The classic Annapurna Circuit stands as one of Nepal’s finest and original mountain journeys. This trek offers trekkers a comprehensive experience, featuring spectacular high mountain scenery, charming traditional villages, fertile lowland agricultural regions, a rich array of local and indigenous cultures, and the formidable Thorung La pass.
Throughout the trek, there are daily interactions with friendly local communities, as well as ample opportunities to rest and admire the breathtaking scenery. It’s a chance to reflect on the challenges faced by early explorers who journeyed from Kathmandu and to grasp the way of life that once thrived in these valleys before the onset of tourism. Beyond Manang and on the north side of the Annapurna, the trail ascends to the Thorung La at 5,430 meters.
On the other side of the pass, the trail descends to Muktinath, renowned for its temples and monasteries, before continuing into the deep Kali Gandaki Valley. As the trek progresses through the Kali Gandaki Valley, it eventually reaches Ghorepani. From here, a short excursion to Poon Hill offers breathtaking sunrise views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas.
Many new short trails have been developed to bypass road construction, allowing trekkers to preserve the classic essence of the Annapurna Circuit trek. While specific times are allocated to each day of the trek, there are plenty of lodges along the route, offering flexibility to customize the length of each day’s journey according to individual preferences.
Annapurna Circuit Trip Highlights:
– Category: ‘Nepal Himalaya at its Best’ trek
– Region: Annapurna, Nepal
– Grade: Grade 4
– Duration: Minimum recommended 18 trek days
– Altitude: Maximum 5,340 meters
– Style: Lodge
Itinerary for Annapurna Circuit Trek:
1. Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
2. Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparations
3. Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, then to Khudi (800m, 7 hours drive)
4. Day 04: Trek to Sirung (2,200m, 6 hours)
5. Day 05: Trek to Chamje (1,410m, 6 hours)
6. Day 06: Trek to Dharapani (1,960m, 5 hours)
7. Day 07: Trek to Chame (2,710m, 5-6 hours)
8. Day 08: Trek to Pisang (3,190m, 5 hours)
9. Day 09: Trek to Manang (3,520m, 5 hours)
10. Day 10: Rest and acclimatization in Manang
11. Day 11: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,110m, 6 hours)
12. Day 12: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,600m, 6 hours)
13. Day 13: Rest and acclimatization day at Thorung Phedi
14. Day 14: Trek to Thorung La pass (5,415m) and then to Muktinath (3,800m, 7 hours)
15. Day 15: Trek to Marpha (2,670m, 5 hours)
16. Day 16: Trek to Kalopani (2,530m, 6 hours)
17. Day 17: Trek to Tatopani (1,200m, 6 hours)
18. Day 18: Trek to Ghorepani (2,850m, 7 hours)
19. Day 19: Trek to Nayapul (1,050m, 7 hours) and drive to Pokhara
20. Day 20: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
As with all ‘Travel Nepal Blog’ trekking itineraries, this serves as a brief outline of the possibilities available in the region.
