Arrive Kathmandu [Itinerary Starts]
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel or Adventure Alternative guesthouse.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Nepal · Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
A wonderful trek along the Annapurna Circuit, run by responsible travel company Adventure Alternative.
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Route overview
You can trek around the Annapurna Circuit from March to early May, and September to early December. We generally have groups of 4 – 6 people, and you will be led by Sherpa guides who have worked for us, for many years. The groups meet up in Kathmandu where we have a guesthouse if you wish to use it, or we can book one of the many hotels in the capital. Kathmandu is at an altitude of 1400m. The following day is a rest and briefing day, then on day 3 we travel by road to Bulbule followed by a 2hr walk to Ngadi which is at 900m. Day 4 is the start of our main trek and we then have a gradual height gain each day followed by a few days walking high and sleeping low before going over the 5412m Thorung La pass. After the pass we rapidly drop altitude to sub 2000m. Our circuit will bring us to Pokhara at the end of the trek and after a rest day there, we fly back to Kathmandu. The main itinerary ends on arrival back in Kathmandu and on the vast majority of occasions we are back in Kathmandu on day 20 with no problems. However, there are sometimes delays with the internal flights from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Therefore we recommend that you do not book international flights home that leave any earlier than the evening of day 21. This allows the possibility of making the internal flight (or drive if required) back to Kathmandu on day 21 if necessary. You can also arrange to stay an extra night in Kathmandu on the night of day 21 and fly out the following day. We can help you to book the extra night’s accommodation if needed. Please note: Due to the nature of trekking in the mountains and adventure travel, the itineraries here may need to be adapted on the ground to suit prevailing conditions of the mountains, weather and the group.
Why travellers choose this trip
A wonderful trek along the Annapurna Circuit, run by responsible travel company Adventure Alternative. You can trek around the Annapurna Circuit from March to early May, and September to early December. We generally have groups of 4 – 6 people, and you will be led by Sherpa guides who have worked for us, for many years. The groups meet up in Kathmandu where we have a guesthouse if you wish to use it, or we can book one of the many hotels in the capital. Kathmandu is at an altitude of 1400m. The following day is a rest and briefing day, then on day 3 we travel by road to Bulbule followed by a 2hr walk to Ngadi which is at 900m. Day 4 is the start of our main trek and we then have a gradual height gain each day followed by a few days walking high and sleeping low before going over the 5412m Thorung La pass. After the pass we rapidly drop altitude to sub 2000m. Our circuit will bring us to Pokhara at the end of the trek and after a rest day there, we fly back to Kathmandu. The main itinerary ends on arrival back in Kathmandu and on the vast majority of occasions we are back in Kathmandu on day 20 with no problems. However, there are sometimes delays with the internal flights from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Therefore we recommend that you do not book international flights home that leave any earlier than the evening of day 21. This allows the possibility of making the internal flight (or drive if required) back to Kathmandu on day 21 if necessary. You can also arrange to stay an extra night in Kathmandu on the night of day 21 and fly out the following day. We can help you to book the extra night’s accommodation if needed. Please note: Due to the nature of trekking in the mountains and adventure travel, the itineraries here may need to be adapted on the ground to suit prevailing conditions of the mountains, weather and the group.
- 21-day sourced itinerary - High point around 5416 metres - Approximate route distance of 209 km - Peak focus: Annapurna I - Key locations: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Manang, Muktinath
Route stages
Rest & Briefing in Kathmandu
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Rest day and acclimatisation to jet lag. There is also the possibility of Kathmandu city sightseeing. Trek briefing will follow.
Kathmandu - Ngadi (drive)
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Drive from Kathmandu for around 6 hours to Besi sahar (800m). Lunch will be had on the way to Besi Sahar and you will arrive in the late afternoon. Again we take a local jeep or bus to Bulbule, with the possibility of using our own reserve tourist vehicle. Here you enter into the Annapurna Conservation where your guide will register you at the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) checkpoint. This journey is followed by a 2 hour trek to Ngadi.
Ngadi - Jagat
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Breakfast in the lodge and ready for a steep morning climb through villages and green trees to Bahundanda (1270m), where you will have great views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. It will take 2 to 3 hours to reach this point, walking slowly. From Bahundanda the trail drops steeply to Lili Bhir and then follows an uncovered trail to Ghermu (1140m), with its wonderful views of the tall waterfall across the river. A further descend across the Marsyangdi River on a suspension bridge will bring you to Syange (1080m) to have lunch. The trail then climbs a steep 150m and crosses a cliff face to the stone village of Jagat, balanced on the edge of a steep sided valley, where you will stop for the evening.
Jagat - Dharapani
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Jagat to Dharapani. The rocky trail descends before climbing through forest to Chamje (1410m). Again you will cross the Marsyangdi Khola, and along the valley with a steady uphill climb to Tal (1700m), which was previously a lakebed and the first village in the Manang district. This will take around 4hours. After lunch the walk continues through the valley, then up a stone stairway before descending to another crossing of the Marsyangdi river, past Karte to Dharapani where you will rest for the night.
Dharapani - Chame
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Dharapani to Chame. In the morning the trail climbs steeply for around 3hours, gaining 500m to Timang village where you will take rest and have lunch. After lunch it takes another 3hours of walking on flat terrain through forests of pine and fir to reach Chame. There are excellent views of Annapurna II as you approach Chame. Chame is the headquarters of the Manang district and here you will see many lodges and have time to explore the village to use internet cafes, the bank and shop for local souvenirs and trekking gear.
Chame - Pisang
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Chame to Pisang. Today is a relatively easy day. The trail is mainly flat and runs through deep forest in a narrow valley and recrosses to the south bank of the Marsyangdi River at 3080m. Lunch will be had in the popular spot of Dhukur Pokhari, where you will have a great first view of the Paungda Danda rock face. After lunch there is a steady, gradual climb for one hour to Pisang, where you rest overnight. From Pisang you will have stunning views of many magnificent peaks, including; Pisang Peak (6091m), Chulu West (6419m), Chulu East (6584m), Lamjung Himal (6986m), Annapurna II (7937m) and Annapurna IV (7525m).
Pisang - Manang
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Pisang to Manang. The walk today goes through the drier upper part of the Manang district through pine forests. There are two routes to Manang, we take the southern route via the airstrip at Hongde (3420m) and continue to Mungji (3500m) and past the extraordinary village of Bragha Gompa to Manang where there are plenty of shops, a museum and an HRA post which you can visit for their daily lecture on altitude sickness. There are stunning views of Gangapurna (7454m) from Manang village.
Rest day in Manang
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Rest day in Manang. Spend a day relaxing and acclimatizing with a day hike to the Ice Lake, high above the valley floor at 4600m.
Manang - Yak Kharka
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Manang to Yak Kharka. From Manang we have an ascent in the morning of almost 2000m towards the Thorung La and climb steadily, leaving the Marsyangdi Valley. Vegetation becomes sparse as we reach Yak Kharkha. We arrive in Yak Kharkha in time for lunch, and spend the rest of the evening here.
Yak Kharka - Thorung Phedi
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi. Today is a short walk and you will reach Thorung Phedi in the afternoon for lunch and spend the rest of the evening relaxing. The trail crosses the river at 4310m and climbs up through deserted scenery toward Thorung La. It is important to walk slowly and listen to your body. Fatigue from lack of oxygen to your muscles is common, but some people may feel nauseous and suffer from headaches. Drink lots of liquid and keep warm, give your body maximum opportunity to recover.
Thorung Phedi - Thorung La - Muktinath
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Thorung Phedi to Muktinath. The day is long, but the efforts are worth it for the view from the top of Thorung La (5416m). We start early at 3am, have a quick breakfast then climb steeply for 5 hours to reach Thorung La at around 8 or 9am. The trail is well used and easy to follow, drink plenty of water and take your time. The pass is marked by chortens and prayer flags and there is even a tea shop along the way. The view of the Annapurnas, along the Great Barrier to Kali Gandaki Valley is astounding. From the pass there is a steady and sometimes slippery descent to Muktinath and you’re trekking poles will be helpful. The walk down from the pass takes 3½ hours. Take time in Muktinath to observe the Tibetan traders and the shrines, in a grove of trees. They include a Buddhist gompa, a Vishnu temple and the Jwalami (Goddess of Fire) Temple. This temple protects a spring and natural gas jets that provide Muktinaths famous eternal flame.
Muktinath - Tatopani (by vehicle)
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Muktinath to Tatopani. Today our feet take a rest as we travel to Tatopani by road. We used to walk this section however the dust has become too much and the closeness of what is now a busy road doesn’t compare to the rest of the trek. The drive is still interesting as we make our way through the regions villages and towns plus we quickly drop out of high altitude.
Tatopani - Sikha
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Tatopani to Sikha. An uphill walk through a forest of rhododendrons and Ghara village, which is surrounded by stoned walls and farming land where they grow wheat, potatoes and other vegetables for the local people. Lunch will be had in Ghara, where there is great view of Dhaulagiri (8167m). After lunch, the trail leads steadily uphill on rocky ground and uncovered surroundings to Sikha for around one hour.
Sikha - Gorepani
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Sikha to Gorepani. A short walk, mainly uphill through Sikha village to Gorepani. You will arrive in the afternoon for lunch and relax here for the night, and prepare for the trek to Poon Hill in the early morning.
Gorepani - Poon Hill - Tadapani
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Gorepani to Tadapani. Early morning climb for around 1 – 2 hours to Poon Hill (3210m) to see the sunrise over the Himalayas, including the Doulagiri and Annapurna Range. Back at the lodge for breakfast and a walk descending for 4 – 5 hours to Tadapan
Tadapani - Ghandruk
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Tadapani to Ghandruk. The trail leads downhill through a pine forest for 4hours, until you reach Ghandruk. On the walk you will have beautiful views of the Himalayan range.
Ghandruk - Nayapul (Trek) then drive to Pokhara
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Ghandruk to Nayapul & Pokhara. An easy descent of 700m for 5 hours to Nayapul. We’ll then drive from Nayapul for one hour to Pokhara where you’ll stay overnight.
Rest Day and sightseeing Pokhara
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Rest day and sightseeing around Pokhara, overnight in hotel.
Pokhara - Kathmandu (fly*) [Itinerary Ends]
Kathmandu to Unknown finish
Pokhara flight* to arrive in Kathmandu in the morning. The remainder of the day can be spent resting and/or sightseeing.
Depart for home or stay on in Kathmandu
Kathmandu to Pokhara
You can depart Kathmandu later this day, but see note above about possible internal flight delays.
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Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Peaks
Annapurna and Dhaulagiri trekking and expedition region across central-west Nepal.