Annapurna Circuit Gourmet Trekking Tour

You will be met at the airport by our representative and bring you to your hotel. You will get to meet the rest of the group during the briefing for the trip.

We leave Kathmandu early in the morning and drive towards Ngadi on the same highway to Pokhara. We drive along the Trishuli, the river to Mugling, after leaving the Kathmandu Valley. We continue to Besisahar and on to Ngadi from the crossroad at Dumre. The total drive time takes around 7 hours. We start trekking from Nagdi for two and a half hours until we reach Bahun Danda.

Our trail starts with a steep drop to the Marshyangdi River. We then head up the valley towards Germu Phant on an undulating trail. We start on a steep ascent through fields and forest from here until we reach Tallo Chiple for lunch in a small homestay. This lovely village is untouched by the new road which is being built so far. We descend a little before a short but steep climb (to avoid a landslide area) towards Maththillo (Upper) Chipla. We descend steeply for a short stretch to the Marshyangdi River, which we cross on a suspension bridge before the village. We rejoin the main trail at Jagat after heading steeply uphill for around 20-minutes.

It is one more hour to Chyamche, where we stop for the night.

A small trail turns off the road up to the left immediately after leaving the lodge and undulates through the forest to Chyamje. We cross a suspension bridge from here and climb through an oak forest. An undulating climb brings us to a level valley where ‘Tal,’ the next village, is situated at the base of an impressive waterfall. We stick to the same side of the river from Tal and climb above the river to Kotro. We descend to the Marsyangdi River from Kotro, cross it via a bridge, and then have a short ascent to Dharapani.

We leave the jeep trail, take a sharp left turn, and have a steep climb up a stone staircase for an hour to the pretty village of Odar. We pass traditional farms and homesteads. We trek through the settlement of Galenchowk before dropping to the main trail at Bagarchap at 2,164m. We continue to follow the jeep track for a short while, passing apple orchards to Danakyu. We turn sharply here to climb up into the forest, and we have a reasonably long climb to Timang. We have lunch at Timang with magnificent views of Mount Manaslu and Ngadichuli (Peak 29). The trail descends through fir and pine forests to Thanchowk and further on through to Koto.

We start our day’s hike on a level trail to Chame, the Manang district’s headquarters. The scenery is so breathtaking that you will take your time on the trek. We will be passing a few mani walls as we leave Chame. We will go through a small hamlet marked by Chortens at both ends on a level trail.
We arrive at water turned prayer wheels shortly. We pass through the settlement of Brathang, which now has a large apple orchard. We begin a 45-minute climb through a forest. The path levels off and reaches a suspension bridge. There is a moderate climb after the bridge, taking us into the woods while moving away from the Marshyangdi River.

The valley broadens, and Pisang Peak 6091 looms prominently in front of us. We stop for lunch at Dhukur Pokhari, a couple of small lakes by the juniper, pine, and fir trees. Pisang is divided into lower and upper villages. We stay at upper Pisang with amazing views of the valley below, the Monastery, and Annapurna II 7945 meters from our lodge’s opposite side.

We take the ‘high route’ that is on the east bank of the Marshyangdi. It is a bit longer but well worth the extra hike. We cross the river out of Pisang village and then take a reasonably level path through scrubland and pass a small lake on your right. We pass along the mani wall and drop to cross a stream, and begin a strenuous switchback climb to Ghyaru 3,673m. It is worth the climb up to visit the Monastery at the top of the village. The views of Annapurna II and Annapurna IV are stunning from here. You continue up the valley on a lovely high trail, passing the ruins of a fort.

You arrive at the village of Ngawal 3,650m. There is a large newly built Monastery up to the right. You hike past a long mani wall as you leave the village and descend to the valley floor. You will re-join the main trail as you continue to Braga and Manang villages.

It is important to spend time for acclimatization in Manang. There are terrific views of the Annapurna peaks from both Braga and Manang villages.

Manang is a large village situated on the rise opposite of the massive Gangapurna glacier. At its foot lies a beautiful emerald lake. There are a lot of options for walks in the vicinity. Optional side trips to a small hilltop with prayer flags, an hour above Braga village, or up the ridge behind Manang village are available. Another walk to a viewpoint above the lake opposite Manang Village is possible. Some cafes show movies and shops to explore for souvenirs.

It is essential to stop at Yak Kharka for acclimatization between Manang and Thorong Phedi, despite being a short hiking day. WE reach the village of Tenki half an hour after leaving Manang. We begin to contour around the hillside as we gain lovely views of the “Grand Barrier” named by Maurice Herzog, the first person to climb Annapurna. It is the high ridge between Roc Noir and Nilgiri peaks. You can also see the village of Khangsar on the opposite side of the valley. We will continue through the barren landscape of the Manang valley as we pass the settlement of Ginseng. You will feel the thin air despite the ascend being gradual. You will arrive at Yak Kharka for lunch.

There are a couple of options for walking in the afternoon, either up to a ridge behind the village or further up the valley. There is a chance of seeing flocks of Blue sheep a short way above the camp, especially after 4 pm onwards. Either of these hikes should help with the acclimatization.

We have yet another short day as it is still essential to gain altitude slowly. We will pass through Letdar with a small number of lodges/ We take the higher route that winds its way on the valley’s eastern side before cross a suspension bridge. There is a short rockfall area just before we reach Thorong Phedi. Phedi means the base in Nepali.

We can take a hike up to the “High Camp’ in the afternoon for acclimatization, have a hot drink there before returning to Phedi. Phedi can be very busy with hundreds of trekkers during the peak season time.

We will start around 5 am after breakfast. We will pack your lunch and make sure you have a lot of water, a down jacket, windproof, and other warm layers for this day.

We start with the ascend to ‘High camp’ and on to a rock ledge for about 90 minutes at 4680 meters. We continue upwards and on an undulating trail. There are several ‘false summits’ on what seems to be a never-ending climb. You have to remember to stop to rest, rehydrate, and enjoy the views all around. There is no rush, and your trek leader will teach you how to pace yourself and enjoy the ‘moments’ more by being present. It is a beautiful time to do a meditative hike while observing and absorbing everything within and outside you.

It can take 3-5 hours to get to the Thorong La pass 5416 meters. It is marked with a large Cairn and many prayer flags. You will be rewarded by the Annapurna’s spectacular views to the south and the Mukat Himal range that borders with Dolpo to the West. Thorong peak is immediate to the south, and it is also known as a ‘trekking peak. You are probably feeling the effects of altitude here, and the wind might be picking up.

It is a 3 to 4 hour of steep descent to Muktinath. There is a pair of trekking poles, and for those with knee problems, good knee support will be beneficial. The views of Mount Dhaulagiri 8167 meters and Tukuche peak 6920 meters, and the Kali Gandaki valley is superb on the descend. We will finally see the buildings (many hotels are being constructed for Muktinath domestic and Indian tourists). The temples of Muktinath are one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists..’

We pass through several ancient villages as the trail follows the jeep track down to the Kali Gandaki River and the outskirts of Jomsom, a large administrative center of Mustang District at 2,713m. We walk on the jeep road most of the time and avoid Jomsom by staying on the left and trek to the village of Thini for lunch. This trail takes us off the jeep track for a short distance.

We hike for 30 minutes before reaching Dhumba lake, which is considered holy by the locals known as the Thakalis. A short climb leads us to the Monastery with fantastic views of the Kali Gandaki valley and the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche. We descend to Dhumba village and to the suspension bridge to get to Marpha, our stop for the night.

Marpha is a lovely village with clean whitewashed houses and paved streets. It is also famously known for the locally distilled apple and peach brandy. You can try some to celebrate the success of having crossed the Throng la pass. 

We pass through several ancient villages as the trail follows the jeep track down to the Kali Gandaki River and the outskirts of Jomsom, a large administrative center of Mustang District at 2,713m. We walk on the jeep road most of the time and avoid Jomsom by staying on the left and trek to the village of Thini for lunch. This trail takes us off the jeep track for a short distance.

We hike for 30 minutes before reaching Dhumba lake, which is considered holy by the locals known as the Thakalis. A short climb leads us to the Monastery with fantastic views of the Kali Gandaki valley and the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche. We descend to Dhumba village and to the suspension bridge to get to Marpha, our stop for the night.

Marpha is a lovely village with clean whitewashed houses and paved streets. It is also famously known for the locally distilled apple and peach brandy. You can try some to celebrate the success of having crossed the Throng la pass.

We hike on the Kali Gandaki river valley; it was once a major trading route. This valley is the deepest in the world, with Annapurna I 8091 meters to the east and Dhaulagiri at 8167 meters to the west soaring above us on the valley floor. We now reach an area of Pine and Fir forests, leaving behind the high altitude desert. We will pass through several beautiful Thakali villages on our hike today.

We have an hour of climbing, and the trail begins to undulate for a while before it descends to the valley floor. We continue to Larjung, our stop for the day. If you have some more energy, we can hike up to Naurikot for sunset views on Mount Nilgiri and the northern Kali Gandaki valley.

Today is a long but fantastic walk. We have a short walk in the road until reaching a large suspension bridge below Larjung. The trail climbs after the river crossing through a forest to Lake Titi. It is a crucial marsh zone for waterbirds in the Mustang district. We continue on the track through Taglung and to Kunj. We have a simple lunch today. We descend steeply through the forest to a rocky riverbed after lunch. We have a gradual ascend to Jhipre Deurali after crossing a bridge. We then descend to cross the Mistri Khola, and then the trail becomes gentler, taking us through forests of dwarf bamboo. 

The trail hugs the cliff on some sections of some short steep up and down with ropes on the side for safety. The track finally comes to the old bridge across to Ghasa. We have a brief thirty-minute climb up to our lodge after crossing the bridge. 

We follow the road for half an hour before crossing a suspension bridge to climb high above the river before entering Kopchepani. We can see a large waterfall cross the river known as Rupse Chara. We take the undulating trail on the same side of the river most of the morning. We stop for lunch at Dharap. 

We continue through Narcheng before passing by a hydroelectric project just before Tatopani. Tatopani (hot water in Nepali) is famous for its hot springs, which are just below the village. You can go for a soak in the afternoon to loosen the tightness and aches on your limbs.

We have one last long climb to a high ridge village of Ghorepani. We climb all day on the trail passing through small villages and terraced fields. We begin the morning with a short descent on the jeep track for about forty-five minutes to cross two bridges. The steep ascent brings us through Durpin Danda, where we have a short downhill walk to Ghara. We keep to the old trail that gets us through the villages of Shikha and Chitre. We enter a big Rhododendron forest, and it is only a couple of hours more of an uphill walk to Ghorepani. The Panorama from Ghorepani is legendary the world over.

 You have an option of going up Poon Hill for sunrise before our descent today. You can look down at the Kali Gandaki valley, Mount Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna, along with other peaks at Poonhill. You will have a short hike downhill to Banthanti after breakfast. We get to Banthanti in the afternoon. We have a short day today.

Short walk to the road head and drive to Pokhara; afternoon free. We walk to Ulleri to our waiting jeeps. We have a two-hour jeep ride on a track all the way to Nayapul and then a 90-minute drive on a blacktopped road to Pokhara. You have the afternoon free to relax by the Lakeside in Pokhara.

Free morning to enjoy the serenity of Pokhara. We fly back to Kathmandu in the afternoon. You can go out for your last meal with your group and trek leader.

International Departure. You will be brought to the airport 3 hours before your international flight departure.

Trek FAQ

Am I too young or old?

From 3 years old to some in their 70s, most of our clients have done and completed their treks with almost no exercise or training.

Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?

We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel name.

Do I need a Visa?

A visa for Nepal can be acquired on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border, and Kerung on the Nepal-China border.

Outside of Nepal, A visa can also be obtained at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.

For more information, go to the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.

What should I bring on a Trek?

Being adequately equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip, please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide.

Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.

If you have more questions, please check this article to reference equipment to pack or contact us.

Here are some helpful articles:
Am I too old to go trekking?
Arriving at Kathmandu airport.
Should I bring cash or ATM cards?
What to pack for a trek?
Do I need to train for a trek?
What is a typical day on a trek like?
What is the food like on the trek?
The Benefits of using trekking poles.
What do I need to know about high altitude?
High altitude myths.
How to trek safely?
For more articles, you can go to our blogs.