Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal is probably one of the best known hikes, or treks in the world. Taking on average, three weeks to complete, the trek takes in some of the most gorgeous, and high, mountains in the world. The route begins in a sub-tropical area of Nepal - Besisahar, where you could well mistake the area for an Amazonian jungle.

All along the circuit are tea houses. These vary from basic guest house accommodation, to somebody's house, and are invariably extremely good value. It's a good idea to find a place to stay for the night before it gets too dark!

Continuing on from Besisahar the route climbs into higher territory with much more of a Tibetan influence, with the feeling of a more desolate environment, with amazing views of the Annapurna massif.

18 Days Difficulty   Strenuous Maximum Altitude:5414 m
DAY 01	Katmandu-Besishar (750m) by bus.
DAY 02	Besishar - Ngadi (860m) in 5hrs.
View of Natti Chuli (7800m).
DAY 03	Ngadi - Jagat (1400m) in 5hrs.
Climb down to Jagat, an old customs post on the Tibetan trade route. The village is still inhabited by Bho Tiya traders. Views of Hymal Chuli and Baudha summits.
DAY 04	Jagat-Dharapani (1943m) in 6hrs.
Progress through the Marsyangdi valley. We pass through Kudi, an important trading centre for the region. A noticeable change to both landscapes and people, becoming less tropical, more Tibetan.
DAY 05	Dharapani - Chame (2713m) in 5hrs.
Here the vegetation changes: large area of blue pines, hemlocks and birches gain ground on the subtropical forest. The Tibetan-style flat roofs indicate lower rainfall as we enter the rain shadow of the Annapurna range.
DAY 06	Chame - Pisang (3185m) in 5hrs.
We leave magnificent pine forests and the Marsyangdi at full flow below us to enjoy views of the Lamjung and Annapurnas II and IV. Pisang, with its fine tapering walled houses, offers amazing sights of the Annapurna massif to the south, Mount Tilicho (7134m) to the west, Chulu Est (6584m) and the summit of Mount Pisang (6091m) to the northrs.
DAY 07	Pisang - Manang (3530m) in 5hrs.
Manang is a typically Tibetan village with numerous stupas, monasteries and oratories.
DAY 08	Manang - Letdar (4250m) in 4hrs.
An essential acclimatization rest day before the Thorong La.
DAY 09	Letdar - Thorong Phedi (4700m) in 3hrs.
This is a pasture area and a yak kingdom. A trip towards the West Chulu peak can be done in the afternoon.
DAY 10	Thorong Phedi - Thorong La (5415m) - Muktinath (3802m) in 8hrs.
Climb up to the Thorong La with a stunning panorama over prestigious summits rising above 6000m. Descent towards Muktinathrs.
DAY 11	Muktinath - Jomosom (2713m) in 5hrs.
This is the route of the Mustang and Tibet caravans.
DAY 12	Jomosom - Larjung (2560m) in 5hrs.
On the way, a beautiful mountain panorama catches the eye: Dhaulagari I, Tukuche Peak, Annapurna I and Nilgiri.
DAY 13	Larjung - Ghasa (2012m) in 4hrs.
DAY 14	Ghasa - Tatopani (1189m) in 4hrs.
The trail, now high above the Kali Gandaki, passes through a narrow gorge–regarded as the deepest and steepest in the world–takes us to Tatopani – literally "hot spring". Many trekkers love to spend few days relaxing in this mini spa town.
DAY 15	Tatopani - Ghorepani (2775m) in 6hrs.
This village was originally a horse-watering post, which has evolved into an important crossroads for tourists and the numerous mule caravans on the Jomoson-Pokhara trip.
DAY 16	Ghorepani - Hille (1510m) in 4hrs.
From Poon Hill (3200m) the early morning sun highlights the panorama of peaks from Dhaulaghiri to Annapurna and Machhapuchare then Lamjung and out to the East. From here it is all downhill, through oak and rhododendron forests, then meadows and fields.
DAY 17	Hille - Birethanti (1037m) in 2hrs. and bus to Pokhara.
DAY 18	Pokhara - Katmandu by bus.