Annapurna Circuit Trek

On our second day, start your day with breakfast at the hotel then we will explore Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square.

Begin your sightseeing tour by visiting Swayambhunath Stupa, a prominent Buddhist site perched atop a hill west of Kathmandu. After Swayambhunath, head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in the heart of the city. You can savor traditional Nepali cuisine or try international dishes.

Swayambhunath: Swayambhunath Stupa is also known as the Monkey Temple. It is one of Nepal's oldest and most significant religious sites, attracting both Buddhist pilgrims and tourists. At the heart of Swayambhunath is a large white dome-shaped stupa with eyes painted on all four sides. The stupa is surrounded by numerous smaller shrines, temples, and monastic complexes. Swayambhunath is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square holds great historical, cultural, and architectural significance. The square is surrounded by a collection of palaces, temples, courtyards, and other historical buildings, reflecting the rich artistic and architectural traditions of the Newar people. Some of the notable structures within Kathmandu Durbar Square include Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar, Taleju Temple, and Kal Bhairav Temple which serves as a window into Nepal's rich history and cultural traditions.

Patan Durbar Square: Patan Durbar Square is also known as Lalitpur Durbar Square which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Lalitpur. The square is renowned for its remarkable collection of palaces, temples, courtyards, and statues that reflect Newar architectural and artistic traditions. Some of the notable attractions within Patan Durbar Square include Krishna Mandir, Patan Museum, Golden Temple, Bhimsen Temple, and Sundari Chowk. These are just a few examples of the many temples, palaces, and courtyards within Patan Durbar Square.

Overnight at Hotel [B]

On the third day of your journey, you will be driving from your starting point to Chame.

Begin your day by preparing for the drive from your starting point to Chame. Set off on your journey towards Chame. The drive will take you through scenic landscapes, including lush forests, terraced fields, and charming villages. Once you reach Chame, you can find accommodations such as guesthouses, lodges, or hotels. Chame provides basic facilities like food, lodging, and other amenities required for trekkers.

Overnight in Chame [B]

Driving: 9-10 hrs

On the fourth day of your journey, you will be trekking from Chame to Pisang. Start from Chame: Begin your trek from Chame, leaving behind the comforts of the town and venturing further into the Annapurna region. Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful landscapes surrounding you. After a couple of hours of trekking, you will reach the village of Bhratang. From Bhratang, the trail gradually ascends towards the village of Dhikur Pokhari. Dhikur Pokhari is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,600 meters and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After Dhikur Pokhari, the trail continues uphill towards Upper Pisang. Upper Pisang is perched on a ridge with stunning views of the Annapurna and Pisang peaks. From Upper Pisang, the trail descends to Lower Pisang. Lower Pisang is located at a lower altitude compared to Upper Pisang and offers a mix of traditional Tibetan-style houses and modern guesthouses. Take some time to relax and enjoy the beauty of Pisang. The village is surrounded by majestic mountains, and the tranquil atmosphere offers a peaceful respite.

Overnight in Pisang [B]

Hiking: 5-6 hrs.

Travel Distance: 12 km

On the fifth day of your journey from Pisang to Ngawal, you'll be continuing your trek through the beautiful Annapurna region in Nepal. Ngawal is a small village situated at an altitude of approximately 3,660 meters (12,008 feet), offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Start your day early in Pisang, ensuring you have a hearty breakfast and enough drinking water for the journey ahead. Begin your trek by following the trail that leads north from Pisang. You'll be walking through a combination of forests, meadows, and rocky terrain, so be prepared with appropriate footwear and clothing. Ngawal is situated on a ridge, offering spectacular views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and other nearby peaks. Once you reach Ngawal, Spend the evening exploring the village, observing the local lifestyle, and enjoying a warm meal. You may also want to take some time to acclimatize to the high altitude before continuing your trek the next day.

Overnight in Ngawal [B]

Hiking: 6-7 hrs

On the sixth day of your journey, you will be travelling from Ngawal to Manang. Wake up early in the morning and have a hearty breakfast at your guesthouse in Ngawal. Take some time to enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains before setting off on your trek. The trail from Ngawal to Manang passes through the village of Braga, which is famous for its ancient monastery. After a few hours of trekking, you'll finally reach the village of Manang. Manang is a popular stop for trekkers, offering various amenities such as guesthouses, restaurants, and shops. It's a good place to rest, acclimatize to the altitude, and explore the local culture.

Overnight in Manang [B]

Hiking: 5-6 hrs.

On the seventh day of your trek in Manang, it's designated as an acclimatization day. Acclimatization is a crucial part of high-altitude trekking to help your body adjust to reduced oxygen levels and prevent altitude sickness. Use this day to rest and allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Take it easy, sleep well, and give yourself time to recover from the physical strain of the previous days. Spend some time exploring the village of Manang itself. It is a picturesque village with unique Tibetan culture and stunning mountain views. Visit the local monasteries, interact with the friendly locals, and immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyle of the Himalayan region.

Overnight in Manang [B]

Hiking: 3-4 hrs.

On the eighth day of your trek, you will be leaving Manang and heading towards Yak Kharka. This leg of the journey will take you through beautiful landscapes as you gradually gain altitude. The trail from Manang to Yak Kharka offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range and surrounding valleys. You'll pass through alpine meadows, and rocky terrain, and possibly encounter herds of yaks grazing in the high-altitude pastures. Along the way, you'll find teahouses that provide basic accommodation and meals for trekkers. These teahouses are usually rustic but offer a cosy and warm place to rest and replenish your energy.

Overnight in Yak Kharka [B]

Hiking: 3-4 hrs.

On the ninth day of your trek, you will be trekking from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi. This part of the journey takes you closer to the Thorong La Pass, which is a significant milestone in the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The distance between Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi is approximately 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) and usually takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete. The duration may vary depending on your walking pace and acclimatization needs. You will continue to gain altitude as you trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi. Thorong Phedi is a small settlement that serves as a resting point for trekkers before crossing the Thorong La Pass. Once you reach Thorong Phedi, take some time to rest and hydrate. This will help you replenish your energy and prepare for the challenging ascent to Thorong La Pass on the following day.

Overnight in Thorang Phedi [B]

Hiking: 3-4 hrs.

On the tenth day of your trek, you will embark on one of the most challenging and rewarding sections of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. You'll be trekking from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via the famous Thorong La Pass. You'll need to start early in the morning to ensure you have enough time to cross Thorong La Pass and reach Muktinath before dark. The pass can be particularly challenging due to its high altitude and steep ascent. Thorong La Pass is the highest point of the trek, situated at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet). The ascent to the pass is physically demanding, and the trail can be rocky and steep. Despite the physical challenges, the panoramic views from Thorong La Pass are breathtaking. After crossing the pass, you'll descend towards Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The trail gradually descends through scenic landscapes, including alpine meadows, barren terrain, and small villages. Muktinath offers a range of accommodations, including teahouses and guesthouses, where you can rest and recover from the long day's trek. Enjoy a warm meal and a comfortable night's sleep in preparation for the next leg of your journey.

Overnight in Muktinath [B]

Hiking: 8-9 hrs.

From Muktinath, we will board a 4WD private vehicle that will lead us to Tatopani after driving for about 3 hours. On reaching Tatopani, we will relax in our lodge or go out to have a dip in the waters of the hot springs.

Overnight in Tatopani [B]

Driving: 3 hrs.

On the twelfth day of your trekking journey, you will be travelling from Tatopani to Ghorepani. This is a popular route in the Annapurna region of Nepal, known for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes. Leaving Tatopani behind, you will cross the Kali Gandaki River. There are suspension bridges over the river, providing you with stunning views of the river and the surrounding hills. The trail will gradually ascend as you leave the river behind. After several hours of trekking, you will arrive at the village of Ghorepani. It is situated at an elevation of around 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) and serves as a popular stopover point for trekkers heading to Poon Hill. Ghorepani offers various teahouses and lodges where you can find accommodation and meals for the night. The village has a charming atmosphere, and you can wander through its narrow streets, interact with locals, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Overnight in Ghorepani [B]

Hiking: 7-8 hrs.

On the thirteen days of the Annapurna Poonhill Sunrise Trek, you'll embark on an early morning hike to Poon Hill to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Afterwards, you'll continue your trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani.

You'll wake up before dawn and start hiking uphill to Poon Hill, the renowned viewpoint situated at an altitude of 3,210 meters (10,532 feet). The hike is a gradual ascent through rhododendron forests, and as you climb higher, you'll be surrounded by an atmosphere of tranquillity. Reaching Poon Hill before sunrise, you'll witness a magical spectacle as the sun begins to rise, casting its golden hues on the snow-capped peaks. The scene is truly awe-inspiring, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

After soaking in the sunrise view and capturing photographs, you'll descend back to Ghorepani. The trail from Ghorepani to Tadapani offers a mix of uphill and downhill sections, traversing through lush forests and picturesque landscapes. As you approach Tadapani, you'll be greeted by breathtaking views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Tadapani itself is a beautiful village, nestled amid rhododendron forests. You'll check into a teahouse in Tadapani and have the remainder of the day to relax and enjoy the serene ambience.

Overnight in Tadapani [B]

Hiking: 6-7 hrs.

On fourteen days of the Annapurna Poonhill Sunrise Trek, you'll trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning mountain views.

After breakfast in Tadapani, you'll begin your trek towards Ghandruk. The trail initially descends through beautiful rhododendrons and oak forests, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere. As you hike downhill, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Throughout the trek, you'll pass through charming villages and terraced fields, offering insights into the traditional farming practices of the local communities.

After several hours of trekking, you'll arrive at Ghandruk, you'll be greeted by the magnificent sight of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountain ranges. After reaching Ghandruk, you'll have the opportunity to explore the village, visit the Gurung Museum, and interact with the locals. You can immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the region, learning about traditional dances, costumes, and rituals.

Overnight in Ghandruk [B]

Hiking: 3-4 hrs.

On the fifteenth of the Annapurna Poonhill Sunrise Trek, you'll complete your trekking adventure as you descend from Ghandruk to Nayapul and then drive to Pokhara, where you can celebrate the successful completion of your journey.

After breakfast in Ghandruk, you'll start your descent towards Nayapul, the endpoint of your trek. The trail winds through terraced fields, charming villages, and lush forests, providing you with a final opportunity to soak in the natural beauty of the region. Upon reaching Nayapul, you'll say goodbye to the Himalayas and meet your transportation for the drive back to Pokhara. The drive offers scenic views of the countryside, rivers, and hills, allowing you to reflect on the incredible experiences you've had during your trek.

Once you arrive in Pokhara, you'll check into your hotel and have the rest of the day at your leisure. Pokhara, with its serene lakes, vibrant atmosphere, and stunning views of the Annapurna range, provides a perfect setting to relax, rejuvenate, and celebrate the successful completion of your trek. In the evening, you can explore the lakeside area of Pokhara, indulge in delicious food, go for a boat ride on Phewa Lake, or simply unwind and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of this beautiful city.

Overnight in Pokhara [B]

Hiking: 2-3 hrs.

On the 16th day of the Annapurna Poonhill Sunrise Trek, you'll bid farewell to Pokhara and fly back to Kathmandu, marking the end of your trekking adventure. After breakfast in Pokhara, you'll be transferred to the airport for a short domestic flight to Kathmandu. The flight offers scenic views of the Annapurna and Langtang mountain ranges, providing a last glimpse of the stunning landscapes you've trekked through. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to your hotel, where you can rest and relax after your journey. The remaining day is yours to explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu at your leisure.

Overnight in Kathmandu [B]

Flight: 30 min

On the last day, it's time for your final departure from Kathmandu. The last day morning will be free and near the time of your flight. You will be at the airport within the time to board your flight for the onward trip.