Treks: The Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit Trek

Grade Length
Strenuous 25 or 28 days

Description
This trek has it all! It is the classic hike around the Annapurna Range. A journey which is rated as one of the great walks in the world. It begins southeast of the Himalayas at Besisahar, a town set in a subtropical agricultural district. For a week, the route runs northwest up the Marysandi River between the Annapurna and Manaslu Ranges to the famous mountain villages of Pisang and Manang. The country beyond Pisang lies north of the Annapurnas in the range's rain shadow. Several days are spent approaching and crossing Thorong-La pass, at 5416m, a feat that will give you a real sense of accomplishment. From the pass, the trail descends rapidly through an arid landscape to the Kaligandaki river gorge. It passes through Muktinath, a important religious center for both Hindus and Buddhists, and the picturesque villages of Jharkot and Kagbeni. From Kagbeni, one treks south through the Himalayas by following the Kaligandaki downstream. It's gorge, billed as the deepest valley in the world, is flanked on the east by Annapurna I (8091m, 26545ft, 10th highest in the world), and on the west, by Dhaulagiri (8167m, 26794ft, 7th highest in the world). Descending the gorge, one passes through a series of pleasant villages--Jomsom, Marpha, Lete and others--peopled by Magars, Tamangs, Gurungs, and other people. At Tatopani, which means hot water in Nepali because of the hot springs there, the trail climbs east to Ghorepani, renown for its stunning view of the Himalaya Range at sunrise from nearby Poon Hill. Descending into another subtropical agricultural area, the trek ends near Bierthanti.

Beyond Tatopani, you can choose between two different ways to get to Pohkara. The Ghorepani and Poon Hill option includes a dawn ascent to the summit of Poon hill for amazing views of the Dhaulagiri Himal and the Annapurna Himal. The Beni option avoids that last little bit of uphill and gets you back 3 days earlier. Pricing varies by option.

Itinerary

Day	Activities
1	Arrive in Kathmandu. Late-afternoon city walk, usually amazing for first-time visitors to Nepal.
2	Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
3	Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley and preparation for trekking departure
4	Drive to Besisahar in a chartered vehicle. Camp at the north end of Besisahar.
5	To Ngadi.
6	To Jagat.
7	To Bagarchap.
8	To Bratang.
9	To Pisang.
10	To Manang. Optional scenic high route option thru G??.
11	In Manang. Optional day hiking. A rest day for acclimatization
12	To Yak Kharka.
13	To Thorong Phedi.
14	To Muktinath, after a very early morning crossing over Thorong La Pass (17,700ft).
15	To Kagbeni.
16	To Marpha via Jomsom.
17	To Khobang.
18	To Ghasa.
19	To Tatopani.

Option 1 - Ghorepani and Poon Hill

Day	Activities
20	To Chitre.
21	To Ghorepani.
22	To Ulleri, after a sunrise hike to the top of Poon Hill for panoramic viewing.
23	To Pame.
24	To New Bridge and then by bus into Pokhara to a hotel. Rest of the day is free time.
25	In Pokhara. Morning: free time. Afternoon: guided touring in the Pokhara area.
26	Fly to Kathmandu mid morning, after sunrise boating on the lake. Free afternoon.
27	In the Kathmandu Valley, guided touring and shopping.
28	Depart Kathmandu for home.

Option 2 - Beni

Day	Activities
20	To Beni.
21	Drive by bus into Pokhara to a hotel. Rest of the day is free time.
22	In Pokhara. Morning: free time. Afternoon: guided touring in the Pokhara area.
23	Fly to Kathmandu mid morning, after sunrise boating on the lake. Free afternoon.
24	In the Kathmandu Valley, guided touring and shopping.
25	Depart Kathmandu for home.

Location

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