True spirit of adventure since 1990
Nepal Environmental Trek
Nepal Environmental
Treks & Expedition

Annapurna Circuit Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

Duration
25 days
Max. Elevation
5416m
Group size
MIn 1
Level
MODERATE
Transportation
Land
Best Season
Autumn: SEP-OCT-NOV Spring: MAR-APR-MAY
Accomodation
2-3 Star Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu. Lodge (Tea house) Accommodation during Trek
Meals
3 Meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Starts at/ Ends at
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Trip Route

Highlights

Overview

Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the classic and most rewarding trek in Nepal. The Southern slopes of Manaslu and Annapurna ranges are heavily settled and farmed except the higher regions covered by thick forests of rhododendron and fir. Majority of the people inhabiting this area are Thakaalis, Gurungs and Chettris. Thakali people control the busy trading and pilgrimage trail along the Kali Gandaki. One of the most striking significance of this trek is the spectacular view of most mountains range every day.

Annapurna Base Camp is a natural amphitheater ringed by Annapurna South and Annapurna I, Varahashikhar, Gangapurna and Mt. Fishtail. The first few days are spent traveling through beautiful villages and lush forests before steeping on to barren and rugged terrain.

The trail to Annapurna Base Camp threads up the valley into the sanctuary where it gradually gives way to a grey screed and scrub and further into snow fields. For five days the trail passes through completely uninhabited region. Annapurna Base Camp trek is a wonderful trek with some fascinating views, including the ever dominating Annapurna I. An hour or two is spent here reveling the glory of the high mountains before commencing the return journey. Five further days are taken to return to Pokhara. Annapurna Base Camp trek is a good introduction to higher altitude trekking without being too strenuous.

Trip Itinerary

After early-morning breakfast, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the bus station. Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule via Besisahar, takes about eight hours.

Stay overnight at lodge in Bhulbhule.

Trek from Bhulbhule to Chamje (1410m.) takes about seven hours.  Ahead the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape and you follow the winding mountain path down through Syange (1100m.) where there is a beautiful waterfall above it and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed.. Now the trail begins to observe small ups and downs to Chamje through the forests.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Chamje (1410m.) to Dharapani (1960m.) takes about six hours. The first part of the trail descends to the river and after crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) on a path so steep that it seems one slip would send you hurtling down into the valley. You continue on an undulating path above the river. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, we see the level, plain of Tal (1700m.) before us. You descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Here you can enjoy the exhilarating waterfalls .Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding and in several areas hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte (1900m.), there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river. You cross a suspension bridge and climb the short distance to the stone Mani marking the entrance to Dharapani (1960m.), and our camp for the night.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2675m.) takes about five and half hours. As you cut through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, originates from the south face of Manaslu, enters on the opposite bank. The Marshyangdi then veers to the left and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, you arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhote village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze around Buddhist monastery. Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, you pass through Danaque (2210m.). The trail goes through flat level until you reach Chame where there are government offices, shops and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district.  

Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Chame to Pisang (3100m.) takes about five hours. With Lamjung Himal (6893m) sparkling in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. The mountain disappears as you climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard. You continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as you follow the path to Bhratang (2950m.). You now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before us. You can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak (6091m.) to the north-east. Continuing on, you come to a long Mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Pisang to Manang (3440m.) takes about five and half hours. Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge that affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.). Descending past Manang's airstrip at Hungde (3320m.), you come to a level area from where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises majestically above you. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV (7525m.) also becomes visible. Just beyond this point you cross the considerably reduced flow of the Marshyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. Large Chortens and Mani walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m.) and to the rear, Tilicho Peak (7145m.). After a short steep climb you reach Manang.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Rest day at Manang and hang in and around town. This is an important rest and acclimatization day today before crossing the Thorung La. There are optional day walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous icefall coming down from the Annapurna, or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4350m.) and it takes about three and half hours. Now the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through the Gunsang (3960m.) village. En route, you can see panoramic views all the day.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4420m.) takes about 3 and half hours. Leaving Yak Kharka, you climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable spree slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass and it takes about seven hours. You start early today for your crossing of Thorung La [5416m]. The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp but as this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of years the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing you reaches the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. The descent to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m but it's compensated for with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek Muktinath to Marpha (2667m.) takes about approximately six hours. You now begin the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. You continue down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali village, complete with a drainage system beneath the flagstone streets.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Marpha to Ghasa (2013m.) takes about six hours. Your trail descends steeply through forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. The beginning part of the trail is stretched at almost flat level up to Kalopani and then your trail begins descending steeply to Ghasa. The surrounding area of Ghasa is famous destination for bird watching and wild Marijuana. Here you are quite amazed at the panoramic view of Mount Nilgiri North (7061m.), Nilgiri Central (6940m.), and Nilgiri South (6839m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.).

Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani (1189 m.) takes about five hours. The trail descends steeply up to Rukse Chhahara (Rukse Waterfall) is amazing to look at. There is situated the deepest gorge of the world between two mountains Annapurna I (8091m.) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) facing each other near Rukse Waterfall. Now the trail ascends slightly to Tatopani through different human settlements. It is popularly believed that taking bath in Hot Spring helps you to get rid of skin diseases.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853m.) takes about seven hours. Your trail passes through flat level of the land at some distance. Then the trail begins ascending steeply for at least one hour. Now path goes up through different villages inhabited by the people of different caste and agricultural land. Now the trail ascends gently all the way to Ghorepani passing through small villages like Phalate, Chitre and so on. Although there is time enough to continue, it is better to stay here overnight so that we can make the morning trip to Poon Hill (3180m.) for an outstanding panorama of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, Tukuche peak, Dhampus peak, Nilgiri ranges, Annapurna I, Bahra Sikhar (Twelve peaks or renowned as French Fang),Annapurna South, Himchuli, Fishtail and Mardi Himal.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Early morning hike up to Poon Hill (3232 m.) takes about one hour. Poon Hill is a popular viewpoint to see sunrise and majestic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhare (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), and Lamjung Himal (6931m.). 

You will descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast. Afterwards you will trek towards Tadapani (2630m) largely through forests. You can clearly see the Himalayas such as Annapurna South, Himchuli and Macchapuchre.

Stay overnight at lodge in Tadapani. 

Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (2950m) takes about 3 hours. It is a very easy trek by descending gently all the way through rhododendron, oak and other kinds of dense forests. This is one of the popular destinations for the birds' lovers. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village. From this village you can see good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and Fishtail.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong takes approximately 4 hours. At the beginning of the day, you ascend gently for an hour up to Ghandrukkot (2100m.) and descend steeply to the Kimrung Khola (1700m.). Chhomrong is a gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary trek and inhabited by Gurung, one of the major ethnic groups of Nepal.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (2600m) takes approximately 5 hours. The train in the beginning descends until you cross a small bridge. From here it’s a long steep ascent up to Sinuwa. Enjoy local farming in terraced landscapes all around.

Stay overnight in lodge. 

Trek from Dovan to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m) takes about five hours. The trail ahead is devoid of any villages until we reach Sinuwa, where there used to be a checkpost, the last village of the trail. You trek gently ascend through bamboo forests with varieties of rhododendron and oak trees up to Machhapuchhre Base Camp.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3720m) to Annapurna Base Camp (4170m) takes about two hours. It is further 2 hours walk to reach Annapurna Base Camp. Annapurna Base Camp is a vantage point to see the Himalayas at a 360 degree turn. Some of the impressive ones include Mount Hiunchuli (6441m.), Annapurna South (7229m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna III (7555m.), Gangapurna (7454m.) and Machhapuchhre or Fish Tail (6997m.) etc. You can explore Annapurna South Glaciers in detail.

Stay overnight at lodge. 

Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo via Machhapuchhare Base Camp takes about five hours. The trail gradually descends passing through bamboo forests.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1780m.) takes about five hours. We will descend through Sinuwa and Choomrong. After Bamboo, the trail goes steeply up to the Kuldi Ghar and now the trail is quite flat until you reach Sinuwa. You trek gradually descends to the Chhomrong Khola and you have to follow stone staircase for almost an hour to reach Jhinu Danda. Jhinu Danda is famous for hot spring where you can relax.

Stay overnight at lodge. 

Trek from Jhinudanda (1750m.) to Pothana (1890m) takes about six hours. You will pass through local villages, farms and terraced fields. Views of Annapurna II and Macchapuchre and sunrise should not be missed along the trail. Pothana is beautifully located surrounded by green forests. 

Stay overnight at lodge

Trek from Pothana to Phedi and then drive to Pokhara. The trek from  Pothana to Phedi takes about 3 hours followed by an hour long drive to reach Pokhara.

Stay overnight in hotel in Pokhara. 

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes about seven hours. While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to capital city, Kathmandu.

Not satisfied with this itinerary? Make your own.
Plan My Trip

Includes

    • Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private A/C car or Van
    • Trekking guide/s
    • Porter/s (1 porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
    • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
    • Accommodation in Lodge (Tea house) during the trek
    • Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags and trekking sticks etc.
    • Entry Permit for Annapurna conservation Area
    • Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
    • All land transportation wherever applicable
    • 1 night hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast
    • Insurance and equipments for the trekking staffs
    • First aid kit
    • Rescue assistance (Should any emergency arise during your trek, we will provide prompt and professional rescue and medical services. For this, it would be better to have your own travel insurance that can cover helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost incase required.
    • One farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
    • Souvenir (t-shirt, mug, pen, bag, etc.) 

Doesn't Include

    • Personal nature expenses
    • Drinks, beverages, hot shower, etc.
    • Travel insurance
    • Tips
    • Meals & hotel accommodation in Kathmandu

Nepal Will Definitely Steal A Little Bit Of Your Heart.

Where to start? Well, first of all, we have just arrived back from our 3 week Annapurna Circuit Trek. Before departure we d inquired with a few trekking companies and Nepal Environmental were by far the best. They are professional, really knew the stuff and really did make us feel very welcome. I cannot recommend them highly enough. All in all, you can t go wrong with Nepal Environmental and our praise for them, and especially for Khan, cannot be high enough. Nepal is a wonderfully magical and beautiful place, and with the help of these guys, Nepal will definitely steal a little bit of your heart."

D
David De Veth & Marian Boland
New Zealand

TO NAVA & NEPAL ENVIRONMENTAL TREKS

We had a great time trekking in the Annapurna Sanctuary with 3 adults & 4 children (aged 6, 6, 8, and 8). Our service was great from the start all the way to the end, the sun & snow! The children loved Ratna, Dharma, Hari & Sherpa! The guide Mr. Ratna was patience with the children & very encouraging to all of us. We learnt more about Nepal & the mountains & will always remember our family trek with your company. We will be back again.

S
Simon Walmsley
Australia

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

This trip was certainly experience. I won't soon forget. The perfect weather may not have been yours doing but picking Ram as my guide certainly was. The trek was absolutely spectacular and I will gladly send my friends your way. I look forward to our next meeting. Thanking you again,

E
Ethan Charles Beswick
United States

Share this tour

Similar Tours

Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Region
Best Selling
Trekking in Nepal

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Duration
15 days
Grading
MODERATE
US$ 995 .00
Explore
(12 reviews)
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Region
Best Selling
Trekking in Nepal

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Duration
16 days
Grading
MODERATE
US$ 1,090 .00
Explore
(14 reviews)
Annapurna Cultural Trek
Trekking in Nepal

Annapurna Cultural Trek

Duration
5 days
Grading
EASY
(5 reviews)
Book Now

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Sign up to stay updated with latest offers, recent events and more news.
Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal