It’s a fantastic route along the Marshyangdi, over the Thorung La (5416m) and a descent of the Kali Gandaki Valley .

The Annapurna Circuit is a popular name for a 300 km trek within the Annapurna mountain range. The trek rises to an altitude of 5,300m on the Thorung La pass, touching the edge of the fabled Tibetan plateau. This trek is a magnificent plan, covering two different river valleys. It encircles the Annapurna Massif, crossing Thorung La [5416m], the highest pass on this trek.

The magnificent mountain scenery, seen at close quarters includes Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna [7455m] and Tilicho Peak [7134m].  Ten peaks of 600-800m rises from the Annapurna . Machhapuchhre looks stunning from this viewpoint as also the south face of Annapurna .

The trek begins at Besi Sahar and concludes at Kali Gandaki river valley. After a seven hours drive from Kathmandu , you reach Besi Sahar in the Marshyangdi river valley. The trek finally concludes at Kali Gandaki river valley. En route, you pass along paddy fields and subtropical forests, view the beautiful mountain scenery, several waterfalls and gigantic cliffs, and experience fascinating village life. The entire trip is so exhilarating that you will be kept enthralled, day after day. This is a trek you will remember for a very long time.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01 - Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02 - Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Day 03 - Drive to Besi Sahar [820m] [drive approx 6 hours]
Day 04 - Trek to Khudi [790m]
Day 05 - Trek to Bahundanda [1310m]
Day 06 - Trek to Jagat [1290m]
Day 07 - Trek to Dharapani [1920m]
Day 08 - Trek to Chame [2630m]
Day 09 - Trek to Pisang [3190m]
Day 10 - Trek to Manang [3520m]
Day 11 - Rest day in Manang [3520m]
Day 12 - Trek to Letdar [4250m]
Day 13 - Trek to Thorung Phedi [4500m]
Day 14 - Trek to Muktinath [3800m]
Day 15 - Trek to Marpha [2665m]
Day 16 - Trek to Lete [2470m]
Day 17 - Trek to Tatopani [1160m]
Day 18 - Trek to Ghorepani [2775m]
Day 19 - Trek to Birethanti [1050m] & drive to Pokhara
Day 20 - Flight to Kathmandu
Day 21 - Depart Kathmandu

Your detailed itinerary: - Click Here

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
it is a wonderful experience flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. Our representative and driver from our office will meet you and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will also help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be oriented about your daily activities. It’s your first overnight in the valley of the gods.

Day 2 Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley                                              
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural pride of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a mixing bowl of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Overnight hotel.
Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath.

Day 3 Drive to Besi Sahar [820m] [drive approx 6 hours]
after adequate acclimatization and good logistic support, we begin our Annapurna trekking. Driving along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then following the rough route by the Marsyangdi River , we pass through the low-lying villages and rice fields. After a 6 hours long drive, we finally reach Besi Sahar. Besi Sahar is the capital of Lamjung District.

Day 4 Trek to Khudi [790m]
From Besi Sahar, we trek along the trail turning right at the canal on the outskirts of the village and descending the narrow path to the Pam Khola. On crossing the stream, we ascend towards the village of Denauti where we get to see Nepali village life at close quarters. The route further leads to the banks of the Marshyangdi Khola, passing through paddy fields and subtropical forests. As the trail nears the Khudi Khola, we approach the Gurung village of Khudi . Overnight Khudi.

Day 5 Trek to Bahundanda [1310m]
we now walk northwards up the Marsyangdi Valley , away from Khudi, where we get to see the magnificent Annapurna mountain ranges. The trail winds through a suspension bridge and follows terraced rice fields offering breathtaking view of Manaslu and cascading waterfalls. Further, as the trail goes uphill, we spot several shops and teahouses at Ngadi village. On leaving Ngadi after a brief rest, we skirt through the challenging trails to Bahundanda. Bahundanda literally means "Brahmin hill" and as the name suggests Bahundanda is largely inhabited by Brahmins. Here we conclude our trekking journey for the day.

Day 6 Trek to Jagat [1290m]
a steep trail descends from Bahundanda, through rice fields, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Hani Gaon . Ahead, the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape. We follow the winding mountain path down through Syange 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, we descend to the stone village of Jagat , situated on a shelf, which juts out into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley. We stop here for the night.

Day 7: Trek to Dharpani [1920m]
the trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush green 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 the steep forested village of Karte . Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge. Its an overnight at Dharapani.

Day 8 Trek to Chame [2630m]
we skirt through a narrow field from the village. The Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu and then Marshyangdi, veers to the left. Sinuous trails of the. Annapurna II becomes visible as we arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhotia village with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. As we continue ascending through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall. Further on, the Marshyangdi River enters a gorge and the trails follow a rock-strewn path.
We can pause for a while and take in the splendor of the picturesque Manaslu. When the steep incline ends, we follow a path amid magnificent rhododendrons and continue on a gently rising path. We cross a stream before entering a pine forest. We then enter the pristine hamlet of Kotho, from where we can capture the most enchanting view of Annapurna II. Treading further, the route reaches a large white gate with a corrugated iron roof, which is the entrance to Chame. Chame is the administrative headquarters of Manang district. There is electricity, wireless station, schools, shops, health post, post office, police check post, hotels, lodges and banks in this high mountain town of Chame. The hot springs are the major attraction of this place. Overnight Chame.

Day 9 Trek to Pisang [3190m]
after a mesmerizing sight of the glowing Lamjung Himal [6893m] in the morning, we head off for Pisang. En route, we cross a large suspension bridge along Marshyangdi and approach houses and lodges on the northern side of the river. Our trekking trail meanders through barley field leading to Teleku at 2775 meters. As we leave undulating mountain passes, we enter fascinating apple orchard and near a bridge at 2840 meters. On crossing the bridge, the pristine hamlet of Bratang appears. History has it that Bratang used to be a Khampa settlement. A stone memorial of a Japanese climber has been built in this place.

After leaving the forested village, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape. Before us, the Annapurna mountain range rears up. Further on, we continue our steep rock-strewn trails to the south side and cross a long suspension bridge at 3040 meters. At this vantage point on the bridge, we get to view Paungda Danda rock rising more than 1500 meters from the river. En route, we get to capture splendid views of Annapurna II rearing up on the east and Pisang Peak on the north-east. We cross a bridge and enter the village of Pisang .

Day 10 Trek to Manang [3520m]
as we continue with our trek, further a field from Pisang we head along a steep ridge savoring beautiful sights of the Manang valley and the Tilicho peak towering above 7132 meters. As we descend through Manang's airstrip, we come to Hongde lying beneath the gigantic Annapurna III on the north-east face. The route further leads to the wide plain of the Sabje Khola Valley from where we get the majestic view of Annapurna IV [7525m].

Further on, we cross a wooden bridge, as the Marsyangdi Khola gushes below us. We enter the beautiful village of Mungji . We continue treading along the cultivated fields and after a while we arrive at the village of Bryaga with a splendid monastery. On trekking down to Manang, we enjoy the majestic views of the Annapurna range - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna [7455m] and Tilicho Peak [7134m].

Day 11 Rest day in Manang [3520m]
after reaching Manang, we take a day off for complete rest and adequate acclimatization before crossing the Thorung La. We can spend this day strolling down the river to see the tremendous ice-fall cascading down from the glaciated mountain peaks or by simply take in the panoramic beauty of the Annapurna mountain range and the Manang Valley . A short visit to the Himalayan Rescue Association [HRA] aid post makes for an interesting visit. You could also catch up on some reading or meditate on your surroundings & even pen a few lines home. The folks would love to hear from you. Overnight Manang.

Day 12 Trek to Letdar [4250m]
after getting thoroughly acclimatized, we advance towards Thorung La. On the way, we cross a stream, climb to Tengi, and 120meters above Manang and ascend further past Marshyangdi Valley turning north-west up the valley of the Jarsang Khola. Amid the spectacular vistas of Annapurna mountain range, we trek beyond the lush vegetation of scrub juniper and alpine grasses to reach the small village of Gunsang . Gunsang is a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trail at 3960 meters. Along the route, we see several lodges.

As we approach picturesque meadows and rich forests of barberry, juniper etc, we encounter horses and yaks grazing. The trail takes us further along a large stream that flows from Chulu West and Gundang, and leads to a rich pasture at 4000 meters.
Day 13 Trek to Thorung Phedi [4500m]
Leaving Letdar, we 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, we follow a narrow trail across an unstable steep slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi.

Day 14 Trek to Muktinath [3800m]
We have an early start today for the crossing of Thorung La [5416m]. The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp, but as local people have used this trail for hundreds of years, the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, we reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. From the snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang, which spread out before us, we are presented with a dramatic tableau. The landscape hereabouts is absolutely mesmerizing.

The descent to Muktinath is a 1600m trek. But the excellent views of Dhaulagiri , more then makes up for the tiring journey. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath, with its shrines and temple. Overnight Muktinath.

Day 15 Trek to Marpha [2665m]
we now begin the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with typical Tibetan architecture, we follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. Jomsom is sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki and from here we get fine views of the Nilgiri peaks. We continue down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali village, with a well-planned drainage system. Its narrow alleys and passageways provide welcome shelter from the strong winds of the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Marpha is particularly well known for its apples, apple cider and apple, apricot and peach rakshi. (A local brew)

Day 16 Trek to Lete [2470m]
we continue descending the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Tukuche, a Thakali village with a large gompa. Beyond Tukuche we walk along the west bank of the Kali Gandaki towards Larjung. Here, as in many of the villages in this area, narrow alleyways and tunnels connect houses with enclosed courtyards, providing protection against the wind blowing up the valley. We make our way through pine, juniper and cypress forests to Kalopani, enjoying fine views of Annapurna I and Fang. We then reach Lete, which lies just twenty minutes beyond Kalopani.

Day 17 Trek to Tatopani [1160m]
our trail descends steeply through forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. We enter the steepest and narrowest part of the gorge shortly after Ghasa. At the hamlet of Rupse a magnificent waterfall tumbles down beside the trail. Continuing on, we come to Dana, a Magar village from where the massive peak of Annapurna South can be seen across the valley. The trail then descends to Tatopani where we can have apple pie and bathe in the hot springs . These hot springs are said to cure a number of ailments.

Day 18 Trek to Ghorepani [2775m]
a short distance downstream from Tatopani, we cross the river on a large suspension bridge and leave the Kali Gandaki behind. After passing through the villages of Sikha and Chitre, we climb through the forest to Deorali, a 2834m pass from where we can get excellent views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Just 10 minutes beyond the pass is the village of Ghorepani . Ghorepani literally means "horse water" and is a welcome watering spot for the packs of mules, which ply the route between Pokhara and Jomsom.

Day 19 Trek to Birenthanti [1050m] & drive to Pokhara
Overlooking Ghorepani is Poon Hill [3193m]. An hour-long pre-dawn ascent gives us the opportunity to see the fascinating views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri glowing in the morning sun. After breakfast, we begin the long descent to Birethanti through magnificent oak and rhododendron forests. From the village of Ulleri , a long steep stone staircase seems to go on forever before eventually reaching Hille. A more gradual descent then brings us to Birethanti, from where it is a short distance to the road and our transport that takes us to Pokhara.

Day 20 Flight/drive to Kathmandu
We fly or drive to Kathmandu.

Day 21 Depart Kathmandu
Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay longer, you can go for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, and mountain biking, etc. - we have tailor made packages to suit your taste for adventure & also your pockets.

Cost Includes & Excludes on:

• Annapurna conservation area permits,
• Trekking Map of Annapurna region
• Full Board Plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, accommodation, tea or coffee) during trek,
• Join Nepali Cultural Program with dinner,
• Hotel in Kathmandu as your requirements,.
• Hotel in Pokhara on BB plan,
• An experienced licensed holder Guide and required porters
• Food, drinks, salary, insurance, equipment, transportation, accommodation, and local tax for guide and porters,
• Transpotation by bus, car or by flight,
• Medical kit box
• TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management Systems)
• Trekking Equipments
• All government tax
• All guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and entry fees
• All necessary transportation while sightseeing
• Airport pick up and drop with an escort

Cost Exclude on:

• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and pokhara
• Your travel insurance
• International flight and departure tax
• Any expense of personal nature
• Nepal entry visa fee US 30 (duration 60 days from date of issue)
• Any kinds of Bar bills