Annapurna Circuit Trek

Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Attend the group welcome meeting today and enjoy a brief orientation walk around Thamel.

Included Experiences

• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
• Kathmandu Orientation Walk: Get a taste of this lively capital city, which is fascinating at every turn.

Travel through scenic landscapes, picturesque countryside, and small towns along the way to Besi Sahar. The group will stop for lunch along the way. After lunch, the group will continue on to Besi Sahar. Join you CEO for an orientation walk in the town before a free evening.

Included Experiences

• Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
• Free Time: Spend the evening free in Besi Sahar.

Drive along winding, narrow roads to Chame. After some time for lunch, take a short walk to the Chame Monastery and after walking back, enjoy a free afternoon to rest up or explore before the trekking begins tomorrow.

Included Experiences

• 4x4: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
• Chame Monastery: Visit this historic monastery, a peaceful place setting before the trekking begins.
• Free Time: Spend the evening free in Chame to explore or rest before tomorrow.

Begin 13 days of challenging trekking in one of the highest mountain ranges on Earth. Experience stunning Alpine pastures, forests of rhododendron, temples, rural villages and local people, waterfalls, glaciers, and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery known to man. Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,300m,10,827ft). Leave the village of Chame behind, walk out past the prayer wheels and cross wide rivers and pine forests on the way to Pisang. As you hike, enjoy stunning scenery, narrow canyons, and valleys with Annapurna Range as the backdrop. Have lunch in the small, beautiful village of Dhukur Pokhari. Arrive in Pisang. For almost 2 weeks, we immerse ourselves into the spectacular mountain wilderness of the Annapurna Range. At 8,091m (26,545ft) Annapurna 1 is one of the highest mountains in the world. Its surrounding sister mountains are equally imposing, creating magnificent panoramas from any view point. Throughout the trek we come across isolated mountain communities, each observing different ancestral customs and traditions, resulting in not only a visually superb expedition but also a culturally rich one. Amid the rugged mountain scenery, we meet warm and welcoming locals herding yaks and goats on grassy pastures, and visit their monasteries and temples. Along the way, we see waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers, broad plains, and high mountain passes and reward ourselves with a soak in natural hot springs (you've earned this!). The trekking is challenging, averaging 6-7 hrs a day, often at high altitudes. The highest point we reach, occurring on Day 9, is the 5,416m (17,769ft) Thorung Pass. Given the dangers of altitude sickness, it is imperative that we take at least 3 days to ascend to this height. A couple of days are also allowed for rest and acclimatisation.

Details for the trek are as follows. Please note however that the exact itinerary can vary due to unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions or bandhs (strikes) called by the government

Included Experiences

• Annapurna Circuit Trek Chame to Pisang: Leave the village of Chame behind, walk out past the prayer wheels and cross wide rivers and pine forests on the way to Pisang. Today, the trail is moderately challenging with several uphill and downhill stretches, but the group will be rewarded with the stunning scenery of waterfalls, narrow canyons, and valleys with Annapurna Range as the backdrop. Today our lunch spot will be the small, beautiful village of Dhikur Pokhari. Upon reaching Pisang, take a short hike to Upper Pisang village. Trekking distance 16km. Trek Time 6-7 hours. Elevation gain - 630m. Terrain: Mix of rocky trails, forested areas, and open fields.

Trek from Pisang to Ngawal (3,680m, 12,073ft). Today, enjoy stunning views of Annapurna Range, pass through the village of Ghyaru, with its magnificent viewpoints. Then, continue towards Ngawal village.

Included Experiences

• Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pisang to Ngawal: Cross the Marsyandi River on the way out to Ngawal. Leave Pisang behind, head out west, passing several small villages and fascinating Buddhist monasteries before arriving at Ngawal, known for its traditional Tibetan culture. Stop in Ngawal overnight. Trekking Distance 9km. Trek time 4-5 hours. Elevation gain - 480m. Terrain: Initial part is flat along the banks of Marshyangdi river, later it is dusty and rocky terrain as the trail climbs up through dense pine and juniper forest.

Trek from Ngawal to Manang (3,540m, 11,614ft). Today, enjoy stunning views of Annapurna Range, pass through the village of Bhraka, with its ancient monastery from the 8th Century. Then, continue towards Manang village, passing through fields of barley and buckwheat and by Gangapurna Lake sitting at 3550m.

Included Experiences

• Annapurna Circuit Trek from Ngawal to Manang: Continue the trek from Ngawal to Manang (3,540m or 11,614 ft). Admire the breathtaking views of the Annapurna Mountain range along the way through fields of barley and buckwheat. Trekking Distance 12km. Trek time 5.5-5.6 hours. Elevation loss - 140m. Terrain: Dusty and rocky terrain as the trail climbs up through dense pine and juniper forest.

Enjoy an acclimatization day in Manang. Set off on a short excursion hike to Choser View Point at 3700m. Have lunch in Manang and explore the village before hiking to a Stupa located in the hills outside of Manang.

Included Experiences

• Manang Acclimatization Day: The dramatic setting of Manang makes for a pleasant rest and acclimatization day with the added benefit of hot showers. The best way to acclimatize is to do some high climbing then return to the lower altitude of Manang for sleeping.

Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,018m, 13,182ft). Today, is a relatively short walking day with only 9kms in distance covered. Trek slowly and climb higher as the trail passes through a sparse forest of juniper and scrub. After lunch in Yak Kharka, complete an acclimatization hike in the surrounding area.

Included Experiences

• Annapurna Circuit Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka: Trek through Manang, where the altitude continues to rise as the route snakes through the mountains and up to Yak Kharka. Today, is a relatively short walking day with only 9kms in distance covered. Trek slowly and climb higher, feeling the temperature drop significantly as there is a decrease in oxygen levels. The trail passes through a sparse forest of juniper and scrub. Yak Kharka is a very small settlement with a handful of teahouses. After lunch in Yak Kharka, complete an acclimatization hike in the surrounding area for another hour or two. Trekking distance 9km. Trek time 6-7 hours. Elevation gain - 478m Terrain: Mostly uphill, rocky trails, and steep ascents, landscape becomes barren, possibility of snow.

Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m, 14,600ft). Enjoy a short, but challenging hike today from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi. Begin with a gradual ascent through the alpine landscape and pass through pastures of grazing yak, small chortens, and streams en route.

Included Experiences

• Annapurna Circuit Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi: Trek from Yak Kharka via pastures of grazing yak, small chortens, and streams before arriving at Thorong Phedi. The hiking time will be shortened today as the group continues to trek into higher altitudes. Begin with a gradual ascent through the alpine landscape. The final stretch of the trek is quite challenging. Trekking distance 6-7 km. Trek time 4-5 hours. Elevation gain - 432m Terrain: Barren landscape, rocky and rugged with scattered vegetation, possibility of snow during winters.

Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m, 12,467ft). Today the group will reach the highest point of the trek. This is the toughest uphill walking day. Keep a slow steady pace and enjoy the views while hiking. After reaching the top of Thorong La Pass (5416m) the group will follow the trail as it descends steeply for several kilometers to Muktinath – an important pilgrimage site for both Hindu’s and Buddhists.

Included Experiences

• Annapurna Circuit Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktināth: Today is the “THE DAY” of our Annapurna Circuit Trek. Begin around 3AM or 4AM with a steep climb up to Thorong La Pass (5416m) – the highest point of the trekking route. We begin the day early in order to avoid the strong wind at Thorong La and to enjoy the majestic and panoramic views of the mighty Annapurna Ranges at the top. Hiking this early requires a headlamp or torch to light the way. After reaching the top, the trail descends steeply for several kilometers to Muktinath – an important pilgrimage site for both Hindu’s and Buddhists. Trek Distance 18km. Trekking time 10-11 hours. Elevation gain - 966m Terrain: Mostly rocky with steep drops on one side, and rugged cliffs on the other, narrow path and possibility of snow.

Trek for 500m, then take local transport from Muktinath to Narchyang, losing 2400m in elevation. Stop in Marpha Village to stretch your legs and an optional lunch before continuing to Narchyang, once used to be the gate for North Annapurna Base Camp Trekking route. But with the Annapurna Base Camp being shifted to south, the village has remained isolated and devoid of tourism for a long time. In order to boost the amount of visitors to the region, the community has recently been active through Narchyang Community Homestay and started welcoming trekkers to their homes. The community is mostly of Magar Culture and are known for their innocence, simplistic ways of life, and bravery. Upon arrival, trek to the Narchyang Waterfall and enjoy the rest of the day free.

Included Experiences

• Local transport from Muktinath to Narchyang: Trek for 500m then drive from Muktinath to Narchyang in local transportation. The drive time is about 6 hours and a total of 120km. Some parts of the road are black topped while some are still bumpy, mountainous roads.The route passes through the Kaligandaki Gorge, which is the one of the deepest gorges in the world. Along the way, witness the dramatic changes in landscape of the Kaligandaki River and several picturesque villages. Trekking Distance: 2-3km, 1.5 hours Terrain: Varied Terrain, some sandy and some rocky trails, leading to Narchyang Waterfall.
• Narchyang Community Homestay: Set in the lower village, the Narchyang homestay offers a glimpse into traditional village life. Learn about the Magar culture and the Magar Kura language from your hosts and embrace this unique opportunity to live like a local. Get to know your hosts more over dinner as you enjoy a homemade meal of Nepali Dhido Set - typical cuisine for the area. Set in the lower village, the homestay provides the perfect starting point for exploring. Hike to the upper village for spectacular mountain views.

Spend the day in Narchyang. Trek to Upper Narchyang (2,140m or 7,020 ft) and get a taste of their way of life on a village tour. After trekking back down, it's time for some rest and relaxation at the local hot spring.

Included Experiences

• Trek to Upper Narchyang, Village Walk & Hot Spring Visit: On this acclimatization day, trek through the terraced mountainside to Upper Narchyang (2,140m, 7,020ft). Join your CEO for a tour of the local village for a chance to connect with the community. Hike back down for time to rest before visiting the local hot spring for some much deserved relaxation. Trekking Distance: 6-7km, 4.5 hours
• Narchyang Community Homestay: Set in the lower village, the Narchyang homestay offers a glimpse into traditional village life. Learn about the Magar culture and the Magar Kura language from your hosts and embrace this unique opportunity to live like a local. Get to know your hosts more over dinner as you enjoy a homemade meal of Nepali Dhido Set - typical cuisine for the area. Set in the lower village, the homestay provides the perfect starting point for exploring. Hike to the upper village for spectacular mountain views.

Today the group will ascend once again on the trek. Walk through the forests and terraced fields, and climb uphill admiring the stunning views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli along the route. Reach a mesmerizing view of ascending levels of teahouses and lodges with the mountains surrounding. Today's hike will be 4-5 hours.

Included Experiences

• Annapurna Circuit Trek from Narchyang to Sikha: Walking through the beautiful rhododendron (seasonal) forests and terraced fields and trek uphill admiring the stunning views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Trekking Distance 11 Kms. Trekking Duration. 4-5 hours. Elevation gain 515m. Terrain: Mix of rocky trails, dense forest, occasional streams and terraced farmlands.

Today trek from Sikha to Ghorepani (2,860m, 9,137ft). The route is seeped in history and the views of Machhupuchare and the Himalayas from Ghorepani are absolutely unmatched on a clear day. View local villages, teahouses, and settlements along the uphill route.

Included Experiences

• Annapurna Circuit Trek from Sikha to Ghorepani: From Sikha, take a route seeped in history all the way to Ghorepani; myths and stories of the origins of the indigenous people of the Annapurna region abound. The views of Machhupuchare and the Himalayas from Ghorepani are absolutely spectacular on a clear day. The trek while relatively short, is a very steep climb through the forest offering beautiful views of the mountains and valley below. Trekking Distance 8km. Trekking Duration 4-5 hours. Elevation gain - 945m. Terrain: Terraced fields, uphill ascents through the rhododendron and oak forests.

Enjoy an early morning excursion to Poon Hill for sunrise. Then venture through Ghorepani to Ramghai, enjoying spectacular views of the Annapurna range along the way. Cross through forests, streams, and bridges to reach the final destination, Ramghai.

Included Experiences

• Poon Hill Excursion: Take in the incredible mountain scenery that lines the route from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3210m). Enjoy the views across rhododendron forests and of spectacularly coloured birds during the trek. Arrive at Poon Hill to enjoy some of Nepal's best vistas. Walking distance : 4kms Time: 3 hours Elevation gain: 350m Terrain: mostly rocky terrain with mixed forested areas.
• Annapurna Circuit Trek Day from Ghorepani to Ramghai: Trek from Ghorepani to Ramghai. The views from the trek are absolutely stunning and are known to be among the best in the area. The trail starts with a steep uphill climb through the rhododendron forest. After breakfast at the top, the group will begin the down hill walk all the way to Ramghai. This is the last day of the trek. Enjoy a final day in the mountains with the team of our guides and porters, thanking them for their effort in endlessly supporting our trek and making it successful. Trekking Distance 15km. Trekking Duration 6-7 hours. Elevation loss - 1525m. Terrain: Mostly downhill, through rhododendron forests and farmlands.

Take a short hike from Ramghai to Birethanti where our bus will be waiting to take us to Pokhara. Rest and take a well-deserved shower in this lakeside resort town.

Included Experiences

• Hike from Ramghai to Birethanti: Complete the final leg of your trek with a 1-hour hike to Birethanti where the bus awaits.

Return to Kathmandu. We travel back to Kathmandu where the rest of the day is free for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing in one of the many rooftop cafés.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy some free time in Kathmandu by shopping, sightseeing, or simply enjoying a cup of warm chai in a roadside café.

Depart at any time.

Optional Experiences

• Everest Flight: Get a close look at awesome Mt Everest, the highest mountain in the world, without having to do any climbing; this one-hour plane tour will give you an unforgettable experience. At times, the weather may cover Everest, but the surrounding view is still worth the ride!