Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights
Cross Thorong La Pass, world’s widest trekking pass
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular treks in Nepal, and rightly so. On this route, the scenery and culture dramatically change from subtropical forests, paddy fields, and the world’s deepest river gorge to ice flows, a high mountain pass, arid cliffs, and mountain views.
Passing through Manang, the trek starts with views the Manaslu range, Tibetan-like Buddhist villages, and woodlands, through the Marshyangdi Valley.
Heading towards the high Thorong La Pass, a host of mountains come into view, including the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Tilicho Peak.
The trail continues over the pass to enter Mustang and the Hindu pilgrimage town of Muktinath and on down the Kali Gandaki Valley, past the unique and interesting village of Marpha with its small monastery, narrow cobbled streets, and apple orchards, on to the hot springs at Tatopani and the view point of Poon Hill.
From Poon Hill, it is possible to see more than 20 of the highest mountains within the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
This trek allows for proper acclimatization before tackling the Thorong La pass at 5,414m. However, it is a long trek, with an average day being 6-7 hours, and a good basic physical fitness is recommended.
With the varied landscapes, villages, and peoples along the trail, and of course, the majestic mountains, it is a photographer’s paradise. It is also a way to discover the different aspects, cultures, and landscapes of the country in one trip, and while circling the Annapurna range!
The temple and 108 waterspouts at Muktinath are holy to Hindus and form part of the cultural history of Nepal. Just a short hike down the trail and the villages of Jharkot and Kagbeni plunge the visitor back into a Buddhist culture of monasteries and prayer flags.
Kagbeni is a charming village: from Kagbeni another trail enters Upper Mustang, and there is a constant stream of yak and mule trains taking goods north.
Exploring the tiny village, there are many interesting sights such as almost prehistoric clay effigies. This trek is certainly varied and full of daily surprises and interesting finds and accompanied all the way with up close and personal mountain views!
Annapurna Circuit Trek Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Besishahar.Trek to Nagi(Drive)
Khudi – 1940 m / ft – 7 hrs
Nag– 1940 m / 4002 ft – 7 hrs
Day 2: Nagi to Jagat
Jagat – 1300 m / 4265 ft – 6 hrs
Day 3: Jagat to Dharapani
Dharapani – 1830 m / 6003 ft – 7 hrs
Day 4: Dharapani to Chame
Chame – 2710 m / 8891 ft – 6 hrs
Day 5: Chame to Pisang
Pisang – 3300 m / 10826 ft – 5 hrs
Day 6: Pisang to Manang
Manang – 3540 m / 11614 ft – 6 hrs
Day 7: Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Praken Gompa)
Manang – 3540 m / 11614 ft – 3 hrs
Day 8: Manang to Yak Kharka
Yak Kharka – 4110 m / 13484 ft – 4 hrs
Day 9 : Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Thorong Phedi – 4600 m / 15091 ft – 3 hrs
Day 10: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La
Muktinath – 3710 m / 12171 ft – 9 hrs
Day 11: Muktinath to Marpha
Marpha – 2630 m / 8300 ft – 4-5 hrs
Day 12: Marpha to Tatopani by Bus.
Tatopani – 1230 m / 3223 ft – 6 hrs
Day 16: Tatopani to Pokhara (Drive)
Pokhara – 830 m / 2723 ft – 4 hrs
Day 17: Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive)
Kathmandu – 1300 m / 4265 ft – 8 hrs
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