Starting wonderful Annapurna Circuit Trekking adventure with an interesting overland drive towards Nepal mid west, leading to Beshisar town (headquarter of Lamjung district). From here transfer to another vehicle and continue drive on dirt road passing villages of Khudi, Bhulbhule and Ngadi following the Marsyangdi River upstream.
Drive continues through rice terraces fields and villages to Syange a small village for overnight stop in the comfort of nice lodge.
From Syange our walk begins with climb leaving Marsyangdi River behind reaching at Jagat village, a farm village with many lodges for trekkers.
After Jagat walk leads on winding path to Chamje, and back at Marsyangdi River crossing to east side into forested area, with super views of Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges.
As the walk continues reaching a nice village at Tal Besi, from here another 3 hours walk leads to our overnight stop at Dharapani village.
Dharapani a nice village located on a junction of Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trekking trail.
After Dharapani walk leads into rhododendron and pine forest passing villages of Bagachap and Danque, then at Timang village with more Buddhist cultured village including views of
Mt. Manaslu 8,163m / 26,781ft. From Timang village few hours trek leads to Koto and then to Chame town for overnight stop, Chame a large major town of Manang area and a head quarter town of the district.
From Pisang onwards walk leads close to mountains through alpine forests of rhododendron and pine trees, following Marshyangdi River upstream with short ups and down hills to Bhratang village. From Bhratang village walk follows uphill through alpine woodland to Dhukure Pokhari a small place with few teahouses and lodge overlooking Chulu’s and Pisang peak, with possible lunch stop, and then descends to lower Pisang village for overnight stop.
Morning views of mountains, from here onward altitude gains as the walk leads through forest with short uphill and views of Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna Chulu’s and Pisang peak.
Walk downhill to reach flat valley at Hongde village, from here onward tree lines fades for barren, arid landscapes with cold, dry arctic climate.
Before Manang, visit old Braga monastery with old Buddhist relics, ancient wall painting and frescos and stunning views of Annapurna Himalaya, from here an hour walk reaches at Manang village.
A necessary rest day at Manang for acclimatization before reaching higher areas to Thorang-la pass, in Manang short hike around Manang village, this is a large village situated on windswept valley by the bank of Marsyangdi River below Annapurna and Gangapurna mountain range, a nice walk uphill for views of Gangapurna Glacier and Manang glacial Lake.
After a good rest at Manang, walk towards Ghunsang village with short uphill to reach at Yak Kharka, an interesting walk with views of snowcapped mountains, on crossing a small stream reaching Yak Kharka for overnight stop, a small settlement with views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks.
Morning walk lead to more high elevation getting closer at the base of Thorang-la after crossing a bridge with a climb along the river bank of Jarjung, finally walk leads at Thorung Phedi, here depending upon the physical conditions of the clients, if all goes well an hour steep climb to Thorang High Camp for overnight stop.
One of the highlight and Big Day of this adventure! After early breakfast walk leads to a long climb to Thorang-la on steep winding path to reach Thorung La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,700 ft.
The highest point of the adventure with views of snowcapped peaks, and then with long descends to reach at holy Muktinath around Lower Mustang area.
On reaching Muktinath for overnight stop, this is a holy spot for both Hindus and Buddhists the word Muktinath literally means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation’.
After Muktinath, walk is much easier on moderate trails with big drop downhill to Kaligandaki river valley to reach at Kagbeni village, an interesting village of complete Tibetan influence Kagbeni located on route Upper Mustang and beyond to Tibet border at Karo-la pass.
From Kagbeni village, rest of the walks is easier as the trail descend to Kaligandaki river valley to reach at Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang region with a small airstrip above Kaligandaki River, an interesting country walking on Kaligandaki River valley within dry and arid country with incredible views of windblown hills and canyons.
A pleasant walk of few hours brings you at large town in Jomsom the capital of Thakali people of Tibetan Buddhism sects. From Jomsom few hours walk to Marpha village for overnight stop, in one of the most charming and gem of a village with whitewashed houses, paved streets and numerous well kept lodges.
This Kaligandaki area famous for delicious apples and its products, here celebrate with local apple products cider, brandy and juices. Kaligandaki area is also famously known as Apple Pie Trail.
From Marpha walk is enjoyable following Kaligandaki river downstream, reaching at Tukuche another beautiful village, located beneath Tukuche peak and massive Dhaulagiri Mountain range with Mt. Nilgiris, from here back into tree line of pines, oaks and rhododendron, and then reaching a lovely area in Kalapani village, after a short stop here walk to another nice village to Lete as the walk leads with grand views of Mt. Annapurna I, Nilgiris and Dhaulagiri, a short downhill brings at Lete village for overnight stop.
From Lete onwards leads to dramatic change in landscapes and temperatures, walking in between two high peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna turning this narrow valley into world deepest gorge of Kaligandaki.
On reaching Ghasa village the end of Mustang district, dominated by Thakali tribe from here few hours of good walk to Tatopani (Hot Spring) village within sub-tropic climate area.
Tatopani another nice village with large hot spring pools just by the bank of the River Kaligandaki.
After Tatopani, morning walk leads across a bridge over Kaligandaki River and then our route diverts heading uphill on terraced hillside, dotted with farms and villages, after a steep section through dense alpine forest reaching at Chitre and to Ghorepani- village with super views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Vara-Shikar also known Annapurna Fang.
Early before sunrise hike to the top at Poon Hill to catch the striking sunrise over range of Himalayan peaks of world 7th highest Dhaulagiri-10th highest Annapurna with range of peaks includes world 8th highest Manaslu with towering Machhapuchare peak “Fish Tail”.
After an enjoyable and exciting time with eye catching views from Poon Hill, head back to Ghorepani and continue downhill walk into lovely forested area for an hour, and then reaching at Ulleri village with long descend to Tirkhedhunga for overnight stop in warmer areas.
Our last day walk of this marvelous adventure leads downhill to much warmer temperature walking past farm fields and terraces with interesting traditional Gurung villages to reach at Bhirethati with beautiful cascading waterfalls, from this nice village following Modi River for short while to reach at the end of the trek in Nayapul, for the drive back at picturesque Pokhara by the serene Phewa Lake after an hour of exciting drive.
