Annapurna Circuit Trek

Flying into Kathmandu is a memorable experience with the view of Himalaya spreadings. The flight will land at (TIA) Tribhuwan International Airport at 1350m after you will receive Nepal entry visa which can be obtained in advance or on arrival and for the visa processing at TIA might take around 45min. depending on the number of people in a queue. For the Nepal entry visa information, kindly refer to Nepal government official site Department of Immigration Nepal. After you exit from the gate, you will see our company’s representative waiting for you holding placard written with the company name & logo. Company representative welcomes you by offering the holy Tibetan scarf and transfer to the hotel in a private vehicle. It takes around 30min to reach at Thamel from TIA via means of transportation. The scenes of Pashupatinath(sacred Hindu temple), city, full of various vehicles, peoples make our journey more enjoyable and amazing, then we reach the hotel and take rest. Thamel is full of restaurants, shopping centers, and good accommodation. Trip briefing and afterward invited to welcome dinner.

The sightseeing program will start from:

Swoyambhunath Stupa, most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Swayambhu has been listed in the World Heritage Sites. The entire valley was an enormous lake, nagdah, out of which grew a lotus with five colored flame (self-arisen). Lotus was transformed into a hill and the flower became the stupa. It is still believed that the self-arisen flame is covered with dome of Stupa. The place is known as Swayambhu, meaning “Self-Created” over which a stupa was later built. Swayambhu is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal known as ‘monkey temple’ because of the large tribe of roaming monkeys. Located at one of the highest elevations in Kathmandu Valley gives panoramic views of the city. The place is praised by Buddha and meditated by several Buddha’s as a pure holy site.

Patan

– City of fine arts–Three main courtyards

It is one of the three medieval cities in Kathmandu and a destination of fine arts has hundreds of fascinating Hindu and Buddhist monuments scattered in and around. Patan City is an enchanting mixture of palace buildings, artistic courtyards, and former palace complex. Most of the monuments are back to the medieval Malla period 15th to 17th century as the golden period of Nepalese art and architecture. Krishna Mandir- a stone temple of Lord Krishna with its 21 spires and bas-relief art depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics and surrounding Hindu and Buddhist temples. The main highlights are the Golden Gate and the Golden Window of the old Palace, the beautiful piece of traditional metal crafts, the famed Krishna temple with 21 golden pinnacles, the Royal bath of Sundari Chowk, a perfect piece of the classic work in stone, Royal Taleju temple, Vishwanath Temple and Char Narayan temple are the finest examples of the unique craftsmanship in wood; the temple of Bhimsen with the magnificent golden balcony overlooking the square outside plus many other shrines and sculptures scattered in and around the square.

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples of Nepal located at the banks of holy Bagmati River. Every year this temple attracts hundreds of elderly followers of Hinduism. The place for different festival like Maha Shivaratri and Teej where thousands of devotees celebrate. The temple is the ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus throughout the world. The area is swarmed in by the Hindus from different part of the country. The two-storied pagoda temple of Pashupathinath houses the five-faced statue of Lord Shiva. Apart from the main shrine, there are numerous temples dedicated to different god and goddess in and around the Pashupatinath temple area. This temple is an important destination for art historians. It displays a variety of temple design some of which are Dome style, Pagoda style, Shikhara style and so on. Cremation site here draws attention of many who really thrive to explore cultural & spiritual aspects of death rituals of Hindus.

Boudha stupa is the largest and most sacred Tibetan Buddhist site outside of Tibet forming a religion and culture hub for the Tibetan and people from the Himalayas of Nepal. The Stupa was on the ancient trade route from Tibet. The Stupa is claimed to have the relic of Kasyapa Buddha, the third Buddha of the Bhadrakalpa. Boudha Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site significant for its historic and architectural significance, with sprouting monasteries and craftsmanship. It is said that the stupa is built by the mother Jyajhima, a poultry woman. She was very poor despite her poverty she had an intense desire for building a stupa. The mother passed away after she completed up to the vase, the dome-like structure. She had four sons, and the construction of the rest of the Stupa was completed by four sons. After they finished it, they all stood up in front of it and made prayers. Everyone made their wishes. When they were praying, all the buddhas and bodhisattvas were absorbed into the stupa, which is why the name of the stupa is also “All-Encompassing.” The stupa is a semicircular white dome and the towering spire, with unblinking eyes painted on each side that stares into the four directions. The overall shape represents a Buddhist mandala (a cosmological map) and the path towards enlightenment, as well as the mythical center of the cosmos, Mount Meru. The four Dhyani Buddha signifies the crucial points, and the fifth, Vairocana is enshrined in the central white hemisphere of the stupa. The base of the stupa consists of three large platforms, decreasing in size. The square tower is topped by a pyramid with 13 steps, represents the stages that human beings must pass through to achieve nirvana. The triangular shape is the abstract for the elements of fire. Every portion has a symbolic significance: the base, dome, spire, and pinnacle represent the five elements. It is said that the stupa contains a piece of bone from the skeleton of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha.

After an early morning breakfast, we will drive out of Valley through picturesque Trishuli River to Ngyadi via Besi Shahar situated alongside Marshyangdi River. Amazing terraced farms, beautiful villages, gorgeous Ganesh Himal & Manasalu Himal will be beside you throughout your ride. Overnight stay at Ngyadi.

This is the day to kickoff you thirteen days trek to circle Annapurna. It might take you 7-8 hours to cover almost 12 km distance to reach Jagat. We will pass by places like Bahundada, Lilibhir, Ghemri, Shrichaur accompanied by beautiful Marshyangdi River. Breathtaking waterfalls and green forest add up to our journey more enjoyable. Overnight stay at Jagat.

After the breakfast we start continuing on our trail. This day is full of vistas, suspension bridges, lush greenery and gain a little bit of height by ascending to 1860m by the end of the day. Jagat to Ghattekhola, Ghattekholan to Chemje through uphill road surrounded by High Mountains on both sides and walking side by side with Marshyangdi River will be quite amazing. Slight descending to the level of Marshyangdi River & crossing the suspension bridge along with 2-3 hours of walk will take us to Sundar Tal village, the entrance to Manang district. We might stop for a lunch there and will head toward Dharapani by crossing a challenging narrow trail near Khotre village which require an extra attention since the rocks might fall from upside. Overnight stay at Dharapani.

Today we will ascend by almost 800m & entire distance for the day to cover is 16km. We will pass by Bagarchhap, Danakyu, Timang, Thanchowk, Koto villages through forest trail. Lamjung, Manasalu, Annapurna Mountains will be our day’s companion. Once we reach Timang village we will see predominantly Buddhist culture & many religious sites where it is customary to walk on the leftside of those sacred places. Finally we will reach Chame, a district headquarter, where you can find good infrastructure should you need any. Overnight stay at Chame.

Majestic Mountains, deep pine forests & huge apple orchard will be today’s major highlights. We will start a day by turning prayer wheels in to forest route hiking under the Lamjung Himal along with the vertical rocks of Marshayngdi valley near Paunda Dada rock which is believed to be “Gateway of Heaven”. 4-5 hours of walking on comparatively easy & comfortable trail will take us to Lower Pisang. While continuing uphill further through the deep pine forest, we will reach Upper Pisang where we will be spending overnight.

Today’s trekking will be naturally & culturally remarkable. First we hike to Ghyaru hill (3730m) from where we will have a mesmerizing breathtaking view of Annapurna and as we move further we will witness a significant influence of Himalayan Buddhism in the area. We will pass through green forest, beautifully inscribed stone tablets with mantras. After that, we will pass by Ngawal & Braga villages where in Braga you will have an opportunity to explore beautiful monasteries and Stupas. Basically trail has two options to go through either from northern route or from southern route. Southern one is comparatively easier & less demanding than the northern one. However your guide will decide which route to adopt depending on weather and situation. Finally we will be at Manang bazar where we spend a night at a comfortable guesthouse.

Today is the rest day as well as a chance to allow our body to acclimatize in higher altitude. Depending on your interest we can opt to do some activities including hike up to Praken Gompa or Ice Lake (4500m) or may be small hikes in the afternoon. Today you will explore Manang bazar, know locals, their lifestyles, talk to them, and enjoy a beautiful scenery.

After having energizing breakfast, we will head to Yak Kharka. First we will reach Ghunsang within two/three hours of walk enjoying snowy mountains, River valley & small lake. Continuing ahead, road is clear no vehicle nor any village settlements, clear viewing of stunning peaks in a very quiet atmosphere. On the way we feel the presence of Himalayan Buddhism throughout the route. Walking uphill slowly finally bring us to Yak Kharka, the place of Yak herding. Normally herders bring their Yaks & other animals for grazing here in green grassy meadows. Tonight sleep comfortable in local lodge in Yak Kharka.

As we begin our journey today, we will first head toward Deurali Teahouse passing through Jarang Khola, stunning views of Mountains, grasslands, bridges & rivers. As we further move the scenery becomes more widespread & fascinating. Walking approximately 4 hours we will reach Thorangphedi (4450m), phedi literally means the bottom part of hill. Thorangphedi is also the base of Thorang La pass, a tomorrow’s target. Then the trek goes up very steeply to reach our today’s destination, Thorang Highcamp.

This is the most important & challenging day since the highest point of our entire trek is going to be conquered today. We wake up early morning & set out to conquer Thorang La pass (one of the highest passes). As we walk approximately two hours, then we are almost on it. The Pass is in front of you, welcoming you with snowy trails still not much slippery. Now you can appreciate yourself and your team members for this achievement so far, click some individual as well as group memories, enjoy your ecstatic moments in its fullest. After spending some time here we will start heading down to Muktinath. The route will/might be full of snow, mud and loose gravel, so you are advised to keep your walking steady & balanced. The views of Annapurna, Gangapurn as well as other mountains will keep you motivated & focused on the trail. Day long continuous walk along with restful stops bring us to one of the most popular holy site for Hindus & Buddhists, called Muktinath. Overnight stay in local lodge, Muktinath.

We will have early breakfast and move for Muktinath exploration. We will visit major attractions of the place like: Jwalamai Temple with spring and eternal flame, 125 holy water spouts, Temple & Stupas. We come back to our lodge and prepare ourselves for our next destination. Today we will allow your legs to have rest since they might have become exhausted due to many days long & stressful walk. We will drive to Tatopani this day, might take approximately five hours. Totopani, a natural hot springs where you can have a dip in to it. It is believed that if you dip in to Tatopani, all your skin diseases will get washed away. Overnight stay in Tatopani.

The journey to circuit Annapurna continues to move this day also. On our way to Ghorepani we will cross river, forest, farm villages & somewhere a stone stepping. Ghara, Sikha & Chitra villages will be on our way to Ghorepani. The views of surrounding Mountains, villages clinging to slope landscapes will look really amazing. Today since the route is little longer, we will try to make it slow by stopping & resting as per requirement. As Ghorepani is the busiest village town in entire Annapurna circuit, you will spend a quality night over here.

Early morning we will hike to Poonhill, a popular viewpoint, for a beautiful sunrise view. Enjoy the best panoramic view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre, Hiuchuli, Neelgiri & Mardi Himal. Hike back to the guesthouse for breakfast. After the breakfast we will trek to Tikhedhunga through Gurung & Magar villages. The villages Nangethati, Birewthati, Ulleri as well as farm fields, pine forests & different species of rhododendron flower are today’s attractions. The overnight stay will be in Tikhedhunga.

Today we are almost at the end of circuit trekking, a short trek of almost three hours will take us to Nayapul passing through terraced fields and local traditional villages. Then we will drive to beautiful lake city “Pokhara

A leisure day? Or would like to explore Pokhara valley? Pokhara is the most beautiful tourist attraction in Nepal. Certainly you don’t want to miss this chance. If so your guide will take you through major tourist attractions in Pokhara valley. Enjoy the beautiful day with beautiful city and views.

Time to heading back to Kathmandu. You have successfully circled Annapurna region, a significant achievement, recall them & get excited while you are in your journey to Kathmandu. To add up one more item in your entire menu, we will organize a memorable evening dinner with Nepalese cultural performance.

Our office representative will see you off at airport. Time to say “See You Again”.