Annapurna Circuit Trek

Early in the morning, we will take a local bus for 5 to 6 hours to Besisahar, have lunch, and then take a Jeep for 3 hours to Dharapani. After that, we will drive via shared Jeep, passing through many villages, including Jagat, Chamche, Tal, and others. We will also cross many suspension bridges and view waterfalls. On the way, there is Marsyandi Hydropower, green hills. We will reach Dharapani and spend the night there.

The trek to Chame from Dharapani takes 5-6 hours to walk. There is also the roadway, but we will hike to experience the refreshing nature. 40% of our hike is on the road. We will pass through the forest, crossing the suspension bridges. Similarly, Villages like Chauri Kharka, Timang, and Koto are en route.

Moreover, you will be amazed by the view of Manaslu and other surrounding mountains, along with the monasteries. Walking on the uphill trail and flat road, we will reach Chame, the headquarters of Manang. We can find all the facilities in Chame.

It takes 6 to 7 hours to reach Pisang from Chame. Crossing villages like Bhratang and Dhikur Pokhari, we will reach Pisang. Dhikur Pokhari is a big village where people are engaged in apple farming. Walking through a path that is mostly uphill and slightly flat, we will pass through the forest and cross suspension bridges. The people here have a distinct Tibetan culture, characterized by their traditions and traditional dress. The monasteries and prayer flags throughout are astonishing.

Similarly, we can sometimes have a view of avalanches, so we need to be careful too. After reaching Pisang, if the weather permits, we can see the Annapurna range. Moreover, there is the option to trek after reaching Pisang; you may either hike up to Upper Pisang 100m up or down to Lower Pisang 100m down.

Today, we will head towards Manang from Upper Pisang. Starting our walk to reach Ghyaru, which will take 2 hours, we will face a 1-hour flat trail and the remaining uphill section. If the weather is clear, we can see the view of Pisang and the Annapurna ranges closely. Likewise, we will walk from Ghyaru to Ngawal, a distance of about 2 hours. After reaching Ngawal, you will see many monasteries, prayer flags, and the distinct Tibetan People. You may feel like you are in a different world.

On the way, we will pass through a small bushy area, enjoying the view of many peaks. Similarly, we will head towards Manang, walking for about 3 hours. Manang is a big village in the Annapurna area. Every kind of facility, such as a massage shop, Wi-Fi, and electricity, is available there. Passing through the towns of Humde Airport and Bhraka, we will reach our destination. Stay overnight.

Acclimatization implies the day when we remain in the same place we arrived last time and take some side outings to that location. Today, we will hike for about 1 hour up to Gangapurna Lake. From there, the view of the Annapurna ranges and the Chulu ranges can be seen. After that, we will descend, crossing the suspension bridge and proceeding straight forward, and then return to Manang.

From Manang, we will walk on mixed trails, both uphill and flat, for 5 to 6 hours to reach Ledar. We will pass through villages like Yak Kharka, along with a view of the Annapurna ranges. The accommodation in Ledar is basic. You may have difficulty staying.

Today, we will head towards Thorong High Camp from Ledar. It takes about 5 to 6 hours on foot to reach the Thorong High Camp. On this day, we will be crossing many suspension bridges throughout the landslide area. The trail is up and down, with less oxygen due to the elevation gain. Additionally, there are only two tea houses in Thorong High Camp, and the accommodations are somewhat inferior compared to other regions.

At 4 AM, we will begin our hike towards Thorong La Pass (5,416m) on an uphill trail. After successfully crossing the Thorong La Pass, we will trek down to Muktinath, a journey that will take approximately 5 to 6 hours. After reaching the destination, the view of Thorong Peak (6,144m) and other mountains will welcome us. Although it’s a stressful day, as we have to walk for 8 to 9 hours, the trek will still be enjoyable.

Today, we will visit the Muktinath Temple, one of the most famous pilgrimage temples located in the Lower Mustang region. After visiting this temple, we will take a local bus or shared jeep to Tatopani. On the way, we will pass through Kagbeni, Jomsom, Marpha, Tukuche, and Ghasa. Jomsom is the headquarters of the Mustang district, and there is an airport that allows flights to Pokhara. Those who have a short time can fly directly from there to Pokhara. After arriving in Tatopani, we will visit the hot spring for a relaxing bath in the natural hot water.

Today is the final day in the beautiful Annapurna region. After relaxing in the natural hot spring, we will take a bus or jeep to Pokhara from Tatopani, a journey that will take approximately 4 to 5 hours.

On the way to Pokhara, we will pass through Beni and Baglung Bazaar. You will have the opportunity to see the longest suspension bridge in Baglung, which spans the two districts. We will again cross the Nayapul (trek start point for Annapurna Base Camp) and finally arrive in Pokhara. Overnight stay at the hotel in Lakeside. After some relaxation, we will explore Phewa Lake and go boating around it.

Today is the final day of our 11-day Annapurna Circuit Trek program. We will take a tourist bus at 7:30 AM from Pokhara, which takes around 7 to 8 hours to arrive in Kathmandu. Driving through the Prithivi Highway, with memories of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, we will reach Kathmandu and be transferred to the Hotel. A discussion meeting will be held in the late afternoon to discuss the feedback on NEST’s performance, and any suggestions will be highly appreciated.