Annapurna Circuit Trek

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu: 1300m/4265ft: 
Arrival in Kathmandu greeted by Basanta Adventure representative and transferred to Hotel which is usually a walking distance to any good restaurants and shops. We will be given a short briefing on hotel facilities and safety as well as a short introduction to the area.  Next day there will be a comprehensive trip briefing. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 02: Trek briefing in the morning and sightseeing tour of world heritage sites:
After breakfast, trek briefing will take place around 9 am. All aspects of gear and conditions are discussed to make sure you are fully prepared for the trip, introduce guide and any last-minute questions would be answered. We then visit Boudhanath, also known as little Tibet. Then we visit Pasupatinath one of the revered holy temple of the Hindus, this temple is also known for its cremation ceremonies that take place next to the holy river Bagmati. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 03: Drive to Besisahar (760m/2492ft), 6 hrs:
Driving out of the Kathmandu valley gives us some excellent mountain views.  This road leads us to Pokhara and all south points on the way we drive north headed to Besisahar our trek initiation point. O/N at Lodge in Besisahar (EP)

Day 04: Drive to Chame (2615m/8579ft), 7 hrs:
After breakfast, we continue our journey and drive to Chame. Driving through mountainous hills absorbing the breath taking views of Nepalese villages and far away mountains. O/N at Lodge in Chame (EP)

Day 05: Trek to Pisang (3135m/10285ft), 6 hrs:
We trek up the narrow-forested valley to the old Khampa settlement at Bhradang where we stop for lunch (2845m). The settlement was once the gathering point for the Khampa warriors who rebelled against the Chinese occupation of Tibet. After lunch we continue down to Pisang where we stop for the night. The village provides a great insight on a traditional Tibetan village with beautiful tapestry that gives the walls of life. O/N at Lodge in Pisang (EP)

Day 06: Trek to Manang (3500m/11483ft), 5 hrs:
This is the Nyesyang region of Manang; the people of Manang are experienced traders. There is a choice of two routes today:

(1) a shorter direct one along the south bank valley floor via Hongde airstrip, or

(2) a more interesting, but longer route which is higher on the north bank through the villages of Gharyu and Ngawal.

This is two hours longer but offers magnificent views of the mountains to the south. Both meet at Braga cliff side village (3450m).  Below sits 900-year-old gompa (monastery) of the Krgyupa sect of Buddhism. O/N at Lodge in Manang (EP)

Day 07: Manang. Acclimatization day (3500m/11483ft):
Manang is a fascinating village. Here it is our essential place for acclimatization rest day before taking on the Thorong La Pass. There are excellent side trips such as the short climb to the cliffside Bod-zo Gompa where the lama performs a blessing ceremony to protect us on our journey. Everyone should aim to manage some ascent to further our acclimatization, if only to this little monastery. People with more energy may wish to visit the high village of Khangsar on the opposite bank. O/N in Lodge at Manang (EP)

Day 08: Trek to Yak kharka (3970m/13025ft), 5 hrs:
This is quite a short day as it is essential to set up proper acclimatization on the approach to the pass and limit the height gain between our night stops. Up to Tengi (3640m), the last permanent settlement before the pass, we get stunning views across to Tilicho and the Great Barrier. Above here there are only Goths (shepherd's shelters), Karkha (summer pastures) and our seasonal lodges. We reach our night stop at Yak Kharka, here there are good lodges in the area and in time for lunch. This is an ideal place to give us maximum acclimatization time. In the afternoon we can explore the ridges towards West Chulu peak which gives us amazing views. O/N in Lodge at Yak Kharka (EP)

Day 09: Trek to Phedi (4405m/14452ft), 4 hrs:
Again, it is not far to Thorong Phedi which translates to the ‘Bottom of the Thorong La Pass’. There are last few lodges before the pass, and it is not recommended to sleep at a higher altitude at this stage. We are here well in time for lunch, again maximizing our acclimatization time. It is truly a spectacular setting perched between two peaks. There is only one route up from here, towards the pass. Everyone is encouraged to ascend in some way during the afternoon. It is possible to double back onto a great outcrop high above the lodge which offers the most amazing views. O/N in Lodge at Phedi (EP)

Day 10: Trek to Muktinath (3800m/12467ft) Thorong pass (5,416m), 9 hrs:
An early morning start to provide enough time to complete the ascent. The trail becomes steep immediately upon leaving Thorong Phedi, but as this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of years the path, though often steep is well defined and easy to follow. It will take us almost 4 hours from Thorong Phedi to reach to the pass (5,416m). The views from the trail and from the pass are just breath taking. We then start descending down the barren Kali Gandaki Valley, which is far below towards the west. The descent is steep and rough. Eventually, the ridge yields to grassy slopes then the final decent to Muktinath is a pleasant walk along the upper part of the Jhong Valley. We cross meadows, drop into a deep ravine and we climb out and follow a wide trail leading to Muktinath. Our guide will organize a prayer and offer Lungtas (Prayer flags) for good health and happiness for all the trekkers. O/N in Lodge at Muktinath (EP)

Note: Offer Lungta or prayer flags (printed prayer on flags for the peace and good health/happiness) together with our Guide. Offering prayer flags in high passes and sacred sites is believed to bring good fortune and long life in Buddhist culture.

Day 11: Trek to Marpha (2665m/8743ft), 6 hrs:
Now we are entering the land of the enterprising Thakali people, the Buddhist people who (like the Sherpas over in Khumbu) controlled the ancient trade route between the Tibetan plateau the Nepali foothills and Indian plains beyond. Grain from below was exchanged with salt from above, and many other commodities. The Kali Gandaki is counted as an important branch of the famous Silk Road, linking east and west, north and south on a massive scale. Below, its wide flat valley heading south, the landscape changes yet again as we pass between twisted stratified rock formations to Jomsom (2715m), our lunch stop and the centre for the Mustang District. After lunch we carry on a short way past many orchards, apples and apricots towards Marpha, a gorgeous little village, where the houses and lodges are built around beautiful courtyards which protect them from the strong afternoon wind. Drawn up between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains Marpha is famous for its fruits i.e. apples; apple pie is highly recommended when fresh. Though the apple brandy favors only the brave - don't be fooled by its innocent fruity flavor.  O/N at Lodge in Marpha (EP)

Day 12: Trek to Kalopani (2530m/8300ft), 6 hrs:
We carry on almost unnoticeably down at first, past the agricultural research farm just outside of Marpha, to the large village of Tukche (2590m), historically important as an original Thakali trade centre, made evident by its handsome architecture and its rich carvings. We will have lunch here. Soon we come to the village of Khobang (2560m) where the trail enters an internal corridor protecting the entrances to the houses from the wind. The forests increase in height now and the trail starts to undulate more as we approach Kalopani our night stop in its alpine forest setting to the back drop of the vast face of Dhaulagiri. O/N in Lodge at Kalopani (EP)

Day 13: Trek to Tatopani (1190m/3904ft), 6 hrs:
On through Lete and Ghasa (2040m), the trail now high above the river passing through a narrow gorge, regarded as the deepest and steepest gorge in the world, dwarfing us between the summits of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna high above. Kabre, the northern-most hill-caste village on the trail, marks the change back from dryer Tibetan landscape, becoming lusher as we move into Gurung and Magar villages and Brahmin and Chettri hill farmers. We stop for lunch at the spectacular waterfall of Rupse Chhaharo (1630m), a truly beautiful spot. Descending through the small village of Dana, we head for our lodge stop at Tatopani where we can relax before supper. This is the last Thakali village of the south. O/N at Lodge in Tatopani (EP)

Day 14: Trek to Ghorepani (2820m/9252ft), 7 hrs:
We've had all easy days coming down the Kali Gandaki, but now it’s time for some more uphill to cross the Ghorepani pass back to Pokhara. This can be quite a long day, all up hill, especially as it can get hot on the lower slopes if we leave it too late in the day. So we get a good early start, climbing up through the villages Ghara (1830m) and Sikha (2080m) before the day warms up. At Phalate (2255m) we have most of the ascent behind us and magnificent views of the huge south facing Dhaulagiri, which have been getting better as we go up. We can stop here for lunch or up at Chitre (2330m), if we started early enough. By now we should be high enough to enjoy some cool breezes, and it is really not far to our lodge stop at Ghorepani. This will be the last night with our trekking crew except trekking Guide, this is best time to tip the staff (not compulsory but it’s customary), an impromptus little ceremony and a little party time with their gorgeous smiles. Try local drink called “Rakshi”, please be aware it may not be to your liking the taste is very strong. O/N at Lodge in Ghorepani (EP)

Day 15: Trek to Birethanti then drive to Pokhara (820m/2690ft), 3 hrs:
In the morning we rise before dawn put on our head-torches and, even before breakfast, make our way up to Poon Hill (3195m) standing just south of Ghorepani. Best time to be there as the sun rises over the valley of Pokhara and lights the whole panorama of peaks from Dhaulagiri through Annapurna and Machhapuchhare to Lamjung all the way out to the east. It is truly one of the most magical moments in the trek, a wonderful finale to the trek. We descend for breakfast (pre-ordered), and from here it is all downhill on our last day leaving behind all the height gained yesterday. We do the majority in the morning aiming for Tirkhedunga (1605m) for lunch, before continuing down to the main roads just beyond Birethanti village (1100m), where we pick up our transport for the short drive back to Pokhara. O/N in Hotel at Pokhara (BB)

Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu:
Today after breakfast we will drive to the airport for our flight back to Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu we will be transferred to our hotel.  You have free time for the rest of the day.  O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)

Day 17: Holiday extension or transfer to airport for final departure:
Today holiday extension for another tour or transfer you to the airport for final departure. Tour concludes.