Annapurna Circuit Trek

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport (KTM), you will be greeted by a representative from Beauty Nepal Adventure.

We begin our journey into the hills, traveling along winding roads by the Trishuli River. En route, we pass through the countryside of Nepal, offering views of greenery, rivers, villages, farms, and beautiful mountain scenery. After arriving at Mugling, we continue along the road toward Pokhara. At Dumre, we leave the highway to Pokhara and head north to Besisahar. A half-hour drive from Besisahar takes us to Khudi, the starting point of our trek. Alternatively, we can stop at Besisahar and trek for an hour to reach Khudi along a wide trail. Khudi offers the first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range.

Our first day’s walk involves crossing a few suspension bridges, waterfalls, and several uphill and downhill sections through rice paddies and subtropical forest. Initially, the walk is gradual but becomes steeper. The mountains we saw from Khudi now seem closer as we gain elevation. The villages and people are fascinating. On the way to Sirung, we pass through an ethnic Tamang settlement, Taranche. In Sirung, we enjoy close-up views of Nadi Chuli and Manaslu. We will also experience a homestay, where we can enjoy a cultural program organized by the villagers for the visitors. If the group exceeds four people, we may need to split and stay in different houses. At this point, we will have our first close view of the beautiful Manaslu range.

We trek through amphitheater-shaped rice terraces, along steep vertical cliffs, lush forests, and some culturally intriguing villages. Always following the Marsyangdi River, we walk through stunning landscapes, with little waterfalls, forests, and villages. The trek remains relatively easy until we reach Syange (1,100 m), after which the climb gets steeper, leading us to Jagat (1,300 m). From Jagat, we make a steep climb to Chamje. Overnight in Chamje.

Today, we enter the Manang region, passing through fields of corn, barley, and potatoes, and forests of bamboo and rhododendrons. Along the way, we reach the village of Tal, located on a flat plain next to a sandy beach and river at the base of a large waterfall. While hiking, we may occasionally need to give way to a large donkey caravan. Overnight in Dharapani.

Today we navigate a few steep forested ridges and several landslides along the route. However, we will be treated to sensational views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). Small hot springs provide relief after a long day of trekking. Overnight in Chame

A steep and narrow path through a dense forest leads us to a dramatic rock face, rising 1,500 meters from the river. The heavy vegetation is now replaced by open terrain. We cross and re-cross the river on suspension bridges. As the trail opens up, we are surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks and enter the U-shaped valley of Manang, nestled between two giant snow peaks. After enjoying the stunning scenery, we arrive in Pisang. Overnight at Lower Pisang.

Today, we have the option to take one of two routes. The upper route, recommended by Himalayan Glacier, passes through Upper Pisang via Geru, offering outstanding scenery with panoramic views of Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and several other peaks. The landscape and vegetation begin to change, with the cold, dry climate creating a harsher environment. A visit to the Barge Monastery, the largest in the entire Manang district, will be a memorable experience. Overnight in Manang.

Today is the scheduled acclimatization day. Rather than staying idle, we recommend a short walk to a higher altitude to help acclimate. The next two days will involve a challenging and tiring trek with rapid elevation gain, so it is important to take precautions. Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake are excellent sites to visit for acclimatization. Additionally, we can take an easy excursion to the nearby village of Vraga, where we can visit a monastery. We will also visit the Himalayan Rescue Association to learn about mountain sickness. Overnight in Manang.

From Manang, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to the village of Tenki, and then continues northward up the Jarsang Khola valley. The trail passes through pastures and juniper trees, gradually gaining elevation. Near the village of Ghunsa, the trail moves through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river, we pass an old Mani wall and reach Yak Kharka. A gradual ascent is key to avoiding altitude problems. Overnight at Yak Kharka.

Today, we make our way to Thorong Phedi, a small settlement catering to trekkers and climbers. Some trekkers may choose to hike to High Camp to make the next day's trek easier, but we advise against this. It's better to rest at Thorong Phedi and be well-rested for the challenging day ahead. Overnight at Thorong Phedi.

Today, we reach the climax of our Annapurna Circuit trek by crossing the famous Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,764ft). An early start is crucial to completing the pass. The trail is icy and challenging, but the breathtaking views of the high Himalayas will keep us motivated. Upon reaching Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, we will visit the Vishnu Temple and nearby monastery. Muktinath symbolizes religious harmony in Nepal. Overnight at Muktinath.

In the morning, we visit the Vishnu Temple and Gompa at Muktinath. We descend through the barren hillside, passing Ranipauwa village, and continue on to Kagbeni and Jomsom before arriving at Marpha. The landscape today is surreal as we trek above the Kali Gandaki River, the world's deepest gorge. Marpha is famous for its apples, and the local apple brandy is well-known throughout Nepal. Overnight in Marpha.

To avoid newly constructed roads, we take an alternative route to Tatopani. The journey is mostly downhill. We cross the bridge at Ghasa and descend through subtropical forests and lush vegetation. We pass by Rupse Chahara (a popular waterfall) and continue to Narchyang Besi, where we will see the local powerhouse. Upon reaching Tatopani, we can relax and enjoy a bath in the hot spring.

To avoid newly constructed roads, we take an alternative route to Tatopani. The journey is mostly downhill. We cross the bridge at Ghasa and descend through subtropical forests and lush vegetation. We pass by Rupse Chahara (a popular waterfall) and continue to Narchyang Besi, where we will see the local powerhouse. Upon reaching Tatopani, we can relax and enjoy a bath in the hot spring.

We observe the lifestyle of people in midland villages as we gradually ascend to Ghorepani, passing terraced farmlands. We traverse through rhododendron, birch, and magnolia forests and meadows. As we gain elevation, the views of the peaks become more magnificent. We will stay at Ghorepani to make the early climb to Poon Hill the next morning. Overnight in Ghorepani.

At dawn, we ascend to Poon Hill (3,210m/10,531ft) to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs and surrounding rice terraces. Poon Hill is a photographer's paradise. After breakfast, we continue along the trail to Tadapani, passing through rhododendron forests. The scenery remains stunning throughout the day. Overnight in Tadapani.

The trail leads down through rhododendron forests to Ghandruk, the second-largest Gurung settlement in Nepal. After lunch, we trek to Nayapul and take a short bus ride back to Pokhara, a peaceful lakeside city with a tropical climate and dramatic Himalayan backdrop. Overnight in Pokhara.