Annapurna Circuit

Kathmandu, the incredibly diverse capital of Nepal is a fascinating blend of centuries old Hindu and Buddhist shrines, traditional architecture and a city embracing the 21 century. Upon arrival, your leader will transfer you to your hotel from the airport. Your hotel is in the heart of the city close to Thamel, a popular choice with tourists, with colourful handicraft stalls, trekking gear shops and excellent restaurants. In the evening, after your trek briefing, you have the option of going out for a group dinner with your trek leader.

Driving: 6 hours
You depart from Kathmandu early in the morning for the drive to Besisahar from where you commence the trek. The drive is quite spectacular, with mountain views of the Ganesh and Manaslu ranges, the tumbling white waters of the Trisuli River and the ever-present terraced hillsides. Upon arrival, you meet your trekking crew, and may need to switch to jeeps for the short drive towards Ngadi.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dnner

Trekking: 6 hours
From the lodge you follow the west bank of the Marsyandi River with the snowy peak of Himalchuli (7893m) dominating the skyline. In the afternoon you cross the Marsyandi to the east bank and, after a short distance, views of Manaslu (8156m), Peak 29 (7541m) and Lamjung (6986m) open out on the horizon. Beyong Ngadi the trail crosses a small suspension bridge over the Musi Khola to start a gradual climb to the village of Bahundanda (1311m) located on a ridge top. After a short descent you again follow the river valley to lunch at Syange (1136m). In the afternoon the track follows a cut in the near-vertical cliffs high above the river to reach Jagat (1341m), a Tibetan village that served as a customs post on the old trading route from Tibet.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trekking: 6 hours
Today the vegetation changes to rhododendron and pine forest and the valley becomes narrower and steeper. You leave the village and soon cross the river on a large suspension bridge from where the trail ascends quite steeply, with the river tumbling through a maze of large boulders. After reaching the top of the zig-zag climb, amazingly the valley widens out to reveal the village of Tal, which nestles amongst the fields of barley, wheat and potatoes. You have now entered the district of Manang and you will take lunch in one of the many fine hotels here. The afternoon’s walk follows the river valley, crossing back to the west bank before gradually ascending to Dharapani (1890m) where you end the trekking day.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trekking: 6 hours
The valley now extends westward through dramatic fir and pine forests. After half an hour, you reach Bagarchap (2160m), the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture. Here firewood is stacked on the roofs in preparation for the long, hard winters. The village marks the transition between the lower, fertile valleys and the higher, arid terrain of the Manang Valley. From the village there are excellent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II (7937m) and Annapurna III (7555m) up the valley. Down valley and to the west, Manaslu and Peak 29 soar magnificently to the skies. Leaving Bagarchap, you cross a small wooden bridge beside a beautiful waterfall, and ascend to Laatamarang (2360m). Permits are checked at Koto before arriving at Chame (2685m) which boasts, among other things, a wireless station, bank, health post and well-run hotels.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trekking: 5 hours
The trail now leads through fields of barley and buckwheat. At the apple orchards at Brathang (2840m) you stop for lunch. The village, now largely deserted, was a former Khampa (Tibetan rebels') settlement. The valley is extremely beautiful, decorated with thick forest and glimpses of Lamjung and Annapurna high above the trail. Suddenly the forest clears to reveal the huge rock slabs of Paungda Danda, some 1500 metres high. Crossing the river, you arrive at Pisang village (3300m) where your lodge has fine views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak (6091m).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trekking: 5 hours
As you follow wooden irrigation canals into the lower Pisang village, the environment becomes noticeably more arid. The soils are poor and only one crop per year of barley, wheat, buckwheat or potatoes can be grown. Herds of goats and yaks are grazed on the hillsides high above the valley. You climb to a saddle and enjoy an easy afternoon's walk to Braga (3475m) an interesting village, its houses are stacked on top of each other, and perched high on the cliffs. Above the houses is a monastery, the oldest and most interesting in the area, estimated to be over 500 years old. From the village of Braga it is only a short walk to the village of Manang. You will spend two nights here to aid acclimatisation.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

MANANG (3535m)
Rest and acclimatisation
In the morning there is an optional side hike ascending above the valley where you may see the elusive Thar and Ghoral on some of the higher slopes. Manang is a tightly compact village of about 500 flat-roofed houses and is picturesquely set amongst spectacular scenery. The huge icefall of Annapurna rears over the village. Annapurna II (7937m) and Annapurna IV (7525m) tower dramatically above the valley floor to the south east, with Tilicho (7132m), Roc Noir (7485m) and the Grand Barrier to the west. Chulu West (6630m) and East (6200m) lie behind the village: a hauntingly beautiful panorama.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trekking: 5 hours
To add to your acclimatisation before crossing the Thorong La you ascend above Manang to the village of Kangsar located on the trail to Tilicho Lake. This traditional village has flat roofed houses located close together with stunning views of many Himalayan peaks towering above the village.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

LETDAR (4220m)
Trekking: 5 hours
From Kangsar, instead of following the main trail back to Manang you descend to the Jarsang Kola and regain the main Annapurna Circuit trail at Yak Kharkhaabove (4040m). From here it is only a further hour or so to the meadow at Letdar (4220m). On todays walk keep an eye open for Thar and Goral that are often seen grazing on the steep hillsides. Again there are great views of the Manaslu and Annapurna range.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinne

Trekking: 4 hours
You head up valley towards the Thorong Pass crossing the Jarsang Khola on a covered bridge before ascending the screes on the steep-sided valley. You pass the meadows at Phedi (4420m) and continue to the lodge at High Camp where you arrive in time for lunch. This is a tiring day, but one of stunning mountain views.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trekking: 7 hours
There is a very early start today so you can proceed slowly and safely. The trail is not steep and the long, gradual approach passes several false summits before reaching stone cairns marking the crest of the pass at 5416m. The views from the pass are fantastic. The entire Annapurna range to the south; the Mukut and Mustang Himal to the west; the incredibly deep Kali Gandaki Valley below; the peaks of Chulu West and East to the north, and, either side of the pass, Thorungtse (6482m) to the north and the snow dome of Thorong Peak (6484m) to the south. The descent from the pass is steep and there are more fantastic mountain views of Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Tukche Peak (6920m), as you descend to Muktinath. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists and you visit the temples before heading to your lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trekking 6 hours
From Muktinath, the trail descends towards the Kali Gandaki valley. You pass through the village of Jharkot backdropped by sensational views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri (7061m). The yellow, barren, almost moonlike landscape is dotted with patches of green cultivation, man-made canals cut across the terrain, irrigating the crops and fruit trees. A short steep descent leads to the the Kali Ghandaki valley and lunch at Eklaibhati. In the afternoon you follow the river south heading through the wide, windswept and barren valley that has little fertile land to Jomsom.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Flight time: 20 mins
You rise early in the morning for the spectacular flight to Pokhara where you pass between the 8000m peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri through the Kali Ghandaki gorge. Upon arrival you are transferred to the Barahi Hotel located close to the lakeside. After a welcome shower, the rest of the day free. There are various small museums scattered around town including the renowned International Mountain Museum.
Meals included: Breakfast

Flight: 25 minutes
After breakfast you are transferred to Pokhara airport for the short flight to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for shopping or further sightseeing. Enjoy a final evening out tonight.
Meals included: Breakfast

Your trip ends today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements. A departure transfer to the airport is included.
Meals included: Breakfast