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Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal, boasting some of the best natural scenery in all of Nepal along with a wealth of culture. This route offers one of the ‘easier’ long treks in Nepal: but does include a demanding high altitude pass calling for pre-fitness, walking experience and careful acclimatization.
The trek begins from measly altitudes of less than 1000m but gradually rises upto 5416m, encompassing a variety of terrain and biodiversity in the process. The trail sports close up views of the various mountain vistas including the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda.
After a day exploring Kathmandu, drive west through forest and farmland to Tal for the start of the trek. The trail and recently built dirt roads follow an anti-clockwise route behind the 50km Annapurna Himal. The reason for the anticlockwise route is the gradual altitude gain, which helps with acclimatization and makes crossing the Thorong La easier and safer. Lowland Hindu communities gradually give way to Tibetan groups and the architecture changes as the trail rises. The high peaks to the south capture rainfall leaving a rain shadow behind the range which gets gradually drier as you trek westwards.
Notable landmarks along the trail include: the Upper Pisang to Braga route which offers fascinating architecture and spectacular views of Annapurna II and IV. The road-head and largest village of Manang, has perfect views of Gangapurna and Annapurna III. The town also panders to ‘Tourist tastes.’ Two tough days then lead to the Thorung La (5 416m/17 770ft), for contrasting scenery – and a real sense of achievement! Descend to the important Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Muktinath, which translates to ‘place of liberation’ is a centuries old temple, dedicated to the primary deity of the Hindu pantheon, Lord Vishnu.
Another road then heads south. To avoid daily dust storms, jeeps now ferry trekkers through the Kali Gandaki gorge to Tatopani. Here, a trail leaves the road and enters magnificent rhododendron forests to Ghorepani: and a sunrise trek to the famous landmark of Poon Hill for panoramic views of the Annapurnas from the south. Continue through Gurung villages to Dhampus Phedi, Pokhara and beautiful Lake Phewa. If you haven't more time for this trek you can explore our short packages like, Annapurna Sunrise Trek and Annapurna Poon Hill Trek.
The best times of the year to perform the Annapurna Circuit Trek are during spring (March to May) and autumn (last week in September to mid-December) seasons. During these periods, the weather remains stable and the mountain views are good leading to the best experience. Rhododendrons in full bloom on the hills with clear skies and crystalline mountains in the back drop is classic sight. In monsoon, the weather can be unpredictable and the rain can make the trails slippery and perilous. During winter, the temperatures can drop harshly low and the pass can get blocked off in case of excessive snowfall.
This 19 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek is a strenuous trek that takes you up to altitudes of 5416m (Thorong La Pass). You will be trekking over steep hills and semi rocky terrain for most of the trek. While previous trekking experience is not required, it will certainly make the trek easier. However, good physical fitness and stamina is a necessity. Remember to set aside ample time for acclimatization and stay hydrated.
NRS. 3000 ($30) per person
NRS. 1000 ($10) for organized trekkers
NRS. 2000 ($20) for independent trekkers
After completing passport, immigration and visa requirements, we will meet you outside the terminal building (look for your name board) and transfer you to your hotel: afternoon free. Evening: a welcome dinner, introduction to your guide and a briefing on the trek with a check on necessities. Overnight at hotel.
Take a day tour to five of the Kathmandu Valley’s cultural world heritage sites: Swayambhunath, known as the monkey temple; the city’s historical Durbar Square with ancient temples, unique art, architecture, and the chance to see the Kumari (living goddess); Patan’s Durbar Square; the Hindu temple Pashupatinath and the world’s largest stupa, Bouddhanath,
A car and driver will take you to each site-entrance and wait for you. (Entry tickets and lunch are not included.)
The westward journey to Dumre (400m, 4½hrs) winds over the forested Middle Hills that separate the High Himalaya from the Nepal and Indian lowlands. The road links Hindu villages and terraced farming communities, crossing several important rivers that flow from the ice fields to the north. At Dumre we turn north into the Marsyangdi Nadi Valley. A secondary road leads to the commercial centre of Besi Sahar (760m, 2hrs). A minor road then heads into the hills (2-3hrs), passing construction work on a major hydro electric scheme before climbing Syange (1 080m).
The road then enters a canyon and rises to a ridge: and Jagat (1 330m, a former salt-route toll depot to Tibet). Continue, through Chamje (1 410m) to a ‘bus stop’ opposite a suspension bridge to the east bank and a short walk to Tal. This attractive village is set in a flat valley behind which is an impressive waterfall (and palm trees). The river flows placidly between gabions. Overnight in Tal.
We now follow the Marsyangdi Nadi for five days, to near its source on the North Annapurna Glacier. The trail passes barley, wheat and potato fields and then begins a long steady climb through pine forests before crossing to the road on the west bank near Khotro (1 860m). Walk up the road to Dharapani (1 960m): a bustling Tibetan village in the Manang valley, at the confluence with the Dudh Khola. (A trail up the Dudh Khola leads to Manaslu.)
The valley swings westwards and the trail climbs steep forested ridges, over some landslides, as it ascends the southern slopes of the valley. Good views of the Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II (7 937m), and Annapurna IV gradually rise to the south. They come into full view at the landmark mani wall before Chame: the Manang District headquarters. Overnight in Chame.
A steep trail on the north bank, through a dense fir and pine forest, passes the gigantic curved, ice-carved rock face above Bhratang (2 950m). It rises 1 500m above the river: and takes an hour to pass. Later, walk along an impressive ledge hewn from a cliff face before the trail re-crosses to the southern bank of the river and ascends, opposite the wall, into the U-shaped upper Manang Valley between two snow peaks. The views become more exciting as you approach the split-village of Pisang. Overnight in Lower Pisang.
Two trails lead to Manang. The lower route, follows the river to Mungji (3 500m) where it meets the high route and continues to Braga and Manang.
The challenging upper route presents some of the best scenery on the trek. Climb to Upper Pisang (3 310m) then walk through the dry Nyesyang region to Ghyaru (3 670m): a cluster-village of houses surrounded by fields of barley, buckwheat, beans and potatoes: crops that ripen in a short growing season. Follow a high traverse with great views of the whole valley to Ngawal: a village with ancient juniper trees and a neat gompa. Overnight in cold Ngawal.
Descend gradually to Mungji (3 500m), with a nunnery above the village. Next, is picturesque Braga (3 470m): with clustered houses stacked one above the other up a craggy slope. An impressive Gompa sits at the top. This is the oldest and best endowed gompa in the region. Manang is a short walk from Braga. Rest and explore the village. Overnight in Manang.
Today is a scheduled acclimatization day. Walk to either the Gangapurna Lake or the Bocho Gompa. The Himalayan Rescue Association office has informative information on the symptoms of Altitude Mountain Sickness. Return to your teahouse for the night.
From Manang climb NE to Tengi (3 690m) then up and out of the Marsyangdi Valley; turning NW into the Jarsang Khola Valley. Ascend slowly to minimise altitude problems.
The trail passes summer kharkas through scrub juniper as it steadily climbs above Gunsang (3 920m): a cluster of flat mud roofs just below. Continue to Ghyanchang (4 000m) before dropping to cross a tributary; then rising through kharkas of grazing horses and yaks. Later, a wooden bridge, heads towards an ancient mani wall and the small village of Yak Kharka; with great views. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
A short day’s slow, steady 500m climb leads to the seasonal outpost before the pass. The path snakes through desolate high scenery: scrub vegetation gradually giving way to rock, scree and an exposed path across a landslide before reaching the trekker-lodge at Thorung Phedi (foot of the hill). There is a single teahouse with a warm cosy dining room and beds for some 150 trekkers. It closes for the winter months. Overnight in Thorung Phedi.
Further up the “hill” lodge staff man a small stone teahouse on a cold exposed ridge: known as High Camp. Rather stay at Thorung Phedi than head for this elevation: just for a shorter summit day.
A pre-dawn start is wise for this long arduous day. There is a 900m/3 000ft ascent before a 1 600m/5 250ft descent. From the teahouse the path climbs steeply up the valley: leading to a stiffer ascent up an ancient moraine. After that, it ascends more gently. Thorung La is a flag bedecked col between Thorung Peak (6 211m/20 378ft) and Yakwakang’s (6 482m/15 434ft) stupendous cliffs.
Views back to the east are snowy. Ahead and far below is the brown desolate scenery of the rain-parched Kali Gandaki-Mustang Valley. On the opposite side of the valley, the huge Dhaulagiri range rises to the southwest. Ahead and to the north, the mountains of Dolpo stretch to the horizon: these are an extension of the Tibetan uplands to the north.
After photos and a rest, begin the ~4hr descent to Muktinath. Tread with care as the path drops steeply over loose gravel. Later, it becomes rockier and easier to walk on. The captivating scenery and chance to “sleep low” should spur you on.
Eventually, the important Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site of Muktinath will come into view. This oasis of springs is surrounded by a lengthy wall and is bedecked by thousands of prayer flags. There is a small Vishnu temple and smaller Buddhist shrine: testament to Nepal’s religious harmony. The Tibetan name for this oasis is Chu Mig Tsa Gye (108 springs).
The dusty village of Ranipauwa (3 710m, and traffic) is a 10 minute walk beyond the shrine. The region is collectively known as Muktinath. Overnight in Ranipauwa.
A rutted road has been built, mostly along the trekking trails, from the lowlands to Muktinath. A recent Chinese road from Tibet through Upper Mustang meets this road below Kagbeni (2 840m: consider a detour to this fascinating ‘first village’ into Mustang.) From ~10:00 to 16:00, daily winds blow in dust from the lowlands and now the gravel road makes trekking particularly unpleasant.
Jeep transport has become preferable through this rugged scenery; and returning vegetation. Jeeps are used for the drive to Jomsom (2 760m, administrative centre of the Lower Mustang region). Change to a second jeep for Tatopani (hot springs). From there we leave the road and Buddhist culture – and trek into lush forest once more. Overnight in Tatopani.
The trail enters the Ghar Khola Valley which swings south east towards the front of the Annapurna Range. Most of the trail is through protected rhododendron, oak, birch and magnolia forests; rich in wild life. Ghara (1 780m), Phalate (2 390m) and Chitre (2 420m) are agricultural villages on high ridges: with views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas. The large tourist village of Ghorepani is below Poon Hill. Overnight in Ghorepani.
An early, ¾ hr, steep trek leads to Poon Hill’s grassy knoll. This landmark viewpoint offers unobstructed vistas of the high Himalaya from Dhaulagiri I (8 172m) and Upper Dolpo to the west, across the Annapurnas (Annapurna I, 8 019m), to Machhapuchhare (6 997m, Fish Tail) and east to Manaslu (8 156m). Behind: an ocean of Sal forests stretch to lowland India.
After breakfast, trek east through pine and rhododendron forest, over numerous ridges, to Tadapani: with occasional flat sections and wonderful views of the snow peaks to the north from high ground. Overnight in Tadapani.
Today offers a short, downhill trek through farmland and forest with occasional peak views to Ghandruk: a modern Gurung village. Afternoon free: to explore the area; and village museums. Overnight in Ghandruk.
The trail drops down stone staircases to the Modi Khola: from Annapurna’s South Glacier in the breathtaking Annapurna Sanctuary. Cross the river and walk up to Landruk (1 620m) then through scrub bush to Tolka (1 790m). A further ~2 hr trek, through lovely forest ascends to the ridge village of Deorali (2 150m). Views of Pokhara and Lake Phewa are Behind are the last views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna wall. The trail then drops down a broad red-earth track (that is lethal when wet) to Pothana. Overnight in Pothana.
An easy descent leads to the agricultural village of Dhampus (1 700m) then smaller hamlets with rice paddies to Dhampus Phedi on the Pokhara – Baglung highway: for the short drive to Pokhara and your hotel. Afternoon free: to explore the lake and waterfront; or visit the Mountain Museum. Overnight in Pokhara.
After breakfast, drive to the nearby airport and fly back to Kathmandu along the Himalayan Range. Transfer to your hotel. Afternoon free.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight to your next destination.
There is no way I can adequately thank you for good and careful guiding to get us over Thorung La and the Annapurna circuit giving us an insight on Nepal's religions, traditions, cultures , customs.
Looking after our health making sure we are fit enough to carry on the next day taking us to the best tea house and making us feel at home there. Always doing more than we would expect. Making sure there was never a problems. It has been a wonderful experience trekking with you Badri ,Ram and Krishna we were made to fell absolutely at home and welcome "we are now family"
The Annapurna Trek and your special guiding was recommended to us from our friends but the experience itself was much better
Thanks our expectation a very enriching experience
Very best wishes hope to see you again
Hedi and Erwin estummer
24th Apr, 2022
Prem and his team well organized everything and give us all useful tips and advice before we arrived at Nepal.
Badri was an experienced, expertise, reliable, patient and knowledge guide. He took care everything of us like his family during the trip. Well arrangement on meal, accommodation and trekking route, let us felt completely relax and safe throughout the trip.
Our porters, very helpful and professional, they are fantastic, fun, warm and work hard.
I have confidently recommended Landmark Discovery Terks(Prem and his team) to anyone who like to trek in Himalaya and exploring Katmandu Nepal.
Source: Tripadvisor
Edwinl345
24th Apr, 2022
I booked a trip with this company based on a recommendation from my partners friend. We were put into contact with Badri who gave us expert advice and helped us to create a personal itinerary We decided to trek the Annapurna circuit from Dharapani to Jhomson and then take a flight to Pokhara. Every correspondence was replied to promptly and we were well prepared for when we arrive to meet Badri at the airport. He was to be our guide on the trek and from that moment on we felt completely relaxed throughout our trip. We also met one of the heads of the company Prem who briefed us on the itinerary again and answered any more lingering questions.
We were then introduced to our porter Ganesh who was also fantastic. He was funny and warm and we felt very much a family with him and Badri by oursides. The trek itself was breathtaking from start to finish. Everyday brought new incredible views and cultural experiences. The scenery was beautiful as were the people. We saw things that were so inspiring that it's hard to accurately convey them with words. We saw all of this under the guidance of Badri and Ganesh who catered to our every need and who also gave us privacy when requested. They kept us safe at all times whilst providing expert hospitality and the very best accommodation available. Each place we stayed was clean and warm and mainly with ensuite (nepalese ensuite) which was different from other trekkers we spoke to who said they were jealous as their tour company had essentially provided a roof. Our meals were excellent and filling as again Badri had suggested what to eat at each chosen rest point. We were always full and ready for the next day of trekking.
We also felt what great value this company was considering what things we saw and experienced and they are very flexible with what can be arranged which I think was perfect for us as we only had 13 days in Nepal.
All that's left to say is; just go with these guys. This will be one of the best decisions you will ever make. Thank you guys for an unforgettable experience and a personal thanks again to Badri and Ganesh for making this such a life changing trip. We can't thank you enough!
AlexJW91
24th Apr, 2022
I travelled to Nepal for the first time in December 2014. This is an overdue review but better later than nothing :). I travelled with my buddy Ryan and being the chilled out people that we are, we were not expecting all that much. My uncle had recommended Prem Panta from Landmark Discovery Treks as he had used their services 6 months prior to my trip and i took up their services based on his recommendation. Our trip began in Kathmandu before flying to Pokhara to begin our journey on the Annapurna circuit. We were blown away by Prem's attention to detail and overall service. He was organized, punctual, easy to reach and always smiling and good natured.
Food wise, being Malaysian, we were keen to try the local food and Prem brought us to some top notch local restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Along the trail, we were also keen to eat what they ate and we had some awesome dal-bhat and other local treats. Without fail, he would make sure that he oversaw our needs before his and was very gracious the entire time. Things can get pretty busy in the teahouses and having a guide to look out for you was great as it puts you in a more relaxed state of mine without having to worry about whether there was going to be any mixup in your food order or having to wait a long time due to the large groups of people walking in at the same time expecting to be fed. We felt blessed travelling with someone who knew a lot about the local culture and we could ask lots of questions about village life and he was there to act as the interpreter. Although i was armed with my lonely planet guide, nothing can beat the up-to-date and localised information a guide can provide you. Some of the spots he brought us to see the sunrise were also off the beaten path and not in the guides. Such is the knowledge of a local guide.
As we were hiking in the winter time, Prem also provided us with jackets and sleeping bags and i must say that their equipment was top notch. He provided us with North Face jackets (which i think was modified to include more insulation) and it helped a lot as my own jacket was not as warm as i thought it would be. He also provided us with hiking poles which helped a great deal (i couldnt be bothered to pack my own poles from malaysia).
Little details like booking rooms with toilets (some places maybe have 3-4 rooms with attached toilets; while the rest are shared) or booking certain rooms that have the best views, ensuring that there were sufficient blankets, knowing what time to begin our journey to beat the crowds, stories about the trail, being able to communicate with the locals... are in my view, the benefit of having a local guide. i feel our overall experience was greatly enhanced as compared to going at it on our own. Having peace of mind and putting some of the responsibility on him allowed us to just enjoy the trip and take great photos, joke and laugh and have a drink at the end of the day.
So all in all, it was a fantastic trip and i highly recommend their services.
..Now i need to plan the next Nepal trek for 2016..
Harith S
24th Apr, 2022
Our trip around the Annapurnas with Prem was an amazing experience. Prem is a guide of the highest calibre and extremely knowledgeable.
Wayne D
24th Apr, 2022
There is no way I can adequately thank you for good and careful guiding to get us over Thorung La and the Annapurna circuit giving us an insight on Nepal's religions, traditions, cultures , customs.
Looking after our health making sure we are fit enough to carry on the next day taking us to the best tea house and making us feel at home there. Always doing more than we would expect. Making sure there was never a problems. It has been a wonderful experience trekking with you Badri ,Ram and Krishna we were made to fell absolutely at home and welcome "we are now family"
The Annapurna Trek and your special guiding was recommended to us from our friends but the experience itself was much better
Thanks our expectation a very enriching experience
Very best wishes hope to see you again
Hedi and Erwin estummer
25th Apr, 2022
Trekking in Annapurna Circuit is amazing & unforgettable. Though the trek is challenge and tough for me, but it is fun, beautiful sunrise, incredible scenery and cultural experience are well worth for it. Without the well planning and preparation from Landmark Discovery Terks, our 9 days trekking trip will not be that smooth, enjoyable, safety and memorable.
Prem and his team well organized everything and give us all useful tips and advice before we arrived at Nepal.
Badri was an experienced, expertise, reliable, patient and knowledge guide. He took care everything of us like his family during the trip. Well arrangement on meal, accommodation and trekking route, let us felt completely relax and safe throughout the trip.
Our porters, very helpful and professional, they are fantastic, fun, warm and work hard.
I have confidently recommended Landmark Discovery Terks(Prem and his team) to anyone who like to trek in Himalaya and exploring Katmandu Nepal.
edwinl345
25th Apr, 2022
I booked a trip with this company based on a recommendation from my partners friend. We were put into contact with Badri who gave us expert advice and helped us to create a personal itinerary We decided to trek the Annapurna circuit from Dharapani to Jhomson and then take a flight to Pokhara. Every correspondence was replied to promptly and we were well prepared for when we arrive to meet Badri at the airport. He was to be our guide on the trek and from that moment on we felt completely relaxed throughout our trip. We also met one of the heads of the company Prem who briefed us on the itinerary again and answered any more lingering questions.
We were then introduced to our porter Ganesh who was also fantastic. He was funny and warm and we felt very much a family with him and Badri by oursides. The trek itself was breathtaking from start to finish. Everyday brought new incredible views and cultural experiences. The scenery was beautiful as were the people. We saw things that were so inspiring that it's hard to accurately convey them with words. We saw all of this under the guidance of Badri and Ganesh who catered to our every need and who also gave us privacy when requested. They kept us safe at all times whilst providing expert hospitality and the very best accommodation available. Each place we stayed was clean and warm and mainly with ensuite (nepalese ensuite) which was different from other trekkers we spoke to who said they were jealous as their tour company had essentially provided a roof. Our meals were excellent and filling as again Badri had suggested what to eat at each chosen rest point. We were always full and ready for the next day of trekking.
We also felt what great value this company was considering what things we saw and experienced and they are very flexible with what can be arranged which I think was perfect for us as we only had 13 days in Nepal.
All that's left to say is; just go with these guys. This will be one of the best decisions you will ever make. Thank you guys for an unforgettable experience and a personal thanks again to Badri and Ganesh for making this such a life changing trip. We can't thank you enough!
AlexJW91
25th Apr, 2022
I travelled to Nepal for the first time in December 2014. This is an overdue review but better later than nothing :). I travelled with my buddy Ryan and being the chilled out people that we are, we were not expecting all that much. My uncle had recommended Prem Panta from Landmark Discovery Treks as he had used their services 6 months prior to my trip and i took up their services based on his recommendation. Our trip began in Kathmandu before flying to Pokhara to begin our journey on the Annapurna circuit. We were blown away by Prem's attention to detail and overall service. He was organized, punctual, easy to reach and always smiling and good natured.
Food wise, being Malaysian, we were keen to try the local food and Prem brought us to some top notch local restaurants in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Along the trail, we were also keen to eat what they ate and we had some awesome dal-bhat and other local treats. Without fail, he would make sure that he oversaw our needs before his and was very gracious the entire time. Things can get pretty busy in the teahouses and having a guide to look out for you was great as it puts you in a more relaxed state of mine without having to worry about whether there was going to be any mixup in your food order or having to wait a long time due to the large groups of people walking in at the same time expecting to be fed. We felt blessed travelling with someone who knew a lot about the local culture and we could ask lots of questions about village life and he was there to act as the interpreter. Although i was armed with my lonely planet guide, nothing can beat the up-to-date and localised information a guide can provide you. Some of the spots he brought us to see the sunrise were also off the beaten path and not in the guides. Such is the knowledge of a local guide.
As we were hiking in the winter time, Prem also provided us with jackets and sleeping bags and i must say that their equipment was top notch. He provided us with North Face jackets (which i think was modified to include more insulation) and it helped a lot as my own jacket was not as warm as i thought it would be. He also provided us with hiking poles which helped a great deal (i couldnt be bothered to pack my own poles from malaysia).
Little details like booking rooms with toilets (some places maybe have 3-4 rooms with attached toilets; while the rest are shared) or booking certain rooms that have the best views, ensuring that there were sufficient blankets, knowing what time to begin our journey to beat the crowds, stories about the trail, being able to communicate with the locals... are in my view, the benefit of having a local guide. i feel our overall experience was greatly enhanced as compared to going at it on our own. Having peace of mind and putting some of the responsibility on him allowed us to just enjoy the trip and take great photos, joke and laugh and have a drink at the end of the day.
So all in all, it was a fantastic trip and i highly recommend their services.
..Now i need to plan the next Nepal trek for 2016..
Harith S
25th Apr, 2022
Annapurna Circuit
Our trip around the Annapurnas with Prem was an amazing experience. Prem is a guide of the highest calibre and extremely knowledgeable.
Wayne D
25th Apr, 2022
