Annapurna Circuit Trek with Annapurna Base Camp - 18 Days

The journey begins with an early morning drive towards Besisahar, but first of all, we will have our breakfast and take a taxi drive to Buspark Macchapokhari along with a guide at approximately 6 AM. Driving along the roaring Trishuli River, with views of diverse landscapes, hill sides, some terraced fields, and many rivers en route, via the bustling bazaar (towns) of Mugling, Khaireni, and Dumre, we will reach Besisahar. After reaching Besisahar, we will take another jeep on a shared basis, from where the bumpy road (off-road drive) begins. Winding through some beautiful glimpses of the countryside and agricultural farms, where the villagers are engaging in harvesting or planting the crops, we will finally reach Dharapani, where we'll rest our heads for the night.

Leaving the settlement of Dharapani behind, the trekking trail finally begins walking along Dudh Khola River, entering the dense forested area, such as pine and oak, beautifully thriving en route. While the landscape starts to open up, we even get to catch a glimpse of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal, along with some local settlements featuring hamlet roofs and ancient-style, block-stone architecture, decorated with colorful Buddhist Tibetan prayer flags. After passing through the villages of Bagarchhap, Danaque, and Timing, with a cross-over of several villages, we will arrive at Chame, where we'll be settling in for the overnight

After having breakfast, soon after, we will soon make our way toward Upper Pisang, entering the woodland area with the blooming rhododendrons, small bridges, small water streams, cascading waterfalls, and an open view of the snow-capped peaks. Following the pathway, with the astonishing view of Annapurna II, and the Tibetan Buddhism settlements along the way, as we pass through mani walls, chortens, red shrines, and some prayer wheels, with the settlements of Bhartang, Talekhu, and others. While traversing these villages, we even get to see locals meditating with beads in their hands, praying, and women engaging in animal husbandry and agricultural farming. With such diversity of the Tibetan lifestyle highly influenced by Buddhist spirituality, the views of Kuntu Danda become our reward after reaching Pisang, our destination for today.

After having our breakfast, the trail winds off, passing through the upper trails of Ngawal via Gheru, from where the astonishing surroundings of Annapurna I, II, III, Pisang Peak, and Gangapurna Himal, along with the Manang valley and Tilicho Peak, become more prominent. Navigating past the Humde airstrip, we will be treated to the captivating Himalayan peaks such as Lamjung Himal, and glimpses of Tibetan Buddhism settlements marking the way, with small whitewashed chortens, mani walls, and monasteries, with a cross over the Marshyangdi River, that takes us to Mungji, the last village of Manang. 

Today marks our first acclimatisation day, as we cross over to higher elevation above 4000 meters. On the following days, this rest, or you can say excursion day, is crucial to adapt to the rising altitude. As Manang is a notable spot on the trekking trail, there are many short hikes and uphill walks that we can undertake to make the best out of the rest day, and also gain some altitude. 

We've got the best 2 options out of all: either we take a side trip to Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake. While Gangapurna Lake shows the most prominent views of the legendary Himalayan range, like Annapurna IV, II, III, with the reflection of such mountains, while gazing at the turquoise lake. Another option stands out to be Ice Lake, which is located at 4600 meters, also regarded as Kicho Tal, rewarding with the unmatched views in its panoramic form of Gangapurna Himal, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and South. 

After returning from the iconic spots, we can take a good excursion of the Manang village with a sunset view over the Annapurna massif, and learn about the in-depth culture of the valley, and some historical trading knowledge as well, from locals. If the itinerary fits in with some festivals like Buddha Jayanti or Tibetan Lhosar, then expect to get some traditional ways of celebration, mask dances, and prayers of the monks in the village on this very day. 

Today, the trail slowly takes a gradual ascent toward Yak Kharka, with glimpses of Annapurna II, IV, III, and Gangapurna Himal, and we will reach a tiny village called Tenzi, where we get to see Blue sheep (chyangra), yaks, and locals engaging in some kind of traditional practices in farms and houses, showing the traditional lifestyle of locals. Persisting in our journey, we pass another notable settlement called Gunsang at an elevation of 3960 meters, and then, to Khopra, where we will rest a bit and have our lunch, as from here the trailhead is more steep and tends to be a frequent uphill walk. While we make our way to Yak Kharka, the thin village at 4050 meters, a former yak herder camp, the prominent view of Thorong Peak, Chulu West, and Annapurna Range welcomes us with its enchanting view.

While we settle in at such a high altitude above sea level, beyond 4000 meters, make sure to stay warm and cozy, and ensure to have some ginger soup, and consider checking pulse rate through an oximeter, to keep a good track of health.

Leaving Yak Kharka behind, today, we will set off toward Thorung Phedi, which makes us one step closer to the Thorung La Phedi. As we ascend to higher elevation with more than 700 meters of altitude gain, we will ensure that we start our journey approximately. 7 AM to avoid the high winds, which start at midday. The trekking route navigates through some of the strenuous sections, with many gravel routes and landslide-prone areas, so walk along with the navigation of the trekking guide. After 3 hours of hiking, the trail leads us to Thorong Phedi, where we will rest for a while for lunch. After persisting in our journey for another 1 hour, we will finally reach Thorong High Camp at an elevation of 4880 meters, where we will settle in for tonight before summiting the world's highest pass tomorrow.

The day has finally arrived, which we have all been waiting for, as today we will finally set our footprints on the world's highest pass - Thorong La Pass at 5416 meters. Setting off on our journey at 4 AM, with a head torch and excitement in our eyes, the trekking route leads us through some steep ridges and the magnificent beauty of the Himalayas. After 4-5 hours of hiking, with a few minutes of uphill walking, we will finally reach the highest pass of Thorong La, marked with the colorful Buddhist prayer flags, flapping in the high winds. After reaching the pinnacle of the high pass, the diverse landscape views surrounding us amuse us; from the Mustang side, the brown, rugged Tibetan plateau can be seen; and the snow-covered mountains blend with the thrilling beauty, along with the panoramic 360-degree views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

After staying here for a bit, celebrating the moment of achievement and marking a new height on our bucket list, and getting some of the best pictures with your beloved country flag, we will go for a downhill walk to Muktinath, touching the Mustang region route, following the Kali Gandaki valley. We will pay a visit to the Muktinath Temple, famous for 108 taps and natural gas (agni), with a huge Lord Buddha statue and some small temples; the temple itself is one of the pilgrimage sites for Hinduism and Buddhist spirituality. With an insight into the unique Hindu culture, we will head to our hotel near Muktinath and stay here overnight, enjoying the chill weather of the Mustang region.

After having breakfast early in the morning, we will take a jeep drive toward Tatopani, following the captivating pathway, with the thriving woodland, green hills, transformed from the rugged terrain, and apple orchards of the Mustang territory. The drive lasts for 4 to 5 hours, during which we can feel the elevation change as well, as the elevation drops by more than 2000 meters; hence, the rhododendron blooming scenery from far away, while entering the Tatopani (Hot water), with another insight of the Annapurna range, will, surprisingly, captivate us. Tatopani is our first stopping point after touching the route to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), where we can witness a huge crowd of hikers taking a dip into a hot spring after long hours of journey or before ascending higher, to relax the muscles.

The morning begins with a delicious breakfast, with a sunrise view of the mountains, where the first half of the trail, toward Ghorepani, enters the forested area, with blooming rhododendrons and pines, and starts to open up with the agricultural farms, with golden millets and crops, with cows and buffaloes grazing. Passing through the villages of Banthantu, Nangethanti, Phalate, and Chitre, we get to see the lifestyle of diverse communities such as Gurung, Magar, Rai, and other communities, who were ex-British Gurkha troops. After a short uphill walk, we'll reach Ghorepani, also known as Horse Water, as back in ancient days, this village used to be the resting point for trading between Nepal and the Tibet border for horses and merchants. The day concludes with gazing at the alluring views of Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and also the first prominent view of Mt. Fishtail (Machhapuchhare), in Ghorepani village, enjoying the delicious Gurung local foods, and the warm hospitality of locals as well.

Waking up early in the morning around 4:30 AM, we will take an ascent to Poon Hill Viewpoint at 3210 meters, with a stone staircase ascent, the magnificent golden hour sunrise over heavenly mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna range, along with Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, with other notable peaks. Sip a cup of tea or coffee, looking over the panoramic views of mountains from Poon Hill's top, known as one of the best viewpoints of the Annapurna region. If it's spring, then we even get to see the colorful rhododendrons blooming with the fluttering of the Buddhist prayer flags. Other Himalayan views, such as Annapurna I, II, South, Nilgiri South, Lamjung Himal, and Dhampus Peak, and others, can be seen in their best form.

After soaking in such enchanting beauty of the highland, we will descend to Ghorepani, have our lunch, and set off to our next destination - Tadapani, entering the rhododendron forest, river streams, and notable settlements like Deurali Pass and Birethanti that take us to Tadapani with a bridge crossing over the Burundi River. 

Leaving the settlement of Tadapani behind, after having breakfast, with a sunrise view over the highlands of the Annapurna range, we will leave for Chhomring, entering the dense forest today as well. The trekking route today leads through the small villages such as Ghurjung and Chuile, with the alluring views of the Annapurna South and Machapuchare. After crossing over an old suspension bridge of the Kimrong River, the trail takes us to the village of Chhomrong, which is densely inhabited by the Gurung locals, with stunning views dotted with stores and bakeries, with green hills and mountains. 

The trail, today, leads off with a crossing of Chhomrong Khola via a suspension bridge, and an uphill walk that takes us to the woodland of the red and pink rhododendrons, above the Modi Khola bank. Continuing the trekking route, we will pass by Dovan to another settlement of Bamboo, with the chirping sounds of birds, a lush green valley, and finally reach Himalaya, passing through several river streams, small cascading waterfalls, green hills, and the unhindered views of Annapurna II, III, and South, along with other snowcapped peaks.

Today, we will head toward another iconic destination, the ABC, the foothills of the world's tenth-tallest peak. As we start to ascend, the terrain starts to open up, where the trace of trees starts to disappear, and the more rugged and steep sections begin. After entering the last checkpoint of Deurali via a visit to the Hinku cave, we will reach Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC), which soars at the height of 3720 meters, with a panoramic view of Mount Fishtail. Continuing the hike further, we will take an ascent to our final destination, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), which offers us a fisheye panorama of the Annapurna range, with other mountains like Annapurna I, South, II, IV, Gangapurna, Singu Chuli, along with Hiunchuli and Tent Peak. 

This is the moment that will stay with us forever, as leaving our footprint on one of the top 10 tallest peaks in the world is surely a dream-come-true adventure. Today, we will stay overnight at the base camp in the cozy tea house at ABC, at an elevation of 4130 meters, enjoying the magnificent beauty of the Himalayas.

Leaving the alpine valley, the base camp of Mount Annapurna (8091 meters), behind after a sunrise view from the Annapurna sanctuary itself, we will take a downhill walk toward Bamboo. Retracing the trekking trail via the base camp of Fish Tail, Deurali, Dovan, and the Himalayas, the route leads us to the forest area of thriving rhododendrons, pines, and fine bamboo forest, crossing several suspension bridges and river streams, and we will reach Bamboo village, our overnight destination.

Today marks our last day within the Annapurna region, as we will drive to Pokhara, the city of lakes, soon after breakfast. The journey today takes us on a downhill walk to Chhomrong, Sinuwa, and the hot spring of Jhinu Danda (Hot Spring). While reaching Jhinu Danda, we will take a short break for lunch, where we can take a dip and relax in the hot spring after such a long expedition, and enjoy the surroundings and area for a while, before our jeep comes to pick us up. Winding off via green hills, agricultural farms, with valleys and city area, with a sweet glimpse of Annapurna I, we will reach Pokhara, where we can explore around the city, making the best out of the staycation in the city of lakes, for the very last day, before we take a drive back to Kathmandu, on the very next day, tomorrow.

Early morning begins with a sunrise view over the high mountains of Mt. Fishtail and Annapurna South, I, II, IV, where, after having breakfast, we can head to the lakeside for boating or kayaking. To explore more, we can take a flight back to Kathmandu, as well as in the evening. If not, then we will return to Kathmandu via luxury tourist bus and get you transferred to the hotel as well. Let us know your departure date and your schedule to get back to your home country, and one of our airport representatives will assist you to the airport via private vehicle.