Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Annapurna Circuit Trekking is an adventure around the scenic sides of the massif Annapurna Himalayan range. The trek leads to exciting country walks from green forested hills to barren arctic zones of ice and glaciers.

The best feature of the journey is following the raging Marsyangdi River upstream and Reaching its glacial source at high Manang Valley, enclosed by an array of towering giant snow-capped peaks. 

Annapurna Circuit Trekking leads you to mind-blowing landscapes and scenery from the beginning to the end of trekking. Annapurna Circuit is regarded as one of the best adventure destinations on this planet by various travel guidebooks. In the past few years, the Annapurna Circuit trekking trail has been shortened due to the construction of motorable roads. Nevertheless, the route around the Annapurna Himalayas retains its charm and beauty, due to its pristine wilderness. The walk leads you to the harmony of impressive Buddhist cultures from, one lovely village to another beautiful settlement.  

The adventurous walk begins from the green hills of Dharapani village and then heads west. The trail follows through traditional villages along with constant views of snow peaks to enter the high picturesque Manang Valley. At Manang, there will be  time for an extra day before heading towards the highest point of the adventure on top of Thorang-La Pass. 

Trekkers can enjoy short scenic hikes to the viewpoints as an exercise procedure for acclimatization. While at Manang, enjoy exploring the village enriched with age-old Buddhist culture.

The adventure continues toward west to the end of Manang Valley with a steep climb up to Thorang-La. This high pass forms the boundary of Manang and Mustang districts on top of Thorang-La. 

You can enjoy the spectacular panorama of the Himalayan peaks as far as your eyes can reach. Include views of Annapurna Himalayas, Damodar Himal with Chulu’s, Dhaulagiri Himal, and Manaslu Himal in the far east direction. After enjoying fabulous views of surrounding stunning scenery, you will descend through a long downhill to reach Muktinath around the Mustang area. Muktinath is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists.

Slowly, our wonderful adventurous walk ends on reaching downhill to Kaligandaki Valley at Jomsom, The headquarter town of Mustang district and home to indigenous Thakali people. It is Located on the ancient Trans Himalayan Salt and Caravan route of Nepal and Tibet-China.

From Jomsom, a swift, short, and scenic flight brings you to a lovely city in Pokhara. A renowned tourist destination in Nepal as well as in whole Asia. Pokhara is a city blessed with beautiful scenery and the natural wonders of calm lakes on the laps of the Annapurna Himalayas, A perfect and magnificent place to conclude the wonderful adventure to Annapurna Circuit Trekking.

Highlights

• One of the most exciting and adventurous walks around the Himalayan range.
• Experience the dramatic bio-diversity of landscapes, vegetation, and cultures. 
• Trek to scenic viewpoints around the picturesque Manang Valley of the high mountains. 
• Explore traditional villages adorned with age-old cultures of Buddhist heritage.
• From beautiful Manang Valley to scenic Mustang via high Thorang-La Pass.

Short Trek Summary

Mode of Trekking: In the best available Tea-House(Lodges)

Trekking Grade: From Moderate to Adventurous Walks.

Highest point: On top of Thorang-La Pass, 5,416 m / 17,769 feet.

Areas of Trekking: Nepal, North Mid-West, Gandaki & Mustang Zone, Around Annapurna Himalayas.

Start and Ending Point: Dharapani village, and ends at Jomsom Town with a short flight to Pokhara, a scenic tourist destination.

Trekking Duration: 10 Nights and 11 Days with drives and flights to Pokhara from Pokhara.

Beyond Kathmandu: 11 Nights and 12 Days.

Total Trekking Distance: Roughly 50.8 km/32 miles on walks only, without drives. From Ghandruk to ABC and ending at Jhinu village.

Total Trip in Nepal: 15 Nights and 16 Days from arrival to final departures.

Best Seasons For Annapurna Circuit Trekking

The best time and seasons for Annapurna Circuit Trekking or other adventures in Nepal Himalayas is  Spring and autumn/fall seasons. The spring begins in March and ends in May, a lively time for pleasant walks and scenic views. On the other hand Autumn/fall starts from September to November, one of the high seasons in Nepal for trekking where most days are bright and sunny days for clear views. Usually,Morning and late afternoon until nighttime are cold, and chances of light snowfall above 3,000 m high.

The Routes and Trails on Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Trekkers joining for Annapurna Circuit or other adventures around the Nepal Himalayas must have been aware that Nepal is a country of high land of mid-hill to higher mountainous landscapes and terrains.

The walk leads to much up and downhill, with few gradual sections to enjoy. The only flatland is the low sub-tropical Terai belt around southern Nepal. En route to Annapurna Circuit, start with steep ups for some hours with a few short downhill. 

From Thorang Phedi to the top of Thorang-La Pass is a steep climb for a few hours. The rest of the journey is downhill to Mustang areas unto Jomsom ,the finishing point of trekking.  

Culture and Religion on Annapurna Circuit

Nepal is a country of great diversity of landscape and people with their age-old religions, cultures, and heritage. The mid-hill people around the Annapurna Himalayas and Mid-West Nepal are the Magar and Gurung. The Gurung are the inhabitants of the southern hills of the Annapurna Himalayas. From Tal Besi, you  enter Manang areas as far as Thorang-La Pass, including the Mustang district. The highland villages are occupied  with Manang Gurung, Bhotias, and Mustang people. The people Follow the same strong Buddhism similar to their Tibetan predecessors. On this walk, trekkers will encounter Buddhist monuments.

The place Includes a series of prayer walls and spinning wheels with impressive monasteries of great religious and cultural interest. The lower Mustang area is populated by Thakali people, the tribes of Kaligandaki Valley. Thakali villages cover from Jomsom to Ghasa and Tatopani. Jomsom is the major hub and headquarters of the Mustang district and home to indigenous Thakali people. The Thakali people are interwoven with Buddhism religion similar to the highlanders of Manang and Upper Mustang people.

Foods, Accommodation and Lodges Facilities

Bhesishar Town, the food and lodge accommodations around higher villages. At designated overnight stops, the lodge accommodation is nice, with a comprehensive food menu to enjoy various food items. 

In Nepal, the most favorite and popular meal is Nepali Dal Bhat, boiled or steamed rice. Served with mild curry of seasonal vegetables, including Dal, a lentil bean soup with homemade pickles, and hot sauce as options. The food menu lists from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to snack items. Breakfast from oats porridge, and cereals to cornflakes with toast/ chapattis, and pancakes includes a choice of egg variation. 

Lunch and Dinner from Continental, Chinese, Indian, Nepali and Tibetan main course with a choice of soups. The lodge accommodation and food are best in Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, and Manang villages as well as in Muktinath. Including at Jomsom, but in a few places like Yak Kharka and High Camp en route Thorang-La Pass. The lodge accommodation is simple but with nice and cozy rooms having common bathrooms and toilets. But with a good food menu of limited varieties, some villages offer fresh homemade bakery items. In most places, the rooms are on a shared basis with common bathrooms and toilets due to harsh terrain conditions. The plumbing systems for running water freeze in the morning, evening, and nighttime. Due to freezing temperatures from Dharapani village onward, using hot showers is at an extra cost. 

All lodges have electricity to light the large dining room powered by local hydro or solar power. For charging electronic items, at an extra cost per hour and for each gadget. Internet and Wi-Fi are available, but it is slow and disturbing in some places due to weather conditions.   

In a large group with more than 6 people, it is best to order a set meal for all. It saves time and fuels energy, which is important around remote areas of the Himalayas. Following the norms and rules as Responsible Trekkers is a good practice for Eco-Tourism. As well as taking care of garbage and litter during the whole trek.

Physical Fitness Requirement and Insurance

For this adventure, Annapurna Circuit, all interested trekkers should have a normal fitness level. For a person with a medical history and special dietary, please inform “Women Adventures” so that we can make the necessary arrangements. On booking for Annapurna Circuit, all age groups can join according to your capability.

All clients need to obtain Travel and Medical Insurance in case of unfortunate incidents and accidents. Sometimes, treks might have to be re-routed to other safe destinations if some members are seriously ill. Moreover, immediate evacuation shall be done by fastest means of transportation or using a Helicopter service to the nearest hospital. 

To stay physically fit, one needs to exercise, like walking, jogging, or any other good physical exercise to keep fitness level. It is best to check up with your doctor on booking the trip for Annapurna Circuit Trekking.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: In Kathmandu with optional sightseeing tour and trek preparations.

Day 03: Drive to Bhesishar Town 760 m around Lamjung district- and Drive to Dharapani village 1,860 m- 11 hrs.

Day 04: Trek to Chame 2,710 m -05 hrs.

Day 05: Trek to Upper Pisang 3,345 m-06 hrs.

Day 06: Trek to Manang 3,540 m- 05 hour.

Day 07: At Manang Rest Day for acclimatization and short hike.

Day 08: Trek to Yak Kharka 4, 110 m - 04 hrs.

Day 09: Trek to High Camp 4,900 m -04 hrs.

Day 10: Trek to Muktinath 3, 800 m via Thorang la pass 5,416 m-06 hrs.

Day 11: Trek to Jomsom 2,715 n via Kagbeni 2,880 m-05 hrs.

Day 12: Fly to Pokhara 860 m 23-minute flight. Afternoon option for sightseeing of Pokhara interesting sites.

Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. 

Day 14: In Kathmandu free day for individual activities with options for tours.

Day 15: International departure for homeward bound.

Please note: Woman Adventures (P) Ltd. encourages women as guides, porters, and staff in all our treks and tours to uplift women's empowerment.