Annapurna Circuit Trek

On arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal International Airport our guide and staff will receives you with traditional welcome. After knowing the staff of Himalayan Forever Treks, a short drive to your hotels. Located in the heart of a city within an exciting Thamel area, an interesting place where most good hotels and restaurants situated. Reaching at the hotel, check your lovely rooms, after getting refreshed join in for group briefing. Provided by your guide or Group Leader, offers useful and important information of the trek, hotels and local lodge. 

Morning after breakfast, our city and cultural guide receives you at the hotel for exciting tour. The drive leads in the heart of Kathmandu city, where interesting historical Durbar Square / Palace Courtyard located. The right spot to observe Nepalese cultures. Tour of ancient monuments listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, next tour takes you to old Swayambhunath Stupa of more than 2,600 years history.  A Buddhist monument situated on a hillock west of Kathmandu city outskirt, the famous landmark of the country.

Kathmandu Durbar Square:

Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Hanuman Dhoka Square, stands as a testament to the city's royal history. Surrounded by ancient palaces, courtyards, and temples, this UNESCO World Heritage Site encapsulates centuries of Nepalese architecture. The square served as the royal palace for the Malla kings and later the Shah dynasty.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the magnificent Hanuman Dhoka Palace, a complex adorned with intricately carved wooden windows and doors. The Kumari Ghar, home to the living goddess Kumari, adds an air of mystique to the square. The Kumari, a prepubescent girl chosen as the living embodiment of the goddess Taleju, occasionally makes appearances at her window, captivating onlookers.

Exploring the narrow alleys surrounding the square reveals hidden courtyards, shrines, and vendors selling traditional artifacts. The combination of historical charm and vibrant street life makes Kathmandu Durbar Square an unforgettable destination.

Pashupati Nath:

A short journey eastward leads to the sacred grounds of Pashupati Nath, one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world. Nestled on the banks of the Bagmati River, Pashupati Nath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and draws pilgrims from across the globe.

The main temple, adorned with intricate wood carvings and golden spires, stands as the focal point of the complex. Only Hindus are allowed into the inner sanctum, but visitors can witness the rituals and ceremonies from the eastern bank of the river. The atmosphere is infused with spirituality as devotees perform rituals, sadhus (holy men) meditate, and the scent of incense wafts through the air.

Pashupati Nath is not only a religious site but also a reflection of Nepal's rich architectural heritage. The surrounding area, with its ancient statues, shrines, and ghats, provides a serene backdrop to this spiritual haven.

Boudha:

Heading northeast from Pashupati Nath, the journey culminates at the iconic Boudha Stupa, a symbol of Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The colossal white dome, adorned with the watchful eyes of the Buddha, dominates the landscape, creating a serene and contemplative ambiance.

The Boudha Stupa is encircled by a bustling market, where locals and tourists alike peruse a plethora of shops offering Tibetan artifacts, prayer flags, and traditional handicrafts. The rhythmic prayer chants, the spinning of prayer wheels, and the fluttering of colorful flags create a mesmerizing atmosphere.

The stupa itself is a marvel of symmetry and symbolism. Pilgrims circumambulate the structure, spinning prayer wheels and offering prayers, while monks in nearby monasteries engage in their daily rituals. As the sun sets, the stupa is illuminated, casting a tranquil glow that adds to the spiritual aura. From here back to hotel, afternoon at leisure and preparation for the trek to Annapurna Circuit Trek.

An interesting overland journey to Nepal Mid-Western Nepal, the drive leads on the main highway for some hours. On reaching close on route Pokhara, our route diverts heading north towards Besisar the headquarter town of Lamjung district.

An exciting town to explore and observe the hill people culture populated mostly by Gurung, few Tamang, Newar. Includes some Hindu Brahmin and Chettries.

From Besisar town morning another exciting drive following the Masrsyangdi River upstream through smaller farm villages. Reaching a nice village of Syange, where drive heads on winding uphill to Jagat village, from here to Tal Besi.

Tal Besi is the start of Manang district, a short hour reaches Dharapani village for overnight stop. A lovely place situated above Masrsyangdi River, as well the route to Manaslu valley, another famous trekking destination.

At Dharapani where is much cooler, but provides nice and cozy lodges located on a river gorge.

Enjoying a pleasant overnight stop, first day walk starts on a winding trail through lovely woods of pines and rhododendron. The route leads through villages of Bagarchap and Danque, one can notice strong Tibetan Buddhism cultures and custom. As walk climb to Timang village for lunch stop, offers superb views of Lamjung and Manaslu Himalayan peaks. From Timang a short down to Kodo village and then short up to Chame, the headquarter town of Manang district.

After a wonderful overnight halt at Chame, adventure continues heading towards west, following the river for sometimes. Then climb up into a nice forest to the top of a ridge a small place with few small lodges. Facing grand views of Pisang village with Chulu and Pisang peaks, afternoon walk down to Pisang village for overnight halt.

From Pisang village onwards the altitude gains gradually, taking a slow stride on uphill climb to a high ridge. The top offers grand vista of beautiful Manang valley enclosed by an array of snow-capped peaks. The trail heads down to Hongde village with a small airport, as walk continues reaching Braga. This nice village with the oldest monastery of Manang area, enjoy visit of the monastery.

Located above the village, facing spectacular views of Annapurna’s, Chulu’s and Pisang peaks, after an interesting monastery tour. An hour walk reaches main Manang village for overnight halt as well for a rest day.

Manang main village of the district after Chame town, situated on a scenic and picturesque location. A great place for rest day to support acclimatization at 3,540 m high before the climb of Thorang-La pass. The village enclosed by giant peaks of Annapurna range in the south with Chulu’s peaks towards north.

A lovely areas for exciting hike to its view-point close towards Gangapurna Ice Fall and glaciers. Afternoon explore the village and witness the houses and cultures similar to its Tibetan predecessors. 

After an enjoyable time at Manang village, today a short pleasant walk but gain in altitude makes it quite tough. The tail leads through several smaller settlement and hamlets, facing magnificent views of Gangapurna, Tilicho and Chulu West peaks. Finally the morning completes reaching a small settlement of Yak Kharka, situated on a small valley. Enjoy the lunch and overnight halt in the comfort of a nice cozy lodge, facing grand vista of surrounding towering snow peaks.

Another short day walk, but can be quite tough due to rapid rise in elevation, start the morning hike. Following a winding gentle uphill and down to Jarsang stream, and then a short steep up as trail leads to Thorang Phedi. The base of Thorang-La Pass, a small settlement at the end of Manang valley having number of smaller lodges. From Phedi an hour steep climb to our overnight stop at High Camp, reaching for lunch as well. Afternoon rest and enjoy the surrounding views of rugged rocky mountain landscapes and peaks of Chulu’s.

Today the toughest walk of the adventure, and a big day to cross over the highest point of the trek. Starting early as possible, before the cold breeze reaches the top of the pass, the walk follows on winding up. The trail is well defined as trek continues on undulating winding ups, then finally reaching on top Thorang-La Pass. Feeling in high spirits enjoy the glorious morning vista of snow mountain ranges that encircles Thorang-La top. After a marvelous moment a long descent towards Mustang district reaching Muktinath for overnight stop.

Muktinath a holy Hindu temple premises, considered as the holiest of all holy pilgrimage sites around the Himalayas. A little further from the holy areas a nice village situated having good lodges of great comforts and foods.

At Muktinath a motorable has been constructed since few decades, where trekkers can take the comfort of a four-wheel drive. To save time and energy, as well to avoid the walking trail obstructed by motor roads. Morning boarding in a local jeep or similar vehicle for easy, exciting and bumpy ride heading down to Kaligandaki valley. The drive heads through Jomsom town and then towards lovely Marpha and Tukuche villages famous for apples and products.

As drive heads south east facing astounding scenery of towering peaks of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiris and Annapurna Himalayas. The road passes through Kaligandaki River within world deepest gorge, sandwiched by Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks. Finally the drive ends reaching a lovely village of Tatopani, means Hot-Water, as this village is close to natural hot-spring.

At Tatopani enjoy the refreshing dip and a bathe in a hot and warm pools after checking into a good fine lodge.

After a refreshing break from the walk for a day and enjoyable time in Tatopani village. Morning follows the Kaligandaki River for short while, and then our route diverts heading to steep climb. Reaching a farm villages of Sikha and Chitre village, walk into a cool forest of pines and rhododendron. Last climb of an hour brings you at Ghorepani village, situated on a high ridge.

Early morning at the break of dawn for an hour hike up to Poon Hill, to catch stunning sunrise views. The top of Poon Hill offers panorama of world’s three highest mountain range from Dhaulagiri, Annapurna to Manaslu Himal.

From Poon Hill after a glorious and refreshing morning, walk down to Ghorepani for breakfast, and then continue trekking. The trail follows through lovely forest downhill to a nice large village of Ulleri. As descent continues reaching Tirkhedhunga for overnight halt, after completing the last day of walking of the adventure.

From Tirkhedhunga a small village with few nice lodges close to a beautiful waterfalls. Morning a short stroll and then taking a four-wheel drive on the rough exciting dirt tracks reaching Bhirethati village. Then driving get better after Nayapul town on the main highway to beautiful Pokhara.

The drive takes more than few hours facing exciting views of rolling hills and snow peaks of Annapurna Himalayas. As the journey comes to the end on reaching Pokhara by the serene Phewa Lake side, where all good hotels located.

Depart from the hotel in Pokhara, for interesting overland journey back to Kathmandu on the same scenic highway. On reaching the hotel in Kathmandu by late afternoon, rest of day free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs. 

(Option for short flight of half hour to Kathmandu from Pokhara)

Last day in Nepal and at Kathmandu, get ready for final departure as per your international flight time. Himalayan Forever Trek guide and staff transfer you to the airport. Bidding farewell to the guide and staff as you depart for homeward bound flight, after a wonderful experience and adventure on Annapurna Round / Circuit Trekking.