Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu International
Airport. Transfer to the hotel and stay overnight at hotel
in Kathmandu.
Day 2 City sightseeing in and around Kathmandu
valley. (Kathmandu, Bhaktapur & Patan). Stay overnight
at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 3 Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar
(823m.) takes about six hours. You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara
Highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road
by the Marshyangdi River to Beshisahar, the district headquarters
of Lamjung district. All the local government offices are
situated here. From here, you can see some of mountain peaks,
natural sceneries surrounding the valley and the daily activities
of local people. This headquarter is the centre from where
the daily usable commodities are supplied to the different
villages and numerous towns. Stay overnight at lodge in Besisahar.
Day 4 Trek from Beshishahar to Bahundanda
(1305m.) takes about six hours. The first part of the trail
passes through flat level along the bank of the Marshyangdi
River. You can enjoy the sceneries and the local culture
of Gurung community. After lunch the trail goes steeply upwards
to Bahundanda which takes about 2 hours. At this point, you
can see the area surrounded by eye-catching scenarios with
snow -capped mountains. Stay overnight at lodge in Bahundanda.
Day 5 Trek from Bahundanda to Chamje (1410m.)
takes about six hours. A steep trail descends for early half
an hour and then follows flat path through rice terraces
before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfalls.
It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above
the river before reaching the village of Lali Gaon. Ahead
the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape and you follow
the winding mountain path down through Syange (1100m.) where
there is a beautiful waterfall above it 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 you descend to the stone village
of Jagat (1330m.) situated on a shelf which juts into the
precipitous Marshyangdi valley. Now the trail begins to observe
small ups and downs to Chamje through the forests. Stay overnight
at lodge in Chamje.
Day 6 Trek from Chamje (1410m.) to Dharapani
(1960m.) takes about six hours. The first part of the trail
descends to the river and after crossing a suspension bridge,
you begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) on a path so steep
that it seems one slip would send you hurtling down into
the valley. You continue on an undulating path above the
river, and at one point, where a tributary flows in from
the opposite bank, the main river becomes covered with huge
boulders that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag path to
the top of the hill, we see the level, plain of Tal (1700m.)
before us. Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area
looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain paths just
traveled on. You descend to a grassy riverbank which leads
to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Here you can enjoy
the exhilarating waterfalls .Beyond Tal, the valley narrows
and the path becomes high and winding and in several areas
hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte
(1900m.), there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path
drops again to the river. You cross a suspension bridge and
climb the short distance to the stone mani marking the entrance
to Dharapani (1960m.), and our camp for the night. Stay overnight
at lodge in Dharapani.
Day 7 Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2675m.)
takes about five and half hours. As you cut through a narrow
field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates
from the south face of Manaslu, enters on the opposite bank.
The Marshyangdi then veers to the left and as Annapurna II
becomes visible ahead, you arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhote
village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze around
Buddhist monastery. Continuing to climb through forests of
pine and oak, you pass through Danaque (2210m.). There comes
a small wooden bridge which takes you to follow steep ascent
path up to Timang. It lies at the bottom of Lamajung Himal.
The trail goes through flat level until you reach Chame where
there are government offices, shops and hotels. Chame is
the administrative headquarters for the Manang district.
Stay overnight at lodge in Chame.
Day 8 Trek from Chame to Pisang (3100m.)
takes about five hours. With Lamjung Himal (6893m) sparkling
in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. The mountain
disappears as you climb the path up the valley, passing a
huge apple orchard. You continue through a fir and pine forest,
climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes
an impassable cliff. From this point the valley becomes extremely
steep-sided as you follow the path to Bhratang (2950m.).In
the past this was the military station for troops who fought
against the Khampa tribal revolution, but the dilapidated
buildings are all that remains of that era. A short climb
from the village brings you to a rock-strewn area where you
cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before
crossing back to the right bank again. You now walk through
a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes
from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful
vista before us. You can see the east peak of Annapurna II
as well as Pisang Peak (6091m.) to the north-east. Continuing
on, you come to a long mani wall by a bridge and the lower
village of Pisang. Stay overnight at lodge in Pisang.
Day 9 Trek from Pisang to Manang (3440m.)
takes about five and half hours. Beyond Pisang, the trail
climbs a steep ridge which affords good views of the Manang
valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.). Descending past Manang's
airstrip at Hungde (3320m.), you come to a level area from
where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises majestically
above you. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley,
Annapurna IV (7525m.) also becomes visible. Just beyond this
point you cross the considerably reduced flow of the Marshyangdi
Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji.
Cultivated fields appear on both sides of the path and off
to the right, below a craggy mountain, you can see the village
of Bryaga with its splendid monastery. Large chortens and
mani walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya spread
out before us - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV,
Gangapurna (7455m.) and to the rear, Tilicho Peak (7145m.).
After a short steep climb you reach Manang which is a surprisingly
large village for this remote mountain region. You camp here
for the night amidst the fluttering prayer flags which adorn
the houses. Stay overnight at lodge in Manang.
Day 10 Rest day at Manang and hang in and
around town. This is an important rest and acclimatization
day today before crossing the Thorung La. There are optional
day walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous
icefall coming down from the Annapurnas, or climbing high
above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range
and the Manang Valley. There is also a Himalayan Rescue Association
(HRA) aid post in the village which makes an interesting
and educational visit. Moreover, you can visit Ganagapurna
Glacier Lake to make your rest day a memorable one. Stay
overnight at lodge in Manang.
Day 11 Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4350m.)
takes about three and half hours. Now the trail ascends gently
all the way to Yak Kharka passing through the Gunsang (3960m.)
village. En route, you can see panoramic views all the day.
Stay overnight at lodge in Yak Kharka.
Day 12 Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong
Phedi (4420m.) takes about 3 and half hours. Leaving Yak
Kharka, you 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, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable
spree slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi. Stay overnight
at lodge in Thorong Phedi.
Day 13Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath
(3850m.) via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass takes about seven hours.
You start early today for your crossing of Thorung La [5416m].
The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp but as
this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of
years the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and
after around 4 hours of steady climbing you reaches the chorten
and prayer flags of the pass. The views are dramatic to say
the least, from the snow-covered mountains above, to the
head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple
hills of Mustang which are spread out before us. The descent
to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m but it's compensated
for with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines
give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the
Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple.
Stay overnight at lodge in Muktinath.
Day 14 Trek Muktinath to Marpha (2667m.)
takes about approximately six hours. You now begin the descent
down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid
country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet.
After passing through Jharkot and Khingar villages with typical
Tibetan architecture, you follow the valley floor most of
the way to Jomsom which is sprawled along both banks of the
Kali Gandaki .From here there are fine views of the Nilgiri
peaks. You continue walk down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali
village, complete with a drainage system beneath the flagstone
streets. 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. Stay overnight at lodge
in Marpha.
Day 15 Trek from Marpha to Ghasa (2013m.)
takes about six hours. Your trail descends steeply through
forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the southern-most
limit of Tibetan Buddhism. The beginning part of the trail
is stretched at almost flat level up to Kalopani and then
your trail begins descending steeply to Ghasa. The first
part of the trek passes through the windy area covered with
pine forests, rhododendron forests and birches .The surrounding
area of Ghasa is famous destination for bird watching and
wild Marijuana. Here you are quite amazed at the panoramic
view of Mount Nilgiri North (7061m.), Nilgiri Central (6940m.),
and Nilgiri South (6839m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Dhaulagiri
I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.) Stay overnight at lodge
in Ghasa.
Day 16 Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani (1189
m.) takes about five hours. The trail descends steeply up
to Rukse Chhahara (Rukse Waterfalls) which is amazing to
look at. There is situated the deepest gorge of the world
between two mountains Annapurna I (8091m.) and Dhaulagiri
I (8167m.) facing each other near Rukse Waterfalls. Now,
the trail ascends slightly to Tatopani through different
human settlements. You can enjoy the hot spring at Tatopani
as the word Tatopani is termed after the natural hot spring
situated at the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. It is popularly
believed that taking bath in Hot Spring helps you to get
rid of skin diseases. Along this, it gives you physical and
mental refreshment as well. Stay overnight at lodge in Tatopani.
Day 17 A rest day at Tatopani to enjoy
the natural hot spring bath. It is believed that one who
takes bath get rids of skin diseases. After several days
of trekking, it is a great idea to take bath at hot spring
and relax. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 18 Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani
(2853 m.) for about seven hours. Your trail passes through
flat level of the land at some distance. Then the trail begins
ascending steeply for at least one hour. Now path goes up
through different villages inhabited by the people of different
caste and agricultural land. The majority of the people here
serve Gorkha Regiment and Indian Regiment as well. While
trekking you cross through the Kali Gandaki River with panormic
view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
The trail ascends gently all the way to Ghorepani passing
through small villages like Phalate, Chitre and so on. While
trekking you pass through rhododendron forests and come across
the wild life such as monkeys and birds of various species.
You are accompanied by more panoramic views of different
mountains. Ghorepani (Watering to Horse) are a small pass
and the village of Deurali. Although there is time enough
to continue, it is better to stay here overnight so that
we can make the morning trip to Poon Hill (3180m.) for an
outstanding panorama of Dhaulagiri I,II,III, IV, Tukuche
peak, Dhampus peak, Nilgiri ranges,Annapurna I, Bahra Sikhar
(Twelve peaks or renowned as French Fang),Annapurna South,
Himchuli, Fishtail and Mardi Himal. The view you can see
from here is probably the best view in the world. Not only
this, Poon Hill is crowded by different visitors to enjoy
the sunrise and sunset view over the snow-capped mountain.
Stay overnight at lodge in Ghorepani.
Day 19 Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill
(3180m.) to Tadapani (2675m.) takes about five and half hours.
Early morning trip to Poon Hill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise
view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.),
Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna
I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.),
Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna
II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snow-capped
mountain peaks. After breakfast trek Ghorepani to Tadapani
(2650 m.) through the deep forests of rhododendrons, bamboos
and oaks. En route, you frequently see waterfalls, rocks,
wild animals, local birds and green scenarios. Tadapani is
a small village surrounded by beautiful forests which grants
you a magnificent view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail
and Annapurna II and so on. Stay overnight at lodge in Tadapani.
Day 20 Trek from Tadapani (2675m.) to Ghandruk
(1950m.) takes about three hours. It is very easy trek by
descending gently all the way through rhododendron, oak and
other kinds of dense forests. You could hear different kinds
of birds chirping on the way. This is one of the popular
destinations for the birds' lovers. Ghandruk is a big Gurung
village. There is a handicraft centre and Gurung museum.
From this village you could see good views of Annapurna South,
Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and
Fishtail. Stay overnight at lodge in Ghandruk.
Day 21 Trek from Ghandruk (1950m.) to Pothana
(1990m.) takes about six hours. First part of your trek is
steeply down following stone staircase to Kimbu (Bee hive).
Kimbu or Bee hive is located at the elevation of 1200 meters
on the bank of Modi Khola. Now your trail steeply ascends
following the stone staircase up to Landruk. The trail ascends
gently for early two hours and again ascends steeply for
an hour to Deurali (2150m.) passing through Tolkha village
(1850m.). From this point you can see panoramic view of Dhaulagiri
I (8167m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.),
Fishtail (6997m.), Annapurna III (7755m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.),
Annapurna II (7937m.) and Lamjung Himal (6930m.). Now the
rest of the trail descends gently down to Dhampus passing
through Pothana village (1900m.). Stay overnight at lodge
in Pothana.
Day 22 Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi
(1113m.) takes about four hours. Your trail descends gradually
for at least an hour and follows gravelled road for two hours
and then steeply descends to Phedi passing through Dhampus
village, paddy fields and forest protected by local community.
Upon your arrival at Dhampus Phedi, you could take a vehicle
to reach Pokhara. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Day 23 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
by tourist mini bus that takes about seven hours. While driving
from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli,, Dumre,
Muglin and Kurintar where Nepal's first Cable car is operated
to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy
the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields,
vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily
life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the
gateway to capital city. You can also fly from Pokhara to
Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes. Stay overnight at
hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 24 Recreation & shopping day. Stay
overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 25 Transfer to the Airport for final
departure. (Fly out from Kathmandu).
There are superb views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range, and the constant
variety of landscapes that ranges from sub-tropical through alpine to an arid
semi-desert similar to Tibet and at the climax of the trek there's a formidable
5416m pass, the Thorong La, to cross. Though it is certainly demanding enough
for the seasoned trekker, the Annapurna Circuit is still an excellent introduction
to walking in Nepal for those who are confident of their fitness.
