 07 |
Trek from Chhomrong to Bamboo
(2340m.) this takes about
five hours. Leaving
Chhomrong, the trail
descends on a stone
staircase and crosses the
Chhomrong Khola on a swaying
suspension bridge, then
climbs out of the side
valley. High above the Modi
Khola on its west bank, the
trail passes through the
tiny settlement of Tilicho
in forests of bamboo,
rhododendron and oak.
Climbing further on a rocky
trail (beware of the
stinging nettles) you reach
three hotels at Sinuwa, at
2350m. Climb in rhododendron
forests to Khudi, at 2520m.
This was once a British
sheep breeding project; now
the stone houses are an ACAP
visitor centre and check
post. In winter, it's common
to find snow anywhere from
this point on. Descend a
long, steep stone staircase
into deep bamboo and
rhododendron forests. It is
then a short distance on a
muddy trail to Bamboo Lodge
(2340m.). Overnight at lodge
/ camp
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Day 08 |
Trek from Bamboo to Deurali
(3230m.) which takes about
five hours. You trek gently
ascend through bamboo
forests with varieties of
rhododendron and oak trees.
The first town you reach is
Dovan (2630m.) where there
are few lodges and camp
sites. Now you pass through
muddy trail which traverses
high above the river. There
is debris of avalanches that
can be seen around here but
not during the winter
season. After short trek,
you reach Himalayan Hotel
(2900m.), the town named
after the Himalayan Hotel.
Beyond it, the trail is
steeply ascends up to Hinko
Cave (3160m.), which is
named as a huge overhanging
rock provides some
protection against rain and
avalanches. It takes
approximately twenty minutes
through a normally ascending
path to reach Deurali
(3230m.) Overnight at lodge
/ camp
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Day 09 |
Trek from Deurali to Annapurna
Base Camp (4170 m.) via
Machhapuchhare Base Camp
(3820m.) and it takes about
four hours. From here, the
valley widens and becomes
less steep and you can see
the gates to the sanctuary.
The trail is less steep. As
the trail continues into the
sanctuary, it crosses two
avalanche tracks on a narrow
trail that hurdles up
against the cliffs. After
short trek you will be at
Bagar (3310m.), a meadow and
some abandoned hotels. The
normal trail follows the
left side of the valley.
Now, the trail appears
gently ascended until you
reach Machhapuchhare Base
Camp (3820m.). Here you find
almost 6 to 7 lodges. This
is one of the places, where
you can enjoy the view of
Mount Hiunchuli (6441m.),
Annapurna South (7229m.),
Annapurna I (8091m.),
Annapurna III (7555m.),
Gangapurna (7454m.) and
Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail
(6997m.). The path follows
through alpine meadow and
after some distance your
trails go gently up. After a
short trek, you begin to
approach Annapurna Base Camp
(4170m.). From here, you can
see the views of several
peaks at 360 degree.
Overnight at lodge / camp
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Day 10 |
Trek from Annapurna Base Camp
to Dovan(2630m.) which
takes about five hours. It's
much easier going down. You
should have no problem
reaching Sinuwa in a single
day from Annapurna Base
Camp. Now you trek through
Himalayan Hotel to Dovan.
Overnight at lodge / camp
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Day 11 |
Trek from Dovan to Jhinudanda
(1750m.) and it takes about
six hours. The path is
descent up to Bamboo passing
through forests with
varieties of rhododendron,
oaks and bamboo plants.
After Bamboo, the trail goes
steeply up to the Kuldi Ghar
and now the trail is quite
flat until you reach Sinuwa.
You trek gradually
descending to the Chhomrong
Khola where you follow a
stone staircase for almost
an hour to reach Chhomrong.
The last part of the trail
goes steeply down to
Jhinudanda. From the town
you should walk down for 20
minutes to reach Hot Spring
at the bank of the Modi
Khola. You can relax at the
Hot Springs. Overnight at
lodge / camp
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Day 12 |
Trek from Jhinudanda to
Pothana (1600m.) which takes
about five hours. The first
part of the trek is
descending and then appears
through flat land until you
reach Himal Pani. Here you
find beautiful waterfalls.
Beyond this town, the trail
ascends gently crossing
numerous streams and
terraces. After short trek,
you will be at Landruk
(1640m.), a pretty big
village inhabited by a mixed
community of Gurungs, Magars
and Brahmins as well. Now
the trail gently ascends to
Tolka (1850m.) and then
ascent and level path to
Bherikharka. From here, the
trail goes steeply up to
Deorali (2100m.) with a view
of different mountain peaks
in panorama. Now, the trail
gradually descends to
Pothana passing through
different oak forests.
Pothana is a small town
resided by Gurung, an ethnic
community of Nepal. From
here, too, you can enjoy the
splendid views of various
mountain peaks. Overnight at
lodge / camp
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Day 13 |
Trek from Pothana to Dhampus
Phedi which takes
approximately three hours
and drive from Dhampus Phedi
to Pokhara by car. The trail
gently descends up to
Dhampus, a village mainly
inhabited by Gurungs. Now
you trek through flat land
for some distance and
steeply descend to Dhampus
Phedi. Now you take vehicle
to drive from Dhampus Phedi
to Pokhara. Stay overnight
at hotel in Pokhara.
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Day 14 |
Drive from Pokhara to
Kathmandu by tourist mini
bus that takes about seven
hours. While driving from
Pokhara to Kathmandu, you
head up to Damauli, Dumre,
Muglin and Kurintar where
Nepal's first Cable car is
operated to reach Manakamana
Temple. En-route, you could
enjoy the mountain views,
green sceneries, rice
terrace fields, vegetable
fields and the rural folk
happily engaged in their
daily chores. From Naubishe
you climb up to Thankot,
gateway to capital city of
Kathmandu. |
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This circuit of
Annapurna - rightly
known as Nepal's classic
trek - offers more
variety than any other
walks of equivalent
length and takes you
through virtually every
type of scenery that
Nepal has to offer.
There are superb views
of Annapurna and
Dhaulagiri, and the
constant variety of
landscapes ranges from
sub-tropical through
alpine to an arid
semi-desert similar to
Tibet; at the climax of
the trek there's a
formidable 5416m pass,
the Thorong La, to
cross. Though it is
certainly demanding
enough for the seasoned
trekker, the Annapurna
Circuit is still an
excellent introduction
to walking in Nepal for
those who are confident
of their fitness.
This is a lodge-based
trek, so you spend time
in villages inhabited by
many of Nepal's
different tribes, both
Buddhist and Hindu.
Every day brings
opportunities to gain an
insight into the local
culture and interact
with the local
communities whose land
you are walking through,
whether by bartering for
souvenirs, talking to
the inquisitive children
or relaxing at a tea
house during a well-
earned break. |
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Itinerary of Annapurna
Circuit in Details |
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Day 01 |
Drive from Kathmandu to
Besisahar (823m.) which takes
about six hours. You drive
along the Kathmandu-Pokhara
Highway to Dumre and then
follow the narrow and paved
road by the Marshyangdi River
to Beshisahar, the district
headquarters of Lamjung
district. All the local
government offices are
situated here. From here, you
can see some of mountain
peaks, natural sceneries
surrounding the valley and the
daily activities of local
people. This headquarter is
the centre from where the
daily usable commodities are
supplied to the different
villages and numerous towns.
Stay overnight at lodge or
camp.
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Day 02 |
Trek from Beshishahar to
Bahundanda (1305m.) and it
takes about six hours. The
first part of the trail passes
through flat level along the
bank of the Marshyangdi river.
You can enjoy the sceneries
and the local culture of
Gurung community. After lunch
the trail goes steeply upwards
to Bahundanda which takes
about 2 hours. At this point,
you can see the area
surrounded by eye-catching
scenarios with snow -capped
mountains. Stay overnight at
lodge or camp.
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Day 03 |
Trek from Bahundanda to Chamje
(1410m.) which takes about six
hours. A steep trail descends
for early half an hour and
then follows flat path through
rice terraces before crossing
a stream at the bottom of a
small waterfalls. It then
climbs again and traverses the
hillside high above the river
before reaching the village of
Lali Gaon. Ahead the
Marshyangdi valley forms a
steep V-shape and you follow
the winding mountain path down
through Syange (1100m.) where
there is a beautiful waterfall
above it and along the river
for some distance. The trail
then climbs steeply and the
path is cut into the sheer
cliff-face some 200-300m above
the riverbed. Eventually you
descend to the stone village
of Jagat (1330m.) situated on
a shelf which juts into the
precipitous Marshyangdi
valley. Now the trail begins
to observe small ups and downs
to Chamje through the forests.
Stay overnight at lodge or
camp.
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Day 04 |
Trek from Chamje (1410m.) to
Dharapani (1960m.) and it
takes about six hours. The
first part of the trail
descends to the river and
after crossing a suspension
bridge, you begin a climb to
Sattale (1550m.) on a path so
steep that it seems one slip
would send you hurtling down
into the valley. You continue
on an undulating path above
the river, and at one point,
where a tributary flows in
from the opposite bank, the
main river becomes covered
with huge boulders that hide
the water. Climbing the zigzag
path to the top of the hill,
we see the level, plain of Tal
(1700m.) before us. Though it
is enclosed by cliffs, the
level area looks reassuring
after the harrowing mountain
paths just traveled on. You
descend to a grassy riverbank
which leads to Tal with its
hotels and teahouses. Here you
can enjoy the exhilarating
waterfalls .Beyond Tal, the
valley narrows and the path
becomes high and winding and
in several areas hewn from the
rock itself. Beyond the small
village of Karte (1900m.),
there is a bit more
cliff-walking before the path
drops again to the river. You
cross a suspension bridge and
climb the short distance to
the stone mani marking the
entrance to Dharapani
(1960m.), and our camp for the
night. Stay overnight at lodge
or camp.
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Day 05 |
Trek from Dharapani to Chame
(2675m.) which takes about
five and half hours. As you
cut through a narrow field
from the village, the Dudh
Khola, which originates from
the south face of Manaslu,
enters on the opposite bank.
The Marshyangdi then veers to
the left and as Annapurna II
becomes visible ahead, you
arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhote
village with prayer flags
fluttering in the breeze
around Buddhist monastery.
Continuing to climb through
forests of pine and oak, you
pass through Danaque (2210m.).
There comes a small wooden
bridge which takes you to
follow steep ascent path up to
Timang. It lies at the bottom
of Lamajung Himal. The trail
goes through flat level until
you reach Chame where there
are government offices, shops
and hotels. Chame is the
administrative headquarters
for the Manang district. Stay
overnight at lodge or camp.
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Day 06 |
Trek from Chame to Pisang
(3100m.) which takes about
five hours. With Lamjung Himal
(6893m) sparkling in the
morning sun, you set off for
Pisang. The mountain
disappears as you climb the
path up the valley, passing a
huge apple orchard. You
continue through a fir and
pine forest, climbing to a
high, rocky area as the
opposite bank becomes an
impassable cliff. From this
point the valley becomes
extremely steep-sided as you
follow the path to Bhratang
(2950m.).In the past this was
the military station for
troops who fought against the
Khampa tribal revolution, but
the dilapidated buildings are
all that remains of that era.
A short climb from the village
brings you to a rock-strewn
area where you cross a wooden
bridge and follow a high,
winding path, before crossing
back to the right bank again.
You now walk through a pine
forest and as the forest ends,
the valley changes from a
V-shape to a gentle U-shape,
opening up a wonderful vista
before us. You can see the
east peak of Annapurna II as
well as Pisang Peak (6091m.)
to the north-east. Continuing
on, you come to a long mani
wall by a bridge and the lower
village of Pisang. Stay
overnight at lodge or camp.
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Day 07 |
Trek from Pisang to Manang
(3440m.) and it takes about
five and half hours. Beyond
Pisang, the trail climbs a
steep ridge which affords good
views of the Manang valley and
Tilicho peak (7145m.).
Descending past Manang's
airstrip at Hungde (3320m.),
you come to a level area from
where the north-east face of
Annapurna III rises
majestically above you. From
the wide plains of the Sabje
Khola Valley, Annapurna IV
(7525m.) also becomes visible.
Just beyond this point you
cross the considerably reduced
flow of the Marshyangdi Khola
via a wooden bridge to the
tiny village of Mungji.
Cultivated fields appear on
both sides of the path and off
to the right, below a craggy
mountain, you can see the
village of Bryaga with its
splendid monastery. Large
chortens and mani walls abound
and the tall peaks of the
Himalaya spread out before us
- Annapurna II, Annapurna III,
Annapurna IV, Gangapurna
(7455m.) and to the rear,
Tilicho Peak (7145m.).
After a short steep climb you
reach Manang which is a
surprisingly large village for
this remote mountain region.
You camp here for the night
amidst the fluttering prayer
flags which adorn the houses.
Stay overnight at lodge or
camp.
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Day 08 |
Rest day at Manang and hang in
and around town. This is an
important rest and
acclimatization day today
before crossing the Thorung
La. There are optional day
walks such as crossing the
river to see the tremendous
icefall coming down from the
Annapurnas, or climbing high
above the village for a full
panorama of the Annapurna
range and the Manang Valley.
There is also a Himalayan
Rescue Association (HRA) aid
post in the village which
makes an interesting and
educational visit. Moreover,
you can visit Ganagapurna
Glacier Lake to make your rest
day a memorable one. Stay
overnight at lodge or camp.
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Day 09 |
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka
(4350m.) and it takes about
three and half hours. Now the
trail ascends gently all the
way to Yak Kharka passing
through the Gunsang (3960m.)
village. En route, you can see
panoramic views all the day.
Stay overnight at lodge or
camp.
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Day 10 |
Trek from Yak Kharka to
Thorong Phedi (4420m.) which
takes about 3 and half hours.
Leaving Yak Kharka, you climb
gradually to a ridge before
descending to the headwaters
of the Marshyangdi and
crossing via a covered wooden
bridge. After a short ascent
up the mountain path on the
right bank, you follow a
narrow trail across an
unstable spree slope and then
descend to Thorung Phedi. Stay
overnight at lodge or camp.
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Day 11 |
Trek from Thorong Phedi to
Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong
La (5416m.) Pass and it takes
about seven hours. You start
early today for your crossing
of Thorung La [5416m]. The
trail becomes steep
immediately on leaving camp
but as this trail has been
used by local people for
hundreds of years the path is
well defined. The gradient
then eases and after around 4
hours of steady climbing you
reaches the chorten and prayer
flags of the pass. The views
are dramatic to say the least,
from the snow-covered
mountains above, to the head
of the Kali Gandaki valley
below and the brown and purple
hills of Mustang which are
spread out before us. The
descent to Muktinath is a knee
pounding 1600m but it's
compensated for with excellent
views of Dhaulagiri.
Eventually the moraines give
way to grassy slopes before a
pleasant walk along the Jhong
Khola Valley to Muktinath and
its shrines and temple. Stay
overnight at lodge or camp.
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Day 12 |
Trek Muktinath to Marpha
(2667m.) and it takes about
approximately six hours. You
now begin the descent down the
dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge,
initially through arid country
in the same geographical and
climatic zone as
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