Annapurna Circuit Trek-14 Days

MAE QATEM: After reaching the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will be met by your guide and taken to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore the vibrant streets and ancient temples of Kathmandu.

Tips:

Have your passport and visas in order.

Drink post flight.

Rest and prepare for the journey ahead.

Depart from Kathmandu to Besisahar (5-6 hours driving) after breakfast. Until we meet at the beginning of the trek in Bhulbhule from Besisahar. The trail follows the Marsyangdi River and takes you through terraced fields and lush subtropical forests.

Tips:

Keep your belongings secured.

Well worth doing, but no point in hurrying; take your time to acclimatize.

Stay hydrated and drink a lot of water throughout the day.

Today, we start our walk from Bhulbhule to Jagat. And it follows the Marsyangdi River and passes several beautiful and unique villages like Ngadi and Bahundanda. From there, we could see that we could get some very dramatic changes in scenery, as we quickly progress from lush subtropical forests to more rugged terrain. The land begins to be more mountainous, air feels cleaner with altitude. Today we head towards a tiny village called Jagat. Here we can unwind and appreciate the calm setting as we get ready for the near future.

Tips:

To allow for acclimatization -- go slow and steady

Bring sufficient water and snacks, as you will be coming through fewer villages.

Take a moment to soak in the spectacular views and take some quick photos.

This trek goes in the valley to the river of Marsyangdi and through many suspension bridges. The vegetation will shift from lush forests to a barren land as we climb further on these mountains. After Dharapani, we walk through beautiful villages such as Chamje and Sattale. The area is mostly populated with Gurung and Manangi people, so you’ll have a look into their culture and life style. Dharapani is a fairly bigger village which showcases the traditional architecture and culture. The mountains of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal start to come into view in the distance.

Tips:

Refrain from crossing bridges, as they can be slippery.

Pack your camera because the scenery is amazing.

It’s perfectly acceptable to pause a couple times within the walk if you feel fatigued.

On this day, we start ascending further into Manang District. The path winds through pine woods, crossing a handful of small rivers and streams. We make our way uphill, climbing ever more, as we walk through the villages of Bagarchhap and Danakyu. Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, is a small town with a few guesthouses where we will spend the night. The scenery is spectacular with views of nearby mountains such as Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. The vegetation changes from subtropical to rather alpine forests are marked and just make this ride all the more magnificent.

Tips:

Out of him, he takes breaks to avoid altitude sickness.

Stay hydrated by drinking adequate water.

Keep your chin up — the views only get better the higher you go!

Today’s hike is deeper into the Annapurna region. From Chame we ascend gently through pine forests and cross a succession of bridges to reach the village of Pisang. Part of the trail is steep, but it provides a payoff: Pisang has a great view of the Annapurnas II, III, and IV, and the beautiful peak of Gangapurna. This is a perfect place to relax and recover your strength for the harder days to come. Pisang is also a perfect place to witness the Tibetan-style architecture representative to this part of the world.

Tips:

The goal is to assure your legs won't dramatically burn out so midway during a race.

Organize your gear and have it accessible when you need it.

Visit the small village of Pisang and enjoy its Tibetan culture.

The journey from Pisang to Manang is one of the most stunning stretches of the whole Annapurna Circuit. We hike through the awesome beauty of the Manang Valley with stunning views of Annapurna II, III and IV. The trail passes up and down through alpine forests and small villages, and we start to feel the unique change in altitude. Manang is a bigger village and the portal of Thorong La Pass. Great place to rest (acclimatization) day. The region includes several Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and a short hike takes you to a viewpoint where you can better appreciate the valley’s majesty.

Tips:

Avoid altitude sickness by spending time at higher altitudes to acclimatize.

Drink plenty, especially as you ascend to altitude.

Go on a short trek in and around Manang and discover the valley.

Today is a rest and acclimatization day in Manang. As you climb to elevations, altitude sickness is a common worry, and this day lets you acclimatise to the thinner air. A short hike will take you to the nearby Gangapurna Lake, which boasts breathtaking views of surrounding peaks. It’s also a nice excuse to check out the local monastery and soak in the spiritual feel of the area. This day off will allow you to get ready for the more difficult days ahead, including going over the Thorong La Pass.

Tips:

Sleep and rest to give your body time to acclimate.

Stay away from alcohol or caffeine, as both can dehydrate you.

Go on short hikes to allow your body to acclimatise to the altitude.

Having given ourselves another fine day of acclimatisation in Manang, we start our climb towards Yak Kharka. The trail starts to gain elevation more aggressively as we start cruising into alpine. We go through some small settlements, stream crossings and slowly head towards Yak Kharka. Situated at an altitude of 4000 meters,​ the village is surrounded by the lofty mountain peaks, providing magnificent views of the Annapurna Range. The air is thinner here, so we will take it easy to avoid altitude sickness. Yak Kharka is the last stop before heading to the daunting Thorong La Pass.

Tips:

Move slowly to allow your body to acclimatize.

The weather can be unpredictable; keep your gear sheltered from the elements.

Make sure you’re eating healthy to stay energized.

Today we continue our climb toward the base of Thorong La Pass. The path to Thorong Phedi from Yak Kharka is steep, and within a short span we gain considerable altitude. The vegetations get sparser and we are surrounded with rocky terrain as we advance to Thorong Phedi. The last stop before the hard climb to Thorong La Pass is Thorong Phedi, located roughly 4,450 meters above sea level. Rest is vital here for acclimatisation before the final climb to the pass.

Tips:

Go Slow and Acclimatize Properly

Sleep well for the long, arduous ascent the next day.

Tip: With the higher altitude, temperatures can decrease quite a bit, so keep nice and warm.

This is the most difficult day of the trek since we cross the renowned Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters). The climb is steep, and we’ll start early in the morning to ensure we get to the pass before the winds start to blow. The sublime views at the top, with 360-degree vistas of snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, are simply breathtaking. And after crossing the pass: Muktinath, a sacred town for Hindu and Buddhists alike, where we will spend the night.) Muktinath Temple is a very popular temple and natural springs.

Tips:

Set out early, if possible, so you have plenty of time to cross the pass.

Wear layers — temperatures can fluctuate dramatically.

Drink to stay hydrated, but not so much that you get altitude sickness.

Visiting the holy Muktinath Temple, we start our way to Jomsom. It is a lot easier today as we descend into the Kali Gandaki River Valley. Jomsom, small town of 2,700 meters, is characterized by its very dry, windy climate. We’ll trek through villages like Kagbeni, an ancient settlement with traditional Tibetan-style architecture. Jomsom, which is accessed by planes (to Pokhara, or onward to Kathmandu)

Tips:

That relaxing descent and shift in climate is nice.

Spend a while discovering the surrounding regions of Jomsom.

Wear sunscreen; the sun can be strong at lower elevations.

Today, we take a brief scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The flight provides stunning mountain views of Khatmandu and the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, along with glimpses of the Kali Gandaki River. This journey is perfect for a day of relaxation by the serene Phewa Lake or exploration of the Lakeside area or Pokhara attractions, including the World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, and more.

Tips:

Have a safe and pleasant journey onboard with all of the views from the air.

Free day in Pokhara to relax and explore on your own.

Your camera will mean brilliant sights across the metropolitan.

On your last day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, we drive back to Kathmandu which takes about 6-7 hours. On the way, the drive views of the countryside and rural life in Nepal. From there, you can either finish touristing as needed or chillax for the flight home. You will also have the option to shop for souvenirs in the Thamel area or visit any temples you may have missed at trek start.

Tips:

On the drive, keep your belongings close.

Wander through Kathmandu one last time, letting its colorful spirit stimulate your senses.

Take a moment to think back on the amazing journey you just made.